#both money and presents can lead to new experiences! getting them is an experience in itself!

[steakout-05]

TEAM EXPERIENCES SWEEEEPPPP

[leth-writes]

Yandere! Batfam x reader

Tried a different format for part 3.

You ran, down the hallway and thundered down the stairwell, sneakered feet slapping against the harsh concrete. You could hear Tim giving chase, racing after you. Yet, you didn’t stop. You couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be soulbound to someone you stole from, let alone someone who was threatening you right before you found out! You just knew that it would be an unpleasant experience, especially considering the animosity his family no doubt had for you. You burst out into the lobby, Tim close behind, and skidded to a stop. There, standing directly in front of you, was Jason Todd.

He was leaning against the wooden, warped table, leather jacket unzipped to expose his tight muscle shirt. His hair, complete with the little tuft of white at the front, was expertly styled to look perfectly messy. You had to admit he was cute, even if he was part of the now duo threatening your peaceful, if stressful, experience. His eyes flicked up from where they had been staring at his phone, which looked tiny in his hand, then widened in shock as yet another bond snapped into place in your chest. Your ring finger’s string, thick and jagged, now glowed a blood red, leading directly to his now slack hand. You stood halfway between the door to the stairs and the door outside, with Tim now standing just behind you and to your left.

“You feel it too?” Tim asked his brother, jerking his chin in your direction. His dark hair was mussed from the chase, though he remained poised, with not a bead of sweat on his forehead. You turned to face Jason fully, warily taking a step away from both of them, inadvertently putting yourself in a corner.

“Yeah. She our thief?” Jason murmured, eyes still locked on your own. You averted your gaze at the reminder of your actions. Shit. Of course, even when you met your soulfamily, you had to mess it up by stealing from them! You wouldn’t blame them if they rejected you completely and asked you to stay far away from them.

Tim nodded in response to his brother, stepping closer to where you now stood cornered. Jason loomed in the background, now texting and periodically lifting his gaze as if to check you were still present. “We aren’t mad. We just wanted to make sure you weren’t getting too… cocky. I mean, at first Bruce was ecstatic that someone was savvy enough to take some money. Work on uncorrupting the relief funds is slow going, you know? But this month you took so much that he was sure you were moving from relief to scamming.” He explained, hands raised as if to calm you.

“Listen. I’m sorry, I just needed enough to help cover rent for the building. Our new landlord hiked the rent up and no one can get jobs and we’ve all been so stressed…” You found yourself slightly tearing up. Jason clicked his tongue, pocketing his phone and striding forward to place an arm around your shoulder. “Don’t worry about it. Water under the bridge. Why don’t we head to a cafe and you can tell us all about your new landlord?” he moved you forward with his arm, waving lazily at Tim in a gesture to follow. 

“Jason, we need to head back to the manor. If anyone spots her, it could put her at risk-” Tim started, looking irritated. “We’ll just go out for some coffee and get an explanation. We need to sort out the landlord situation, even if they won’t be living here anymore.” Jason interrupted, once again waving lazily. He seemed quite relaxed, a direct contrast to Tim’s tightly wound posture. “Wait- no! I’m sorry for stealing but I can’t leave my apartment!” You burst out, pulling away.

“You don’t need to apologize. Not like Bruce is missing a couple thousand. He’s got more than enough to be set for life. Let’s go chat at the cafe, I’ll buy you a bagel; you look hungry and you didn’t get to bring your groceries in.” Jason tugged at your arm, marching you forward as Tim rushed to walk next to the two of you.

You didn’t miss the implication that they had been watching you and were aware of your actions that day, but knowing they had been aware of you since the beginning, it no longer surprised you. You supposed that going to the local cafe, indulging in a treat you hadn’t had since long before you been working at that convenience store all those months ago, wouldn’t be too bad.

Not running was your third mistake.

[cloakedsparrow]

Tim Joins The Bat Family Early AU Idea: Clark Kent Edition

After he learns about a new Robin following Jason's death, Clark checks in with Dick to see how he feels about the whole thing. He's initially relieved that Dick is happy with this development and approved of the boy before even Bruce did. While nothing will make the grief he feels go away, he seems to be growing fond of the boy. And the kid sounds like he was made to be Robin. Plus, even Clark (who hasn't been able to spend much time with Bruce after their blow up following Jason's death) has seen how much better Bruce is doing with the kid.

However, Clark also has about a hundred red flags go up in his head while listening to Dick talk about Tim or watching the boy work with Batman from afar.

Clark is an investigative journalist. He knows how long someone had to monitor a building to learn the schedules of everyone who works there. The fact that a twelve/thirteen year old could do that -in a neighboring state, no less- without anyone the wiser? That's concerning.

The fact that Tim heard about Batman losing it and then went and got proof of his behavior is also concerning. The kid had to have followed him for a while to establish that and get photographic evidence. And in undoubtedly dangerous locations/situations. If no one noticed he was gone doing that, his long would it have been until someone noticed he was gone if something bad happened to him?

While it's wonderful to see Bruce improving and moving past the dangerous part of his grief, Tim handles him too well at times. Clark would bet money that the kid had experience in dealing with a volatile adult.

So Clark starts looking into the Drakes, using both his skill as an investigative journalist and some of his abilities as Superman. He looks up business dealings, travel records, and suspicious behavior involving archeological digsites. He listens when Tim goes home some nights and can tell there is no one else in the apartment. He even asks Lois for help and calls in some favors.

He does not say anything to Bruce or Dick.

After Janet (the parent that was at least somewhat worth a damn) dies, Clark turns evidence over to Gordon. He claims he looked into the Drakes for an article and ended up following some concerning data that lead to it all. He stops by Wayne Manor afterwards to give Bruce a head up so he could start working on extending his temporary guardianship of Tim.

Neither Bruce nor Dick noticed anything actionable going on with Tim.

Bruce is mad that Clark didn't let him handle it, but Clark knows he's more mad at himself for not noticing. Clark says he couldn't trust Bruce to handle it the right way in his present state and he couldn't let a child continue to be neglected to that extent. They fight about it but ultimately end up in a better place once the air has cleared.

Dick is pissed that someone was hurting his little brother and he wasn't there to help again. Clark tries to help him see they were just too caught up in their grief to see it. It doesn't help much, but Dick recognizes and appreciates the support. He gets better at accepting more support and in checking in with his little brother.

Tim loves Dick, Alfred, and Bruce, but he also just lost his mom and his dad is in a coma. He does not appreciate Clark investigating his parents and springing the charges on him like he did. He knows his parents weren't perfect, but he doesn't think they did anything wrong enough to warrant taking him away from them.

Alfred is silently celebrating that he won't have to give his youngest grandson back to Jack. Naturally, he doesn't say that, but he does make all of Clark's favorite foods whenever he comes over after that. Clark gets it.

[empousea]

Trans People, The Kit-Bashed Human

As a nerdy transfemme, I've recently been getting into both making and wearing more jewelry as a mixture of just exploration and gender affirmation. Now, as a nerd, and someone passionate about custom making my own stuff, this leads to taking leftovers from my hobbies and turning them into jewelry, so, When I last visited my parents, I loudly exclaimed "Oooo, my box of body parts is at your house!" I was talking about some of the random leftovers from when I built my tyranid army, and had the idea of attatching a genestealer head to an earring (it turned out amazingly and I deeply love it,)

For some reason, talking about my box of leftover body parts made my dad come of up with the joke that trans people were just kit-bashed humans, saying it with the warning that I was not to get mad surrounding such a weird and potentially offensive sounding idea.

My reaction was of utter excitement at such an odd phrase that I immediately identified with. I was not fully sure why, but after quite some time has passed, here is my guess as to why I love this term.

Kitbashing refers to taking parts of multiple pieces of models of any kind. From what I have seen while inside the 40k fandom,  this allows saving money because buying new sets are god-damned expensive. It can also lend to more creativity like full-blown proxying models.

Now where I feel this truly sits in the realm of transness is the act of rebelling from the expectation of how you are to appear and looking at something and saying " ya, this is something else and will be treated as such because that is the desire."

The first is quite simple. You are taking parts from what you are given and putting what you like together then adding pieces to make it more in line with what you want. much like changing wardrobe, taking hormones and cosmetic surgeries allowing you to take what you like and mix it with what better suits you. 

The second point is that letting something be treated as what it does not appear to be is closer to the experience of someone like myself, who does not really have any intentions of passing, and thus it is the cultural act of my friends and family perceiving me as a woman that makes me a woman.  My physical presentation isn't as important as my social one. 

As I mentioned earlier, the act of kitbashing is an act of rebellion. You are refusing to buy more models and instead take what you have and create a new model much like how trans people reject following the hegemony of binary cishet culture to create something unique. 

[kingsofeverything]

https://archiveofourown.org/works/51661387/chapters/130594462

Desperation Was My Sanctuary by. InsightfulInsomniac

Loved this.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/42772812/chapters/107450907

Black Raspberries and Butterscotch by, MushroomMushroom28

Thus was amazing, wish they had other fics

https://archiveofourown.org/works/52029235/chapters/131576455

Wither & Bloom by. The_Dizzy_Pixie

Love all their works, this is the most recent.

All the love,

Sam<3

thanks, sam!

Desperation Was My Sanctuary by InsightfulInsomniac

As a PhD student and transplant to New York City, Louis is struggling for both money and companionship. His roommate, Zayn, introduces him to a friend who is involved in New York City's sugar bowl. Reluctantly, he signs up for a sugaring app knowing he’s probably the least conventional sugar baby on the market. If he can find a sugar daddy who will pay his bills without asking him to sacrifice his own preferences and boundaries, he might just be willing to earn a bit of extra cash by faking a relationship with a millionaire. At the age of 35, Harry’s spent his entire adult life devoted to his career as a fashion designer. With his label, Eroda, steady and flourishing, he finally has time to settle down. When he reflects on his adult life, he realizes that he’s never been in a relationship and therefore feels behind. Shy and insecure in his inexperience, he turns to a sugaring app to manufacture a “test relationship” on his terms. Turns out, they’re both looking for something unconventional. A smutty, non-traditional strangers-to-lovers story about finding yourself, friendship, safety, sexual discovery, and an unexpected collision with tender, profound love.

Black Raspberries and Butterscotch by MushroomMushroom28

Harry felt tears line his eyes. He’d waited so long for this. So fucking long- Louis slammed into him, nearly knocking them both over. “Hazza,” he whispered, completely out of breath, arms vice-like around Harry’s body. “Lou.” Harry gave in to the tears, letting them fall onto Louis’s shirt. “Lou, I’m here.” “You’re here.” Louis sniffled and pulled back to look at Harry. “You’re really here.” They both broke into blinding smiles. Harry took Louis in, looking almost exactly as he did four years ago, but with just a little more life experience behind his eyes. Those blue irises were as piercing as ever, none of his portraits having ever done him justice. His hair was wild as always, sticking up however it pleased. Harry laughed. It was good to be home. (OR What happens when two best friends, late to present as their secondary genders, finally spend a summer together after four years apart?)

Wither & Bloom by The_Dizzy_Pixie

No one knows that legendary Harry Styles is an omega. The record label, the fans, and even his family have no idea, leading to a very isolated and very lonely life for Harry. He knows it's for the best. Otherwise, he'd never have the career he wanted and he contents himself in the knowledge that he's not the only one. But when Harry injures his voice during a performance, his manager hires a new vocal coach to help put him to rights. Cue Louis Tomlinson, the sweetest, sexiest, kindest alpha in the world, stepped right out of Harry's dizziest daydreams. While Louis tries to figure out why there's something so incredibly un-alpha-like about 'Alpha-King of Pop' Harry Styles, Harry is busy trying to control his omega's undeniable urge to throw himself at the object of his infatuation. Amid an accidental misgendering, getting slick in public, tour bus snuggles with awkward boners, and unprovoked drops, Harry will have to choose whether he wants to keep living a lie for the sake of remaining in the spotlight or if he'll sacrifice everything to be with the man he loves... Assuming Louis ever comes back.

SEND ME YOUR FAVORITE FICS FROM 2023

[ailelie]

So. According to Robert Sapolsky, a neurobiologist at Stanford, humans do not have free will. The article further clarifies that, Sapolsky does not only believe humans lack free will, he also believes we lack constrained will or any will at all. We are simply machines.

We are machines, Sapolsky argues, exceptional in our ability to perceive our own experiences and feel emotions about them. It is pointless to hate a machine for its failures. [...] "It is logically indefensible, ludicrous, meaningless to believe that something 'good' can happen to a machine," he writes. "Nonetheless, I am certain that it is good if people feel less pain and more happiness."

Earlier in the article, Sapolsky even defends the idea that choosing to pick up a pen is no choice at all. Everything else in your life and environment leading up to that moment ensured you picked up the pen.

People don't choose to fire guns into a crowd killing many. They're just machines. How could they?

Sapolsky believes it is humane to tell people they have no choices. They're just following the script of their biology, past, and environment. He doesn't see the concept as utterly soul killing, but why would he? Machines don't have souls.

Now. I don't disagree entirely. I do believe that our choices in any given situation are constrained by our situation, past, goals/future, and environment and that our perceptions of our choices are likewise constrained.

Frost's narrator ponders the two paths through the wood, never even considering they could forge their own path through the woods instead. The choice is present, but they don't see it.

I also think it is possible to constrain their own choices. The woman kills her husband because she no longer wishes to be married to him, but she also needs his money or her faith forbids divorce or she wants full custody of her kids and believes she has no chance of getting it.

Every possible path disappears until you have no choice left at all.

Except...the paths haven't really disappeared. They're still there. Choosing one requires choosing a different value, though.

In one Dateline episode, a woman arranged for her husband to be killed because she wanted her kids. She was happy with partial custody, but she had re-married and her husband was not allowed to be around kids. So her kids were removed from her care. If she divorced the new husband, she could get the kids back. She refused and chose to kill her ex instead, making herself the only parental option for the kids.

Did she actually choose murder or did she have no choice given everything else? Can people shift their values without external influence?

The "external influence" bit is important because Sapolsky says that is the only way we can change. Something hits us and we change trajectory.

I don't quite agree. I think external influence may be great enough to force change, but it may also just open up the opportunity for reflection and potential change.

(Of course, none of this is persuasive. I am not choosing to write this. I am not even selecting each word. Everything is impulse, a mental twitch).

But! What if Sapolsky is right?

First, consider this your external influence to be external influences. If the only way people change is by interaction with something other than themselves, we have a responsibility, I think, to everyone we meet to be a positive influence in their lives, potentially changing them enough that they choose to do less harm in the future.

Second, if we are defined by our biology, families, environments, etc, then it is even more important that we focus our justice system on prevention over punishment. Every neighborhood should be a 'good' neighborhood where residents both feel and are safe.

Third, does it really matter? Maybe my decision to write this post was caused by myriad factors I cannot understand or maybe I read an article and decided to talk about it. My perception, though, is that I chose. We perceive our actions as decisions. Others perceive our actions as decisions. Nothing we do is in isolation either. Everything has consequences. One way to reduce or minimize harm is to take responsibility for the things we do.

Maybe you had no choice but to kill your husband, but it was still your finger on the trigger. Maybe squeezing the trigger was an impulse ruled by a constellation of biology, chemistry, values, childhood, etc. But, to me, an outsider, it looked like you chose to squeeze the trigger and buy the gun and arrange the murder. After the deed is done, arguing you had no choice only increases the harm you've done.

Even if free will does not exist, belief in it may be a good external force urging us to see and truly consider all the options and to also remember that, machines or not, we're not on the planet alone.

Whether it is a mental twitch we cannot control or a conscious decision, let us all minimize harm and maximize good however possible, yeah?

[thetruescript]

Best Self-Help Journals for Men 2024

Journaling offers a range of benefits that can enhance both mental and emotional well-being. Here are some key advantages:

Self-Reflection: Journaling provides a space for introspection, helping you understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors more deeply. This self-awareness can lead to personal growth and improved decision-making.

Stress Reduction: Writing about your experiences and emotions can be a therapeutic outlet for stress. It helps to organize thoughts and can reduce anxiety by providing clarity and perspective.

Emotional Expression: Journaling allows you to express your emotions freely without judgment. This can be particularly helpful for processing complex feelings or dealing with challenging situations.

Problem-Solving: Putting problems on paper can make them feel more manageable and allow you to brainstorm solutions more effectively. Seeing your thoughts laid out can help identify patterns and insights you might not notice otherwise.

Creativity Boost: Regular writing can stimulate creativity. It provides a space to explore ideas, experiment with new concepts, and think outside the box.

Memory and Comprehension: Journaling can improve memory and comprehension by reinforcing your thoughts and experiences. Writing things down helps consolidate them in your mind.

Goal Setting and Tracking: Keeping a journal can aid in setting and tracking personal goals. Documenting progress and reflecting on achievements can keep you motivated and focused.

Enhanced Communication Skills: Regular writing can improve your ability to articulate thoughts clearly and effectively, which can benefit both personal and professional communication.

Mindfulness and Presence: Journaling encourages mindfulness by helping you stay present with your thoughts and experiences. This can enhance your overall sense of well-being and presence.

Personal Legacy: Over time, your journal becomes a record of your personal history, capturing your growth, experiences, and insights. It can be a meaningful artifact to look back on and share with others.

Overall, journaling is a versatile tool that can support various aspects of mental and emotional health, making it a valuable practice for many people. Below are some journals to get you started on your journaling journey.

1. Safe Space: A Self-Care Journal for Men of Color

MEN OF COLOR are often misunderstood in every aspect of any culture we exist in. Often times, this confusion is created because we do not have the time to understand ourselves in a world that constantly demands our evolution at every turn of societal change. As the world changes, this journal is designed to keep you grounded by helping you see yourself when others do not.

This space is about integrity, honesty, and growth. Be Honest. Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. Reflect on your experiences. Vulnerability is a power tool in self-reflection and self-actualization. Without honesty and the courage to be vulnerability, this journal and the prompts will not serve you. Turn the pages with courage. Write with vulnerability. Reflect for growth. Black man...you matter. So let's find your Safe Space.

2. The Daily Journal For Men: 365 Questions To Deepen Self-Awareness

Imagine a journal that not only helps you uncover your deepest thoughts but also guides you toward becoming the best version of yourself—across every area of your life.

Designed with 365 thought-provoking questions, this one-year journal will help you gain clarity, discover new ideas, and take control of your destiny. Whether you're focused on improving your finances, enhancing your relationships, advancing in your career, or boosting your health, this journal is your trusted companion on the journey to self-improvement.

Why You Need This Journal:

365 Guided Questions for Self-Improvement: Delve deep into every aspect of your life with daily prompts that inspire reflection and growth.

Find Your Best Self: Whether it’s money, dating, career, or health, this journal helps you identify and achieve your personal goals.

Portable and Practical: With its 6x9 format, it’s the perfect size to keep on your nightstand or take with you wherever inspiration strikes.

A Powerful Tool for Personal Growth: Transform your thoughts into actions and start living the life you’ve always wanted.

The Daily Journal for Men isn’t just about writing—it’s about creating a better, more successful you. This journal is designed to help you reflect on your current life and make the necessary changes to build a brighter future.

3. The Daily Practice

The Daily Practice is a journal that includes sections for Gratitude, Check-In on Emotions, Review of Yesterday, Things to Let Go of Today, Manifestation, Preview of Today, Prayer, Accountability for Meditation and Exercise and Notes and Reminders.

The practice itself is intended to be a daily 10-minute morning exercise that reinforces self-awareness, action, accountability and mental health

4. Mental Health Journal for Black Men: Prompts and Practices to Prioritize Yourself and Work on Your Well-Being

Empower yourself with these insightful journal prompts for Black men

Black men experience uniquely difficult challenges in the world, but caring for your emotional and mental health can help you create lasting happiness. This guided journal paves the way for you to live your best life with powerful prompts, practices, and affirmations to support Black mental health.

Take stock of your emotional health―Learn to recognize your stressors and connect with your feelings through self-awareness exercises like body scans, self-esteem assessments, and more.

Reduce stress and anxiety―Cultivate mindfulness and avoid self-judgment in everyday life with practices that highlight self-reflection and compassion.

Find support in community―Learn how to identify your support network, strengthen connections, and feel comfortable asking for help.

Prioritize your well-being as a Black man with this focused mental health journal.

5. THE BLACK PAGE BOOK; Mindfulness Journaling For MEN: Black Paper. Clear Mind. The Black Page Book: Mindfulness for Men

Unveil a Path to Greater Clarity and Peace

The Black Page Book: Mindfulness Journaling for Men is your powerful guide to enhancing mental well-being.Break free from the noise and reconnect with yourself. This unique journal, crafted with black paper for a distinctive experience, provides a safe space for men to explore their thoughts, emotions, and goals through the practice of mindfulness journaling.The Black Page Book empowers you to navigate life's challenges and cultivate inner peace.Reclaim your focus, prioritize self-care, and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery with The Black Page Book.

Dive deeper and unlock your potential with:

Prompts specifically tailored to men's mental health concerns

Exercises to cultivate focus and emotional awareness

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Perfect for men seeking to improve their mental well-being.

Embrace mindfulness journaling and embark on a transformative journey towards a stronger, more balanced you.

***As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases***

[moonlightreal]

Circle of Three and Sweep

2001 was a good year for books.

In fact I think I picked up the first few Circle of Three and the first few Sweep on the same bookstore visit. They have the same basic plot: “Girl is drawn into witchcraft” but they approach it in different ways. Both of the series have interesting backstories, they were written for different reasons but have a lot of similarities, including similar issues.

If you liked The Secret Circle, both series will be right up your alley.

Circle of Three was written by author Isobel Bird to present real Wicca to teenage readers who have plenty of more fantasy-based books but nothing to show them what they might experience if they start studying Wicca. The story follows sporty Kate, studious Annie and rebel Cooper as they become friends and follow a year-and-a-day Wiccan study program they find at a local metaphysical shop. Each book focuses on an aspect of Wicca: tarot cards, psychic dreams, healing, dealing with Wicca's dodgy public image, and celebrating the Wheel of the Year. The series also focuses a lot on the community aspect of Wicca as the girls make friends with adult Wiccans, ask for guidance, and help others.

Sweep was written by author Cate Tiernan to sell a book series. The story follows Morgan as she falls for the hot new boy at school, finds out he’s Wicca, then finds out there aren’t just Wiccans there are also Blood Witches and she’s one too. Morgan deals with warring covens each led by a hot boy who may or may not be Morgan’s soulmate, discovering that she’s adopted since Blood Witches can’t have children with humans, and facing the evil that destroyed her birth parents. Most of the characters are teens, but Morgan also deals with the Council of Witches and a Seeker, empowered to judge witches who misuse their powers.

So they are very different series. In only one of them does someone get stabbed by an athame and fall off a cliff.

But they are also very similar series. Both describe rituals and magical tools, both have spells, both have plenty of boy-crazy from the lead characters, Kate and Morgan. Both are good. Both also tend to wobble annoyingly between magical realism and fantasy.

Sweep starts out with quite reality-based information about Wicca but veers off into Blood Witches by the end of the first book. Circle of Three starts similarly and even has one character refer to another as a “Buffy witch, they think Wicca is all about making supernatural things happen”… and then in the next book Cooper uses her psychic visions to lead the police to the body of a murder victim.

Which is… interesting. Isobel Bird meant the series to reflect her experiences in Wicca so is this the kind of thing that happened in her coven? Psychics offering help to detectives certainly happens, but whether any case has been solved based purely on their input is still very he-said she-said. Psychics claim to have done it but they might lie for fame and money, police departments generally say not but they might lie to keep their dignity or for obscure legal reasons. But psychics helping cops is definitely not a normal thing that will happen to any teenage Wiccan. And that’s only Circle of Three’s first voyage away from normality. The girls meet real fae and ghosts. Did Isobel Bird have a truly wild Wiccan life? Did she think the series would be better if she stretched things a bit? Or did the editor pressure her to spice things up? Who can say, but it does make the series read a bit strange as it tries to pick a lane between fantasy and magical realism.

And both series were written under pen names. Looking at the authors behind the names explains why the two series went the way they did.

Sweep was written by Gabrielle Charbonnet, who has written quite a lot under her own name. according to wiki, Charbonnet “participated in the editing of” the Secret Circle trilogy, which explains a lot—or would, but Tiernan credits Ann Bradshares of Traveling Pants fame for coming up with the idea for Sweep. I get the impression that a publisher thought a witch series would do well and several people contributed to ‘Cate Tiernan.’

Circle of Three was written by Michael Thomas Ford, a gay Wiccan man who mostly writes about gay topics. That’s why the pen name; the publisher didn’t think an authors name that leads to a whole lotta gay stuff would be good for selling a series for teenage girls.

Both series are 15 books long, and both were meant to be longer but had their plugs pulled when sales sank. Both series suffer from “some parts are definitely better than other parts”, as we all might expect from such long series! They also both have a certain amount of boy drama and general silliness, but they’re both great fun. Highly recommended!

After enjoying these two so much I keep my eyes open for similar series. There have been a few. Blue is for Nightmares and sequels were all right. The Daughters of the Moon series is great. Nonfiction author Silver Ravenwolf wrote a series about teenage witches and it was terrrrrible. There’s also a very obscure series called “The Circle” by Melaina Faranda, which could have been really good but the writing never quite got there and the series vanished into the mist after three maybe four volumes. Nothing ever quite matched the glorious series of 2001.

[aeoki]

SS Finals - Crown: Chapter 9

Location: SS Finals Live Stage Characters: Hajime, Tomoya, Hinata, Yuuta, Mitsuru & Nazuna

Hinata: ? What do you mean by that?

That’s a fatal scandal for “Eden”, right? Wouldn’t it be advantageous for you guys if that news spread?

Tomoya: There’s a rumour around that “Eden”, or more like Ran-senpai, has fallen into a trap and someone’s trying to make them do stuff like that.

I mean, the way Ran-senpai acted today was pretty foolish…

I don’t really know anything about him, but it feels like he’s gone out of his way to get himself in deep trouble.

It doesn’t feel right or natural.

Hinata: I thought so too… Just what the heck is going on right now?

Tomoya: Who knows…? They never tell us what’s happening.

Hinata: They’re trying to protect us, huh.

Tomoya: Yeah. We should be grateful.

Yuuta: …Anyway, I understand your reasoning now.

If Ran-senpai is also a victim who has been threatened by someone, then it would be cruel to spread that scandal around. It’s the same as kicking an already dead body.

Hajime: Yes. So it was decided that this should be taken care of as discreetly as possible

Tomoya: In the worst-case scenario, “SS” will be cancelled if word got out. That wouldn’t be good.

Who knows what “Gatekeeper” will do if he finds that he can’t achieve his goal.

It’ll be best if we can finish “SS” as planned and have us, the “Red Team”, win. That way, the large sum of money will be in our possession.

Hinata: Doesn’t sound like a very “Ra*bits” thing to do.

Hajime: Money is always important! You know that very well too, don’t you, Hinata-kun, Yuuta-kun? Being poor is like living in hell!

Hinata: It’s rare for you to get so serious like that, Hajime-kun… Well, people who haven’t experienced the eating-from-hand-to-mouth lifestyle won’t ever understand that feeling, though.

Tomoya: That’s true but it’s not just that…

We need that enormous amount of money to go against “Gatekeeper”.

Hinata: What’s up with this “Gatekeeper”...? I get the feeling that he’s not just any scary-looking middle-aged man, though.

Tomoya: It looks like he’s someone on a whole different level. I can’t even say I fully understand it.

It looks like we have to win the Finals and drive him back if we want to continue with a healthy idol lifestyle in the future.

So sorry, but we won’t go easy on you, “2wink”. That’s a given, though.

Hajime: We’re not strong enough to win if we hold back, after all…♪

Mitsuru: But we can do anything if we put our all into it, y’know! We can even reach the twinkling stars in the sky!

Nazuna: Yeah! You guys shouldn’t think about unnecessary stuff and just focus on the performance!

Those sorts of regrets tend to remain in your heart instead of defeats and failures!

I’m the oldest one here, so you should be grateful for this advice ♪

Yuuta: …Is there something you regret, Nito-senpai?

Nazuna: Of course, I have heaps of regrets. That’s what life is all about~ There hasn’t been a day where I hadn’t thought about what-ifs.

But if I have the time to worry about the past, then I’ll use it to think about what I can do for you guys in front of me.

Piling the “present with no regrets” in one big heap will surely lead us to a happy future.

That’s what I think. I won’t tell you to do the same.

But you’re just “another kid” after all. I don’t have the right to arrogantly tell you to listen to me like a parent would.

It would be wrong to wish that you’ll turn out just like me.

But we’re both idols, and I’ve got a bit more experience than you guys do…

I’ve walked just a little bit ahead of you guys, so the least I can do is shout and let you know where the holes in the ground are.

You guys might get angry and find that annoying, but sorry, I’ve already decided that I won’t stay silent anymore. 

Yuuta: …………

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ← Previous Chapter ᠂ ⚘ ˚⊹˚ ⚘ ᠂  Next Chapter →

[henrysglock]

I feel like Virginia knew Henry had powers since he was a kid and maybe took him to Brenner cause he claimed that he could do something about it? Like maybe remove his powers or something but he actually wanted him for himself and his labs kids project... Fast forward, they move to Hawkins and Virginia realizes that Henry still has his powers and when The Creels die, Brenner hears about it on the news and manages to get a hold of Henry cause he has the assets and resources from the government. Now, sometimes I wonder if Virginia was taken to MK Ultra type of experiments or something similar, and that's why Henry has powers? Or was he just inherently born with powers? Lots of questions, haha.

This is interesting, because we know nothing about the Creels pre-Hawkins. Zero. Nothing. We know the teachers and doctors before Hawkins said Henry/Edward was broken, but we don't know why they said that. It could be anything from queerness to autism to powers. We just don't know. It's so suspicious that the Creels somehow inherited this small fortune from some unnamed great uncle, only for them to be placed right next to HNL. It reeks of lab money. I'd be willing to bet Brenner had his fingers in it and double-crossed Virginia to get at Henry, and shit went sideways in the process.

However, Henry was kidnapped immediately following the massacre. It was only Victor who was told about the one week coma, none of the papers ever reported that, so Brenner couldn't've found out from the news. He had his hands all over it, especially given that Victor was arrested by State Troopers. They're the same branch of police that Brenner controls in Season 1 with Will's fake body. Henry/Edward talks about escaping Brenner, but he calls him by name, so he's familiar with him already. Brenner had his fingers in the situation long before the massacre, even in Hawkins. Brenner definitely swooped right in to take Henry/Edward. I don't think Henry/Edward ever had a stay in a normal hospital after the massacre at the Creel house.

The part about powers is a real head-scratcher, because we have to wonder how Henry/Edward's mother knew he had powers. It's either that she saw him using them at some point, or she herself has powers and recognizes them in Henry/Edward. It's really suspicious, because even Henry/Edward doesn't know how she knew. He says she "somehow knew" it was him causing the visions. I'd be willing to bet that one or both of the mothers had powers and knew she had powers.

How she got them is a different story, because Henry/Edward was born in 1947, but MKULTRA didn't technically begin until 1953. So Henry/Edward would already be 6 years old by that time. He's taken by Brenner in 1959, which aligns with MKULTRA's run time, and by 1971 Brenner is using drugs to try and induce latent powers in adults via MKULTRA in hopes of stealing children with powers. There's also that whole bit about Brenner trying to "recreate" Henry/Edward, and how "soon others were born", which leads me to think it's genetic. I'm willing to bet the powers were innate/genetic on Henry/Edward's end, because it would be really hard to induce system-wide genetic mutations in parents. That is to say, you'd be hard-pressed to generate that kind of a mutation in adults if it isn't already there, but if put under stress you can induce powers in an adult that may not have presented previously. This gives you a starting point to look for children with powers that you (Brenner) can steal.

[powergpu111]

Navigating the World of Gaming PCs: Your Guide to Prebuilt and Custom Solutions

The gaming industry is constantly evolving, with new games demanding ever more powerful hardware to run smoothly. Whether you're a seasoned gamer looking to upgrade or a newcomer ready to take the plunge into high-end gaming, selecting the right gaming PC can be daunting. Fortunately, recent advancements in prebuilt gaming PCs and services from custom PC builders have made it easier than ever to find a machine that fits both your needs and your budget.

Choosing Between Prebuilt Gaming PCs and Custom Builds

When venturing into the realm of high-performance computing for gaming, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to opt for a prebuilt gaming PC or engage in the journey to build a PC tailored precisely to your specifications. 

Prebuilt gaming PCs offer convenience and quick accessibility—ideal for those who want a plug-and-play solution without the wait. With configurations designed to handle modern games, these systems are rigorously tested for stability and performance before they reach your hands. This means less hassle in terms of setup and troubleshooting for you.

On the other hand, opting for custom PC builder services opens up a world where every component choice is yours—from CPU and GPU all the way down to networking cards and LED lighting. A PC builder service gives gamers who have specific performance goals (or aesthetic preferences) the ability to fine-tune their system’s configuration.

The Benefits of Ready-to-Ship Gaming PCs

For those who don’t want extended lead times typically associated with custom builds, ready-to-ship gaming PCs present an attractive alternative. These units come from an inventory of popular builds that combine performance with immediate availability, ensuring no lag between purchase and playtime.

Ready-to-ship options cater not only to those who are eager but also serve as robust solutions for gamers unsure about what specs will suit them best. By selecting from curated setups that balance cost with performance, buyers can capitalize on expert configurations without diving deep into individual component research.

Utilizing PC Building Services 

PC building services provide an invaluable resource for both novices wanting guidance through their first build experience or veterans pursuing their ultimate dream machine tailored exactly how they envision their rig should be.

A trustworthy custom PC builder will listen carefully to requirements while also providing recommendations based on years of experience within the industry. Services might range from helping you select components that offer great value for money up through full assembly and testing stages—ensuring that when your system arrives, it’s set up correctly from day one.

Tips When Investing In Your Gaming Experience

Regardless if you choose a prebuilt or custom-built route here are some things every shopper should keep in mind:

- Always consider future proofing – think ahead about what upgrades may become necessary as new game titles get released.

- Factor in peripheral devices – remember that monitors, keyboards, and controllers may impact overall spending plans.

- Don’t underestimate aesthetics – ensure there's synergy amongst your workspace including how it looks because you’ll likely spend considerable time there!

In summary, whether seeking immediacy with readily available machines or desiring complete control over every facet through bespoke services, navigating today’s market provides ample opportunities for gamers at all levels. Reflecting upon personal requirements beforehand – considering factors like budget constraints against desired features – helps pave the way toward optimal purchase decisions between offerings such as prebuilt gaming PCs along with bespoke solutions provided by reputable PC-building firms.

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[splashink-games]

Featuring the Sawayama Z5 Powerlance!

Last Call BBS is the last game (as of writing) of Zachtronics! Puzzle through D&D, food, circuits, biology and more in this 8 game adventure!

So I was going to 100% this game. I started with Solitare and Kabufuda Solitare. I did all of Food Court and ChipWizard. I'm halfway through Dungeons & Diagrams and Forbidden Path. I was saving STEED FORCE for last.

But HACK*MATCH. HACK*MATCH. It's the absolute bane of my existence. I absolute, positively cannot play that game to save my life. And there go my chances of 100%-ing the game.

That doesn't mean that this isn't an absolute banger collection of games. I'm just subpar at HACK*MATCH.

Anyways, disclaimer. As with my experience with other extremely difficult puzzle games, I'm not beyond looking at hints or solutions when I've hit a hard wall. I'm not here to frustratingly ruin my experience because I'm too stubborn to get help when I'm stuck. If a puzzle is too hard for me, I look to hints and solutions.

The puzzle-centric games in this collection (Food Court, Forbidden Path, ChipWizard, Dungeons & Diagrams) are fantastically designed. Loved learning the mechanics. Loved bashing my head against the wall before looking for clues. I won't go through each of these games, but I will touch upon Food Court and D&D real quick.

Food Court is most like SHENZEN I/O (a previous Zachtronics game), where you've got parts that do certain things and you need to accomplish set tasks. Of the puzzle games, this one was my favourite. The theme is cool. I had to think very hard about things and I was more stubborn than usual about solving these on my own.

Dungeons & Diagrams is like a complicated picross/nonogram, like Murder by Numbers. It's a super interesting version of the genre that adds new rules to what's already a game about thinking "where does this lead next". My second favourite puzzle game of the bunch. I like picross and I'm currently suffering from Dungeons & Dragons withdrawal and this games kind of satisfies both.

Here comes STEED FORCE Hobby Studio! My absolute favourite game of the collection. It is the most tedious, most focus-intensive, most eye-straining thing in this game. But good lord do I love it. It's the peak of my experience with Last Call BBS and makes the time and money worth it.

It's relaxing. I don't have to think. I clip the mech parts and attach them together. Then I take the mech apart, piece by piece, to paint them in almost pixel-perfect fashion before putting it back together. When it's complete, I look in awe at my masterpiece before exporting a shining gif of it and sending it to my friends.

There is, in fact, a narrative to this game. Not that I paid too much attention to it. I was here for puzzle games and a good time, not for reading paragraphs upon paragraphs of text. But for the amount that I did pay attention to, I knew this game was written in a well-thought out way that drip-fed you stories about how each game came into your friend's possession.

It's a super cool way of storytelling and one I'll keep in mind.

In terms of art and music, the game goes full 90s aesthetic on you. Very fun presentation. It makes the game simple so you can focus on thinking hard.

Last Call BBS is a fantastic collection of games, that I believe any puzzle-lover should pick up. Just stay wary of that HACK*MATCH game unless you're good at it.

As always,

Enjoy gaming!

[rajubhadra]

VidProposals 2.0 Review - Truth Exposed! (Neil Napier)

VidProposals 2.0 Review - Truth Exposed! (Neil Napier) Welcome to my review blog and VidProposals 2.0 Review. Neil Napier is the author of this VidProposals 2.0 App. VidProposals 2.0 is the world’s #1 platform for creating engaging and professional video proposals designed for newbies and business owners alike. A built-in email-sending platform for creating and sending cold emails. Then you can add graphics, text, and video that can be recorded right in the app. In just 3 steps you can apply this App. Why Do People Love VidProposals 2.0? – Create Professional, Persuasive, Custom Video Proposals In Minutes, With A Legally Binding Contract Ready For Them To E-Sign, And Close Clients Fast On Any Device. – Host All Your Proposal Videos On VidProposals’ Servers For Super-Fast Delivery – Create Custom Thank You Pages To Celebrate The New Deal – 100% Beginner Friendly. Fully Cloud Based – 24 Ready-To-Go Professionally Designed Proposals Included ​​​​​ – Use This Built-In Video Creator To Record & Create A Stunning Video That Can Be Then Included Right Inside Your Proposal – Engage Your Customers And Make Them Take The Action You Want By Adding A Persuasive Call-to-action Right Inside Your Videos – Generate Your Proposal Super-fast Using Vidproposal’s Built-In Content Generation And Reuse Tools – Automated E-Signature Tracking Offers An Added Layer Of Security – Providing Proof Of Who Signed The Document And When it was Opened, Viewed, Or Completed. – Send One Email With The One Link To Give Your Client All The Relevant Information – VidProposals Doesn’t Allow Signed Proposals To Be Deleted, Keeping Them Secure And Legal VidProposals 2.0 Exciting Features EMAIL SENDER (NEW!) ​ Send Proposals in BULK using our integrated Email sender. Connect as many Gmail & Outlook accounts as you want. ✔ Set up Email campaigns ✔ Use advanced email composer. ✔Email templates library with 100s of cold outreach scripts. EXPERTS MARKETPLACE (NEW!) ​ If you don’t know how to provide a particular service, don’t worry. Their Expert Marketplace makes service arbitrage a breeze. We help you connect with service providers and you both make money. LEAD GEN TOOL (NEW!) ​ Looking for more clients. They’ve got you covered with this new feature in VidProposals 2.0. HOSTING ​ Host All Your Proposals On VidProposal Servers For Super-Fast Delivery – NO NEED To Host Any Proposals On Your Own CUSTOM THANK YOU PAGES ​ Create Custom Thank You Pages To Celebrate The New Deal RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS ​ Get Instantly Informed When The Client Views The Contract. DOWNLOAD PDFs Of The SIGNED CONTRACT ​ The Best Way To Keep Things Moving Forward Is To Have Both Parties Under Control Of The Situation. CAPTURE TIME AND DATE STAMPS ​ For better accountability, both the client and vendor are fully aware of when the deal was signed. INTERACTIVE VIDEOS ​ Add CTAs right in the video BRENDABLE PROPOSALS ​ Add Your Colors and Logo To Each Offer To Keep That Consistent, Professional Look. CAMERA, SCREEN, OR CAMERA & SCREEN RECORDING ​ Chrome Extension Makes Recording Your Own Video Super Simple – No DOWNLOAD REQUIRED In Order To Create Your Proposals PROTECTED PROPOSALS ​ Signed proposals cannot be deleted – We Are Not Giving An Inch To Anyone Willing To Game The System Or Cause Chaos Within Your Account. Signed. Sealed. Delivered. Securely. Get Access VidProposals 2.0 + Huge Bonuses >> Who Is Perfect for VidProposals 2.0 Video marketers – Showcase video creation skills directly within proposals, giving potential clients a taste of their work. Digital marketing agencies – Streamline the proposal process, impress clients with video proposals, and close deals faster. Freelancers and consultants – Provide a professional and personalized experience to potential clients, helping to secure more contracts. Web design and development agencies – Utilize video proposals to explain complex concepts and present design mockups, making it easier to close deals. Social media management firms – Offer potential clients a glimpse into their social media strategy and show the value of their services through video proposals. SEO and content marketing agencies – Effectively communicate their strategies and showcase past successes to win clients over with video proposals. PR agencies – Use video proposals to demonstrate their ability to craft compelling narratives and manage brand reputation. E-commerce businesses – Connect with potential partners, suppliers, or even investors, using professional video proposals. Coaches and trainers – Present their programs and services in a compelling way, making it easier for potential clients to understand the value they provide. Final Opinion: VidProposals 2.0 Review In conclusion, I want tot to say VidProposals 2.0 is Highly Recommended! VidProposals 2.0 lets you create, send, sign, and profit with video proposals like never before – all from one dashboard. VidProposals 2.0 Next-Gen Technology to create, send, sign & profit professional and convenient video proposals in just minutes! With VidProposals 2.0 you get a high-converting solution for your business that makes it easy for you to secure regular, paying clients month after month after month… for years and years. LOOK… VidProposals 2.0 is a full-blown video proposal app (with a LeadGen app too) that will make you the first agency to connect with your prospects like no one else has before. This will, of course, lead to a dramatic increase in sales & profit. Get Instant Access Here >>

[kidmachinate]

Unrealistic Expectations

I can’t help but wonder about something while joining the masses in doing mindless activities. Said activities done sometimes simply out of habit, constantly scrolling news feeds, social media, or YouTube. What I wonder many times while doing this is how we’ve become quite entitled in many aspects. While I can point to many different examples, this became extremely clear these last two weekends when I played the Diablo IV beta. Plus, gaming is a big theme on this blog of sorts, so I’ll stick to that. This opinion is gonna get a be spicy, if you will.

The amount of complaints for a game that is in Beta, not even a demo, but in beta, truly astounded me. Should this mean we don’t point out issues? Absolutely not. However, claiming you have been ripped off when getting access to a beta period because it “didn’t work right” is simply not valid. You got exactly what you paid for. Access to a beta. You’d think people in the glorious “PC Master Race” would understand what a beta even is and not say these things, but here we are. Now I have to be clear and even in doing so, someone will get mad. I think the same crap mentality goes into why one would be mad for sharing a difference in opinion. Activision-Blizzard is a company rotten at the core. They deserve much of the hate they get. Without getting into all the toxicity in the workplace and keeping it focused on the topic of gaming, they released Diablo: Immortal. One of the absolute worst games put out under the disguise of an awesome IP, just to nickel and dime people when it comes to the true replay value of a Diablo title. The end-game. The nonsense behind microtransactions, battle passes, and the like are issues gamers are very well aware of. Diablo IV is supposed to be the opposite along with a “cometic only” battle pass. I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt until they prove otherwise. I realize this is a risky move. One I’ve already dumped my money into. I’m not going to deny myself the enjoyment of a game I know I’m not going to avoid forever if at all because of nonsense they did that I have no control over. I’m sure it is the same stance people are doing with Hogwarts Legacy. I held my tongue on this because there is no point. We want to enjoy what we want to enjoy. Things aren’t as black and white as we sometimes like to think. Every choice to purchase or not purchase should be based on our own merits and this will also mean that some things we don’t purchase, due to similar reasons. If someone doesn’t buy D4 due to their shit treatment of workers, that would be legitimate. If someone doesn’t purchase Hogwarts due to the dismissal of trans rights seen in the game, I get that too. I’ll see many playing both games regardless and we need to let people enjoy things, so I shut the hell up.

Having gotten a bit sidetracked here, back to the main point. Why do many of us swear we are game developers or experts when we aren’t? Because we aren’t, what some may be doing is consuming facts from experts and sometimes expressing opinions solely based on that, without personal experience. Something that at least should be shared, if you’re going to present that kind of take, instead of presenting yourself like an authority figure on the matter. It’s crazy. Whether is it a game, TV show, whatever, the biggest issue are the keyboard warriors and trolls throughout. Maybe to some this is entertainment…but it actually holds no value and doesn’t lead to any productive discussion. I ignore these takes or choose not to engage, but I see them. They exist. I just find myself continuously shaking my head as a result. Getting the nonsense out of the way, my secondary thinking is even while I likely enjoy Diablo IV or really whatever else, am I making the most of my time?

Knowing gaming is a huge hobby of mine, I’m trying to make sure I do so with intent. Not just playing whatever is new and/or on sale. As I say this, I’m still a bit guilty of the latter point. Thanks Steam. Buying a Steam Deck that I love (free from a company bonus, btw) that I love doesn’t exactly help the matter. Where do I truly want my money spent? Am I doing it for the right reasons? Can I park my money in certain investments and put it to good use? You can do both but intent matters here. You’ve gotta have balance. If we all had a bit more of this, we wouldn’t be so quick I think to jump down someone’s throat for something that they don’t agree with. Gaming is turning into topics I like to avoid due to the amount of people with one way or no way mentalities. Said three topics are religion, politics, and sports. While people who can discuss these in a meaningful way exists, misery loves company and there are many looking for a fight. I’m just not interested in this anymore as it is no different than wasting time with whatever other time-consuming thing that is probably bad. If I do some of these very things in moderation and with an open mind, it becomes more fulfilling as well as staying true to myself.

By the time this goes live, I will have already purchased or am close to purchasing a Paperwhite. Why? I want to combine two things that are the core of my being outside of work. Gaming and finances. While a Paperwhite will not allow for gaming in the traditional sense, gaming has rich lore in book formats. Instead of worrying about potential challenge in a game, I can imagine it as presented instead. Sometimes I do this through YouTube by listening but then I just end up doing it too long. I want to avoid that where possible. I also want to read more on finances to enrich my life. I can do both in one place with the paperwhite. I am choosing the Paperwhite instead of a Kindle because I won’t be able to install apps that do the same things as my phone can already do. I’d be tempted to pick up the phone to check whatever it may be and consume accordingly. This is something I can take on the go. It would be more educational however, because I also have a Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch. If I actually want to play something, I can have that on the go as well. A theme I am embracing more and more by the day. A backpack with items of value to keep on the go, carry stuff for work, have a notepad to write down the important stuff. All this is like rediscovering myself. Seeing things in a new light. Maybe in clearing out the clutter, it leads to new habit and more meaningful connections with people I find myself talking to most often.

To conclude yet another post a bit scatterbrained but with a purpose, I simply say to anyone with eyes on this, take a moment for yourself. We seek hits of dopamine in several aspects of our lives. Are we managing this, or it is managing us? To circle back to Diablo IV, it is certainly the latter for people with nothing better to do than complain about a test period in a video game. Mindset is key for both what you consume as well as how you choose to treat yourself when having free time.

[savingsuk]

Financial Disintermediation and the Future of the Banking Sector

The future of banking is getting a lot of attention as financial disintermediation becomes more common. People are starting to rely on new technologies like blockchain, and companies like Savings UK Ltd are embracing these changes. In this article, we’ll dive into how these shifts impact banks in the UK and the EU and what customers can expect.

What is Financial Disintermediation?

Disintermediation is a big word that means bypassing traditional middlemen in financial transactions. Instead of using banks to handle our money, we can use peer-to-peer networks, cryptocurrencies, and various online platforms. This creates an interesting landscape for both consumers and banks.

Why is Disintermediation Happening?

Several factors are driving financial disintermediation. First, technology has made it easier and cheaper to send money than ever before. According to a report by PwC, around 70% of customers would consider switching to a bank that offered a better digital experience. - Decentralization: Digital wallets and cryptocurrencies allow people to manage money without banks. - Consumer Choice: More options empower consumers and reduce reliance on traditional banks. People want more control over their finances, leading to an interesting tug-of-war between consumers and banks.

How Does Blockchain Fit In?

Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that safely records transactions. It allows for transparency and security, making it a perfect fit for someone seeking alternatives to typical banking. - Increased Security: Transactions are recorded securely, reducing the risk of fraud. - Cost Efficiency: By cutting out the bank as the middleman, users can experience lower fees. Some analysts predict that blockchain could revolutionize the banking industry. For instance, the EU is investing heavily in blockchain technology to create a more secure and efficient banking experience.

The Role of Savings UK Ltd

Savings UK Ltd is one of several companies stepping forward in the sea of change in the UK's💷 banking landscape. They emphasize customer-friendly services and implore a strong digital approach. Here’s what this new banking hands-on strategy includes: - Lower Fees: With fewer intermediaries, transactions can occur at less cost. - Better Interest Rates: Savings UK Ltd may offer competitive rates for people looking to grow their money. More customers are being attracted to models that help them save and manage their money more effectively.

The Challenges to Existing Banks

As this disintermediation trend rolls out, banks face challenges. Traditional banks have operated with significant profit layers for decades. - Stubborn Customer Bases: Many still rely on traditional banking, but younger generations are more likely to seek alternatives. - Adaptation: Old systems might struggle to co-exist with newer, more agile technologies. In the face of these challenges, traditional banks that do not adapt risk losing revenue and customers.

Changing Regulations in the UK and EU

Both the UK and EU are working on regulations to facilitate this financial transformation. Compliance continues to be vital for keeping customer trust. - Open Banking: This requires banks to share customer information (with consent), driving competition. - Digital Currencies: CBDCs (Central Bank Digital Currencies) are being considered in the EU, presenting new possibilities. By monitoring these regulatory trends, people can better grasp how they might influence their banking solutions in future developments.

The Increasing Importance of Financial Literacy

With financial disintermediation on the rise, understanding finance is more vital than ever. - Knowledge of Payments: Learning how digital currencies function can provide customers with more freedom and options. - Investment Insight: There’s much to explore with new asset types, from cryptocurrencies to new lending platforms. People must improve financial literacy to take full advantage of what the future of banking has in store.

Role of blockchain in Financial

How to Prepare for the Future of Banking

As we stand on the brink of a technological evolution in finance, consumers can actively prepare: - Stay Informed: Regularly read up on emerging technology like blockchain. - Become Tech-Savvy: Get comfortable with online platforms and digital wallets. - Evaluate Your Options: Compare traditional banks with newer FinTech companies. Being proactive means you can make adjustments as the banking experience evolves.

Conclusion

The landscape of the future banking industry is changing due to the rising popularity of financial disintermediation. Technologies such as blockchain are giving customers real choices at their fingertips. We also see companies like Savings UK Ltd moving up rapidly as customer preferences evolve. For anyone interested in banking in the UK or the EU, understanding these shifts is more essential than ever. Upskilling in finance and technology is key to maximizing future opportunities in the banking sector. Why not explore your options today? Read the full article

[crantiatechnologiesuae]

Why a Modern Website Is Essential for Today’s Restaurants

The foundation of your restaurant’s internet presence is an excellent website. It functions as a digital storefront as well as a potent marketing tool that may draw clients, foster trust, and increase sales. You lay the groundwork for a flourishing online presence and a profitable restaurant business by investing in a well-designed and useful website. Focusing on the essential elements and tactics covered here will assist you in reaching your objectives, regardless of whether you’re just getting started or want to redesign your current website.

More than just a digital brochure, a modern restaurant website is an effective tool for drawing in customers, keeping them interested, and increasing revenue. Your restaurant may stand out in a crowded market by making investments in SEO tactics, user-friendly features, and superior design. Crantia Technologies is one of the best we are the best web design company in Dubai. Whether  A quality website is crucial to your business, whether you’re opening a new restaurant or redesigning your current one. Start revamping your restaurant’s web presence right now, and you’ll see a huge increase in both your clientele and revenue.

The foundation of your digital strategy is a well-designed website, which helps you increase sales, draw in new clients, and keep hold of current ones. Investing in web design services specifically designed for the restaurant business can make all the difference, whether you run a fine dining establishment, a family-run diner, or a small café. Here are some ways that professional web design might improve the internet visibility of your restaurant.

1. Presenting Your Ambiance and Brand

A potential customer’s initial engagement with your restaurant is frequently through your website. It ought to capture the distinct character and ambiance of  your business. Expert web designers make sure that the colors, typefaces, and pictures of your brand are included in your website in a way that best represents your eatery. Exquisite images of your food and furnishings, for example, can give guests an idea of what to expect and persuade them to place an order or reserve a table.

2. Mobile User Optimization

Since most people use smartphones to browse the internet, it is essential to have a website that is responsive to mobile devices. On devices of all sizes, a well-designed restaurant website guarantees smooth navigation, fast loading times, and user-friendly layouts. we are the leading we are the best web design company in Dubai. In addition to improving user experience, mobile optimization increases your website’s exposure on search engines, allowing more people to find you while they’re looking for dining alternatives in your region.

3. Menus and information are easily accessible.

Viewing menus is one of the main reasons patrons visit restaurant websites. Whether it’s an interactive, eye-catching display or a downloadable PDF, a well-designed website makes it simple for users to access your menu. Important details like your address, phone number, hours of operation, and reservation alternatives should also be included so that prospective clients have easy access to all they require.

4. Reservations and Ordering Online

The restaurant sector has undergone a change thanks to the growth of internet ordering and reservations. Customers can order food for pickup or delivery straight from your website with ease if you have a modern website that incorporates these capabilities. we are one of the best we are the best web design company in Dubai. Additionally, reservation systems can be integrated, which makes it easy for customers to reserve a table. In addition to improving consumer ease, these capabilities lessen your dependency on outside platforms, which saves you money on commissions.

5. Designing with SEO in Mind to Increase Visibility

A visually appealing website is only the first step; your target audience must be able to find it with ease. Search engine optimization (SEO) techniques are frequently incorporated into web design services to raise your website’s position on Google and other search engines. When prospective consumers search for nearby dining options, your restaurant can show up prominently in search results by using local SEO strategies like targeting location-based keywords and integrating Google Business Profiles.

6. Developing an Experience That Is Easy to Use

Effective web design is centered on user experience (UX). Expert designers concentrate on producing simplified pathways, obvious calls to action, and easy navigation. to crucial functions including ordering, reservations, and menu perusing. Users are more likely to stay on your site longer and take action—like making a purchase or coming in—when they find it visually appealing and easy to use.

7. Using Social Proof to Establish Trust

Dining decisions are significantly influenced by customer reviews and testimonials. Positive evaluations from sites like Google or Yelp might be featured in a special section of your website. we are the leading we are the best web design company in Dubai. Including social network feeds can also draw attention to user-generated material, such as those pictures of your food posted by happy customers. With prospective diners, these components increase credibility and confidence.

8. Combining Marketing and Analytics Tools

Features like analytics integration are frequently included in web design services, allowing you to monitor visitor behavior and identify patterns. You may use these insights to guide your marketing strategy and determine which events, dishes, or promotions appeal best to your target demographic. Additionally, you can maintain a relationship with your clients and promote return business by integrating loyalty programs or email subscription forms.

9. Adjusting to New Technologies and Trends

Both web design trends and the restaurant sector are always changing. You can make sure your website remains current with the newest features and functionality by collaborating with web design professionals. The options are numerous, ranging from adding virtual tours of your dining area to deploying AI-driven chatbots for immediate consumer inquiries.

10. Final Thought: Boost Your Restaurant’s Internet Visibility

A well-designed website may help your restaurant stand out in a market that is becoming more and more competitive. It’s about more than simply appearances. putting together an experience that appeals to and fulfills the needs of your clients. In addition to improving your internet visibility, hiring a skilled site designer will increase traffic, boost client happiness, and eventually expand your company. Now is the ideal moment to upgrade your restaurant’s website, whether you’re beginning from scratch or redesigning an old one. The restaurant sector has seen a paradigm shift in how companies engage with their patrons in a technologically driven world. The days when walk-ins and word-of-mouth were the main sources of restaurant traffic are long gone. A contemporary, well-designed website is the foundation of a strong online presence, which is essential in today’s world. The website of a restaurant provides  as its online storefront, creating a memorable first impression and giving prospective clients the details they require to pick your business over rivals. Let’s examine why, in the current digital era, having a contemporary website is now necessary for restaurants rather than a choice.

A potential customer’s initial contact with your restaurant is frequently through your website. Studies show that within milliseconds of visiting a website, individuals have an impression about it. A website that is up to date, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to use communicates professionalism, reliability, and excellence. However, an out-of-date or badly designed website can make customers doubt the caliber of your food and service, which would make them search elsewhere.

Over 50% of all as its online storefront, creating a memorable first impression and giving prospective clients the details they require to pick your business over rivals. we are the best web design company in Dubai. Let’s examine why, in the current digital era, having a contemporary website is now necessary for restaurants rather than a choice. A potential customer’s initial contact with your restaurant is frequently through your website. Studies show that within milliseconds of visiting a website, individuals have an impression about it. A website that is up to date, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to use communicates professionalism, reliability, and excellence. However, an out-of-date or badly designed website can make customers doubt the caliber of your food and service, which would make them search elsewhere.

Convenience is paramount in the fast-paced world of today. Online ordering and reservations should be integrated into a modern restaurant website. Allowing clients to place orders or reserve tables straight from your website streamlines the customer experience and boosts revenue. Additionally, you keep more of your income when you integrate online ordering instead of using third-party systems, which frequently impose exorbitant charges. Making sure your restaurant shows up in local searches requires search engine optimization, or SEO. You may rank higher on search engines like Google by using SEO best practices while designing a modern website. Fast loading times, optimized keywords, and schema markup for reviews and menus are just a few features that can greatly enhance

A contemporary website is now essential for restaurants in today’s digitally-first society. It acts as the cornerstone of your internet presence, increasing convenience, fostering consumer interaction, and fostering trust. Investing in a well-designed, feature-rich, mobile-responsive website puts your restaurant in a successful position in a market that is becoming more and more competitive. On of the we are the best web design company in Dubai. Embrace the potential of contemporary web design to improve your restaurant’s online presence and please your customers instead of letting an antiquated website hinder your business. The focal point of all your marketing initiatives is a website.

A strong internet presence may make or ruin a company in the fiercely competitive hospitality sector. A well-designed website is more than just a marketing tool for hotels that provide great dining experiences; it’s a vital resource that connects online visibility to actual dining success. Here are some ways that web design services specifically for the hotel cuisine sector can boost client satisfaction, increase brand recognition, and spur growth. User experience (UX) is given top priority on a well-designed hotel food website. Important details like menus, operating hours, and reservation choices should be easy and quick for visitors to locate.

A smooth surfing experience is guaranteed by features like easy-to-use navigation, segmented menus, and contact information that is clearly visible. When a hotel has several eating options, making a clear difference between cafés and restaurants on the website might reduce misunderstandings and raise client happiness. Making sure the website is mobile-responsive is essential given the increase in mobile usage. A sizable percentage of users use their smartphones to search websites for hotels and restaurants. Without sacrificing usability or style, mobile optimization makes sure that the website adjusts to various screen sizes. we are the best we are the best web design company in Dubai. Travelers on the go who might be searching for last-minute meal options should pay particular attention to this.In the current digital era, convenience reigns supreme. The guest experience can be greatly improved by integrating online platforms for ordering food and making reservations. For smooth transactions, web design services can incorporate secure payment channels, real-time table availability checks, and user-friendly booking forms. In addition to increasing operational effectiveness, these characteristics satisfy the modern guest’s desire for hassle-free service.

An excellent website is constantly changing. Remaining current requires frequent upgrades and enhancements based on analytics. Tools for tracking user behavior, identifying website portions that are popular, and optimizing underperforming regions can all be included in web design services. Hotels can better match visitor expectations by adjusting their digital approach with the help of these data. A well-designed website can make all the difference in the highly competitive hotel dining market. A well-designed website may greatly improve visitor experiences and spur business expansion, from drawing in new customers with eye-catching images to providing convenience through online booking and mobile optimization. Contact us now we are the leading we are the best web design company in Dubai. In today’s digital-first world, investing in web design services that are suited to the particular requirements of the hotel food sector is not merely a choice—it is a requirement for success.