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goggles-mcgee · 3 years ago

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Too Late: Marianne (commission for miner249er)

Chapter 9 of the commission for @miner249er

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Summary: Marianne wanted to be back in Paris as a shoulder to cry on, as a friend, not a warning.

Marianne stepped out of doors of the train with a hesitation that felt like weights attached to her ankles. Those that saw her probably thought it was because of her age, she wished it was due to her age, but no. Her hesitation stemmed from the reason she was back in Paris at all and because of how much Paris had changed since what Fu was calling, ’the incident.’ What happened was no mere ‘incident’ and to call it that was a horrid understatement, but she supposed she understood why her love referred to it as such. Fu did what he did best, he felt guilty, and it was something she wished she could help shoulder but in the end he never let her. But this was not something he could just shoulder and deal with himself, this was bigger than them, bigger than Paris and she came to warn Fu. She just hoped he listened to her. Wang Fu was a kind man but he was a man haunted by his failures to the point that they are all he saw. He was blind to anything that wasn’t his redemption for the longest time, and it broke her heart.

Hopefully with age and everything that has happened, he was willing to have an open heart and ears. Marianne honestly didn’t know what she would do if he was drowning in his guilt and was too focused on his mistakes to listen to her warning, probably smack him upside the head like she used to do in their youth but still. She loved the man but he was stubborn when it came to self sabotaging himself, she was always the level headed (and best looking) one. As she walked the streets of Paris she couldn’t help but think of the young Ladybug she had become acquainted with the last time she had been in the City of Love. She had been a wonderful, brave, young girl. Yes she made a mistake but she owned up to it and she didn’t let the mistake weigh her down. Yes, Marinette Dupain-Cheng had been an astounding Ladybug, which made what she needed to tell Fu all the more worrisome.

Truthfully she was worried what his reaction would be the closer she came to the location they agreed to meet at. When she saw the stone steps that would lead her to the Jardin de la Vallée Suisse she almost hesitated following their path, but she simply took in a deep breath and walked. It was a beautiful park that was no doubt, but whatever joy she would have felt getting to bask in the park and the statue it housed was dampened by the pressure to share the danger she had come across and the prophecy it held. The thought made it easy to pick up speed until she saw Fu standing by the artificial pond that housed carp. The sight of him brought a smile to her face and a pang of worry to her heart.

“Hello dear.” She said softly as she moved to join him beside the pond. She noticed that they were thankfully alone in the park, though that wasn’t all that surprising given it was a bit difficult to find if you didn’t know where you were heading or were not a local.

“Marianne, hello, how was your travels?” Fu greeted with a small smile before giving her two brief kisses, one on each cheek, a gesture she returned happily.

“Well. How are you my dear Fu?”

The man beside her was silent for a while, like he couldn’t quite find the right words but eventually he did answer. “I am doing as well as I can be. It’s hard, I see her everywhere. Marinette...she truly was an extraordinary girl, I only hope she accepts my apologies when we find her.”

“It’s good you haven't lost hope.”

“It was not easy I will admit, but I see kids standing up, being heroes in her name, I see the way she touched everyone she ever met, there was no way I could give up or wallow in sadness. Not when I know I am not the only one hurting.” Fu watched the carp in the pond swim as he spoke. Marianne politely ignored the tears she saw in his eyes.

“She was a remarkable young woman.”

“Yes. I do not doubt she is still being remarkable...wherever she is. Now, what have you come here for my friend?” Fu asked as he looked at Marianne. She ignored the pang in her heart at the ‘friend’ even if she knew she held his heart and affections, she did her best to look unaffected as she looked over the swimming carp.

“Well, with Hawkmoth and Mayura dealt with I no longer have to hide, and as much as I would adore this to be a date and catch up moment, I fear I bring unsettling news to say the least.” She answered honestly, her cheeks a little warm at the admission of the date, no matter how old time told her she was, she was still that young headstrong, lovestruck girl she had been when she and Fu had met. She was sad and hesitant to break the ease of the air around them, but they would have time for pleasantries later she reasoned.

“I figured that was the case. Come, let’s sit my dear Annie.” Fu gestured over to a bench that was almost as hidden as the park itself. It was obscured by surrounding trees, just enough in the shade to be comfortable, but enough in the sun to not be chilled by the shadows. Having heard the old nickname, she happily followed and let him help her sit.

“I think it goes unsaid that even while I had to be hidden, I did not stay still.” She started after a while of them both just sitting there, letting themselves breathe in a moment of peace.

“You never could stay still. Even back then.” Back when he ran and left her behind.

“As my mother used to say, I am as stubborn as a bull, and as my old teachers would say, I can not sit still when there are things I want to be done.” Marianne chuckled fondly at old memories. “When I went into hiding, I must admit I did not want to stray far just in case you ever needed me. I did leave France, as I didn’t know the depth of Hawkmoth’s powers or if he had found ways to grow said powers. I decided to hide in London. It’s a good spot for an old bird like myself to go unnoticed.”

“You are many things Marianne, old is not one of them.”

“Flatterer.” Marianne chuckled even if she felt herself flush at the comment. “That is beside my point and you know it.”

“Perhaps.” Fu mused with a strained smile. “Perhaps I am trying to avoid the conversation we have to have, given your words and body language, it is not something that will bring joy in these trying times.”

Marianne took a moment just to look at the blue of the sky and breathe in the air before she looked at the man beside her. “It is not, but you can’t run from every bad storm that comes on the horizon. It’s better to be prepared and have shelter you know will help against the storm.” She took a hold of Fu’s closest hand in both of hers and gave it a squeeze. She could feel the tremble of his hand, no doubt mirrored by the other.

It took several moments before Fu no longer trembled, it took longer before either was ready to let go of the other’s hand, but there would be time for that later. Hopefully. “You are right.” Fu said once he found his voice.

“I always am.” Marianne quipped softly making Fu chuckle in response before his eyes found hers. She could tell he wasn’t happy, but he was as ready as he could be to hear what drove her out of hiding besides Hawkmoth’s defeat. What drove her back to him other than their romantic feelings. “I am also not one to beat around the bush. While in hiding I had to keep myself busy, as you know I am not one to dawdle. I asked the spirits around me if they needed help or if they knew of anything...sketchy, going on in London.”

“Marianne! That’s incredibly risky of you, especially when you were in hiding. I know you can’t help communicating with the spirits part, but to purposefully seek out trouble…” Fu fretted and admonished all at once. As much as it irritated her, it also impressed Marianne. Ever since she was a young girl she had been able to sense, see, and communicate with spirits, apparently this was something that all women in her family possessed so it was no surprise to her mother when a young Marianne was found to be speaking to what others only saw as air. It was around then that her mother taught her how to hone in her skills and how best to use them, of course her mother also warned her about her gift and what it could bring, but their family never ran from something and they never left someone who needed help. Even if that someone was a spirit. Especially if that someone was a spirit. It was kind of their unspoken job to help spirits out, whether to accomplish any unfinished business or simply help them pass along a message to a loved one. Some instances she even had to pass on messages not for loved ones...those ones were always the most interesting.

Sure, in her quest to help spirits she always did run into the more dangerous ones, but she never backed down. That was not how she was raised, and that was just not her. She saw a problem and she met in head on, and in that way her and Fu would always differ. “I have always been this way Wang Fu, and I always will.”

“I didn’t mean-”

“I know what you meant and my response remains the same. Now, to continue, the local spirits of course asked for help passing on messages, finding a missing item, but a couple spoke of something that intrigued me. Something that resulted in their deaths. A group. They never gave this group a name, but they all spoke similarly about it. It consists of a lot of not so nice people, people who do not have good intentions, people who purposefully seek the demise of others. It worried me that such a group was meeting and apparently it wasn’t even known by local authorities, or if it was then it was operating under the blindness of the people and the willfully negligent back of the authorities.” Marianne began as she looked out over the park, she hadn’t noticed them before but she could see wandering souls, spirits who stopped to listen to her, and she could see the spirits of the animals that once lived there going through the motions of their once-lives.

“I was worried, understandably, but the spirits merely wanted me to retrieve their belongings from this group so they could be sent to their families or wherever else they wanted. Of course I agreed,” Marianne paused for a second at Fu’s noise of indignation, “it was the least I could do for the poor souls. They showed me where this group liked to meet up, where they met them and their respective ends. It was an unassuming film studio, very professional looking, not at all the type of place you would expect a basically evil cult to meet. So I did what I did best, acted like an old woman who just found a favorite place to feed some birds. I staked the place out.”

“They...the group didn’t suspect anything?”

“Not to my knowledge.” Marianne answered honestly. “Their meeting place was in the basement, I will admit it was difficult finding a way down there without alerting anyone or being caught on camera. I say finding the hidden room was more difficult, that, that took several days. Thankfully the spirits were more than willing to lend a hand. Once in the room I took my time looking around, I had some of the more...sentient spirits on watch should anyone come down and try and enter the room. To be honest it looked like a fancy conference room more than anything my mind conjured up when I thought of some evil group lurking in the underground of a business.”

The mahogany round conference table and the red cushioned matching chairs that surrounded it while the LED lights shined off it was something imprinted in her mind. The whiteboards on the walls were more of a shock than the altar in the corner, it looked like it was made from the stump of a tree, cut tall for its purpose, the top of it was an oval shaped plate of prophecy stone. On the prophecy stone was a long tapestry that was falling off both of the wider sides, it had pulled Marianne in. The energy, sometimes it felt like it was still pulling at her, even here in Paris when she thought of it too hard. The tapestry was the whole reason she reached out and made the trip to Paris, more accurately what was on the tapestry and what it meant. Of course she took photos on her phone, and she did help the spirits get their personal items back but that was another story. Marianne took her phone out of her purse and pulled up the pictures from the hidden folder on her phone before passing the device to Fu.

At the sharp intake he made, she resumed. “Besides the spirits' belongings I found that tapestry on a pedestal of sorts that was made of prophecy stone. By the name I bet you can gather what exactly this tapestry is supposed to be.”

“A prophecy…” Fu breathed out.

Marianne nodded her head before looking forward, she knew Fu would look at the rest of the pictures as she spoke. “Not just any prophecy. One that speaks of darkness and chaos. Brought upon not only Europe, but the world by one named Jörmungandr. Fu...this group seeks the secrets of what I could translate and make out to be some sort of secret tribe of.”

“Vikings…” Fu cut in with wide eyes.

“We both know the Vikings had many tribes, many hidden and not known to us, many that knew magic, and from what I see on that tapestry there and the documents I managed to take pictures of as well, this specific tribe can summon and control daemons, demons.” Marianne clarified.

“The demons...on the tapestry, that is what the creatures are supposed to be?” Fu asked in a small voice. She could hear the dread.

“Yes.”

“They look an awful lot like...well like dragons…” Fu’s voice was tight, and honestly Marianne couldn’t blame him, when she saw the tapestry she nearly threw up from the shock and the panic. If this prophecy came true, if this secret tribe was found, the world was doomed.

“My thoughts exactly...I...I will be honest, I believe in many things, Wang Fu...but dragons had never been on the list. I have heard of people summoning daemons of many designs, but never dragons. This is...this is bigger than Paris. Bigger than France.”

It was quiet for a long time, how long? Marianne didn’t know, but it felt like an eternity. “This...this will need the help of the Miraculous.” Fu said gravely.

“I agree, which is why I brought it to you...and, well, there is more, the prophecy, this Jörmungandr...She is said to command an army of dragons, one so big it would blacken the sky as they flew. She is too bring the fire rain, the toxic smoke, the thunderous roars loud and shrill enough to crack the earth. Jörmungandr is to devour the very world.” Marianne shakily announced and Fu looked down at the pictures of the tapestry in dawning fear.

“...This will require Ladybug.” He grew paler and paler as the seconds passed. Marianne followed to do the same as she realized he didn’t truly see all that was being shown to him and her heart was squeezed painfully in an iron grip as it dawned on her she would have to point out the heartbreakingly bad news he did not see, or refused to see in his grief. But he did not recognize her guilty panic as he continued to ramble. “I will have to double down on my efforts to find Marinette! She is one of the strongest Ladybug’s in history, we will need her! I will have to study the Grimoire to see if there are any spells that can locate her and work harder with Tikki to do so. And we will create a team! Bigger and better than the past one, this will require every Miraculous I believe, and Marinette has always been such a good judge of character it probably won’t take long to form the team. I’ll have to speak with the Kwami about this as well, as well as Adrien and-”

“Fu.” Marianne didn’t shout but she said his name with such authority and urgency that he stopped his ramble and looked over at her, she wished he hadn’t because she could no longer hold in her guilt ridden tears.

“Marianne? What’s wrong? I...I understand this is a daunting thing to learn but we know now and can prepare. It will be okay, everything will be okay as soon as we find Marinette and get started on the preparations.” Fu said as though his words brought the most absolute soothing powers. It made Marianne swallow around the lump in her throat.

“My darling Fu, don’t you see? Jörmungandr is Marinette.” Marianne finally was able to announce. It didn’t make her feel any better, especially as she watched Fu look back down at her phone, up at her, back down, before he zoomed in to the figure on the tapestry and lost any color he had regained from before.

“No. No! No it can’t be her! It can’t! She is too pure to ever...to ever..”

“I think past circumstances show anything can happen, and anyone can break. But not all is lost! This is merely a prophecy! It is not written in stone, it is not written in the stars, this doesn’t have to happen...but I do agree with your earlier idea. We will need to double down, pull out every stop, every resource, and find Ms. Marinette...before what is prophesied comes true. We will need to prevent this from happening, no matter the consequences.”

“Come. I think we have much to plan...and...and I will need help telling Tikki all of this. I do not believe she will take it well if it is me who tells her of Marinette’s...possible fate.”

“I can do that. I’m here to stay, and I’m here to help. Let’s go.”

Marianne politely looked away as Fu wiped the tears off his face, they had been so silent she hadn’t even noticed them before. “Let’s.”

Next Chapter

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rylanqlya844 · 4 years ago

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larecreative · 5 years ago

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On se rend sur Spotify pour écouter la playlist

Sophie Laforest

Pour déjouer l’ennui - Pierre Lapointe

J’ai choisi cette chanson pour sa simplicité, son efficacité, son minimalisme. Sa structure incarne un pan de mon année : un retour à l’essentiel, vivre avec peu, trouver la beauté dans les petites choses et ralentir. La candeur qui se dégage des paroles du premier couplet me parle. Car un autre pan de mon année c’est aussi ça : les doutes, les larmes, la consternation et un grand besoin de réconfort. Une belle chanson-symbole, une douce chanson-berceuse 🧡

Hâte de découvrir et surtout d’écouter vos choix! Bonne année 2020 à tous et à toutes! Amour et chaleur 🙌

Guylaine Dussault

Overturn - Alexandra Stréliski

Une chanson qui me permet de me reconnecter, m’ancrer. J’ai l’impression que le temps s’arrête quand je l’écoute, pis ça, ben ça fait du bien!

Judith Paré

Cinnamon Girl - Lana Del Rey

Tout de son nouvel album me parle.

Ibrahim Ozhan

Barefoot in the park - James Blake (feat. Rosalia)

Cette année mon morceau choisi sera un morceau du dernier album de James Blake. Sorti le 18 janvier 2019, jour de mon anniversaire pendant mon séjour en Italie. Réveil avec vue sur le lac Como avec une écoute attentive de l’album en entier. Après la première écoute De suite j’étais complètement subjugué et in love avec le 5ème morceau de l’album. Barefoot in the park. En featuring avec Rosalia. Les voix s’emmêlent, se complètent. Superbe harmonie.

4 mois plus tard je vois james blake en live à Londres lors d’un festival. Présentation de l’album.

Quelques semaines après, Barcelone. Primavera Sound. Rosalia et james Blake jouent le même soir à quelques heures d’intervalle. Rosalia est en tête d’affiche et invite James Blake sur scène et ensemble ils interprètent le morceau que j’écoute en boucle depuis des mois. Le même soir james Blake joue sur une autre scène pendant le même festival... il présente à nouveau l’album et d’anciens classiques. excellente soirée!

Et pour terminer j’ai décidé de retourner voir james Blake au montreux jazz festival en suisse dans des conditions complètement différentes. Petite salle à taille humaine. Avec une acoustique exceptionnelle. 2h15 de live au 1er rang.

2019: mon année avec james Blake. ..

Geneviève Fortier

House in LA - JUNGLE

TOUS les titres de l'album "Forever" de Jungle figurent parmi mes chansons les plus écoutées en 2019, selon mon compte Spotify. J'ai choisi la chanson House in LA parce que c'est ma chanson préférée de l'album, mais aussi, parce qu'elle me rappelle une particulièrement belle soirée en début de relation avec mon amoureuse.

Pascal Asselin

Doin' Time - Lana Del Rey

Voilà ma chanson pour cette année. Elle m'a accompagnée sur la route depuis sa sortie, puisque j’ai roulé bcp l'été dernier. Elle symbolise pour moi la joie, la légèreté et les vacances.

Emilia Kudaba

La Nina Del Volcan (Polocorp Remix) - YoSoyMatt, Polocorp

Aucune raison mentionnée

Alex Deschênes

Gengis - Polo & Pan

J’avais tellement de chansons que j’avais envie de soumettre, des tristes, des nostalgiques, des funkys. Simplement parce que j’ai décidé de m’écouter cette année. De faire les choses différemment et de ne jamais me perdre dans ce que je fais. Cette chanson me dit que oui, je m’écoute, je suis bien et je m’aime, merci 2019.

Sarah Latulippe

Bien réel - PETER PETER

Parce que je n’ai découvert Peter Peter qu’en début de cette année 2019 (il était temps)

Parce que c’est le premier vinyle neuf que je me suis acheté.

Parce qu’il m’a suivi dans tous les moments intense de l’année. Les beaux comme les moins beaux.

Chaque fois, il m’a fait réaliser que mes émotions du moment sont vraies et qu’elles ont le droit d’exister. Je les ai donc écoutées, accueillies et acceptées.

Je souris à chaque écoute maintenant parce que ça me rappelle que la vie est en mouvement. La tristesse ne dure pas, le bonheur non plus : alors VIVONS, simplement.

J’adore l’ambiance de la chanson, le piano intense par moment, sa voix douce…

Merci Peter Peter.

Katia Couture

bad guy - Billie Eillish

J’aime son rythme.

Geneviève Dussault

Je m’en permet deux. Exceptionnellement. Deux émotions. Deux univers

Néfertiti - FOUKI

Au début de ce projet en 2011, la musique était au coeur de ma vie. C’était une amie, une complice. Ce qui se passait entre elle et moi était spéciale. Il y a fait une chanson pour accueillir chaque émotion.

La maternité à transformé ça. Pas effacer, mais transformé.

Mes moments de rencontres avec la musique ne sont plus autant individuels. Ils sont familiaux. Maintenant, on vit plus souvent qu’autrement la musique ENSEMBLE.

Le nombre de moments magiques partagés ensemble, tant avec mon fils qu’avec les ados. La musique de Fouki fut rassembleuse. Porteuse de liberté à danser avec notre coeur, le sourire dans les yeux, le son dans l’piton.

Une partie de moi s’ennuie de mes moments d’ivresse musicale et de connexion profonde avec la musique, et l’autre est comblée de voir la musique enrichir ma vie de famille. Danser ensemble. Chanter. Écouter la même chanson trop de fois. Rire.

Patrick Watson (Waves)

Premier spectacle auquel j’ai assisté depuis la naissance de Gaël qui a failli changé ma chanson de l’année. Moment fort et phare de mon année. Spectacle marquant dans mon parcours de vie. J’ai vu Pat en show au moins vingt fois et ces spectacles m’élèvent et me font toujours voyager. Cette fois, ce fut un voyage intérieur assez intense. J’ai eu les larmes aux yeux le ¾ du spectacle. Pleins d’émotions m’habitaient et je les accueillaient TOUTES. Show parfait pour clore l’année, la décennie.

I stood there still As a wave came and washed on by I watched as change came To change me before it said goodbye It broke my body As it crashed into my sleeping mind I tossed I turned as I learned to let it wash on by Just got to take your time I'll see you on the other side

Yves Lefrançois

Deux choix cette année:

L’Amérique pleure - Les Cowboys Fringuants

J’adore aussi le dernier des Cowboys fringants. J’en retiens surtout la toune l’Amérique pleure qui dégage une belle tristesse parfaitement de mise en cette période de morosité politique bien manipulée par des élites aveugles et sans cœur.

Shallow bay - I.Q.

Salut La belle, je n’ai pas encore eu le temps de t’écrire un petit texte mais voici mes 2 incontournables pour 2019. Shallow bay du groupe progressif I.Q. L’album Résistance est un chef-d’œuvre du genre.

Éric Pilote

Voici donc mon choix (je triche cette année, j'en ai 2😉):

Goin' Back - Beck & Jakob Dylan :

Une trouvaille inattendue en écoutant la trame sonore de ce documentaire (Echo in the Canyon). Il s'agit d'une reprise d'une toune de The Byrds de 1968 par deux artistes que j'affectionne particulièrement. Je vous conseille ce documentaire (disponible sur Netflix) particulièrement si vous aimez la musique rock des années 1960 et si vous voulez en savoir plus sur le quartier Laurel Canyon en banlieue de Los Angeles d'où est sorti un paquet des meilleurs albums de cette époque. La trame sonore est pas pire aussi!

Hello Sunshine - Bruce Springsteen

Une année plus tranquille en 2019 qui a permis d'en profiter un peu plus et un peu mieux, sans trop avoir de stress. Donc, plus de temps pour la réflexion en écoutant ce nouvel album de chansons originales, depuis un bout de temps, par l'un de mes chanteurs préférés. J'aurais pu en mettre plusieurs, mais celle-ci me parle plus en raison de ce que j'ai vécu ces dernières années. Le Boss est encore et toujours Le Boss!

Martine Goulet

Woman - Karen O & Danger Mouse

Après avoir hésité pendant un bon moment entre de la musique mélancolique ou plus énergique, me demandant dans quel mood je voulait quitter 2019, j’ai finalement choisi Woman de Karen O et Danger Mouse. Parce que c’est beau la solidarité féminine. Parce qu’elle a vibré fort cette année, partout et ça me touchait tellement à chaque fois. Des témoignages, des remises de prix, des hommages, de la mobilisation. C’est beau.

Fabien Husslein

"Lil' white sister" - FRUSTRATION

Car dans les moments difficiles, je me réfugie dans la musique et j'écoute des groupes comme Joy Division, moi ça me redonne immédiatement force et motivation, oui c'est paradoxal. Ce morceau de Frustration, groupe très proche musicalement de JD, est sorti au moment où j'ai commencé un nouveau job, c'était assez difficile comme tout nouveau commencement, mais ça m'a aidé à passer le cap.

Julien Cyr

Seventeen - Sharon Van Etten

C'est clairement une année ou les femmes on remplit ma vie!

Guillaume Fafard

Coyote - Dope Lemon

Déjà un an?!? L’année est passée aussi vite que la musique de Dope est mélodieuse. Année de voyages, la musique coulait à flow dans mes oreilles dans l’avion entre Montréal et Porto où dans le train entre Amsterdam et Leiden à la recherche d’inspiration!

On va où en 2020? Peut-être que je devrais dire on écoute qui en 2020!

Benjamin Robinson

Ça va - Émilie Bilodeau

Merci à Éloi de me faire découvrir une si belle poésie.

Gros Love mon grand!

Carine Côté-Germain

Parapluie - Daniel Bélanger

Le moment phare de mon année 2019 c’est notre beau long road trip en famille dans notre nouveau campeur. Un projet qu’on chérissait depuis un bout de temps déjà et qui s’est concrétisé en beau voyage inoubliable. Alors qu’on roulait sur les belles routes du Québec, les filles écoutaient leur musique de passe-partout en arrière et nous on se mettait de la musique nostalgique comme si on était un jeune couple sans responsabilité le temps d’un instant. Cette toune a aussi été la chanson demandée par ma fille avant le dodo. Une chanson qu’on aime chanter en famille à capella avec des belles fausses notes.❤️

Corinne Barat

What the fuck - The boxer rebellion

Juste pour le trip du refrain, crier What the fuck à tue-tête, crier What the fuck? à mon incompréhension face à ce monde en décrépitude... (Même si ça n'a rien à voir avec les vraies paroles de la toune). Voilà!!

Joyeuses fête à tous!

Karina Tardif

Ta fille - Stéphanie Boulay

Parce qu’à chaque fois que je l’écoute (et que je la chante) j’ai l’impression de parler à ma mère, qui est décédée en 2018. Une chanson qui parle des vrais choses, les belles comme les laides et qui me donne beaucoup de réconfort à chaque fois.

Éric Wagner

The loudest voice - Stu Larsen

Dans la continuité de l’année dernière, Stu Larsen est revenu me hanter avec sa dernière pièce, The loudest voice. Cette pièce, simple mais accrocheuse, veut montrer qu’il est possible de vivre de façon simple et tranquille et être bien. Pas besoin de crier et de se pavaner. Cet Australien, sans domicile fixe, semble comblé par la simplicité de la vie de nomade qu’il mène au gré du vent et de ses rencontres. Une belle leçon en cette période d’orgie de consommation qu’est le temps des fêtes…

Marie-Ève Lafortune

Old Statues - Other Lives

Pour sa mélodie, que je trouve belle et qui me fait du bien. J'ai retrouvé cette chanson au début de cette année, après l'avoir entendue pour la première fois 5 ans plus tôt. Je me suis tout de suite souvenu à quel point je l'avais aimée. La personne qui me l'avait fait découvrir est aujourd'hui ma blonde et cette chanson est devenue pour moi un symbole de notre relation.

Danielle Hébert-Boutin

Miracle - Bears of Legend

Mon amour et moi avons vécu un beau moment de douce complicité cette année au show de Bears of Legend. Un moment de « on a le mottons en même temps, pis on n’a pas besoin de se parler pour se comprendre ». Cette toune parle de parentalité, de force, de beauté et de la puissance de nos pensées...j’en ai des frissons à chaque écoute.

Coralie Desroches

Honesty - Pink Sweat$

Cette chanson m’a accompagné au travers de chacun des changements et des défis que j’ai traversés cette année. J’ai passé plusieurs trajets d’autobus à écouter en boucle cette chanson aux paroles si représentatives de mes craintes.

Inès Hamard

I Am Going Home · ROSEAUX (feat. Ben L'oncle Soul)

Patrick Watson m'a touchée encore une fois avec Here comes the river, de nouveau les frissons, les larmes, une rivière d'émotions.

Mais la chanson que je veux partager plus particulièrement vient du deuxième album du collectif Roseaux. I am going home, collaboration avec Ben l'oncle Soul et sa voix profonde accompagnée d'un choeur qui monte en puissance, qui envoûte et invite à une douce transe, comme une litanie, une prière, une méditation. J'embarque dans la transe et je l'écoute en boucle.

Philippe Desroches

Here comes the river - Patrick Watson

Accueillir les émotions, laisser couler ses larmes, accepter ce qui se présente dans notre vie... du noir, jaillira la lumière.

Cette chanson, interprétée avec tant de douceur et de profondeur par Pat Watson à son spectacle, vient clore en beauté cette année forte en changements et remises en question.

Dominique Paradis

Par la fenêtre de Théo – Alexandra Stéliski

Sur la route, quelque part sur le bord du fleuve, au retour de la Gaspésie…

L’esprit, le cœur et les jambes toujours habités par les montagnes enneigées… Le fleuve qui dégèle, qui m’offre des couchés de soleil vibrants à chaque détour, tous plus beaux les uns que les autres.

Période d’ouverture, de renouveau, d’espoir. C’est l’heure d’oser.

Intuitions qui se confirment, qui s’ancrent, qui trouvent leur place...

Merci 2019, pour toujours autant de moments éblouissants, de sincérité et d’apprentissages.

Geneviève Lalande

Blind - JEAN-MICHEL BLAIS

Ce fut une année où j'ai avancé à l'aveugle en accueillant sous notre toit une adolescente fragilisée par la vie tout en gardant le cap de notre famille avec un conjoint fatigué qui devait s'arrêter pour mieux se relever...

Cette chanson résume cette année qui aura marqué ma vie de plusieurs façons: avec de grands frissons et de grandes émotions! Amour, une chance que tu es là 💞MERCI BEAUCOUP XXX

Andréane Walhman

O Superman - Laurie Anderson

Cette chanson hypnotise. Elle berce. Elle mène à un état de veille consciente, créant un espace pour la guérison. D’un rythme soutenu et répétitif, elle réussit pourtant à m’accompagner doucement vers l’ailleurs. De façon bienveillante. Ainsi, j’en viens à moins craindre la répétition : j’apprends qu’elle permet la (re)découverte, l’affirmation et l’acceptation.

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chicandswiss · 7 years ago

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Voilà on est en décembre et là c’est l’angoisse qui monte! Comme chaque année on se dit qu’on va pas s’y prendre à la dernière alors on essaie d’anticiper, de profiter du Black Friday et des divers marchés de Noël, et finalement, comme chaque année, on ira faire nos cadeaux de Noël le 23, voire 24 décembre au matin…

Par principe, je ne mets jamais un pied dans un magasin dans la période de Noël, à part peut-être pour les cadeaux des grands-mères, et encore moins durant les nocturnes. Trop d’angoisse! Je préfère éviter d’empaler les autres retardataires les un après les autres sur les sapins en plastique. Du coup c’est devant mon ordinateur chéri et adoré que je fais mes cadeaux en passant d’un site à l’autre. Faut faire bosser la Poste non?

Chaque année le dilemme se resserre mais qu’est-ce que je vais bien pouvoir leur offrir??? la bougie, le panier garni, le livre qu’on ne va jamais lire, l’écharpe qu’on ne va jamais porter…non je vais pas leur mettre un bon ou des sous dans une enveloppe…Alors voilà quelques idées cadeaux (pas pour moi mais pour les autres… Ceci-dit, si vous tenez vraiment à m’en faire un, suis pas difficile, un sac Gucci ou des bottines Chloé me suffiront!)

Mode et accessoires

La mode étant au béret vous pouvez toujours offrir un joli béret vous avez une sélection dans mes précédents articles ou encore des bottines chaussettes mais c’est pas toujours évident de connaître les goûts de chacun. Alors pourquoi pas un bon Sézane ou Zalando…? valeur sure non?

Les accessoires sont peut-être plus faciles avec un joli sac ou porte-monnaie?

René René

Découverte lors de la Fashion Fair d’octobre, elle fait des sacs originaux et tendance avec des pochettes ou des sacs de ville.

Lahara

Je l’ai rencontrée à un vernissage chez Chic Cham, “Lahara” était en pleine préparation de lancement de son site. C’est donc tout frais tout neuf qu’elle met en vente ses créations de sacs en cuir végétal. Vous pouvez la retrouver sur plusieurs marchés de Noël de la région.

Tha-Maka

J’ai découvert cette marque grâce à la blogueuse Lisa Germaneau et suis complètement fan de ces bijoux bohèmes. J’ai notamment une bague que je ne quitte plus.

Lily’s creation

Comme je sais que cette bague vous a beaucoup plus sur mon insta et que même certaines se la sont achetées ;-), voilà le lien, attention elle part comme des petits pains!

Montre Daniel Wellington

Vous l’avez certainement vu sur toutes les blogueuses célèbres, cette année ils ont sorti un coffret montre-bracelet.

Casque Sudio Sweden

C’était mon premier “cadeau” blogueuse! Ce casque bluetooth au design or et marbre! que demander de plus??

Beauté

Rituals

La marque Rituals cosmetics que j’ai pu découvrir lors de l’inauguration de la boutique à Lausanne fait de parfaits coffrets cadeaux aussi bien pour femmes que pour hommes dans une gamme de prix tout à fait abordable puisqu’en être 26.- et 89.-

https://www.rituals.com/fr-ch/the-ritual-of-sakura—relaxing-ceremony-7949.html#start=1

https://www.rituals.com/fr-ch/the-ritual-of-hammam—purifying-collection-7946.html#start=1

https://www.rituals.com/fr-ch/travel-set-skincare-women-7385.html#start=1

Le Body Pass

Le cadeau idéal pour les coquettes! vous avez 50% de rabais sur les prestations de 150 instituts. L’occasion non seulement de découvrir de nouveaux instituts mais de se faire une nouvelle coupe pour Nouvel-An ou un massage pour se décontracter après les fêtes, ou même profiter du Spa du Royal Savoy…!

En tout cas c’est ce que je vais prendre le temps de faire pendant les vacances de fin d’année!

Déco

Pour changer un peu des bouteilles et boîtes de chocolat, un objet déco passe toujours bien! Et il fallait quand même que je place la bougie…Pour ma part c’est d’autant plus facile puisque, vous le savez déjà peut-être, ma meilleure amie a ouvert son webshop de déco scandinave. Facile donc de trouver un petit quelque chose, entre la bougie, le joli pot ou des peluches toutes douces! En plus il y a toujours l’option bon cadeau si on ne veut pas prendre trop de risques…

Solskenshop

https://solskenshop.com/collections/new/products/hexagon-plant-pot-xl

https://solskenshop.com/collections/new/products/scented-candle-rosenhave-rosegarden

https://solskenshop.com/collections/kids/products/riceananas-glasses-plush-toy

Mapiful

Vous l’avez vue sur mon insta mais je suis trop fan de ma carte Mapiful. C’est hyper facile, vous choisissez la ville de votre coeur et ensuite pouvez recadrer, zoomer, choisir le design, la taille, donc facile à adapter pour chacun

Lecture et culture

Pas le cadeau le plus facile, il faut effectivement connaître les goûts des gens et en plus un certain budget suivant quoi…mais il y a des livres un peu passe-partout et légers comme

30 manières de trouver l’amour

Ecrit par Margot Delévaux, jeune fille de 25 ans, ce recueil relate des minis fictions inspirés de faits réels. Et je confirme…j’ai déjà essayé la moitié, sans succès comme vous le savez :-p mais très drôle à lire!

Aux “édictions” Helvetiq. Vous trouverez d’autres ouvrages et jeux purement suisses. Très sympas pour animer vos longues soirées d’hiver.

Sinon la grosse mode est au fantastique donc évidemment

The Game of Thrones

Le coffret des 5 volumes peut plaire en attendant la 8e saison…bien sûr pour les autres il y a les dvd :-p

L’étoile de Lowilo

par Déborah Perez, une ancienne collègue/amie. Mêlant le fantastique et la littérature en attendant le tome 2 🙂

Plus pointu et culturel peut-être

Le Panier culturel

Cette association propose un “panier garni” qui encourage la création locale, le panier d’automne par exemple contenait

Sac en tissu: sérigraphie avec une illustration de l’artiste Fichtre, tirée de son projet «Asimpledrawing»

Oeuvre exclusive, signée et numérotée, de l’artiste plasticienne, Cleide Saito

Vinyle du poète et musicien lausannois, Stéphane Blok. Oeuvre co-produite avec le Panier Culturel.

Collection de quatre livres édités par le collectif Hétérotrophe. Oeuvre numérotée et co-produite par le Panier Culturel.

Visite insolite (pour 2): Découverte de l’univers de l’improvisation théâtrale avec l’association Impro Suisse

Sortie culturelle (pour 2): Une entrée pour deux personnes pour la soirée de votre choix au théâtre des Trois P’tits Tours à Morges

Revue: La Ficelle no 5 – Parution anniversaire

Je me suis finalement décidée à commander celui d’hiver (oui je m’autofais des cadeaux) et me réjouis de le découvrir.

www.lepanierculturel.ch

L’Opéra de Lausanne – bon

Alors ça c’est une bonne idée surtout dans ce magnifique lieu mais où les places sont vite chères si vous ne voulez pas vous retrouver dans le poulailler à voir la scène à la verticale…

Copines de voyages

Bon je savais pas où le caser celui-là, mais c’est au cas où vous avez des amies sans amis comme moi et qui peuvent pas partir en vacances seules…Copines de voyage est là pour vous sauver! Perso j’attends juste qu’elles remettent le Mexique….ce n’est qu’une question de patience!

Food & Beverages

Noël ne se résume pas à un boîte de chocolats encore que c’est une valeur sure! Mais étant plutôt salé, voilà quelques idées.

Gourmandia

Pour celles ou ceux qui aiment le foie gras, voilà des petits coffrets qui font toujours leur effet! Ok je ne suis pas hyper objective puisqu’il s’agit du service traiteur de ma maman mais comme c’est délicieux, comme tout ce qu’elle fait d’ailleurs, j’étais obligée! (oui c’est bientôt Noël et si je veux ma tranche de foie gras le 25, je dois être gentille!). www.gourmandia.biz

Oliviers & Co

S’ils sont plutôt spécialisé dans l’huile d’olive, ils ont évidemment une gamme autour de la truffe, vous pensez bien que j’ai déjà tout testé… et notamment ce petit pot de sauce crème parmesan/truffe une tuerie à mettre dans le risotto par exemple. Et évidemment vous trouverez plusieurs coffrets!

https://www.oliviers-co.com/fr/coffret-noel.html?nosto=nosto-page-category1

https://www.oliviers-co.com/fr/coffret-best-2017.html?nosto=nosto-page-category1

https://www.oliviers-co.com/fr/coffret-tartuffi-5084.html

La boutique de Lausanne se trouve à la Place de la Palud, à côté de Rituals en plus, vous pouvez faire du 2 en 1! www.oliviers-co.com

Magnificients

Un passionné de vin qui a su s’entourer et travailler sur des assemblages inédits, c’est là l’essence de Magnificients. J’ai eu l’occasion de tous les goûter (non je ne suis pas alcoolique) et ils sont tous aussi délicieux les uns que les autres. La cuvée est un Riesling et les bouteilles sont des litres et non pas des 75cl. Format parfait pour les tables de Noël.

Cette année, il y a également une fondue élaborée notamment par le chef étoilé Crisci et le vacherin fribourgeois. Elle est en vente à Manor.

RH Lamotte

Et bien évidemment pour les fêtes du champagne! On connaît tous les grands noms alors cette année je découvre le champagne RH Lamotte dont les premières bouteilles se sont vendues dans l’entre-deux guerres.

Bon ok, je vous mets quand même du chocolat SUISSE! Avec toutes les délicieuses adresses qu’on a dans la région…

La chocolatière

Vous pouvez commander en ligne et faire vous-mêmes vos petits coffrets!

Avenue de Mon-Repos 14, 1005 Lausanne, www.lachocolatiere.ch

Blondel

On ne le présente plus, vous avez toutes et tous certainement déjà fait la file devant le boutique en période de Noël…Pensez à passer commande depuis internet et aller simplement les chercher ensuite entre deux vagues de monde!

Rue de Bourg 5, 1003 Lausanne, www.blondel.ch

Läderach

OK bon d’accord j’ai honte mais je ne crois pas avoir goûté leur chocolat…c’est peut-être à cause du nom à consonance légèrement suisse-allemande…(ne me jugez pas je suis suisse-allemande…d’origine!) mais ils ont ouverts récemment à la Migros Métropole à Lausanne, donc facile d’accès!

Centre commercial Métropole, rue des Terreaux 15-23, 1003 Lausanne, www.laederach.com

Vincent Kuonen

Je suis obligée d’en parler puisqu’il est près de chez moi 🙂 et c’est de là que j’ai eu mon lapin de Pâques “Mignon”, donc pour les idées originales c’est par ici!

rue de la Blancherie 8, 1023 Crissier, www.vk-chocolaterie.ch

Voilà, j’espère que cela vous aura inspiré et donné des idées un peu originales…et si j’en trouve d’autres d’ici le 24, je mettrai l’article à jour!

Sinon JOYEUX NOËL!!! HO HO HO

NB. oui je fais de la pub gratuite #blonde, car cette article a été rédigé sans aucun partenariat (sauf avec le bodypass quand même) car je ne veux pas ressembler à un blog télé-achat 😉 après si on veut m’offrir des chips à la truffe suis pas contre 🙂

EnregistrerEnregistrerEnregistrerEnregistrer

EnregistrerEnregistrer

Ma wishlist au Père Noël Voilà on est en décembre et là c'est l'angoisse qui monte! Comme chaque année on se dit qu'on va pas s'y prendre à la dernière alors on essaie d'anticiper, de profiter du Black Friday et des divers marchés de Noël, et finalement, comme chaque année, on ira faire nos cadeaux de Noël le 23, voire 24 décembre au matin...

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belovedbelmont · 6 years ago

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hello. i wrote too much in a reply so i’m posting it separately so i can condense it. here’s my ~Sonia Lore~

After Leon, Mathias needed time to bond further with the vampire’s soul. Nothing made him as powerful as he wanted to be. He’d terrorise towns and create some demons only to be stopped by a band of common vampire hunters. He had never been killed, then, he’d only fled once he realised he wasn’t properly-equipped to deal with a mob.

He was a strategist, and he killed many, but they still chased him back.

The great Death that came over Europe was enough to give Dracula the energy he sought. His powers were aided by the deaths of millions. Both he and the sickness were given the title ‘The Black Death’, and he contributed to more fatalities than the plague itself.

The plague in Europe was caused by a fear of bathing. They believed it let the devil into your body. At this point, the Belmonts had already been shunned for a great number of things. On top of that, most of us bathed regularly. People saw this as a reason to riot when tensions were high, they believed the Belmonts had made a pact with the devil to be safe. Those Belmonts were killed for this, and the ones that managed to blend-in died from the disease.

There were some that took refuge outside of towns, however. They were the lucky few. While some still died after being exposed to the plague or by being murdered, few remained across Europe. Sonia Belmont lived in the south of the République des Suisses, in the forest with her grandfather. He taught her how to hunt monsters and vampires, noticing the activity in Transylvania. He died soon after he deemed her worthy of the whip, and she left to confront Dracula in his castle, miles away.

It took her a year and some months to reach his gates-- back then, his castle was more of a castle and less of his warped reflection of himself-- and she charged in with only the goal of killing him. She made it apparent in what little paper we do have from her era that she wasn’t afraid of dying afterward, but she couldn’t until she’d finished her mission.

In the end, she did kill him, and pulled herself from the castle nearly-dead before it collapsed. She was too overwhelmed with joy to feel the pain. She washed herself in a river, and passed-out in the grass.

She eventually had a family and children, but none of the common folk knew of what she did. The Church did, however, and when she’d aged some years, they sent-out to have her and all records of her and her family destroyed. Portraits of Sonia were thrown in a fire, alongside most of her writings on the subject. She was taken to be burned on a cross, and her family was left to it’s own.

Thankfully, her husband was a descendant of a knight family, he was amazed by Leon Belmont and kept Sonia’s name and legacy alive as a Belmont on his own. He created the Grimoire, binding records Sonia had kept hidden into a book and leaving space for the Belmonts ahead of him that he was sure would prosper. It was because of him that we know Sonia’s fate and what she did in better clarity, and Leon, for that matter. Who’s diary entries were the first things in the book.

#||DRABBLE||#castlevania #sonia belmont #death mention

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moviereview45 · 6 years ago

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UK criminal investigations into Africa – a new direction?

Nicola McKinney and Andrew Gilmore examine whether UK criminal investigations of bribery and fraud in Africa have reached a high water mark.

Lisa Osofsky, the head of the Serious Fraud Office (“SFO”) since 28 August 2018, revealed last week that she has been conducting a review of current SFO investigations. The evaluation seems likely to involve inquiries into historic allegations, and cases with weaker evidence dropped. In particular, Osofksy has cited cases where the documents necessary to prosecute are held in foreign jurisdictions and might not be forthcoming. It is anticipated that the new focus will have an impact on Africa-centred investigations.

Investigations but no convictions

In the past five years there has been a rise in high-profile investigations by the SFO and other UK investigating bodies – including the National Crime Agency (“NCA”) and the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) – of bribery, corruption, fraud and money laundering involving African individuals based in the UK, or African branches of UK companies. The UK’s Bribery Act 2010 has been key to this expansion because it applies to offences committed abroad by UK residents and UK incorporations.

Many of these cases have been revealed in high profile headlines, but with no charges ever announced, or subsequently dropped; cases include:

– In January 2019, the FCA downgraded a criminal investigation into Credit Suisse concerning over $2 billion of loans to Mozambique state-owned companies which pushed the country into a debt crisis. Although the company continues to face international pressure to forgive the loans, and the FCA continues to check for breaches of conduct rules, it announced that no criminal charges will be pursued, citing insufficient power to prosecute under the Bribery Act.

– The 2015 arrest in London of Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former oil minister, by the NCA’s International Corruption Unit has not (to date) resulted in any charges being announced. The arrest was reported to relate to allegations of bribery and money laundering, and has more recently been overtaken by calls from Nigeria’s own anti-corruption agency calling for her extradition, in order to face prosecution there alongside several co-defendants.

– The arrest of the London-based head of the Union Bank of Nigeria’s UK unit, on suspicion of bribery (by Mr Phido; there is no suggestion of the bank being under investigation). The NCA arrested Maurice Phido, and said that it had passed the file to English prosecuting authorities after a seven-month investigation; no charges have been announced.

– The ongoing investigation of British American Tobacco by the SFO, initially over allegations it paid bribes in Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda and the Comoros, and more recently announced to have expanded to examine alleged illegal payments made by the manager of South African and Zimbabwean branches to government officials. The investigation commenced in 2017, with no reported charges made.

With these investigative delays and an absence of prosecutions, let alone convictions, the question arises whether UK taxpayer-funded bodies can continue to justify investigations of this nature. The question is particularly acute where there are local investigations and prosecutions in other jurisdictions which are ready to move ahead but have been delayed by arrests in England

Challenges and cooperation

Osofsky has previously described the challenges of “fighting corruption and fraud in a shrinking world”, and has said that the answer lies in “meaningful and mutually beneficial cooperation”. Time will tell whether the SFO’s new focus will in practice mean that it, and other UK bodies, will be more reluctant to initiate its own investigations, and instead prefer to offer assistance to African authorities carrying out their own prosecutions.

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crimenews · 6 years ago

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UK criminal investigations into Africa – a new direction?

Nicola McKinney and Andrew Gilmore examine whether UK criminal investigations of bribery and fraud in Africa have reached a high water mark.

Investigations but no convictions

Many of these cases have been revealed in high profile headlines, but with no charges ever announced, or subsequently dropped; cases include:

Challenges and cooperation

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fvckyouimaprophet · 6 years ago

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All Summer Long | Chapter Three

Summary: AU where Draco Malfoy gets stuck in his Animagus form, and Harry Potter unsuspectingly takes him in. Set post-war. | Prologue | Chapter One | Chapter Two

Author’s Note: To elaborate on something I should have at the beginning, I visualize Draco as a Berger Blanc Suisse. In my mind, Sirius looks like a black German Shepherd. Part of what made Harry so drawn to Draco is that he looks almost identical to Sirius but white.

By the time Draco woke up, Harry was at work. As relaxing as he wanted his newfound freedom to be, it turned out that hours alone did little more than drive him stir-crazy. He knew if he could get out of the apartment, things would be better, but the rain outside did not relent. Regardless, Harry’s fenced in backyard could only provide a little amount of relief.

So Draco spent most of the morning hopping from the couch in the living room to Harry’s bed. At some point, he found himself halfway between sleep and consciousness when he heard the bang of the door.

Draco’s head shot out, and he leapt off of the bed toward the living room, only to find Harry, drenched from the rain. Back so soon?

“Hey there, boy,” Harry said, crouching down and stretching out his arms as if waiting for Draco to come toward him. I’m not Lassie, Potter. Harry seemed to quickly give up on the idea of Draco running towards him because he got up, kicked his shoes off, and made his way toward the kitchen.

“I figured that you and I could spend some quality lunch time together. I usually spend it with Hermione and Ron, but…” If his conversation with Hermione had been anything to go by, Draco knew that it had to have been a while since he had lunch with Ron. Harry cleared his throat. “Besides, you have to be hungry.”

Harry ran a hand through his hair as he rummaged through the fridge. “I don’t even know what to feed you?” He hummed as Draco stood behind him, trying to look past him to see what Harry had, but before he could, Harry had pulled a few things out and had shut the door. “You’re a dog. Dogs like bacon, right?” he asked as he tore open the package.

I’ll just be thankful it’s not Weetabix. Draco laid down on the other side of the kitchen, giving Harry enough room to move around as he cooked. Draco yawned as he laid down, and Harry caught it.

“Must be a tough life, just lounging about and getting fed,” Harry joked, an affectionate smile spreading across his face.

Yeah, not as relaxing as you’d think being trapped as a fucking dog. Draco huffed, and Harry raised an eyebrow.

“You know, I think Hermione was wrong about you, which – you don’t know Hermione, but it’s rare. She’s always right. It’s usually pretty great, but sometimes it’s awful because –“ Harry frowned as he turned to grab a spatula to push the bacon around the pan. “Never mind. The point is that I think you can understand me.” Harry set the spatula and turned around and crouched to make himself as close to Draco as possible. Draco lifted up his head.

“Okay, boy. Bark once if you can understand me.”

Under any other circumstances, Draco would have been having the time of his life. As Harry stared intently at him, Draco could almost hear the gears in his head working. If the circumstances were any less dire, Draco would have gladly messed with his head, but he couldn’t afford to risk any chance he got at resolving this. But the moment must have passed for Harry in Draco’s hesitation because he began to get up.

Fuck. Draco let out a belated bark, and Harry paused.

“Bark twice if you can understand me?” he tried, his voice sounding much less certain than it had just seconds earlier.

Draco barked twice.

Harry’s brown furrowed, and his stare deepened. After a moment, his relaxed and shook his hand. “Or maybe I’m crazy.” He shook his head and paused turning around to say, his voice light and mocking, “Bark if you know where Draco Malfoy is.”

Holy shit. Draco stood up barking and lunging at Harry.

“Ow! Merlin! What are you doing?” Harry stepped backwards and knocked into the handle of the pan. “Fuck.” He cradled his elbow and looked at the damage before snatching the spatula and pointing it at Draco. “Bad dog!”

I will murder you in your sleep, Potter. I swear –

Draco bit the leg of his pants and pulled again. You dim-witted goddamn idiot.

“Protego!” Draco slide back against the invisible barrier and growled. “What’s gotten into you?” Harry asked, cupping his burn on his elbow with his free hand. “Go!” He pointed away from the kitchen, toward the living room. Judging by the look in Harry’s eyes, Draco knew he wasn’t going to win this fight. His eyes stayed locked with Harry’s for a moment, and he bore his teeth before turning on his heel and moving to the living room.

I hate you. I hate you. I hate you. Draco jumped on the couch and spread out, resting his head on his front paws. If you don’t figure this out soon, so help me God. Draco stared blankly ahead as Harry cooked. He could hear the sizzles and movement from the kitchen, and it was only a few minutes before Harry stepped out, a plate of bacon in one hand and a B.L.T. in the other. I’m going to dehydrate just looking at that.

“How are you doing?” Harry asked, keeping a safe distance. “Still angry?” Draco huffed and looked away from him. “This is what I mean when I say that I swear you can understand me.” Harry must have decided that it was safe because he began to step toward the couch. Draco lifted his head and barked loudly, snickering – or something similar to it – when Harry jumped.

“You’re going to be the death of me.” Harry scowled and set the plate down on the table before motioning to where Draco’s hind legs were kicked out behind him. “And what’s this?”

Draco threw a look over his shoulder at them but otherwise didn’t move.

“I’ve never met a dog so committed to being petty.” Harry pushed Draco to one side of the couch and sat down. Draco kicked his hind legs out again, whacking Harry’s thigh. “So help me God, when I find your old owner, I am going to have some strong words with them.” He took a bite out of his sandwich.

“Mmhph! I hab sometin’ to helb.” Harry jumped up – the sandwich still in his mouth – and moved over to his satchel. He dug for a moment before pulling out a camera.

I am not letting you plaster photos of me all over, Potter. Draco jumped down from the couch and ran towards the kitchen, but Harry pulled the sandwich out of his mouth and moved faster, blocking him.

“So you’re camera shy! There’s no need to be worried. I just need one good photo, and –”

Absolutely not! Draco dove between his legs.

“Hey, come back!” Harry set the camera down on the table before running after him. Draco made his way into the bedroom and tried to nudge the door shut with his muzzle, but before he could, Harry came in. “Got you!” Harry jumped down on top of him, his arms enveloping him, and before Draco took a moment to think, he licked his face.

“Ugh, gross!” Harry wiped his face, oblivious as Draco froze. “I guess you have some dog in you, after all.” He sniffed his hand and mimed barfing before looking over at Draco.

Draco could feel the tension across his whole body. What if I turn into a dog because I’m one for too long? Rationally, he knew it wasn’t true, but all he could think about was licking his face. When Harry’s hand ruffled the top of his head, it felt as if he was watching himself from outside as he turned to face him.

“Relax, buddy. It’s fine. I mean, your breath definitely stinks, but it’s really okay.” Harry bent forward and pressed a kiss to the top of Draco’s head.

With his eyes shut, all Draco could picture was Harry’s face last night – teary and crushed. As awkward as it was, having his hair – or fur, as it were – ruffled by none other than Harry Potter, it was a small price to pay for a roof over his head with – he hoped – the person who could help him undo this damn curse.

“Who knew this is what it took to get you to stop taking yourself so seriously.” Draco opened his eyes to see Harry staring at him. “Now, come and eat because I have to go in like five minutes.” With one last pet, Harry got up and made his way toward the living room.

Well, all right, then. Draco sighed and got up as well, shaking himself off before making his way into the room. No sooner had he stepped out of the hallway then was he met by a bright flash.

“Aha! I got a picture!” Harry beamed and took another bite of his sandwich.

Motherfucker.

“Now I just gotta put these up. Because if you were in Diagon Alley, that means whoever owns you can’t be a Muggle.” He bopped a stunned Draco on the nose before grabbing his satchel and stepping toward the door. “I’ll catch you later, bud.”

- - -

Unsurprisingly, no one came forward about the photos, and about three weeks later, Harry seemed as if he had given up. At times, Draco was almost positive that Harry didn’t want to find someone. They had developed a schedule of sorts, and Draco had to admit that it wasn’t half-bad – or rather, as half-bad as it could be considering the circumstances.

Harry came home every lunch break. Sometimes he cooked, but mostly he seemed to stop by the grocery store to grab sandwiches and sausage rolls. Draco thought that he watched the TV an awful lot, especially after work, but after watching a few episodes of what appeared to be a show called Game of Thrones, Draco could see the appeal.

Regardless, as much as Draco hated to admit it, it could be nice at times. Harry’s loneliness shone through at times when he would talk to Draco about something that had happened at work or in the store. No new moment had popped up for Draco to bark some sense into Harry to reveal who he was, but Draco had to admit that he felt oddly confident that he would work something out.

“I’m going to see Ginny this weekend,” Harry said, stabbing at his chicken tikka masala with his fork. Draco lifted his head up from his plate of it, waiting for Harry to continue. “Apparently Ron’s waiting to see how it goes to reach out. So Hermione said when we got coffee, but I’m hoping it’ll go okay.” Harry set his fork down and clasped his hands together in his lap. “Can I tell you something?”

I’m guessing you will anyway. Draco stretched out on the couch and adjusted himself for a long speech. He gave a half-hearted bark and prepared to tune out.

“I knew it was a bad idea when I kissed Rhys, and I know it sounds stupid, but I felt like if I didn’t do it, I would go crazy.”

Rhys? Draco lifted his head and started intently at Harry. You made out with a Rhys? That’s why Ginny left you?

“I know it’s probably the worst thing I’ve ever done, but I don’t regret it.” Harry picked at the skin around his nails and looked down in his lap as he spoke, but Draco felt as if the couch fell out beneath him. “If anyone would get it, she would, but I still couldn’t tell her. I don’t know. I’m like the worst bisexual ever, right? Like isn’t that what they all say – bisexuals cheat and are greedy and –” Harry’s jaw clenched, and Draco could tell he was focusing his energy on keeping a straight face.

Holy shit. Draco just tried to keep still. The moment felt fragile, as if he breathed too loudly or moved even an inch, Harry would stop. So Draco took shallow breaths and was careful not to move.

Harry closed his eyes and took a deep breath in. “I loved her, but things felt different. She kept on wanting me to talk about everything that had happened in the war, and I just couldn’t. There’s was all of this distance between us, and we were fighting half the time, so I kept on thinking, ‘What if this is it? What if we spend the rest of our lives together, and I never know what it’s like to kiss or to fuck another guy? What if I’m actually gay, and I don’t know it? Or what if I just never stop thinking about it, and it ruins the relationship anyway?’ But then I slept with Rhys –”

Slept with?!

“—and I couldn’t not tell her. It was like as soon as it happened I realized that I should have talked to her anyway, dealt with all the shit that had happened. As soon as I did it, I realized what an absolute prat I was.” Harry put his face in his hands. “I don’t think we would have worked out anyway, but that’s not the way I wanted things to end, you know? She was the first person I loved, and she deserved better.”

For the first time, Harry opened his eyes and made eye contact with Draco.

Oh, Potter. Harry could barely hold back tears. He reached up, wiping his hand with his sleeve. “Who needs a therapist when you have a dog, am I right?” Harry sniffled and tried to smile, but it quickly faltered.

You and I have more in common than I think you realize. Based off of the conversation with Hermione, Draco had assumed that Harry and Ginny must have broken up over something along the lines of cheating, but he had never assumed that this was it.

Draco steadied himself as he stood up and shifted on the couch. If there had ever been a moment he wished he could speak – removing the obvious – this was it. Had anyone told him it even a few weeks ago, Draco knew he would have scoffed at the suggestion, but for the first time in a long time, perhaps even years, Draco felt something close to kinship. You shouldn’t have to get vulnerable to what you think is a dog because you can’t talk to your friends. As Draco placed his head in Harry’s lap, Draco could feel Harry tremble.

The movement must have removed the last of his ability to keep from crying because before Draco could look up, he felt a tear drop onto the top of his head.

“I’m so scared to see her. I don’t know how to say I’m sorry and have her believe it,” Harry said. “I know I fucked up, and maybe it isn’t fair, but I need her to forgive me. Hermione and Ron too. I mean, Ron and I have gone months without speaking before, but somehow it didn’t feel so much like just my fault then. But now…”

For perhaps the first time, Harry did not look like Harry Potter to him. He looked human and fragile. You can cry, Potter. It’s okay. Draco nudged his head against Harry’s clasped hands, and a small laugh bubbled out of Harry. “I’ve tried to get you to like me enough to let me properly pet you for the past month, and this is what it takes? You are one strange dog.” Harry began by petting the fur around his face before moving down to his chest and sides. Draco pushed away the instant desire to jump back and instead tried to relax and enjoy the sensation.

It had been so long since he had let anyone touch him. With someone from the Ministry watching him like a hawk at all times, it felt foolish to try to start anything. He had thrown himself into work instead. It had always been easier that way. There had been a kiss or two at the bar, a few men in back rooms, one in his apartment.

But this was different, new. Certainly, to call it romantic would have been a stretch. For all Potter knows, he’s petting a real dog. Nonetheless, it took all of Draco’s energy to just let himself relax and let the moment wash over him. All he wanted to do was talk. I know what it’s like not to want to tell anyone, to close yourself in. But he couldn’t, so he just let the comfort of his touch speak instead.

“I wish you could tell me your story. I feel like it’s kind of unfair how much of the talking I do.” Draco snorted. You do talk endlessly, Potter. “Like how did you get a scar like this? Was it a fight? Did another dog bite you?” Harry reached down and ran a hand over his chest, and Draco’s throat tightened.

The moment slowly crumbled as he stood up and jumped off of the couch. You gave it to me. He had noticed how prominent the scar was the first few times he had transfigured, but he had forgotten since then. Draco’s breath caught in his throat as he remembered being thrown back against the tiled floor, getting colder.

“Buddy?” Harry had been calling him that lately as if that were his name. But Draco couldn’t look back. What’s the point in getting comfortable? As soon as you find out who I am, it won’t matter. You’ll go back to your life, and I will have to deal with whatever they throw my way.

He could hear Harry stand up, but he made his way to the glass door to the backyard and pulled it open. Deep breaths. As soon as he crossed the threshold, Harry must have realized that there was no way to salvage the moment, and when Draco turned around, Harry had already left.

Draco waited out there long enough until the light in the living room and kitchen went off – long enough to be sure that Harry had gone to bed. He nudged the door to the outside closed as best as he could and walked over to the bedroom. The door was cracked, and even from outside, Draco could hear Harry snoring.

Draco pushed the door quietly open and walked in. Even in the darkness, he could faintly see Harry’s face. You can do this. Maybe they wouldn’t be friends after all was said and done, but if there was anything that was obvious, it was that Harry needed someone right now. And as complicated as it was, Draco tried to push it out of his mind, at least for tonight.

He jumped up on the bed and burrowed his head under Harry’s arm. Harry’s snores cut off, and he mumbled as he woke, if only for a moment. “Buddy?” Their eyes met for a moment before Draco broke their gaze and lay his head down on Harry’s chest. Harry’s arm tightened around him, and Draco listened as Harry’s breath slowed and eventually got deeper as he fell asleep.

- - -

Draco knew that there was no way to go back to sleeping on separate pieces of furniture after that, and sure enough, Harry called him over to the bed the following night. And Draco had to admit, there didn’t seem to be any point in fighting it. He had already slept next to Harry, and regardless, there was nothing to do about the fact that Harry had already seen him in dog form. You’ve won this round.

Besides, since discovering that Harry was queer, things had felt slightly different. He’d been young enough when he’d realized that his initial assessment of Harry as the boy who had everything might have been too generous or blind. But since he’d seen Harry cry – twice now – it had been impossible not to see someone else.

You’re really quite softer than who you pretend to be.

The rest of the week flew by quickly with no more heart-to-hearts, and Draco found that he was sleeping better than usual, something he figured had more to do with the fact that he was sleeping on the bed than it had to do with him sleeping with Harry’s arm draped over him. Nonetheless, when the weekend came and Harry left to go see Ginny, Draco felt oddly nervous.

He didn’t know what he expected, but a part of him, no matter how much he tried to push it down, couldn’t help but wonder if there was some outcome to this conversation that ended in Ginny coming back and him getting kicked out. After all, there wasn’t enough room in the apartment for him, Ginny, and Harry. And there wouldn’t be any reason for Harry to talk to him or hang out with him if Ginny were there.

Snap out of it. Harry owed him nothing. There was nothing tying Harry to him other than loneliness. It was why he had him in the first place. Luck had it that Harry ran into him like this. There was no reason that it couldn’t disappear just as easily.

The hours dragged on, and Draco made his way in and out of the kitchen to look at the clock built into the stovetop. It was almost one in the morning by the time the keys slid into the lock. Draco ran into the living room from the kitchen.

Do I look too eager? He barely had time to make it to the couch and rest his head before the door opened. Why the fuck do I even care? Even as he wondered, he did his best to lift his head and try to look droopy, as if he’d just been woken up.

However, with the lights off, it was impossible to tell what the expression on his face was. Draco was sure Harry would flip the switch on and start talking immediately, but he moved slowly as if he was trying not to wake someone. He shut the door in slow motion and leaned against the back of it for half a minute before reaching for the switch. Take your sweet-ass time. Sure. Merlin, you’re frustrating.

As soon as the light turned on, Harry looked in Draco’s direction and yelped. “I thought you were asleep.” His hand went up to his hair, which was already a mess, and tugged at it. “But you’re not, are you, buddy?” He laughed and shook his head, and it took Draco a moment to smell it, but his dog nose couldn’t miss it.

That’s a lot of alcohol.

Harry shook his head as he tossed his keys at the table and missed by at least an arm’s length. “Fuckin’ hell, that actually went better than expected.” You could’ve fooled me.

Harry stumbled his way over to the couch and collapsed backwards on it. “She forgives me, I mean.” Harry let out a strangled laugh. “I don’t know why, but she does.” When Harry burps loudly and winces, covering his mouth, Draco knows that Harry has to be in for a rough night.

You, Harry Potter, are a train wreck. Draco felt half-bad for wishing the worst upon him. As far as Draco could tell, Harry seemed perfectly capable of keeping resolution far out of reach.

“She’s also dating someone.” Harry threw his head back into the couch with purposeful vigor as if to hit it. “I feel so fucking guilty for being jealous. I don’t have any reason to be jealous, do I? But I still am, even though her girlfriend may be the sweetest person I’ve ever met.”

Did she bring her girlfriend? Well, no wonder you’re such a mess. Draco sighed and got up, moving his head to Harry’s lap and licking Harry’s hand as he moved it closer to scratch behind his ears.

“I just can’t believe it’s Luna.” Draco lifted his head and perked his ears up. Lovegood? “I mean, I’m happy for them. I truly am, but I’m just so fucking sad and alone.” Harry slumped over and groaned. “My head hurts. I can’t do this.”

Up and at ‘em. We need to get you in the shower. Draco pulled Harry up by his sleeves as Harry groaned.

“Why can’t you leave me be?” Harry whined, but he still followed Draco’s lead. He stumbled his way to the bathroom, and it was only once he was there that he seemed confused by what Draco was even doing. But when Draco jumped into the tub and tugged the metal handle until the faucet started running, Harry got the gist.

“I don’t know who owned you, but it’s really fucking strange that you’re basically taking care of me while I’m drunk. Like it’s almost like you’re not a dog.” Draco sighed. If you weren’t pissed out of your mind, I would murder you right now.

But Harry could barely stand, and Draco was certain that he had already forgotten what he had said. Harry leaned over to move the water from the faucet to the showerhead and nearly slipped. Draco bit onto his shirt and tugged, steadying him.

“Buddy, what would I do without you?” Have the world’s worst hangover. He smiled at Draco and began taking off his shirt. After a moment of being tangled in its fabric, he managed to get it off.

This seems like my cue to leave. But as if reading his mind, Harry leaned over and pushed the door shut. The round handle on the door was not one that Draco could open, and he glanced anxiously around the small space, trying to bury himself in a corner and give Harry some privacy.

It wasn’t the first time he’d seen Harry naked. It had happened a few times now, when Harry had changed in the bedroom while he was in it. But it always seemed easier to roll over on the bed or just close his eyes there. Here, Harry was mere steps away from him. When he heard Harry stumble, he jerked his head up from the wall towards him and barely had time to prepare as Harry caught himself, half against the wall and half on Draco’s back.

Who knew you could be such a disaster? He wondered whether it was better that he was here because he doubted it would be the last time Harry slipped and almost fell. Draco nudged Harry’s legs toward the bath, and he waited until he heard the shower curtain close behind him before turning around. It felt wrong to watch Harry’s silhouette, but he did anyway for a moment as Harry ran his hands over his face and through his hair. Eventually, he settled to look away again, letting there be as much privacy as there possibly could in such a small space.

You’re going to have so many regrets when you find out.

Harry ran the water for a good twenty minutes before he stepped out and wrapped a towel around himself. He looked more like himself when Draco looked up at him, and even though the smell of alcohol lingered even after he brushed his teeth, he looked like he could be sober soon.

Draco barked for Harry to open the door and made his way to the bedroom as Harry finished getting ready. By the time Harry joined him on the bed, Draco was struggling to stay awake.

“Can I tell you something kind of bad?” Harry asked as he wrapped both arms around Draco and buried his face against his fur. Draco swallowed thickly at the sudden burst of affection. “I hope we never find your owner.”

Draco closed his eyes as he tried to understand why his heart felt like it couldn’t stop fluttering.

- - -

Draco knew something had to be wrong when the clock moved past 19 o'clock on Wednesday, and Harry hadn't come home yet. Even when he had extra work, he frequently tried to finish it at home. Nonetheless, Draco didn't start worrying until he saw the neon numbers read: 22:47.

Where the fuck are you? He didn't understand why he was even assuming the worst. If nothing else, Harry had proved himself fully capable of taking care of himself over the years. But whatever the case was, Draco knew it could be cause for concern.

Deep breaths. He's going to be fine. He's an Auror! Of course he's working weird hours. Honestly, it's weird he hasn't worked these hours before.

Still, he watched as the clock changed from 23:59 to 0:00 and felt a cold dread settle in. Come on.

As it turned out, the door remained quiet and untouched until 2:23. By that point, he was certain every possible ill thought had made its way through his mind. If something happened, no one would bother to tell a dog. I'd never see him again and never get a chance to say goodbye. Even if he was in the hospital, Draco knew no one had any reason to check in on him. A dumb dog would be the last thing on anyone's minds. No one's going to come check in on me, and then I'll starve. Or if they do come check in on me, they'll probably put me out on the street. No one would want me, and I'd be stuck a dog. Fuck.

So when the keys made their way into the lock, Draco's head swerved up. The door creaked a few inches before slamming open the rest of the way. Draco jumped off the couch, but no sooner had he made a few steps then was he hit by a wave of alcohol significantly more intense than that of Saturday.

"Shh, my dog is probably sleeping," Harry shout-whispered.

"I think your dog will be fine." The low voice was not one he recognized. Draco started moving slowly toward the door, but before he could, Harry and the mystery man came into sight.

"He's a weird dog. Very particularly," Harry said, and Draco felt a small knot form in his stomach.

Fuck you too, Potter.

Draco watched as they stumbled in, their hands reaching for each other's hair, face, arm, whatever they could touch. A hot wave of shame and something else hit him as Harry pressed his face against this man’s face with nothing short of desperation.

Draco barked.

"That dog, you mean?" the guy asked, pointing at Draco.

"Shh, down boy," Harry said, not even bothering to look in Draco's direction.

The knot in Draco's stomach felt like it could not stop growing. Had it been a possibility, he was sure his face would have been flushed. He clenched his jaw and looked this stranger up and down before barking again. Who do you think you are?

But they both ignored him. The guy seemed cute and perhaps a year or two older than them, but something about him made Draco tense all over. The only reason he's interested in you is because he's miserable and lonely and drunk as he, but you wouldn't understand. Bet you'll turn to Rita Skeeter with the hot gossip first chance you get.

Draco barked again, louder than before and ran forward, knocking into the man. Both he and Harry stumbled, but while the man laughed, Harry swerved to look at Draco for the first time. "Why are you so crazy? Why can't you be a normal dog for once in your life and go away?"

The words stung more than Draco expected to, and he reeled back, looking between them. Harry took the opportunity to grab the guy’s arm and move them towards the bedroom. Harry watched as they disappeared and flinched as the door slammed.

Fuck you and your stupid messes. I’m done cleaning up after you, Potter. Draco’s heart would not stop pounding, and he paced the floor, trying to calm himself down, but nothing seemed to be working. I should have known it was only a matter of time before you stopped caring.

All Draco could think about was the panic he had felt in thinking something was wrong. Instead, Harry was off having a life, as he was allowed to do, and Draco had never felt so stupid. And no matter how he tried to settle himself on the couch, he could not get comfortable. I can’t wait until I get out of here.

His mind would not stop turning. By the time the sun rose and the door to Harry’s room opened, he had barely fallen into the lightest sleep. He woke to the man’s voice as he made his way across the apartment, Harry behind him.

“Man, I wish we didn’t have to run off to work.”

“Who are you telling?” Harry asked, laughing. “Feel free to shoot me a text if you’re free this weekend.”

Text? Draco wondered what that was code for.

He looked them up and down. Even though the man was dressed up and ready to leave, Harry was wearing nothing more than an untied bathrobe that Draco was relatively sure he had only seen in Harry’s closet. They paused in front of the door, and the man reached out, tugging Harry forward. Draco looked away.

Soon, he told himself. Soon, as soon as he figured out how to get Harry to see, he’d be able to go home to the privacy of his own flat and never deal with this again. Or at the very least, even if the Ministry had to have his way with him, he wouldn’t have to be stuck here.

He waited until he heard the door close to look up again. Harry crossed the room to the couch and plopped down. “Merlin, I really needed that,” Harry said as he stretched out. He reached to pet Draco, but Draco jumped down and made his way toward the bedroom. He ignored Harry’s shouts of protest and jumped up on the bed, hoping that he’d finally be able to get some rest.

- - -

Chapter Four

#drarry #draco malfoy #harry potter #harry x draco #hp #my drarry #my fics #fic: asl

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market-research-industry · 3 years ago

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Health Benefits Associated with Magnesium is Expected to Boost the Market

In a study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, researchers noted that oral consumption of magnesium citrate is more effective at cleaning the colon and help facilitate a better colonoscopy. Research evidence also suggests that magnesium citrate is a viable option to augment magnesium levels when compared to other magnesium supplements as it is more soluble and bioavailable. Other than improving the bowel movements the magnesium citrate as a supplement is also useful for heart health, bone density, muscle control, blood pressure management, blood sugar regulation and others. Magnesium is an electrolyte and can improve the ability of the heart to pump blood, improving the brain function. A magnesium supplement is useful in arrhythmia or an abnormal heartbeat. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart diseases and stroke. Magnesium helps in lowering and maintaining the blood pressure as it dilates the arteries. Magnesium works with calcium to maintain bone health, as its deficiency increases the risk of developing osteoporosis. Without magnesium, the muscles will always stay in a state of contraction which will be painful and hamper the proper functioning and movement of muscles. Deficiency of magnesium will cause cramps, prolonged muscle soreness and muscle spasms. According to the World Journal of Diabetics, magnesium is beneficial for the people suffering from type 2 diabetes as it plays an important role in helping control your blood sugar levels.

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Magnesium Citrate Market: Segmentation

On the basis of product type, the magnesium citrate market has been segmented as-

Powder

Liquid

Tablet

Others (soft gels, capsules, etc.)

On the basis end user, the magnesium citrate market has been segmented as –

Dietary Supplement

Food and Beverage

Infant Nutrition

Nutraceuticals

Pharmaceuticals

Others (animal feed, etc.)

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On the basis distribution channel, the magnesium citrate market has been segmented as-

B2B

B2C

Drug Store

Specialty Stores

Online Stores

Magnesium Citrate Market: Key Players

The key players operating in Magnesium Citrate market are Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Lianyungang Hengsheng Fine Chemical Ltd., Dr. Paul Lohmann GmbH KG, Nature Made (Pharmavite LLC.), NOW Health Group Inc., Solgar Inc., Spring Valley, Source Naturals Inc., Bronson Laboratories, The Kroger Co., Walgreen Co. and Life Extension Europe B.V.

Magnesium Citrate Market Opportunities

The minerals are required to be consumed in relatively large amounts per day, which is usually not obtained from daily diet and therefore the need for supplements rise. An adequate amount of magnesium is needed to prevent problems with bones, muscle, cardiovascular and other functions. With proper educational advertising and marketing, the manufacturers of magnesium citrate are expected to make big profits. The manufacturers of magnesium citrate are expected to develop more products of magnesium with various other minerals, vitamins and premix. Magnesium supplements are required for all age groups and therefore the manufacturers can focus on attracting all age group consumers.

The world has undergone a major shift in the way of living since the COVID-19 pandemic struck. A notable change in the functioning of various businesses and sectors has influenced their working mechanisms extensively. The food and beverage sector is no stranger to this change. Transparency Market Research (TMR) has studied many aspects concerning the difference between the trends in the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic world across the food and beverage industry.

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#Magnesium Citrate Market

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new-haryanvi-ragni · 2 years ago

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UBS To Buy Credit Suisse For $3.2 Billion To Rein In Turmoil

The Swiss Federal Council, a seven-member governing body that includes Berset, passed an emergency ordinance allowing the merger to go through without the approval of shareholders. source https://zeenews.india.com/international-business/ubs-to-buy-credit-suisse-for-3-2-billion-to-rein-in-turmoil-2585649.html

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lakshyacacampus · 3 years ago

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ACCA- Know more about the course.

Firstly, it should be stated that ACCA stands for The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. This institution was formed in 1904 and is still the sole globally recognized professional accounting body that offers Chartered Certified Accountant qualification.

ACCA, being the strongest growing international accountancy organization, has5,03,000 students and 7,00,000 members in 178 countries as of 2017.

Pursuing an ACCA qualification is the most respectable way to build a better career within Accounts and Finance. There is also an option where students can pursue the course along with their degree/graduation. This and the schemes of flexible examination of ACCA makes it more favourable to global students.

One who pursuing ACCA course can –

Earn an ACCA Diploma or Advance Diploma in Business and Accounting. And proceed to earn ACCA Member status, which is a highly respectable one in the current world.

Earn B.Sc Honours (Hons) in Applied Accounting granted by Oxfords Brookes University – widely recognized and esteemed qualification.

Earn M.Sc in Professional Accountancy granted by Lond – University of London

Job Opportunities for ACCA after Successful Completion

The scope of ACCA jobs in Kerala and even across India is primarily in Multinational Corporations (MNCs).

Here are few of the companies, along with the Big Four, which has employed ACCA members –Deloitte

EY – Ernst & Young

KPMG

PwC – PricewaterhouseCoopers

Microsoft

DHL

Proctor & Gamble

Etihad Airways

Rolls Royce

Godrej

Goldman Sachs

HP – Hewlett Packard

Cipla

Grant Thornton LLP

BDO – Binder Dijker Otte

Crompton Greaves

Credit Suisse

Maersk

Barclays

BNP Paribas

ICICI Securities

J.P. Morgan & Co

Tata Communications

Embassy Group

And many big companies likewise continue hiring ACCA candidates. Apart from that, ACCA, the global body for professional accountants, is closely working with lots of companies. This increases awareness of the importance of ACCA. All these factors make companies open to hiring ACCAs and as its result, increasing the demand for the ACCA qualification in the country.

Most companies often offer a fresher an ACCA average salary package of INR 8 lacks.

In addition, if you wish to start your own firm, you can at first start working in the areas of finance and study further to accomplish the goal.

Some roles performing by ACCA members –

Financial Manager

Partner of Professional Firms

Accountant

Management Accountant

Internal Auditor

Forensic Accountant

Business Advisor

Compliance / Governance Officer

Credit Control Manager

Chief Financial Officer

Tax Accountant

Insolvency Practitioner

Group Accountant

Risk Manager

Funds Manager

Business Analyst

Treasurer

Financial Analyst

Furthermore, you could also secure jobs in foreign countries. Some of these are –

USA

Australia

UK – United Kingdom

Dubai

Singapore

Germany

South Africa

Malaysia

Canada

New Zealand

So the job opportunities with an ACCA relevant degree are limitless! It is one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing accountancy bodies.

ACCA entry requirements / Eligibility

To get started with your ACCA course, you should have a minimum age of 18 and you should be a 10+2 passed student with a total of 65% in including English and Mathematics / Accounts. And should have scored at least 50% in the remaining subjects. ACCA’s professional exams are being held twice yearly worldwide – June and December.

Also, Lakshya ACCA Institute in Ernakulam provides an opportunity for B.com degree studying students to pursue ACCA course along with it. But please note that the degree should be granted only by any UGC affiliated university.

Course Structure

ACCA course duration is around 2 years. It offers a total of 15 papers, and out of it, you are required to successfully complete 13 papers in order to be an ACCA member.

These 15 papers are divided into 2 levels –

Fundamental level and

Professional level

The first level, that is ‘Fundamental’, is further formed into two subdivisions. These are Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills Module.

The first module, Applied Knowledge, introduces to students the primary concepts behind financial accounting and management accounting. It also provides you with a broad understanding of all-important accounting techniques. All the papers of Applied Knowledge are objective and CBE – Computer Based Exams. There is no time limit/time restriction to these papers and can be tried anytime you prefer. CBE offers flexibility to students. Lakshya ACCA Institute in Kerala is a CBE licensed centre, which provides all students with the opportunity to write exams at Lakshya’s campus itself.

Applied Knowledge Module

The module Applied Knowledge is further subdivided into three papers. They are –

Accountant in Business

Management Accounting

Financial Accounting

Note – You are required to be a 12th passed student in order to enter Applied Knowledge level.

Once you have completed these three papers, you will be awarded the ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business. After that you will be eligible to start the next level – Applied Skills Exams.

Applied Skills Module

The Applied Skills Module chiefly gives importance to technical areas. It is built on the existing knowledge and understanding you have earned prior, and helps to develop strong, wide practical experience in finance skills.

Every ACCA aspirant should have personal knowledge of the technical aspects, which helps them to enhance their knowledge. This module is also a Computer-based exam like the Applied Knowledge Module. But there is a major difference. Applied Skills is time-bound. You can only attempt the exams four times a year.

The exams of this module are conducted during March, June, September, and December. Also, you have the choice to write any four papers in each session.

The module consists of six exams/papers –

Corporate and Business Law

Performance Management

Taxation

Financial Reporting

Audit and Assurance

Financial Management

To opt for Applied Skills module, you must have either completed your Applied Knowledge exams, that is, achieved your ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business or have an applicable/relevant finance or accounting qualification at graduation level.

At the end of the module, when you completed Applied Skills exams successfully, you can go on to join our Strategic Professional Level.

Whereas, even from completing Applied Skills exams alone, you will have wide job opportunities. Some of them are trainee business analyst, finance trainee and internal auditor.

Completing your Applied knowledge and Skills exams will take only 12 – 18 months.

But to acquire ACCA Qualification and to become a member of ACCA, you need to clear the Strategical Professional level and should have about 3 years’ applicable/relevant work experience.

Strategic Professional Level

The final level is the Strategic Professional Level. You are one step away from being an ACCA member! Closer to adding the letters ACCA just after your name!

At the Strategic Professional Level, you will be developing your dynamic skills and the vast strategic vision, that all greatest business and financial leaders need. This level will offer you the opportunity to specialize in areas that are best suited to your career ambitions.

The Strategic Professional is subdivided into two modules –

Essentials and

Options

The main focus in the modules is to make you excel in the spheres of advance professional techniques and skills. It is required by senior accountants working in advisory or consultancy roles.

The modules require you to attempt 4 examinations. Of these, two are compulsory. They are – Strategic Business Leader and Strategic Business Reporting. Of the remaining two, you can choose your preferred one according to your career ambitions. These remaining twos are Advanced Audit and Assurance or Advanced Financial Management, Advanced Taxation.

After the successful completion of ACCA, you will be an ACCA member, and it unlocks in front of you a wide number of opportunities. It could even lead you to senior positions like a financial manager, partner of professional firms, chief financial officer etc.

Lakshya gives you a very professional edge where you can kick start your career. It is only a fact that in every field of Finance and Accounting, ACCAs are sought after very much.

All the same, you should note that having an ACCA qualification will improve your profile to higher places, yet the practical experience is also always important.

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freenewstoday · 4 years ago

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New Post has been published on https://freenews.today/2021/01/22/a-swiss-money-laundering-probe-raises-disturbing-questions/

A Swiss money-laundering probe raises disturbing questions

IN 2014 SWITZERLAND’S then attorney-general and two colleagues posed for a photo with several other people on a boat on Lake Baikal in Siberia. The picture shows the men relaxing together on the deck. But their host was no ordinary sailor. He was one of Russia’s top prosecutors, later implicated in efforts to stymie a major international money-laundering case that his very guests were investigating.

The story behind the photograph involves an intriguing cast. It includes the Russian lawyer who met President Donald Trump’s campaign team in 2016, an encounter that featured in the Mueller report into Russian interference in that year’s election. Another starring character has been linked to corruption investigations at FIFA, world football’s governing body. The money-laundering case, and allegations of cosy relations between Swiss law enforcers and Russian counterparts, threaten to make a mockery of the Alpine country’s efforts to shed its global reputation as the home for shady people’s cash.

At the heart of it all is the loot from the so-called Magnitsky case. In 2009 Sergei Magnitsky, a lawyer, died in a Russian prison after trying to investigate a fraud in which Russian officials and police officers, with the connivance of the courts, purloined a $230m tax refund for an investment firm, Hermitage Capital Management. Bill Browder, the firm’s founder and Magnitsky’s employer, has worked since to expose the scam. His lobbying has led several countries, including America and Britain, to pass “Magnitsky laws” that sanction foreign officials who commit human-rights abuses or steal money. An EU-wide version was adopted on December 7th.

Mr Browder’s team has tracked the money from the fraud to 26 countries, including Switzerland. Around $11m in Credit Suisse has been tied to Vladlen Stepanov, the husband of the official who approved the bogus tax refund. The couple have been hit with American sanctions. An undisclosed sum in UBS, another bank, was linked to Dmitry Klyuev, a Russian businessman also subject to sanctions. And over $7m in UBS was held by Denis Katsyv, another business figure, and firms linked to him. In 2017 one of the firms, Prevezon, agreed to pay $5.9m, without admitting guilt, to settle a US government asset-forfeiture suit over the case.

The Russians have all said the money in their accounts is unrelated to the alleged fraud and deny wrongdoing. But Mr Browder disagreed. In 2011 Hermitage filed a criminal complaint over the $230m theft with Swiss prosecutors. They launched a probe and froze the accounts. But despite progress in related probes elsewhere and plenty of evidence joining the dots, there have been no indictments or seizures. In November the Swiss prosecutor’s office said it planned to close the investigation and release most of the money in the accounts to their Russian owners. It also signalled that it may remove Hermitage as a plaintiff following a legal challenge, which The Economist understands to be from Prevezon. That would leave Hermitage unable to appeal the decision to drop the probe.

The Swiss have “capitulated” in the face of Russian efforts to sabotage the case, complains Mr Browder. He is not alone. Several Swiss politicians have raised the issue in parliament. A group of 20 lawmakers from several European countries signed a declaration bemoaning the reported closeness of Swiss investigators to Russia in the Magnitsky case. In December an American senator, Roger Wicker, wrote to Mike Pompeo to urge the secretary of state “to ensure that mutual legal assistance work with Switzerland does not inadvertently become a vector for Russian influence”.

The Swiss officials in the case all deny any bias. The attorney-general’s office says that the link between sums suspected of being laundered in Switzerland and an offence committed abroad “must be established with a sufficient degree of certainty”, and that it was “justified” in closing the case after conducting a thorough investigation. However, documents seen by The Economist, including court records, raise disturbing questions about the integrity of the Swiss probe.

By 2013 there were three Swiss officials involved in the investigation. Patrick Lamon had just taken over as lead prosecutor. At around the same time, a police officer with expertise in Russia, “Viktor K”, was seconded to the prosecutor’s office to assist with the case. (The Economist cannot publish his real name without falling foul of Swiss law, which shields individuals who are not publicly known figures, including those convicted of crimes, from having their identities revealed.) Michael Lauber, Switzerland’s attorney-general, oversaw their work. What followed was not exactly an arm’s length investigation.

Boars, bears and choppers

In 2014 Viktor K went on a boar-hunting trip with a Russian prosecutor, Saak Karapetyan. According to court documents, they stayed at a lodge in the Yaroslavl region, 320km from Moscow, and the tab was picked up by an oligarch involved in energy and property. That summer all three Swiss men schmoozed with Mr Karapetyan on Lake Baikal. The Russians paid for the boat trip. In September 2015 Mr Lamon and K travelled from Zurich to Moscow on a plane owned by the Russian state, at the invitation of the prosecutor-general. Some of the expenses were paid by the Russians. K stayed on for another hunting trip with Mr Karapetyan. (K did not respond to questions from The Economist.)

Who was this hospitable Russian prosecutor? Evidence has emerged that Mr Karapetyan may have played a key role in covering up the $230m fraud. In 2014 he sent a letter to America’s Department of Justice refusing help in the Prevezon case and insisting that the company and its owner were innocent. Mr Karapetyan, who died in a helicopter crash in 2018, had accused Mr Browder of being behind the heist.

Intriguingly, a DoJ investigation concluded that the letter had been drafted with help from a lawyer advising Prevezon, Natalia Veselnitskaya. The DoJ has charged her with obstruction of justice in connection with its case against Prevezon. She is also known for meeting senior figures from Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, at Trump Tower in June 2016. Team Trump had been led to believe it might get hold of dirt on Hillary Clinton. Instead, according to several participants, Ms Veselnitskaya turned the conversation to the Magnitsky Act, which she had been lobbying to have repealed.

In that same year Hermitage filed a request to indict Mr Stepanov, who, it argued, could not adequately explain the lawful origin of the funds in his Swiss account. Four months later Mr Lamon turned down the request, citing insufficient grounds for indictment. (Hermitage later tried to have him recused for bias, but a court rejected the request.) In August 2016 K saw Mr Karapetyan again. This time they went bear-hunting in far-eastern Russia, where they were taken by helicopter to a lodge owned by another oligarch. The two men discussed the Magnitsky case for several hours, according to K’s statement.

On his return to Switzerland the policeman requested a meeting with Andreas Gross, a Swiss politician who had written a report on the Magnitsky case for the Council of Europe, accusing Russia of “a massive cover-up”. Later, K told a court: “My task was to show that the report does not constitute the absolute truth, that nothing has been verified, and that it is just Browder’s version…I told Lamon that we must discontinue the investigation immediately.” Mr Gross says of his meeting with K: “I agreed to go because I thought he wanted my help. But it turned into an interrogation that lasted all day. It felt like he was a Russian investigator, not a Swiss one.” Mr Browder claims that K wanted to discredit the report in order to close the Swiss case.

Soon afterwards, Mr Karapetyan asked K to come to Moscow to discuss a “confidential” matter. K asked his supervisor in the police if he could make the trip. The request was denied—but he went anyway. According to court documents, he used his diplomatic passport without permission. He paid for his flights, but the cost of his stay in Moscow was covered by the Russians. While there, “he was invited to discuss some problems in the jointly processed cases,” according to a Swiss court ruling from 2018. It describes his Russian host organising a meeting with the female lawyer of a defendant in the Magnitsky case, “without him [K] knowing anything beforehand”. The lawyer is believed to have been Ms Veselnitskaya, the anti-Magnitsky lobbyist in the Trump Tower meeting.

The hunter is hunted

Back in Switzerland K’s bosses were reportedly livid about his trip. On his return, the police filed a criminal complaint against him for four offences, including the abuse of office and bribery. But in January 2019 Mr Lauber’s office dropped the charges for a lighter one, “acceptance of advantage”. This carried a maximum three-year sentence.

Viktor K lost his job, in part because of the unauthorised trip, and was convicted over his bear-hunting excursion. Yet there was no jail time. He did not even have to pay a fine: a SFr9,000 ($8,950) penalty was quashed on appeal—a ruling which, according to the court, was aimed at “facilitating his…reinsertion” back into his profession. That was not the only thing about the courts’ treatment of the policeman that struck some as unduly lenient. His conviction was expunged from the criminal record. Three-quarters of his lawyer’s fees were reimbursed by the state. He was acquitted over the two other trips on the grounds that any bribery would have taken place in Russia, not Switzerland—even though Swiss law covers offences that affect an official’s work in his own country, which this appeared to do. The attorney-general’s office did not appeal this ruling.

At the same time, according to the transcript of a hearing in June 2019, Russian officials singled out K for praise. The prosecutor-general said his “activity…has significantly contributed to the collaboration of the Russian and Swiss authorities”.

Mr Lauber stirred further controversy last year. The Financial Times, citing letters sent by his office to Swiss lawyers, reported that he planned to share sensitive testimony relating to the Magnitsky case with Russian counterparts. His office declined to confirm this. Mr Browder says the letters are authentic. The decision to transfer the information angered many politicians in Europe and America, since it contravenes guidance from Interpol and the Council of Europe, of which Switzerland is a member.

As things stand, most of the frozen money in UBS and Credit Suisse will go back to the account-holders. The remainder—as little as $1.1m—covers the amount deemed to be provably illicit. But how the Swiss attorney-general’s office calculated this has raised yet more eyebrows. It chose to use a “proportional” method, under which the share of money counted as tainted is heavily diluted if—as happened in this case—it is commingled with other funds while being moved around.

This approach runs counter to a UN convention on organised crime, which allows far more money to be seized, even if it is mixed with other funds. It also goes against common practice, including that in Switzerland, says Mark Pieth, an expert who helped write the country’s anti-money-laundering laws. “The theory they applied is just wrong,” he says. “It’s an argument you’d expect a desperate defence lawyer to use, rather than a prosecutor obliged to follow the money. To my eyes it looks like they were working against their own interests. It’s weird.” The attorney-general’s office says the stingy methodology reflects the “link [that] can be established between the assets seized in Switzerland and the predicate offence committed in Russia”.

Mr Browder has threatened to sue the two Swiss banks for breaching American sanctions if they unfreeze the accounts. (Both banks say they do not comment on existing or potential client relationships but are committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations.) He is expected to mount a legal challenge in the next few weeks.

Mr Lauber is no longer overseeing the case. He stepped down as attorney-general in August, after a court found he had covered up a meeting with Gianni Infantino, head of FIFA, and lied to supervisors while his office probed corruption at the organisation. The Swiss parliament has waived his immunity in the case, paving the way for criminal proceedings against him. Mr Lauber has denied wrongdoing. He declined to answer questions from The Economist, citing the fact that he was no longer attorney-general. The FIFA and Magnitsky cases suggest that the Swiss federal criminal-law system is “in deep trouble”, says Mr Pieth. In both, he says, prosecutors were unprofessionally close to third parties. Crucially, key meetings went unrecorded.

The tale of Russian money and cosy official links does not paint a flattering portrait of Switzerland, home to two big financial centres, Geneva and Zurich, and the largest market for offshore private wealth. There is no doubt the country has become less welcoming to dirty money over the past decade, including national wealth looted by kleptocrats. It is also more willing to help other Western governments pursue tax-dodgers, even handing over account data once deemed sacrosanct under its secrecy law. Yet the Magnitsky case undermines this tentative progress. Mr Browder goes further. The public evidence, he argues, points to conduct by Swiss officials that “strongly suggests something untoward is going on”. “This is not something anyone should expect from the Swiss. It makes them look like a banana republic.” ■

Source

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sexoblogue · 4 years ago

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Téléchargez gratuitement notre ebook « Qu'est-ce qu'un sexologue ? »

Un nouvel article a été publié sur https://sexoblogue.fr/livre-qu-est-ce-qu-un-sexologue

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Des exemples et des explications concernant la dysfonction érectile, l’éjaculation prématurée, le vaginisme, la sécheresse vaginale et les problèmes de couple

Table des matières

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A- En France

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Conclusion

2. Pourquoi consulter un sexologue ?

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bigyack-com · 5 years ago

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Coronavirus: Global economy is gripped by rare twin supply-demand shock - business news

The coronavirus is delivering a one-two punch to the world economy, laying it low for months to come and forcing investors to reprice equities and bonds to account for lower company earnings.From one side, the epidemic is hammering the capacity to produce goods as swathes of Chinese factories remain shuttered and workers housebound. That’s stopping production of goods there and depriving companies elsewhere of the materials they need for their own businesses.That supply shock was initially viewed as a short-term disruption, easily reversed once the virus was brought under control. Hence the initial predictions that global growth would follow a V-shaped trajectory, sliding in the first quarter and rebounding in subsequent weeks.Those early bets for 2020 are now in tatters because demand is slumping too. With the virus no longer contained to China, increasingly worried consumers everywhere are reluctant to shop, travel or eat out. As a result, companies are likely not only to send workers home, but to cease hiring or investing -- worsening the hit to spending.How the two shocks will reverberate has sparked some debate among economists, with Harvard University Professor Kenneth Rogoff writing this week that a 1970s style supply-shortage-induced inflation jolt can’t be ruled out. The bottom line for central banks and governments is that there’s likely to be even more pressure to deliver economic fixes.“A classic recession involves a shortfall of demand relative to supply,” said David Wilcox, a former Federal Reserve official now at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. “In that more ordinary situation, economic policy makers know how to help fill in the missing demand. But this case is more complicated because it involves negative hits to both supply and demand.”The supply-cum-demand blows explain why the world economy is sliding toward its weakest expansion since the 2009 recession, with policy makers’ inflation targets becoming all the more unreachable. Companies including Hyatt Hotels Corp. and United Airlines Holdings Inc. have withdrawn their earnings outlooks, while manufacturers from Samsung Electronics Co. to Toyota Motor Corp. are battling to get production back online.Limited EffectivenessThose body blows explain why the Federal Reserve’s biggest cut to interest rates since 2008, in an emergency move Tuesday, initially failed to spur the equity market. Rogoff’s warning on product shortages notwithstanding, traders are now pricing inflation over the coming 10 years at just 1.48%, down from 1.80% at the start of 2020, Treasury securities show.For central banks, the worry is that rate cuts won’t reopen factories or return workers to work. Even to support demand when the virus passes they likely need to be more inventive -- combining rate cuts with targeted programs to cushion confidence and keep credit flowing. Another reason for that is most central banks are already short of ammunition after past rate reductions.With the Fed’s first move flopping, governments are under mounting pressure to do more. In the US, the House of Representatives passed a $7.8 billion emergency-spending bill to fund a response to the outbreak -- helping deliver a rebound in stocks lacking in the immediate aftermath of the Fed.“We’re only in the early innings of this crisis,” said former US Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers.Some economists argue that what’s happened is mostly a supply side shock, others have highlighted the wallop to demand as well, to the degree that the distinction matters.Supply shocks are inherently tougher for policy makers to address, because of the difficulty of quickly restoring the production, transport or communication networks or natural-resource inputs affected by the surprise hit.They most often involve fiscal authorities, who have up to now taken the back seat, leaving central bankers at the wheel. The US, Japan, Italy and South Korea are among those that have moved to assemble packages to address the virus, though in most cases they’re tied to the health-care industry and treatment and prevention specifically, not the broader economy.“Certainly, rate cuts will not help re-stock emptying grocery shelves,” said Seema Shah, chief strategist at Principal Global Investors. “Monetary policy is hopeless when supply simply cannot feed demand,” she said.Targeted ApproachOn the demand side, where central bankers are the natural first-responders, the nature of the shock this time can make a broad-brush monetary response less effective. While lower borrowing costs can help give households greater spending power, that aid is limited if millions are shut up at home due to anti-virus measures -- or simply because of fears of catching the disease.That may help explain the People’s Bank of China’s preference to use targeted credit measures rather than large-scale interest-rate cuts since the virus erupted early this year. Among their steps, Chinese regulators have let banks run up larger totals of non-performing loans, and loosened guidelines for bond sales.The Fed too may need to get more expansive in its moves, Credit Suisse Group AG analysts argue. Zoltan Pozsar and James Sweeney said Tuesday that disruptions to the global supply chain could in turn cause payment failures, tightening financial conditions.“The supply chain is a payment chain in reverse,” the duo wrote. They urged “open-ended liquidity support through its balance sheet.”Last week saw the deepest slide in global equities since the credit crisis, a rapid turnaround from the record high of the MSCI All Country World Index just as recently as Feb. 12. It remains about 8% down on that peak after a 2.7% gain Wednesday, spurred by the US spending move along with relief among some investors that the moderate Democratic candidate for president, Joe Biden, did well in the Super Tuesday primaries. Still, the risk remains of further market disruptions.“While the Fed’s insurance cuts did serve its purpose into late 2019, the continued lowering of rates may have limited support for markets at present,” said Jingyi Pan, market strategist at IG Asia Pte in Singapore.It all puts the onus on policy makers to contemplate greater inventiveness. Government spending may not be able to contain the virus spread, but it can help replace free-falling consumer demand. Chetan Ahya, chief economist at Morgan Stanley projects fiscal deficits for the four major advanced economies plus China to rise to at least 4.7% of gross domestic product this year, the most since 2011 and up from 4.1% last year.“COVID-19 is a particularly pernicious economic shock, as it is both a supply and demand-side shock,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody’s Analytic. Read the full article

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