#but I think they are unaware of the consequences and dread of even mild side effects

[dinosaurcharcuterie]

Both wife and me got a change to our medication regimen last week.

Both of us are experiencing unpleasant side effects.

They're fairly harmless and they're not the same ones, so we can still constitute one fully functioning adult if we work together, but they're still unpleasant.

[nourishnest]

The Deadly Snail Pace of Food: More Fatal Than Cancer

Food is a fundamental part of our daily lives, providing nourishment and sustenance. However, what if I told you that it is also the cause of more deaths than cancer? Yes, you read that right. Food is responsible for more fatalities than one of the most feared diseases in the world. This may come as a shock, as food is often associated with comfort and pleasure. But beneath its enticing facade lies a slow killer, silently taking lives at a snail's pace. In this blog post, we will delve into the dark side of food and explore the deadly consequences of its slow pace. Brace yourself for a startling revelation about the world's slowest serial killer: food.

Unmasking the World's Slowest Serial Killer: The Hidden Threat in Our Food

Food, the very thing that sustains us, has a dark side that often goes unnoticed. We consume it daily without a second thought, never suspecting that it may be the cause of more deaths than one of the most dreaded diseases in the world. It may seem impossible, but it's true. Food, in all its delectable forms, has the potential to be a slow serial killer.

The hidden threat lies in the toxins, contaminants, and bacteria that can infiltrate our food, lurking beneath its appetizing exterior. From harmful pesticides to deadly pathogens, our plates are sometimes laden with danger. What makes this threat even more insidious is its gradual, relentless nature. Unlike the immediate impact of diseases like cancer, food silently takes lives at a snail's pace, leaving its victims unaware until it's too late.

In this section, we will uncover the veil of innocence that shrouds our meals and expose the true face of this world's slowest serial killer. Prepare to be shocked as we explore the hidden threats lurking in our food.

Consuming Death One Bite at a Time: An In-depth Analysis of Food-related Deaths

Food-related deaths may seem like a rare occurrence, but the reality is far from that. Every year, countless lives are lost due to the hidden dangers lurking in our meals. From contaminated produce to contaminated meat, our food supply is riddled with hazards that can have fatal consequences. In this section, we will take a closer look at the different types of food-related deaths and the alarming statistics behind them.

One of the main culprits behind food-related deaths is foodborne illnesses. These illnesses can be caused by various bacteria, viruses, and parasites that contaminate our food. The symptoms may range from mild stomach discomfort to severe illness and, in some cases, death. Understanding the different types of foodborne illnesses and the ways in which they can be prevented is crucial in reducing the number of deaths caused by them.

Another factor that contributes to food-related deaths is the presence of toxins in our food. Pesticides, heavy metals, and other chemical contaminants can find their way into our meals and wreak havoc on our health. Over time, these toxins can accumulate in our bodies, leading to chronic illnesses and, in some cases, death.

By analyzing the various factors that contribute to food-related deaths, we can gain a better understanding of the magnitude of this issue and the steps we need to take to protect ourselves. From proper food handling and preparation to advocating for stricter food safety regulations, there are many ways in which we can prevent the consumption of death one bite at a time.

"Faster" Than Cancer: A Comparative Look at Food-borne Diseases and Cancer Fatalities

When we think of deadly diseases, cancer is often at the top of the list. However, what if I told you that food-borne diseases actually claim more lives than cancer? It may seem hard to believe, but the statistics don't lie. Food-borne diseases, caused by contaminated food, pose a greater threat to our health than cancer. While cancer can strike quickly and aggressively, food-borne illnesses have a slower, more insidious impact.

What makes this comparison even more startling is that food-borne diseases are preventable. By practicing proper food safety measures, such as washing hands, cooking food thoroughly, and storing it correctly, we can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to this silent killer. The key is awareness and education.

In this section, we will delve into the numbers and explore the stark reality of food-borne diseases compared to cancer fatalities. Prepare to be shocked by the alarming statistics that highlight the true extent of this hidden danger.

Prevention is Better Than Cure: Ways to Protect Ourselves From The Silent Killer

When it comes to the silent killer that lurks in our food, prevention is truly better than cure. While it may seem daunting to think about all the potential dangers that could be hidden in our meals, there are steps we can take to protect ourselves and minimize the risk.

First and foremost, proper food handling and preparation are key. Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, cooking meats to the appropriate temperature, and avoiding cross-contamination can go a long way in preventing foodborne illnesses.

Another important aspect of prevention is staying informed. Keeping up-to-date with food recalls and safety alerts can help us avoid consuming potentially hazardous foods. Additionally, staying educated on the proper storage and expiration dates of food products can further reduce the risk of contamination.

Advocating for stricter food safety regulations is also crucial in preventing the silent killer. By supporting policies that ensure proper food inspection, labeling, and enforcement, we can hold food manufacturers and suppliers accountable for providing safe products.

In conclusion, protecting ourselves from the hidden threat in our food requires a proactive approach. By practicing safe food handling, staying informed, and advocating for stricter regulations, we can minimize the risk of falling victim to the slowest serial killer: our meals.

[aier-quotes]

Switch (Part One)

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader 

Word count: 3215

Notes: Avengers AU (Canon divergence)  

Summary: You are a mage, a magick user with great potential, that has spent the majority of your life locked away in study or gallivanting across the world. But after years of the world facing catastrophe after catastrophe you find that you can no longer ignore it. Though it is against everything your family has taught you, you find yourself wrapped up in the Avengers and become drawn to one in particular.

Prologue   |  Part One   | Part Two   | Part Three

May 2015 - one week later

It didn’t make any sense.

He had run and rerun the calculations. There was definitely another player on the field in Sokovia. There was no way for so many of the civilians to escape before the helicarrier arrived. Yet that was what had happened. Not to mention what the civilians themselves had reported. They claimed a woman swooped in and whisked them away to safety.

Tony and FRIDAY had worked with the only data available to them but there was no surviving security footage, only some satellite imagery and nothing left of that floating city to work from. It was easy to tell there was someone else there. Likely enhanced. But they were never still long enough for a viable image to be captured.

Eventually, after a week of dead ends Tony took what little he had to the ‘new’ Avengers, seeing as this could really only benefit their ranks. Steve seemed unsure about spending time and resources looking for someone that may or maynot be on their side, though Tony had a good idea what he would prefer to spend those resources on finding. The twins were also adamant that they were the only survivors of Strucker’s experiments.

After a lot of back and forth he finally convinced them that they could have powered individual on side, and that was worth exploring.

October 2015

After the incident in Sokovia you had tried to return to your life.

You travelled, Hawaii, Mexico, France, Kenya. It became so erratic that after some months you began to wonder if you were exploring the boundaries of your freedom or running from the decision you had made. Running from yourself, your family, your world. You had risked the exposure of everything you held dear on a whim.

But the longer you ran, the more you began to wonder if you had gotten away with it. That you had been careful enough to avoid detection. You had yet to face any consequences from the either side.

Had the Avengers been so focused on their enemy? Had your family been unaware of your actions?

With this thought in mind you decided to take a break from your travelling and to settle, at least temporarily, in your flat in Brighton, England. That had been two weeks ago and no bad had come from staying in one place.

It was peaceful there, a beautiful sea view, a comfortable home, it was almost like you had no cares in the world.

One of the best things about the flat was that it had been renovated by your family. So if one were to walk in all they would find would be a little hallway, one bedroom, one bathroom and an open plan kitchen/ living room. However, hanging on the wall in the hallway was a picture of a small room that resembled a medieval apothecary more than the modern design of the rest of the apartment. It was through this picture that you accessed the secret room built into your home.

You were in this room when there came a knock at your front door. Unfortunately you had not made any effort to get to know your neighbours,  or anyone really in the area. Anyone you knew would just appear to you. There was no evidence of this room on any floor plan or schematic and no doorway that lead into it. No one could find you in here. It was your safe space.

Loud music blared from the headphones you wore as you stood in your secret room. The scent of incense and dried herbs a familiar comfort as you ground a mixture of ingredients in a pestle and mortar. It was as you were leaning over the desk for more dried lavender that you felt a presence behind you. No, not a presence, a power. Pulsing. Loud. Dangerous.

You spun around to find a tall figure stood in the room with you. It took you a moment to realise that it was… the Vision. Your eyes were momentarily drawn to the beacon of power upon his forehead before you realised what had happened.

They had found you.

Your eyes darted to the picture of the living room hanging on the wall behind the intruder. In an explosion of noise you were there and you weren’t alone.

Panic flooded through you as they quickly became aware that you were there. Fumbling, you rushed for the photograph you always kept in your pocket in case of an emergency. You snapped the image up to your eyes but before you could focus on it it was gone from your fingers. It was late, the curtains drawn and too far away to open and escape. Instincts kicked in as you felt the pressure mounting. A cornered animal. Your palms began to glow, magick pulsing through the runes tattooed upon them, as you prepared to defend yourself.

“Woah, woah.” One of the intruders stepped forward attempting to calm the situation, Captain America. It took longer than it should have to recognise him as he was out of uniform. He still bore his shield but he did not seem dressed for combat, none of them did, you realised as you took a moment to look over at the heroes in your living room. “Hi… I’m Steve.” He said a little awkwardly as the tension finally began to defuse. The Vision phasing into the room drew your attention from the super soldier and gave you a moment to realise the others in the room were the Maximoff twins. You also noticed that it was the silver speedster that held, and was examining, the photograph you had pulled from your pocket moments before. “Do you mind if I sit?” Steve asked, drawing your attention back to him before you could make any comment.

“I’d say make yourself at home but clearly you already have.” You snarked, the power in your palms lessened as you listened to what they had to say.

“Sorry about that. You were quite hard to find, we didn’t want to miss you.” Steve apologised awkwardly as he raked a hand through his neatly trimmed hair. “Clearly.” You deadpanned.

“It was not my intention to startle you but there were no other viable entrances into the room.” The android chimed in, as if his explaining it to you would somehow excuse the home invasion.

“That’s kinda the point but, hey, you ignore locks why not walls?” Sarcasm flowed effortlessly from your lips. You were on the defensive, you had no idea what they wanted from you and what they were willing to do to get it.

“I think we got off on the wrong foot.” The soldier soothed as he gave his companions a look that told them to let him handle this.

“By all means put the better one forward. I’d love to hear your validation for breaking and entering.” You crossed your arms in front of you and waited for the excuses to begin. All the while in the back of your mind a growing dread began to formulate.

“We know you were in Sokovia six months ago. That you helped and that not all of us would have made it if not for your efforts.” A significant looked passed between Steve and the Twins.

“And you’re in my home because?” You inquired impatiently. The longer they were here the worse it would be if they were to find out.

“You did not exactly stick around long enough for us to thank you.” A mild Sokovian accent drew your attention to the left of the room, to the man that clasped your escape route and looked at you oddly. He seemed vaguely familiar.

“So, what, this is some kind of belated surprise party? You shouldn’t have. Really.” You sighed, this conversation felt like it was spinning in circles.

“No…” The speedster responded as he fiddled with the now crumpled photograph.

“You must understand you were an unknown quantity.” The Vision piped up again, trying to reason with you.

“I helped you!” You said exasperated.

“Yes, you did, but we had no idea who you were or what your intentions were.” The captain told you sternly.

“So… now that we’ve had this heart to heart, what do you think?” You just wanted this all to end, for them to leave and prey nothing more comes of it.

“Honestly, I think that you wanted to save lives. You helped evacuate civilians and took down a quinjet.” The veteran told you.

“And?”

“And that tells me you have the power and the inclination to do some good.” Even he started to seem frustrated with your continued hostility.

“Ok… starting to get it know… this whole welcome wagon was your way of getting me to join you? No offense, but I think you need a new strategy.” You felt incredibly slow on the uptake as you to realised why they were really here.

“To be fair, it was going to be just me, but as far as we could tell no one was home. I thought we hit another cold lead. So they came up to help me figure out where you’d gone. But, you’re right, that’s why we’re here.” He finally conceded the truth as you allowed the words to settle in your head. The Avengers wanted you to join them. This… this was definitely not good.

“Well, sorry to disappoint after all the effort you must’ve put in to find me but, I can’t.” You informed them as flippantly as you could.

“Can’t? Not won’t? Something stopping you? Someone? We could protect you.” Mr Stars-and-stripes immediately caught on, offering aid you didn’t need for a problem he could not understand.

“Look, you wouldn’t understand-” Your arms uncrossed as you rang your fingers together nervously, your words were quickly interrupted.

“Explain then.” A much softer Sokovian accent chimed in. You regarded the young woman in your home, absently you noted that she definitely had it.

“Seriously? You being here is gonna get me into enough trouble let alone telling you anything more.” Your hands stopped fidgeting as they soon gripped into tight fists of frustration. They had no idea what they could be risking.

“Alright, but if you change your mind, you know where to find us.” Steve finally conceded that this was not working. He signalled for his team to leave with a sharp nod in their direction. But he left the offer open to you, in case you ever changed your mind, as if it were your choice.

“I’m sure it will be a big building with ‘Avengers’ printed on the front.” You sassed one last time before the door closed and you were alone in your flat once again.  

You collapsed on your couch, your head in your hands, the worst part was a part of you was excited by the idea of joining the Avengers. Of being a part of something in the outside world rather than just being a passer-by.

But you knew deep in your bones that could never happen, and you had an awful feeling that the consequences of your actions in Sokovia were only just beginning.

October 2015 -The next day 

A deep pounding at the base of your skull was what you awoke to. Your eyes opened slowly, blearily as you started to get your bearings. You bolted upright as you became awake enough to realise what the ache meant. You had been forcefully teleported.

Looking around the room you found the surroundings awfully familiar. You knew where you were and it was definitely not good. Especially seeing as they had summoned you here. Bad sign.

Trepidation coursed through you as you rose from the soft bed, the bed of your childhood, and made your way to a large photo set hanging on the wall. In this image set were photographs of various rooms in the house. You focused on the image of the dining room, when you were there you walked up to an identical picture set and focused on your father’s study.

Each room in the house had one of these picture sets, each with a different assortment of room son display. This was your family’s estate. The building was built by your ancestors, it had been designed to keep your family safe and part of that design meant there were only three doors in the entire structure. The front door, a guest living room door and the guest toilet door. They were primarily there for show if non-magickal guests were ever to be permitted.

When you appeared in the study you found that it had not changed in your three year absence. The familiar figure of your father stood before the cold fireplace. Seemingly staring into absence of flames. You cleared your throat, alerting him to your presence. He turned, and for a moment his expression showed his delight in seeing you again before becoming stern as he remembered the reason that you stood before him. He gestured for you you to sit in the plush armchair opposite his desk. You do so.

“Last night the wards placed on your flat were broken.” Your father began without preamble, he was rarely one to waste time with pleasantries.

“Y-yes, there were some unexpected-” You stumbled, feeling a child trying to explain why your hand was in the biscuit tin.

“The Avengers.” He deadpanned.

“I-”

“We know about what you did in Sokovia. It was allowed because you successfully disguised your presence from those involved… or so we believed.” He informed you, disappointment resonating in his tone.

“I know and I’m sorry, but dad-”

“Hush. You risked the exposure of your family and your people!” His voice was sharp as his presence dwarfed your own.

“Have you seen the world today? It’s full of gods and monsters!” You snapped back, becoming defensive at the tone he was using on you. You were not a child.

“And since they revealed themselves the world has become more dangerous.” He said, his words a mixture of condescension and indignation.

“Yes but-”

“What would happen if magick were to be thrown into the already volatile mix?!”

“Dad! Magick has already been thrown in!” You finally managed to say without interruption.

“Explain.”

“One of the New Avengers, the Vision, he is in possession of an Infinity Stone.”

“Are you sure?” He stood from his seat behind the desk and began to pace the length of the room.

“There is no doubt, I could feel the power of it.” You confirmed, understanding the seriousness of what you were telling him.

“This is more serious than we first thought. I need to talk with the others.” He told you as he returned to his desk. His hand waved over the polished wood, a pulse of magick skimmed the surface, as the top of the desk began to shimmer and showed the image of a place you had never been. Nor wanted to go. It lead to the meeting place of the heads of the mage families. The Coterie.

“Of course, but you should know the reason they came to me last night.” The words rushed out before he began to focus on his teleportation.“They wished for me to join them.”

“Did they now? What do they know of your power?” He looked at you sharply, he was clearly calculating something.

“I’m not sure.”

“Very well. You should go find your mother while I confer with the others, she has missed you.” His gaze softened for a moment as his thoughts returned to how glad he was to see you. Before he returned his focus to the image in front of him and he was gone.

Several hours later…

You sat in the sunroom with your mother. You had been amicably discussing your travels when your father appeared in the room, a grim expression on his face.

“Did it not go well Dear?” Your mother’s soft voice seeming to sooth your father’s turbulent thoughts.

“The news of another Infinity Stone being kept on our world did not go over well with the other families.” He informed you both as he took a seat beside your mother on the sofa.

“What was their decision?” You asked cautiously, feeling, knowing, that this was your fault.

“They felt this was a unique situation.” He began, his hands clasping together to stop them from fidgeting.

“What does that mean?” Your mother asked, concern lacing her voice.

“It means that they have decided to allow your joining these Avengers, should you so choose.” He said slowly, like the words were difficult to form due to the strangeness that they meant.

“What restrictions do they propose? I assume they wish for me to spy for them?” Immediately you were suspicious, this was definitely not how you expected the Coterie to respond. Though the news of an Infinity Stone certainly changed things.

“Your travels haven’t dulled your wits, good.” Your father allowed a small smile, pride in his words, despite the gravity of the situation you found yourselves in.

“Father, their membership include the best spies in the world!” You exclaimed. You were a decent liar, after years of keeping you people’s secret, but lying to people who dealt in secrets seemed impossible for you.

“We don’t want anything invasive, we care little for their politics. We want only for you to report any dangers we need be concerned about and that you watch this ‘Vision’. Be sure he is capable of protecting the Cosmic Gem.” He said trying to calm the panic he saw bubbling within you.

“And my power? Are they not worried about exposure?” You asked almost incredulously. You had never heard of the families making such a decision.

“Within the team we leave the truth to your discretion but as far as the world is concerned you are… what do they call themselves… Inhuman.” The trust that your people had placed upon you suddenly dawned. They were leaving it to your judgement what you choose to tell the Avengers. It seemed ridiculous. This whole situation.  

“But our power is inherently different-” You said, the first of many flaws to this plan popped into your head.

“We know this but the rest of the world is not so enlightened.” He smiled, an inherent pride that was rife in most mages flashed in his eyes.  

“This is all well and good but my offensive abilities are extremely limited, what if I can’t handle it?” Your voice became small as you looked at your hands. The runes tattooed on your palms shimmering up at you, even when you weren’t channeling magick through them they still hummed with power. The arcane blasts that they channel being the only offensive spell you could successfully cast.

“You have this, if you find yourself unable to escape and the danger imminent, we will come for you. Do not use it lightly.” As he said this your father presented you with a silver pendant, carved runes encircled the small gemstone embedded in the centre. It was a little like a magickal distress beacon that the Coterie would sense. This was really happening.

“Of course.” You intoned as your father secured the chain around your neck.

“Very well, and (Y/N)… be safe.”  

Part Two

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