#banking connectivity solutions

[hughescommunications]

Revolutionizing Connectivity: Hughes Communications India's Leading Edge in SD-WAN Solutions for Banking Connectivity

In the digital age, the banking sector relies heavily on secure and seamless connectivity to cater to the evolving needs of customers. In this context, Hughes Communications India emerges as a standout provider, revolutionizing connectivity through its advanced SD-WAN solutions. In this blog post, we will explore how Hughes Communications India's expertise in SD-WAN technology makes it the top choice for banking connectivity solutions, addressing the industry's most critical requirements.

1. Pioneer in SD-WAN Technology: As the banking sector increasingly adopts Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) solutions to enhance network performance and security, Hughes Communications India stands out as a pioneer in this domain. With their deep understanding of SD-WAN technology, they have developed cutting-edge solutions that cater to the unique demands of the banking industry.

2. Unmatched Expertise in Banking Connectivity: Hughes Communications India's extensive experience and expertise in providing communication services to the banking sector make them a trusted partner for banking connectivity solutions. They understand the stringent security and compliance requirements of financial institutions, allowing them to design and implement tailored SD-WAN solutions that address these specific needs.

3. Seamless Integration and Interoperability: One of the standout features of Hughes Communications India's SD-WAN solutions is their ability to seamlessly integrate with existing banking infrastructure. They ensure that their solutions work seamlessly with various banking applications, core banking systems, and security protocols, minimizing disruptions and simplifying the deployment process.

4. Robust Security Measures: Recognizing the critical importance of security in the banking sector, Hughes Communications India incorporates robust security measures into their SD-WAN solutions. They implement advanced encryption protocols, authentication mechanisms, and multi-layered security architectures to safeguard sensitive financial data and protect against cyber threats.

5. Reliable Connectivity and Network Performance: With their vast satellite network infrastructure and extensive coverage, Hughes Communications India offers banking institutions a reliable and high-performance connectivity solution. Their SD-WAN technology optimizes network traffic, ensuring fast and consistent connectivity across branches and remote locations, enabling seamless customer experiences and efficient banking operations.

6. Scalable Solutions for Growth: Banking institutions often require scalable solutions that can adapt to their evolving needs. Hughes Communications India's SD-WAN solutions are designed to be scalable, allowing banks to easily expand their network capabilities as their operations grow. This scalability ensures that the solutions remain aligned with changing customer demands and industry trends.

7. Exceptional Customer Support: Hughes Communications India prides itself on providing exceptional customer support to its clients in the banking sector. Their dedicated team is available to assist with any technical issues, troubleshooting, or queries, ensuring that the banking connectivity solutions function optimally and uninterrupted.

Conclusion:

In the realm of banking connectivity solutions, Hughes Communications India takes the lead by offering state-of-the-art SD-WAN technology tailored to the specific requirements of the banking sector. Their unparalleled expertise, seamless integration capabilities, robust security measures, reliable connectivity, scalability, and dedicated customer support make them the preferred choice for banks seeking innovative and dependable connectivity solutions. As the banking industry continues to evolve, Hughes Communications India remains at the forefront, empowering financial institutions with the connectivity they need to thrive in the digital era.

[odinsblog]

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel has approved the largest seizure of land in the occupied West Bank in over three decades, a settlement tracking group said Wednesday, a move that is likely to worsen already soaring tensions linked to the war in Gaza.

Israel’s aggressive expansion in the West Bank reflects the settler community’s strong influence in the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the most religious and nationalist in the country’s history. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a settler himself, has turbocharged the policy of expansion, seizing new authorities over settlement development and saying he aims to solidify Israel’s hold on the territory and prevent the creation of a Palestinian state.

Authorities recently approved the appropriation of 12.7 square kilometers (nearly 5 square miles) of land in the Jordan Valley, according to a copy of the order obtained by The Associated Press. Data from Peace Now, the tracking group, indicate it was the largest single appropriation approved since the 1993 Oslo accords at the start of the peace process.

Settlement monitors said the land grab connects Israeli settlements along a key corridor bordering Jordan, a move they said undermines the prospect of a contiguous Palestinian state.

U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric called it “a step in the wrong direction,” adding that “the direction we want to be heading is to find a negotiated two-state solution.”

The newly seized land is in an area of the West Bank where, even before the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, settler violence was displacing communities of Palestinians. That violence has only surged since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack ignited the war in Gaza. Settlers have carried out more than 1,000 attacks on Palestinians since October in the West Bank, causing deaths and damaging property, according to the U.N.

The land seizure, which was approved late last month but only publicized on Wednesday, comes after the seizure of 8 square kilometers (roughly 3 square miles) of land in the West Bank in March and 2.6 square kilometers (1 square mile) in February.

That makes 2024 by far the peak year for Israeli land seizure in the West Bank, Peace Now said.

By declaring them state lands, the government opens them up to being leased to Israelis and prohibits private Palestinian ownership.

(continue reading)

[astrocafecoffee]

•Venus in Groom persona chart •

• FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY, ENJOY •

✨ MASTERLIST

(I totally forgot about this series 🙂, so here I am with Venus in Groom persona chart)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~✨✨~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Venus in 1st house:

Prince charming, tall , handsome and attractive spouse. Has beautiful eyes that Captivate your attention. Appreciates luxury, comfort and sensual pleasures. Could be a romantic at heart with a deep appreciation for love stories. May have talents in music , art or any creative pursuits. People wants to be with them , could be some sort of influencer. Also, maybe a natural people pleaser. May have a secret talent for improvisational comedy or witty banter.

Venus in 2nd house:

Sturdy build or have athletic physique. A hard worker, who values financial security. Very loyal spouse. Acts or service and gift giving could be their love language. Could have a strong connection to family traditions or cultural heritage. They could have a thing for collecting unique items. May have a secret talent for cooking and baking. Loves nature and gardening. Excels in banking or in family business.

Venus in 3rd house:

Possibly has youthful appearance (even if they are older than you). Enjoys mental stimulation. Has talents for writing or public speaking. Also can be a good singer too. May have secret love for leaning new languages. Likes brain teasers or puzzles. Some sort of content creator? May have strong connection with their siblings and friends. Possibly has a fascination with technology or gadgets.

Venus in 4th house:

Possibly has soft, rounded features. They values hone life and very protective and Caring towards their loved one.may have strong connection to their family traditions. Enjoys cooking, decorating or other domestic pursuits. Very intuitive spouse. Possibly has a fascination with antiques or vintage items. Has ability to transform emotional pain into something beautiful and meaningful . Spending time with their loved ones is their love language.

Venus in 5th house:

Has youthful and radiant appearance. Possibly has a playful and mischievous glint in their eye , has a talent for fashion and design. Enjoys risks and trying new things. Loves music , drama, art and any other creative pursuits. May have a strong connection to their inner child. Loves to shine and be the centre of the attention. Some kind of content creator maybe. Hopeless romantic at heart. May have a talent for writing or reading fantasy stories to create elaborate imaginary worlds.

Venus in 6th house:

May have slender or athletic build. Passion or interest in health and wellness / service oriented activities. Values long term commitment, very loyal spouse. May have a talent for energetic healing or reiki. Possess talents for finding creative solutions to everyday problems. They will listen to your every word very closely. Maintains a good body and health. Suprise gifts and heartfelt letters are the love languages. possibly has talent in writing or in journalism.

Venus in 7th house:

Possibly has a strong sense of style and enjoys dressing up. They will love you the most. May have strong magnetic attraction to your beauty. A excellent listener and have a strong ability to understand their partner's needs. Collaboration is the main theme in this relationship ( collaboration in artistic pursuits or any business). They believe in idea of soulmates or twinflmaes . Others admires their beauty so much.

Venus in 8th house:

May have a powerful, intense and dark gaze. They will be attracted to the beauty of your body and sensual expression.also may possess magnetic presence that attracts others to them(Obsessive energy is present too). You can openly share your secrets with them , they will never tell a soul. Could be very spiritual and has knowledge about esoteric things ( tarot, astrology). May have a dark romantic streak or a fascination with unknown.

Venus in 9th house:

Probably big and tall build. May Have interests in foreign cultures/ may have attraction to foreign peoples or people very different to them. May have radiant or philosophical gaze. They are drawn to higher education where they can expand their knowledge. Very spiritual. Their knowledge and words inspire others. Maybe interested in mystical arts and practices such as meditation, yoga or energy healing.

Venus in 10th house:

May have a strong build. May posses a leadership position in the society. Possibly drawn to careers in arts, design or media, also humanitarian field and possess charismatic and charming public persona. Very responsible spouse. Also may have interest in fashion, beauty or any creative industries. May posses some kind of media presence. Possibly may recieve awards or recognition for their work. May have knack for forming successful collaborations or partnerships.

Venus in 11th house:

Possibly has tall or lanky build. Quirky or unconventional appearance. May have a strong desire to help others. They thinks outside the box. Maybe passionate about technology, innovation or progressive ideas. Passionate about science and engineering and mathematics. Involved in social justice and human rights. Possibly has a talent for finding innovative solution to complex problems. Their work inspire others.

Venus in 12th house:

May have dreamy or ethereal quality to their appearance. Has slender or delicate build. Possibly has a talent for art, music or any other creative expression. Passionate about spirituality , and other metaphysical subjects. May have interest in esoteric studies(tarot, astrology). May have intuitive relationships or sense their partners emotions. Possibly some sort of content creator. possibly engages in selfless service or volunteer work.

Thanks for reading ✨

- PIKO 💙

[deliciousangelfestival]

Nothing Has Changed - 1

Summary: Returning home for peace, you're faced with your tormentor, Bucky Barnes, who is now involved in your family's business.

Character: Bucky Barnes x Female!Reader

Words Count: 2,143

Warning: Angst, Tragedy.

Nothing Has Changed - Series Masterlist

Main Masterlist || support: Ko-fi

Thank you to anyone who gave a like, reblog, and left a comment. It motivated me to write more. 

The clink of the spoon against the teacup echoed in the room. Your father, Tom, stared down at the tea, trying to keep his composure, but his heart ached for you.

He looked up at you sitting across from him. You could see the worry in his eyes, yet he seemed more concerned about you thinking he needed support, when it was supposed to be the other way around.

“Eat the cookies. You need to eat. You’ve lost a lot of weight,” Tom said, pushing the plate of cookies closer to you. His voice was gentle but firm.

The cold plate touched your skin, jolting you back to reality. You couldn’t believe that you had once promised never to come back home. Your father looked so much older than the last time you saw him, seven years ago.

As you watched him, you could see the lines on his face, the graying hair, the tiredness in his eyes. He looked fragile, contrasting to the robust and indifferent man you remembered.

He used to be so distant and reserved, his eyes always seeming to look through you rather than at you. His mind was always elsewhere, consumed by his work. You remember feeling invisible as if you were never a priority in his life.

He doesn’t know that you were an outcast and bullied the whole time you grew up in this town. It was all because of his job and the house you lived in.

Flashback Starts

In this town, there was only one mortician—your dad. And the funeral home was connected to your house.

Kids your age made fun of you relentlessly. They called your father the angel of death and labeled your home as hell. The bullying started early and only intensified as you got older. By high school, it felt like there was no escape.

But then, a glimmer of hope arrived when a new kid from the city transferred to your school.

His name was Ransom Drysdale-Thrombey. He was sent to this small-town school because he was a troublemaker. The principal asked you to help Ransom, hoping you could help him.

At first, it was tough. Ransom was resistant, and his rough exterior matched the rumors about him. But you stayed patient and persistent.

Over time, Ransom began to open up to you. His academic performance started to improve, and slowly, a bond formed between you.

Because of Ransom’s improvement, you met his family for the first time. It turned out that Drysdale was a mighty name. His family owned a big bank.

This was the turning point. Ransom introduced you to his grandfather, Harlan Drysdale. “Grandpa, my friend here is a genius. She’s the one who solved the issues you’ve been stressing about. I just showed it to her to ask her opinion, and she solved it.”

Harlan, the patriarch of the company, exuded a charisma you had never seen before. He looked at you with a mix of curiosity and respect.

You felt nervous, your hands trembling slightly as you stood there. Harlan’s presence was intimidating, but there was a kindness in his eyes that put you at ease.

“Is that so?” Harlan said, a smile spreading across his face. “I’d like to hear more about this solution of yours.”

Ransom beamed with pride as he gestured for you to explain. You took a deep breath and started to talk about your idea, feeling a strange sense of confidence growing inside you. Harlan listened intently, nodding along, his expression thoughtful.

When you finished, Harlan leaned back in his chair, clearly impressed. “You have a remarkable mind,” he said. “Ransom is lucky to have you as a friend.”

For the first time in a long time, you felt seen and appreciated. You glanced at Ransom, who gave you an encouraging nod.

Meeting Harlan and the Drysdale family marked the beginning of a new chapter. You were no longer just the mortician’s kid. You were someone with potential, someone who could make a difference.

The years of bullying and isolation started to feel like a distant memory, replaced by a newfound sense of hope and possibility.

He looked at you and slowly nodded. “For a high school student to solve a credit issue is amazing. I’m glad my grandson found a hidden talent.”

Your heart felt warm. You had never received such a compliment in your life.

“You will be a valuable asset in the future. Dear, are you interested in working with me?” Harlan asked.

“Yes, sir!” you replied quickly.

This was your golden ticket to leaving this town, having a better life, and succeeding.

After graduating high school, you packed your bags, said goodbye to your dad, and jumped into Ransom's car. As the car started moving, you didn’t glance back even once.

You had made your decision to leave everything behind.

You received a scholarship for college from the Drysdale charity, supported by a glowing recommendation letter from Harlan himself. You studied hard, like a person possessed, determined to graduate quickly and start working at the Drysdale company.

You graduated in two years and fulfilled your promise to work with Harlan. You gave it your all, becoming a workaholic to prove yourself.

Your hard work paid off, and you made a name for yourself in the finance world. They called you the “female Midas” because every company's stock you bought saw its price soar.

Harlan was proud of you; you could see it in his eyes.

Then everything changed after Harlan died.

The company's business structure changed too, with Ransom in charge. You tried to talk to him, but he didn’t listen.

One day, the FBI raided your office and accused you of insider trading. You hadn’t done it, but the accusation hit hard. Even without proof, you lost friends, and your trading and financial licenses were revoked.

You called Ransom, but he didn’t pick up. You tried contacting the other Drysdales, but nobody wanted to help.

You had spent seven years celebrating Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas with them, but they still hadn’t accepted you.

You had poured your sweat, blood, and tears into this company, only to be thrown away. After everything, they still hadn’t accepted you. The way they made you feel like family, only to discard you, was a sick joke.

Even a wolf would accept a dog into its pack.

You sat alone in your empty apartment, your hands trembling with anger and betrayal. The silence was deafening, starkly contrasting to the lively gatherings you once shared with the Drysdales. The warmth you once felt from their acceptance had turned cold and hollow.

You looked at the framed photo on your desk, a picture of you and Harlan on the day you graduated. His proud smile felt like a distant memory, overshadowed by the harsh reality of your present.

You picked up your phone one last time, scrolling through the countless unanswered messages to Ransom and the Drysdales. Each one felt like a dagger, a reminder of the trust and loyalty you had given, only to be met with silence and abandonment.

You have lost everything. The court has taken your apartment, your car, and blocked your bank account until the investigation is done.

You feel ashamed and don’t have any close friends to turn to.

Your last hope is your hometown. With your small amount of cash, you pack your laptop and a few outfits and take the last train home.

When you call your dad, his voice sounds uncertain when he hears you’re coming home and ask if he can pick you up.

It’s late at night when you arrive. It’s just you and your dad. You’re grateful no one else is around to see you.

Tom looks nervous. He tries to ask you on the car ride home, “Did something happen?”

You close your eyes and lean your head against the window. “I’m tired. I’ll tell you tomorrow morning.”

“Ah. Right. You must be tired,” Tom says, his voice shaky.

The silence in the car is heavy, filled with unspoken words. Tom glances at you occasionally, his worry evident in the rearview mirror. You can feel the weight of his concern, but you can’t bring yourself to talk about it yet.

When you finally pull up to the house, it looks the same as when you left. The familiarity is both comforting and painful. Tom helps you with your bags, his hands trembling slightly.

You only brought one bag, but he wanted to carry it, as if carrying your burden. He could feel that you were going through something.

Inside, the house is quiet. You head straight to your old room, which hasn’t changed much. The sight of it brings a lump to your throat.

You drop your bags and sit on the edge of the bed, feeling exhausted and defeated.

Tom lingers in the doorway, unsure of what to do. “If you need anything, just let me know,” he says softly.

“Thanks, Dad,” you reply, managing a weak smile. He nods and gently closes the door, leaving you with your thoughts. The weight of your situation presses down on you, but at least here, in this small room, you feel a glimmer of safety.

Flashback End

*******

The next morning, you woke up with no desire to move on. But seeing your dad already waiting for you, you couldn’t make him wait for an answer.

So you told him about the struggle you're facing right now.

Tom wasn’t ready for this. He thought you returned because your heart was broken by Ransom or you missed home. Or, you missed him.

After hearing every word that came out of your mouth, he couldn’t believe it. His only daughter had been betrayed like this.

“I need to stay here for a while,” you said. You would stay until you heard from the court. You had sent them evidence proving your innocence.

"Why did you say that like you're asking for permission? This is your home," Tom replied. He didn’t care if you were a criminal or a murderer. If you needed a place to hide, he would provide it for you.

"Thanks, Dad," you said, feeling a weight lift off your shoulders.

Then, there was a knock on the door.

'Knock. Knock.'

You and Tom looked at the door. Only he stood up. It seemed like he was already expecting someone.

He opened the door. "You're here early," he said.

You sipped your tea, assuming the newcomer was just another guest of your dad's.

"Nothing ever goes wrong when you do things early," the voice said cheerfully and friendly.

You almost choked on your tea. The voice sounded all too familiar, and you prayed it wasn't who you thought it was.

"Thanks. I'll meet you at the morgue in 5 minutes," said Tom as he moved to close the door.

"Are you having a guest?" the person asked.

"Yeah, yeah," Tom replied, his voice a little tense.

"Why are you nervous? Do you have a special friend?" The teasing tone drew closer.

You closed your eyes and clenched your fists. You knew your dad, short and not as physically imposing, wouldn't be able to stop the tall, athletic man approaching.

"Y/N?" the voice said, confirming your worst fears.

You opened your eyes and saw the new guest. Locking gazes with him, you felt a surge of apprehension and dread. He was Bucky Barnes, the embodiment of your past torment.

You, the quiet, bookish nerd, and he, the charismatic, popular guy—Bucky represented everything you had once dreaded in high school. His group of friends constantly tormented you.

Crossing your arms tightly, you couldn't mask the edge in your voice. "What is he doing here?"

Tom's hesitant introduction only added fuel to the fire. "He's my apprentice," he said, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"What does that mean?" you asked, your tone sharp.

Tom cleared his throat nervously. "Um, well... after I retire, I'll be passing the business on to Bucky."

You raised your eyebrows, not saying anything. Tom seemed nervous, perhaps worried that you were angry he hadn’t told you about this sooner.

Meanwhile, Bucky still looked stunned to see you standing there.

Leaning forward, you couldn't contain the resentment in your voice. "Him? Are you sure? He and his group made a mockery of this business every single day, taunting me whenever I set foot in school!"

The room fell silent, the tension thickening with each passing moment.

You had hoped to find refuge here, but now you were having second thoughts. The person who had bullied you was now working with your father and set to inherit the business. It was a bitter pill to swallow.

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Author Note: Hey friends,

If you've been enjoying the content, I've set up a Ko-fi account.

Your support through tips would mean the world and help me keep creating.

Only if you feel like it!

Here's the link: Ko-fi

Thanks a bunch for being fabulous followers!

[jewreallythinkthat]

One of the most important things I wish a lot of non-jewish leftists understood is that those of us who are Jews who don't live in Israel - especially Ashkenazim - understand that we are only not based there because of a few tiny, sometimes not even chosen moment in our history.

I see what happened on October 7th and since and I see myself there had my family been the strand that went to Israel rather than heading to America and being stranded in the UK. I have family who did go to Israel and only avoided the massacre because they were on holiday in Crete. Their closest friend played dead on the steps of his house, a bullet in his leg, lying beside the corpses of his wife and daughter in law.

It's personal because it literally could have been me, it could have been any of us. When we see people braying for the deaths of Israelis, we see them calling for our personal demise if not for one twist of fate. That's why so many Jews are invested and want peace. It affects us, it could have been us.

It would not have been a random white lefty in the West with 0 connection to the Levant.

I can't speak for Palestinians in the west but I'm sure they feel a similar way when they see the destruction in Gaza and the violent settlers in the West Bank. I've seen Palestinians talk about how Hamas would have killed them because of their sexuality or gender identity etc. and I can feel through the articles and the posts that they understand the "it could have been me" & "that WOULD have been me" mindset that so many Jews have experienced the past few months.

The majority of Jews and Palestinians (that I've seen) in the West want lasting peace and everyone to live in safety. The people making it violent and calling for the deaths of Jews, and often shutting down Palestinians who speak out for peace which doesn't include genociding 50% of the world's Jews are random white people and others who have 0 connection to any actual people involved and have decided to make a war on the other side of the planet their entire personality.

So this is a message to those with 0 skin in the game - if you are not Jewish or Palestinian or have family living in Israel and what will hopefully become Palestine - please understand this:

For you, this is a way to show your political opinion and score moral points and take out your frustrations on those you seem worthy of abuse. For me, for us, this is our history, our family, our future and safety. If your words are not designed to try and move towards a peaceful solution, keep them to yourself and stop being part of the problem. Listen to the people actually affected by this (and watching videos and feeling horrified simply doesn't count in this case.)

[lexirosewrites]

I have never done this before and am also not a good writer, so this will probably not be good, but I can’t get this idea out of my head.

Basically omega Steve is the really popular asmr creator chirpywhispers (don’t mind the egregious name my brain could not think of anything better lol) who specializes in omegan sounds as well as affirmations for alphas to calm down. He runs a really popular patreon where his highest tear subscribers can request a specialized 10 minute video each month. Basically he’s making bank and loves what he does, it allows him to indulge in his overactive instincts until he can find the mate of his dreams. He also thinks it’s the perfect job for when he eventually has his own pack of kids and how he won’t have to worry about leaving for work or requesting off.

Jump to Eddie who is an incredibly famous alpha twitch streamer that goes by BattyMunson (I’ll be honest I have never watched the guy but I feel that Eddie gives off Jerma vibes). He started doing streaming after his last year in high school as a way to connect more with his people, nerds and lost sheep. It started off super dinky with him playing Skyrim for like 3 people, but steadily his audience grew and he became part of the top 5 creators for the platform. He plays mostly fantasy and story based games but also occasionally streams Animal Crossing and hosts live DND events. Despite being incredibly grateful it’s also an extreme amount of pressure to perform and be “on” for so many people. So much so that he starts to have health issues from all the stress, which makes him realize that he needs to find a way to regulate and manage his issues.

Cue him finding Steve’s channel and getting a full night of sleep for the first time in over a year. At first he thinks it’s some kind of fluke, there’s no way that just the whispers and chirps of some random omega could be the solution to all his problems. Yet night and night again he is met with blissful dreams and a clock that clearly says he got a full 8 hours. Within a month Eddie is subscribed to that top tier on patreon for a very pretty penny with no regrets. This is how they first start talking since Eddie has to message what his video requests are each month. It’s not long before they are talking about things outside of video requests, eventually exchanging numbers and talking all the time. The more they get to know each other the more they start falling in love, but neither of them have the guts to risk the amazing friendship they had developed.

This all reaches a climax when Eddie invited Steve to come see him at the 2024 twitchcon and spend the convention with him. Steve of course agrees and happily counts down the days till his flight. They decide to meet a day before the con in Eddie’s hotel room so that they can meet and have time together away from the prying eyes of all the fans that have been scouring the hotels and convention areas. As soon as Eddie opens the door to his room him and Steve are hits with each others scents (peaches and cream for Steve, and bourbon and maple for Eddie) and are shocked to realize that they’re scent mates. This then results in them both falling into a false heat and rut in which they decide to fully mate right then and there. Since it was only a false heat once they exchanged bites it stops and they spend the rest of the day enjoying each others company and taking about the future.

What a shock if was the next day for the world famous streamer to proudly show off his new bite and Stevie love out of the blue…and even more shocking 3 months later when he posts a positive pregnancy test on Twitter.

THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT!!! SLICK SUNDAY IS ALL ABOUT KEEPING STEVE HARRINGTON SPREAD 👏BRED 👏AND MOTHERFUCKING WED👏👏👏

[humming-fly]

North Carolina Relief Masterlist

One of my close friends is currently living in North Carolina and took the time to put together this really nicely organized list of organizations currently taking donations after Hurricane Helene, and I thought it'd be nice to share it on tumblr as well since I know some folks like these kinds of organized lists! All links and descriptions come from her and her experiences with the orgs below. 👍

Foundation

The Community Foundation of WNC - Read no further if you want a catch-all, one stop donation spot for WNC long-term Helene response. CFWNC is a permanent pool of charitable capital for the 18 counties of Western North Carolina including the Qualla Boundary (land of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians). They are an amazing source of consistent support to many WNC nonprofits via grant opportunities. They have financially supported so many of the non-profits I have encountered or worked with. Donate to the cause of your choice via CFWNC (including the Helene response specifically) here.

Food Security, Farm Support & More

Bounty & Soul (Swannanoa Valley, Black Mountain, and Asheville) - decade-old non-profit currently typically focused on health and food insecurity now working in partnership with World Central Kitchen, MANNA, Hearts with Hands, and many others to distribute food, hot meals, and supplies. They are also working to resume purchasing and distributing fresh produce from farmers in WNC who still have crops to harvest and sell. Donate to their disaster relief here.

Annie’s Culinary Garden - I often frequent this small but mighty Black Mountain restaurant, which is closely partnered with Bounty & Soul. Annie’s was already embedded in health and food justice work pre-Helene but the last 2 weeks, Annie and her team have been working around the clock (using a generator to power their restaurant) to provide free vegan, vegetarian, and other diet-specific hot meals to retirement homes, distribution hubs, and also to feed the staff and volunteers at these hubs. This has been a huge need expressed to me by community members because much of the food available at distribution sites is not able to be eaten by those requiring special diets. Donate to their effort here.

Haywood Christian Ministry (Waynesville) - WNC’s largest food pantry has partnered with MANNA (WNC's largest food bank?) and is distributing food on the ground and requesting donations to help with the emergency disaster response. They are also directly purchasing from WNC farms to distribute fresh foods for folks cooking bulk hot meals and for families who can cook at home. For info and to donate, go here. 

Food Connection(Asheville-based) - I first encountered this org at a food waste solutions summit and thought their concept was brilliant. They rescue high-quality, chef-prepared meals and deliver them to neighbors in need (often those who can’t afford to participate regularly in Asheville’s expensive foodie culture). I have since seen them out in Asheville and beyond to rural communities doing exactly what they do best and delivering delicious, no-cost hot meals to Helene victims. Donate to them here.

Foothills Food Hub (McDowell County) - McDowell was hit really hard and this hub is working to source water and shelf-stable goods to distribute. They will continue to feed vulnerable populations and to support farmers with direct purchasing and a reliable market. Requesting monetary donations, which can be made online here.

TRACTOR Food & Farms (Spruce Pine*, Mitchell County) - In another hard-hit county, this hub is also working, much like the Foothills Food Hub, on connecting local farmers with folks in a system of equitable healthy food access in rural communities. Donate to this local food hub here.

*Interesting aside: Spruce Pine and its quartz mines were extremely damaged by flooding and this threatens the global tech industry. This rural town is home to one of the world’s only sources of high-purity quartz. The mines are currently trying to re-open.

MANNA FoodBank (Asheville) - This very large organization is still doing what they do best and distributing food, water, and more, despite having their warehouse/headquarters were destroyed in the flooding along the Swannanoa River. Donate online here.

Farmer Support & Advocacy

Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) (WNC) - this wide-reaching farmer advocacy org is currently reestablishing communications with WNC farmers and getting aid to them. They also have healthy food programs that, once operating again, will serve tangentially in the relief effort. I have worked adjacent to this org for the last year and am a dogged cheerleader of them and their work. Donations can be made here.

Center for Environmental Farming Systems (Qualla Boundry and WNC) -  CEFS works closely with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, NC State, extension services and more to support food and farm initiatives across WNC. I previously worked adjacent to this org and was extremely impressed by their commitment and effectiveness. Donate (ideally to “Friends of CEFS” for more flexible funding) here. 

Tierra Fértil Coop (Hendersonville) - social and economic farmer cooperative formed by a group of Hispanic community members living in Henderson County that grows and provides culturally-specific foods but also has community programs to support the Latinx community in Henderson county. I have attended some of their educational events and have worked adjacent to them. I am ever impressed by their work. Donate to them by emailing tierrafertilcoophv@gmail.com.

Economic Justice & More

Pisgah Legal Services (all over WNC) - these folks do just about everything “life admin” for WNC's most vulnerable populations and have done so for over forty years. They provide pro bono civil legal aid, health insurance enrollment, and more. I have worked adjacent to them over the last year and could not be more impressed by their broad scope of bi-lingual legal work that maintains incredible efficiency and effectiveness. Donate to them here. 

Just Economics (WNC) - JE works on shaping the economic development of WNC in a way that benefits everyone and promotes a sustainable future. I have attended some of their workshops and found them to be powerfully educational. I am also grateful for their political advocacy for living wages for all in WNC. They are not directly working on the Helene response (as far as I know), but the road to recovery is long and their economic justice advocacy will be especially crucial as WNC rebuilds. Donate to JE here. 

BeLoved (Asheville) - Org working on improving the well-being and quality of life for individuals, families, and communities through our focus areas of Home, Health, Equity, and Opportunity. On-the-ground volunteers are currently collecting and distributing a wide array of supplies and BeLoved will continue to play a significant long-term role in housing and more. Donate to BeLoved here.

Health Services & Equity

Blue Ridge Health (WNC) - Blue Ridge Health is a federally qualified health center that is continuing to provide accessible & affordable medical care and mental health care to vulnerable populations (now including Helene victims) with their sites around the region and mobile clinics. Donate here.

Vecinos (WNC) - This rapidly growing org provides direct healthcare services to underserved, uninsured communities with a focus on WNC's farmworkers at their clinics and with mobile clinics on site at farms. Donate to their continuing services here. 

Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (Asheville based) - The ABCCM helps run and provide shelter in Asheville and is partnered with the Red Cross. Donations help pay for motel and food vouchers for local residents and long-term support for those displaced. A personal aside: ABCCM also has an awesome medical clinic serving uninsured folks and they were the only medical service I could find that would treat a tick born illness that I had when I first arrived in the US from Canada (I did not yet have health insurance). To donate to their Helene response, go here.

Schools & Youth

FernLeaf Community Charter School (Fletcher) - FernLeaf was partially destroyed by Helene (one of the school buildings was entirely lifted off of its foundation then dropped several feet away in a truly remarkable display of the power of water from a small nearby creek). Donate to FernLeaf here. 

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County - The local United Way typically works on youth/child food security, educational support, and physical and mental health care services. The org is helping with immediate natural disaster response and long-term support for flood victims. Donations can be made online here.

Other

Blue Ridge Public Radio - obviously these NPR folks have been working around the clock to keep people informed in the old-fashioned way, over the airwaves. You can support them here.

[khaire-traveler]

🔮 Subtle Circe Worship 🪄

Grow your own herbs, especially those you plan to use in magical workings (kitchen related magic may be the most discreet for this)

Take a walk on a sunny day; bask in sunlight

Wear/collect rings or hoop jewelry

Have a candle that reminds you of her (no altar needed)

Keep a picture of her in your wallet

Wear jewelry that reminds you of her

Go for a swim in the ocean; wash your hands in salt water

Visit the beach or the bank of a body of water

Have a pig, dragon, stag, or snake stuffed animal

Have imagery of rings, magic, the beach/islands, winged serpents, various beasts (I'd say whatever animals come to mind with "beats"), or the sun around

Volunteer at an animal shelter

Support environmental preservation, animal sanctuary, or humanitarian organizations

Cook a warm meal for someone in need

Learn to trust your own judgement; trust your instincts

Drink an herbal tea, using the herbs with intention; cook using herbs with intention

Read the Greek Magical Papyri or The Odyssey (you can usually find a PDF; check the Internet Archive)

Bake cakes and pastries, especially with honey; give them to loved ones

Take time to meditate in the sunlight; do this in nature if able

Go outside of your comfort zone; try new things, and take risks

Dedicate time to learning about a new subject or topic

Go out of your way to meet new people or engage with a community

Listen to music that empowers you or that you feel represents you; dance to it!

Play a TTRPG; play D&D (yes, really)

Start a garden; tend to plants

Connect with local nymphs or nature spirits

Stand up for others; stand up for yourself

Learn about the history of witchcraft, especially that of ancient Greece (this ties into the GMP)

Take a self-care bath or shower, especially with herbs

Go camping; take time to appreciate nature

Ground yourself often; practice healthy coping skills; practice emotional regulation skills

Clean your space; keep your environment feeling comfortable, and make it your own

Think outside the box for solutions to problems

Be creative; engage in activities that help you express your creativity

Press flowers; keep dried flowers (preferably for use in later magical workings)

Sit by a fireplace; light a bonfire; allow yourself to focus on the heat and comfort of the flames

Learn non-obvious forms of divination; pyromancy, cartomancy, shufflomancy, carromancy, etc.

Make a list of your personal strengths and pride; focus on how strong and resilient you are; know that you have power, you have strength

Create a sigil or symbol that represents/invokes you and your personal power

-

This is my list of discreet ways to worship Circe. I may add more later on! For now, I hope this was helpful. Thank you, and take care! 🩷

Link to Subtle Worship Master list

[mr-ys-phantasma]

🌙 Moon Phases 🌙

Agatha Harkness X Fem!Reader

Word Count: 1369

Chapter 40:

You all turned to look at Billy, who grabbed his little spell book from his body bag. "At least we have our personal items."

Immediately, you rushed to check your body bags, all bearing similar expressions of relief by being reunited with your pendants.

You wore your own necklace, the light metal cold against your flushing skin, and adrenaline still coursing through your pumping veins. Your fingers gently brushed the three moon phases, and you closed your eyes, taking a deep breath.

Wearing it, somehow, made you feel more secure and safe; a placebo effect that helped calm you down a little more and allow your head to be clearer.

The moment was interrupted, though by the sound of the morgue drawers being pulled back into place, the knocking sound almost startling you.

If that was not enough, the growing lights above you started to flicker before one shut down.

"The countdown," you exclaimed, eyes following the circle formed by the lights; while wondering how quick each light would turn off after the other.

Deep inside your instincts were telling you that the time would not last long, not as long as the other trials.

Agatha noticed that Jen was rather quiet, not panicking like usual. Instead, Agatha swore Jen was actually thinking of something for a change.

"You seem relaxed." She called her out. "Usually, at this point, you're either complaining loudly or freaking out loudly."

Jen gave her a hard look, clearly not in the mood for her annoying antics. "I'm thinking."

"Oh. About what?

"How to save your ass."

"Pardon?"

"I couldn't save Lilia. I didn't even try to save Alice. I'll be damned if I let you three idiots die."

You placed a hand on your waist as you looked at her, clearly not happy being called an Idiot or any of your companions being called that.

However, you held back any remark for the moment. It was the first time you saw Jen actually putting others above herself, when all those trials she had been selfish and the first to go when given the chance.

And considering you once again needed to work together somehow to make it through, this worked in your favour.

Of course, Agatha did not seem to share your thoughts.

"Wow. Such a purpose. How are you gonna do that without any magic?" She questioned, in the mood for an argument.

"Agatha, that's enough," you said, no authority coming from your voice much to your dismay.

Your body was still on edge, and it was taking a lot of mental training to remain calm and try to think of a solution, rather than letting your emotions and your haunting memories get the best of you.

Thankfully, you were not the only one ready to defend Jen.

"Y/N is right!" Billy said, putting his foot down. "She saved you from poisoning. She saved all of us. All while bound." He looked at Jen and offered a weak smile. "Maybe you don't need it."

Jen wanted to believe him, but she had a hard time too. Not that you blamed her. Your magic might be sort of a curse and a blessing to you, but you can not imagine your life without it.

"Well, if that's true, that means I've wasted the last century of my life." Jen commented. "That doctor in Boston didn't take anything from me. I gave it up."

It was then that you all noticed Agatha fidgeting faintly by tuning her fingers together and avoiding eye contact.

Unlike the others, you knew she acted that way when she knew something but refused to tell. Something that actually made her feel guilty, even slightly.

"Ags," you called her out, but she did not look you in the eyes. "You know something," she was about to argue, but you beat her to it. "I know that face and that fidgeting. I know what it means"

Defeated, Agatha started to throw parts of a story that matched Jen's story, and everyone made the connection.

"I didn't know it was you! It was the 1920s. I did the odd spell for bank notes. I don't know. The patriarchy really shelled out to shush a lady. It was bind or burn!" She justified herself, or so she tried.

For Jen was furious finding out the truth, and she had every right to be. With anger blinding her, she rushed to Agatha and even pulled a thick lock of her hair in one strong pull.

Agatha didn't even flinch at the pull, having built quite a pain tolerance thanks to Rio. She didn't even fight when Jen tied her wrists together with that strand of hair.

She might not react to it, but you were about to. No matter what took place back then, seeing Jen ripping out Agatha's hair like that made your protective instincts hit in.

Forgetting your own anxiety caused by the closed room, you were about to move and tackle Jen; having forgotten your powers worked normally.

Billy grabbed you by the waist and kept you back, surprised by your strength, considering he was taller than you and clearly heavier.

"Wait! Wait! Look!" He told you as he kept pulling you away from the two witches. "Yhe unbinding ritual."

This made you stop your fighting and look, realizing he was right. The strand of hair and the wrapped wrists were the basis for the ritual.

Jen was not trying to harm Agatha, you realized. She was trying to break the binds that kept her magic dormant and get back what was sealed away a century ago.

You calmed down, and Billy let you go. He stood right behind you, and the two of you watched as Jen repeated the same mantra again and again.

You hold nothing.

You hold nothing.

You hold nothing.

Each time that phrase was spoken with more power, with mode determination... with more need to work.

Jen's voice cracked, but she kept going, holding on every beat of hope that was left within her... one last chance to get back what was stolen from her.

In the end, it seemed to work based on Jen's expression.

Her face changed from shock to realisation and she could not help but fall on her knees, arms cradled in front of her chest and let out gasps and faint cries of hapiness; pink magic coming alive from her palms.

The sight broke your heart, seeing how Jen truly felt finally having her magic back.

Magic for witches was their essence, their core, and their will to live. It was part of them and having it sealed away, unable to sense it... to recreate this feeling of power and mysticism that existed within...

It was a fate worse than death.

Suddenly, Jen disappeared right in front of your eyes.

"What?" You exclaimed and rubbed your eyes, fearing your mind was playing tricks with you.

"Where did she go?" Billy asked next.

"Out of here," Agatha replied in a soft tone, deep down actually feeling happiness for Jen; capable of actually taking back what she was looking for.

You frowned. "But we are not done with the trials, yet"

Agatha looked at you, her gaze softening. "She is done with it. Her trial has already passed, and she got what she wanted."

You felt the need to argue but stopped yourself. The Road was a place unknown, and not even you or Agatha or Rio knew much about it. Each time it worked differently, each time seemed to make up something new.

So, who says the trials were not shortened? Or perhaps, it was giving a chance for some to find what they are looking for and be free without having to finish the road.

This was a comforting thought, deep down wanting to end this and get out.

The fact remained, though, how were you going to find what you are looking for? When you pretty much had nothing to work with and unlike Jen; there was no binding whatsoever that could be broken.

Chapter 41

[yourdarkcherry]

Seducing Rafe Cameron || Ch.1

Summary: You were blessed with an easy life since you were born, but it’s all threatened when your dad’s business fails and you find yourself with no prospects and no education and so your only solution is to marry rich. Who’s a better candidate than the older brother of your ex-best friend from high school? So you do everything in your power to seduce Rafe Cameron, not knowing he’s the root to all your problems.

Warnings: toxic relationship, spoiled reader, sexist elements, dark content, blackcoded reader, pregnancy, physical and emotional abuse, manipulation, gaslighting, death threats, eventual smut.

Next Chapter

Divider is by: @/cafekitsune

You’ve never thought of Rafe Cameron in that way, at least not since your friend break up with Sarah. 

It was your mother who incepted that thought in your head, on a sunny morning in the kitchen. She was standing cutting vegetables, and you were making yourself a characteristically late breakfast. The sigh coming out of her mouth should prompt you to ask her what’s wrong, but you already knew what’s wrong.

Your dad’s failing business. To be fair, he wouldn’t have admitted that at all, knowing that he had the biggest ego ever. But the letter from the bank, with a bold and red title made you and your mother exchange looks and open it anyways. 

Since then everything has been going downhill, and there’s nothing you could do. It’s not like a failing business could suddenly become successful overnight just because you wanted it to be, or god forbid the lie rich people tell poor people that hard work does it all. 

“You know, you’re pretty and you’re young but you have no higher education and you have no successful business to inherit,” she started, you glanced over your shoulder at her, she was still focused on cutting the vegetables. 

“I know that,” you commented with a sigh that should’ve eased the heaviness in your chest, but it only served to make you feel more weight in your chest.

“So I think you should find yourself a nice rich man to marry,” she said, and you usually would’ve scoffed at her words but you knew her words were true. 

You were God's most spoiled creation, and rightfully so. You were born as the only daughter of a rich family in an elite suburban neighborhood, the kind that naturally had vacation homes and private jets. But with the business going downhill, that easily meant all of those blessings being plucked away from your hands. 

“You aren’t suited for living in The Cut, you would be miserable and people there would easily take advantage of you,”

Not only the properties, but also the connections. Your family friends were everything but loyal, they dropped lifelong friends if it didn’t suit the successful image they portrayed, which would also mean your chances of being married off to a rich man would be nonexistent. 

“You’re naive, and have no education or prospects so getting married is the best option for you.”

Rich people surrounded themselves with rich people. 

The bank already seized a hold of your vacation home, and it would be a matter of time before you’re found out. No one wanted to be poor, so you listened to your mother’s words carefully. 

“Cynthia’s son is interning at her hospital, he’s young and seems like a respectful young man that you can manipulate with a few nice words…Cynthia’s hard on him so it would be so much easier,” she said, and you neglected your sandwich making in order to rest your back against the counter and stare at her standing in the island, still giving all her attention to chopping the vegetables. 

“You mean Topper?” you asked, and she hummed in agreement. You sighed and crossed your arms over your chest, “mom, he’s still not over Sarah and she’s been dating that guy from The Cut for like years now,” 

She moved to the gas stove top next to you, switched the fire on and tossed the chopped onions in the pot. “What about that nice guy you dated in high school? That blonde with dimples,” she asked, glancing at you as she stirred the onions. 

You grinned, rolled your eyes and revealed, “I have never told you this but the main reason I broke up with Dylan was because I caught him cheating on me with his cousin.” 

She chuckled, then tossed the garlic and stirred it, “well, most rich people are like that, I also dated a guy in high school who later married his cousin.”

“Interesting,” you commented.

It got quiet for a minute, then you resumed your task of making your sandwich. Only when you took a bite of it did she speak again, “I think Sarah’s brother is a good candidate,”

“Mom, please,” you say with a sigh, setting down your sandwich and then feeling like you have no appetite anymore. Not because of Rafe, you feel indifferent about him. It’s just that the mention of him makes you automatically associate him with Sarah. 

Your ex-best friend, your best friend since birth and the one who was secretly dating your highschool boyfriend behind your back. Honestly even though years passed, you think you still have similar feelings to when it first happened, you didn’t care much for the fact that your boyfriend cheated on you. 

It was the fact that Sarah betrayed you that hurt you, and the fact that she went ahead and carelessly and unapologetically ruined your friendship. 

Sure, you weren’t perfect in highschool and had your own flaws too and your friendship with Sarah was pretty codependent. You two never ever existed without each other, if one was seen then there’s a ninety nine percent chance the other would be there.

“It’s been years since you and Sarah had that fight,” your mother responded with a shrug. Of course, none of the grown-ups knew the true reason for your friend break up, all they knew was that overnight you both couldn’t stand the sight of each other. 

Sure, years passed since the fight. It happened Junior year and you like to believe you’re totally over it, which you are, but it’s just pretty goddamn strange to walk up to Rafe Cameron who you’ve never spoken to since your fight with Sarah and flirt with him. 

In general, it would be strange to flirt with him when you have never ever seen him in that way. 

“He’s also definitely inheriting his father’s empire, Sarah used to be the favorite but she’s off with that broke man and there’s no way Ward would give her anything,” She said, now stirring the simmering pot and giving you her full attention, “Rafe is working with his father, Rose talks about them all the time.”

“He’s Sarah’s brother,” you argued.

Your mother scoffed, rolled her eyes and said, “And he’s rich and he’s going to inherit his father’s very successful empire, plus he’s handsome and he seems nice, he always greets me when he sees me.”

That’s when the thought was planted in your head, and it continued to grow. 

Sure, Rafe Cameron was a very handsome young man, you remember passively thinking that when you and Sarah used to be friends. You don’t remember much of him, just that you had small chats when you used to lounge around Tannyhill.

You always saw him at parties, but never said hi because Sarah would ignore him and you felt the need to ignore him too. 

He was cordial with you, sometimes he drove you and Sarah around before she got her license. He didn’t stand out to you much, so you didn’t understand why you were sitting outside very early in the morning when you always woke up around noon. 

Your legs dangled on the edge of the porch swing, clad in your running attire that you’ve never used, a magazine on your lap as you watched the blond jog past your home. 

Even your mother was surprised when she saw you up early, and in work out clothes. “It’s such a pleasant sight seeing you in the morning, you should do it often,” she said and you sighed as you stood up from the swing. 

“But it’s a good thing you’re up early, he always jogs in the morning,” she didn’t need to say a name for you to understand who she was referring to. You knew that fact too, it’s why you even decided to set an alarm at six in the morning.

“Accompany you in your walk?” you asked, she nodded and you both started her routine. 

The scenery was pleasant, the sun still wasn’t fully up in the sky to torture you with its rays and shine. The weather was nice too, and halfway through the walk you forgot why you even started this, and only recalled when you heard the jogging steps behind you. 

You looked over your shoulder, and low and behold Rafe Cameron in all his glory was slowing his jogging, possibly at the end of his morning jog. There was a hint of confusion in his eyes when he stared at you, possibly questioning why you, a girl who slept until noon, was up at six in the morning. 

He didn’t have to stalk you to know that, in your neighborhood everyone knew everything about everybody. From your salary to how many utensils you had in your drawer. It’s just common knowledge, and the nosiness in such communities, so it was only a matter of time before everyone knew of your father’s business and would cross you out from social gatherings.

“Good morning, Mrs. (L/N) and (Y/N),” he greeted, slightly heaving but still managing to smile politely at your mother. 

“Hello, Rafe, how was your run?” your mother asked back politely. 

“Oh you know, the usual, the Miller’s dog tried to chase me,” he grinned when you and your mother both chuckled. Then he gave you his full attention, “I haven’t seen you in a while, how are you?”

You blinked, slightly taken aback by his direct address to you, when you’ve done nothing but ignore him after your fiasco with his sister. Still, you displayed your best casual smile, “I have been fine, I’m just trying to get into a productive routine,” 

“Well, it’s good seeing you up and about,” he responded. 

“How about you, how have you been?” you asked, tilting your head with slight curiosity. 

“Same old,” he replied with a nonchalant shrug, “working with my old man, hanging at the country club, teaching Wheezie how to drive,” you beam at him. “How’s she by the way? Haven’t seen her in a while,”

“Like the usual sixteen year olds, rebellious and making dumb decisions,” he answers, once again easily making you and your mother laugh. He smiles charmingly, “I was joking, she’s actually better than me and Sarah,”

You laughed, genuinely enjoying the banter. “Well, that's a relief. Good to know she didn't inherit the Cameron family's knack for trouble.”

Rafe chuckled, running a hand through his damp hair. “Yeah, well, someone has to break the cycle, right? Though, I can't promise she won't pull some pranks here and there.” Your heart skipped a beat at his action.

Your mother chimed in, “Teenagers will be teenagers. Just make sure she doesn't cause too much trouble, Rafe.”

He smirked and nodded, and opened his mouth to speak but you interrupted him, “Well let’s not take more of your time, it was nice catching up with you,” then you crossed your arm with your mother’s as you pulled her ahead with you.

Rafe's smirk faded slightly, replaced by a subtle look of disappointment. “Yeah, sure. It was nice catching up,” he replied, nodding politely.

You flashed him a smile, walked ahead of him as he took the turn towards Tannyhill. When he was safely out of earshot, your mother prompted, “so?”

“Even if I don’t like him I don’t have any other choice,” you reply with a shrug, your mother smiled teasingly, “good thing you like him.”

You rolled your eyes playfully at your mother's teasing, “mom, at this point it’s about survival, and since when did he mature?”

The morning stroll was nice, your mother had returned home when her knees started hurting her, but you decided you’d continue walking for a bit more. Observing the well-manicured streets of Figure 8 that you had grown up into, and gazing at the beautiful architecture of the houses there, you thought that you wanted to continue this lifestyle and would do everything in your power to maintain it. 

Who cares if Rafe was your traitor Ex-bestfriend brother, and seeing her would remind you of the betrayal? You had to do what you had to do in order to thrive, you didn’t have anything under your name, and if the facade of your family’s success was found out and the bank managed to seize your current family home then you’d have no other option but live in The Cut. 

People there didn’t like Figure 8 residents, rightfully so, who would like their boss. So what if their former boss happened to be their neighbor, there would certainly be a clear threat to your family’s safety. You had to get Rafe Cameron to fall in love with you, or at least view you as the perfect wife material and to propose to you, fast. 

You weren’t a goddess, but most rich housewives you knew in your neighborhood weren’t overly stunning. They mostly happened to be from respectful families, looked easy on the eyes, and were always around the said rich husband. 

You already had two down, you just had to get the last in check. 

A honk from behind you alerted you, and you turned to the side as a giant polished black truck slowed next to you. Rafe’s truck. His window was rolled down, and when you stopped next to his window you could take whiffs of his attractive spicy cologne, his hair was semi-wet, either from his hair gel or his shower—you didn’t know and didn’t care. 

“Hey,”

“Hi again, Rafe,” you sweetly said, smiling and he smiled back when he caught yours. 

His gaze caught yours, “Do you want to join me and Wheezie on our driving lessons?” he suddenly asked. You blinked in slight surprise, then your grin widened as you cheered on the inside. One more step closer to your goal of being a rich housewife. 

“Will my safety be compromised?” you challenged with a teasing smirk, your hand resting on your hip. 

“Oh definitely.” he replied with a playful gleam in his eyes. 

You nodded as you agreed,“compromised safety it is, then,” playing along with the banter. The invitation to their driving lessons wasn't merely about learning to drive; it was an opportunity to further integrate yourself into Rafe's world, to become a fixture in his routine.

Surely Wheezie would be there, and you wouldn’t be alone but you thought that you should view your lack of privacy as an advantage. If he saw that you were great with his favorite sister, then he ought to have some positive feelings with you.

If you played your cards right, then you would be invited to more things and would have a steady footing in Rafe’s life. 

Rafe's truck idled beside you, and as he prepared to drive away, he flashed a charming smile. “Looking forward to it.”

“Likewise,” you responded, a subtle flirty smile drawn on your lips.

[fidypayfintechapi]

How to Make Your Banking More Connected with API Banking India?

The banking and financial services industry in India has evolved at a staggering pace within a short duration of time. One of the trusted and innovative breakthroughs in the banking industry right now is API Banking. What is the impact of API Banking India on the delivery of banking services? 

The banking industry has to adapt to the emerging requirements of consumers alongside fighting against their competition for success. Interestingly, APIs have provided the opportunity for open banking, which would provide more personalized and seamless banking across different platforms. Let us learn more about how API banking works and its role in promoting connected or seamless banking. 

Definition of API Banking

Before you find out how API Banking encourages connected banking, it is important to learn the fundamentals of APIs in banking. APIs or Application Programming Interfaces can help third-party applications use a specific interface for accessing a general set of services and tools. Subsequently, multiple businesses or platforms could use banking services alongside offering the same services to their customers. 

In 2016, the Reserve Bank of India launched the Unified Payments Interface or UPI. It served as a major tool for enhancing the popularity of banking APIs. As a matter of fact, some of the top banks in India offer a broad assortment of API banking services in different categories. Third-party organizations and platforms could explore multiple ways of using banking APIs to their advantage. 

How Can APIs Enable Connected Banking?

The answer to the question points to the flexibility for serving customers who live away from the branch or the ones who prefer online banking. As the demand for online banking gains momentum, it is reasonable to believe that API Banking India will grow in the future. More people have been using financial technology applications in response to the global pandemic in 2020 and its aftermath. Banking API integration on fintech apps has emerged as a promising solution for accessibility of banking services. Businesses in the banking industry could connect with fintech businesses and use technical tools to improve accessibility of their services. 

APIs could enable connected banking as API services provide access to core banking data. As a result, APIs could help in removing barriers between businesses and ensuring that all of them can access the same data. Another important highlight which proves the capability of API banking for creating connected customer experiences is the integration of legacy systems with API banking. For example, an organization could integrate ERP systems with API banking for direct management of cash payables and receivables through their ERP. 

Is API Banking the Future?

The growing adoption of API banking is a sign of a major transformation in the banking industry. As the world of banking embraces new technologies, API banking provides an easy way for businesses to access banking services. With a simple API, businesses could leverage banking services alongside offering the same to their customers. As a result, customers would not rely on different payment gateways, and they could complete financial transactions directly on the platform. Call FidyPay at 6232082424 to learn more about API banking and find the ideal solutions for creating a new generation of seamless banking experiences. 

[jewish-sideblog]

What is Zionism? What is anti-Zionism? These are genuine, serious questions, because everybody seems to have a different answer and those different answers are causing a lot of trouble.

Zionism used to have a clear message. “The ethnic group of the Jewish people should have the right to self-determination in our own country.” That was it. Theodor Herzl didn’t even specify that the country in question should be based in our historical homeland. At the time, anti-Zionism was simply a clear opposition to the ideal of Jewish self-determination.

Now Israel does exist. It’s now a fact, not a hope. So what does Zionism look like now? Some people think it means “Some kind of Jewish state should continue to exist,” and some people think it means “All Palestinians should die.” There are a million different interpretations of modern Zionism between those two extremes.

Revisionist Greater Israel Zionists want Israel conquer and expand, eventually taking over the entire Levant. Labor Zionists prefer a peace solution with Palestinians and Arab nations, and want to establish a socialist Jewish worker’s community in Israel. Christian Zionists want all the Jews in the world to go to Jerusalem so that Christ can come back and smite us all for being nonbelievers. Reform Zionists want to establish a more tolerant, inclusive, and pluralistic society for all within Israel. Is opposition to any of those ideologies “anti-Zionism”? I think it would be difficult to fully agree or fully disagree with every single one of those movements. Many of them contradict each other. Plenty forms of Zionism are even antithetical to each other.

It’s far simpler for the undereducated who aren’t connected to the people or the land to define Zionism as “Jews who support the genocide of Palestinians” and define anti-Zionism as “Any and all support for Palestinians”. But that’s exactly the mentality that leads ostensible leftists to parrot actual Nazi propaganda and recycle ancient antisemitism.

There are similar issues to defining Zionism as “Not wanting the all Jews in Israel to be mass-slaughtered by Arab supremacists” and defining anti-Zionism as “Wanting the all Jews in Israel to be mass slaughtered by Arab supremacists”. That mentality leads to unfair and violent practical treatment of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, and it leads to unfair conceptions of what Palestinian self-determination means to those living abroad.

Both Zionism and anti-Zionism are being used as tools for political gain. Both have been used as tools to justify death, persecution, and oppression. Zionists cannot erase the overwhelming number of Islamophobic Christian supremacists that identify with and act in the name of “Zionism”. And anti-Zionists cannot erase the overwhelming number of antisemitic supremacist groups that identify with and act in the name of “anti-Zionism”.

So genuinely— and I know I’m inviting a flame war here— what is Zionism to you? What is anti-Zionism to you? I honestly believe that most people are decent-minded, and that those who are decent-minded believe in peace and self-determination for all the native peoples in the Levant. And I think we can come to more meaningful solutions when we have genuine conversations with each other and better understand how the terminology is failing us.

[13leaguestories]

Superstition Rewrite Peeks (Ep2 Pt2)

And the last of the sneak peeks for episode two. This one is an entirely new scene and at least does a decent job of showing the "damn Tee, did you really not add this originally?" I'm telling you, sometimes you go back and be like "wow, what were you thinking."

Piece of advice more so for IF writers. Finish your story, give it some time after moving on and recovering your energy and excitement, return and then add all the flashy bits. I'm telling you so many ideas and realizations come to you lol.

Anyway, the scene below is exclusive for if your uncle is dead and Chris is still with you. Chris proposes that the two of you have a funeral. Rereading, it became extremely odd that Chris, THE CHRIS, Mr. I Am Literally Your Connection to the Human Side of All This And Has Been Your Best Friend For At Least Three Years And Even Knew The Man, did not say anything much about your uncle's death in the original. Like, not even talking about how much I didn't really highlight that your uncle died, Chris I think says sorry for your loss and then that's it. This is a big deal!

And for those who still want something like this but have no intention of bringing Chris or ended up offin' him, your time will come in Ep3.

With a sigh, I place my phone back into my pocket after glancing at my diminishing bank account for what will probably be the last time. That's not exactly true; I still have enough money for a few more store visits and gas station runs, but I also need more personal items. Not everything will be met if I keep on this way. But I don't have a solution.

Rubbing my brow, I glance towards an approaching Chris.

"Chris?" I ask, looking from him to the small bundle of sticks."I didn't know what else to do," he admits, passing a twenty-dollar bill over to me. He defaced most of it as best as he could, and the name Matheus Roe stares back at me. I glance back up at him, and he chuckles awkwardly. "I felt like I needed to use something of value. Not to say he doesn't deserve a hundred-dollar bill, but I don't exactly carry that around. I just thought that maybe we could bury it or burn it. Whichever makes you feel better." He gulps before I can answer. "Wait. I don't mean it like those two options will make this all better. It's all really shitty. Not to mention that it'd be done on the edge of this parking lot." "Chris." He immediately shuts his mouth.

[[Burn the dollar.]]

[[Bury it.]]

[[“Thank you, but no.”]]

[[“Don't bring up my uncle again.”]]

[argumate]

I think rough rule of thumb is that the surplus value produced by workers is taken by employers in America and by government in China, so the solutions required are slightly different in technical terms (taxing the rich vs. reducing implicit taxes on the poor) but if you look closer the distinction kind of dissolves into a world in which the politically connected elite make bank wherever they are.

[featherwingfae]

Gonna try to make this a "Quick post".

(warning some light swearing)

Maybe, just maybe one of the reasons we're seeing so many new Therians nowadays is because humans have fucked up the earth so bad that the universe just went fuck it and threw in a bunch of nature brains to balance things out. People who wouldn't just be able to look at the devastation of wildlife and their homes and just move on like nothing happened. Because they can see themselves in those creatures, and it hurts them to know that they are suffering. And maybe if there's enough nature brains, seeing themselves in the withering world around them, then more and more people might stand up and say this isn't right. We need to fix this. And maybe in a human world where one of the most lovely traits of humanity is being able to work together a bunch of nature brains with human faces can make a difference. They say animals can't speak human. Well they can, and are. Maybe Therians are the voices of nature coming out from the wilds, to places and bodies where they're not comfortable, where the air is heavy with pollution and trash litters the ground. And they have to learn weird shit like math, and work exhausting jobs that are often just to pay the bills that allow them to keep surviving. All so that they can see the damage from the other side and better understand the problem and together find solutions to stop it.

I'm not saying humans (and others) can't and/or dont do anything. I'm saying it's harder to do nothing when you look at creatures suffering and see yourself. Empathy is a beautiful thing. It helps connect us. But in a world where almost no one can afford the barest minimum just to survive. Where finding happiness feels like a struggle because you're constantly grinding and pushing yourself beyond your mental, emotional and/or physical boundaries, how easy is it to just shut yourself off. To put on the blinders because you're stuck yourself and you don't feel like there's anything you can do, so why upset yourself further by caring. It's sad. Terribly sad. Soul crushingly, heart wrenchingly sad.

Most people nowadays suffer from anxiety, depression or some other mental illness. And yes those illnesses are more known and understood now, and are more easily diagnosed. But I think the reason we see them everywhere now, is as simple as everyone is suffering. The human world in its current state, is not a healthy place. Fun times are often merely distraction from the crushing reality around us. It hurts to accept how much hurt there is right now.

I'm not saying it's all on the shoulders of Therians. I'm not saying you have to quit your job or your school and run off into the wild picking up every piece of litter and chaining yourself to trees. That's not what this post is about.

This post is about the increase of Therians and my personal hypothesis as to why there's so many now. And it's as simple as this. One Therian does not shoulder all the burden of the earth. Just as one human does not. But if there are Therians in schools, going "hey look at this little/big guy isn't he cute/cool" showing their friends and classmates"it's so sad he's going extinct because his home is being destroyed" , Therians on trails, streets, beaches seeing litter and using just a little bit of their time to remove at least some of it. Therians in stores refusing to buy certain products because of animal cruelty/testing, Therians manifesting/praying to help even if it's just a little bit, Therians on the Internet/TV spreading awareness, Therians in government actually trying to do what's best for the environment and the people, instead of just what's best for their bank account etc etc.

In reference to that horrible math stuff, a million ones together doesn't equal nothing. No matter how small an act it still adds up to something. Therians everywhere means more people who can't forget, who can't move on, who can't just shutdown and hope for the best. People who feel like they have to do something. So they don't eventually see themselves disappear (go extinct).

The universe and the earth can sometimes have a funny way of balancing things out. Maybe Therians are one way to at least try regaining that balance.

I'm overjoyed to see more Therians. Because I feel like more Therians means more voices for nature, and more chances to save this beautiful planet ☺️✨🌍🌎🌏💚

Anyway that's my two cents. Sorry this post ended up being longer than I intended 😅

And now my fascinating and fantastic creatures, great and small, furry, feathered, scaled or whatever-ed, and all others of open mind who took time to read my ramblings, I wish upon you a most glorious day/night. May we all follow our hearts/souls to do what we feel we can for this magnificent planet. ✨

👁️🪽✨🌟🌱❄️🪻🍀🌎🍄🌹💚🌍🌵🌈⛈️🌠🦊🐁💙

Till next time