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lauwrite1225 · 4 years ago

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Somebody to die for.

Finan x OC; The Old Guard inspired Alternative Universe

Summary : Victoria's life is rather simple until she has a car accident from which she ends up miraculously unscathed. A series of weird events animates her daily life, everything seemingly bringing her to a strange man. Until this very man knocks at her door.

Spotify Playlist • Masterlist

A/N : And there it is, the first chapter of this fic I have been working on for a few weeks now! I'll post every Friday! A very BIG thank you too @maggiescarborough for all her precious help and thanks to whom this is story is way better than originally ahah!

Warnings : mention of blood and death

Chapter 1 : I'm fallin' so I'm takin' my time on my ride

“Vicky you shouldn’t drive home so late.”

Victoria sighs as she climbs down the few stairs from her parents’ house down to the garden, her mother following her close. It’s dark and the motion detector activates the outdoor light, making the little path leading to where she parked her car more visible.

“Stay for the night at least, you can leave early.” Her mother insists, arms crossed upon her chest to protect herself from the cold.

“I can’t mom.” She unlocks her car, throwing her bag on the passenger seat before turning around and leaning against the door. “I have to open the shop tomorrow and I don’t want to be late if there’s too many people on the road.”

“That’s not safe, Vicky.”

“Come on, mom, it’s not the first time I’m driving during the night.” She exhales, sitting in the car and starting it. “I’ll text you when I’m home.” She smiles, ignoring her mother’s eye roll and closing the door.

She slowly drives away from her parents' house, an old house lost in the middle of Essex. Her mother wasn't wrong about the risk of driving during the night on country roads, but Vicky took this road so many times, she's not really worried. She turns on the radio and turns the sound up when she recognizes the melody of Ride by Twenty one Pilots. Her fingers tap the steering wheel in rhythm with the drum, her head nodding regularly. She knows that song by heart and can't resist singing the lyrics as she drives in the direction of London.

After half an hour of driving, a heavy rain is now falling, Vicky starts to regret not having listened to her mother. She woke up early this morning to be in time for the family lunch her parents have been harassing her about for a month. She yawns, her hand passing through her blond hair as she drives on a small quite deserted road. She tries to turn up the music louder to not fall asleep, but inevitably, her head starts to nod and her eyelids grow heavier. She closes her eyes, just one second, but when she opens them again, she’s blinded by the headlights of another car in front of her. Panicked, she hits the brake with all her strength, a slew of insults escaping her lips. The person in the vehicle in front seems to do the same and swerves. But inevitably, the two cars meet and the shock makes Vicky’s head hit the steering wheel violently.

For a long moment, it’s just darkness and silence and Victoria finds it awkwardly peaceful. She feels weak and out of her body, the strangest feeling she has ever felt. She can’t tell how long she’s been that way but suddenly it vanishes. She’s overwhelmed by all her senses who awaken at the same time. She panics, the feeling of her heart beating resounding in her whole body and the air painfully filling her lungs. She abruptly opens her eyes, straightening until the back of her head hits the car seat.

It takes her a few minutes to calm her breath and to realize where she is, morning’s light blinding her. She’s still in her car, the windshield broken in a million pieces dispersed everywhere. She quickly notices the blood on the steering wheel and her clothes and immediately she brings her fingers to her forehead and indeed she finds fresh blood, but no wound. It should have reassured her, however it horrifies her. She tries to open the door and has to force it to finally leave the car. In the process, she falls on the floor and crawls to move away from the vehicle. The sleeves of her shirt are torn and stained with blood, but again, she’s perfectly healthy. Her confusion makes her sick and she leans on a side to throw up, her whole body shaking with a long thrill.

Once her stomach is emptied she starts to look around her, now that there’s daylight she is able to see the fields that expand as far as the eye can see. She’s alone on this road, with her car with smoke coming out of the hood and absolutely no sign of the other vehicle. She stands on her feet, her legs shaking, and walks a little further to see if there’s anyone.

“They fucking left me alone.” She grumbles as she realizes she really was utterly alone.

She walks back to her car and grabs her bag and jacket before searching her phone. When she finally has a hand on it, she sighs of relief. Though it doesn’t last long as she discovers how the screen is cracked.

“New car and new phone it is, then.” Victoria speaks to herself, more to try to stay calm than anything. Fortunately, it’s still working but she realises right after that there's no signal. “Obviously.”

She looks around her one last time before facing the facts, she has to walk back home. She fills her bag with the important papers stacked in her car before walking away. After a quarter hour of walking, she starts to recognize where she is and estimates she should arrive in a village in another quarter hour. This time alone gives her the occasion to try to understand what happened last night. She obviously got into a car accident and the other person involved let her on her own, didn't even try to search for help, it is morning now, in six hours at least, if they left to find help, they should have already been back. No, they left her on her own as if she was dead.

Victoria stops, the thought troubling her. She can't explain what she felt after the accident, she has already fainted a few times in her life, and it has never been like this before. But what is even more troubling, is that she's perfectly healthy, not even a scratch despite the blood she found on her clothes and in the car. Nothing is making sense.

She covers her face with both of her hands, then rubs her eyes as waking up from a bad dream. But she's still in the middle of a road, in the middle of nowhere.

“What the hell?!” She shouts, frustrated by so much incomprehension.

She continues to walk, she wipes the blood from her face before she reaches the village and puts her jacket on to hide the state of her clothes. She has no idea of what happened and she definitely doesn't want to have to explain it to anyone. She finishes her way home with public transports, and it's past midday when she arrives in London. She gets a few messages, from her boss and even more from her mother. She sends excuses to her boss with a lie and another lie to her mother, saying she fell asleep and forgot to text her before.

Once she's in her small flat, she rushes to the shower after throwing her clothes in the washer. She stays at least an hour under the water, her mind playing the past events over and over until she's upset again. When she steps out of the shower, she’s starving. So she grabs the first thing she finds in her fridge, which happens to be the leftovers of her lunch from two days ago. She tries to remain distracted, turning on the TV and starting an episode of Game of Thrones, her best friend Rebecca has been harassing for a month to start watching the show. And for a brief hour, she’s captivated by the Battle of Bastards, and by how good looking Kit Harrington is in armor.

The rest of the day is uneventful and when Rebecca visits her later in the afternoon Victoria hesitates to talk to her about her accident. But she’s pretty sure she’d simply think her completely crazy.

“Are you alright, Vicky?” Rebecca eventually asks when she hands her a cup of tea.

Victoria smiles kindly. “Yes.” She’s not used to lying to her best friend. They have known each other since middle school and she could count the number of times she lied to her on one hand, one being for her surprise birthday for her 18th birthday. “Why are you asking?”

She sits next to her friend on the couch, bringing her own cup of tea to her lips to blow on it. “I don’t know you’re very silent. And you said you weren’t feeling good this morning.”

“Oh… Well it was nothing, just felt nauseous.”

Rebecca narrows her dark eyes but doesn't push further. “How were your parents?” She asks, changing the subject, much to Vicky's pleasure.

“They were fine.” She takes a long sip of her tea. “They wondered if you'd like to come for dinner one day.”

Rebecca grins, her parents have always been pretty fond of her, even proposing her to join family events. It never bothered Victoria who was happy to have a friend with her. “Of course, I'll come. I just need a date.”

“I'll text you.”

Rebecca leaves after dinner and as soon as the door is closed Vicky falls into her bed, exhausted. She doesn't have time to overthink as usually when she tries to find sleep, she finds Morpheus' arms the moment she closes her eyes. But her sleep is far from being peaceful, her dreams bringing her sometime in the Middle Age, judging by the clothes of the men surrounding her. She's in the middle of a fight opposing warriors with long hair and tattooed faces and others with more modest appearance, only a fire alighting the area. She looks around her, trying to understand the scene, but her vision is almost constantly brought back to one of the warriors. It's a tall man, wearing leather armor above a greenish tunic, with dark hair and beard. He is using his sword with such ability, his movements swift and precise, Vicky can't help but be impressed. From the corner of her eyes she can see men falling and how trees seem to delimit a clearing. She looks up to the sky and can see the stars shining in the sky, never before she has seen them so clearly. Then, a sound catches her attention and she's staring at the warrior again. He is not fighting anymore, frozen and his face twisting into a grimace. She looks down to his abdomen in sync with him and she gasps as she sees the sword coming out of his belly. And it's like she can feel all his pain as the sword leaves his body, her guts tearing apart. The man coughs blood, falling on his knees, his hands pressed on the gaping hole in his abdomen. He finishes his fall, head first in the mud and Victoria can feel the life leaving his body as the man takes his last breaths, his brown eyes looking into the void.

Victoria wakes up abruptly, sweating and panting. She presses a hand on her chest, desperately trying to calm her breath. Once she's calmed she pours herself a cup of water, still haunted by the sensation of her dream or maybe nightmare. She doesn't find sleep after that, so she just lies on her couch, watching TV, until morning comes and the hour she has to leave for work.

It's only the first night of a dozen as sleepless. Most of the time, she finds herself in the Middle Age, in various places, some faces regularly appearing. Sometimes she's in other periods, even in modern days. But the common point to all her dreams is this man. Each time she can see him more clearly, his thick hair is most of the time cut short around his ears, a scar slashing his forehead while two small others are ornamenting his left cheekbone. One day, she decides to draw him, she spends the afternoon on it, but she's determined to make it as realistic as possible. As the lines darken the paper, she realizes how the man reminds her of someone. She sends the drawing to Rebecca without much explanation and she immediately replies to her that he reminds her of the guy from the conspiracy theory video they watched one late night.

Victoria takes the time to search the video in her browser history, and indeed, Rebecca was right. The man is the spitting portrait of the one called the “time traveler”. She watches the video with probably much more interest than the first time, desperate to understand why he is haunting her nights. That's clearly the least credible story she has ever heard: a man, the same man, captured in pictures at different places and at different periods of time. A guy talented with photoshop could perfectly create this whole theory. She sighs, closing her laptop and just comes to the conclusion that her brain registered the man's face when she watched the video with Rebecca and simply has a fixation on it since.

Curious to know the origins of the other faces she can see in her dreams, she draws them as well and she finds herself with three other men. The younger looking is blond with a bowl cut, a long face and an endearing smile. The two others look much more like warriors, one has long hair tied and shaved on the sides, his eyes a piercing blue, the other has different colour eyes and a tattoo covering the side of his neck. Once again, she sends her drawings to Rebecca but this time she has no idea of where she could have seen them.

Days pass, the dreams don't fade but Victoria forgets about her accident and all the strange things that happened, until the police call her. Obviously, her car had to be found as she didn't call anyone to take care of it, she just wanted to forget what happened. She tries to give the best explanation to the police, telling them she's alright and shock made her forget to deal with her broken vehicle. After an hour on the phone they finally let her alone, adding that if she wanted to file a complaint there would probably not be a lot of results. She just replies that she will think of it, when in fact she won't at all.

As things couldn’t get weirder, one afternoon she meets an odd customer at the bookshop she’s been working for years now. She doesn’t notice him particularly, until she feels like he is staring at her behind his sunglasses. She tries to ignore him, but can’t resist staring back. He is wearing a grey sweatshirt, the hood covering his hair, but at the color of his beard she guesses it’s as dark. There’s something familiar to him and decided to understand what his problem with her is, she fully turns to face him.

“Can I help you?”

The man seems to freeze, his hands sinking in the pockets of his trousers. He lowers his head and reads the badge with Victoria’s name on her jacket. He looks back to her and this time she raises an eyebrow, her arms crossing over her chest.

“No that’s alright.” He mutters with an accent she doesn’t get in the moment. “Sorry for botherin’ ya.”

He steps back and leaves the bookshop without another word. She doesn’t move for a moment, frowning and still staring at the shop’s door. She has dealt with a thousand customers in five years of working here, sometimes extremely weird, even more than this one, however it’s him who remains stuck in her head even a few days after his visit.

But the culmination of this month filled by weird events happens a week after the man came to the bookshop. It’s a friday, and as usual, Vicky has her free afternoon and spends it at her flat, watching the last episode of Game of Thrones while drawing. But she’s interrupted by a knock on her door. She frowns, pretty sure she expected no one to come today. The person knocks again and she gets up from her desk chair. She unlocks the door, opens it, and before she can even say “hello”, she gasps in surprise at the sight of the man standing in front of her.

Victoria has no doubts. It’s the man from her dreams or the one theorists call the “time traveler”, standing in the corridor of her floor with a tight, uncomfortable.

A/N : A first chapter full of misteries ahah ! Don’t hesitate to comment, express your ideas regarding what could happen or whatever could happen, I’m really curious to know ahah! See you next week for some answers ;)

Tags : @maggiescarborough @geekandbooknerd @obipoelover @finansarms ; Don’t hesitate to tell me if you want to be add to the tag list of the fic!

#finan the agile #finan #Finan x OC #finan the last kingdom #The Last Kingdom #fanfiction #somebody to die for

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comicgeese39 · 4 years ago

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norafinds · 6 years ago

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ATWWV - Karolina Żebrowska

It is very exciting for me to click publish on this interview with Karolina. I first spotted her exceptional style on Instagram, but almost immediately found her YouTube channel (which brings me so much joy!). I really wanted to get to know her so I just had to feature her on the Around the World with Vintage series. This lady has a great sense of humour and her vibrant personality really shines through her photographs and videos. She’s definitely one Instagrammer I’m dying to meet because I think we will get along like a house on fire! On top of her great personality I am in love with her versatile fashion choices - she wears anything from Victorian to reproduction and damn she pulls them off really well!

What did you study in Scotland?

I studied film and specialized in film directing. I did my bachelor on film studies back in Poland, but I was missing the practical aspects of filmmaking.

You said you started wearing vintage when you moved to Scotland, what decades did you start with?

As many people, I started off with being fascinated by 1950s and then realized I enjoy the 1940s styles and silhouettes more. So my wardrobe at the very beginning was sort of a mix of both – turtlenecks and circle skirts, buttoned up blouses with A-line skirts, depending on the mood. I think finding your style when it comes to vintage can be a long and confusing process that many people don’t realize!

Photo by Klaudia Balazy

What decade do you wear day-to-day now?

Now I’m leaning towards the more simple styles of the 1940s. I like going a bit extra every now and then, with hats, heels and matching accessories, but my wardrobe is a mix of original and reproduction/vintage style clothing at this point, so usually it’s not so over-the-top. I also hate heels, which in terms of creating an authentic 1940s look is a little bit tricky!

I know you originally fell in love with 19th c costumes and started making historical costumes, do you also sew other decades? How do you come up with the pattern and the details? Do you think it’s important for your sewing techniques to be authentic?

At this point I pretty much sew whatever I feel like at the moment, though the 19th century is usually a priority. For some reason sewing more modern clothing, such as 1940s style dresses, is much more difficult for me than making, let’s say, a Victorian bustle era dress. It might have something to do with a fact that it’s much easier to find free old patterns, because the copyright have expired and a lot of them are available online. On the other hand, 1940s and 1950s dresses and clothes could often pass as “modern”, so I feel like there’s a big interest in vintage patterns now, which makes it harder to obtain them. That’s why I often improvise when it comes to 20th century patterns, and that is also why it’s more tricky. When it comes to the sewing techniques, I used to choose whatever gives the fastest results (haha), but now I tend to focus more on how the garments were made back in the day. The techniques and tricks they used were usually thought through, often created especially for the particular silhouette, and affected the fit of the garment. That’s why they give you the most authentic results.

How do you find the confidence to wear antique or antique-inspired pieces when you’re out and about? How do people react?

I don’t wear my historical costumes every day, it’s usually only a matter of getting to a particular spot where a historical event/photoshoot/meeting is held, though it does require a bit of courage. It’s always a lot easier when you go around the city with a friend or a group of friends who are also dressed like it’s 1894, because the chances are you aren’t all insane. When I’m on my own though – it get’s a bit tough. My favorite method is pretending there’s nothing unusual with the fact that I need to lift all four of my petticoats when getting on public transport. My resting bitch face usually scares people off quite well, though there are times when strangers are chasing you with a camera without asking for your permission to take a picture. It’s moments like this when I think to myself “Well, this is why you don’t dress like that every day”.

Is there a big vintage community in Krakow and in Poland?

I think it’s growing really fast. I used to recognize most of the people that dressed vintage or were retro/pin up inspired, but there’s more and more of them. Same goes for vintage themed events, vintage shops and fairs and so on. It’s actually very exciting.

How did you decide to use YouTube as your main platform? Do you have any background in video production or acting?

I actually started out with my own blog, just like you – but then gradually realized that YouTube and it’s format fit my needs best. I had some doubts at first, mainly concerning “putting yourself out there” – internet critics can be harsh and while you can pick your best shots for the blog, you’re suddenly becoming very self-aware when on a video. Do I do something weird with my face when I speak? Will they hate my voice? Is my English even good enough? I did some acting, filming and editing back in my high school days, so I had some background, which I think helps tremendously when you’re starting out with YouTube. The thing I’ve learnt though is to constantly stay up-to-date with the newest content, even if it doesn’t have anything to do with what you specialize in.

You successfully inject humor and popular culture into your videos - how did you decide on what kind of content you want to produce and how do you regularly come up with ideas for new videos?

I remember myself a couple of years ago, thinking “I love vintage style, I love the elegance, but there’s no way I could ever be like all those sophisticated Instagram ladies – I’m just too goofy for that”. What I used to think was my weakness turned out to be what some enjoy the most about my channel. They like to see vintage style being “normalized” or “modernized”. All the beautiful models we see on Vogue covers from 50s and 40s can give you a very wrong idea of what these eras looked like. Also, there’s no point pretending it’s not 2019. I can dress up all I want, but I will scroll through Instagram in my 1940s suit, and I will eat a cheeseburger in a Regency dress, because I’m hungry and have no time to change. I think it’s the contrast between the eras I’m talking about in my videos and the fact that I’m doing it now, in the age of memes and pop culture, that makes it all so funny.

When it comes to particular ideas, it’s usually pretty random. I sometimes come up with an idea and write it down on my phone. Then, when I have the time I dig the ideas up. Either that or I just start setting up the camera thinking about what I’ll be shooting today - unless it’s a topic that requires some deeper research or preparations.

youtube

Tell us a bit about the process of your video productions? Do you have a regular cameraman or audio person etc.

No, I do everything on my own. I think as long as it doesn’t lower the video quality significantly I’ll keep doing it myself, because working with other people always slows down the whole process. My sister is my camerawoman sometimes when we go outside, and it’s hard enough to work around our schedules. Most of the videos I do are also quite spontaneous. Very rarely I do some actual planning – usually I wake up and think “Hm, it’s been a while since the last video. I should probably shoot something today”.

How did you decide to do YouTube full-time? Does it free up your time to pursue other interests as well? Tell us about your book and any other project!

I never really decided anything, it just sort of lined up with what happened in my life – I just finished my master’s degree, moved back to Poland, didn’t have the slightest idea what’s happening next. But I kept doing the videos, because there were people out there waiting, and after a little while it was enough money to keep me going. To be honest I still see it as a sort of a “side job” – I’m hoping to be still working on other projects while “youtubing”. Last year it was my book on Polish 20th century fashion which I started working on around March and it came out in December. This year I have a couple of things lined up, but I’d rather not say yet. You’ll have to wait and see

Photo by Klaudia Balazy

What is the one thing you’d like the readers to know about you?

That I often dress up especially for my videos. Same with Instagram - I only post pictures of myself when I’ve actually put an effort into my outfit, which is not too frequently. The internet lies, I’m not that fancy every day!

#norafinds #around the world with vintage #atwwv #karolina zebrowska #interview #vintage #blog #blogger #youtuber #instagrammer

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youreghanamissme · 6 years ago

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The Last Post

This is the last post I’ll be submitting to this blog. I miiight be compelled to post all those informational entries about Ghana I always thought up, i.e. transportation, the local cuisine, top asked questions about being in the Peace Corps/ Ghana (aka “what was dating like?” and “how do you stay healthy?” hoooo-yeeee haha), social/cultural tidbits, etc. but I might be too lazy. If I do post up anything non-Ghana/ Peace Corps related, it would be on my personal blog. Go ahead and message me if you want the link to that since it’s just about me and not about this experience.

The much-hated question: “So how was Ghana?”

What I want to say: I don’t reeeally want to unpack this right now over dinner, Sheila. We haven’t seen each other in over two years, and I really can’t do the whole peace-corps-service-in-Ghana thing justice in 30 seconds. I really just want to eat this plate of Thai food I haven’t had since 2016 and not listen to myself talk.

What I actually say: It was good. I enjoyed it a lot. There were times that were really tough, but I regret nothing, except maybe sometimes willingly taking a chance on cold food.

Or, conversely...

In one word? Umm... hot.

Being back has been quite a whirlwind. Internet. ALL. THE. TIMEEE!! Driving! A refrigerator :D I now have a smartphone in America, something that was not a thing for me before I left for Peace Corps (brick phones, RIP), and I. LOVE. IT. Perhaps a little too much. Those apps really got me, man, because I am completely addicted to podcasts. And I’m always collecting new ones and asking for suggestions, so if you got any... holla at yer girl ;)

Basically me, all the time, sans velvet blazer. I need to get me one of those.

I’ve gained quite a bit of weight too. I mean, I wasn’t slim... more “normal bod,” but I was exercising regularly and not eating processed food (as much). Lately, your girl has gotten thicc. Booty booty rockin’ it arounddd, rockin’ it arounddd... to the other side of the kitchen for some thirdsies, thanksss ma! My biggest guilty pleasure has been cereal and pizza.

Costco pizza has been giving me life*, and y’all know I live near a plethora of fast food joints, right? Round Table Pizza, Domino’s, Pizza Hut, KFC, McD’s, In-N-Out... America, you know how to trap a girl!! But right now it’s been YOLO, even when I have a hard time getting back into all those Ghanaian bespoke clothing I spent a lot of my monthly allowance on. That’s another two great things about being back: cool enough to wear sweatpants, and socially acceptable if I wear shorts (I wore some in public the other day and I felt a lil’ nekkid ;)

*fyi: pineapple belongs on pizza

I was travelling for a bit, and now that I’ve been back to America, I’m off for a month again! This time to Vietnam with my mum and my older sister. We haven’t been back to my mother’s country in over two decades; I was four years old the last time I’d gone, and that was because of a family emergency. Why the long wait? I’ll tell you why: it ain’t cheap to fly there! Plus, I’ve been hustling ever since I graduated from college, so it was no contest: savings, bills, rent money > Vietnam vaca.

Luckily, my sister paid for my ticket (bless!). The original plan was to go to Vietnam and explore southeast Asia after the Peace Corps, but since my sister is a teacher, I’d have to schedule my Close of Service date to coincide with her Spring Break. I wasn’t able to because PC Ghana staggers COS dates so that communities don’t experience a mass exodus once a year. They experience mini-sayonara’s thrice a year lol. There can be a lot of drama when your cohort is figuring out who gets what date; it really depends on the people. Most of everyone wants to leave as soon as possible to catch graduations, see family, or just get. the. hell. out. of. there. Waiting until my sister’s summer vaca meant that we had more time to be in Vietnam, a country that we mostly have to seek information about for ourselves as American children of Viet refugees, and I appreciate that our mum is making the journey with us. The trip will be our first time exploring the whole country. No one has been north of the southern region. I’m thrilled to see my mother’s village, my father’s hometown, and also explore the mountains where my father was held at a concentration camp for almost seven years after the war. Vietnam has gone through so much industrialization and cultural change in the last few decades; I’m sure we’re all bundles of apprehension, wonder, and excitement! Once I get back, I need to hit the ground running; no more travel for me for a while!

At the moment, I’m set up to re-attend school. I’m going back to finish up some pre-requisites for nursing school (that’ll take me a year as the anatomy & physiology portion is a 3-part series offered once a quarter--eww--and nursing programs typically last 2-3 years,so I’m looking at the next 3-5 years until I finish #lesigh) to get a second Bachelor’s degree. I know, I know. A second BS? Damn, gurl. You coulda saved yourself some moolah by getting it right the first time! But I don’t regret anything. I love nutrition, and studying it was a big source of joy. I’m rather scared as a twenty-something who likes to create, be in nature, and help people... I know there is an intersection there somewhere, but I’m having a hard time finding it. I’m pulled in three separate directions: pursuing nursing, pursuing environmental science (a passion that has been steadily growing since college), and forgetting academia for now and just working on a farm with nutrition and youth and nature... it’s all very romanticized and a total quarter life crisis. I’m wondering if nursing would open some doors for me to work with women and international settings (other huge passions of mine), perhaps in midwifery (to tie in the nutrition component), and in rural areas (to be more in settings that are more nature, less city... though I love the city and am I city grrrl at heart). The creative side will just be brushed onto my spare time, like it has been for the last decade lolol (but really doe...)

I’m in a transition mode right now, and “trusting the process” is hard when the process is scary af! But at the end of the day, I acknowledge it’s scary and daunting only because I’m reveling in my own fears of failure and self-doubt. Still, that doesn’t make it any less scary and confusing :(

I implore y’all to go forth and pursue what makes you smile. It’s hard to navigate that in this society and culture where we’re all so immersed in the sense of time and money and the pursuit of happiness. Hell, I’m hella guilty of that. Yoo-hoo, nursing? Financial stability but also rewarding profession. I’m worried about making the leap to go back to school as I’m not a spring chicken no more! I’m still young (Asians don’t raisin, holla!), but Peace Corps Ghana definitelyyy took at least two years off my total life expectancy haha Still gotta reiterate: no regrets there. I’m older and a lil’ wiser and a lot more grateful for my time on Earth and the space that I occupy. I’m taking this sharper perspective to do good on some of the things I talked about in previous posts:

I signed up for a novice swimming class (your girl is about to learn some life skillz!)

Attempting to live more minimally (donating a lot of my clothes)

Reaching out to old friends to reconnect; fostering friendships

Be more kind to my other Mother. Continually attempting to start a compost pile in the backyard, and I bought a pack of stainless steel straws as a first step

So that’s it for now. HMU if you’re ever in NorCal in the next few years and/or you want to continue creepin’ on me as I try to navigate this post-Peace Corps life on another blog hehe (there is a certain source of vanity and joy from taking about myself, whatever forever~)

#peacecorps #ghana #pcghana #rpcv #transition #trustheprocess #pizza #america #cultureshock #daria #podcasts #podcastaddiction #nursing #secondcareer #quarterlifecrisis #vietnam #happyfeet

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2nd-rate-film-school · 7 years ago

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Why Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End Is Actually a Masterpiece of Modern Blockbuster Cinema

This is a review written by my friend and fellow filmmaker, @kubrickking. It’s a bit long, since she is a huge fan (and good film critic, imo), but it is definitely worth the read.

Since my sisters and I saw Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl in 2003, we have all shared a sense of undying loyalty to the franchise. As BIG Disneyland people, the ride was a staple in our short lives long before we even understood how the concept could become a movie. Thus, we’ve enjoyed going to the midnight premieres, viewing the ride updates, and gathering pirate merchandise through the years. At this point, however, I think it’s fair to say that while we will see whatever film they release, we consider ourselves more fans of the original trilogy than what has followed with Dead Men Tell No Tales and - what was that fourth one called again?

To that point, this review is going to be biased as shit. I was an impressionable kid when I first saw these films and I will always remember them fondly. That being said, I just rewatched them at the age of twenty and feel my reaction is very similar. I was only fourteen when I saw the fourth film and was able to admit that it was terrible. In addition, know that this is not a reflection on Johnny Depp or any of the recent publicity he has faced. I am, and would hope you are as well, able to separate his work as an actor in this series from the recent revelations about his personal life.

As a side note, I am operating this review under the information given in the films, not the historical accuracy of pirates during this time. I don’t know if pirates regularly helped transport slaves and I acknowledge that the themes related to pirates having duality as both savage criminals and good men shows undeniable moral ambiguity regarding the historical truth. Jack, along with Will, is a romanticized version of a “good” pirate for the sake of a family-friendly protagonist in a story about pirates. And this analysis operates under a full awareness of that fact.

Regardless, one of the things that has always bothered me is the dismissal of the third film subtitled At World’s End. Common criticism of the film labels it as too long, too odd, and too exaggerated with little at stake and even littler sense to it. I do agree that any viewers expecting a simple, enjoyable action flick will be undoubtedly disappointed with the third Pirates offering. However, if you’re the part of the audience that is at all invested in Jack’s dive into the Kraken at the end of Dead Man’s Chest and is smart enough to realize the film is only truly 15 minutes longer than the other two, At World’s End delivers more than you could ever ask for as a conclusive chapter.

While the first film is obviously the most efficient and coherent on both a plot and tonal level, the third film acts as a bridge for cohesiveness between the entire trilogy without shying away from taking risks. And I firmly believe these risks pay off. Unfortunately, a majority of viewers feel it is more madness than brilliance. And to them I say, “It’s remarkable how often those two traits coincide.”

The film begins on such a dark note that it’s easy to see how people get the initial impression that it will not be a “fun ride.” A montage of hangings with a somber pirates hymn that ends with the murder of a child who can’t even reach the noose without a barrel to stand on is quite a way to open a film. And those are the kinds of risks you will see taken throughout the entirety of the movie’s 169 minutes. And I intend to prove to you that they are worth it.

From that first moment onward, you are given a direct association for the villain which up to this film is still underdeveloped and has done the majority of his evil actions off screen. The actions of Lord Cutler Beckett - or the pathetic cousin from another Keira Knightley film: Pride and Prejudice - now have tangibility. He’s no longer just the plot device for the evil Davy Jones, but a bastard in his own right. While Jones did senselessly murder sailors with the Kraken, his actions were motivated by a personal and justified search for Jack. But he never murdered children during a crackdown on pirate conspirators. Beckett’s actions serve as a power play, but also as revenge for Jack's refusal to transport slaves for the East India Trading Company; okay I’ll admit, Beckett’s motivations are still a little glossed over. But the film is juggling so many of the series' villains, anti-heroes, and “bloody pirates” with selfish motivations that a further explanation just isn’t necessary. Let me clarify that. Beckett’s specific personal motivations beyond greed for fucking everything up would simply distract from what we all really care about: Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, and Elizabeth Fucking Swann.

The film proceeds to build characters and set up future plot efficiently as the setting moves to Singapore, which is not a “random” or “meaningless” choice as some would have you believe. Dialogue from Jack in the first film and during the search for him in the second have previously established Singapore as a hub for a significant band of pirates. Their journey there serves a two-fold purpose of procuring mythological navigational charts that will provide a course to Davy Jones’ Locker as well as a ship and crew to get them there. They do all the pirate-y things like misdirect attention to allow an alternate plan of stealing the charts including a crew below the floorboards ready to provide weaponry and the secondary motivation of enlisting Sao Feng in the meeting of the Bretheren Court. It also gives just a glimpse of the assertion and decisiveness that Elizabeth has carried over from her choice to sacrifice Jack to the Kraken at the end of Dead Man’s Chest.

The number one thing I love about the romance at the center of Pirates is that Elizabeth and Will still have their individual character arcs, motivations, and plot. Even after the revelation that Elizabeth indeed left Jack, they do not immediately fall back into the simple conflicts related to their affections. A confrontation below deck parallels the scene from the first film as secrets and feelings are once again revealed. But instead of making this the focus, they both decide to carry on their journeys making their own choices. In fact, the root of their individual character arcs can be traced back to the first twenty minutes of the first film, Elizabeth’s being a more internal struggle and Will’s a more external one. Elizabeth continuously evaluates her own evolving moral beliefs and desires for her life; does she condone, participate in, and forgive the actions of pirates or does she condemn them. Meanwhile, Will must focus on the familial promise and connection with his pirate father Bootstrap Bill Turner that has been a source of conflict for him since the opening sequence of the series.

Just as it has always been, their love story at the heart of it is pulled apart and put back together by the choices they make and, thus, the people they choose to become. Neither needs the other for fulfillment per say - this is why Will always waits until the last moment to profess his love or insist they marry - but they work better together than they do apart. And that is why their ending is both ironic and essential. Their marriage being officiated by Barbosa in between sword fights with cursed pirates is the only appropriate setting for the unification of the two and one of the best damn scenes.

Call me dumb or sappy, but this romance still feels honest and emotional to me in its restraint. Even though I know it was cooked up in some board room meeting of Hollywood execs, I still genuinely feel invested in it. I think it comes down to the fact that they don’t hit you over the head with it. They allow the female character room to breathe and grow independent from the romance; which is perhaps why you can interpret her ending as either the greatest or worst conclusion to a character arc. Elizabeth’s speech to the crew of the Black Pearl before they enter into battle with the Flying Dutchman gives me chills every time. Because of her heart, dedication, and true duality, she is able to understand and act on the conflict with a decisiveness and purpose that none of the other pirates can. She has allegiance to her beliefs unlike the fickle criminals around her. She fights with and for values and a purpose, enjoying the adventure and adrenaline along the way.

In a similar way, Jack Sparrow’s character is fairly consistent through this film. There is justified criticism about Depp’s performance becoming a parody of the original idea as the series has progressed, and I would agree that it has never been as pure as it was in the first film. However, I don’t feel that Sparrow becomes a full caricature until the fourth film onward and I will tell you why.

Sparrow has always been defined by equal parts wit and luck. The details of his plans or the existence of them at all has always been left up to the interpretation of the audience, with rather blatant characterization from British soldiers about if he “plans it all out or just makes it up as he goes along.” While we can assume he gets lucky a lot and doesn’t always win - i.e. the mutiny that is ingrained in his character’s history - there is obvious intelligence lurking underneath all his actions. He’s persuasive and charming in the way a dirty, murderous pirate shouldn’t and doesn’t need to be. For example, Jack spends most of the second film convincing others that the only way to get what they want is to help him first. He weighs their desires and presents ultimatums, using whatever he has as leverage against them. Jack’s long-winded dialogue scenes where he talks someone around his finger function in the same way that deduction scenes do for Sherlock Holmes.

What makes this most impressive, or the laziest writing ever, is that the people around him are often not unintelligent people. Elizabeth, Barbosa, and Will have all outsmarted Jack on screen by the beginning of the third movie, Elizabeth’s trickery even proving fatal for him. Because of this, Jack’s character is only half what’s written for him. He is also half Depp’s performance, which does not feel strained in the original three films. Some classic Jack Sparrow moments you may have forgotten actually take place in this film include the canon firing springboard onto the pearl with Beckett’s toy figure in the mouth of the barrel, the discovery and following flipping of the ship to return home, and the manipulation of the Bretheren court to approve a vote for pirate king and subsequent battle with Beckett.

Also, if your argument is that Jack became the main character when he should only be a strong supporting character, HE DOESN’T EVEN APPEAR ON SCREEN UNTIL THIRTY-TWO MINUTES INTO THE FILM. He is a supporting character in this movie. That is tremendous restraint considering the major draw for most viewers, which was heavily capitalized upon by Disney, was Depp’s performance as Captain Jack. And when they finally do show him, it is a lengthy eight minute sequence of him arguing with himself, eating peanuts, licking rocks, and rocks becoming crabs that roll the Pearl over sand into an ocean. Not necessarily the audience-catering character re-introduction you’d see in a Marvel film. Jack is in a mythological purgatory or hell that represents the silly and truly odd essence of pirate lore, and the filmmakers honor that. From the moment Jack is back with the crew on the Pearl, his comedic moments hit every time - with the exception of the angel and devil shoulder Jacks. His interactions with everyone from Barbosa to Will to Davy Jones to Beckett are spot on. Jack is witty, wily, and wondrous as ever while twisting the desires of those around him to spare his life time and time again.

But it’s not just the comedic moments this film gets right, it also nails the emotional and dramatic ones. Particularly Will’s final moments after being stabbed by Davy Jones and Jack’s confrontation with the now dead and beached Kraken hit perfectly. Still, my favorite scene of the whole film has to be Elizabeth’s speech which leads the Pearl into battle with the Dutchman. Dialogue from three male characters plays out in the background as the camera circles Elizabeth, in solemn reflection over the release of Calypso and the impending fight. “Then what shall we die for?” she questions Barbosa. Then she continues with the fiercest fifty second monologue, throwing Barbosa’s words back at him and using them in a way he never could to inspire the pirates aboard the Pearl to rise to the occasion and “hoist the colours” - effectively answering the plea of the chain gang in the beginning of the film.

As with many blockbusters, there is a dramatic scene where the audience typically laughs out of turn. So let me be clear: if you even laugh a little bit during Elizabeth’s desperate attempts to bring her ghostly father aboard, you have no heart whatsoever. It is quite obvious to the audience, who has already been told the people in the boats are dead, that Governor Swann is beyond help. However, to the eye of someone who has seen the mythical Kraken devour the living person beside them, it may not seem so impossible that her father can also be saved. As a matter of fact, why couldn’t they save him?? I am still crying during this scene ten years later. Not because I loved his character, but because I can easily imagine my own parent afloat in one of those boats and my own hysterical attempts to reach them. Take a moment, please, and imagine your parent in this position. Not so stupid now, is she??

And this brings me to my favorite thing about the film: the visual language. Working with supernatural fables and period piece restrictions, At World’s End utilizes an array of solid and effective visuals that stimulate on levels of both the studium and the punctum. An Asian pirate ship floats on still water like glass that reflects the starry night into a mirror image, as they travel into a dimension of suspended time and space at the world’s end to retrieve a dead soul from eternal purgatory. Jack Sparrow gazes into his own reflection in the dead eye of the rotting beast that killed him and contemplates the true nature of freedom in relation to immortality. “The world used to be a bigger place,” says Barbosa and Jack responds, “The world’s still the same. There’s just less in it.” The wrath of a scorned lover materializes into a swirling maelstrom that becomes the setting for the separation of another pair of lovers. Jack holds the heart of a monster in his hand, blade at the ready, and hesitates in completing the task for fear that he faces his own future cruelty. These images as well as others in the film elevate interesting and elaborate themes into dynamic expressions of consciousness. Don’t even get me started on the coloring. And you get all those layers with an amazing dose of action and thrills.

Also, the effects in this movie still look great because they are 90% practical. Wait, you mean the series with skeleton and fish pirates has practical effects? Yes, you asshat, CGI was only used to supplement the majority of the special effects you see. While certain settings and the crew of the Dutchman are obviously computer generated, all the scenes involving ship effects were either done with the built-to-scale, fully functioning set pieces or models before receiving any post-production visual effects aid. The scenes underwater were actually shot underwater with all the lead cast and the final twenty-minute storm battle was shot on the ship decks with manufactured torrential rain for 10 weeks straight. Not cool enough yet? They also actually blew up Beckett’s ship and layered the shots of him and the other soldiers on it. That Singapore set they blew up was indoors with at least four feet of water and an entire series of buildings on stilts. And honestly that’s almost nothing compared to the shit they actually did in the second film.

Okay. I think I have to wrap this up now because if I even get started on Hans Zimmer’s score, this could double in word count. If you can’t tell already, I really enjoy this super under-appreciated film and I absolutely adore this series as a whole. It has flaws, it can be stupid at times, and sometimes moments fall flat. But the code for a “good” film is "more what you’d call guidelines than actual rules." I still feel my love for this series has been well-founded and well-intentioned for 14 years strong (nearly 70% of my life). Now if you remember "Pirates 3” as being a dud, I encourage you to rewatch and rediscover the magic within. If you were waiting for the "opportune moment," this is it!

#pirates of the caribbean #at world's end #potc 3 #film review #jack sparrow #will turner #elizabeth swann #davy jones #cutler beckett

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mattyunijourneybrief7 · 5 years ago

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Project Reflection

After the presentation, we sat down in our group in the eating and drinking area at HOME to discuss our final preparations.

It is time for our group proposal, and we needed to allocate at least a section to each member to split the workload equally. I am tasked with the Design Proposal, which I am confident in tackling. I truly believe in our idea so I will make sure the proposal section best describes our idea.

The Design Proposal

When visiting HOME, we were presented with their vision and how they operate. It was a striking realisation that the staff were given more of an opportunity to make a difference, for example with Carbon Literacy Workshops, which the customers didn’t have access to.

Joseph Beuys famously said “everybody is an artist”, which inspired our group to send the same message within the context of climate change; that the customer can be just as influential in making a difference than the staff at HOME, and to give them the platform to ‘be an artist’ by ensuring a fair balance between the staff and customers.

HOME have taken many actions to combat climate change, such as installing automatic lights in each room to keep the use of energy down, using metal bins instead of plastic, reducing the quantity of print, using glass walls to keep electricity usage down to use sunlight as a light source, repurposing sets used in theatre shows, as well as a multitude of other actions. When we visited HOME for the first time, these actions were not obvious to ourselves or other customers.

As soon as we were informed of these actions, it influenced our own perceptions of HOME. It made us aware of our own actions and made some of us feel a sense of pride for not owning a car and taking public transport to travel. Beforehand, many of us didn’t process what actions we were taking, which made our group refer back to the HOME customers, and how so much more could be done to influence them.

The aim for our project was to influence visitors and audiences at HOME to make more environmentally sustainable choices; in the HOME building, where a customer resides, and online. With this in mind, we knew we needed to carry out two actions; direct and indirect. We needed to communicate the message and influence the audience.

Our first objective was to convince HOME, and in order to achieve this, we made sure our project outcome didn’t overhaul their current behaviour; instead altering it by offering an extra perspective. We feel that in order to convince, it wouldn’t be a good idea to inform the client that their current performance is unsatisfactory and to go back to the drawing board.

To begin our project, after visiting the building, we analysed where customers were going and how the building was used. The current direct communication HOME has with their customers is located on a small wooden tree on the wall next to the toilet, as well as an animation that is shown before cinema screenings to promote sustainability. As a group, we came to the conclusion that the toilet area was not an area where the message should be communicated. Our proposal was to use the entrance area which had a large empty space where we felt customers could be influenced. It was important to our group that customers were instantly aware of the message.

We targeted this area as the place to inform customers of the goals of HOME, as well as an interaction point where the customer can be influenced. We explored the idea of having a physical object such as a tree to visualise the environment, as well as communicating the message with a new screen above the interaction point.

HOME is an arts centre, which prompted us to explore the idea of using sculptures related to climate change created by local artists as a centre piece, which would give artists a platform to showcase their work, as well as influencing customers by communicating the message of HOME.

However, after reflecting on the idea of having a physical object such as a tree as a centre piece, we decided that this idea would prompt a large number of changes to HOME, which contrasted our original plan of a slight change instead of an overhaul. This prompted our group to focus solely on how we could influence the customers.

HOME currently has 3000 members and 250000 non-members of their current HOME membership card, which highlighted a problem that we felt confident in solving. Being part of HOME to us was a vital cog of the machine of promoting sustainability for both the staff and customers. In order to achieve our goal, we needed to reach out to non-members by creating a new more efficient service, which we decided to be a digital app.

The UK average of using a smartphone daily is 3 hours and 23 minutes, so the integration of an app would enable HOME to influence customers at home and online, as well as the building itself. We decided that a points system would encourage users to change behaviours, whilst feeling a sense of belonging to HOME.

Our design proposal was to first of all communicate a simple but effective message: “We are HOME You are HOME”. Combined with the hashtag #OurHOME, the purpose of the message is to tell the customer that they are just as important and influential as the staff in becoming sustainable. We want HOME to be an inclusive family with shared goals. The message will be told through 4 mediums; a HOME card, an app, a visual animation and print/digital advertising.

To enhance the message, we decided to split the two sections: ‘We are HOME’ and ‘You are HOME’, to differentiate and to visualise the joint forces of customers and staff. We proposed to include an environmentally friendly colour for the ‘You are HOME’ section, as well as their current burnt orange colour for the ‘We are HOME’ section to avoid confusion and keep within their current branding guidelines; again, referring back to our plan of offering a slight change and not an overhaul.

The purpose of the HOME card is to promote the app as well as HOME’s sustainability. The card will visualise the campaign perfectly; it is double-sided, combining the two sides ‘We are HOME’ and ‘You are HOME’. To match the card, the poster is a two-tone colour design with both colours of the campaign, with a visual of a tree placed in the centre to represent the family unit of HOME. The two parts to our slogan share two halves of the space, in order to represent an equal balance; contrasting together to create one poster that sends a clear message to the audience.

To relate the printed material to the digital app, we proposed to include a QR code on both the card and poster, with a purpose of linking the user to the app on their smartphone. The app is there to replace the current membership card HOME offers, and to provide the customer a sense of belonging at HOME. However, it was important for us not to differentiate the app from the website, so we included the main features from the website to provide a similar experience with the aim of keeping familiarity.

When the app begins, the message is displayed clearly as a splash screen, leading the user to a login screen. Once logged in, the user is presented with a membership page with a personal QR code and a points system embedded. The points system prompts the user to change their behaviours outside of HOME, as well as inside the building. It was important to make sure the user interface visually matched a physical card layout, to ensure minimal confusion.

We included the Events and News pages from the website to give the user another way of booking tickets and staying up to date with the news related to HOME. The final section on the app is a sustainability section which teaches the user about the climate impact of HOME and what actions they are taking, as well as providing the user an opportunity of pledging to take action themselves, with points rewards to give the user initiative to keep interacting, thus enabling them to use the building more with the rewards they gain throughout their sustainability journey.

The animation was the final piece to our jigsaw which was crucial in terms of getting the message across to the audience. First of all, we evaluated where the most effective place was to place it.

It is essential to our group that the message is told instantaneously, which prompted us to choose the box office area in the entrance. The box office is a place where many customers go to buy tickets before going their separate ways within the building. By placing the animation on the screens at the box office area where customers are accustomed to already, it utilises the current behaviours of customers.

There are three sections to the animation: the campaign message, two regularly updated goals of HOME that themselves and the customer can work towards, and finally the app advertisement. We had a goal of keeping the animation under 45 seconds to make sure the customer had enough time to take in the information. The campaign message was included on both the beginning and end of the animation to drive home the idea of a shared HOME.

With all of our campaign materials, we wanted the message to be communicated effectively in a loud and clear manner. We as a group feel we have achieved this, and we are proud of our final outcomes.

Customers of HOME deserve to be informed about climate change and given the opportunity to change as much as the staff. After all, we all share the same planet, and we can all make a difference together. We as a group want the staff at HOME and the customers to join forces and work towards the same goals, which can be done by communicating the message, in order to influence others. As HOME is an arts centre in the heart of Manchester, there are many potential spheres of influence.

In order to strike a balance between the staff and customers, we created an effective message which encourages customers to make changes to their own behaviours. This message will be told through advertising with posters, social media, cards within the building, as well as an animation. The current digital revolution gives humans the opportunity to spread a message across the world in seconds, so we have utilised this opportunity by creating an app for users to change their behaviours online, in the building, and at their places of residence.

The worrying reality of undertaking this project has opened our eyes to the fact that the message isn’t being sent out enough, which has prompted groups such as Extinction Rebellion to take action and protest. It is upsetting that a child called Greta Thunberg on the face of it seems to be the one human being on the planet to be pioneering the message that human action is needed now on climate change. You would certainly assume this would be a job for world leaders.

Nevertheless, we enjoyed tackling the project and we hope that we influenced the client in a positive way with our ideas. The project has certainly influenced our own actions going forward to protect the planet.

A Personal Reflection

To begin with, our ideas were good, and our intentions were there, we just couldn't manage to glue the whole thing together at times, and it took a discussion whilst preparing for an interim presentation with the client to give us the motivation to complete the task in hand to the best of our abilities and work together as a strong unit.

Overall, looking back on the project as a whole, I am pleased with the outcome myself and my group came up with.

This experience has been different for me, as I am used to designing apps and user interfaces. I was eventually tasked with the design of the animation, which I enjoyed. Adobe After Effects is a fantastic programme that gave me the tools to create what I believed to be an efficient outcome.

The only negative aspect to my animation would be the link between downloading the app and the message. There wasn’t a strong enough call to action, which was the result of my own efforts to keep the time of the video under 45 seconds.

My group members were great to work with in the end, problems within teams are commonplace in team work. It is why we do it at university; to improve and get better. To the next one..

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exmuslimbecause · 7 years ago

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Hello, I have taken off the headscarf a while ago, but since it happened after my estrangement, no one from my family knows. I live in fear of bumping into family members as I travel to London often. They're strict, but I don't know how they will react. How can I lessen my anxiety and not live in fear of being caught? I am also an exmuslim but of course never came out to my family.

Hello,

Thank you for your message. It is brave of you to decide for yourself to remove the headscarf and leave the Islamic faith. The bravest decisions in life come in the most difficult times and they will demand more acts of bravery and courage than the ones you will leave behind as your life moves on. We will not give you false hope nor write rosy words that may alleviate your short-term anxiety but won’t materialise into any actual help in reality.

If you are anxious that there will be repercussions from your family members or the wider community, your best guard will be to prepare yourself now on what steps you will take if you can indeed sense an incoming risk.

It is important you seek professional support to organisations such as

Karma Nirvana

or Victim Support who can direct you to experts and tools that you can make use of to reduce anxiety. Another benefit of reaching out to them would be accountability. If it ever happens the support you have received were misguided, they can be held accountable within a framework of regulation that will allow them to improve their support service - tailored to more Ex-Muslims, not just you.

There are some steps you can take on your own which can reduce the chances of you bumping into your family relatives in London, but they will never be 100% foolproof. Nonetheless you can -

Contact your local police or Victim Support at an earliest (email them or just turn up) flagging up that although you do not see an imminent risk to your safety in the short term, you may be at risk in the long-run and ask them for a printed copy of the national ‘personal safety’ guidance they produce - each police station must have it. Ask them to give you are reference number and put your name down in writing in their system that you are likely to be at risk as your parents are strictly religious and might retaliate in a way that can be damaging. Take the reference number and keep in on your smartphone in a personal folder, laptop, and a backup copy on cloud drives such as Dropbox.

Choose to move your residence in a borough where you can rebuild a social network that supports you and accepts you the way you are. There are affordable women-only housing associations if you feel you need a secured accommodation for some time until you are on your feet to move to private-rented accommodation. There are three benefits of women’s housing association: i) you can claim housing benefits if you do not have a job, ii) they are 24/7 security camera monitored and use ID checks and your confirmation before letting in visitors, iii) they have good local connections - there are shops, surgeries, security cameras and transport networks surrounding the housing associations so in the worst case scenerio if you are in danger and scream, it will get people’s attention. If you are opting for housing association or council housing, start planning at least 6 months ahead because application process and competition from other tenants will take time.

Download personal safety apps (look for UK police recommended ones - or ask the police) on your smartphones and keep its icon as shortcut on the top screen - personal safety apps are handy to quickly reach out to your trusted contacts or police if you are in danger, and you can set it up to send automatic SoS messages if you feel you will be at risk.

When commuting to workplace, university, or anywhere you go regularly, try variation of routes. If you feel you will be stalked, then do not leave a pattern of how you travel. It will be inconvenient for you, but with an early planning practice and a little bit fund allocated; e.g. if there is only one bus route between workplace and home, hop on one bus - hop off before your main destination is reached if you feel someone suspicious is on the bus - start walking towards a nearby ‘fake destination’ until the bus is gone - hop on the next bus. Now the stalker did not know you would leave the bus unexpectedly. Next, ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on any suspicious/stranger roaming around your neighborhood. If you feel you are indeed being followed, visit your nearest police station before going home.

When walking on streets, choose busier streets (with good lighting at night). Walk on the lane beside the route where incoming cars are facing you so that you can see if a speeding car is heading in your direction - if so, run away from the car and shout to aware others.

Don’t share your work information on the internet, unless you really need to use LinkedIn. If you work in a big company with branches across UK, your family members won’t find the exact office you are based at - in that case, LinkedIn’s drawback will only be limited to your family sending malicious emails to your employer to make you and your employer uncomfortable at work. Discuss this with Citizen Advice Bureau and National Career Service who can point you to employers who are accommodating to ambitious people coming from challenging backgrounds.

If you are confronted by a family member in public, do not engage in conversation with them. Move as much away from them quickly and find the nearest security officer (if you are near an underground /bus station) - if police/security officer is not around, approach security guards of a nearby bank/restaurant and seek help - they will help in most cases.

We hope the information above are helpful. We will use your question to develop a more useful response in the future.

We are not a counselling service so all the information we provide are on an ad-hoc basis.

If you need any more information, feel free to write us and we will do our best to help you.

Stay safe, stay brave.

Regards

#ExMuslimBecause

#exmulimbecause #exmuslim #ex-muslim #hijab #london #safety #women's safety #personal safety

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2whatcom-blog · 6 years ago

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Might Air Conditioning Repair Local weather Change

It is among the nice dilemmas of local weather change: We take such consolation from air-con that worldwide power consumption for that function has already tripled since 1990. It's on monitor to develop even quicker by mid-century--and assuming fossil-fuel-fired energy vegetation present the electrical energy, that would trigger sufficient carbon dioxide emissions to heat the planet by one other lethal half-degree Celsius. A paper revealed Tuesday within the Nature Communications proposes a partial treatment: Heating, air flow and air-con (or HVAC) methods transfer lots of air. They'll change the complete air quantity in an workplace constructing 5 or 10 instances an hour. Machines that seize carbon dioxide from the atmosphere--a growing repair for local weather change--also rely upon shifting giant volumes of air. So why not save power by tacking the carbon seize machine onto the air conditioner? This futuristic proposal, from a crew led by chemical engineer Roland Dittmeyer at Germany's Karlsruhe Institute of Expertise, goes even additional. The researchers think about a system of modular elements, powered by renewable power, that may not simply extract carbon dioxide and water from the air. It might additionally convert them into hydrogen, after which use a multistep chemical course of to rework that hydrogen into liquid hydrocarbon fuels. The outcome: "Personalized, localized and distributed, synthetic oil wells" in buildings or neighborhoods, the authors write. "The envisioned model of 'crowd oil' from solar refineries, akin to 'crowd electricity' from solar panels," would allow individuals "to take control and collectively manage global warming and climate change, rather than depending on the fossil power industrial behemoths." The analysis group has already developed an experimental mannequin that may full a number of key steps of the method, Dittmeyer says, including, "The plan in two or three years is to have the first experimental showcase where I can show you a bottle of hydrocarbon fuel from carbon dioxide captured in an air conditioning unit." Neither Dittmeyer nor co-author Geoffrey Ozin, a chemical engineer on the College of Toronto, would predict how lengthy it would take earlier than constructing house owners might buy and set up such models. However Ozin claims a lot of the mandatory expertise is already commercially obtainable. He says the carbon seize tools might come from a Swiss "direct air capture" firm referred to as Climeworks, and the electrolyzers to transform carbon dioxide and water into hydrogen can be found from Siemens, Hydrogenics or different firms. "And you use Roland's amazing microstructure catalytic reactors, which convert the hydrogen and carbon dioxide into a synthetic fuel," he provides. These reactors are being dropped at market by the German firm Ineratec, a derivative from Dittmeyer's analysis. As a result of the system would depend on superior types of photo voltaic power, Ozin thinks of the outcome as "photosynthetic buildings." The authors calculate that making use of this technique to the HVAC in certainly one of Europe's tallest skyscrapers, the MesseTurm, or Commerce Truthful Tower, in Frankfurt, would extract and convert sufficient carbon dioxide to yield a minimum of 2,000 metric tons (660,000 U.S. gallons) of gas a 12 months. The workplace area in the complete metropolis of Frankfurt might yield greater than 370,000 tons (122 million gallons) yearly, they are saying. "This is a wonderful concept--it made my day," says David Keith, a Harvard professor of utilized physics and public coverage, who was not concerned within the new paper. He means that the perfect use for the ensuing fuels can be to "help solve two of our biggest energy challenges": offering a carbon-neutral gas to fill the gaps left by intermittent renewables similar to wind and solar energy, and offering gas for "the hard-to-electrify parts of transportation and industry," similar to airplanes, giant vans and steel- or cement-making. Keith is already focusing on a few of these markets by Carbon Engineering, an organization he based centered on direct air seize of carbon dioxide for large-scale liquid gas manufacturing. However he says he's "deeply skeptical" about doing it on a distributed constructing or neighborhood foundation. "Economies of scale can't be wished away. There's a reason we have huge wind turbines," he says--and a motive we wouldn't have yard all-in-one pulp-and-paper mills for disposing of our yard wastes. He believes it's merely "faster and cheaper" to take carbon dioxide from the air and switch it into gas "by doing it an appropriate scale." Different scientists who weren't concerned within the new paper notice two different potential issues. "The idea that Roland has presented is an interesting one," says Jennifer Wilcox, a chemical engineer at Worcester Institute of Expertise, "but more vetting needs to be done in order to determine the true potential of the approach." Whereas it appears to make sense to benefit from the air motion already being generated by HVAC methods, Wilcox says, constructing and working the mandatory followers shouldn't be what makes direct air seize methods so costly. "The dominant capital cost," she says, "is the solid adsorbent materials"--that is, substances to which the carbon dioxide adheres--and the principle power price is the warmth wanted to recuperate the carbon dioxide from these supplies afterward. Furthermore, she contends that any obtainable photo voltaic or different carbon-free energy supply can be put to raised use in changing fossil-fuel-fired energy vegetation, to cut back the quantity of carbon dioxide moving into the air within the first place. "The idea of converting captured carbon into liquid fuel is persuasive," says Matthew J. Realff, a chemical engineer at Georgia Institute of Expertise. "We have an enormous investment in our liquid fuel infrastructure, and using that has tremendous value. You wouldn't have to build a whole new infrastructure. But this concept of doing it at the household level is a little bit fantastical"--partly as a result of the gases concerned (carbon monoxide and hydrogen) are poisonous and explosive. The method to transform them to a liquid gas is nicely understood, Realff says, however it produces a spread of merchandise that now usually get separated out in huge refineries--requiring enormous quantities of power. "It's possible that it could be worked out at the scale that is being proposed," he provides. "But we haven't done it at this point, and it may not turn out to be the most effective way from an economic perspective." There may be, nevertheless, an sudden good thing about direct air seize of carbon dioxide, says Realff, and it might assist stimulate market acceptance of the expertise: One motive workplace buildings change their air so regularly is just to guard staff from elevated ranges of carbon dioxide. His analysis means that capturing the carbon dioxide from the air stream could also be one method to reduce power prices, by decreasing the frequency of air modifications. Dittmeyer disputes the argument that pondering massive is at all times higher. He notes that small, modular vegetation are a development in some areas of chemical engineering, "because they are more flexible and don't involve such a financial risk." He additionally anticipates that price will turn into much less of a barrier as governments withstand the urgency of reaching a local weather answer, and as jurisdictions more and more impose carbon taxes or mandate strict power effectivity requirements for buildings. "Of course, it's a visionary perspective," he says, "it relies on this idea of a decentralized product empowering people, not leaving it to industry. Industrial players observe the situation, but as long as there is no profit in the short term, they won't do anything. If we have the technology that is safe and affordable, though maybe not as cheap, we can generate some momentum" amongst people, a lot as occurred within the early levels of the photo voltaic business. "And then I would expect the industrial parties to act, too." Read the full article

#2what.com #air #carbon #dioxide #energy #fuel #solar #technology

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jamesatkinson · 8 years ago

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Union Editors & Universal Health Care in California

Above: nurses & activists rally the California Senate Health Committee to vote YES on SB562 - April 25th, 2017

Hi. My name's James Atkinson. I’m a union editor, I'm volunteering for Healthy California, a universal health care campaign, and I wanted to ask you for help.

Here’s the Deal

Healthy California (SB-562) is single payer health care bill in the California state senate. It's like a statewide version of "Medicare for all" - it would provide great health insurance to every California resident, and lower costs for about 90% of us. It's not a pipe dream - it has momentum & could actually pass, since California's state government has a Democratic supermajority. One crucial ingredient to making this happen is popular pressure - California Dems are more likely to vote in favor of SB-562 if they know their constituents want it badly.

So far, multiple unions have already endorsed SB-562 and I'd like to add Editor's Guild to that list! I've talked with the Editors Guild office a bit, and it seems like they'd like more info on the bill before making a decision.

I want to give them that info! I've talked with Labor For Health Care - they're kind of like the union outreach team for Healthy California. They'd love to send a policy expert to give a presentation to the Guild (this would also give the Guild an opportunity to give feedback on the bill). My plan is to send a very polite letter asking the Guild to hear them out, and alongside that letter, I want to include a pro SB-562 petition featuring union editors like you and me!

The Only Thing You Need To Do

If you're an Editor’s Guild member and you’d like to help, and all I need you to do is sign this petition (by signing it, you're basically saying "I support SB-562, and I'd like Editors Guild to meet with the campaign and explore the bill".)

Please feel free to forward this page to any other union editors who might be interested! Also, please email me if you want to get more involved with the campaign.

Thanks! - James

Okay, You Can Stop Reading Now

... but if you're curious here's a FAQ:

Q: Why should a union member support universal health care? We've already got a great plan. Here's 3 reasons:

1: Under Healthy California, you can keep your health coverage no matter what, even if you're too sick/injured to work. This is one of private health insurance's big weaknesses - if you get too sick to work, you lose your job AND your coverage! I have personal experience with this: When I was in high school, my dad got cancer. He couldn't work, and our family eventually declared bankruptcy.

2: Private health insurance eats your paycheck. American health care is expensive, and the costs are increasing faster than the rate of inflation. As these rates go up, the studios shift the costs over to us (which means we get raises less frequently). One example of this phenomenon: the recent WGA negotiation where health fund contributions were a central issue. Cost shifting is a widespread phenomenon in the US. A recent survey for University of South Carolina says 71 percent of Fortune 500 companies plan to raise employee contributions for their health insurance.

3: The Cadillac Tax (aka The Excise Tax) This sounds boring but it affects your life! It keeps getting delayed, but eventually (maybe by 2020) a 40% excise tax will be levied on all insurance costs in excess of $10,200 per year for single coverage and $27,500 for family coverage. As In These Times puts it: "These caps are set to rise at a much slower rate than the costs of health insurance, which means nearly all union-negotiated plans will eventually face the choice between radical cuts to coverage or paying the hefty tax."

Q: How much will this cost me? How is the bill funded? The California State Senate Appropriations Committee is discussing this right now (and an economist is preparing an impartial financial report due within a month or so), so soon there will be more precise answers.

For now, I can tell you that it would be funded by...

1) Savings: Public health insurance is more efficient than private plans, and a big patient pool of 40 million Californians will have the leverage to negotiate much lower prices from health care providers.

2) Already existing public funds: Taxpayers already pay for about 70% of healthcare expenses. Healthy California will consolidate these funds, and direct them to this new universal plan.

3) The remaining percentage will be covered by a new progressive tax mix: "Taxes" is a taboo word, but this would be a net savings for 90% of Californians. Instead of having a chunk of your pay go to Kaiser or Blue Cross (ie our current system), a smaller chunk would go to Healthy California. Also, there would be no out of pocket costs (like deductibles or co-pays) for anyone in the state.

Q: Are the benefits good? The benefits are great and compare well to our plan. (I copied the below section directly from the bill and bolded some of my favorites)

"Covered health care benefits for members shall include, but are not limited to, all of the following:

(1) Licensed inpatient and licensed outpatient medical and health facility services. (2) Inpatient and outpatient professional health care provider medical services. (3) Diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, and other diagnostic and evaluative services. (4) Medical equipment, appliances, and assistive technology, including prosthetics, eyeglasses, and hearing aids and the repair, technical support, and customization needed for individual use. (5) Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative care. (6) Emergency care services. (7) Emergency transportation. (8) Necessary transportation for health care services for persons with disabilities or who may qualify as low income. (9) Child and adult immunizations and preventive care. (10) Health and wellness education. (11) Hospice care. (12) Care in a skilled nursing facility. (13) Home health care, including health care provided in an assisted living facility. (14) Mental health services. (15) Substance abuse treatment. (16) Dental care. (17) Vision care. (18) Prescription drugs. (19) Pediatric care. (20) Prenatal and postnatal care. (21) Podiatric care. (22) Chiropractic care. (23) Acupuncture. (24) Therapies that are shown by the National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health to be safe and effective. (25) Blood and blood products. (26) Dialysis. (27) Adult day care. (28) Rehabilitative and habilitative services."

[it goes on for a while longer, read the bill here if you're curious]

Q: Why do I care about this? I have a few reasons!

For one, last year, my Mom had a liver transplant. She's doing great now, and one thing that save her life (and saved us from another bankruptcy) was the fact she had a single payer insurance program - Medicare. I think more people deserve these kind of great benefits!

Also, at the hospital, I met a lot of transplant patients - and I learned they have to fight through debilitating, multi-year symptoms (like chronic pain, immobility, comas, childlike confused thoughts, etc). They also have very intense medical needs (for example, my mom takes expensive immunosuppressants a few times a day - if she misses a dose, or can't afford one, it could be fatal). These patients *already* face very difficult challenges - if Trump's AHCA goes through, it would literally be a death sentence for some of them. Healthy California could make their lives a lot better. Anyway that's one reason why I have a sense of urgency about this.

If you're curious, here's a good article on the nightmare that is liver failure under our current health care system.

Q: What happens next? The California State Senate health care committee just voted YES on the bill. The Appropriations Committee votes on it within a month or so. Right now the campaign is focusing on canvassing those senators.

Q: What's the long term time frame? This is a big campaign with a lot of variables. I've heard people estimate it could take 1-2 years to pass this bill.

Q: How can I help? 1) You can join the campaign and get regular updates on how to help (we'll be canvassing regularly)

2) You can donate to support campaign activities (like bussing supporters to Sacramento to rally Senators)

3) If you know anybody else in any other union who supports single payer, feel free to have them email me! I'm working with the campaign on a broader outreach effort.

4) If you want to train to speak/campaign for the bill, join the campaign, and contact your regional coordinator. Q: What if I have more questions? The flyers on Healthy California’s page answer a bunch of questions! Also, you can email me, or contact Labor for Healthcare!

#sb562 #singlepayer #healthcare

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sowiseup-blog · 7 years ago

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Top of the Best Electric Skateboards

New Post has been published on https://sowiseup.com/top-of-the-best-electric-skateboards/

Top of the Best Electric Skateboards

Motorized skateboards first surfaced in California in the mid-1970s, but they were powered by gasoline engines, were extremely noisy and released terrible exhaust fumes.

They were quickly banned, and motorized skateboards were totally forgotten. This film was only a fantasy. Yes, I know, a really bad movie, but hey … we all dreamed about this skateboard, did not we? In any case, for us, that’s what started everything. In short, we became addicted.

Contents & Navigation

Electric Skateboard Buying Guide

Why buy a Skateboard: the 3 steps to follow!

12 Best Electric Skateboards (Standard Simple)

9 Best e-Skateboards – motor wheel

7 Best Electric Longboard

Boosted 2nd Generation Dual

EPIKGO Electric Longboard Skateboard – Dual-Motor Smart Skateboards

Atom Electric H16D Carbon Longboard Skateboard

Buffalo F Electric Skateboard, 39″ Single/Dual Motor Remote Controlled

Magneto Revolution Electric Skateboard – Premium – 20MPH | 12 Mile Range

SWAGTRON SwagBoard Voyager Electric Longboard

BLITZART Huracane 38″ Electric Longboard 17mph 10mile range 350W

The 4 key points of the Electric Skateboard

The different types of Electric Skateboards

Electric Skateboards – Standard Simple

Electric Skateboards – Standard Double

Electric Skateboards – motor-wheel

Electric Skateboards – off-road

Electric Skateboards – Single Wheel

Anatomy of an Electric Skateboard

Electric Skateboards – remote control

Electric Skateboards – the battery

Electric Skateboards – Electronic Speed Control / Trip Computer

Electric Skateboards – the engine

Conclusion

Bottom Line:

However, in recent years, a number of small geniuses have launched, in a very confidential way, Kickstarter campaigns to finance the creation of electric skateboards; It did not take long for several companies to take the bandwagon (or the skateboard ;-)) and bring these boards to a wider market.

Electric skateboards are in a fog in legal terms in many areas, as they are too new to be fully legalized, banned or regulated. They have been approved in a few countries and some states in the United States while many others, like California, are considering laws to legalize them.

Read also >> Electric Scooter Vs Hoverboard: how to choose?

But not many people struggle with public skateboarding, with many law enforcement officials saying they would only act if someone complained about it. And of course, there is no rule that says you can not use them off-road.

The actual limits come from the skateboards themselves; Some are better on stable ground or sidewalk, while others can maneuver the most rugged terrain. When choosing a model, it’s important to know what everyone can and can not do.

youtube

Electric Skateboard Buying Guide

Why buy a Skateboard / Longboard Electric?

To answer this question in one word: Fun!

Of course, you can use an electric skateboard as your usual means of transportation; They appear in numbers on college campuses, and urban commuters are using electric skates more and more often, especially in tech havens like Silicon Valley (unsurprisingly).

However, taking your skateboard to work or school does not mean it’s less fun to do.

And a growing number of electric skateboards are touting their speed (some will do well over 30 km per hour), fast acceleration, multiple driving modes and durability when pushed to their full speed or off-road.

These electric skateboards are not all characteristics intended for commuters; some electric skates are designed for fun courses but also for extreme courses.

Read also >> Electric Scooters For Adults: Which Best Electric Scooter To Buy?

In general, almost all the electric skates you can buy operate in much the same way. An electric motor powers them, and they are controlled by a remote control (some can be controlled by a smartphone), there are brakes to slow down, and you direct just as you would with an old-school skate, with your body ( and your feet, if necessary).

The other attributes of electric skateboard models vary considerably, as you will guess by the fact that the prices of these small jewels can range from a few hundred to a few thousand USD.

Why buy a Skateboard: the 3 steps to follow!

After seeing one of them pass near you or climb a hill at full speed before your dumbfounded eyes, it will not take more to convince you that you want one. You will immediately be charmed.

For the experienced skateboarder, these products allow you to ride on a skateboard without the inconvenience of having to push, and the downhills do not seem so scary when you have the safety of a break. The majority of these products are also great for novices or those looking for another means of transportation.

These skates are an excellent complement to public transportation because they are small enough and portable to carry them on most buses, trains or taxis, and have the range and speed to take you comfortably to the place where you have to go, essentially solving the problem of the journey between your conventional means of transport and your exact destination.

Read also >> Which Hoverboard Should I Buy?

Although these skateboards can be a heavy investment, many users can effectively cushion it in a year or two, saving the daily costs of bus, taxi, carpooling or metro.

However, you must always make sure that you are aware of and comply with all local laws and regulations where you plan to drive while wearing all appropriate protective and safety equipment.

Now that you’re in love with electric skateboards, it’s time to look at the different types available and determine which one is best for you.

Step 1: Are you new to Skateboarding? Already a pro?

Are you wondering if it’s a good tool for quick city trips or just looking for something fun?

For beginners, at first, you may want to consider one of the more budget options, usually a standard single-wheel drive. These models are less expensive and less intimidating for a new user, especially if you do not know how often you will use it, and if you will really appreciate it.

For the experienced skateboarder looking to take it to the next level, you should consider one of the models with more performance. It could be one of the two-wheel drive models or one of the off-road models. They have a much higher overall speed and, in some cases, have enough acceleration to overturn you. Prudence, then!

Although these boards are not exclusive to advanced users, it is really necessary to have a lot of control to exploit these types of products to their full potential, and it would be wasteful for many people to pay for performances that it is unlikely to exploit.

In addition, go for a model that got a good rating in our brake tests is probably a good idea for a beginner … and for an experienced. It adds a certain level of security that you can miss as a beginner.

However, all the models we tested use an electronic brake rather than a mechanical one – which means it can be turned off if the board does not work properly. You should consult the manufacturer’s brake instructions and always have a plan if the brakes do not work.

Step 2: Where are you going to ride?

Now that you know what kind of board you want, it’s time to look where you’re going.

Any of these boards roll well on a smooth, flat sidewalk, but it’s a different story when it comes to rugged hills or challenging roads. Only a handful of boards can climb the steepest hills, as shown by our climb tests, which is certainly a consideration if you plan to drive in a more or less steep area.

However, this may mean that you are restricted to one of the performance boards, which can be a little intimidating for a beginner. In this case, it is interesting to know if you really want to skateboard on steep hills as a beginner.

Those in areas where roads are more difficult or plan to ride off-road should consider – unsurprisingly – an off-road model. If the sidewalk around you is only moderately bad (or intermittently), you can probably get away with larger and more flexible standard longboard wheels, 80 mm in diameter or larger, and a durometer. ‘About 76A or more flexible would be a good baseline.

Those who regularly encounter sidewalks in very bad condition or plan to ride on dirt or sand should really consider a model with tires. These models have better traction and can be either a performance model with two-wheel drive or a board with a large single tire.

Step 3: Do you intend to use it as a means of transportation? Travel? Roll for fun? Do you live in a humid place?

Hopefully, at this point, you have reduced your selection to a specific type of board, and that you only hesitate between some models. Here’s where your exact use can make a big difference in choosing the board model that’s right for you.

The person who will use it daily as a means of transportation will want to make sure that the board has sufficient reach to and from the office, or that it will carry it at least to the workplace. will recharge enough during the day to go home.

In addition to the course distance, you should also think about the weather conditions in which you will ride. Water and electricity do not mix well, so it’s important to consider the humidity during your daily commute.

Many manufacturers – and common sense – say that you should not ride in the middle of a rainstorm, but having a water resistant board can make a difference when it comes to puddles.

from insurmountable obstacles to slight inconveniences. You should always check and adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to the effect of water on your board.

If you plan to fly with your board, it is important that you comply with the TSA Lithium Battery Regulations. Some of the available models have batteries that are too big to carry on a plane without prior authorization, or not at all, making it a bad choice if you want to fly frequently with an electric skateboard.

In addition, it is important to verify that you will be in compliance with local rules and laws regarding motorized or electric skateboards, as it will be very difficult to amortize their price if you pay big fines every time you use it!

12 Best Electric Skateboards (Standard Simple)

Preview Product Rating Price

SKATEBOLT Electric Skateboard,Max Range 15 Miles,Top Speed 25 MPH,Dual Motor 1000W,9 Layers Maple... 50 Reviews $1,499.99 $599.99 Buy on Amazon

EPIKGO Electric Longboard Skateboard with Dual-Motor Smart Skateboards [7 Ply Bamboo Board] and... 11 Reviews $999.99 $799.99 Buy on Amazon

BLITZART Tornado Electric Skateobard Longboard E-Skateboard Motorized Electronic Hub-Motor, 3.5"... 45 Reviews $299.00 $279.00 Buy on Amazon

ACTON BLINK S | Spring Sale | Powerful Electric Skateboard For College | Ride Up To 7 Miles On A... 40 Reviews $699.00 $404.10 Buy on Amazon

ACTON BLINK Lite | Spring Sale | World's Lightest Electric Skateboard for Youth | With LED Lights |... 67 Reviews $299.99 $249.00 Buy on Amazon

SWAGTRON SwagBoard NG-1 Electric Longboard – UL 2272 Certified Motorized Electric Skateboard with... 173 Reviews $199.99 $179.00 Buy on Amazon

BLITZART Huracane 38" Electric Skateboard Longboard Motorized Electronic Hub-Motor 3.5" Wheels... 42 Reviews $299.00 Buy on Amazon

Yuneec E-Go2 Electric Longboard Skateboard, Hot Pink 97 Reviews $699.99 $309.00 Buy on Amazon

SWAGTRON SwagBoard Voyager Electric Longboard – Motorized skateboard w/ Remote & Dual 350W... 40 Reviews $399.99 $299.99 Buy on Amazon

Boosted 2nd Generation Dual+ Electric Skateboard 83 Reviews $1,499.00 $1,199.00 Buy on Amazon

Blitzart Mini Flash 28" Electric Skateboard Electronic Hub-Motor 2.8" Wheel E-Skateboard (Black) 54 Reviews $229.00 $199.00 Buy on Amazon

RazorX Cruiser Electric Skateboard 37 Reviews $179.99 $146.34 Buy on Amazon

9 Best e-Skateboards – motor wheel

Preview Product Rating Price

SWAGTRON SwagBoard NG-1 Electric Longboard – UL 2272 Certified Motorized Electric Skateboard with... 173 Reviews $199.99 $179.00 Buy on Amazon

BLITZART Huracane 38" Electric Skateboard Longboard Motorized Electronic Hub-Motor 3.5" Wheels... 42 Reviews $299.00 Buy on Amazon

BLITZART Tornado 38" Electric Longboard E-Skateboard Motorized Electronic Hub-Motor 3.5" PU Wheels... 45 Reviews $299.00 $279.00 Buy on Amazon

Buffalo F Electric Skateboard, 39" Single/Dual Motor Remote Controlled Electric Longboard (2400W... 30 Reviews $699.00 Buy on Amazon

Blitzart Mini Flash 28" Electric Skateboard Electronic Hub-Motor 2.8" Wheel E-Skateboard (Black) 54 Reviews $229.00 $199.00 Buy on Amazon

Electric Skateboard, 35 inches FCC Certificate 8 Layers Canadian Maple Dual Motor Each 400W 4.4AH... 1 Reviews $499.99 Buy on Amazon

SKATEBOLT Electric Skateboard,Max Range 15 Miles,Top Speed 25 MPH,Dual Motor 1000W,9 Layers Maple... 50 Reviews $1,499.99 $599.99 Buy on Amazon

ACTON BLINK S2 | Spring Sale | Powerful Dual Hub Motors Electric Skateboard for Commute | 14 Mile... 26 Reviews $999.00 $799.00 Buy on Amazon

MEJC M-1 SERIES ELECTRIC LONG BOARD MOTORIZED SKATEBOARD DUAL HUB MOTORS V.2 (M-1B) No ratings yet $459.99 Buy on Amazon

Sale

ACTON BLINK S2 | Spring Sale | Powerful Dual Hub...

(26)

$999.00 $799.00

Buy on Amazon

Sale

SKATEBOLT Electric Skateboard,Max Range 15...

(50)

$1,499.99 $599.99

Buy on Amazon

Buffalo F Electric Skateboard, 39" Single/Dual...

(30)

$699.00

Buy on Amazon

7 Best Electric Longboard

Preview Product Rating Price

Boosted 2nd Generation Dual+ Electric Skateboard 83 Reviews $1,499.00 $1,199.00 Buy on Amazon

EPIKGO Electric Longboard Skateboard with Dual-Motor Smart Skateboards [7 Ply Bamboo Board] and... 11 Reviews $999.99 $799.99 Buy on Amazon

Atom Electric H16D Carbon Longboard Skateboard - 158Wh Lithium Battery - 1400W Dual Hub Motors... No ratings yet $799.95 $795.51 Buy on Amazon

Buffalo F Electric Skateboard, 39" Single/Dual Motor Remote Controlled Electric Longboard (2400W... 30 Reviews $699.00 Buy on Amazon

Magneto Revolution Electric Skateboard - Premium, High Performance Electric Skateboard - 20MPH | 12... 4 Reviews $699.00 $599.00 Buy on Amazon

SWAGTRON SwagBoard Voyager Electric Longboard – Motorized skateboard w/ Remote & Dual 350W... 40 Reviews $399.99 $299.99 Buy on Amazon

BLITZART Huracane 38" Electric Skateboard Longboard Motorized Electronic Hub-Motor 3.5" Wheels... 42 Reviews $299.00 Buy on Amazon

Boosted 2nd Generation Dual

Sale

83 Reviews

Boosted 2nd Generation Dual+ Electric Skateboard

Get around with incredible speed and ease on the most powerful electric skateboard

Light enough to carry anywhere - powerful enough to go everywhere

25% grade hill Climbing - 22 mph top speed - regenerative braking

2,000 watts of power. Extra traction grip tape

$1,499.00 - $300.00 $1,199.00

Buy on Amazon

EPIKGO Electric Longboard Skateboard – Dual-Motor Smart Skateboards

Sale

11 Reviews

EPIKGO Electric Longboard Skateboard with Dual-Motor Smart Skateboards [7 Ply Bamboo Board] and Wireless Remote - Portable Cruiser Skate Board for Rider, Kids and Adults -Great For Outdoor Activities

Sleek Design - At only 16.5lbs the EPIKGO Electric Skateboard was crafted with a 7-ply 100% bamboo frame for a lightweight yet durable riding experience.

More Power - 2100W dual motors power this board at speeds up to 25mph, making the EPIKGO Electric Skateboard the quickest board around.

Go Anywhere - Solid polyurethane tires and a high power battery push this skateboard up to 10 miles on a single charge.

Two Modes - Comes standard with a wireless remote that controls the speed of the electric skateboard. Equipped with two speed modes and features a reversible riding option.

Go Safer - Intelligent internal sensors prevent electrical shortages, provides speed control options and auto-brake awareness.

$999.99 - $200.00 $799.99

Buy on Amazon

Atom Electric H16D Carbon Longboard Skateboard

Sale

Atom Electric H16D Carbon Longboard Skateboard - 158Wh Lithium Battery - 1400W Dual Hub Motors (D132)

Sports

$799.95 - $4.44 $795.51

Buy on Amazon

Buffalo F Electric Skateboard, 39″ Single/Dual Motor Remote Controlled

30 Reviews

Buffalo F Electric Skateboard, 39" Single/Dual Motor Remote Controlled Electric Longboard (2400W 40km/h)

【GO FASTER AND FURTHER TRAVEL】 25km per charge depending on riding mode and Three Riding Modes:Top speed in Advanced Mode(40km/h),Top speed in Cruise Mode(20km/h),Top speed in Beginner Mode(18km/h).Please brake at low speed

【DECK MATERIAL】4 layers of bamboo material and 4 layers of fiberglass, Allows riders to have more traction while riding this motorized skateboard .This kind of material can reduce weight, and it is very durable，good elasticity ,moderate hardness,stability not easy deformed.

【Durable PU Wheels】Durable,Water-proof,Dust-proof,shock-absorbing wheels provide an unbelievably smooth riding experience

【ACCELERATE LIKE A SPORTS CAR】 A revolutionary 1,200 watts of power means a completely new riding experience. The world's ONLY single-dual drive system let you accelerate up any hill and brake to a complete stop on the way back down.When you need extreme speed and strong climbing ability, you can use the double drive mode, when you need a longer cruising mileage, you can switch to a single drive mode

【RISK FREE GUARANTEE】We provide the quality guarantee within 6 month(Freely maintenance and Replace the accessories）

$699.00

Buy on Amazon

Magneto Revolution Electric Skateboard – Premium – 20MPH | 12 Mile Range

Sale

4 Reviews

Magneto Revolution Electric Skateboard - Premium, High Performance Electric Skateboard - 20MPH | 12 Mile Range | 15% Grades - Assembled in the USA - Carbon Fiber & Maple Deck - Wireless Remote

DUAL HUB MOTORS - The rear wheels have been replaced with large hub motors which allows you to reach speeds of up to 20 mph! (speeds vary based on factors such as rider weight & road conditions)

LITHIUM ION BATTERY - One of the largest batteries available in any electric skateboard! Travel up to 12 miles on full throttle. (ranges vary based on factors such as rider weight, road conditions, road terrain, etc.)

CARBON FIBER COMPOSITE DECK - The deck is specifically designed to handle the unique loads of the electric skateboard. Carbon Fiber is used to add strength and stability for a better riding experience.

WIRELESS REMOTE - The board is controlled with a wireless hand held remote. The remote is light weight and also features a reverse mode.

WARRANTY - Ride off worry free with the 6 month warranty that comes with every board.

$699.00 - $100.00 $599.00

Buy on Amazon

SWAGTRON SwagBoard Voyager Electric Longboard

Sale

40 Reviews

SWAGTRON SwagBoard Voyager Electric Longboard – Motorized skateboard w/ Remote & Dual 350W Motorized Wheels; Holds 330Lbs

High-speed thrills - the electric skateboard deck uses a dual 350W wheels capable of going up to 15Mph with a range of 15 miles

Change directions with a click - a wireless remote controls acceleration and braking for this electric skateboard deck

Long lasting battery - the motorized longboard is powered by a long-lasting durable Lithium iron phosphate battery

Gorgeous deck - made with a combination bamboo and Canadian Maple; this electric skateboard deck is strong but flexible

Classically curvy - the voyager uses the traditional longboard design for an uncommonly smooth riding experience

$399.99 - $100.00 $299.99

Buy on Amazon

BLITZART Huracane 38″ Electric Longboard 17mph 10mile range 350W

42 Reviews

BLITZART Huracane 38" Electric Skateboard Longboard Motorized Electronic Hub-Motor 3.5" Wheels (Green)

RANGE AND SPEED - With a max speed of up to 17 MPH and a range of up to 10 miles on one charge. Equipped with a secured 36V lithium-ion battery pack that can be fully charged within 2.5 hours.

ERGONOMIC WIRELESS REMOTE - Easy to hold wireless remote that controls acceleration and deceleration with reverse capability. Two speed modes to beginners and advanced riders. Hold function to assist getting on and off the board. Remote control is rechargeable and comes with wrist strap.

MAPLE WOOD + BAMBOO DECK & PREMIUM GRIP TAPE - The 6-ply maple wood deck sandwiched between a layer of bamboo on the top and bottom of the board giving it more flexibility and sturdiness. The deck is outfitted with grip tape and is concave to keep the rider's feet firmly in place and stay on the board. Supports up a max weight of 300 lb.

350W BRUSHLESS HUB-MOTOR: Hub Motor vs Belt Driven Motor? Hub motors are more reliable and less problematic. Our hub motors give the board an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the overall design. Hub-motors are much quieter than belt driven motors. More importantly, the hub motors board can be kicked like a regular board with or without battery.

SHIPS FULLY ASSEMBLED AND READY TO RIDE - Save yourself the time and hassle of assembly when you can ride your board instantly out of the box.

$299.00

Buy on Amazon

The 4 key points of the Electric Skateboard

1. One of the main key points of the utility of a motorized skateboard is its course distance.

If you only have a ten-minute commute to school or work, you should not have a problem with the distance that all models can cover with a single charge.

However, if you plan to go for a walk for a whole afternoon, the last thing you want to do is a long walk to the house with your skateboard under your arm. And if it’s in your plans then the weight of the skateboard is another detail to consider.

2. Construction and performance

They are almost as important for an electric skate as for a car.

There are a number of inexpensive skateboards available. And most of them have poor quality wheels or brakes, lead-acid batteries instead of lithium-based batteries, motors that can not produce enough torque to propel you on a slight incline. being on the sidewalk and, frankly, the construction may be so mediocre that it will collapse in less than a month.

It may be more than enough for your needs or anything you can afford, but most good electric skateboards are expensive enough for you to make the best choice for your money.

3. The type of remote control used

It’s different for every skateboard and that’s another very important element. So we also examined the type of remote control used by each skateboard.

This may seem like a detail – until you’re on the road and realize that having to use your thumb to control your speed is much more difficult than using your index finger.

Some models even allow you to use your smartphone for commands, and most have applications that allow you to program their operation.

4. Other features

Other features that may be important to you include two-wheel drive (with a motor that powers each rear wheel) that can improve traction and power but make turning harder and faster;

Read also >> 10 Things You Most Likely Didn’t Know About Electric Scooters Battery.

A motor-wheel system (instead of the belt drive) for less noise; And extras like LED lights for night driving and waterproof or water-resistant components for all-weather exits.

The different types of Electric Skateboards

Now that you know which aspects are best for you on a skateboard, and where you can buy one, it’s time to look at the different types to further refine your

Electric Skateboards – Standard Simple

This style of board is usually more of a budget option, reducing costs by having only one driving wheel.

These boards usually have a lower top speed, less acceleration and can not handle the steepest hills.

These boards can also be a little less controllable or more complicated to control when braking, because only one wheel is slowed which can make you turn or slightly slip.

Electric Skateboards – Standard Double

The high end when it comes to electric skateboards, these boards have a pair of rear-mounted engines. Having a two-wheel drive in the rear increases traction, stability, and power compared to single-wheel drive systems.

These engines are paired with the wheels with timing belts or gears and sometimes allow different options to increase maximum speed or peak acceleration.

These boards can be fast, almost too fast for beginners, but usually have a beginner mode with limited speed and acceleration, to help get used to the board safely.

Electric Skateboards – motor-wheel

At first, you may be surprised to find that these boards are powered because there is no visible motor. Instead, these boards hide the engine inside the wheel, so that it is aptly named engine-wheel. Although these boards offer a much more elegant design, more compact and minimalist, they have disadvantages.

This style of the engine can increase the cost of the board, and make the replacement of a wheel much more difficult, which restricts you to buy a spare part directly from the manufacturer. In addition, these models may also be underfed compared to models that use a reduction transmission.

Electric Skateboards – off-road

For those who live in an area where the road is not the best, or who plan to ride on clay, an off-road model is a must. The best boards will have a larger studded tire, with enough power to effectively drive these monstrous wheels.

These boards can handle surprising terrain features, more than you might expect.

The disadvantage is that these boards can be much more expensive, either with a higher base price, or they require the purchase of an upgrade kit.

Sale

Dtemple 37 Inch Electric Longboard Skateboard...

$659.99 $599.99

Buy on Amazon

Sale

Electric Skateboard, 37’’ Dual Motors Wireless...

$879.99 $598.99

Buy on Amazon

MotoTec MT-SKT-1600 1600w Dirt Electric Skateboard

(15)

$629.00

Buy on Amazon

Electric Skateboards – Single Wheel

These boards, obviously, rely on a single wheel in the center and use internal sensors – gyroscopes and accelerometers – to balance and keep you on the board. The acceleration and braking are determined by your degree of inclination to the longitudinal axis of the board, and your head by tilting the board over its width with your heels and toes.

Therefore, these boards may require a slightly higher learning time than other models. However, these models are exceptionally fun and can behave very well in rough terrain.

Anatomy of an Electric Skateboard

On the scene in recent years, electric skateboards have flourished in the consumer market, with several manufacturers coming out different models. As this is a relatively new element, we have written this section to help you understand the different parts of a board and what they do. This section is a bit technical, meant for those who want to get into all the technical aspects of how these boards really work, or if you dig to find out more.

Electric Skateboards – remote control

All these products have a wireless remote control that is used to control the acceleration and brakes of the board. Some also have useful indicators indicating the life of the battery and the mode in which the board operates.

These should also be configured so that the board stops immediately if you fall, usually with an emergency stop switch. You can also activate the brake, allowing you to stop easily.

Electric Skateboards – the battery

The advent of powerful lithium batteries has really helped drive these devices to large-scale production, and almost all models of boards use a lithium battery.

Read also >> 10 Things You Most Likely Didn’t Know About Electric Scooters Battery.

Although these lightweight, powerful batteries are the cornerstone of most modern electric vehicles and technology gadgets, they can be dangerous if used improperly. You should always carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for loading and use, and never use third-party chargers to minimize risk.

There are also limitations when it comes to shipping and flying with these batteries, so always make sure you are aware of and comply with the regulations before shipping or shipping your board. anywhere.

Electric Skateboards – Electronic Speed Control / Trip Computer

This is the internal brain of the board; the cruise control and the computer will communicate with the remote control, controlling the motors at the appropriate speed and stopping the current if the signal is lost between the board and the remote control.

They will also monitor the battery to make sure it is charging and discharging safely and to warn you when the battery is low.

Electric Skateboards – the engine

In addition to the advent of lithium batteries, high power miniature brushless motors have been the cornerstone of the provision of small electric vehicles for consumers.

We recommend that you only look for a board with a brushless motor system, whether it is a motor-wheel or using a drive belt.

The broom motors are generally too heavy and inefficient for this use, and will probably be disappointing.

Read also >> Well Choose Your Yoga Brick

Conclusion

These electric skateboards, as you have seen, are designed for different purposes. We hope that our cheap electric skateboard tests and selection, and our top of the best Electric Skateboards and the best Electric Longboards or even our top of the best Electric Unicycles have helped you to refine your choice.

No matter which model you choose, even the entry-level model, there is a defined learning curve. Having experience with traditional skateboarding will help you adapt to an electric skateboard, but shifting with a remote control while maneuvering on the uneven or uneven ground can cause the fall of an experienced skateboarder.

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Bottom Line:

you will (re) learn skateboarding! In addition, at 20-30 kilometers per hour, do not always wear a helmet and adequate protection. We have not yet thought of it as a pout-but clearly, it’s another skateboarding experience … which assumes the proper safety equipment.

The key decision you will have to make (other than the one based on your budget, of course) is whether you want an electric board as a means of transportation, for off-roading or just for fun.

We hope this site has given you a better idea of what kind of electric skateboard would suit you!

Remember to always follow local laws and rules, and always wear proper protective gear when you break out in style on your new board.

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#Sport & Outdoors

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sleepymarmot · 8 years ago

Text

DS9 season 1 liveblog

[Season index: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 PS]

Emissary

Wait, "kidnapped for six days"? I thought the timeframe was much tighter...

I hope Kira won't always overact so much.

I like how quickly Sisko can go from barely contained cold hatred to cheerful manipulation.

Bashir's LITERALLY FIRST LINE is flirting! I'm honestly impressed :D

Bwahaha, tell him, Kira!

...Did O'Brien change back into his old uniform just to visit the Enterprise?

O'Brien now talks to computers just like Geordi.

Is this show going to regularly use baseball as a metaphor, like TNG did with poker? :D

This episode is a much better take on explaining humanity to an alien than "Encounter at Farpoint".

Past Prologue

The entire opening scene is just delightful -- does that even need saying?

Why does O'Brien feel so strongly about not giving the guy to the Cardassians? Has Chain of Command happened already?

Ooh, is this the encounter with the Duras sisters that will be referenced in TNG season 7, or are they going to visit DS9 again?

"Klingons have an odd sense of style, don't you agree?" -- Nah, only those two.

Drinking game: a shot every time Garak says the word "simple".

I didn't expect the show's second story to be so good!

A Man Alone

...Is every episode going to open with a scene where an older person on whom Bashir crushed within five seconds of their screentime is standing behind him and touching his shoulders?

I'm confused again, isn't the O'Brien kid a bit too old?

"Killing your own clone is still murder" -- Was this episode deliberately written as a fuck-you to Up the Long Ladder, or is it just a lucky coincidence?

Babel

What a beautiful script lol

Why aren't they at least trying to build a linguistic database? That was my first idea...

Captive Pursuit

"I'm not a barkeep" Well now I want an AU with Quark as Mrs Hudson...

"They've reversed the polarity of our shields" Sorry I just cannot take this phrase seriously...

Oh ffs, not the Prime Directive again!

Wow, this show really likes O'Brien...

Q-Less

I love the guest appearances from TNG characters! It really helps to establish the show as part of the same continuity.

Q and Vash's Doctor-companion dynamic gives me life.

Oh no, the Ferengi handjobs are back, I was wondering when it would happen...

"I like your new tailor" I thought Q meant Garak, not the change in Starfleet uniforms...

"But it's not going to be the same without you. When I look at a gas nebula, all I see is a cloud of dust. Seeing the universe through your eyes, I was able to experience wonder." I'M DYING THIS IS LITERALLY THE DOCTOR'S LINE

Dax

I was looking forward to this one! But I didn't expect the "how Trills actually work, let's forget about The Host" story to be presented as a courtroom episode, that's pretty clever.

Ah, of course whenever they talk about Dax's past relationship with a woman, they switch to third person and male pronouns -_-

I thought the wife was the murderer.

The Passenger

God, don't they have filters or oxygen masks or anything like that?

Yoo, a possession episode! This is endearing: TNG season one sometimes felt like revisiting TOS stories with a new cast, this season does the same to TNG.

Move Along Home

Does a fourteen year old really need a strict bedtime?

Kidnapping people is easy with transporter technology -- but how does one change their victims' clothes in the process?!

Quark's breakdown was unexpected; I suppose there'll be a follow-up on that?

The Nagus

Jake and Nog's friendship is very heartwarming.

Vortex

I'm glad to learn more about Odo, but wasn't this episode kinda cheesy?

Battle Lines

Yess, more Kira drama

Let me make a guess: this will be important in the season finale?

The Storyteller

You know that post "Have you ever accidentally befriended someone who was extremely annoying"? It needs to be on a screenshot of O'Brien and Bashir from this episode.

Progress

Kira's subplot is like an unholy hybrid between The Survivors, Ensigns of Command/Journey's End, and Preemptive Strike. Plus, that guy looks like Hannibal Lector.

Jake and Nog's subplot is giving me a bit too much secondhand embarrassment.

"I'm going to tell Minister Toran that she's remained temporarily on Jeraddo at your request" "But sir, that isn't true" "Make it true, Doctor. Now, please" lmao Sisko's methods are... interesting.

He gave a good speech to Kira in the next scene, too.

I'm glad it worked out well for the kids :D I kind of expected the two plots to tie together at the end -- like the old man settling on the piece of land they bought.

If Wishes Were Horses

"Waste of time. Too many people dream of places they'll never go, wish for things they'll never have, instead of paying adequate attention to their real lives." Are you calling all of your viewers out, Odo?

A bit too much technobabble, but funny! I thought this would be not just about imagination, but about youth. The imaginary characters are conjured up by a three year old, a fourteen year old, and by Julian whose immaturity is even commented upon in the cold open.

The Forsaken

Oh... oh my god... it's her

Why is her hair pink, anyway

O'Brien's talking to the computer right after opening credits, just after Majel Barrett's name appeared on screen -- are they doing this on purpose?

this orange hair is even worse

"You are the thin beige line between order and chaos" I'm dying what kind of compliment is this

Odo's grumpiness re: humanoid mating rituals is beautiful

"Every 16 hours I turn into a liquid" "I can swim"

Hello fanfic trope :D

Yes, Odo, I was making the same faces during the episode she's recalling

"Do you hear it?" "Hear what?" The voice" ARE THEY REALLY DOING THIS

"Like a baby" I'd say, more like Lwaxana

"It came here when we downloaded the probe's files. If we upload those same files back to the probe, it might go with them" That's... not how it works...

Universal acceptance is a lovely and very plausible other side of the coin to Lwaxana's eccentricity and odd taste. I've grown to appreciate that. She's always so obnoxious at the beginning of the episode, I completely forget about her sensitive side and she manages to surprise me every time.

wait, so she's been canonically wearing wigs in all those TNG episodes?

Dramatis Personae

Wait, is the infirmary right across the corridor from Quark's bar?

Bashir is acting very strangely

Alright, the question is "who isn't acting strangely"

Is Kira trying to flirt with Dax?

Bashir really won the temporary personality lottery. Everyone else became unlikeable and he just Lives For The Drama. I mean, more than usual...

Will Odo often play this role of the only one unaffected by a disease, like Data did? But unlike Data, he can also manipulate people. I'm only now starting to appreciate that he actually is a "Constable". Very refreshing to see a security officer who's allowed to be smart.

Duet

Oooh, finally it's time for the Bajoran-Cardassian drama again!

The plot twist makes this episode remind me of The Defector even more... And I think it cheapens the conflict; what to do with a bureaucrat who hasn't personally committed atrocities is a difficult and morally grey area -- not so much if it's the Big Bad responsible for everything and proud of it

Alright, he's too hammy, is there another twist coming?

Nice, Dukat is getting nervous, that's a good sign. I love Odo the detective

Okay, but even under his real identity, wouldn't, like, a very public trial and broadcasting his story everywhere have some effect?

I... don't really like how this episode ends on a "Not all Cardassians / Some Bajorans are just prejudiced". Still, it's the strongest story in the season.

In the Hands of the Prophets

Ughhh religious fundamentalists...

Have I mentioned how uncomfortable it is that on this show people's ears are often grabbed with completely different connotations?

Oh god I'm just seething this is too real

The murder mystery is interesting!

I hate her so much

Call! Odo!! Or! Sisko!! Preferably both!!!

General impressions:

A surprisingly even season. There are no outright failures (unlike TNG's first and last seasons -- hell, probably unlike any TNG season) but it's rarely remarkable.

The interior and costume design is quite ugly, sorry to say.

It took me several episodes to adjust after the glorious remastered HD of TNG. Please remaster this show too!

Best character for dramatic scenes: Kira

Best character for lighthearted scenes: Bashir

Most underused character: Dax

Best duo: Odo and Quark (okay, there's not much competition so far, I just wanted them to have their own category)

If O'Brien is such a super engineering pro, why did he spend all these years on the Enterprise manning the transporter instead of being Geordi's right hand man or something?

I don't know what I think of Sisko yet. But I like him more than Picard in his first season.

#star trek #ds9 #blah blah blah

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aureate-priest-blog · 8 years ago

Text

Sandman’s Bio :0

I FINALLY FINISHED THIS STUPID THING;; im just gonna put this here because Google docs is messing up :(

Name: Tanz Nachtmann

Nickname: “Sandman”

Meaning of name: “Dance” (Tanz) “Night Man” (Nachtmann)

Origin of name: Germany

Age: 26

Sex: Male

Blood type: O+

Nationality: German

Ethnicity: Caucasian

Political Party: Independent

Socioeconomic level as a child: Working Poor

Socioeconomic level as an adult: Upper Middle

Birthdate: November 9th, 1990

Birthplace: Germany

Current residence: Soho, Lower Manhattan / NYC

Hobbies/Pastimes: Painting, Reading (Mostly about non-fictional events and history)

Talents/Skills: Singing, Painting

Birth order: Third, Middle Child

Family:

Therese Nachtmann (Mother, deceased)

Bruno Nachtmann (Father, alive, imprisoned)

Alvin Streisgund (Stepfather, deceased)

Lothar Nachtmann (Eldest brother, alive, imprisoned)

Alfons Nachtmann (Older brother, deceased)

Judith Nachtmann (Younger sister, deceased)

Erica Nachtmann (Youngest sister, deceased)

Hometown: Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany

Most important childhood event that still affects him/her: The murder of his mother, stepfather, older brother, and younger sisters.

Favorite parent: His stepfather, Alvin

Why?: To him, Alvin was more than just his stepfather. He was his best friend, and if needed, his therapist. Alvin got him into exercising his anger into artistic forms of either drawing, painting, or singing, and almost always was able to convince Tanz to settle down before his temper erupted; thus, Alvin helped him avoid conflict with his mother whenever she was in an ill mood, or if she were drunk out of her mind.

Biggest role model: Jack the Ripper

Why?: While reading about psychology and the 19th century, Tanz happened across a name that caught his eye quicker than a flash. Tanz was infatuated with this infamous figure, for the fact that they were never caught for any of their murders, and avoided any contact with the public or the press. It, in a twisted sense, inspired Tanz’s art to span out in multiple directions, as well as push him to divert down craftier routes in skiving out of trouble, evolving his personality drastically.

Height: 6’6”

Weight: 195 lbs

Posture: Tanz keeps a very rigid and upright posture

Build: Little fat and muscle, round and narrow shoulders, slim neck and waist, long arms and legs

Skin: Smooth and fair colored

Hair: Dark brown, almost always slicked back

Ears: Small and round

Eyes: Amber, usually narrowed

Nose: Long and angled, slightly crooked

Mouth: Thin upper and bottom lips, easily curved into a smile

Face shape: Gaunt and elongated

Expressions: Either smug or blank

Describe their smile: His “people-person” smile has a softer tone to it and is quite natural, however his smile can stretch quite wide, making it look rather freakish in a trick of the light, and especially when he smiles with his teeth

Hands: Average sized hands with long, nimble fingers

Feet: Average sized feet

Left/Right handed?: Left

Distinguishing features: Mainly his bright eyes that compliment his often sly smile

Who does s/he take after: More of his mother’s sharp, angular sides than his father’s rounder features

How does s/he dress: His casual everyday fashion consists of either long sleeve sweaters or hoodies, and black skinny jeans or leggings. Shoe wise, he wears white Vans and occasionally mixes it up with some black high-tops. For different seasonal situations he wears bomber jackets and scarves, and perhaps some gloves depending on how cold it is out.

Weapons: They differ on the situation he’s in, but normally he carries around a knife hidden at his hip

Are they generally balanced or clumsy?: In his youth, he was perceived as awfully clumsy, however through dedication and interest in precision, he grew more balanced over time

Mannerisms/Poses/Movement: Tanz’s unruly upbringing in his ragtag apartment for six lead him to having absolutely no manners or common sense, and over time he started to realize that perhaps acting like a child wouldn’t get him anywhere. He learned different forms of etiquette for all sorts of events, and it slowly changed the way he held himself in front of any person of any socioeconomic class; be it the president or a stranger in a store.

Describe their walk: Tanz tends to have a constricted walk as rigid as his posture, as though he were marching in the army; although, when running, he breaks into a full, fluid sprinting motion as seamless as air.

Habits/OCDs/Obsessions: Tanz has a nasty habit of tearing the skin off his fingers with his teeth, though it isn’t due to anxiety, and more or less it’s something he finds himself doing without knowing.

Health: Quite deteriorated, not so good

Hygiene: Keeps himself spick and span all the time

Speech Patterns: Mostly speaks with loads of diction, and he tends to drag some words and sentences out when talking to people he has a disliking for

Voice: Tanz’s voice is slightly of higher pitch with a sense of mocking put subtlety in. His German accent is noticeable, but not thick enough to a point of obscurity.

Describe their laugh: Normally he tries to keep his composure so he won't laugh, because if he does it sounds like a rabid hyena

Style (Elegant, shabby, etc): More on the elegant side

Known Languages: German, English

Character's long-term goals/desires in life: Finding someone he can really connect with and settling down with them, and if that person turns up unhappy in the relationship, he would dispose them.

How self-confident is the character?: He has a jarring lack of self-confidence

How do they see him/herself?: Tanz sees himself as a normal human being, who can’t seem to understand why people think murder is so wrong when they deserve it

What is the character most proud of?: His success in getting massive amounts of money from his one-night stands’ bank accounts and using their emotional heartbreaks to his advantage

What does the character like least about themselves?: Tanz dislikes his physical features, and the way he does things, often cursing at himself in fits of blind rage that sometimes lead to unwarranted self harm

How do they express themselves?: FINGER PAINTING!!!! (Unfortunately, the red he finger paints with is not paint)

Patience level (on a level of 1 to 10?): Around a 7/10, depending on what he’s impatient for. If it’s something he deems “urgent” then it’s most likely a 2/10.

Does the character seem ruled by emotion or logic or some combination thereof?: He seems ruled by a combination of the two, but emotion plays a bigger part

Most at ease when: Any of his “friends” are done and dealt with, and when it rains

Ill at ease when: People begin to get a bit antsy and suspicious with him, and in crowds

Describe their sense of humor: Tanz’s humor is awfully dark, and most people tend to avoid discussing emotional or horrifying topics around him in fear they’ll be entreated to a joke about a dead loved one

If granted one wish, what would it be?: To be born and raised in a better family

Why?: Tanz has created a deep hatred for both his mother and father, as well as his siblings, for his crude childhood and half-assed education and meals. Sometimes he still wishes he got to live far away with his stepfather, though it was a dream crushed to bits as he watched his stepfather plead for his life as he was murdered before his eyes.

Character/Personality/Mental/Social: His strength lies in himself, and though he has such a lack of confidence, he only ever relies on what he does in that moment, and no one else. While good with influencing people and manipulating them, he often finds it difficult to connect with them on an empathetic level, with the way his mind is fractured into believing different ethical actions

If they could be described with one of the seven virtues, which would it be?: Diligence

If they could be described with one of the seven sins, which would it be?: Wrath

Biggest Vulnerability (non physical): Anything mentioning his parents in a negative way would set him off, or even praising his parents (i.e.: “Ah, I feel sorry for you mother, she must have been a great person.”)

Optimist or Pessimist: Optimistic

Introvert or extrovert: Despite his lack of empathy, Tanz is more on the extroverted spectrum due to him engaging with people often in order to befriend them and gain their trust

Favorite

Color: Red

Place: The Ocean

Room in the house and why: Bedroom, because there he feels like that it’s his own personal space and that no one else may break peace there

Food/drinks: Butter cookies, root beer

Music genre: 80s New Wave

Songs and Singers/Bands: The Cure, Depeche Mode, Rammstein, Megaherz

Movies/Tv Shows/Performances: Phantom of the Opera, any detective/homicide show

Books: Grimms’ Fairy Tales, Blood Meridian

Historical figure: Jack the Ripper

Subject in school: Art

Animal: Snake

Least Favorite

Place: City (Even though he lives there, he mainly fights against his dislike for the sake of what victims he pursues)

Food/drink: Steak, any meat in general really, and tea

Music genre: Country, and pop music

Subject in school: P.E. / Gym

Where does this character like to hang out?: Anywhere near large bodies of water

Where is this character's dream place to live?: On or near the beach

Mode of transportation: He regularly tends to walk everywhere, or hitch a ride from someone if he gets to know them

Girlfriend/Boyfriend(s): He never has had any, as he fears these would get in his way, and lead to some suspicion towards him if loved ones knew about the relationship after a murder

Marital status: Single

What kind of person would s/he consider to be the perfect partner?: Though hopping from one victim to another, Tanz does often think of settling down with someone, even if his intention is to murder them after a few months or so. The kind of person he’d consider to be perfect is someone who’s simple, and unnecessarily nice and loving. Perhaps he’d even want more of an obsessive partner that thought about him non-stop, so that killing them would make it easier.

Is the character judgmental of others and how so?: Tanz is extremely judgemental about others and chooses what he wants to “befriend” wisely. He detests those who drink abhorrent amounts of alcohol and have an annoyingly high sex drive. He judges how they walk, how they dress, how often they blink, and even the slight pauses in between their sentences to pick apart who they really are inside. When it comes to people he loathes, he tends to even degrade and belittle them for every miniscule thing, making him an overall petty person.

How do they treat members of the opposite sex?: He knows not at all women are bad based on the actions of just his mother and sisters, so he tries to treat them as respectfully as he would with any person. When it comes to romance however, he doesn’t find that much of an interest in them; although, he will choose them for a “one-night stand” just for the sole purpose of killing them, rather than men in which he’ll portray sexual interest in.

What do they consider to be a romantic setting/activity/date?: Tanz’s favorite romantic settings have everything to do with the lighting. Anything with a soft, warm hue in a place simply screams “romance” to him. Most activities he considers romantic are going out to dinner at nice places, or visiting museums or local parks. He’ll go anywhere for his date that he needs to in order to make them feel comfortable with him and their surroundings, so that a more trusting interaction takes place.

How does a normal date go for this character?: Dates usually go well and smooth for Tanz, and on the rare occasion, there’s always someone who doesn’t quite agree, and that ends up violent with a body in the back alley.

Virgin?: Nope

How often does this character have sex?: Not too often unless his “date” really thinks that would make their friendly interactions progress

How long can he/she go without sex?: For a long, long time

How does this character feel emotionally, after sex?: Bored, really. Tanz doesn’t find much pleasure in having intercourse with another person, so often times he would avoid sex as much as possible, as it’s a total buzzkill for him.

Usually on the top or bottom?: Top

Dominant or Submissive?: Dominant

What song best fits this character?: There are a few songs I had in mind!!! :D

Mr. Sandman by The Chordettes (Of course!)

Tanzdiktator by Nachtmahr

Disappoint by Assemblage 23

Politikil by ohGr

Why Can’t I Be You? by The Cure

#ocs #i cried a bit #there was too much information so some of it i had to cut out

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brajeshupadhyay · 4 years ago

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China’s Xi Jinping Declares War on Food Waste

Chinese regulators are calling out livestreamers who binge-eat for promoting excessive consumption. A school said it would bar students from applying for scholarships if their daily leftovers exceeded a set amount. A restaurant placed electronic scales at its entrance for customers to weigh themselves to avoid ordering too much.

China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, has declared a war on the “shocking and distressing” squandering of food, and the nation is racing to respond, with some going to greater extremes than others.

The ruling Communist Party has long sought to portray Mr. Xi as a fighter of excess and gluttony in officialdom, but this new call for gastronomic discipline is aimed at the public and carries a special urgency. When it comes to food security, Mr. Xi said, Chinese citizens should maintain a sense of crisis because of vulnerabilities exposed by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Cultivate thrifty habits and foster a social environment where waste is shameful and thriftiness is applaudable,” Mr. Xi said in a directive carried by the official People’s Daily newspaper last week.

Mr. Xi’s edict is part of a broader message from the leadership in recent weeks about the importance of self-reliance in a time of tensions with the United States and other economic partners. The concern is that import disruptions caused by the global geopolitical turmoil, the pandemic and trade tensions with the Trump administration, as well as some of China’s worst floods this year, could cut into food supplies.

But like so many top-down orders in China, the vaguely worded directive prompted a flurry of speculation. State news media moved quickly to tamp down panic about imminent food shortages, reporting that China had recently seen consecutive bumper grain harvests and record high grain output.

The edict was also met with sometimes ham-handed measures. The restaurant that offered to weigh patrons in the central Chinese city of Changsha quickly drew a backlash and was forced to apologize over the weekend.

“Our intention was to advocate not wasting food and for people to order in a healthy way,” the restaurant said. “We never forced customers to weigh themselves.”

Mr. Xi’s “clean plate” campaign strikes at the heart of dining culture in China. Custom dictates that ordering extra dishes and leaving food behind are ways to demonstrate generosity toward one’s relatives, clients, business partners and important guests.

Such habits have contributed to an estimated 17 million to 18 million tons of food being discarded annually, an amount that could feed 30 million to 50 million people for a year, according to a study by the Chinese Academy of Science and the World Wildlife Fund.

Mr. Xi’s call is as much a warning against the dangers of profligacy as it is a reflection of the generational shift in values that has emerged as living standards rise.

Austerity campaigns can seem out of place in modern China, where cities with gleaming skyscrapers and luxury malls buzz with fancy cars. But they were common in the era of Mao Zedong, when the People’s Daily would urge citizens to “eat only two meals a day, one of which should be soft and liquid.”

Wang Yaqin, a 79-year-old retiree in the northeastern Chinese city of Harbin, remembers the several years of famine precipitated by Mao’s disastrous Great Leap Forward campaign from 1958 to 1962. In that campaign, in which Mao ordered peasants to reorganize into communes and build backyard steel furnaces to catch up with the West, food supplies plummeted, officials falsely inflated grain harvests, and by some estimates 45 million people starved.

During those years, Ms. Wang said, there was little else to eat besides beet pulp — commonly used to feed horses and cattle — mixed with sweet corn noodles.

Though food is now plentiful, Ms. Wang remains uneasy with simply tossing it out. Once, she said, she even retrieved some dumplings that her children had thrown away, rinsing and eating them.

“This campaign is brilliant,” said Ms. Wang in a telephone interview. “Although it seems like a small thing, it’s good if even one watt of electricity and one drop of water can be saved.”

Many among the country’s younger generation, such as Samantha Pan, a 21-year-old student in Guangzhou, embrace being free from having to worry about saving food for a rainy day, and hold little regard for the state’s moral exhortations.

“This type of initiative is very boring and useless,” Ms. Pan said in a telephone interview. “I am entitled to order as much food as I want. If I just happen to love wasting food, it’s still my freedom.”

For Mr. Xi, the issue of food security has taken on more importance as China grapples with overlapping crises including a shaky economy and severe floods that have left large swaths of the country’s farmland under water.

Food prices climbed about 13 percent in July compared with a year ago, according to official statistics. The price of pork, a staple food for many Chinese families, increased by about 85 percent during that same period, in part because the floods affected production and transportation.

Farmers in the central Chinese province of Henan, a crucial grain-producing region, admitted to stockpiling much of their grain harvests this year in the hopes of selling for higher prices later, according to a report published on Monday in the party-backed China Youth Daily newspaper.

As tensions with other countries have risen, the party has been girding itself for the possibility of being cut off internationally — and making sure it can produce enough food to feed China’s 1.4 billion people.

The Coronavirus Outbreak ›

Frequently Asked Questions

Updated August 17, 2020

Why does standing six feet away from others help?

The coronavirus spreads primarily through droplets from your mouth and nose, especially when you cough or sneeze. The C.D.C., one of the organizations using that measure, bases its recommendation of six feet on the idea that most large droplets that people expel when they cough or sneeze will fall to the ground within six feet. But six feet has never been a magic number that guarantees complete protection. Sneezes, for instance, can launch droplets a lot farther than six feet, according to a recent study. It’s a rule of thumb: You should be safest standing six feet apart outside, especially when it’s windy. But keep a mask on at all times, even when you think you’re far enough apart.

I have antibodies. Am I now immune?

As of right now, that seems likely, for at least several months. There have been frightening accounts of people suffering what seems to be a second bout of Covid-19. But experts say these patients may have a drawn-out course of infection, with the virus taking a slow toll weeks to months after initial exposure. People infected with the coronavirus typically produce immune molecules called antibodies, which are protective proteins made in response to an infection. These antibodies may last in the body only two to three months, which may seem worrisome, but that’s perfectly normal after an acute infection subsides, said Dr. Michael Mina, an immunologist at Harvard University. It may be possible to get the coronavirus again, but it’s highly unlikely that it would be possible in a short window of time from initial infection or make people sicker the second time.

I’m a small-business owner. Can I get relief?

The stimulus bills enacted in March offer help for the millions of American small businesses. Those eligible for aid are businesses and nonprofit organizations with fewer than 500 workers, including sole proprietorships, independent contractors and freelancers. Some larger companies in some industries are also eligible. The help being offered, which is being managed by the Small Business Administration, includes the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. But lots of folks have not yet seen payouts. Even those who have received help are confused: The rules are draconian, and some are stuck sitting on money they don’t know how to use. Many small-business owners are getting less than they expected or not hearing anything at all.

What are my rights if I am worried about going back to work?

What is school going to look like in September?

It is unlikely that many schools will return to a normal schedule this fall, requiring the grind of online learning, makeshift child care and stunted workdays to continue. California’s two largest public school districts — Los Angeles and San Diego — said on July 13, that instruction will be remote-only in the fall, citing concerns that surging coronavirus infections in their areas pose too dire a risk for students and teachers. Together, the two districts enroll some 825,000 students. They are the largest in the country so far to abandon plans for even a partial physical return to classrooms when they reopen in August. For other districts, the solution won’t be an all-or-nothing approach. Many systems, including the nation’s largest, New York City, are devising hybrid plans that involve spending some days in classrooms and other days online. There’s no national policy on this yet, so check with your municipal school system regularly to see what is happening in your community.

“In an ideal environment, international relations would be very good and China could freely import food from other places,” said Hu Xingdou, a Beijing-based political economist. “But practically speaking, China may have some big problems.”

Wu Qiang, a political analyst based in Beijing, said the pandemic and the floods were reminiscent of the challenges that dogged China’s emperors, whose legitimacy largely rested on their perceived ability to maintain harmony between humans and nature.

By taking steps to pre-empt a food shortage, Mr. Xi is showing that he recognizes the challenge these crises, if left unchecked, could pose to his hold on power, Mr. Wu said. “So now he’s pushing the responsibility onto the people, telling them to be thrifty,” he said.

But some restaurant owners are reluctant to bear the cost of Mr. Xi’s clean plate campaign.

Jimmy Zhang, the owner of a home-style restaurant in the city of Linyi, in the eastern province of Shandong, said he supported Mr. Xi’s call but didn’t want to encourage customers to order fewer dishes.

“What the country is promoting is good, but as a citizen, the policies are too far away from me,” said Mr. Zhang, adding that the costs of rent and employee salaries were rising. “There’s no way I can support them without losing money.”

The campaign also throws into question the entire business model driving a niche corner of the Chinese internet — livestreamers who have found fame by recording themselves eating vast amounts of food.

Known as “big stomach kings,” many such video bloggers draw hordes of fans and rely on these shows for income. China’s state-run broadcaster, C.C.T.V., slammed such performances in a recent commentary headlined: “Livestreaming is fine, but do not use food as your props!”

China’s biggest short-video and social media platforms — including Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, and Kuaishou — said they would punish users seen to be wasting food in their broadcasts.

A video blogger, who until recently went by the name “Big Stomach Mini” and once ate an entire roasted lamb in one meal, posted a new video on her social media page last week in which she urged her followers to savor every bite of food and take home leftovers. The video drew messages of support from some of her 11 million fans.

“There’s nothing wrong with enjoying delicious cuisine,” said the blogger, who has since changed her name to the more austere-sounding “Dimple Mini.” “But please don’t be extravagant and wasteful.”

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teesturtle · 5 years ago

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