#and its about changing the shift schedule from 3 12 hours shifts per week for each of us

[fiveisnumber1]

Timeless - Five Hargreeves x Reader

Word Count: 3828

Warnings: None

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_________________________

Pt 11 - Lost In The Past

You didn't know how long it had been since you started crying but there came a point where you could cry no more. The tears no longer fell and your screams were nothing more than gasps of air. You felt empty like every last bit of emotion inside you was just released into the hollow house. Wiping the tears from your eyes you felt a gentle hand stroke your hair.

"There there, why don't we go get you some food to eat? You must be hungry after all that crying." Grace says

You turn your head to look at her and give her a small nod. Grace extends her hand to help you stand from the floor and when you stand she wraps an arm around you, guiding you to the kitchen. Sitting you down at the kitchen table, Grace starts to cook while you try to come to terms with your new reality. You had so many questions and yet you weren't sure if you had the words to vocalize them.

"Grace?" You call

"Hm?" She replies

"What happened since I've been gone?" You question softly

"Well George W. Bush served as president until 2008 when Barack Obama was elected to the presidency. The company Apple invented the iPhone in 2007 which revolutionized technology by giving phones touch screens. Youtube, Facebook, and other social media platforms grew to international success during the time you were gone. The-" Grace replies but you cut her off

"No, I mean...what happened here?" You say

Grace stops cooking for a second and turns to you.

"Oh. Well, you and Five went missing on the same day eleven years ago and things were never quite the same. Your disappearances took a toll on both your family and ours. I remember that about three years after you left, your parents packed up and moved to wherever they went. They were so distraught and I don't blame them it's very difficult to lose a child. I recall that back then Diego really tried his best to track them down in case you ever came back."

"What happened to Diego? And the others?"

"Diego left the house right when he turned eighteen, and Vanya, Klaus, and Allison left shortly thereafter which happened about six or so years ago. Luther stayed but now he's up on the moon doing some important research for Mr. Hargreeves!"

"You forgot about Ben." You state

"Oh right...Ben. Ben died on a mission in 2006. I don't know if you saw in the courtyard but there's a memorial statue for him there."

"He died?" You reply shocked

Grace nods.

"Yes and that was the straw that broke the camel's back, after you and Five went missing, and Ben's death, the rest of the children had no desire to stay in the house. It's difficult having to lose all your children one by one..." Grace states before putting on a chipper voice "Anyway here's a grilled cheese sandwich!"

"Oh." You say surprised at her quick shift of emotion "Uh, thank you."

"No problem (Y/N). Feel free to walk around the house and if you need anything else just ask! I'll be in the laundry room." Grace says before leaving

As she exits the kitchen and heads upstairs to the laundry room, you stare at the grilled cheese before pushing the plate away and putting your face in your hands. Everything felt like it was moving at a million miles per hour and you couldn't make it stop. You needed to get your mind off of things. Lifting you head out of your hands you stand up and grab your sandwich off the plate and walk towards a calendar on the kitchen wall. It read November 22nd, 2013. You shook your head and decided to leave the room. Strolling out of the kitchen and around the Umbrella Academy, you look at paintings of the former academy members. With each painting, the number of kids grew less and less as if time was making them disappear. You continue to walk around as you eat your sandwich taking in the empty sights. Passing different rooms, memories replayed in your mind so strongly that it was like you were right there in them again. You could practically see and hear the Hargreeves kids running down the halls and fighting with each other in those dumb uniforms they used to wear but you knew those experiences were just in your mind. This building had become a haunted house filled with the ghosts of past memories that would never come back. Looking outside at the snowy scene you decide to brave the elements and head out to the courtyard.  This time instead of frantically looking for signs of life you take in the sight of death. You make your way over to the statue of what looks to be an older version of Ben. The statue has a solemn look on its face as it looks down on you.

"I guess you're the only one left here." You comment to the statue

You got no response. You didn't expect one but it was worth a shot. You looked down at the pedestal the statue was on and read the epitaph.

May the darkness within you find peace in the light

You wrote that to him in the journal you gave him for all of your 13th birthdays. Things really had changed while you were gone. With the cold starting to set in, you head back inside and go stand in the parlor next to the fireplace. Looking up at the painting of Five once more, a mix of emotions started churning inside you. Anger, grief, confusion, hurt. All of them overwhelmed you.

"You know this is all your fault Five." You start to rant to the painting "If you hadn't gotten mad about whatever it was you were mad about neither of us would be in this situation."

You pace back and forth in front of the fireplace, your feelings of hurt and anger growing stronger like the flames before you. You continue to yell louder at the painting in front of you,

"Oh leave me alone (Y/N) you wouldn't get it. Bullshit! Do you see what you've done? Look at me! I have no family, no home, no friends, nothing because of you and your stupid superiority complex! All of it is gone! Do you hear me?"

By this point, you were actively staring down the painting, pointing and screaming at it,

"I HAVE NOTHING! NOTHING BECAUSE OF YOU! I LOST EVERYTHING AND THAT INCLUDES MY BEST FRIEND! HOW DARE YOU FIVE! HOW DARE YOU LEAVE ME ALONE!"

"Child, yelling at the painting is not going to console your grief." You hear a voice say from behind you

Turning around you find Mr. Hargreeves to be standing there.

"Why do you keep the painting up then?" You retort crossing your arms

"I keep it up to remember the boy." he answers, "I told him not to mess with time travel but he refused to listen."

"He thought he was better than everyone." You comment

"He thought he was better than most people, not all, but most." Reginald replies "Now if you're going to be staying here there are going to be rules that you need to follow."

"Who said I was staying here?" You remark

"You have other accommodations?" He questions

You let out a huff.

"No." you reply annoyed

It was true, you had nowhere else to go and this was probably your only chance of having a home of sorts. You heard the stories of what it was like to live with Reginald and although you didn't want to, you knew that you had no other choice.

"Very well. I will have Pogo inform you of the daily schedule of eating, training, and studying."

"Slow your roll old man, training?" you question raising an eyebrow

"Of course. To develop your powers." He responds blankly

"Listen, if I'm going to live here and have to deal with your rules then I have some conditions. First, I will train my powers and let you research them but do NOT expect me to put on a little uniform and become the only member of the second class of the Umbrella Academy. That's not happening. Second, if you want me to learn something it will wait until the weekend because during the week I want to go to school. Third, I have autonomy of where I go both inside and outside this house. I am not going to live my life solely in one bedroom. Do I make myself clear?" You demand

"I see time hasn't dulled that sharp tongue and insolent attitude of yours." Reginald remarks

"Well what eleven years is to you has been like two hours to me." you retort

"Fine. I agree with your conditions and the schedule will be adjusted accordingly but you MUST stick to it and the house rules or I will not tolerate your requests further." Reginald replies

"Deal." You state curtly

"I'll have Grace deal with your living accommodations. Now keep quiet."

"One more thing. You got his eyes wrong, they're a brighter blue." You say gesturing to the painting of Five

Reginald turns to walk away and you flop down on the couch. This is not what you expected when you woke up that morning...eleven years ago. All of it was still so surreal and you didn't know what to do. So you did nothing, you just laid on the couch staring at the ceiling silently and let the world pass by as it had done already. You didn't notice how much time had gone by until you heard Grace call out,

"(Y/N)!"

"I'm here." You reply sitting up from the couch

"Mr. Hargreeves told me that you're going to be staying with us. I'm so happy to hear that! Now I have the pleasure of being able to take care of you too!" She says happily "Let's get you situated!"

Grace and you walk upstairs and into the hall that housed the former rooms of the children.

"You can pick whichever room you want!" Grace explains "Allison's room is all set up in terms of having girlier items, and Vanya's room is smaller but it's barren so you can decorate it however you want! Luther and Ben's rooms are super organized! We can always redo Klaus or Diego's rooms and there's always Fi-"

"I'll take a look at the rooms and let you know." You quickly shoot out

Grace gives you a slightly shocked look before smiling and saying,

"Oh alright, I'm going to make dinner then. Just let me know before bedtime so I can get some clean sheets for you."

You didn't mean to cut off Grace but Five's room was the only room you didn't check earlier. Going in there wasn't something you were prepared to do right now and it definitely wasn't the one you were going to stay in. It would hurt too much, not only because of all the memories made in there but because it looked right across at your old room which was now frozen in time. Passing the closed door of Five's room you walk down the hall and carefully examine all the other options. You saw that Allison and Luther had two of the largest rooms, and you were surprised you couldn't find a hole cut in their shared wall to secretly enter each others. Nevertheless, Luther had only left recently so you didn't want his room and Allison's room had too much of her stuff in it and you knew even with rearranging you couldn't make it feel like your own. Making your way down the hall you saw Vanya's barren room but decided against it because it was too small. Klaus' room was too messy even though he hadn't been there for years and you felt weird about staying in Ben's room since it was still his when he passed away. All that was left was Diego's room. It wasn't as large as Luther or Allison's but it wasn't as small as Vanya's. You still felt a little awkward about taking it but out of all the options it was the best choice. Hearing a bell ring you went down to the dining room for dinner. Mr. Hargreeves was already there standing behind his seat at the head of the table. You stood behind the seat at the opposite head.

"Sit." He commanded

You sat down and Grace dished out food for both you and Mr. Hargreeves. The dinner was silent, the only sounds were that of the silverware clanking against your plates. When finished you excused yourself from the table. As you were walking away Grace asked,

"Did you pick a room?"

"Ah yes, I'll be staying in Diego's room." You answer

"Well it's not Diego's room anymore silly, it's yours! I'll go get some fresh sheets for the bed."

As you head to Diego's room you quickly get an idea to try and make the room more of your own. Transporting yourself to your old room you grab three items before transporting yourself back to the academy. As you approach Diego's room with the items in your arms you see that Grace had finished making the bed. Entering, you place the items on the desk. The diary replica that your parents gave you, the music box, and the teddy bear that Five gave you. It wasn't much but the items comforted you. Putting on a pair of pajamas you got ready for bed. As you pulled the bedsheets down Grace appeared behind you in the doorway and said,

"Goodnight (Y/N), sleep well."

She started to walk away when you called out,

"Grace?"

"Yes (Y/N)?" she replies

"Do you- do you think you could tuck me in?"

You saw as her expression was both happy and sad in a way. Like there was a piece missing that you somehow filled with that question.

"Of course," She replied a smile coming on to her face

You got into the bed and Grace happily tucked you in. Pulling the covers a top of she couldn't help but feel a sense of completeness that she lost years ago. The house had been so empty since all the kids left, but now she had someone to take care of and although the circumstances were less than great for you she wanted to make sure that she could give you the best. Quietly, she turned the light off and closed the door so you could fall asleep.

After that day the Hargreeves house had become your home. Over the next month, you moved most of your stuff from your old room to your new one. Having your stuff helped to make the transition easier although it also made you miss your past. To pass the time, you religiously wrote in the replica diary about each day but instead of writing dear diary for each entry, you wrote Dear Five. You hoped that if he came back one day you could give him the diary to read about what you were up to so it was like he was always there with you. With some help, you got enrolled in school but wouldn't start until after winter break. Even as you settled into the routine of training and living, you still felt all the emotions that you had that first day. You knew you wouldn't get over them immediately but you wished you had a better outlet. Going to Grace one day you asked her,

"Grace, do you have any ideas on how to get these negative feelings out in a healthy way? I know they won't go away but I'm hoping I can make them less strong."

"Hmm. Well if you put the energy that you spend on those feelings into different activities it might help. You could play the piano again or you can take up a physical sport. I heard boxing is really good for taking negative energy out." Grace responds "Actually I think there is a boxing club in the area. How about you check it out tomorrow?"

"Alright, I can try that. Do you think they're open though, it is Christmas Eve." You reply

"If my knowledge is correct, this one is open 365 days a year." Grace replies

You nodded and once you had figured out where it was you put on exercise clothes. Grace bundled you up in a warm jacket and with that, you walked your way over to the boxing club. Entering you approached a desk where an old man sat.

"Hi, I'd like to learn to box." You say

"You're a little small to learn, don't you think?" He replies

"I have a hundred dollars that say I'm not too small." You state holding up the bill

"Can't argue with that." The old man says taking the cash

He escorts you over to a punching bag.

"Wait here, I'll get you someone to teach you." He says before turning his attention "Hey Kraken, get your ass over here. I need you to teach this kid."

Slowly a man steps out of the boxing ring where he was practicing and walks over to where you and the old man are. The old man walks away as the younger man takes off his gear.  He says,

"Hey, I'm-"

But he stops abruptly. The man just stares at you blankly.

"Are you okay?" You ask

"Sorry, you look like someone I used to know." He says

Something about this man felt familiar but you couldn't place it. The man sticks out his hand to shake yours. You go to shake it but when you look down at his wrist he has an all too familiar marking there, a tattoo of an umbrella in a circle. You look at the tattoo before looking up again at the man and start to recognize the features of the boy you used to know, now all grown up.

"Diego?" you question softly

"H-h-how did you know my name?" He stutters

"I knew it because you do know me. It's me, (Y/N)," you reply softly

You can see the confusion on his face turn into a softer expression. Although it might not have been evident to his other siblings, Diego was a deeply emotional person and you saw that exact look you were seeing in his eyes many times before when you two were younger.

"No. It can't be. You look exactly the same, you should be my age" He questions, the emotion on his face becoming more evident

"Accidentally traveling through time will do that to you. Please you have to believe me Eggo." You begged

He was having doubts that it was truly you but that all went away when you called him that name. It was a dumb nickname you gave him when one time Luther refused to let go of him. You kept exclaiming "let go my eggo" as you tried to use your powers to get Luther off. No one else but you ever knew of that. Tears formed in Diego's eyes but quickly after he wrapped his arms around you and picked you up.

"Hey everyone! My sister is back! We thought she went missing but she's back!" Diego exclaims to the people in the boxing club

There are some cheers and congratulations shouted from across the gym as Diego puts you back down. For so long he hoped that you would come back and now here you were like a Christmas miracle. You were more like a sibling to him in the short amount of time he knew you than his own siblings were. Instead of learning to box the two of you talked. You explained everything that you had gone through and your current living situation. He didn't like that you were living in that house with his father but he knew that he didn't have the means to house you nor properly take care of you. One thing he did know is that he was going to make sure that after all this misery you could have a better life. Even though time had gone on and he was older now you were still like a sister to him but now you were his little sister and he was determined to protect you from any harm the world might throw your way. He was going to be the best older brother he could be to you and make sure that you would not have to face the life he did.

And so for the next five years, Diego was there for every important moment in your life, always trying to support you and make it better. He dropped you off on your first day of school when spring semester rolled around and every first day after. He went to every piano recital you had and sat front row. When there was a father-daughter dance fundraiser he went to make sure you weren't alone. He trained you and coached you in boxing and was there for every single match. He planned a huge sweet 16 birthday party using what money he had. He was the one who took you on your first college visits when you were 17. He took time out of his days to practice working on your powers. For everything, he was there and on top of that, he regularly took you out of the house to spend time with you. You were his little sister, his true sister and he wanted you to know it.

Along with everything Diego did for you, you were grateful for some of the things you had gotten in the Hargreeves house. After about a year or so you stopped calling Grace by her name and started to call her mom. If androids could cry tears of joy Grace would have the first time that word left your mouth. Pogo had convinced Reginald to get you a piano play and in an odd act of kindness, he did. Along with that, your powers developed greatly under the supervision of Reginald and Pogo. You were able to do more in terms of manipulating the molecules in the world around you and were able to start seeing disturbances in them as well. Life wasn't perfect but through the years it got easier. But although you were growing up and trying to move on with your life, even after all those years Five never left your mind for a second. You missed him greatly and hated that the last words the two of you shared were ones of anger. You wondered if he was still mad at you. Each moment of every day Five still consumed your mind and you hoped that wherever he was, in another time and place, that he was doing okay and that one day he would come back to you.

Check out the side story here: 

The Missing Five Years - “Lost In The Past” Side story

Taglist: @xplrreylo @joebob15274 @insatiable-ivy @fruitsaladtree @angelpeachamber @academy-umbrella @lizziel1410 @ir3neeee @faith-quake @aliens-with-colas @eddiomyspaghettio @lady-celeste25 @im-dead-and-hurting @nerdypinupcrystal @cherry-ki-d @anapocalypseinmymind @vicassa @2cuteforyourlies @taylorsmakingfuckingmacandcheese @n1ghtsh4d3-67 @cheshire-salvatore-mikaelson @shadowycreationcupcake @macaroni-mads @metor-showers1994 @fivehargreevesforthewin @rinko-san @supernovavision @cicilisthebest @flickbix @hi-v-juice @magykal-777 @zosiaduda

[unichrome]

I’ve been wanting to write down as much as I can remember from the month at the hospital in April, and this tumblr blog is the only thing I have that even remotely resembles a journal. So here it is, feel free to read and comment if you’d like, but please don’t reblog.

I was living in Copenhagen when this happened.

A few weeks prior, I started a new medication, an antipsychotic so the usual side effect was to be expected: tiredness. But I’ve been in this carousel before, I know the worst is over after a week or so. I did indeed become extremely tired, and this was during working-from-home corona days so most shifts I ended up napping in the couch at any chance I got. Easily slept 12+ hours per night. It kept getting worse, I couldn’t stay awake during the days, became extremely lethargic. And it didn’t get better after a week, it just kept getting worse. So I called my psychiatrist and told her the medication wasn’t working and I felt so very bad and tired.

I got a new appointment with her, which I can’t even remember really. She got worried and sent me off to the psychiatric ward, where they did the standard blood test. Then sent me off to a room. Luckily I had anticipated for something like this to happen, so I had brought the work phone as well as chargers, so I could call in sick to work. A while later, three people suddenly entered and told me I had to go to the hospital right now, two of them were from the hospital transport. They took me to Amager hospital, I was so confused and not really present at all. I don’t know what they told me, but I needed a blood transfusion immediately. I stayed there for a night, the only thing I can remember is going to the bathroom once.

The Amager hospital apparently wasn’t capable of providing the care I needed, I was transported yet again, to Rigshospitalet. The memories from here on are very blurry and sporadic. Eventually I heard that both of my kidneys were failing, when I was admitted on April 22nd, my kidney functionality was around 18%. If it drops under 20% it becomes lethal. Kidneys are also responsible for the production of blood, which wasn’t happening anymore and I had a very dangerously low count of red blood cells.

I’m super difficult to get blood from if the first attempt isn’t successful, as the poor nurses became painfully aware of after failing on the first try. During one of the first days there, when the daily blood test was to be taken, they didn’t succeed. Three nurses tried, eventually they called for a narcosis doctor to try with a ultrasound machine to find my veins, but it didn’t work very well either. They stung me all around the body, down to my feet and it took at least an hour to get the sample and my body had pretty much gone into shock since medical procedures and needles of any kind are one of my worst fears. Because of this it was decided to install a port for draining blood so this wouldn’t have to be repeated every day.

A kidney biopsy was ordered as well as more detailed blood tests to figure out why this kidney failure was happening. I would also have to call my parents in Sweden and tell them what was happening, and the fact that they couldn’t come and visit me, at all. I was in a quarantined zone of the hospital where no visitors were allowed, not even family. But also Denmark had closed its borders at the time, so they couldn’t even enter the country in the first place.

My only contact with the outside world was my phone that I treated as the most precious thing in the entire world, it was also pretty much the only thing I had with me. I would have long calls with my family talking about the most mundane and boring things but it was such a blessing to hear about, I would drag out the subjects as much as I could and so would they. I’d often cry after having to stop the calls.

The biopsy and tests revealed that I had antibodies that shouldn’t be there. My immune system was attacking the body, pretty much. This autoimmune disease is very rare, Microscopic Polyangiitis, and will cause kidney failure (and other organ failures) if not discovered and treated in time. Since I barely had any prior symtoms, it wasn’t discovered in time. My lungs were also examined as the disease usually targets kidneys and/or lungs, but no significant damage was found there luckily.

I was put on steroids (prednisone 60 mg) that would support the kidneys and dampen the damage from the antibodies as well as chemotherapy (Sendoxan 100 mg) that would shut down the immune system almost completely. Synthetic hormone injections every week to stimulate the production of red blood cells.

Every morning a blood test was done a 6:00, as well as checking the temperature and blood pressure. I was forced to drink 3 liters of fluid every day (which I logged on a paper meticulously - every ml counted) and I could only pick between water, disgusting orange juice or disgusting apple juice. Except during lunch, when I got a small package of milk - this became pretty much the highlight of my day. One glass of milk. That was like pure joy, it tasted so divine. In just a few days your entire world shifts in such a way that this package of milk is what you look forward to the next day.

All day I was bedbound and in a haze, time was entirely dependent on medicine, meal and test times like a work schedule, from the 6:00 tests to the final 23:00 medications, that left 7 hours of rest that was robbed from me because prednisone makes you unable to sleep well, even with the sleep aids I got. Despite being in bed almost all day every day, I was constantly sleepy and tired but I would never get any rest. Couldn’t even pee normally either, had to collect everything in a bottle for them to log.

But of course it would get worse. After about 6 days, my doctor came in and told me that the treatment didn’t seem to be working fast enough. My kidney functionality kept dropping, now at 13%, creatinine levels above 400 (it should never be above 80 for women, around 200 is kidney failure). They had one more weapon to combat this - plasmapheresis. This would mean connecting me to a machine that would take out my blood, clean it from the harmful antibodies, and put it back in again. Hopefully this would buy me time for the treatment to win. To do this, they had to cut up my throat to insert two tubes that would take in and out the blood. I had to be awake during the whole procedure to control the breathing as instructed.

I wasn’t connected to the machine all the time. A few hours every other day. It was noisy, sounded like a miniature washing machine, and I hated it so much. The tubes in my throat, blood going in and out of me, it was just pure terror even if the procedure itself didn’t hurt. I got some mild sedatives but they were way too mild and didn’t do shit. The fact that I didn’t have to be connected to the machine every other day became yet another highlight like the milk. I’d talk about how today was such a good day because it was a no machine day, like a holiday.

Showering was horrible too. Because of the tubes I had to avoid getting them wet as much as possible while still somehow washing the hair. Then the tape around the tubes had to be changed and I hated anyone touching that area. I went for as long as I could between the showers, up to 9 days.

I was quickly becoming very weak, as the medications and chemo ate away at my bones and muscles. My legs have always been strong, I’ve had no problems doing squats with a grown man hanging on my back. But one day when I was in the bathroom, I spilled some toothpaste on the floor. I squat down to wipe it, but I couldn’t get back up again. My legs were way too weak. I ended up having to drag myself up via the toilet and sink, it felt so humiliating I refused to use the button to call for help. I bet it took several minutes to get back up standing.

It was still very unsure if I would make it, the plasmapheresis wasn’t a guaranteed help. One day a psychologist came to talk to me, but the only thing I remember is that he asked if I was afraid of death. I told him that my current biggest fear was the damn tubes in my neck, the constant needles, every day the touching and prodding of my body, but it didn’t seem like it got through to him. Maybe because my Danish was so damn shitty too, I could barely articulate myself and what I felt in Swedish, much less in English or Danish, I think I was mostly rambling incoherently.

In the meantime my parents had been writing the hospital for updates and visitation possibilities, and eventually the kind nurses and doctors there started fighting for getting my parents to visit. They got granted an exception by the hospital to visit my room once per day, but they still couldn’t get into the country. My parents contacted the Danish police asking if an exception could be made since it now was entirely possible that this could be the last time they’d see me. They were eventually granted permission and now the final hindrance remained - getting there. Since they live far up north, the transportation options are limited especially during corona. There were essentially no flights, so the second best option was train for about 2 days.

As luck would have it, the plasmapheresis did help, my kidneys were slowly recovering and once I got up to around 25% functionality, I was free from the damn machine and the medications now had the upper hand against my stupid immune system. In the final days at the hospital, my parents arrived. And we could actually be happy because it seemed like the danger was over. I begged the doctor to release me and let my parents help me at home instead. I knew how to take the medications by now and it wouldn’t be necessary for daily tests anymore. She agreed but I had to come to the hospital every few days for a checkup.

And that concluded my first chapter of this disease and kidney failure. Thank you for reading all the way to here, I appreciate it.

[macgyvermedical]

Labor Pool and Prep Work

It’s 3/18/20 and I’m a registered nurse.

I live in the US, in a place that is just starting to see cases of COVID-19.

It’s the weirdest feeling in the world, to know that in a week, two weeks, for the next few months, we’re going to be absolutely swamped with respiratory patients.

Right now, everything is in prep mode.

Frantic waiting.

Usually, I work in nursing/medical education. I’m a physical diagnosis lab instructor with other duties as assigned. Since clinical education has been cancelled, I signed up for labor pool.

Yesterday, my first labor pool shift had me checking visitor and incoming patient temperatures at the front entrance. The entire 8 hours, we checked maybe a few hundred temperatures. No one’s temperature was elevated.

On Thursday, my second labor pool shift, I will be teaching clinical staff how to don and doff N95s and PAPR hoods.

The floors are clearing out as much as possible, freeing up beds for those coming in with COVID-19. Census is way down, staffing is the best its been in about forever.

Yesterday, when I went to take lunch at my normal office, they’d only had 10 patients the whole morning (normal is 60-80). My supervisor was sending staff home for lack of work.

Meanwhile, rules are changing at lightning speed. There were 2 visitors allowed per patient yesterday, with 12 hours of visitation time. Now only 1 visitor per person, with 2, 4-hour shifts of visitation in the morning and evening.

I’ve been assigned no fewer than 5 additional online trainings that need completed by the end of the week. I’ll probably go in today to do them, even though I’m not scheduled.

We’re conserving gloves, masks, sani-wipes, and hand sanitizer.

There’s a mix of total chill and hellish anxiety. It feels like the water is being pulled back from the shore in the lead-up to a tsunami.

It wasn’t like this at all last week.

As a young, healthy, single RN in labor pool, I expect to be pulled into clinical staffing relatively quickly. I’m ready to participate and respond to this however I can. I don’t want to take lightly what clinical staff is about to experience, but there’s this whole feeling of just wanting it to start.

[memorylang]

Easter Epilogue in America | #35 | April 2020

Friday, March 6, 2020, I disembarked in North Las Vegas, Nevada, to a home I hadn’t lived in since high school 2015. I’ve been here a couple months now, by time of writing. 

With today’s stories, I bring you from my first days and weeks back in the States through April’s end. I share reverse culture’s shock’s role in my readjustment to Vegas life, as COVID-19 grew across the States. But I’m a hopeful man, so you know my stories end well. 

As a good friend reminded me the night I learned all Peace Corps Volunteers had to go, "The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in His way" (Psalm 37:23). Consider this the epilogue to my very fruitful, memorable, and—dare I write—life-changing adventures. I've no regrets. 

Overture

Week 1 (March 6-12) was a blessing, having just returned to an America vaguely like the one I knew. Gosh, I love fruit. Thankfully, a few friends saw me. 

Then Week 2 (March 13-19) brought big changes and new deadlines. But, meanwhile, Week 3 (March 20-26) began my home improvement operations. The following weekend saw a drive to Reno to see my 19-year-old sister at uni. 

Weeks 4 and 5 (March 27-April 9) saw my 21-year-old sister visit Vegas from LA, starting with the 24th birthday of my older brother and ending after Easter Sunday. 

Week 6 (April 10-16) began with Holy Week, then driving Sister back to LA, followed by the restart to fitness routines. My routines expanded, Week 7 (April 17-23). Week 8 (April 24-30), Dad visited that weekend, so I braved minor puncture wounds from yard work with him plus an excruciating medical procedure. Fitness routines continued, and I shifted my diet from a fruit obsession to increasing my protein intake. 

Week 9 (May 1-7) began by closing loose ends with my Peace Corps stories. I’ve begun next steps while home, as we lead into Mothers’ Day. 

Landing—Returned to Vegas

From tens of thousands of feet in the air, I felt the end of an era. Nine Mongolian months ended. 

The midday we landed, I wanted to get up and leave elsewhere, not to the house in Vegas. 

I’m an English teacher. It’s a school day. I should be teaching. 

My 18-year-old high school senior brother picked me up from the airport. Haha, he said he skipped English class to get me. Dad seemed upset that my bro missed class, but Bro had stable senioritis, with college plans secured. I loved the irony of skipping class to get a teacher. 

Neighborhood in Reverse Culture Shock

A few hours after we came home, I went forth to community walk around the neighborhood, trying to make sense of things. 

“Hello, how are you?” said someone in passing. “Oh, doing great,” I replied in usual fashion. 

Well, I wasn't [doing great]. 

As I walked I weighed how when I used to live in Vegas, in 2015, I was more concerned with, what's the newest game? What's the latest episode? Yet now I feel more detached, less purposeful. I continued on to the park. 

I love the fragrances and fresh air beneath the trees. I lied in the grass. 

In another way, I felt, I only tolerated Vegas. There's more for me out there. There are so many cities and places with people I'd rather see and be with. 

But God is with me here, too. It's the second Friday of Lent. 

School buses drove by as I walked home a couple hours later. Middle schoolers walked and biked my neighborhood. (Was it my neighborhood? I'd hardly reintegrated...) 

Middle schoolers jeered to each other about whatever. Some kids probably had crushes on each other but felt too shy to speak up, uncomfortable with the status quo. I felt like a watcher no longer a participant. Yet I was them, here, 10 years ago. 

I had some dinner then slept shortly after, from 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. in our home’s guest bed. There I realized, I might be sleeping here a while. 

Strange Days Ahead

By Saturday morning, my first one waking at home, I still felt I’d feel lonely without my senior cohort if I came back to Mongolia. Thankfully at least a half dozen said they plan to return. And senior cohort members who continued keeping in touch with me were great comforts. I still felt encouraged to apply to be a Resource Volunteer, sometime after conquering my 16-hour jet lag. 

“Frozen II” tracks from the day before looped in my head most mornings. Film themes of change, grief and controlling the few things we can felt uncommonly personal. From Saturday on, I looped English and Chinese tracks from “Frozen II” while coping with being home. One jetlagged 3 a.m. morning, I even transcribed and translated the tracks between languages. 

Later Saturday morning, I walked back to the park. I spotted a tree. So I climbed it. Surprisingly my park had a sturdy one. Who knew? The tree’s been here all the dozen years my family has... 

Atop its branches, I felt I might wake up from a dream and be back in Mongolia the next day. 

I felt still reeling from my bewildering first Peace Corps Week. From seven days ago, I left my Mongolian city, came among nearly 100 fellow Volunteers, joined half on a journey across Europe, then found myself back in Vegas with my four siblings still in school. So mystic. 

American Culture Redux

I’d jot general musings about culture during these first days back in the States. 

We say, “Pardon me,” as though the mere act of engaging a stranger in conversation might offend against a stranger’s time. 

In the West, we highly value possessions, and we treat time itself as something to possess. 

In the States, we travel separately to functions. We might chit chat some before or after. Then we part ways to do whatever we’ve already scheduled. 

I wondered if I should ask to visit people or accompany them. Would that be weird? I felt my integration habits of Peace Corps lingered. But I considered, I still had plenty I could do by myself, like taking time to process my sudden evacuation.

In the States, we decide against reaching out to people. Perhaps we fear simple greetings to friends, with nothing more, might impose on their time. On the flip side, I receive multiple messages per week from Mongolians simply writing to say good morning or hello—so pleasant. I should cherish others’ care, never reject. 

Resettling In

I cut my hand dropping down the tree, so I applied pressure, elevated the wound and headed home to clean and bandage it. I felt weirdly at ease, remembering Peace Corps health trainings. I recalled “Dear Evan Hansen,” too. 

My family was busy with life, so the house felt rather quiet and still most hours. Already, though, I brainstormed ways to keep busy as a Peace Corps Volunteer on admin hold. 

I began by finishing my Peace Corps blog stories. The day after, I’d already have my newest online, “Trilingual Adventures, My First Mongolian Winter | #22 | January 2020.” Coincidentally, that story was my last from before Coronavirus quarantines in Mongolia began. 

Mongolian friends still messaged me every so often. They're so kind. I hoped they wouldn’t lose hope I'll return. [Nine weeks later, they’re still hopeful.] Meanwhile, I still wanted to search for a Vegas Mongolians Facebook group when my jet lag was up and I felt ready to start speaking Mongolian again.

I considered planning a trip to my alma mater in Reno, Nev. for a week later that month, once I settled more into the States’ routines. On the topic of routines, I decided maybe I'd visit church most weekdays to establish some semblance. I'd help my folks as best I could, so I’d still feel like I'm serving somebody. I even thought of getting my 23-year-old brother's bike repaired, to borrow it every so often! 

To end that reflective weekend, later that Saturday, my little brother drove me to the bank to deposit the funds I withdrew earlier that week in Mongolia. Then he treated me to my first American fast-food in a while. I attended Mass for the first time in weeks that evening. On Sunday, I marveled at seeing free to-go boxes, when Dad’s fiancée’s family invited my brother and I to celebrate the oldest daughter’s birthday. I enjoyed my first Thai tea in a long while. 

That week, I frequented daily morning prayer, rosary and Masses at church. Then walked around the community and continued blog tales either from the public library or from a local Starbucks (coincidentally the same one in which Black Friday 2018 I committed to Peace Corps service). On separate days, a couple friends also reconnected with me. I attended Mass seven of eight days this period, returning to Reconciliation that final Saturday and dreaming dreams most every night two weeks thereafter. 

Peace Corps Global Evacuation

Week 2 (March 13-19), my cohort learned we were being reclassified as being Returned Peace Corps Volunteers—as in, we’d officially completed our service. This followed with sudden paperwork, thankfully not due for a few weeks. This led to global headlines of all Peace Corps Volunteers coming home, too.

Between home projects to tidy the house or weed the yard, I joined up with the National Peace Corps Association group writing to our legislators to support Returned Peace Corps Volunteers worldwide. I spent the days preceding the Holy Triduum completing my final paperwork. 

I felt comforted nonetheless Peace Corps Mongolia insisted we could reinstate, assuming Mongolia’s situation resolves within the next year. I felt willing to take that bet. 

COVID-19 Escalates Across the States

My second week, church closed. I still frequented the park but felt amazed to see more people than usual. A couple more friends reconnected. 

A few weeks later, businesses shut down, schools closed, and I felt more adjusted. America was looking like the rest of the world. I trusted Americans generally had a good sense of sanitation practices, so I felt less concerned about establishments open. Mongolia lacked drive-throughs, so businesses there often closed outright. 

But my weekend between Weeks 3 and 4, March 26-28, felt the first time I heard how rapidly COVID-19 escalated in the States. My little brother played podcasts as we drove to deliver supplies to our uni sister sheltering in Reno. From the news, I heard the U.S. now led the world in Coronavirus cases. That sounded bad. I felt especially baffled hearing that Nevada, with a population slightly less than Mongolia’s, topped over 100 times as many cases. I felt more at risk in the States! 

During the trip, I also encountered American jargon, like, “Out of/due to an abundance of caution…,” “social distancing” and “Flatten the curve.” I felt critical of whether many Nevadans really knew what the jargon meant, considering how many cars remained on the road, how close people gathered in parks and how shoppers hardly kept distance. Though, I also recognized that Mongolian media might have used similar stock phrases that I just didn’t know... Nonetheless, Mongolians officials seemed more willing to pause operations to let health workers build capacity, and citizens tended to comply. 

If any last brave friends wanted to see me, the closest we got to physical touch was to raise our feet toward each other and bump our shoes, as bros might fist bump or clasp hands. I commented touching each other’s feet together in Mongolia would’ve been a serious taboo, hehe. Still, I left those as my last in-person meet-ups to #StayHome and limit concerning others.  

Perks of Being American

At home, my time zone matched most friends’ again, which made phone and video calls so feasible. I chatted with whoever reached out or replied to my outreach, which led to lovely chats with relatives, mentors, past classmates, fellow Peace Corps evacuees and more. 

Introverted friends inspired me much when I checked in with them. They joyously shared how much time they’ve had for uninterrupted time to themselves and work from home. Introverts often touch my soul. 

Being an ambivert feels weird for me sometimes, in how I straddle both sides. Extroverts often seem the ones I want, but introverts seem the ones I need. Nowadays, when being extroverted takes the effort, I find inspiration flowing from introverted bliss. 

Community members I met in Mongolia continued keeping in touch with me, which helped me remember and stay close to my prayerful Lenten commitment to consult God on my projects. 

Easter 2020 #WithMe with Family

My fourth week, my 21-year-old sister, the USC junior, flew in to celebrate our older bro’s 24th birthday. She brought her Nintendo Switch, so I soaked up the fun of “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,” Nintendo’s “ARMS” demo and Jackbox Games with the family. After unis went online, our older bro transitioned to quarantine with his girlfriend and her sisters, but he still visited to celebrate his birthday with us. 

I also felt joyful during Holy Week when the World Youth Day 2019 Mass soundtrack appeared on Spotify. It was an incredible choral and rhythmic masterpiece I never thought I’d hear again. I recently learned, too, a childhood best friend would receive confirmation this year—magnificent!

As on Sundays, I saw the Lent and Holy Week services on YouTube, between channels like Shalom World with Pope Francis, Ascension Presents with Fr. Mike Schmitz, Word on Fire with Bishop Barron, and Our Lady of Wisdom Newman Center with Fr. Nathan Mamo. A Kansan relative joked how COVID-19’s let us “attend” Mass in our jeans, haha. Dad’s fiancée and I talked about the newfound freedom to just choose any online pastor per week. 

My Easter 2020 apex came Good Friday. I felt moved by the Vatican’s Way of the Cross, which read Italian reflections written by incarcerated and those whose lives they affected or whose lives affect them. They reminded me, for many of us, COVID-19 is nothing compared to the ‘normal’ sufferings of those behind bars, starving for hope. 

Renewed Motivation

After Easter Sunday, my lil’ bro and I returned Sister to L.A., Dad returned to work in northern Nevada, and Older Bro returned to sheltering away. So since the beginning of Easter, April 12, 2020, I’ve spent my days seeking to accelerate into a newer, more stable motivated state. 

I decided first to honor Dad’s suggestion to work-out and, with my lil’ bro’s help, added focused fitness to my days. I borrowed my siblings’ game system and games to finish one I started years ago while on the treadmill. I personally doubled-down on blog stories to get two through a week. And, setting up my new horizon after, I started looking back into language studies. Week 7 (April 17-23) added my return to polyphasic sleep to boost productivity. 

I’m a hopeful man. So some days, especially between 4 and 6 a.m., I draw or write stories about the ideal life I wish I could be living. This helps me delve into where my yearnings really are, mentally. After seeing “The Rise of Skywalker,” I even doodled an Avatar like Rey meditating in the air. Then I try giving my wants back up to God, accepting I can’t have all those things right now. Usually this process illuminates desires I hadn’t acknowledged before. 

I also recognize the steps I can take now to draw me closer to my future desires.

I spend idle thoughts when possible praying for others. I realize with so many people already praying for me, I needn’t worry about myself, since I’m taken care of. Instead, I should think to the ones who do not know the hope I feel. I wish some encounter might intrigue them and offer new peace. Such exercises remind me too of my privileges and help root me in my giving self. 

Ecclesiastical Latin’s been a fun quest toward greater knowledge. It bridges both Mongolian and Spanish grammar, while drawing vocabulary I’ve encountered across English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese and Mongolian, too. Plus I understand church music better now. It’s a fun journey. I found regarding Church language that Mandarin and Mongolian more frequently transliterated straight from the Latin, where English and Spanish adapted. Fun reading. 

Five Months of Freedom

I read the soonest I might return to Peace Corps service in Mongolia would be October 2020. So, I’ll be here in the Pacific time zone for long, if you want to call someday. I’ve cherished my adventures and look forward to those ahead.

I’m ostensibly home for the summer, so I plan to write at least once monthly a new piece sharing unpublished bits from Mongolia, maybe a few new tales from American life, too. 

Hard to believe after packing my Mongolian apartment, evacuating in our caravan to the capital, saying so-long to many, flying around the world and finally landing in Vegas, I’d finish revising and editing these blog stories #22 through 38. I’d been drafting them for months, weeks and days! At last, we’ve caught up. 

So, as the days come, I’ll rise, read Scriptures, reflect, journal, chat with Asia, take to the treadmill, play some games, see some films or shows, try to eat well, try to work most muscles, try not to strain something, then return to writing, other reading, napping, showering, sorting, teeth-brushing, thinking and marveling. This leaves plenty of time to socialize. And I do miss you, wherever you shelter.

Keep in touch, Friend! 

Up next is a 2020 Mother’s Day reflection. 

You can read more from me here at DanielLang.me :)

[socially-inept-marketer]

7 Tips for Awesome Local SEO

Insert places and your issues are compounded.

Identifying the search engine optimization methods for automobile dealer promoting that most efficiently pull in neighborhood visitors is a shifting target.

Last year Google alone produced over 500 changes to the way they position and index a company site in their search engine, as well as their newest Hummingbird upgrade that basically rewrote their whole search engine they are on a collision-course to greatest that amount. So it’s highly likely that some site changes you might have made a few years back are now obsolete (if not entirely prohibited ), whereas new criteria and best practices for local SEO might be absent from the site in addition to your off-page resources such as social media and company listings.

Therefore, in the event that you’ve been thinking that your visibility appears to have crashed you are likely accurate.

However, where there’s difficulty — there’s chance, and if you aren’t content with the regional search engine results, here are 7 SEO tips that are certain to drive more neighborhood discovery to your small business — regardless of if you’ve got one or a number of places.

1. Keywords

The component forcing traffic isn’t the website’s region . Search engines don’t observe the components of your site. Nevertheless, it is sensible to focus as much care there as you can.

You may use a tool such as Google’s Keyword Planner to construct your plan. Download your list of keywords to Excel for additional filtering and editing on a regular basis — quarterly inspection works good but certainly no less than two times per year. I am a major supporter of audits for functionality KPIs, promotion and business analysis.

Position for a hundred key words that nobody is looking for is a waste of energy, determine keywords most likely to push the ideal kind of visitors to your business and build your website (and off-page activity) around people. You fueling your self.

For customers, I concentrate on approximately 35 key words & phrases Generally, and spend a few hours’ selections. Every strategy is exceptional for customers in precisely the business vertical.

SEO** TIP**: Filtering consequences of this Keyword Planner instrument by geographical regions (state, state, county, and town ) will exhibit the regional need for your key word entered in addition to project a feeling of how competitive it’s going to be for you to rank for people on search.

2. Keyword META & Mapping

Now that you have your strategy down let us put it to great use.

Looking in the key word list (Excel spreadsheet), you will likely observe you could group together similar key terms to form classes (I predict those silos).

Does your site have a webpage for every category? It ought to.

Your webpages must aim the facets of your enterprise — although you do not need tens of thousands of pages to your site. Your list of key words is your point.

Looking at your keyword list, be certain that the main keyword for a webpage is utilized as near the front of the opening paragraph of this site as possible and consider highlighting your key word in bold. Same holds for the administrative components of this site known as the META — that the part folks can’t view, but search engines may (not all site platforms allow using bold , do not freak out if yours does not ).

There are 3 components of META on a Site

Ensure each site page contains unique META components (all those three) and place your key keyword as near the front of your wordings as you finish these components.

META Keywords aren’t a ranking component, so use them sparingly — no longer than 10 words/phrases — and do not sell-the-shop by listing the most important keywords on your competitors to discover. Do however be sure to record your state, city, and zip code in addition to the conditions”automobile parts”,”Mopar components”, and”automobile body parts”.

Some of the most common search engine optimization mistakes for smaller companies I visit are META that’s not optimized or that’s not unique for every webpage.

3. SCHEMA

Tool for neighborhood advertising needs to do with having a very simple html code known as SCHEMA — also known as structured info or microformat — to identify and classify a number of the most essential info on your site to search engines, including your place and contact information.

Google, Bing, and Yahoo loosely accepts this code which makes it a must-have for every single small business.

Speaking of search engines, remember that Google is not the only choice worth courting. Facebook has also incorporated a search feature named Search Graph this season, as well as one-in-seven individuals in the world having a Facebook accounts which makes them (technically) the greatest search engine on earth.

SEO TIP: All these tools can enable you to finish & examine your code: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQSVsHvpTTA 

Doing this will lower the total amount of html coding which search engines need to read since they load your webpage creating your page load quicker — and the rate a site page opens is a search engine optimization element which affects ranking. Quick is good.

Adding things such as your contact info here will make it simple for individuals to associate with you what page of the site they’re on. This is particularly true on cellular devices. Have multiple places — think about utilizing a split footer in which one side is to get the satellite or local company | another for the primary site.

As an extra plus, getting your contact information on each page may also raise neighborhood indexation of your site by search engines, which makes it much easier for local searchers to locate you.

5. I am not going too heavy into blogging and social networking, there has been much printed already on the subject, but suffice to say you have to be actively generating content (story telling).

Most small companies begin to sweat at the idea of composing blog & social networking articles, but here is a very simple strategy which will get your articles advertising roaring like a 440 Six Pack.

Collect 12 pictures (electronic ) that best exemplify your major keyword phrases and place

Cool vehicle part graphics and”title the component” quizzes make good articles

Describe who, what, when, where, why, or how about the picture

Make certain your keyword is in front of your name, description, and message.

Insert a connection back to the webpage of your site this key word goes to (Step 1.)

Utilize a scheduling app to automate those 12 articles to print after a month. You finally have one narrative to post each month. Wasn’t that simple?

Now produce over the subsequent six months and then add them and continue composing and adding. It is literally that simple.

My preference would be to get a separate to double a companies marketing stations. You might also have an onsite (site ) site to curate the articles from the off-site site, no injury there — only be sure to offer new blog articles a couple of days to populate search engines prior to re-publishing them.

SEO TIP: Sensible includes a content advertising tool which automatically selects the best time to organize your site and societal networking articles based on if your audience is the most likely to read . It might take a couple of months in order for it to find a fantastic read on your own followers & buddies, so hang in there — it works excellent. This tool also lets you set automatic re-posting, just make sure you write with an ever-greening tone so that your backup does not date and place a realistic end-date in to drama.

6. NAP Consistency —

Among the most significant local-SEO varies from 2012 to 2013 is that the significance of correctly formatted and proper small business contact info.

Any mention of a company’s name, its physical address, local telephone number, and site are known as a company citation. The components tied to a company location (title, address, telephone ) being called NAP. The pin-point accuracy of this dataset is essential for local advertising as it supplies search engines identification of your place and contact info. Sounds straightforward enough but almost 50% of small business have data or formatting errors within their citation NAP — their regional visibility on hunt is guaranteed to bring a hit for this.

Consider this company:The Mopar Parts Main St, Your City of bob

Thus the Mopar Parts of Bob received market share that was diluted . Not a fantastic thing in any way. There are 720 mixtures of companies NAP mistakes which could be produced out of the information.

Discovering and adjusting citation mistakes is not a glamorous job and it might take weeks to make any considerable progress, but at the big picture, adjusting your NAP information will pay massive dividends for your regional visibility.

Automation (support business or software application ) does not work well for citation or connection construction. Not only are you planning to make duplicate listings (not great ), but you can’t build as detailed a list using automation as you possibly could by hand (scanning ). And you may dismiss the”Your profile is 100% absolute” directives — which usually just means you’ve completed 100 percent of the mandatory minimal areas — there is typically a good deal more work to perform.

Search engine optimization is in the facts, and at a hyper-competitive marketplace like the automobile parts sector, the tiny details can make the gap between #1 position on the initial page and #11 standing on the second-page. If you’re thinking about subscribing to a nearby link building service such as Yext, know your listings will probably revert to the condition before you hired them if you cancel your operating arrangement, and you’re responsible for locating and correcting any copy listings their support generates. Businesses like sanp seo can also provide building services for local direcotries.

7. You’ve probably heard of the company review website”Yelp” and’ve likely heard both Google and Bing provide directory listings for companies, but did you understand that these inspection and company list sites can give your company a substantial increase in visibility?

The bulge happens in a few ways. All these directory and search engine listings include a credibility component to your company by verifying the consistency of your NAP (title, address, and telephone ) along with your keyword attention as removed from the story of the list. A number of these listings also include a”class” element farther classifying your small business. Additional info like your own hours of surgery, and the kinds of payment you take in may also be noticed and confirmed via these company listings (also known as backlinks since all of them have a link pointing back into your own company ). NAP verification raises confidence and at time, raise your visibility.

If citation link building building pains your mind, think of it like filling a hot air balloon, then it requires a great deal of atmosphere to find the balloon away from the floor and required regular action to help keep it afloat. If you quit hitting on the burners or run out of gas, the balloon return to earth. Now consider your advertising activities like one connection from a directory list, search engine, website, or societal websites article were the equal of a single cubic-foot of air. It might take some time before you began to understand your standing and visibility increase — but such as the balloon, after it removed, it is going to stay flying high provided that it’s tended to.

For example, it’s well-known that Google Maps supports information with YP.com along with other citation information suppliers, so be sure to only use the local telephone number enrolled to your physical place and don’t record a call-tracking number in your site or for any internet citations. In addition, don’t use scripts which reveal the local amount but conceal the call-tracking one, revealing a viewer different info than that which search engines see is known as cloaking — and it is a breach of search engine guidelines that if captured could make a hefty punishment from search businesses.

A directory list that is correctly optimized and formatted may appear on search engines if somebody is searching. If you had one of these elements appear with your site your marketplace share that is online would double!

Websites with greater PageRank — show in search.All united, focusing on those 7 components of neighborhood SEO will increase your visibility on search engines and drive more visitors to your site.

[r-escribe]

Even after 100 years we'll be by your side, Kanan

Word count: 1876

Pairing: Kanan x Dia x Mari

Rating: General audience until part two where we could argue if it escalates to teen and up.

AO3

Summary: A year has passed since the 3rd years graduated and went their separate ways. Kanan has doubts about their friendship.

A/N: First of all happy birthday Kanan! Secondly, I'm sorry this is so poorly phrased it's been a while since I last wrote anything or read anything. Also, this was extremely rushed so hopefully it makes some sense... so yeah enjoy. This was posted on AO3 6 days ago so exactly in time for Kanan’s birthday only I forgot to post it here ahaha :)

“Kanan, could you please take my shift tomorrow? I have finals on Monday so I really wanted to do some studying…” said the amethyst colored eyed girl co-worker with an apologizing voice.

“Sure, I got’cha!”

Sure Kanan’s birthday was tomorrow but ever since she graduated from high school and left to get her diving license in Australia, she didn’t get to talk with the rest of Aqours as much as she would have like. Additionally, no one knew it was her birthday so she hadn't any plans.

With that in mind, both girls finished cleaning the shop and waved their goodbyes.

The diver’s apartment wasn’t particularly big, well it was small, but big enough to fit one person. Especially when that person only went there to change clothes and get some sleep. It had a single bedroom with a connected bathroom, the only separation between the kitchen and the living room/dining room was an island.

Kanan put her keys on said island and took a shower. She put on a black tank top and a pair of shorts. She took an apple from her kitchen and laid down on her bed, and took her phone. It wasn’t unusual for her to look at the photo album she named “Aqours”, she had some photos of their lives, practices, sleepovers, that time they went to Tokyo, Hakodate, even some with Saint Snow. Kanan smiled slightly. She missed her friends, last time they were all together was when the then 3rd years graduated. The navy blue haired girl closed her eyes. When Mari, Dia, and herself first left Uchiura they would all 9 of them try to video call as much as possible, but of course life moves on and soon what had been 2 or 3 calls per week soon became 1 once a week and now with the second years graduating soon a call once every 2-3 weeks. They still sent a bunch of messages but being 2 hours ahead of Tokyo’s time either there was no one to talk with, or she had to start work soon. As for the 3rd years group chat, with all of them in different time zones, it was hard to keep a full conversation. Even though they met only about a month ago in Tokyo to celebrate Dia’s birthday Kanan felt as if it had been years since they talked, years since she hugged them. A single tear came out of amethyst eyes and the diver quickly cleaned it. Don’t. In only a few hours is your birthday and the girls probably want to video call you. You can’t let them see you like this, specially Dia or Mari. Don’t cry; for them. As soon as those thoughts were out of her mind she stared at the ceiling.  Maybe they’ll come visit, Mari and I went to Tokyo for Dia’s birthday maybe they’ll come too. Just maybe… And soon she was asleep.

“....Shall we dance?, Yume no you ni odorimashou, Hitoyo no wasurerarenai shinderera, Kutsu wo nuide okeba nakusanai yo karuku hayaku, Dare o yobou ka? Moriagaru ne!...” G Senjou no Cinderella came through her phone’s speakers, time to wake up and get ready for work. Kanan rubbed her eyes and sat at the edge of the mattress. “...Shall we dance?, Kurukuru to mawarimashou…” the music kept going, not because Kanan didn’t know how to turn her alarm off but because she liked it. It was only Mari, Dia, and herself singing the song, the first song they sang only the three of them after forming Aqours. Once the song reached its end Kanan took her phone and saw quite a few messages on her phone screen, some were from the Aqours’ group chat.

Little Mikan: HAPPY B-DAY KANAN-CHAN! I’ve reserved some mikans only for you!

Yohane (Yoshiko made her change her name before she left): Little demon, you’ve attained full maturity now, use this power wisely.

You: Happy B-day Kanan-chan! Next time you visit we’ll go diving!

Ruby: Happy birthday Kanan-chan! Let’s keep having fun together like we did when you took care of me!

Hanamaru: Happy B-dAy KAnan-chaN! i LeARned how To usE my Ph0ne to send YoU this MeSSage!

Riko: Kanan-chan Happy birthday! When you come to visit we should get ice cream again

Dia: Kanan-san happy birthday.

Mari: Come on Dia!

Mari: I told you you can say Kanan-CHAN! And don’t just . your message

Mari: Here use this xD

Dia: Never.

Mari: You can do it better, do it for Kanan.

Dia: … Fine…

Dia: Happy birthday Kanan-chan!

Dia: There are you pleased now?

Mari: Very much indeed

Mari: But now it’s my turn!

Mari: HAPPY B-DAY KANAN!!!!

Riko: Wait, how come no one said anything while you two were arguing?

Mari: Well my dear Rikochi it’s simple

Mari: Dia threatened everyone to only say their birthday message

Mari: Since it’s like 2 am for Kanan and she didn’t want us to wake her up

Dia: Yes I did, and I would appreciate if you also kept that and stop messaging her.

Mari: Boring…

Mari: But fine, we’ll call her later

Mari: Anyways let’s do it one last time

All users typed: Kanan-chan! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

A sob escaped Kanan’s lips as she tipped a big “Thanks everyone, I can’t wait to go back!”, she wanted to thank each one of them individually but she wanted to call Dia and Mari. And so she did. Even though it was weekend Dia would wake up at 6:30  as usual and Mari would go to sleep around 11, so they should both be awake at that time. Mari was the first one to answer.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY KANAN!” the blonde girl shouted at the top of her lungs. Kanan didn’t even have time to answer as Dia joined the call, “Kanan-san happy birthday” although Dia tried to say it as calm as possible she was smiling and the last syllables had a cheerful tone.

“Thanks!” And Kanan smiled wide open.

“So what can we do for our birthday girl on this marvelous day?”

Kanan’s face started to heat up, how could she ask them if they were planning to visit her today? Maybe they were too busy and couldn’t, she didn’t want to make her two best friends feel guilty. No no no. They were coming and if not they’d eventually see each other, there’s nothing to worry about right?

“W-well, I...umm…”

“Come on Kanan you can tell us anything.” Encouraged her tallest friend.

“Kanan-s...Kanan is something wrong?” Asked the brunette.

“No it’s nothing, ahaha...I just wanted to talk with you but I need to get going or I’ll be late for work and you wouldn’t want me to be late right Dia? Ahaha so umm yeah talk with you later alright? Okay bye!”

“Wait Kana-”

Too late Kanan had already pressed the end call button. What are you doing? You’re acting as if you were 15 again, haven’t you learned anything? She asked herself. I guess I haven’t. Not wanting to think about it anymore Kanan finished getting ready and went to work.

Kanan had never been an observer, or attentive, especially for small details. That’s why she never realized that both Dia and Mari were wearing earphones, or that Mari wasn’t wearing a pajama and Dia wasn’t wearing her kimono. Or the fact that both seemed to be inside and not outside.

Sunday February 10th, a rather slow day at the shop. Well since it was Sunday the shift wasn’t that long so around 3:30 the navy blue haired girl start doing the pre-close up. She started taking the oxygen tanks inside, moved to make the inventory and by 3:55 she was almost done. She went back to the counter and start writing everything on the computer. The entrance bell rang.

“Welcome, we’ll be closing in 5 minutes if you want to take a diving les-”

“Well I don’t know, what you say Dia should we take a lesson?”

“Hmm with how thigh our schedule is I don’t think we’ll have time, but maybe we can work something out.”

Mari. Dia. Mari and Dia. Both of them. In front of her. Okay that was it Kanan had gone completely insane.

“Well don’t stand there give us a hug”, Mari demanded as both herself and Dia opened her arms waiting to be completed. Kanan didn’t think about it she ran straight to her friends and gave them the hug she had so long waited for. Tears making their way through her face.

“B-b-but how?”

“It’s your birthday you dummy.”

“We wouldn’t have missed it for anything.” Said Dia. “Mari traveled from Italy to Tokyo 3 days ago, we took a plane last night-”

“But you sent the messages at 12 am, h-how come?”

“Aqours of course!” Replied Mari. Kanan, who had calmed a bit took a step back to look at these beautiful girls who for a reason she still didn’t fully understand were her friends. Dia and Mari took each other’s hands and then Kanan’s.

“Well”, continued Mari, “we asked them to help us cover up our plan so everything was staged.”

“To say it in a way.” Added Dia.

“So Kanan,” they said in unison. “Happy birthday!”

Kanan was still processing everything that was going on but she could do that tomorrow, right now she only cared of being with Dia and Mari, she hugged them again and kept crying.

“Now now, we don’t want to make the birthday girl happy, shall we Mari-san?”

“Of course!”

And Kanan got a kiss on each cheek from her two friends. Before she could react both brunette and blonde haired girls were dragging her out of the store.

A/N: this is not that relevant to the story and the rating could go (depends on how you look at it) up to teens.

They arrived at Kanan’s apartment and as soon as Kanan unlocked the door Mari was entering and laying on the couch.

“Please have some manners,” said Dia with a small sigh and Kanan couldn’t help but laugh at both of them. 100 years could go by and the three of them would still act the same way they did when they were kids.

Kanan took their suitcases to her room and left them there. She couldn’t make it outside the bedroom since Mari had jumped over her and pushed them both to the bed.

“Wha-Mari? G-get off.”

“No” Although both of them tried to sound serious they couldn’t keep the facade and gave up to laughter.

“D-Dia,” started Kanan in between laughers “come quick! Mari won’t get off me!”

The girl with emerald eyes entered the room but instead of helping Kanan she threw herself onto the bed and was on top of Mari and Kanan.

“O-okay I-I give up!” finally stated Kanan and Dia got off of her. Mari on the other hand just stared at Kanan’s face. She took her chin and lightly kissed her. “Happy birthday Kanan.” Whispered Mari and got off of her. Dia not wanting to be left behind approached Kanan from the side and press slightly her lips to Kanan’s. “Yeah happy birthday Kanan.”

Mari and Dia looked at each other and then at the girl under them. They still had some days before going back to Italy and Japan and they didn’t want to waste any of them.

[momi1816]

pt.11:

my daughter was very advanced for age in my opinion. during tummy time already holding her head up to look around, making cute noises and guzzling down bottles like it was her job. but one day. dec 14 2016, the dray grew grim.

it was any ordinary day. parents were off working. my siblings at school. it was just her and I during the day. she had her morning bottle per normal.

* also I swear I get the best babies because she was already sleeping through the night. my son does the same.*

when everyone was gone I was to do the chores and clean the house. coming to bottle time she wasn't interested, so I left it alone. 6 hours after her last feeding trying again and nothing.starting to get worried I did the millennial thing and googled. and what I got was just growing. which made sense because she was in 3-6mo within a week of being home. so I brushed it off. 12 hours after her morning bottle still nothing. getting very worried trying our best to feed her since everyone was home. my step dad was holding her for a couple hours in that frame trying his best to get her to feed. also to add I had dried up about a week and a half before this. my milk didn't last long.

my step dad and put her down so he could get ready for bed and my mom felt her and said she had a fever. he said ' no I've been holding her for so long its probably just my body heat'. taking that in yes but I second guessed it. 102.4F

Racing to the ER she skipped the line and was taken back immediately. 10-12 doctors, nurses, and registration in and out of the room. asking questions, getting vitals and blood. they then wheeled us into the tunnels to go to the pediatric wing to where they took us to a procedure room and they attempted to get her urine sample by a catheter. by 4th try, she peed on the nurses. and then the nurses asked me if I wanted to step out they would do a spinal tap and told me it'd be hard to watch. I told them I would stay. It was very hard to watch; at that point I had never heard a scream as loud as the scream she did.

and then we waited.. the doctor came in our room and explained she had a bacterial infection in her blood and spinal fluid. they cultured it and the 72hr test showed it was strep b bacterial infection. a bacteria I do carry. nurses swear up and down there would be only a 1 and 2 billion chance that she got it from me during birth. considering it was 3.5 weeks later, she was a c section and I was on a penicillin dip for 15 hours. they asked had we gone out at all, no. but thanksgiving just happened and mom goes all out. that day my daughter was passed around like it was show and tell in preschool. someone didn't wash their hands enough and now my daughter will suffer and she did..

by the 18th she had what is called a grand mall seizure. just like the movies, she was stiff and straight as a board, red as a tomato, screaming and if she had teeth they would have been clenched. the nurse we had that night had just watched and walked out when it was over. I followed her and asked her what that was. she then told me it was a seizure and she didn't want to say anything due to my aunt and uncle being in the room. and she left.. telling the doctor what she saw, they scheduled and MRI. which wouldn't be until that Wednesday the 21st. walking her down to the MRI, I sat in the waiting room alone waiting.my mind spiraling. I could hear her screaming with them trying to put in an iv to administer contrast. but soon as she went in, she came out. we went back up to the room and it was a waiting game. my mom and step dad were there by then.

*side note I do want to add a couple things. no S was not at her birth I was blocked and had no way of telling him. his friends knew though. also with this happening I told that same friend what was going on and still he never showed. also my bio dad and his side of the family did not show up to the birth and with this situation I found out why*

it was just about to be shift change, and as we anxiously waited it was time.. the on call doc, the neurologist, day and night nurse came in with looks that screamed bad news. the neurologist had pulled up her MRI and her brain was lit up like the 4th of July. they said according to the damage she was/is 3/4 brain damaged. explaining nothing can be fixed. giving me worst case scenario if she made it out of the hospital she would never walk, talk, eat on her own, beg tube fed, be on oxygen, wouldn't feel pain, wouldn't know who I was or anyone, wouldn't have personality. without saying it but saying it she would become a vegetable. out of the then 20 years of practice for him she was the second worst case he had seen and the worst lived to 18. he estimated if she made it out she would only live to maybe one. it would be a long road ahead of us.

with my mother being there. its best you know my mother has the shittiest delivery humanly possible and can be cruel. after the MRI results were given she looked at me," are you going to kill yourself now?" as I responded, "no even if she doesn't make it, she would want me to stay and tell her story."

moving forward, they had therapists start coming in to start physical and occupational therapy. they were trying to have her regain her suck for a bottle. It never came back. I was given the option of putting a tube in her. it was a scary thought to think about. and they were pushing hard. but one day during our month and half stay. a traveling doctor that was there had came in to talk with me. my grandparents were there and the therapists were in the room and were working with her. infant of everyone, he straight up said. 'if it was my child I would take her home and let nature take its course." basically telling me to take her home and allow my daughter to starve herself to death. that was 1 out of 5 doctors we saw. but he was traveling. one other, who is still there no clue how, did the same things. trying to push me to either leave her so another family can adopt her or to let her die. completely appalled. especially with him due to him at belonging to that hospital vs being a traveling.

in the time being there, I understand I was 19 with a baby who just had something traumatic happen. but under no circumstances does that give the right to these two men to treat me like a child and try pushing death. but the doctor who actually is a part of the hospital got his foot in his mouth 6 months ago.

moving forward, obviously she made it out. I went through with the surgery. my aunt on my dads side was a surgery nurse so she had arranged the best of the best to be on the service. and it went great. later on in the stay my bio dad decided to show up with my little half brother with my full sister. after she begged him finally came to meet her. I found out he didn't come to the birth nor in the beginning of the stay due to my name change.

my daughter was then sent home after surgery once decently healed. although the ignorance of doctors did not end there. the neurologist did not send us home with seizure meds. not thinking of anything of it, because obviously he's the doctor right, he knows better in that situation... nope....

[seedfinance]

Stocks struggle amid Delta variant, economy concerns

Shares fell on Wednesday, extending their losing streak to a third day as rising COVID-19 infections temporarily unsettled investors and mixed up growth expectations.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 Index recorded their third consecutive day of losses, and the technology-driven Nasdaq fell for the first time since last week. The market has left disappointing news for the most part, but August jobs data, which fell well below market expectations last week, dampened hopes for the fourth quarter.

On Wednesday, two releases underscored how investors are trying to calibrate a historically hot job market against growth that is clearly losing momentum due to the resurgence of COVID-19 infections, led by the Delta variant.

The US economy “shifted slightly downward” in August as concerns increased over how the renewed spike in coronavirus cases would affect economic recovery, the Federal Reserve said in its latest Beige Book on Wednesday. Separately, however, Labor Department data showed that vacancies hit another streak record, with workers quitting their jobs en masse and nearly 11 million vacancies.

That data contrasted sharply with August payrolls, which showed the economy created a relatively meager 235,000 new jobs, and fueled speculation that the Federal Reserve’s Open Markets Committee (FOMC) might change its schedule for reducing its stimulating bond purchases, which Investor confidence was supported.

This also prompted analysts to lower expectations for the economy for the remainder of the year. Goldman Sachs lowered its fourth quarter growth forecast, pointing to a “harder road” for consumer spending amid rising COVID-19 infections.

Wall Street doesn’t seem unduly concerned, at least for now, as stocks are still within sight of recent highs.

“We believe that the fundamental drivers of strong earnings, an accommodating Fed and still healthy risk appetite will really hold the market for the remainder of the year,” said Yung-Yu Ma, chief investment strategist at BMO Harris, told Yahoo Finance Live on Wednesday.

The story goes on

While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic fueled by the Delta variant played a prominent role in the lack of jobs, particularly softness in the leisure, hospitality and bar / restaurant sectors, some analysts have also pointed out that labor shortages are hindering job creation. A lack of available labor has led companies to raise wages, adjust working hours and even lose some business.

–

4:04 p.m. ET: Stocks plummet, Dow, S&P trading lower for third day in a row as economic worries linger

Here were the key moves in the markets as of 4:04 p.m. ET:

S & P-500 (^ GSPC): -5.96 (-0.13%) to 4,514.07

Dow (^ DJI): -68.93 (-0.20%) to 35,031.07

Nasdaq (^ IXIC): -87.69 (-0.57%) to 15,286.64

Raw (CL = F): + $ 0.99 (+1.45%) to $ 69.34 per barrel

Gold (GC = F): $ -7.00 (-0.39%) to $ 1,791.50 per ounce

10-year treasury (^ TNX): -3.6 bps to generate 1.3340%

–

2:55 p.m. ET: The Fed’s Beige Book finds the economy shut down last month

The US economy “shifted slightly downward” in August as concerns increased over how the renewed spike in coronavirus cases would affect economic recovery, the Federal Reserve said in its latest Beige Book compendium on Wednesday with anecdotal reports on the economy with.

Stocks have been heavy all day but are away from the session lows as the final hour of trading looms.

–

1:15 p.m. ET: “If Bonds Could Talk”

The auction on the 10-year government bond went well, with yields below the level issued and offers to cover (2.59) comfortably above the 12-month average (2.42).

While it’s too early to say so, there could be some “flight to quality” element behind the demand in the last auction, especially given the mounting fears of the Delta variant and the still rising prices. Market veteran Peter Boockvar imagines what treasuries would say if they had a voice:

Bottom line, if bonds could talk. Is this aggressive demand due to buyers seeing a stagflationary environment and becoming more concerned about the deer stake? Is the demand high because it is assumed that the Fed taper will start soon and it always pays off to then flatten the curve? Are the buyers in the “inflation is temporary” camp even though the 10-year inflation breakevens are only a few basis points from their high since early June? Is it the delta variant? If bonds could speak. Either way, the 10-year return is just under 1.34% from 1.35% close to the results.

–

12:05 p.m. ET: Stocks plummet in directionless trading

Here the markets were traded around noon:

S & P-500 (^ GSPC): 4,501.17, -18.86 (-0.42%)

Dow (^ DJI): 34,969.76, -130.24 (-0.37%)

Nasdaq (^ IXIC): 15,228.57, -145.76 (-0.95%)

–

11:45 a.m. ET: Job market still JOLT-rated by sales

Muhlenberg, PA – August 26: A sign that reads “Now Hiring!” in the shop window of the PetSmart location on 5th Street Highway in Mühlenberg Twp. Thursday morning, Aug 26, 2021. (Photo by Ben Hasty / MediaNews Group / Reading Eagle via Getty Images)

Despite concerns about the Delta variant, job vacancies, measured by JOLTS, rose by an unbelievable 749,000 in July – and reached another all-time high with almost 11 million vacancies. Regardless of all COVID concerns, this is one of the hottest job markets in history – if not THE hottest.

JPMorgan Chase found the number of new hires fell from 6.83 million in June to 6.67 million:

The ratio of vacancies to new hires – a measure of the scarcity of the labor market and the ease with which companies can find workers – rose to 1.64, a historically high level of scarcity. At the same time, the layoff rate remained unchanged at 2.7% in July and was thus at a higher level than before the pandemic.

–

10:30 am ET: Bitcoin hard as traders contemplate a “flash crash”

A hairdresser works in the Sevilla Barber Shop, where Bitcoin is accepted as a method of payment, in Santa Tecla, El Salvador September 6, 2021. REUTERS / Jose Cabezas

The world’s leading digital currency has many fans and, since Tuesday, the support of a national government. However, this did little to contain the wildly volatile Bitcoin (BTC-USD) price swings like yesterday, when the unit plunged over 17% in one day before recovering.

According to Sultan Ahmed, an analyst at GlobalData, Tuesday’s “flash crash” and the rocky rollout in El Salvador are “two uncorrelated events. Many have the depreciation of Chivo with initial functional problems. connected [El Salvador’s Bitcoin wallet] in the early hours of beta testing, but we believe Bitcoin’s decline is instead due to excessive leverage trading in the cryptocurrency market. “

Bitcoin was last trading at around $ 46,283, down over 7% on the day. Ahmed said cryptocurrency is still up over 50% in the past 50 days after liquidating over $ 3 billion.

–

9:30 am ET: Shares fall on opening

Here the markets were traded at the opening bell

S & P-500 (^ GSPC): 4,515.55, -4.48 (-0.10%)

Dow (^ DJI): 35,137.11, +37.11 (+0.11%)

Nasdaq (^ IXIC): 15,314.88, -59.45 (-0.39%)

Raw (CL = F): $ 69.64 a barrel, + $ 1.29 (+1.89%)

Gold (GC = F): $ 1,798.70, +0.20 (+ 0.01%)

10-year treasury (^ TNX): -1.2 bps to generate 1.353%

–

7:35 a.m. ET Wednesday: Stock futures slightly lower

Here the markets were traded before the opening bell:

S&P 500 futures (ES = F): 4,518.50, -0.75 (-0.02%)

Dow futures (YM = F): 35,086.00 -5.00 (-0.01%)

Nasdaq Futures (NQ = F): 15,669.00, -5.75 (-0.04%)

–

6:15 p.m. ET Tuesday evening: Stock futures are weakening

Here the markets were traded in the after-hours session:

S&P 500 futures (ES = F): 4518, -1.25

Dow futures (YM = F): 35,082. -9.00

Nasdaq Futures (NQ = F): 15,673.00, -2.00

–

By Javier E. David, editor at Yahoo Finance. Follow him at @Teflongeek

–

source https://seedfinance.net/2021/09/09/stocks-struggle-amid-delta-variant-economy-concerns/

[superbreadparadise]

Malayalam Serials In Asianet Tv Channels

Asianet commenced operations by the end of 1992 and started transmission by August 1993, at a time when the only Malayalam-language television channel available was the government-owned Doordarshan.

Asianet continues to be the Top Malayalam TV channel with far better viewership impressions than the rest of the channels. Asianet Movies is the new entrant to the Top-5 list this week with 63418K impressions. Asianet Movies has replaced Surya TV in this week's TRP list, and currently occupies the 5th spot.

Asianet Tv Channel is one of the most popular Malayalam television broadcasting channels based in Kerala, which shows dozen of best tv serials, drama, comedy, movies, and lots of reality shows.

Ammayariyathe Latest Malayalam Series on Asianet Aksharathettu (Mazhavil Manorama), Karthika Deepam (Zee Keralam), Namukku Parkkuvan Munthirithoppukal (Surya TV) and Ammayariyathe (Asianet) are the Upcoming/Latest Malayalam TV Programs. Regular programs started on All major player after the COVID-19 Crisis.

Malayalam Tv Serials Asianet

Padhaswaram is a popular Malayalam daily drama tele serial with a unique storyline which airs on the leading and popular Malayalam entertainment television channel Asianet TV. The story of this tele serial Padhaswaram is about the IT professionals. Padhaswaram is directed by director S. Janardanan and the story is also written by him and the show is produced by renowned Malayalam tele serial producer Mani. The actors Krishna Veni, Kumar, Melvin, Pream Shankar, and Veena Nair play the leading characters in this story. The story of the serial revolves round IT industry and the complex lives of employees out there. The show has already completed more than 278 episodes. In this show, the director tells the story of the IT professionals. Two sisters Krishna Veni and Urmila played by popular and talented Malayalam television actresses Dr. Divya Nair and Amala are the central characters and the main protagonists of this hit and successful popular mega tele serial. The other cast and crew members of the mega serial Padhaswaram are- Dr. Shaju Sham essaying the role of the main male protagonist and the common love interest of the two sisters Kumar, Anzil Rahman, Binoy, Binil, Ghadil, Dr. Divya, Anusree, Manka mahesh, Sunitha, Veena nair, Amala Kurian, Indulekha, etc.

AsianetLaunched30 August 1993Owned byStar IndiaPicture format1080iHDTV (downscaled to letterboxed576i for the SDTV feed)SloganAhead with change, ahead of others.Broadcast areaWorld wideHeadquartersThiruvananthapuram, Kerala, IndiaSister channel(s)

Asianet Plus Asianet Middle East Asianet Movies Star Plus Star Sports Star Vijay Vijay Super Star Suvarna Suvarna Plus

Asianet is an Indian pay television channel which broadcasts mainly Malayalam-language television series. Headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala,[1] the channel is part of Asianet Communications, owned by Star India. It was the first privately-owned Malayalam-language channel in the country.

History[edit]

The channel was launched in 1993 with a broadcast of only three hours per day, with the rest of the Tie showing selective programs from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and CNBC. By late-1994, the channel increased its broadcast time to 12 hours per day and later to round-the-clock broadcasting. Asianet was the first private TV channel of India to do 'live' news broadcasting from its Subic Bay uplink centre. In early-1995, the uplink was shifted to Singapore where it attained full operational status. With a change in the broadcasting policies of the Government of India, Asianet started an uplink from Chennai through VSNL. From 15 July 2002, Asianet had its own earth station at the Asianet Studio Complex in Puliyarakonam, Thiruvananthapuram.

Its headquarters were located in Chennai. Its first owners were Raji and Sashi Kumar Menon. Asianet Communications's majority share was later bought by Jupiter Media and Entertainment Venture, owned by Anoop Sree Ayroor. In 2008, Star India purchased the majority of shares in Asianet Communications.[2][3] In 2013, Star completely acquired the channel.

Coverage and viewership[edit]

Driver easy pro license key. Asianet has a presence in over 60 countries worldwide including the Indian sub-continent, China, South East Asia, Middle East, Europe, United States and the lower half of the former Soviet Union.[2][4]

Asianet is the no.1 malayalam general entertainment channel according to Broadcast Audience Research Council

Programming and shows[edit]

Asianet is a general entertainment channel with programmes in a wide variety of genres including Malayalam-language movies, soaps, reality shows, talk shows, news programmes, travel shows and music-based shows. While programming is mainly targeted at family audiences, there are several programmes aimed towards specific audiences such as shows for children, teenagers, young working professionals and elders.The channel also broadcast a successful musical talent reality show - Idea Star Singer.The channel also hosts and broadcasts the Asianet Film Awards and Asianet TV Awards.

It allows importing 3D objects and inserting them into the story. Anime studio free download windows.

References[edit]

^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on 12 January 2015. Retrieved 2015-01-27.CS1 maint: Archived copy as title (link)

^ ab'Star buys majority in Asianet; forms JV with Rajeev Chandrasekhar Reuters'. In.reuters.com. 17 November 2008. Retrieved 16 July 2010.

^'Star TV buys majority in Jupiter Entertainment'. Business Standard. 16 November 2008. Retrieved 20 October 2013.

^VCCircle (17 November 2008). 'M & A Star Buys Majority In Asianet; Forms JV With Rajeev Chandrasekhar'. contentSutra. Retrieved 16 July 2010.

Asianet Tv Serials Latest Episodes

External links[edit]

Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Asianet_(TV_channel)&oldid=899315120'

Asianet is an Indian pay TV channel operated by Asianet Star Communications, wholly owned by Star India, in the Malayalam language. The canal's headquarters are located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

The channel was originally promoted by Sasha Kumar with seed money provided by Reggie Menon in the early 1990s. In late 2006, Reggie Menon left Asianet Communications in part, transferring control to Rajiv Chandrasekhar (Jupiter Entertainment Ventures).

Star India bought 51% of Asianet Communications and formed a joint venture with JEV in November 2008. Star India acquired 100% of Asianet Communications in March 2014.

Asianet Communications was the first Malayalam entertainment broadcaster. It was promoted by Sashi Kumar with start-up capital provided by Reggie Menon. Kumar was the former head of the Indian Television Press Trust, and his relative Menon was a businessman from Moscow.

Asianet Malayalam Tv Channel Online

When Asianet faced the financial crisis, real estate firm Rahejas was given 50% of the cable company. The channels were still owned by Sasha Kumar (50% of the shares) and Reggie Menon (50% of the shares).

Later, Rahejas also wanted to participate in operations on the channel. While Kumar resisted Rahejas' overtures, Menon negotiated a deal with them, and as part of that deal, Rahejas gained full control of the cable company. Menon used what Rahejas had paid him to provide Kumar with a golden handshake.

The Zee Group's attempt to acquire Asianet from Menon subsequently failed. This was apparently due to the breaking agreement with the cable company prohibiting the takeover of the channel by a company interested in cable business.

Malayalam Serials In Asianet Tv Channels Asianet

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[trentteti]

New LSAT Dates for 2018

In 2018, the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) is making some changes to the LSAT schedule. Before 2018, and since time immemorial — well, technically, since the introduction of the current LSAT in 1991, but for most Millennial test takers, Nirvana has been played on classic rock stations for their entire lives and the first Bush Administration may as well be the middle ages — there were four LSATs in a given year. There would be an exam in February, in June, in either late September or early October, and then in December.

And this pattern held all the way through 2017, during which we were treated to tests on February 4th, June 12th, September 16th, and December 2nd. But with the turning of the calendar to 2018, LSAC is turning the page on its classic LSAT schedule. It’s making some radical changes. Let’s check them out:

OK, OK. If you just look at the 2018 exams, we’re not exactly seeing at a seismic shift. There are no real changes to the February and June exams. The September exam is a little bit earlier than usual. The biggest change is that the December exam has been scheduled a couple weeks earlier and will now be held in mid-November.

If you look at the 2019 dates, you’ll see more significant changes, and the slight change to the 2018 exam starts to make more sense. As we previously discussed, LSAC made some noise this year when it announced it would start administering six exams per year. A 50% increase from the aforementioned schedule of four exams per year! But in order to get a seamless transition to this new schedule, LSAC had to engage some clever calendar chicanery. The first year in which it will provide six exams is actually some new, made-up 2018-19 calendar year that spans from, I guess, June 11, 2018 to June 10, 2019. You’ll notice that the first exam given in Year 1 A.D. (After December test) is on June 11, 2018. And the sixth exam given in this year is on June 3, 2019. So they just barely got that last one in, but there will technically be 6 official LSATs administered in the made-up year of 2018-19.

But why did they make this seemingly arbitrary change? Well, right now, LSAC is fighting a war on two fronts. The first front was the precipitous decline in the number of LSAT takers and law school applicants. Now — thanks, perhaps, to the efforts of our real Commander-in-Chief — LSAC is finally making advances on that front, with test takers and applicants way up this year. The second front, however, involves the encroachment of the GRE as a viable alternative to the LSAT, as law schools are increasingly allowing applicants to take the GRE rather than the LSAT. Unfortunately for LSAC (which, to be clear, administers the LSAT and profits from students taking that exam, but neither administers nor profits from the GRE), it is very much losing ground on that front.

So rather than resting on its laurels and hoping that pre-law types get scared by the math sections on the GRE, LSAC is trying to make the LSAT a more appealing alternative to the GRE. And one way to do that is making it easier to take the LSAT — hence eventual increase in the number of LSATs administered per calendar year, made up as those calendar years may be.

But for the actual calendar year 2018, the schedule hasn’t changed that much, so our advice on when to take the test won’t change much either. Which is the “best” LSAT to take? No matter what, the answer to that question will always be the test you can dedicate the most study time to.

So take a look at the above schedule, and then take a look at the 2-4 months before each test date. Which 2-4 month time period will allow you the most time to hunker down and learn how to do the LSAT?

If you’re just now thinking about taking the February 2018 exam, well, you’re already a little late to that party. The February exam is a little more than a month away, so it may be too late for you to dedicate adequate study time to it. But if you’ve studied for the LSAT in the past and have a solid foundation on the logical concepts it tests and if you’re able to find a lot of study time in January — seriously, like, 2-4 hours per day — you might be able to knock out the LSAT early, giving you plenty of time to get your application materials together for the 2018-19 application season.

Also, you should be aware that the February exam is still undisclosed. That means that the February exam, unlike the others, doesn’t get released to test takers (or test prep companies, if you want to empathize with our plight). So you’ll get your score back, but that’s it. It’s not a big deal, especially if you only have to take the LSAT once — and it definitely doesn’t mean the February exam is “harder” or “easier” than any others — but you should be aware of that difference.

If you’re considering the June 2018 exam, then you should consider whether you’ll be able to study from February or March until test day. Most people study for the LSAT while still in college. For those, the June exam falls uncomfortably close to finals week. For those on the semester system, the June exam is about a month after finals. For those on the quarter system — such as students at UCLA — the exam falls on the same week as finals week. Either way, studying for the LSAT will overlap with studying for finals. Think of the LSAT as like studying for two or three classes, and honestly assess whether you’ll be able to handle that increase to your workload. On the plus side, check-in time for the June exam is 12:30 pm, as opposed to the ignominiously early check-in time of 8:30 am for the other exams. If at 7:00 am you have trouble thinking about anything other than how to exact revenge on the thing that woke you up that early, consider the June exam.

The September 2018 exam will make the most sense for most of those in school, since they can use their summer break — between May and August — to dedicate a ton of time to the LSAT. In fact, by moving the September exam up a few weeks, the new schedule offers even more advantages to undergrad students. Before, when the exam was in late September or early October, it would conflict with the start of the fall semester for most students. On the years in which this fall exam was given especially late, it could even butt up against some students’ midterms. Now that the September test is given in early September, it’s safely in the I’m-still-just-figuring-out-where-my-classes-are-located-and-definitely-not-worried-about-midterms-or-papers-yet period of the fall semester, and way before fall quarters begin. Plus, this September test has the added bonus of following Labor Day, giving students one extra holiday to make the final push before test day.

The biggest change is shifting the December exam up to November 17th, which is brings both good and bad news for test takers in school. First up, the good. The December exam, whether it was given in early- or mid-December, always conflicted somewhat with finals week. By moving it up a few weeks, students will be able to finish the LSAT before getting to work on finals. Which would make for a very intense November and December, but would excuse any and all indulgences of the holiday season. Additionally, by being a few weeks earlier, students will be able to apply earlier in the application cycle, potentially giving them a better shot at admission (more on this below). Plus, this November exam is right after Veterans Day, giving these students an extra holiday of study time.

But there are some drawbacks too. The first is that Thanksgiving break was always hugely beneficial to those studying for the December test. Those days off from school or work being the equivalent to Squanto teaching the Pilgrims how to fish for eel and harvest maize. Those studying for the November test, occurring as it does before Thanksgiving, will no longer see that benefit. The second is that the December exam was often useful for those who were re-taking the exam following a disappointing September score. By moving that exam up a few weeks, those students now have less time to study. Finally, although those taking the November exam will be able to apply earlier in the application cycle than those who took the December test in the past, so will everyone else who took the November exam. Taking the winter exam earlier won’t really create a competitive advantage for those test takers, since they’re not competing against students who will take the exam in December. Really, moving up the winter exam to November will allow everyone to apply a little bit earlier than in the past. This might, paradoxically, make the February exam a little later in the application cycle, despite that exam being held at basically the same time as years past.

So take the above information into account when planning on when you’ll take the LSAT. Not much has changed with the new schedule. Least of all the fact that more study time means a better score. So plan accordingly, and good luck in 2018.

New LSAT Dates for 2018 was originally published on LSAT Blog

[yes-jordanperfecttourss-blog]

Petra Tours – The Ultimate Experience In Jordan

The ruin of Petra is Jordan's most-visited vacation spot and extraordinary compared to other safeguarded archeological destinations on the planet. Despite the fact not known when the construction of the city happened. The construction happened around the first century B.C. when Nabataeans referred Petra as "Raqmu". The city was a significant exchanging hub for frankincense, myrrh and flavors in the locale, and was later attached to the Roman Empire and kept on flourishing until an enormous quake annihilated a great part of the city in the fourth century A.D. It remained unoccupied from the middle of the seventh century until in 1812 when a Swiss pioneer set out to "rediscover" the lost city of Petra by persuading his Bedouin guide for taking him there.

Many reputed tour operators can be your guide and enable you to have Petra tours from Amman when you are on a vacation at Jordan.

The Petra Archeological Park in Jordan highlights a staggering stone cut design set in a dynamic red sandstone landscape just as transcending mountains fixed with profound sections and gorges. The Nabataeans covered their dead in intricate tombs cut of mountainsides, and the city was home to sanctuaries, a stone theater, colonnaded road and holy places.

Petra is not just one of the "New Wonders of the World" yet in addition a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remnants of Petra recorded as a World Heritage Site for the "one of a kind aesthetic accomplishment and an exceptional building ensemble of the first centuries BC to AD. The fluctuated archeological remains and structural landmarks from ancient occasions to the medieval periods bear outstanding declaration to the now lost civilizations. They succeeded each other at the site and the tremendous expansion of expounding tomb and sanctuary design; religious places; the remnant channels, passages and diversion dams that joined with an immense system of storages and supplies which controlled and monitored regular downpours. The broad archeological remains also include copper mining, sanctuaries, chapels and other open structures.

A tour to Jordan essentially is not finished without a visit to Petra. You could peruse a hundred manuals about the different tourist spots in Petra, or see a thousand photographs of The Treasury or The Royal Tombs, yet nothing can set you up for the staggering surge of wonder and awe when you get your first look at the Treasury through the Siq or advance down the Colonnaded Street. In the event that you are intending to go to Petra, then it is wise to be with reputed tour operators and be with their local guides.

Visiting Petra in Jordan during Ramadan 

Ramadan is a blessed month seen by Muslims. The dates of recognition fluctuate as per the Islamic lunar schedule. In 2020, it will be from April 23 to May 23. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from daybreak to dusk, and liquor is not available with the exception of in some bigger inns and eateries.

A few spots may change to an extraordinary Ramadan menu, and shops and even vacation destinations may close early. Overall, you should attempt to abstain from eating and drinking even water out in the open as an indication of regard during Ramadan. Nevertheless, it would not be fitting to quit hydrating and drinking water on the off chance that you are exploring Petra, particularly in the event that you are getting around by walking.

During Ramadan, the Petra Archeological City opens at 7 AM and shuts down at 4 PM.

How to reach Petra 

From Amman to Petra, the drive will take you around 3 hours. From Aqaba to Petra, hope to drive for 2 hours, and in the event that you are going to Petra from Wadi Rum, it will take a little more than an hour via vehicle.

The least demanding approach to get around Jordan is via vehicle, so you can hire a Toyota. The fares are not exorbitant. If you are with your travel agency, they will arrange for a safe and comfortable journey from Amman to Petra.

Petra is inside a town called Wadi Musa, and driving around Wadi Musa is simple on the off chance that you approach Google Maps. There are a few single direction streets and the intermittent spot of traffic, yet it is reasonable in any case. You can leave your vehicle 100 meters up the street from the Petra Visitor Center, the fundamental access to Petra Archeological Park for a fee.

Where to stay in Petra 

Wadi Musa is the closest town to the archeological site of Petra. When visiting Petra in Jordan, there are various hotel alternatives to suit all financial limits, yet in the event that you are searching for an upscale hotel with magnificent facilities and administration then I strongly suggest the Petra Marriott. Despite the fact that the stylistic layout is somewhat dated, the rooms are roomy and agreeable, and you can have a staggering perspective of the surrounding. The morning meal and supper buffets are copious, fresh and sensibly valued, and no one can beat the nightfall view from the pool.

The staff cordiality is remarkable at the Petra Marriott everybody tries well beyond to make your stay agreeable, and the hotel is only 5 minutes away via vehicle from the Petra Visitor Center. The Petra Marriott is perhaps the best lodging in Petra.

What to bring to Petra 

A printed or e-duplicate of the Jordan Pass on the off chance that you bought one

Your visa

Cash or tidbits and additional bottles of water

As much water as you can convey in your refillable bottle

Sunscreen

Hat

A handheld fan

Camera

You will need to bring a little tripod on the off chance that you go to "Petra By Night"

There are a bunch of washrooms and little cafés and shops inside Petra Archeological Park.

What to wear to Petra 

The pathways and earth streets inside the Petra Archeological Park can be pebbly, uneven and dusty. You totally need to wear appropriate strolling shoes, leave the flip-flops, wedges and heels at home. In spite of the fact that the vast majority in Jordan are Muslim, you will not find that Jordan is very preservationist.

You will locate that numerous sightseers wear shorts and sleeveless tops out in the open, yet I would suggest that as an indication of regard and social affectability you are aware of what you wear in Petra and Jordan overall. You can wear free jeans, a tank top and a short-sleeved cardigan to cover your shoulders. You should attempt to wear breathable apparel that is anything but difficult to walk.

How to move around in Petra 

You can move by walking: Most individuals get around Petra by walking. You need strong strolling shoes and a lot of water.

You can also use horse carriage, donkeys or camel: Carriages are for individuals who cannot walk right to the Treasury, and ponies, camels and donkeys have for quite some time utilized as working creatures here.

Petra opening times 

The antiquated site of Petra and its Visitor Center are available to guests daily from 6 AM to 6 PM throughout the late spring and 6 AM to 4 PM in the winter. As referenced before, the opening times may shift during the period of Ramadan.

In spite of the fact that Petra Archeological Park shuts in the early night, the recreation center opens around evening time 3 times each week on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. The thrice-week "Petra By Night" demonstrates is an enchanted encounter not to be skipped in the event that you can time your visit appropriately. It is an extraordinary method to see some portion of the stone city and starts with a candlelit stroll along the whole Siq to the Treasury, where melodic exhibitions occur under the evening glow and gleaming stars.

There is no restriction on the number of tickets sold for Petra By Night, and you cannot book a ticket ahead of time. Petra By Night starts at 8:30 PM at the Petra Visitor Center, and you should plan to show up 30 minutes ahead of schedule to sift through your tickets. The event completes at around 10:30 PM, yet exhibitions finish and groups begin to get out of the Treasury by about 9:30, 9:45 PM.

What to see in Petra 

Petra Archeological Park covers a zone of 264,000 square meters… it would take a long time to explore the whole of the complex. There are different paths that you can take, with the Main Trail beginning at the Petra Visitor Center in the core of Wadi Musa.

Despite the fact that The Treasury frequently hailed as the substance of Petra, there are huge amounts of stunning landmarks to visit: here are a portion of the key features and places to see in Petra!

The Siq 

From the fundamental passageway at the Petra Visitor Center, a 10 to 15-minute walk will take you to the opening of the Siq. The thin crevasse is 1.2 kilometers long and shaped from a parting of the mountain. The stone trench is 3 to 12 meters in width and reaches up to 80 meters in tallness.

The emotional notches and waves lead guests into the core of Petra and the most popular fascination, The Treasury.

The Treasury 

The Treasury, or Al Khazna, is a transcending veneer cut into the mountain and is maybe Petra's most popular milestone. It stands right around 40 meters high and is delegated by a funerary urn, which as indicated by local legend disguises a pharaoh's fortune. Likely built in the first century B.C., and its capacity is misty – a few archeologists trust it to be a sanctuary, while others think it was a spot to store archives. Nevertheless, the latest uncovering uncovered a memorial park underneath the Treasury. You cannot enter The Treasury.

A few people stop here and do not explore the remainder of Petra – on the off chance that that is what you are intending to do, at that point you ought to hope to walk roughly 4.2 kilometers between the Petra Visitor Center and The Treasury. It will take you anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour every way.

There are a few perspectives in Petra where you can see the Treasury. In spite of the fact that you could attempt to locate your own specific manner there, local guides may bother you.

The treks up are modestly testing and include some stone climbing, yet it will just take 15 to 20 minutes. At the Treasury perspective, you can purchase tea or water from the businessperson on the off chance that you do not buy anything; they will approach you to pay some money per individual to snap a picture there.

The Theater 

Stroll to one side of The Treasury along the Street of Facades and you will discover The Theater. Cut into the side of the mountain at the foot of the High Place of Sacrifice, the Theater can oblige 4000 observers and is the just one of its sort on the planet.

The Royal Tombs 

Further past The Theater are the Royal Tombs that sit above the city. The four tombs are the Urn Tomb, built around 70 A.D. with specialties that open into little internment chambers, the Silk Tomb including multi-shaded stone on its exterior, the Corinthian Tomb with water bowls for purging customs, and the Palace Tomb with a five-story veneer and entombment rooms.

The Great Temple 

The Great Temple Complex speaks to one of the major archeological and compositional segments of central Petra. The complex covers roughly 6000 square meters and highlights huge 15-meter-tall columns. It is that the construction happened before the finish of the first century B.C. by the Nabataeans.

The Monastery 

Otherwise called Ad Deir, The Monastery is another of Petra's royal gems and is perhaps the biggest landmark. It is a standing structure of 47 meters wide and 48.3 meters tall. The utilization of the space was for the gatherings of religious affiliations and later re-utilized as a Christian church. The Monastery goes back to the mid-second century A.D. and is one of the most mainstream spots to visit in Petra.

There are 2 different ways to reach the Monastery: from the main path, or by means of the "back course" from Little Petra. If you take the principle trail – from the guest place, you take the fundamental path roughly 8 kilometers trailed by the Ad Deir trail around 2.5 kilometers that implies you walk 10+ kilometers every way. On the off chance that you are anticipating taking the principle trail to the Monastery, you will wind up going through 7-8 hours strolling in Petra. The path is generally level until you arrive at the Ad Deir trail, which includes a tough trip and 800 or more advances. This trailhead starts behind the Basin Restaurant.

On the other hand, on the off chance that you have over 1 day in Petra, at that point you can think about visiting the Monastery from the back path. For this path, you should go with an authorized guide from the Petra Visitor Center.

The best way to explore and enjoy not only Petra but also entire of Jordan it is wise to be with Jordan Perfect Tours. They have the best of guides and knowledge to organize the perfect tour. It is for sure that you will have an adventurous, comfortable, safe and enjoyable vacation with them. Call at +962-79-5022001 to have a word with their tour advisors and plan your trip to Jordan.

[giveabeat]

Prison Electronic Music Program PRESS RELEASE

Give a Beat Becomes a New Coordinating Organization For California Arts Council’s Arts in Corrections Program With the Launch of the Prison Electronic Music Program: A Year-Long Course in Two California State Prisons Through June 2020 

LOS ANGELES, CA – Electronic music-based nonprofit Give a Beat launched the Prison Electronic Music Program in two California correctional facilities in July 2019 as part of a contract awarded by California Arts Council’s Arts in Corrections (AIC) program. The goal of Give a Beat’s year-long program—which focuses on the fundamentals of DJing and beat production—is to help students develop their own sound expressions and technical acumen while also learning business development and music history. It is designed to help students return to the workforce with valuable technical, social, and entrepreneurial skills. Led by passionate DJs and music producers, currently the course is being taught at California City Correctional Facility (CAC) and Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP). This first Prison Electronic Music Program will run through June 2020. It is Give a Beat’s most expansive and long-term music production offering/course to date. To learn more, please visit https://www.giveabeat.org/programs/#prison-electronic-music-program.

“Give a Beat's use of electronic music to transform the lives and well-being of youth and adults who experience incarceration is an energizing addition to the Arts in Corrections program,” said Anne Bown-Crawford, Executive Director, California Arts Council. “Their work continues to shift the cultural narrative and perception of those experiencing incarceration in many California communities.” The Prison Electronic Music Program is an introductory course touching on all aspects of DJing and/or music and beat production. Give a Beat is the first arts organization in California to bring in a six-week, four-hour per session curriculum focused on electronic music for rehabilitative arts in prisons. The course repeats five times throughout the one-year contract designed for 12 participants per course. The curriculum focuses on basic technical skills, business development, electronic music history (hip-hop, house, techno and Jamaican dub) and individual empowerment through freedom of expression. On the final day of class, the students perform their DJ sets and/or showcase the composition that they have produced in the class. Due to the complexities of bringing technology into prisons, the instructors go in with a basic (and lightweight) setup of Native Instruments Traktor S2, Ableton Push 2, 5” powered monitors and headphones with splitters. Give a Beat decided to use PC's to power Traktor Pro 3 and Ableton 10 due to affordability and teaching on an inexpensive setup if the students decide to pursue this craft upon their release. The workshops focus on the needs of the individual prisons and corresponding population. California City Correctional Facility is a level 2, medium-security facility, where most individuals will be released within two to five years. Give a Beat brings in two professional DJs to teach only DJing since some of the participants can pursue this as a quicker source of income upon release. Kern Valley State Prison is a level 4, maximum-security facility, where most individuals are serving much longer sentences. Music production is offered here to provide a creative outlet for mental, social and emotional needs for those who won’t be released for years, while simultaneously teaching DJing to all. The students are able to learn both crafts each week, and can choose to focus on one or the other if they have a deeper desire. To qualify to take the courses, students must be on track for parole and of exemplary standing within the prison. Give a Beat’s programs are aligned with social justice activist Bryan Stevenson’s strategy outlined in his famous “How to Change the World” speech: “The best way to affect social change and get people to become enrolled in criminal justice reform is by getting proximate, changing the narrative, being uncomfortable and maintaining hope.” The Prison Electronic Music Program practices this strategy by connecting professional musicians to work with incarcerated people to help develop tangible skills that can be used professionally upon release, and to share these stories of disenfranchisement to transcendence with the public, engaging hearts and minds that can open up larger pathways to changing policy. “We believe that mass incarceration requires a call to action from every sector and community,” states Lauren Segal, Founder Give a Beat. “This is not one of those abstract issues that is too big, too far away to do something about. There are a plethora of meaningful ways to get involved that can make a world of difference - from proactively hiring one person with a felony conviction to advocating for large-scale policy change and everything in between. Give a Beat is doing our part with our niche industry and unique community.”

ABOUT: Give a Beat –

Give a Beat connects the electronic music community with youth and families affected by incarceration. By providing young people with access to professionals in the music industry and related arts, the nonprofit encourages young people to pursue creative career opportunities. Founded in 2014 on the positive elements in electronic music culture, such as peace, love, empathy, understanding and unity, Give a Beat approaches its programs with these values in mind. Electronic music was created by and for the disenfranchised to have a community in which they felt included, accepted and loved. Give a Beat believes in paying homage to the Black visionaries who created this genre and cultural phenomenon by imparting these values to those that are most disenfranchised and dehumanized today. Since its inception, Give a Beat has provided more than 50 workshops to approximately 500 youths in partnership with 10 organizations — in juvenile halls, community centers and after-school programs. Give a Beat has also been involved in dozens of electronic music-based community events, panel discussions, and artist- and theme-related online campaigns with the aim of building a movement powered by music, unity, compassion and justice.

Arts in Corrections –

Arts in Corrections is a partnership between the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Arts Council designed to have a positive impact on the behavior and attitudes of people experiencing incarceration, promoting interpersonal and social transformation both inside and outside of the boundaries of their institutions. The partnership is made possible by funding from the Division of Rehabilitative Programs at CDCR. Administered by the California Arts Council, Arts in Corrections programs provide the full spectrum of art disciplines, with organizations offering instruction in visual, literary, media, performing and cultural, folk and traditional arts. Since June 2017, Arts in Corrections has provided programs in all 35 state adult correctional institutions. Learn more https://www.artsincorrections.org.    

LINKS:

• Give a Beat - https://www.giveabeat.org

• Give a Beat’s Prison Electronic Music Program - https://www.giveabeat.org/programs/#prison-electronic-music-program

• Give a Beat Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/giveabeat

• Give a Beat Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/giveabeat

• Give a Beat Twitter - https://twitter.com/igiveabeat

• Give a Beat Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/giveabeat

• California’s Arts in Corrections - https://www.artsincorrections.org OTHER RESOURCES:

• Participating Rehabilitative Arts Organizations - https://www.artsincorrections.org/providers

• Give a Beat’s Programs - https://www.giveabeat.org/programs • The Marshall Project - https://www.themarshallproject.org

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For more information, photos, or to schedule an interview, please contact Green Galactic’s Lynn Tejada at 213-840-1201 or lynn@greengalactic.com.

[goshiyachi]

Until next time

Fandom: Haikyuu!! Pairing: Ushijima Wakatoshi/ Hinata Shouyou Summary: The letters were hardly showy or vividly descriptive; If anything they were rigid and straightforward. But they were Wakatoshi’s words through and through. Prompts Used: Distance, Letters from @ushihinaprompts A/N: Set in the HQ! Quest Universe

“Is that from him?”

Natsu’s words from behind force Hinata to turn his head away from the letter his hands were currently holding. He could tell that his little sister was amused the way her lips curve up and shine the way Hinata’s own face flushes from her own gaze. It didn’t stop him from gushing under his breath for a second before acknowledging with a hum. He risked another ten seconds looking down and placing his letter down at his desk. He shifted his vision to his sister who came in closer inside his room, she looked like she wanted to tease him some more but instead pulled out another letter from her pockets. They both knew what Hinata would do next; it was a continuous cycle of him being a busybody and sometimes forgetting where he puts his things. Natsu, being better with remembering those types of things gives him the new letter and watches his face light up a notch as he carefully opened and read the letter.

“Thanks!” he managed to mumble as he speed read it first before analyzing it.

In the background Natsu laughs before promptly leaving knowing that he would eventually spill the beans about what Ushijima was up to these days.

                                                                                                               20 apirl

5:00 - Woke up 5:15 - Quick breakfast and packing up to start heading for the town near by 5:18-5:23 - Semi and Tendou bicker and make up (as Reon predicted) 5:32 - We continued from the trail from last night and will reach the town by mid-morning or early afternoon 8:00 - A quick break 8:15 - off again 10:00 - There was a small band of elves traveling the same direction (they had the medicine we were looking for) 10:30 - Tendou had a mishap with practicing magic Semi told him not to try until we reach the town 10:48 - Reon caught a runaway horse 10:53 - We found the owner (it a farmer that was still teaching the mare) 11:15 - I can see the lining of the town, we have already passed a few homes 11:45 - We’ve reached; and in good time before Tendou tried to sneak in more magic tricks 12:00 - There was a lodge that had room for our group; we had lunch in peace 12:30-1:45 - Went to the blacksmith with Semi for updates while Tendou and Reon the market central to stock up 2:00-4:00 - Free time; Semi and Tendou went to see their families. Reon strolled into the market for sentimental reasons. I stayed and acquainted with an old family friend 5:40 6:00 - dinner 8:00 - I received news that my purchase from the blacksmith will be ready by morning before we leave 9:00 - Ready for bed

Tendou as per usual has concluded that magic can solve everything little matter. I have pointed out that without the right knowledge and foresight magic can in fact make it worse. He still went for it and as predicted Semi was forced to stick by his side. It was rather odd the way they both have not confessed to each other yet. It is quite obvious that they are more than friends.

Their usual banters and quick make ups have seemed to be indented into my schedule the way I can almost predict their patterns the way Reon was the cause of our joining. The day was relevantly peaceful-- however, they do not compare to the days where I am at your home. The town was lively enough that I can assure that Natsu would like to visit the town. There were plenty of stores and there was talk of a festival coming soon that your family would enjoy. I believe the dates will not be an issue. In fact, I am sure that they are in the time tables where your family is able to travel in between Natsu’s schooling.

With this pace my group is going I will be able to come back by the end of the month. I do hope for your days being peaceful. How is your family fairing? Have you reached a decision with this journey that you addressed in the last letter? It was very sudden but I do understand that the world is vast. I have encountered countless creatures and had many experiences that no words could properly explain them without being there in the moment. Yet, it’s the risks that I have made myself worry.

Becoming a hero….is a very general and vague occupation. I have no doubts that your positivity and outlook will carry yourself high. But I must be frank. I don’t want you to be in pointless danger or to lose you from a reckless battle. I do not want to crush your dreams; far from it but, you must understand my point. I have been trained since childhood to defend clients and myself. There are other means that could sooth your adventurous needs and selflessness to help others.

I am sure that once I come back we can finally talk about this in more depth. For your family’s sake, too.

                                                                                                              21 April

5:00 - woke up 5:15 - Had a quick break 5:20 - Skipped the morning banter and instead went to the blacksmith 5:45 - There were no complications during my task of retrieving my purchase; by the time I came back everything was ready for leaving 6:00 - Without much waiting we headed off back home 8:00 - quick break 9:10 a herd of cattle blocked our path for a couple of minutes. Their caretaker was a little shy but nonetheless very enthusiastic when Tendou showed some simple magic. 9:20 we continued on with Semi lecturing Tendou when we passed a couple of young fairies 11:00 - Early lunch since the upcoming weather has started to show signs of a coming storm in a few days 1:00 - we were able to cross a good distance to the lake from before 1:30-3:00 - mundane walking with a few stories shared from Semi and Tendou’s families 5:00 - Setting up camp 6:00 dinner 9: taking shift ??:00 - Woke up Reon for his shift and promptly went to sleep                                                                                                                

                                                                                                            22 April

5:00 - woke up 5:12 - a little early but Tendou is quick to annoy Semi (sometimes I wonder if they would ever confess) (* 8:00 - Never mind) 5:20 5:17 - breakfast/ packing up 5:30/5:40 (?) - and we are off. Reon has estimated that we will reach the next town by three days (like prior) and hopefully the weather will cooperate. 5:55 - It did not. 6:20 - I remembered an abandoned cabin near us for shelter. 6:30 - The rain is getting heavier by the minutes. Spring calls for showers but from what I can see and hear it sounds like it’s drowning my ears. We will be detained here until further notice. 9:00- after a couple of short games we ate a small meal before lunch 10:00 - It looks like it will be a free day as thunder is rearing and lightning flashing close by 12:00 - lunch 8:00 - dinner 9:00 - Heading for sleep

                                                                                                       23 & 24 April

5:00 woke up 5:15 breakfast 5:20 (morning) -9:00 (Night) Rain, Rain, Rain, card games, Rain, eat, Rain, wish for the weather to stop. It doesn’t; it looks like tomorrow it will only calm down enough to travel. 25 Apirl 5:00 - woke up 5:09 - breakfast (Semi woke up earlier) 5:20 - setting off (as I finish this small note I will close the envelope and wait for a response when I get to the next big town. Until next time.)

For all the hours, I hear the water pour the distance has only increased inside my mind. It is childish to complain about these forces that I cannot control; but it seems I have become impatient. I miss stretching my legs and watch the scenery change by my speed. I can see why becoming a hero has its appeal. And while I still do not want to see you come in danger from your occupation I will not stop you. If you do not mind I will offer to teach you how to wield a sword and defend yourself properly. 

From your limited traveling experiences, I can see if Semi will allow you to tag along his travels. That is if you are truly serious. There are many more words I wish I could express but as I have limited paper to write I will just inform you that my group and myself are in good health. Minus the weather, our pace will get us through the mountains that we will pass. Thankfully everything has gone all according to plan and I will reach the next town in a few days. My letter should reach you faster. Do you still remember where to write to? In any case remember that the information will be enclose by the end of the letter.

For now, I hope the weather is faring better for you than what I had to endure lately. Do not forget that by the end of week you have an appointment to….

“Shouyou! Dinner is almost done; mom wants you to help set up.”

Hearing his name Hinata paused his second time rereading his letter. Switching train of thought he quickly replied.  “Okay, I’ll be there. Let me just put this away.”

After hearing another affirmative, Hinata couldn’t help but snicker the way he skimmed the ending of the letter. It was just like Ushijima to remember appointments and his schedule for the both of them. It was both endearing and helpful the way he helped him keep track of his life. Even when he far away Ushijima always gave him a sort of comfort when he read his letters. They were meticulous but he could instantly tell they were Ushijima’s words. Seeing how his letters were arranged it made Hinata thrilled that Ushijima liked his handheld clock that he gave him a couple of seasons ago that much to incorporate it into his letters. It made it easier to picture Ushijima’s life away from him.

It was something to sooth the distance away from each other. He missed him dearly but just from the new letter that was sent to him made Hinata feel a little better. Ushijima was safe; and it would only be a few weeks before they would reunite again. He would respond back, he already had so many things to write back and he couldn’t wait to hear Ushijima’s feedback. But for now, Hinata carefully put the bundle of papers back into the envelope. Later after dinner...Hinata would write everything he wanted to say and then wait for Ushijima’s response. Then come a few weeks they would finally see each other.

He was getting ahead of himself again...he could feel it the way his mind sped up. But at the time he didn’t care. Instead he enjoyed the skip he had as he made his way to their kitchen where set the table and enjoyed his time with his family.

[chibiwriter]

Heeeeey... can I give a prompt or two? :D I'd love to see where you could go with 2, 12, 14, 34 and/or 54... I'd like the characters to be PokéGO, if that's possible? Thank you!

Oh good lord that’s quite a few isn’t it? 2′s already been requested (twice!!), but I’ll do my best for the rest of them! <3

Also, I do not own Syric - he is a Team Rocket OC with his own Facebook page. Please go check him out!

12.  “She’s hiding behind the sofa.”

It wasn’t often that Candela could genuinely surprise him. Frustrate him? Oh, all the time. But they’d worked together so long he’d gotten used to most of her antics. Which is why, when he saw her standing on top of her coffee table and holding one shoe with a brilliant, an almost manic look in her eyes, his immediate reaction was to turn around and try to leave.

“Charles!” she said, her voice a loud whisper, “There you are! Mind helping me for a moment?”

He sighed, resigned to his fate, and pinned his usual smile on as he turned back around and wheeled toward her. “That is what you pay me for, Miss Candela,” he said calmly, peering up at her, “How can I be of assistance?”

She waggled the shoe in her hand at him. “My darling Flareon has decided these shoes are so last season - which, when I think about it, is actually true, so we’ll need to find time for a shopping trip soon.“ She paused to stare at her single shoe and then wave a hand. “Regardless, they’re the only pair I have right now and if you recall, I have a press release in thirty minutes that I desperately need to get ready for.”

“’Desperately’ is right,” Carl said as he raised a brow and looked her over, “Did you just come back from a workout?”

“An asskicking, actually,” she replied with no small amount of smugness, “Rocket will learn to choose their weightlifting schedule with more caution next time.”

“Right, well, I’ll assume you’ll be feeling it just as much as they will tomorrow and adjust your schedule accordingly,” he drawled, lips twitching at the indignant look she sent him, “Where has your lovely Eeveelution gone to? We need to retrieve your other shoe, yes?”

“Oh, right,” Candela said, gesturing to the couch, “She’s hiding behind the sofa.”

14.  “They’re so cute when they’re asleep.”

The sound of a camera shutter rang out. Amelie frowned and turned her phone’s volume down, continuing to take pictures.

“You know, that’s not very sporting of you,” Syric said quietly, picking up the empty popcorn bowl.

“As if I care,” she shot back, glancing at the two sleeping on the couch. Noire sat in Spark’s lap, their legs thrown over his with their head resting on his chest. It was dark, but she swore there was a small stain of drool on the team leader’s shirt. Spark’s hands were placed appropriately - one supporting their back and the other very happily between their thighs - and his chin was propped up on her boss’ head.

Noire shifted, a small noise rising from their throat as they curled in toward Spark.

“Aww,” Syric said, looking down at them with a grin, “They’re so cute when they’re asleep.”

“Yeah, they’re both surprisingly easy to deal with when their mouths are shut. Who knew?”

The medic snorted and rolled his eyes at her barb, but didn’t even try to deny it. “Should we wake them up?” he asked, looking the pair over, “That’s not gonna be a very comfortable spot in a few hours.”

“Yeah, probably,” Amelie sighed, resigned. “If only because I don’t want to deal with Boss bitching about their neck being stiff tomorrow.”

Before either of them could move, however, Spark’s eyes slid open. They froze instantly, paralyzed in place by the glowing yellow irises that studied them in the dark. The air was suddenly charged, the hair on the back of their necks standing up. Noire shifted again, frowning slightly in their sleep, a hand fisting in Spark’s shirt.

“H-hello,” Syric managed, flinching when it focused in on him, blinking slowly in acknowledgement. “Is there, uh, anything we can help you with?” As his mother had always said: when it doubt, it’s better to be polite.

Who knew he’d one day have to apply that bit of decorum to a supernatural being?

The Titan wearing Spark’s skin said nothing, but its eyes traveled pointedly back toward Amelie. More specifically, the phone she was clutching a little too tightly in her hand. It quirked a brow before pinning her with an intense stare.

“I’ll delete them!” she said quickly, moving to do so only to be stopped when Syric grabbed her elbow. She glanced at him, then looked back to see the dark expression Spark’s face had gained.

“She’ll… send them to you?” Syric offered hesitantly, swallowing harshly when Spark’s lips curled up into a pleased, though honestly a bit unnerving, smile. It huffed, nuzzling the top of Noire’s head and brushing Spark’s lips against their hair before resting his cheek there, golden eyes sliding shut once more as the charge in the air dissipated.

Amelie and Syric shared a look and then wisely beat a hasty retreat.

34.  “You work for me. You are my slave.”

“Boss, it’s time.”

They lifted their head out of their hands to see Amelie standing in the doorway, haloed by the light from the hall. Her face was carefully neutral, but her single eye watched them with heartbroken empathy. That didn’t make any of this easier, not really, but they appreciated the effort.

Noire rose to their feet and passed her, making their way down the hall silently. Normally they’d engage Amelie in some sort of banter, perhaps even rile her up into bickering, both of them trying to shake off the inevitable pre-mission jitters. But not this time, not this mission - the feeling they had pooling in their gut was decidedly not the usual bout of anxiety… but dread.

The ride down in the elevator was deathly quiet. Amelie glanced at them a few times, her mouth pressing into a firm line to swallow what few words she might have thought to say.

They arrived at their destination with a hiss of hydraulics as the doors opened, revealing a deep underground bunker illuminated solely by fluorescent bulbs. The grunts and scientists that stood to attention as they passed had to be of the highest security clearance to come even three floors within this place.

Noire couldn’t meet any of their eyes.

A single cell stood at the end of the last hallway, guarded by the best Team Rocket had to offer. They saluted the two of them as they approached, faces grim.

“Status?”

“Sedation was ceased three hours ago as per your orders, Boss.”

“Good. Anything to report?”

“It…” The guard hesitated, glancing at his partner, then looked back at them.  "It’s expecting you.“

Noire’s jaw clenched and they nodded sharply, eyes hard. They swiped their access card and punched in the code, having to concentrate to make sure their shaking fingers hit the correct buttons. Amelie watched them with an outwardly uncaring look, but they could literally taste the concern that was rolling off of her in waves.

The lights flickered briefly as the door opened, the grunts shifting uncomfortably. Noire held up a hand to halt Amelie from following, then squared their shoulders and entered the dimly-lit cell. They’d had to use the equivalent of industrial glow-sticks to light the space, mounted into the floor, for obvious reasons. The whole setup cast strange and dark shadows and fit its sole inhabitant perfectly.

Bright eyes locked onto theirs. They tried to ignore the way the hair on the back of their neck stood up at the unwavering, intense gaze, then noted that it held no real heat. They almost missed the violent ire, the seemingly bottomless loathing. At least then all this wouldn’t feel so moot.

"I hear you were expecting me,” they began conversationally, disproportionately proud of how steady their voice was, “Did you miss me that much? I’m flattered.”

It blinked dully but did nothing more. Noire frowned, annoyed but not surprised. They moved further into the room and saw there was still a bit of cloudiness to its eyes, a tired, drugged slope to its posture.

Disappointing, but probably for the best.

“Giovanni wanted to keep you sedated until the last possible moment, you know, perhaps even into battle. He has complete faith in my abilities to use you as I see fit - which I can, mind you, but where’s the sport in that?” They paused to check for any sign of, well, anything, and sighed when there was no change. “I argued against it and won, obviously, so consider this your mission briefing.”

Noire walked to a portion of the wall and unhooked the chain that sprawled across the floor and encircled its neck. The links clinked against one another in a discordant melody, scarlet bright enough to burn in such low lighting, thrumming slightly in their grasp as they looped it a few times around one hand.

There was shuffling, nothing more than a shiver, wings dipping briefly to brush against the reinforced steel floor.

“I’m assuming you heard about the raid last week. They almost got to you, you know. There’s no way in hell they would’ve been able to get you out, of course, but it’s the thought that counts, right? Means they haven’t given up - or maybe they’re too stupid to realize they should?” Another pause, another fruitless venture in inciting a response. “Regardless, we’re taking the fight to them this time.”

Noire stepped right up to it, skin prickling from being so close. Their eyes met and they saw the briefest flicker of comprehension, of basic thought, when they said, “We’re gonna knock that Valor bitch right out of her tower.”

The air hummed for the span of a blink, just long enough for their fist to smash into its face. The charge released, a pulse of energy snapping in the air before dissipating, leaving them in silence but for Noire’s suddenly labored breathing. It wasn’t much, not really, not compared to before - but it gave them the smallest, bleakest sliver of hope and they clung to it despite everything else.

If it still had fight in it, then maybe all was not lost.

“Seems you need to be reminded that so long as I have this fucking thing around your neck, you work for me.” The chain rattled as they tugged on the links closest to it, bending the neck of the great beast. It went willingly, no resistance. They sneered, chest compressing as they leaned forward and tried again. “You are my slave.”

It was a mockery of what they actually felt, the anguish settling low in their gut and burning. Words not matching the sentiment, as per usual. They could almost hear a laugh, bright and loud and stupid, echo in their memory.

Yet here and now there was still nothing, no flicker of blue that they missed so much it hurt to breathe-

Noire scoffed and let go of the top part of the chain, tightening the coil around their hand and turning on their heel. They had a job to do, though it was somehow more ironic they would be using this instead of a gun, instead of tactics, even if the principle was still laughably the same: a weapon using a weapon.

“Traitor.”

It came out like a rasp, a hiss of breath emanating behind them from lips that barely moved, the very essence of it making their heart stop, their blood freeze. Every muscle tensed and they had to duck their head to bite back a sob that threatened to crawl up their throat. Calling it relief was too kind, was not enough.

It took every ounce of their strength to tug on the chain, to snap them both back into agonized silence, and the ease with which it received slack was nauseating.

“Shut up, birdbrain.”

54.  “They’re not your kids, back the f*ck off.”

“Sir? I believe we need to discuss your parenting methods.”

Giovanni opened his eyes to glare at the woman standing in front of him. The day was warm and the sun bright so it took a moment for his eyes to focus. She was clean and dressed sharply for someone at a kids’ play area in the park and had the air of someone who was used to getting her way.

He didn’t mind the attitude, of course - he was used to working with people that sort of personality all the time.

What did bother him, however, was the way she had her mouth set in an angry pout, one hand curled around one of the twin’s arms so tightly her long, manicured nails were digging into their skin. The other twin - he still couldn’t tell them apart - stood a few steps back, wringing their hands as a boy that was undoubtedly the woman’s son was sniffling pathetically beside them, a small trickle of blood dribbling from his nose.

“What happened?” he asked, sitting up straighter on the bench.

The woman sneered, her eyes judgmental. He could practically hear her thinking about what a sloppy guardian he was, as though it was his fault Sabrina had dropped the little brats on him at the last possible minute.

“Well,” she said, her voice grating on his nerves, “Your child punched my son!”

“He was being an ass!” the twin protested and, oh, yep, that one was definitely Noire. (In truth, the red headband probably should’ve given it away.) Giovanni had to resist the urge to snort when the woman gasped in horror at their foul language.

“Blanche and me wanted to play on the swings but he told us we had to play in the sandbox,” they continued, stubbornly trying to twist their arm out of the woman’s grasp.

“It’s where the girls are supposed to play!” the boy piped up, as though the local ‘playground rules’ should have any bearing on kids from out of the region.

���We aren’t girls!” Noire snarled, an angry sneer on their face that made the boy immediately cower.

“B-But your hair is so long-”

“Hair length has nothing to do with gender, you imbecile,” Blanche replied coldly, their words slicing through the boy’s blubbering like a knife. His brows pulled together in confusion at the word, knowing he’d been insulted but obviously not knowing how to respond.

Giovanni almost felt sorry for the twerp - having a helicopter mother wasn’t doing him any favors, that was for sure.

“Well, aren’t you going to say anything?” the woman snapped, looking at him with a poisonous expression. She still hadn’t loosened her iron grip on Noire’s arm. “Regardless of what was said, my son has a bloody nose because of your two troublemakers!”

“I only punched him because he shoved Blanche!”

“I did not!”

“Did too! They scraped their knee!”

“That’s ‘cause she’s wearing a skirt like a g-”

“We aren’t girls!” the twins shouted simultaneously, making the boy flinch.

“Sir, you need to control your children or I’ll-” The woman cut herself off when he stood, paling when she realized that his slack posture had belayed his height.

“Or you’ll what?” Giovanni growled.

He had a pretty clear picture of what had happened and his patience was wearing dangerously thin with the woman’s simpering.

“Well, I-I’ll have to get the authorities involved!” she managed, tilting her chin up to glare at him. He had to give it her - she had spunk. Too bad he was done indulging her holier-than-thou sentiments.

“You could,” he conceded, inclining his head, “But you aren’t going to.”

“I-”

“What you are going to do is grab that son of yours and actually take care of his nosebleed before he completely ruins his doubtlessly expensive shirt,” Giovanni said, reaching out the uncurl the woman’s hand from around Noire’s arm. Her grip was limp with surprise and she let go easily. Which was a good thing for her because he wasn’t against breaking fingers. “And then you’re gonna take him for ice cream. Got it?”

“Are you telling me how to raise my child?!” Her voice was obnoxiously shrill.

He sighed, waving for the twins to come stand next him. “Lady, I really don’t care what you do. Just remember the indignation you’re feeling right now next time you try and busy-body your way into making your son look even more pathetic than he already is.”

“Well, I never!” she gasped, straightening to poke a finger into his chest, “I’ll have you know I work for the mayor!”

Giovanni laughed in her face.

“Yeah? Then, here, take some advice from the guy that’s really running the show: if they’re not your kids,” he paused to put a hand on both twins’ shoulders, his smile nothing but teeth and as far from comforting as could be, “Back the fuck off.”

He then gently coaxed Noire and Blanche away from the bench and the sputtering mother with her brow-beaten offspring, leading them out of the park.

“Hey, Gio.”

“It’s Giovanni, brat.”

“Giovanni, then,” Noire said, rolling their eyes, “Can we stop by the drugstore? I wanna get Blanche a band-aid.”

“It’s really not that bad,” Blanche protested, patting at their skirt, “I’ll just remember not to wear this next time we go play.”

“Still! We could get matching ones - like those limited edition Eeveelution ones we saw!”

“But… you’re not hurt, Noire.”

“So?”

Giovanni sighed, rolling his shoulders. “Tell you what,” he said, interrupting their childish antics, “We can stop by the drugstore and get band-aids for Blanche and you each can choose an ice cream.”

“Just one?” Noire tried, blinking up at him innocently, “We were traumatized by that lady back there, Giovanni. Better make it two.”

He quirked a brow at them then huffed and waved them on. “Sure, whatever you want, kid. Just don’t tell Sabrina.”

“Thanks, Gio!”

“It’s Giovan-” He cut himself off with a harsh sigh when the twins ran off, giggling to each other as their shoes made light taps on the concrete. For a moment no longer than a single heartbeat, a memory tickled, a boy with red hair flashing through his mind when one of them turned and waved at him with a large grin on their face.

The ache in his chest persisted until Sabrina came to pick them up the next day.

[maritzaerwin]

Sleep, Eat, Work, Repeat – How to Break This Vicious Cycle

Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus, Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Fitzgerald’s Jay Gatsby – all of these characters have one thing in common: ambition as their tragic flaw. Time and again, culture has given us examples of men and women whose blind quests for more have brought on a tragedy. Yet, even today, we seem not to have learned a thing.

In the 21st century, ambition, or more precisely, hustle culture, is still being glorified as the single solution to all of life’s problems. We measure ourselves against entrepreneurs whose daily routines really do seem to be sleep, eat, work, repeat. We feel incompetent and undeserving unless we’re capable of sleeping ten hours a week, running a half marathon every day, and making millions of dollars per second.

But the thing is, in our quest for riches and glory, we often fail to stop and think whether we really need all this. What do we gain from neglecting our health, personal lives, and emotional wellbeing? Yes, money and social approval are both great motivators. But at the end of the road, do they truly matter?

If you, like so many others, are finding yourself stuck in the vicious cycle of all work and no play, know that there are ways to break free. Yes, they’ll require some changes in routine and approach. But in the end, a balanced relationship between work and life doesn’t have to mean less success. On the contrary, it might just be the thing that gives you that push, all the while ensuring you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

What Exactly Are the Consequences of a Poor Work-Life Balance?

While we may have the impression that hustling is glamorous, in truth, it’s anything but. Yes, in theory, getting up at 5 am, going for a run, grabbing breakfast on the go, then spending anywhere between 12 to 16 hours being productive at work does seem like a recipe for success. However, the results of such a routine might just be the opposite of what we were hoping for.

Research has shown time and again that without giving proper attention to rest and recovery, we’re actually doing more damage than good. And not just to our bodies. When skipping breaks, we’re wreaking havoc on our minds, social connections, and, ultimately, the quality of our work as well.

1. Workaholism and Stress

When describing the ideal employee, most leaders will use descriptors such as highly-engaged, dedicated, and ready to go the extra mile. And these are, in fact, attributes that do contribute to the overall progress within an organization. Workaholism, however, doesn’t equate to these employee characteristics.

A person who is addicted to work will be motivated by internal pressures, emotional, and behavioral characteristics. They’ll experience negative feelings when unable to work, and will tend to put in more effort than can be reasonably expected of them. This leads us to the conclusion that their need to work is not the reflection of engagement. On the contrary, it’s the result of their inability to disengage from their job. Additionally, the pressure they feel to perform doesn’t lead to eustress (meaning “pleasant stress”), but rather to a bigger chance of experiencing burnout.

The always-on mode experienced by so many ambitious people thus comes with one serious consequence: chronic exposure to internal pressure and stress. Long-term health risks of chronically high cortisol levels include poor cardiovascular health, diabetes, inflammation, insomnia, and autoimmune disease. As all of these have a significant impact on life expectancy, it becomes clear that stress management should be the go-to form of self-care for most ambitious professionals.

Fortunately, research has shown that yoga, meditation, physical exercise, nutrition, as well as having a hobby all contribute to the lowering of cortisol levels. These practices allow for the body and mind to unwind, making time and space for overall recovery.

2. Skipping Sleep to Get More Done

A common problem for those working their way up the corporate ladder is the fact that the day does not have enough hours to get everything done. Excelling at work, as well as taking care of at-home tasks, often requires sacrifices, the most common of which seems to be sleep. A recent survey by Zoma has shown that as many as 51% of respondents sacrificed sleeping hours to complete their daily chores.

But while doing more work and getting less sleep sounds like a winning combination, is it really an effective way to boost productivity and work performance? It turns out it’s not quite so.

One of the most important things that happen during sleep is that memories made during the day are consolidated. They’re moved from short-term to long-term storage, unnecessary information is cleared out, and the flow of cerebral fluid increases, flushing out toxins. Thus, sleep restores energy, facilitates muscle repair, and slows cognitive decline.

So how does this relate to work? Well, it turns out that running on autopilot, that is, with insufficient sleep, isn’t always a problem. Rule-based decision-making and planning, for example, usually remain unaffected. Nevertheless, what does decline is the person’s creativity and ability to come up with innovative solutions. Furthermore, higher-level cognitive capacities are degraded with lack of sleep, as is alertness.

This clearly indicates that sacrificing rest for the sake of getting more work done isn’t just exhausting. Even more, it’s a practice that’s counterproductive, affecting all areas of life, including mood and appetite.

3. Mental Health Risks of Too Much Work

In addition to a host of physical and cognitive consequences, a poor work-life balance also reflects on mental health. And, it seems that these consequences are quite similar whether they’re brought on by external or internal pressure to overperform.

The most common symptom of pushing oneself too hard appears to be anxiety, followed closely by substance abuse, irritability, and depression. Left untreated, these can influence both personal and professional endeavors. 

Furthermore, it’s not uncommon for overachievers to sacrifice relationships, including those with romantic partners, family, and friends. What this results in is the lack of effective coping mechanisms that would undo the psychological harm caused by adverse experiences in the workplace. Research suggests that meaningful interpersonal relationships don’t just contribute to optimal wellbeing. Social support could also be a key element in coping with the pressures of work, as well as the prerequisite to personal development.

With this in mind, it becomes apparent that overall wellbeing requires a fully balanced relationship between one’s professional and personal lives. In short, it requires plenty of time for rest, meaningful interactions, and health-promoting activities.

How to Stop Sacrificing Wellbeing for the Sake of Work?

On the one hand, your pressure to stand out at work might be internal. On the other, you may be experiencing unreasonable expectations from your superiors. Whichever of these two situations you find yourself in, rest assured that there are solutions to leading a more balanced life.

1. Question your Priorities

While our careers make up a large part of our identities, they’re definitely not the only thing about us that matters. And sometimes, it’s good to be reminded of this.

This means that, when seeking to lead a more fulfilled life, we should give ourselves some time for self-reflection. For some people, the answers will be straightforward. They’ll have their goals, and they’ll know what they need to do to achieve them. But for others, these questions won’t be so simple.

An excellent technique for questioning priorities and determining short-term and long-term plans of action is to follow the technique developed by Ryder Carroll, author of The Bullet Journal Method. He suggests breaking up our day-to-day activities into three categories:

Working on.

Should be working on.

Want to be working on.

Any of the entries that don’t bring meaning or aren’t essential to your existence are, ultimately, just distractions. Carroll’s solution? Eliminating them from your to-do list.

2. Plan for Rest

The one thing that most productivity methods have in common is that they suggest a balance between periods of work and periods of rest. And if the secret to doing work more efficiently is to take time off, then it is definitely an idea that can be translated into every aspect of our lives.

First of all, start by adopting healthy work habits. Following the Pomodoro method, determining a hard-stop time for the workday, and scheduling tasks to limit distractions are all excellent starts. But even more importantly, remember the importance of taking time for yourself.

Try to limit the amount of work you do outside of the office, block out at least one day a week to have off, and try to take a short vacation every two to three months to recharge your batteries. It doesn’t have to be exotic nor expensive. The idea is just to change environments, leave your work at home, and spend some quality time unwinding, whether with a book, on a beach, or on a long hike.

3. Keep Track of Your Behavior

Making lifestyle changes, such as shifting focus from your professional to your personal life, comes with plenty of soul-searching. And it’s not a bad idea to consider the behaviors that led to a disbalance in the first place.

Some people, for example, have a tendency to say yes to every opportunity, without questioning its value beforehand. Others might have developed habits and routines that are interfering with their efficiency. Some will even strive for perfection without realizing that it’s a form of procrastination.

But no matter which of these behaviors you’re “guilty of,” remember that it’s always possible to make a change for the better. Even if it means altering your habits.

Try to be more mindful of the ways you’re self-sabotaging your wellbeing. Not to berate yourself, but to identify the areas of life in which you could improve. Perhaps all it takes for you to regain control is to say “NO” to the projects that don’t spark joy. Or, you might find that avoiding to check your email before bed allows you to relax and get a better night’s sleep.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Remember that even small positive changes can have a beneficial impact on how you feel about your career. Acknowledge your emotions, identify the actions that could help your overall mood improve, and adjust as you go along.

4. Ask for Help

Finally, it’s perfectly all right to feel overwhelmed by work. If you find yourself in this situation and can’t see a way out, know that pushing yourself towards an imminent burnout isn’t doing anyone any good – neither you nor your company. So don’t be afraid to reach out.

Talk to your superiors and let them know that you’re struggling with your tasks. Yes, the prospect of having such a conversation might seem intimidating. But it also could be the solution to all your problems. After all, people who are in leadership positions should have the experience to point you in the right direction, as well as the means to provide you with the help, or tools you need.

Furthermore, know that there’s such a thing as career coaching. The process is an excellent opportunity to identify the pain points of your current career path, as well as to come up with actionable solutions. For many professionals, it can be a way of figuring out their priorities, values, and things to look for in the workplace. It’s also a process that encourages personal growth and empowers people to make changes for the better.

Know Your Worth

When all is said and done, it’s not a bad idea to consider why we’re doing what we’re doing. Getting to the top means absolutely nothing if we don’t enjoy the journey – or even worse, if we wear ourselves out to the point that we’ve ruined our health.

So remember: your ambitions serve only you. There’s not one single definition of success, nor one single way to achieve it. If you feel like you’re being spread too thin, step back and listen to your mind and body. You’ll know what you need to do. And you’ll find that once you’ve taken a moment to nurture your own wellbeing, you’ll have the strength and motivation to achieve even more.

The post Sleep, Eat, Work, Repeat – How to Break This Vicious Cycle appeared first on CareerMetis.com.

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Factory Workers Can Now Legally Be Asked to Work 12-Hour Shifts. How Will this Change Things?

On April 15, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a detailed notification outlining the conditions under which economic activities could be restarted in non-containment zones. The order imposed a string of mandatory do’s and don’ts such as social distancing, the arrangement of private transportation for workers and medical insurance. The violation of any of these directives, the order noted, could attract severe penalties including imprisonment under the National Disaster Management Act, 2005 (NDMA). Two days before that, on April 13, India’s central trade unions (CTUs) sent a letter to the Union labour minister that expressed their opposition to a proposal that would amend the Factories Act, 1948 (FA), a move which was reportedly being considered by the Centre. The alleged amendment would have allowed companies to extend a factory worker’s daily shift to 12 hours per day, six days a week (72 hours) from the existing eight hours per day, six days a week (48 hours). This move is controversial, because 48 hours per week is what is mandated by global and ILO norms. In fact, the first convention that ILO adopted was the Hours of Work (Industry) Convention, 1919 (No. 1) which India ratified in 1921 and it proclaimed 48 hours of work in a week. While the Centre hasn’t yet amended the FA, at least four state governments – Rajasthan (April 11), Gujarat (April 17), Punjab (April 20) and Himachal Pradesh (April 21) – have issued notifications in the last few days to increase the working hours as mentioned above. Incidentally, this has become the most popular strategy of carrying out labour law reforms in India both historically and recently. Labour market reforms at the national level are often opposed stridently by a rather united trade union movement through massive strikes involving crores of workers and in the tripartite forum also. These are supported, on-and-off, by opportunistic opposition political parties. Reforms such as easy ‘hire-and-fire’ rules create negative outcomes like unemployment, which have adverse electoral costs for ruling parties. This is why core labour law reforms at the national level then becomes problematic for the Centre. What, then, becomes the way out for the Union government? Since the subject of ‘labour’ figures in the Concurrent List, the Central government allows willing state governments to adopt these reforms and the president’s assent, which is in essence a Union Cabinet decision, is granted for them. Thus, the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition Act, 1970 was liberalised by the then ‘united’ Andhra Pradesh in 2003, by Maharashtra in 2017 and by Rajasthan in 2014. Chapter V-B was also liberalised by the Rajasthan government to make it applicable to industrial establishments employing 300 workers in place of 100 in 2014, following which others like Jharkhand did it in in 2016. The juggernaut of heavyweight labour law reforms therefore moves forward as states dared to effect “hard” labour law reforms that the Union government otherwise shies away from. The Centre then typically expresses its helplessness by saying that the state governments are well placed to effect these reforms and nothing can be done about it. A similar strategy has been adopted here with respect to increasing the hours of work during the COVID-19 context. Legal defects But there are a few issues with these notifications. Firstly, the legal justifications given for pushing through a 12-hour shift come with their own defects. Section 51 of Factories Act, 1948 (FA) stipulates that no adult worker should work for more than 48 hours in a week and within this framework no worker should be allowed for more than nine hours a day (S.54). In addition to this, the total spread-over time inclusive of rests should not be more than 10.5 hours a day (S.56) and subject to S.51 and S.54, more hours worked will be paid at the rate twice the ordinary wage rate (S.59). The reasons given by these governments for extending working hours include “labour shortage” due to curfews because of the pandemic, specifically trying to reduce manpower requirement “by 33%” and limiting worker movement (Rajasthan) and “for safety and social-distancing” (Gujarat). In the meanwhile, several industry leaders have been complaining of “labour shortages”. Himachal Pradesh has not mentioned any reason for the extension in its notification. While all of them have increased the maximum working hours to 12 hours a day and 72 hours a week, Rajasthan and Punjab have provided for overtime (OT) pay – Punjab’s notification specifically mentions that OT pay will be double the normal wage rate as per Section 59 of FA. Gujarat’s notification however says, “wages shall be in proportion of the existing wages”. This means, as the notification points out, that if wages for eight hours are Rs 80, then the proportionate wages for 12 hours will be Rs 120.  Thus, the OT wages provided for by Gujarat is less than what is stipulated by S.59 of FA and to that extent it is legally deficient. While Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh governments have exercised the powers conferred by S.5 and the Punjab government S.65 of FA, Rajasthan did not specify any provision at all. The exercise of S.5 by Gujarat is also questionable as it empowers the state governments on the grounds of “public emergency” to exempt factories from all or any of the provisions of FA save S.67 (which deals with prohibition of employment of children). “Public emergency” means “a grave emergency whereby the security of India or any part of the territory thereof is threatened, whether by war or external aggression or internal disturbances” (introduced with effect from 26/10-1976).  The crisis due to COVID-19 is for biological health hazards and surely is not covered by the definition of public emergency under S.5 of FA even under “internal disturbances” grounds which must affect security of India. S.65(2) (3) empower the state governments to amend Sections 51-52, 54 and 56 subject to conditions, viz. (a) the total number of hours of work in any day shall not exceed 12; (b) the spread-over, inclusive of rest intervals, shall not exceed 13, (c) the total number of work-hours in any week, including OT, shall not exceed 60. Punjab only has correctly exercised S.65. However, all the government notifications provide for a total of 72 hours in a week, which is questionable. Worker health, productivity and employment opportunity Apart from these legal issues, serious ‘industrial relations’ concerns exist. Shortage of labour and social distancing principles legitimise the extension of working hours as it optimises the deployment of existing workforce and thus partly tackles the extra costs involved in complying with the MHA’s order. But is the extension of working hours needed for all industries? Why aren’t the existing provisions in the FA adequate to be used to tackle contingencies mentioned above? After all, where necessary, employers and unions (wherever they exist) could together determine the labour shortage, extra workload and accordingly calculate the over-time that would be required. The issues arising out of labour deployment will differ across industries and cannot be generalised for the manufacturing sector as a whole, which is what these amendments assume. What is important to remember is that a 12-hour shift effectively reduces the demand for labour. In the absence of company-worker dialogue, employers may unilaterally take calls, and hence provide room for discrimination regarding employee choices and income distribution among workers. These issues may lead to labour unrest. To be sure, social dialogue could mitigate any adverse effects of a 12-hour shift. Beyond this, there are several practical issues that affect factory workers. Increased hours of work, especially when the tasks are repetitive and mechanical, will raise fatigue and work stress, hence affecting productivity adversely.  In cases where workers thanks to social distancing are performing multiple though related tasks, the possibilities of work-related stress will be much higher. It is also plausible that errors could occur, with even accidents at the workplace cannot be ruled out. The most serious setback arising out of a 12-hour workday, though, is that it will place women workers at a disadvantage thanks to their multiple roles in the workplace and homes, and women’s employment might be reduced. Women workers are more unlikely to prefer employment which requires them to stay at the workplace, and 12 hours plus travel time will mean less time for family life. Hence, they are least likely to self-select and their economic capacities will be affected. All these have adverse gender implications. Even for male employees, being away for 12 hours plus travel time in case of travel-based work, scheduling their work-life balance will be affected. Alternatively, in cases of shelter-based work scheduling, their absence from home at a stretch might affect their emotional state, assuming that they will be provided home-like shelter and food. Also, these notifications will greatly reduce the employment opportunities of ‘precarious’ workers as when there is a likelihood of non-employment of some regular workers, the question of precarious workers does not arise. However, given the labour flexibility drive of employers, it may be that some cost-optimising employers may prefer these precarious workers. Taking one step back though, the COVID-19 pandemic and economic slowdown has thrown up a wide range of questions that have grave implications for India’s blue-collar factory workforce. For instance, what if non-employed workers do not get full wages even if they are ready to offer their services or should they be paid lay-off compensation? Is a pandemic a legally valid clause for lay-offs? Even assuming that lay-offs are legally allowed, as per Chapter V-A of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 workers employed in factories employing 50 or more workers only are eligible for it. One may argue that factories employing less than 50 workers may not start production at all, as some reports indicate. But as a legal principle, how will the non-employed workers be compensated, whether for eight hours or 12 hours of work? All these could be left to social dialogue at the firm level. Issuance of legally defective and macro-based notifications are ill-advised and should be withdrawn. In these sensitive circumstances, talk of labour law reforms in terms of introduction of labour codes will be injudicious and even counter-productive. The first socio-economic task is to balance lives and livelihoods. There are better state interventions to consider, like wage subsidies.The vexatious question is: Why is there not greater engagement with trade unions at this troubling time? This might help with governance of the world of work and the crises brewing in it. Support The Wrosper to get the latest updates! Stay tuned Read the full article