#but what if a different one has a shorter waitlist

[falloutcoys]

📚 January Reading Roundup 📚

Finished

📗 Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle

📗 The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System Vol. 1 by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu

In Progress

📘 Interview With The Vampire by Anne Rice

📘 The Unbroken by C. L. Clark

DNF

📕 Sharp Teeth by Toby Barlow

Pages Read: 909

Bought a pre-owned kindle oasis for super cheap, should be arriving on Friday 💖 Got a new library card, that makes 7! Btw if you want to add me, here's my storygraph :)

[m3dieval]

If one was looking for armor, not just for the look, but for jousting and fighting. How would someone go around and do that? You seem to be more knowledgeable than most about these things and I’m lost on what to get. I’ve foolishly gotten pieces that were really for decoration rather than practicality.

This is going to depend on what sports/activities you plan in doing with your suit. Buhurt and balsa jousting for example will have different requirements. But the main things to look for are: material and fit.

Spring steel (properly tempered) tends to be the gold standard for combat sports. But mild steel (for more historical) and titanium are also used. Some groups/leagues have specifics on minimum thicknesses of material based on what it is and where it's protecting.

Stainless steel is generally not recommended if you plan on doing anything with metal weapons, but I have seen it used in some older jousting suits.

Chainmail is the one easy answer I have: if you want it to hold up to any of the armoured combat sports you need riveted mail. No butted mail!

For buhurt armour, which has a reputation of being made of good material but having a questionable fit, Buhurt Tech and Medieval Extreme are the shops that come to mind. One of the reasons I think buhurt is popular, is because they've made armour relatively affordable. You can get a full suit for as little as $3000 USD at Medieval Extreme and it will hold up to buhurt hits. If buhurt is popular in your area, you might also be able to buy some secondhand pieces.

Buhurt style suits are generally teased by the historical community for the fit. They're made to be more heavily padded, so they usually fit a little too big. They're made to be easier to fit, so often there is basically no shape at the waist. And there are other sport-specific adaptations that aren't based on history. But that's okay, most people in buhurt aren't trying to pass themselves off as reenactors. When looking at armour it is helpful to be able to spot the difference (look at the fit and proportions):

For historical armour used in jousting, harness fencing, and reenactment battles: either find a reputable armourer or buy a secondhand suit. Finding an armourer can be challenging. If you're part of a group (jousting, medieval society, etc), ask around about where people got their stuff. The United League of Armourers on facebook might be able to help you locate someone (even just reading the discussions there can be educational).

Sometimes there's a decent local armourer who you doesn't have an online presence (usually they are found though said group). This unknown hobbyist armourer is going to be significantly more affordable than a well established armourer who's getting international clients (and their waitlist should be a lot shorter) but there is a bit of a gamble on quality. If you find one, make sure you see what they've already made first.

Armourers whose work I've seen in person and can vouch for the quality (just looking at their portfolios should give you an idea of what quality looks like):

Jeffrey Wasson:

Eric Dubé:

TBH I usually forget to ask who made someone suit 😅 But if you're on the market for armour it's a good habit to get into asking that.

My helmet is made by Jeffery Hedgecock (he makes the armour at Historic Enterprises). My suit is made by Marc Hamel (he doesn't take online commissions). These were both bought secondhand from a jouster I met when I was working as ground crew years ago (it was over $600 CAN just to get it shipped from Quebec to Alberta).

My gauntlets are the worst part of my suit, they're these hourglass ones from Armstreet. They don't fit will enough for jousting, but they have protected my hands for sparring with synthetic swords. I am looking to replace them soon.

Armstreet is hit or miss. Definitely do your own research before you go browsing there.

The secret third option is to do a massive amount of research, get some mild steel and tools, then make your own armour. I'd start with watching videos about this (I recommend Greenleaf Workshop). Some armourers also sell classes, like Eric Dubé.

And we haven't even gotten around to discussing arming garments! We'll save that for another post.

Long story short: I probably can't make better recommendations than whatever group you join to participate in the activity you are requiring armour for (there are many types of jousting, there are many types of foot combat). But hopefully these resources give you somewhere to start looking.

[freerangeranger]

How did you become a Ranger?

i covered my personal 'this is why you stay in school kids' origin story in a previous ask, so ill focus on the actual Ranger school and internships for this post.

there are a few different ways to become a ranger.

you are scouted by another ranger and they vouch for you to be accepted into either a ranger base or the school. its a matter of 'this person has a deep love for pokemon conservation and is skilled enough to basically be a ranger from the get go'. this is super uncommon now but it used to be basically the only way for rangers to be recruited back in ye ol' days, before stylers were used. most rangers wont even consider this anymore; a lot is riding on your rep if your scouted person turns out to be 'not great'. they just give you a reference now.

you apply and are accepted into the Almia ranger school. This the route that i took - and by far the most common one. you have to do a whole application process, similar to applying to post-secondary (with the stupid fees and everything). you are then separated into either an acceptance list or a waitlist. this is based on grades as well as a series of written questions and a shit ton of references.

I'm half convinced that i was considered eligible bc i had the Blackthorn gym and tin tower staff backing me (thanks guys!). that being said i did only get onto the waitlist - thank fuck some other kid decided that being a ranger was too much work.

once you actually get accepted you are able to choose what you actually want to major in at the school. this surprises a lot of people - the Almia ranger school doesn't just train rangers! it has a bunch of courses catering to rehabilitators, mechanics, researchers, field ops, area rangers, and operators, among others.

I chose to go with the area ranger courses - i wanted to return home to Johto at some point and the vast majority of jobs outside of Almia, Fiore and Oblivia are area rangers. field ops is stressful and mostly dealing with awful humans 24/7.

there are, of course, a lot of overlapping fields of study that we were all mandated to take. every student that graduated from the school knows how to use a styler in some way. even operators and researchers (although i doubt many of them remember a lot, the ones i knew skipped class to finish papers)

the entire thing lasts for around 3-4 years. it used to be way shorter - i think i heard people graduated within the same year - but with the spike in pokemon-related crises, rangers have to be better trained out of the gate.

there is also a whole thing with internships and field work; you can apply to spend time working alongside real rangers over the weekend while at the school. i think most of them are paid. ill be honest, most people that do internships get snatched up by the bases they worked for so if you are a student see if you can apply to a base that you are okay with working for.

uhhhh what else... oh! Once you graduate you can either send out resumes (in advance) to try and influence what ranger base you go to, or you get assigned a base by the school. In my case i was assigned to Unova - its nice there and most of my colleagues are p cool. but i do want to go home to Johto at some point.

[pooepw]

9 - joy from despair?

Today

The stream for today was actually quite short compared to what I was thinking would happen. The game for the movie Shrek the Third is a lot shorter than I expected, especially since I not only skipped every cutscene to dodge any possibility of copyright claims but also spammed the triangle button on every dialogue skipping those entirely whenever possible. Even then, I felt as though there were fewer levels than I remember, though, as a kid, I probably never finished this game. However, one thing I must say is that the game has good mechanics within it that many games do not have like friendly-fire enemies and free, easy movement. Of course, it was not incredibly difficult or amazing in any regard, but I was pleasantly surprised by such mechanics. I even slightly enjoyed that the characters did feel different from each other; Fiona was straight up a character from the Matrix game on the PS2.

Hair

I wanted to get a haircut today, but even by the time of 11 am where I live, the queue for the local barber was waitlisted for 111 minutes. I hope to get one tomorrow since my hair is so long that it gets in my eyes and makes the back of my head hot. As I stated in previous posts, the temperatures where I live are above 100 Degrees Fahrenheit, so getting a haircut would help.

Pumpkins

I have a picture of the pumpkins that I planted for once to post here. It would seem that bugs have become more of a problem, which I fear will prevent them from bearing fruit. Nothing I can do about it though.

[namrita]

Everything You Need To Know About B.tech Lateral Entry Seats In India.

Are you wanting to pursue higher education in India, but don’t have the qualifications? Don’t worry. You can still get admission through the lateral entry system, which reserves certain number of seats for students with alternate qualifications. Read on to know all about the lateral entry system in India and whether it is suitable for you!

WebSite: https://www.jbcollege.in/

Introduction to Lateral Entry Seats

Lateral entry is a scheme for admission of students with Diploma or B.Sc degree into the second year of undergraduate engineering programs in India. The scheme is implemented by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and various state governments. The main objective of this scheme is to provide an opportunity for those who have completed three years of diploma or four years of B.Sc degree to enter into the engineering degree course of their choice irrespective of their ranks in the entrance examination.

What is Lateral Entry?

In India, lateral entry is a process by which students can enter into the second year of a three-year degree program or the third year of a four-year degree program. This is usually done after completion of a diploma or an equivalent qualification from another institute.

Lateral entry provides an opportunity for those who have not been able to secure admission into their desired courses through the regular process. It also allows students to complete their degree programs in a shorter time frame.

How Does the Selection Process Work?

Lateral entry seats in India are seats that become available after the first round of admissions has been completed. Students who are not selected for their first-choice school may be eligible to apply for a lateral entry seat. The selection process for lateral entry seats is different from the regular admission process, and students must meet specific criteria to be considered.

Students who meet these criteria will be placed on a waitlist for lateral entry seats. When a seat becomes available, the student with the highest GPA will be offered the seat. If more than one student has the same GPA, the student with the highest test score will be offered the seat.

Benefits of a Lateral Entry Seat

A lateral entry seat in India allows a student to enter into the second year of a three-year engineering program or the third year of a four-year engineering program.

The Reservation System for Lateral Entry Seats

The Reservation System for Lateral Entry Seats is designed to provide an opportunity for students who have completed 12th std in India to apply for engineering and other degree programmes through the lateral entry route. The scheme is implemented by Anna University, Chennai on behalf of the Government of India.

Conclusion

Lateral entry is a great option for those who want to enter a field of study or profession without having to begin from the very beginning. It can help you save time and accelerate your academic journey while still allowing you to gain the necessary qualifications and skills. We hope that this article has been able to provide all the information you need about lateral entry seats in India, and we wish you luck on finding your ideal course!

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B-Tech_Lateral-https://www.jbcollege.in/b-tech-latereal-entry-leet.html                                                                                                                      

Campus:

JB Knowledge Park, Manjhawali,

Faridabad NCR -121 102 Nearest Metro Station: Sector 28 Faridabad

 Office Faridabad: Plot No.44 45 Sector 27A, Faridabad -121003

[starmedichealthcareplateform]

Your Passport to Healthcare: Pros and Cons of Medical Tourism

The rise of Medical Tourism and its History 

In the past decades, the popularity of medical tourism has seen a boost, thanks to globalization, with individuals traveling to foreign countries for medical treatment often at a lower cost than in their home countries. However, the concept of medical tourism goes back to thousands of years, as previous generations travelled in the quest to try out healing medicinal substances and pilgrimage sites renowned for their therapeutic properties. 

Accessing medical care overseas has recently been easier. Medical tourism has become popular particularly in the eastern countries such as Thailand, India and Japan due to their compelling combination of unprecedented advancements in healthcare, reasonable treatment prices, and alluring recreational opportunities. 

While there are many benefits to medical tourism, like shorter waiting times and potential cost savings, it is important to take into account few of the drawbacks as well. There may be difficulties in arranging follow-up care or overcoming language obstacles, and there may be differences in the quality of care among healthcare providers and nations may lead to out of pockets costs. 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Medical Tourism 

Traveling abroad for medical care, or medical tourism, offers both advantages and disadvantages. Here, we shall go over a few benefits and drawbacks of adopting medical tourism for your healthcare need. 

Benefits: 

1. Cost-effective: The huge cost savings is one of the primary factors that influence people to choose medical tourism. Many nations, including Thailand, offer medical operations at a fraction of the price of what they would’ve cost in the West for the same treatments. For people without appropriate health insurance, this may be very alluring. 

2. Access to effective treatments: People can get medical treatments through medical tourism that might not be accessible or cheap in their own country. This covers specialized techniques, cutting-edge equipment, and novel therapies.  

3. Shorter queue times: In some nations, lengthy waitlists for medical treatments might cause treatment to be postponed. It is possible to avoid these wait times and get quick medical care via medical tourism.  

At Starmedic, our industry-leading healthcare discovery platform acts as a seamless conduit between people and Thailand’s finest doctors, hospitals, wellness centers, and trustworthy travel partners. Our ultimate goal is to direct patients towards the best, most individualized healthcare options that meet their unique requirements.  

Our team of highly skilled medical professionals includes specialists in oncology, cardiology, urology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, gastroenterology, dermatology, plastic surgery, and many more medical specialties. We endeavor to provide patients with access to the most advanced medical procedures while curtailing the heavy expenditures typically associated with Western countries. Through our extensive knowledge and network, we connect you to renowned foreign hospitals in Thailand. 

Drawbacks: 

1. Treatment quality: Although many medical tourism locations offer high-quality treatment, there may be differences in the standard of care between various healthcare organizations and nations. To make sure you are getting the best care possible, it is essential to conduct extensive research and pick a renowned hospital or clinic.  

2. Language obstacles and coordination: When receiving treatment overseas, follow-up care coordination might be difficult. Language problems may make it challenging to interact with healthcare professionals; therefore, it is essential to have a translation available or seek the help of medical tourism facilitators.  

3. Insurance coverage: Some insurance companies may not pay for medical care received abroad, which could result in out-of-pocket costs. Before choosing medical tourism, it is crucial to inquire with your insurance company about coverage possibilities. 

Should YOU travel for Medical Care? 

Medical tourism, the act of traveling to another country for medical treatment, attracts a diverse range of individuals seeking various healthcare procedures. Here, we explore the different groups of people who opt for medical tourism: 

1. Uninsured or Underinsured Patients: Many people who don’t have enough health insurance opt for medical travel as a more affordable option. They can get the required care without paying high costs by travelling to nations like Thailand, where medical procedures are less expensive.  

2. People in Need of Specialized Procedures: Medical tourism offers people the chance to get unique procedures that might not be accessible or available in their native country. This covers leading-edge remedies for diseases like cancer, heart surgery, fertility remedies, and stem cell therapy. 

3. Long Appointment Waits: In nations where there are large waitlists for medical procedures, medical tourism provides an opportunity to escape protracted delays and receive fast care. People with urgent medical needs or those who don’t like to wait a long time will find this very appealing.  

4. Expatriates or International Patients: International patients or expatriates seeking medical care choose medical tourism to receive treatment in a familiar setting or to benefit from the high-quality and reasonably priced healthcare offered in the destination country. 

5. People Seeking Dental or aesthetic Procedures: Many people come for medical tourism to receive dental or aesthetic procedures. For instance, Thailand is well known for its cosmetic surgery and dental care, drawing patients looking for reasonably priced and excellent care in these sectors. 

Popular Destinations for Medical Tourism:  

Among the most well-liked locations for medical tourism are Thailand, India, and Japan. Every nation has different benefits that make it attractive to patients for various reasons.  

Particularly in the areas of cosmetic surgery and dental care, Thailand is recognized for its inexpensive and high-quality medical treatments. The nation has cutting-edge facilities and highly skilled medical personnel, making it a desirable option for people seeking these operations. In addition, Thailand is a well-liked location for medical tourists because to its nice people and welcoming atmosphere.  

India is renowned for offering a wide variety of medical operations and treatments, such as fertility treatments, organ transplants, and cardiac surgeries. The nation’s healthcare system is well-respected and has built a reputation for offering efficient and reasonably priced services. 

Japan is renowned for its technologies and therapies that are ahead of this world. The nation places a high priority on research and development, which results in state-of-the-art medical techniques and therapies. Japan’s expertise in fields like robotic surgery, cancer therapies, and regenerative medicine is particularly sought after. Medical tourists find the nation to be a desirable destination due to its excellent reputation and high grade of care.  

Overall, Thailand, India, and Japan stand out as popular destinations for medical tourism due to their quality healthcare services along with the western countries like Canada, UK, Spain, Sweden, Finland etc. They are worth for their affordable treatment costs, and specialized expertise in various medical fields. 

Accessibility of Medical Facilities Abroad 

One huge benefit of clinical tourism is the accessibility of medical facilities abroad. Many nations that are popular tourist destinations for scientists have well-developed healthcare systems with cutting-edge amenities. Patients will be able to access exceptional quality medical treatments and procedures in modern, well-equipped hospitals and clinics in this way. 

Access to potent medicines that may not be available or affordable in the patient’s native country is one of the key advantages of seeking medical care abroad. Medical tourism-friendly nations usually provide advanced healthcare facilities and innovative treatments that can significantly enhance patient’s health outcomes. 

These countries also have surprisingly competent medical professionals who are adept at providing scientific treatments to patients from other countries. These professionals regularly complete rigorous training and adhere to international standards of care, ensuring that patients receive the best possible medical care. 

The availability of scientific facilities abroad enables patients to choose from a wide range of clinical options. Medical tourists have the option to access a variety of healthcare services in other nations, including cosmetic procedures, dental treatments, and major surgery. 

Staffing and Training in Overseas Clinics/Hospitals 

The staffing and training offered in foreign clinics and hospitals play a key role when thinking about receiving medical treatments abroad. While many countries that draw medical tourism boast highly skilled medical staff, inconsistencies in staff quality and credentials may nevertheless exist. 

Another potential challenge is the lack of oversight and regulation in some countries. The standards of healthcare facilities and the qualifications of healthcare providers may not be as thorough as those in developed nations. This can pose a risk to patients, as there may be a higher likelihood of medical errors or substandard care. 

It’s likely that in certain instances, medical facilities abroad don’t adhere to the same stringent accreditation and training standards as those in the patient’s own country. As a result, concerns may arise regarding the expertise and understanding of healthcare providers. Communication between patients and medical staff may be hampered by language barriers, thereby decreasing the quality of care. 

Additionally, there may be noticeable differences in the follow-up treatment and post-operative support offered by international clinics and hospitals. Finding appropriate care after a patient returns home can be difficult, especially when there are discrepancies in procedures and medical practices. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, medical tourism appeals to a wide range of individuals, including those without insurance, those in need of specialized procedures, those facing lengthy waiting times, expatriates, and individuals seeking cosmetic or dental treatments. By understanding the different motivations behind medical tourism, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. 

That is why for medical travelers, thorough study and the selection of reliable healthcare professionals and facilities abroad acquire essential importance. The dangers related to personnel and training variances in international clinics and hospitals are reduced thanks to this thorough approach. The quality of healthcare services provided in various nations can also be learned by consulting with international organizations and paying attention to advice from prior medical tourists. 

With Starmedic, we empower patients by offering them comprehensive access to cutting-edge medical treatments at distinguished international hospitals in Thailand. Our dedicated team of medical and technical professionals takes careful consideration of each patient’s unique circumstances, including their financial capabilities and the urgency of their condition. Rest assured; we are committed to matching patients with the best doctors who possess the precise expertise needed to address their healthcare needs effectively. 

[starknightgirl]

MCC24 Pink Parrots Skins!

These skins were an adventure. I’m so excited that AntVenom is finally in MCC. I knew he was on the waitlist but it feels like it took forever. I’ve really been waiting because I knew it was pretty likely he’d team with CaptainSparklez. And what do you know, I was right.

If this is the first post you’re seeing of mine, hi! I have made a lot of CaptainSparklez’ team’s skins, ever since MCC14 (links: MCC15, MCC16, MCC17, MCC18, MCC19, MCC21, MCC22, MCC23). On occasion I’ve also made skins for other teams, such as the Red Rabbits of MCC Rising. Feel free to share this, just tag this post so that it links back to me. Thank you! Ok, more below the cut.

I’m using my reddit username as the signature, don’t worry I’m not stealing from anyone.

I tried to do sci-fi for this team, just like I did for MCC23 but. Maybe I’m just bad at sci-fi? It would track because I’ve had difficulties with it in the past. I was tempted to use the same parrot as I did from MCC22 but I ended up going with a slightly different design because there’s always room for improvement right?

There are a few tiny Technoblade references on these skins. Again, I wasn’t trying to make obvious references, but I did make some. Just like last time I used the Sarcoma ribbon from Reddit (with a slight edit to make them shorter). Again, I didn’t use the general lavender cancer ribbon because two ribbons seems like a bit much. In addition I put the pattern from Technoblade’s pants onto the pants (it’s really subtle).

I forwent shading this time. Honestly there’s already so much detail on these skins that I thought it would just muddle the skins more. Also I’m lazy. Really it’s just I’m lazy.

Anyways, time for the individual breakdowns.

Starting with AntVenom! His normal skin is pretty two dimensional actually. It’s probably a holdover from early Minecraft when they didn’t have the second layer. But since everyone else was going to have coats, he needed one as well. I gave him those weird points around his arms as well, though I had to cut the ones around his feet. Also, he is the reason the skins have gloves. Originally I was only going to give him gloves, but well. All the skins looked good with them.

Next up, InTheLittleWood. Just like AntVenom he didn’t originally have a coat so I made one for him. I also figured he’d want the symbol thing carried over from his usual skin. I did make it slightly smaller to fit better. Originally I was going to give him his little backpack as well (it’s very cute). But it was just a bit too noisy. It also would’ve covered up some details so. Hazard of always putting the mascot on the back I guess.

Philza on the other hand, does have a coat on his regular skin. However, I did have to make the details shorter. I also gave him his little hardcore heart as a necklace. I also wanted to keep all the details Philza recently added for Technoblade. So yes, he still has the band of purple and the little emerald earring (though both are a bit hard to see from this view). I did have to move the Sarcoma ribbon though. Also, what on earth is up with the top of the bucket hat? I did leave it the same but well. It’s so weird!

And finally, CaptianSparklez! He actually has the longest coat (though it’s actually still pretty short). Just like Philza I did have to shorten his coat. Not much to say about his skin this time really though, it’s pretty similar to everyone else’s. He does have a nice belt buckle though.

Here’s all the skins in case you want them yourself.

[ftm-radio]

Do you have any suggestions for good binder brands? I tried gc2b and their binders didn't really work for me, mainly because my chest tissue moved around a lot and after the first 5 minutes I had to readjust a lot, but I don't know if that's a common issue with all binders or specifically the one I tried. If it's an all-binders issue, do you have any other recommendations for alternative methods?

fam, i know EXACTLY what you mean regarding everything moving around too much in gc2b binders. 😫 I'm not sure if that issue is caused by the binder not quite being the right size, or if it's just how gc2b binders are shaped/constructed. Like maybe you and me are in the same boat and we just don't have the right shape for gc2b to work well with us.

I have not had personal experience with these brands, but I think some folks have had better experiences with binders from Spectrum Outfitters and Shapeshifters. Another brand I know of is Underworks, but I don't think they're recommended for anyone who isn't thin and/or small-chested bc they are tighter and more uncomfortable. (I haven't looked into them much myself, so I could be wrong but that was the general vibe I got.)

However, there is one other binder brand i DO have personal experience with—ForThem. I got one of their binders recently, and like.... I love it so very much???? They are only in the US, though. (for now?? maybe they'll be more widely available in the future? i couldnt tell ya)

hang on I'm about to ramble so let me put a cut in here before the post gets too long lmao.

ForThem binder review and discussion of TransTape under the cut! 😘

okay SO. I just went up to get mine so I can be accurate with my gushing.

here's the info printed on the inside of the binder:

The Binder; Size: Illusion

65% Polyamide, 35% Elastane, 100% recycled from waste.

Wash cold. Dry flat. Love forever.

Made just for you with love in New York City.

First, lemme tell you about the sizing—they only need one measurement. Just one. Glory hallelujah for that bc getting the measurements for my gc2b binders was a pain in the ass and confusing and I hated it. When you go to their site they have a questionnaire for you to go through to find your size and it's pretty simple. They even have a video showing you how to measure your chest. Easy peasy. And you can have them save your binder size for you to come get it again later when you're able to order.

Regarding colors—because of the way these are made, you don't really get to choose what color binder you get (mine is Forest, it's this pretty nice desaturated dark green) but you can go on a waitlist for specific colors if you want.

Oh, and their binders are reversible. One side has a scoop neck and the other has a vee neck. I tried the vee neck and personally didn't like it, the scoop neck feels more secure & it covers my chest better, but it's nice to have the option.

Additionally, these binders are only available as half tanks. I think I saw one person say they are shorter than the gc2b half tanks but I just compared it to one of my old gc2b half tanks and it's basically the same. The biggest differences between the two are the necklines and the thinner straps on the ForThem binder.

okay with all that out of the way I have to tell you about the fit & how it feels to actually wear it.

.....it's so good, y'all.

Being a half tank I was worried it would have the same issue I had with my gc2b half tanks where I could not raise my arms without my tiddies literally falling out of the binder (although to be fair my first two binders from gc2b were also too big). But I mean even with my more-correctly sized full tanks from gc2b, if I did anything or lifted my arms my chest would fall out of place and be weird and uncomfortable.

well when I got my FT binder and tried it on, that was the first thing I checked. and I could lift my arms and move all around and my tiddies stayed inside the binder where they belonged. it was honestly a miracle. I mean, it's not completely perfect—over time they do kinda get pushed to the middle of my chest kinda like a monoboob situation, but it's not nearly as bad as walking five steps in a gc2b binder and having to adjust everything.

it's also just so comfortable?? the material is very soft and nice. like on the site they went on about how lovely the material is and i was like yeah sure but then i got mine and THEY WERENT KIDDING. it is so fricking soft i cant get over it. also, I don't notice the seams at all when I wear it, and the armholes don't really annoy me either. I honestly forgot to take it off a few times bc it was so nice to wear. (don't do that, tho! 8 hours or less, depending on what your body can handle!)

as far as compression goes, I think it does a fairly good job. if I'm wearing it and I put my hands on my chest and try to smush it all even more flat, I can't get much flatter than the binder gets me. does that make sense?? idk, it does a pretty good job and when I have a shirt on it looks great! I look like just another tubby guy with an appropriate amount of man boob.

I think literally my only thing with this binder that could be a little better is that the bottom edge has a tendency roll up sometimes. but I think that's because of my bigger stomach tbh, and if I fold over the material between my chest & belly it's not noticeable but keeps it from rolling. 🤷🏻‍♂️

as a fat guy with C(?) cup tiddies, this binder works better for me than gc2b did, for sure.

aaaaaaaaand now that the impromptu FT binder review is over, you also asked about alternative methods!

so yes, I highly recommend checking out ForThem binders if you're in the US!

another method I've tried is using TransTape, and I also recommend that if you're interested!!! It's definitely not suited to everyone, though.

If you haven't heard of TransTape before, the gist of it is that instead of wearing a binder for part of the day, you apply tape to your chest to manipulate the tissue into a more masculine shape. You can wear it for multiple days, sleep in it, shower/bathe/swim in it, exercise in it, etc. It's honestly amazing.

But there is a pretty tough learning curve when it comes to application (and removal.) It takes time to learn how to get the look/shape you want, but if you keep at it it's definitely worth it.

on the other hand, removing the tape is a whole other thing, and is my least favorite part. 😩

Basically, to remove the tape safely, you have to use oil to break down the adhesive, which is messy and annoying and requires a lot of time and patience. if you do not remove the tape properly, you will have a lot of ouch in your future, specifically in the form of abrasions and torn skin and sores/blisters (although the former is also dependent on application). and the worst part is, if you have any wounds from removal you can't use tape again until it's healed because that would be begging for trouble. (and infection.)

I personally had just.. the most awful trouble with removal. at first I was too impatient and pulled on the tape too much and didn't really give the oil time to do its job, but then even with my very last attempt when I tried SO HARD to be patient and waited for much longer than the recommended time, I was left with really sore and irritated skin despite feeling like it was the best i'd done at removing it. 😔

it was just really upsetting after a while, and it's part of the reason why I have taken a break from trans tape. the other reason is financial—i'd used up all the tape i had, and i couldnt really afford to keep buying more. depending on what size tape you get it can be almost 20 bucks a roll, and since I use two different sizes my next order would have been a little over $40. the ForThem binder I was eyeing was only a little more than that, and I figured spending the money on something I only had to buy once that would last for ages if it worked for me would be better than spending 40 dollars every month or so on tape that didn't seem to agree with me. 🥲

now, I've kind of done trans tape dirty by talking about the negatives first (sorry trans tape) but it is genuinely my favorite binding method.

when I got a little better at applying it, it was amazing and I had just the best euphoria. I didn't have to think about my chest, I didn't have to wear anything under my shirt, I didn't have to feel my chest move and bounce around because it was good and secure under the tape. I even got to enjoy being shirtless in my room for a bit one night, and it felt so comfortable and natural and wonderful that I'm.... not gonna think about it too much more or I'll get sad lmao

I'm not sure exactly what my problem with the tape was. I don't know if I had some very slight allergy to the adhesive that got worse the more I used it, or if it had something to do with using too much tape on my chest than my skin could handle, or if maybe bc I have eczema in a few places the skin on my chest is also too sensitive?? I don't know. maybe someday I can give it another go and try to figure it out.

but my point is, the issues I had with the tape that are preventing me from using it might not necessarily be problems for you, so if you are interested and are able to, I recommend looking into this particular method of tiddy-taming!!

it doesn't work for everyone, but goddamn, when it does work it is so flipping good. 😫💔

[eyebrowluv]

Tall Blonde with One Sugar 2/?

“No, no, it’s okay,” Erwin sighed. “He has Alzheimer’s. I took a couple years after undergrad to take care of him. I wanted to be there for him. He made me promise I would go back to school for my Master’s while he still had his facilities. I took care of him as long as I could, but his condition deteriorated to the point that only medical professionals could care for him. I stayed around and visited him in the nursing home for awhile, but he doesn’t remember me, and it just upsets him every time I go. The last time I saw him, he got so upset that they had to strap him to a bed and sedate him. So, I just call the nurse for updates. I haven’t talked to him since I came back to school. He’s happier that way.”

“Erwin…”

“So,” Erwin sniffles and swallowed heavily. “As you can imagine, my father is not in the mental or financial state to assist me. It’s fine. I’m an adult, and things won’t always be so hard.” He turned to Levi with that same smile, the one that shone so bright that you could almost ignore the way it never quite made it his eyes.

“If you need help-“

“Nope, I’m good. I’ve already imposed on you more than I should. Have a good night, Levi. Thank you again for the ride.” The blond didn’t hesitate in opening the door this time, and rushed into the building.

“Fuck, he’s going to be the death of me.”

——

“Where is it?” Levi blew a strand of hair from his eyes as he sat back on his heels. “It’s got to be here somewhere.” He looked around his bedroom in defeat before standing.

“The office,” he announced to the empty room before rushing out. He flung open the closet in the guest room turned office and saw the plain white box sitting in the corner.

“There you are, you fucker.” Levi lifted the box and shook it just make sure. Yes, this was it. He hurriedly opened the box and pulled out the GR1 backpack inside. He had gotten it for an ex as a birthday present, but they broke up before Levi could gift it to him. He was too lazy to return it, and was glad he was. Not even Erwin could destroy this thing. His search of the office continued. Until he found the bag containing his old laptop. The battery was likely dead, but it was only a couple of years old, and definitely in better shape than that brick Erwin was toting about.

Levi gathered his bounty and made his way out of his apartment and across the hall. He knocked on Erwin’s apartment door, and was surprised to find neither Erwin or his roommate.

“Hi, you must be Levi.” The person that stood in front of Levi looked almost maniacal with glee.

“Hange, I don’t think it’s going to come on. It’s broken beyond repair.” Erwin’s voice sounded from deeper in the apartment.

“Come in. I’m trying to save his laptop.” Hange motioned for Levi to follow, and led him into the apartment.

“Who was at the door?” Erwin was seated on the floor in front of the coffee table, pieces of his broken laptop spread on its surface. He looked up. “Levi? Is there something wrong?”

“Yes. It disturbs me that you think you can actually salvage that thing. Here.” Levi held out the backpack.

“What’s this?” Erwin took the proffered bag.

“What does it look like? It’s a backpack, you idiot.”

“I know that, but why?” The blond studied the dark gray nylon in his hands, noting the weight.

“You need one, don’t you? I don’t use it, so there you go...a new backpack.”

“Levi, really, I couldn’t,” Erwin protested, unzipping the bag to look inside. “You forgot that your laptop was in here.”

“No, I didn’t. I got a new laptop this year, so this one is just taking up space and collecting dust.”

“Levi, this is too much. I really can’t-“

“Nonsense. You can and you will. I don’t use them or need them, you do. It’s really quite simple. You don’t have a say because I don’t trust your judgment.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“You say thank you, Levi.” Levi crossed his arms, and Erwin looked at him with shining blue eyes.

“Thank you, Levi.”

“Good boy. Now I’ll leave you two to it.” Levi turned to leave before noticing something was...off. “Where’s Nigel and Mary?”

“Nile and Marie are spending the weekend at Marie’s. Her roommate went away for the weekend.”

“Good news for you. Have fun, kids.” With that, Levi let himself out.

——

“Are you freaking kidding me right now?” Hange squealed.

“I’m not sure what just happened.”

“You never told me your neighbor looked like that.”

“Like what?”

“Erwin, come on now. He may not have much in the way of personality, but the man is hot.”

“I’ve not noticed.” Erwin blushed.

“Liar,” Hange accused. “I suppose you didn’t notice how he just gave you a $300 backpack? Or how about the state-of-the-art, top of the line laptop?”

“I’m sure that he just expects me to borrow them. I’ll give them back when I have enough money to replace them.”Erwin’s protests sounded weak even to his own ears. “Besides, it’s not like he went out and bought them just for me.”

“Yeah, you’re in denial.”

“About what, exactly?”

“Nothing. I think it will be more fun to sit back and watch you try to figure it out yourself.”

——

“Erwin, you made it back,” Nile said suspiciously just a mere two weeks later. “I feel like I never see you anymore, buddy.”

“Yeah, you’re creeping me out,” Erwin said as he tied off his shoes.

“Nice backpack. You steal it or something? I know you can’t afford that brand.” Nile chuckled, letting Erwin know he was only joking.

“No, you dick, Levi’s letting me borrow it.” Erwin eyed his roommate suspiciously. Nile was going out of his way to be more friendly than usual and Marie was unusually absent in the apartment. “What are you up to?”

“Erwin, you wound me. Maybe I just wanted to hang out with my roommate on his one evening off from work.”

“We both know that’s a lie. Did you and Marie break up?”

“No, we’re doing better than ever, thank you. She’ll be over a little later. But I did need to talk to you about something.”

“You know, you could have just texted me while I was still on campus. I would have either stayed there or went home with Hange. Or you could just stay in your bedroom for once and I’ll put my headphones in and act like you two aren’t here.” Erwin was clearly exasperated.

“No, it’s not that. Though it would be nice if you can find somewhere else to hang out when Marie gets here. I hope you understood, a girl likes a little privacy.”

“Nile...the point. Get to the point of this conversation,” Erwin grit out between clenched teeth.

“I’m moving out. Marie and I have decided to get an apartment together. We were going to wait until next semester, but the apartment we want opened up and we will have to move in by next week or be put on a waitlist. You understand don’t you?”

“You’re unbelievable. I can’t afford this apartment alone. I can’t afford the penalty for breaking the lease. When we decided to become roommates, that was the deal. We wouldn’t break the lease.”

“I’m sorry Erwin, but your financial problems aren’t my responsibility. I’m sure you’ll find another roommate in no time.”

“I begged you to find something cheaper with a shorter lease, but you just had to have this place. Now I’m just going to be stuck paying your half or a penalty because the only brain you have is in your dick!” Erwin took a calming breath. “There’s no way I’ll be able to find a roommate in the middle of the semester.”

“It will be fine. You always worry too much.” Nile shrugged. “Now I have to get ready. Marie will be here any second.”

“You know what, Nile? Fuck you.” Erwin grabbed his shoes and keys and slammed the door on the way out. He pulled his phone out of his pocket, dialing Hange.

“What did he do this time?” Hange asked in way of greeting.

“I’ve been sexiled again.” Erwin answered tersely.

“I can come get you in a couple of hours. I’m going in for my lab midterm right now.”

“No, that’s okay. I completely forgot. I’ll just go for a walk or something. Thanks though, Hange.”

“Hey, whatever it is, I’ll help you all I can.”

“I know. Thanks.” Erwin disconnected the call and sat down on the steps to put on his shoes.

“And wouldn’t you know, the apartment just opened up and we’re moving in next week!” Erwin heard Marie’s excited chatter as she climbed the stairs. “I can’t wait, Mom.”

She walked past Erwin, her only acknowledgment being her annoyed sigh as she walked around him.

“Yeah, I can see why you were heartbroken over that one,” Levi deadpanned. Erwin grinned despite himself.

“Yeah, she’s...something,” was all Erwin was able to say. Politely.

“So, I take it that she’s not moving in with a different boy toy, but that pube-faced idiot you live with.”

“You would be correct.” Erwin stood time to make way for Levi, who had his arms full of groceries. “Here, let me help you with that,” he offered, taking several bags from the older man.

“Has your financial situation changed?”

“Nope, but I’m not his responsibility. I have some money in savings that I can live off of for a couple of months until I can find another roommate.”

“It’s in the middle of the semester,” Levi reminded him.

“I’m trying to be positive, Levi.”

“Well, I’m positive that Nigel is a dick. Come on, help me put the groceries away and I’ll make you dinner.”

“I couldn’t.”

“Erwin, I’m not asking. You will sit down and eat a descent meal. Don’t think I don’t know that you live off store brand canned soup and ramen. Now haul your ass.”

“Yes, sir.” Erwin followed Levi into his apartment. “Thank you, Levi. I promise I’ll start doing better. I mean, it really can’t get much worse.”

“You can’t be serious,” Erwin’s co-worker, Moses, groaned as they watched Keith Shadis have a complete meltdown during his press conference.

“Did he just say he is pulling his campaign?” Erwin was hoping he heard wrong.

“Yup. The asshole has no consideration for all the people he just unemployed.” Moses just shook his head and walked away. Erwin started making mental calculations in his head. He felt sick to his stomach. He fought back tears as he numbly swiped through help wanted ads on his phone during his bus ride home.

Not that home was much better. He tiredly drug himself through the door to the empty apartment. Most of the furniture was Nile’s. The only furniture left in the living room was the worn out coffee table and a cheap table lamp. Hange’s partner, Moblit, gave him a couple of cushions to sit on, for which he was grateful.

His bedroom was equally as spartan, with just a small card table serving as a desk and a futon pad on the floor. He didn’t bother to turn on the light as he laid his backpack on the floor. He stripped out his suit, not bothering to hang it up as was his usual habit. He laid down and curled into a small ball and told himself that everything would be better in the morning.

Even if he didn’t believe it.

——

“You could always try camming,” Hange suggested around a mouthful of pizza.

“Excuse me, what?” Erwin choked.

“You know, be an online camboy. Get paid to get off. You get enough money to pay your bills and you get the side benefit of stress relief.”

“Um, no, just no. I’m big and awkward. I feel too self conscious just having sex when the only one watching is my partner. I can’t imagine that anyone would want to pay to watch as I try to figure out the best angle to keep my hands or feet from looking too big. Besides, I don’t have much of a voyeurism kink.”

“Erwin, seriously. You spend a lot of time at the gym and you’re practically a god among men. I think plenty of people would pay to watch, right Moblit?”

“Leave me out of this,” Moblit squeaked with a blush. “If he’s not comfortable, there’s no point of pressing the issue.”

“Thank you, Moblit. I’m glad there is someone willing to defend my virtue.”

“Please, like you don’t go full-on slut for that hot doctor neighbor of yours. I’d bet he would watch your cam show.” Hange wiggles their brows.

“I’m not a full-on slut for anything. I’ll leave that role to Marie. And I told you, Levi has no interest in me, we’re just neighbors. We barely speak. Furthermore, I maintain that I’m awkward as hell at sex, and nobody wants to see that. It’s not sexy, I’m not sexy, and I have no desire to be a camboy.”

“I could point out all the flaws in your argument, but I chose to focus on the fact that you just roasted Marie like a pro, so I’ll let it slide.” Hange scooted a plate of pizza toward Erwin.

“No, thank you,” he said as he scooted it back.

“You can’t tell me you’re not hungry. I’ve seen you skipping meals,” Hange scolded.

“I can’t afford to contribute. I’ll eat some soup when I get home.” Erwin looked back down at his textbook, ignoring the glare from his best friend.

“I wasn’t asking you to contribute, I was asking you to eat. I don’t care about the 2 bucks for your portion of the pizza, Erwin. I care that you have budgeted yourself into a hunger strike. Eat the damn pizza.”

“Hange-“

“Eat the pizza, Erwin. I will not take no for an answer.” This time it was Moblit who was doing the scolding.

“Okay, but I’m keeping track. As soon as I can, I’m paying you back. I have an interview tomorrow at the fish market. They need help unloading the fish. It’s early morning before class starts so I can probably make it work.”

“Early morning? You have classes starting at 8 am. It would have to be pretty damn early,” Hange said with a frown.

“I would have to be there by 3:30. I would get off at 7, which gives me just enough time to get to campus.”

“But buses don’t run that early, Erwin. How are you going to get to work?” Moblit asked, concerned.

“I’ll have to walk. It’s only about a 45 minute walk. I’ll be able to catch the bus back to campus. I’ll shower at the gym before my first class. No big deal. But, I’ll have to get the job first.”

“Erwin, come on, there’s bound to be something better than flinging fish in the middle of the night.”

“Hange-“ Erwin was interrupted by the ringing of his phone. He excused himself and went to the kitchen to take the call. When he returned, his face was pale and ashen.

“Erwin?”

“Hange, can you take me home? I need to pack a bag and look up some flights.”

“Of course. What’s wrong?”

“That was the nursing home. My dad...he’s gone.”

——

“Levi, you cannot skip out on these fundraisers. They are for the remodel and equipment for the Trauma Division. You know, your division,” Petra scolded into his ear. Levi sighed into the phone.

“As I am aware. Why can’t it be something simple? Fill out a form or some shit? What you have concocted is a series of highly social events. I loathe being social. In fact, I’m so incredibly terrible at being social that I would probably scare away more sponsors rather than winning them over.”

“If you would bring a date, you would have a social buffer. Just make sure you pick someone pretty, good with people and can carry a conversation. You will barely have to open your mouth. Your date would do all the hard work. You know…the dreaded small talk.”

“I would rather take a beating than engage in small talk,” Levi growled through clenched teeth.

“As I am aware,” Petra sighed. “However, you are still required to attend. So, get some suits dry cleaned, find a person who can actually tolerate your grumpy ass, and suck it up buttercup. The first event is in two weeks. Surely even you can find a date by then.”

“But Petra-“

“No arguing your way out of this, Levi. See you soon.” With that, the line disconnected, leaving Levi a little agitated. He always hated it when Petra got the last word, but he did have to admit that she was right. He needed to be at these fundraisers to represent the hospital, and they so desperately needed the money.

He was contemplating who he could tolerate enough to accompany him to these events when he heard a pounding on his neighbor’s door. He hadn’t seen the tall blonde since the roommate moved out about a month prior. He had assumed everything was okay, but now…

“Erwin! I know you’re home. Open the damn door.”

Levi left the relative quiet of his apartment to see Erwin’s friend, Hange trying to beat down the door. He opened his mouth to admonish them for the noise, but Hange turned to him with a desperate look.

“Please tell me you have a spare key. He won’t open the door. I’m worried about him.”

“I don’t.” Levi walked over. “Erwin? Open the door, please. Your friend is annoying me.” When he received no answer, he tried the doorknob, which turned with ease.

“Oh, I guess I couldn’t see the forest for the trees,” Hange murmured.

[blackcoffeeandblankpagess]

Things

Was scrolling through my blog yesterday (because who doesn’t scroll through their own blog?) and realized that I haven’t done a life update/list of random thoughts in awhile and I honestly like to look back at them and be reminded of where I was in life at different times + it’s a good way to flesh out my thoughts

So! I guess we can start with law school-I have heard back from 8 out of 9 schools and I have incredibly mixed feelings, I have only been accepted to two schools, and they were two safeties, I have been waitlisted at FOUR and straight rejected from 2 (will go into more details once I have finalized my decisions). Honestly I feel like the two schools that appear to be my options right now in a weird backwards way really are the best choices (at least for my mental health and happiness) because they are in the locations I prefer by far BUT I have also felt a LOT of stress because the legal field is one that places a LOT of emphasis on where you went to school and it seems like if you aren’t at a T-14 you might as well get out now...it’s ironic because when I was applying to undergrad I was so crazy about wanting to go to the school with the best name and seem impressive and when I first started the law school process I just wanted to go where I would be happy and then I found out how much the name matters and I was like wait what no go back. BUT, the schools I have gotten into have AMAZING programs for my specific field soooo Idk, it’s all a give and a take, yeah they aren’t the most prestigious school in the world but they have incredible opportunities for what I want to do and I think that matters too. I’m going to go visit both of them in the next month or two and I’m excited

^also, like I said, mixed emotions. even though I feel like the schools I got into truly are where I will be happiest, I have been feeling a LOT of disappointment in myself for essentially feeling like I ~failed~ in my quest to get into these other schools. I am a super type A high achiever and honestly the past year has been very out of character for me. Sure on paper I did a ton of cool shit and traveled a lot and now I’m working in an impressive position I suppose but I have just felt...off. Like giving 100% of my effort to something is pointless and I have no desire to, and I don’t like that! that’s not me! at the same time I know the admissions process is literally a game. Half the time schools don’t let you in because they think they are your safety and you’re too good and you won’t actually come so they don’t want to waste their space on you, the other half of the time they really aren’t your safety and they are an amazing school but they know that even if you are good enough to get into them, then you’re probably good enough to get into other amazing schools and again, you won’t actually come. IT IS REDICULOUS. and then of course sometimes you really just aren’t good enough but I am SURE that some of my schools are playing this game which on the one hand makes me feel better about myself because wtf is there for me to do in that situation but on the other hand....WTF.

^^also, also I listened to a podcast months ago that someone here actually recommended about the LSAT and they mentioned how big of a deal your score is in determining if you are admitted to a school or not and I 100% believe it. I think my score is a large part of why I’ve had the outcome I have. And that sucks. Because my score is good enough to get me really, really good scholarships to most schools, but not quite good enough to get me into the best schools. And I want to get into those schools. Also I lost my mind studying for that test and I literally just had a bad day on the test day. I never have test anxiety but at the end of the first section I got overwhelmed and just blew it. And that’s what really kills me. I spent months studying, preparing, devoting SO much time to get a score that was literally exactly the same as what I got on my first practice exam. And it was just because I had a bad day.

But it be like that sometimes I suppose!

Okay anyway....so yeah law school things are almost done and I’m honestly really just excited to know where I will end up...also where jared will end up. So far he has been accepted to 2 PhD programs which is really, really exciting because they are HARD to get into...and I think he will get into more because he is a great candidate. It’s crazy to think that we will be long distance for at least 3, maybe 6 years...it’s crazy to even think that it would be possible to be long distance for 6 years because like wtf. I feel like an idiot even thinking that. But in all honesty we have no idea what could happen and it could be much shorter than that or maybe we aren’t even The Ones for each other but...crossing all of these bridges when we get to them. 

Keeping on the subject, living together has been really, really hard if I’m being honest. Sharing a small space with another person...sharing a BEDROOM has been rough because so much of me managing my mental health comes from alone time and having a chance to process things and recharge (also I’m an only child so....alone time). Also, like I’ve said, working at the same place is nice in some ways but it means were are together sooooooooo much of the day (not actually when we are working but on the way to work, way home, never being home really when the other one is at work because we commute together, etc.). It’s been a tough adjustment. I feel like moving in with your partner can be hard and nobody talks about it so hello world here I am talking about it.

but at the same time it sucks because I keep feeling like I Need To Enjoy Every Second Of This Right Now because we are going to be apart for 34234112412424 years

But living together aside, jared is still just as incredible and wonderful and loving as ever and I appreciate him so much

It’s also kinda crazy that we only have like 2 months left here and they are SO busy. I think we only have 4 weekends that we are both here at the same time with no other plans. Because he has 2 grad school visits, I have 2 law school visits, he has to travel for a family event, his parent’s are visiting one week, my mom is visiting one week, etc. And we still have so much to cross off of our california bucket list 

That being said I think we might take a few weeks to road trip around the west coast in may because 1. I want to travel a lot this summer and 2. we are here 3. there is so much to see out here and a lot of stuff that I wouldn’t necessarily want to take an entire trip to see in the future but places I would want to spend a day or two visiting

Think: California national parks, OR, WA, vancouver, etc. Depending on where we both end up going to school aka where the car needs to get to we have talked about driving through canada a bit/the northern U.S. (I’m looking at you glacier national park)

But it’s all very up in the air (much like our lives) so we shall see!

Food stuff....idk, I’ve felt stressed just because my anxiety in general has been high and that applies to food because food is part of my life but overall I know I am in a good place, or at least I am continuing the general upward trajectory. I was looking through old food posts on here and realizing so many places where I have come so far even in just a year. A few examples- I honestly love beer and wine (and whiskey) and I enjoy going to breweries or opening a bottle of chilly white wine to have with dinner once in awhile or ordering a fancy cocktail, and I think enjoying alcohol is fun! and normal! and for so long I told myself I didn’t like to drink because I was so scared of the calories in alcohol and how it didn’t have any nutritional value and was a ~waste~ but it is fun and social and often delicious and I don’t stress about it and I enjoy it when I want it and I don’t have it when I don’t! I think college is also just weird because alcohol use is often just about Getting Drunk whereas as you age I feel like you are more often drinking because something sounds good or because it’s a holiday or w/e. Idk it just isn’t as drastic if that makes sense. Other food things that have changed- I used to be so scared of burritos specifically and now I literally eat them all of the time because they are delicious. There are others but this is already so long so I’ll leave ya with those. 

Another related food thing- I feel like I used to be so stressed about food because I was terrified of gaining weight (I guess? I don’t even think it was that I think it was just about being in control.. but anyway) but now I feel like most of my food stress just comes from the fear of feeling uncomfortable- i.e. it’s saturday and 3pm but I feel antsy about eating lunch so late because I don’t want to not feel hungry at dinner time. I have SO much more trust in my body and I literally never worry about it changing in a drastic way because....your body does not really want to change in a drastic way unless you are doing something drastic (or it needs to change to be healthy) in the first place

wow who knew I had so much to say I’ve been typing for like 20 mins and don’t feel like I’ve even gotten into the exciting little details but I should probably stop now because SOMEONE is gonna read this and I don’t want your eyes to fall out of your head (or my fingers to fall off)

[transfemininomenon]

Hey, i'm actually a "truscum" i found out recently, but im a little confused on the whole ordeal. Im not even sure if i actually am truscum or not- because some posts seem to tie up with me being one but others dont, but i saw you were really against them, so i wanted to ask if you're okay with a friendly calm conversation about it? I am very confused and i just want to learn a bit more or find out if i'm wrong about the whole ordeal. Are you open to it?

i'll be honest im not sure how friendly i can be with this kind of conversation because i really truly genuinely, and i don't use this word lightly, Hate truscum and its hard for me to really be civil about the discussion. but for the sake of this and me giving you a lot of benefit of the doubt that this ask is in good faith i'll explain why i do not like the entire truscum ideology

1. i guess i'll start off with the Big One - the claim that dysphoria is Required to be trans. i'll preface this by saying that i am someone who has experienced, and currently Experiences in wildly different degrees depending on what is happening in my life, dysphoria throughout my entire life. i had my entire teenage and young adult years stolen from me by it. i won't get into details about it because that is a Very Very Personal subject for me, but needless to say dysphoria is something that was a very prevalent part of my life.

anyway. the notion that dysphoria is a Trans Requirement™ is something that i hugely disagree with. i used to think that me figuring out i was a trans woman was because i experienced dysphoria, but frankly the opposite is true. dysphoria is what made me refuse to believe i was a woman or could ever be one. it made me believe i was a man and that was all i would ever be. it wasn't until i really started experimenting with my gender and unpacking a lot of stuff i felt about myself that i started to finally realize the woman i was. i first started trying our she/her pronouns nearing four years now, and started using the name Alice a few months after that. being referred to as a woman & experimenting with different feminine things gave me such incredible feelings of euphoria that i still experience to this day whenever i discover something new about my identity.

and that is something ive heard from SO many other trans people i know. or different things too - i know people who are completely fine with their bodies, just certain words and terms never felt Right to them. because the thing with dysphoria is that it, like all things gender related, is a product of society. dysphoria only exists because transphobia exists - people are told that there are these two rigid things that you are and HERE is what makes you one of those things, and those things are drilled into you literally since birth. everything from colors to jobs to hobbies to cars to entertainment to clothing to Literally Everything is gendered, and when that happens then of fucking course there are gonna be people who don't fall in line with that, and when it's so instilled into people and seen as such societal norms of COURSE people are going to have trouble with that.

and that's not even getting into the subject of gender on a biological level. the fact of the matter is that the two sex system Isn't True and that biological sex is very complicated. intersex people exist, people with all kinds of different chromosomes exist, people of certain body types that have higher levels of different hormones exist, SO much goes into that subject that frankly narrowing it down to two things just doesn't Work

and that's the real problem at the end of the day. dysphoria only exists because of a fucked up gender binary that clashes with both biology and sociology. people are complicated on both a biological and personal level and having set binaries for things is bound to cause confusion & doubt.

like, people's identities are SUCH personal things in so many different ways. there isn't any Right Way™ to be trans. i know trans women with beards, trans women who have no interest in starting hrt, trans men who wear dresses and makeup, non-binary people who make no effort to be androgynous, i know SO many different identities and different people. because the fact is that there's no right way to be trans because nothing is inherently gendered including people's very bodies. people are themselves and there is no Right way to be themselves.

that's on top of the lack of education when it comes to the subject of gender. such a huge part too of me figuring out i was trans was literally learning that it was even a fucking option. i genuinely didn't know just Being A Girl was an option. reading up on gender stuff and researching the different idea of transitioning was intrinsic in my figuring out who i was because oh shit turns out there are people like me and that is Okay.

like, dysphoria literally could've been a non-issue for me. i could've lived in a world where i could just Exist and enjoy whatever i wanted without it being weird. i could've decided so much sooner that i wasn't happy with the way my body was growing and not spent my entire teen years being so confused why i was so sad seeing my girl peers. i could have from the start just gotten to be a girl and never have had dysphoria be part of the equation.

im not trans being i experience dysphoria. im trans because being a woman is rad as hell and it's what i wanted. im trans because changing my name to Alice was the biggest moment of my entire life. im trans because rebelling against the societal restraints of gender is fucking metal. im trans because my friends can't even remember me ever not being me now. im trans because im a great older sister. im trans because god nerfed me and i said nah thanks man but im not feeling it.

my identity and my gender are very personal and complicated things, and narrowing it down to "i experience dysphoria" is frankly insulting to me.

anyway, that's the big point out of the way, so here's some shorter ones

2. this is kinda expanding on the last point, but truscum both insisting non-binary people aren't a thing and them insisting "transtrenders" exist is hmm Bad

the sheer fact of the matter is the concept of being non-binary has existed from the oldest known records of human history on TOP of that concept being prevalent in many different cultures so what do ya know there's a healthy dose of racism involved in the denial of non-binary people. the gender binary is such a western concept and there are SO many different cultures where different gender identities exist.

and, frankly, going back to the above point that gender is fucking Fake and is a societal concept - again, of fucking course there are going to be people who see a rigid set of rules on gender and are like "well wait that doesn't fit me" so of COURSE non-binary people exist

on the subject of "transtrenders" i feel like i shouldn't even HAVE to get into this subject because of how inherently transphobic it is. the concept doesn't exist. there are people who experiment with their gender and then decide their assigned one is fine. there are people who go through all kinds of different identities. there are people who come out as a different gender and then revert back due to backlash. there are people who get told the way they present their gender is the Wrong Way™ and get branded a trender. it's a dangerous thought process that literally does nothing but serve the cis status quo and make people afraid to experiment and think about their identities.

3. the idea that Those Evil Trenders™ are stealing resources from the Real Trans People™ is, frankly, fucking bullshit. issues when it comes to trans people finding difficulty accessing healthcare comes from a transphobic society hellbent on denying us care on top of fucked up healthcare systems in general. hormones aren't some limited quality hard to acquire thing - when i started hrt transferring my prescription from my clinic to my local pharmacy was a non-issue because it's something basically any pharmacy will have for ALL kinds of different purposes. it's an issue because healthcare in general is a god damn Mess on TOP of inherent transphobia

and, frankly, truscum are directly involved in that transphobia in the medical field. unless you find an informed consent clinic you're going to have to jump through all kinds of hoops to prove you're Actually Trans™ by getting referrals from other (almost always cis) people and then get put on ridiculous waitlists to make sure you're not about to change your mind. that kind of attitude is only encouraged by truscum and it is one of the biggest source of trans people having such difficulty accessing healthcare.

4. truscum as far as im concerned are no different than any other transphobe. two years ago before i started hrt i was harassed by truscum multiple times, each time having them tell me i wasn't trans, that i was just a trender, and it genuinely boggles my mind that anyone thinks misgendering me because i disagreed with their ideology is Woke, actually. I've seen so many fellow trans women getting called men by truscum who disagreed with them. i was actively told i shouldn't start hrt because i "wasn't really trans and was gonna ruin my life"

i really hope all of people live in anger every day knowing ive been on hrt over a year and a half and am fucking Thriving

anyway that's all i got to say on the matter i realize my points became less thought out as it went on but frankly the first point is enough for me to not like truscum

(please refrain from reblogging this i don't want any clowns in my inbox)

[tanadrin]

Land Tenure and Property in Seileshrant

About two hundred years ago, the world ended for the people of Seileshrant. Global political instability driven by resource constraints due to climate change, a series of bad political decisions by world leaders, and the ensuing breakdown of the international order led to a general nuclear war. In the aftermath, a collapse of international trade and damage to infrastructure led to starvation and pandemics. It was, for the people of that era, very much like their most pessimistic predictions for the future. And yet, those that looked around in the aftermath could not help but realize one simple fact: they had survived. And there was nothing to do, but to keep on living.

Two things did not happen that they had feared. For one, people did not instantly revert to barbarism. This prediction, that the post-nuclear world would be home to cannibal kings and roving plunderers, proved to be the lurid fantasy of those who, by want of attention to the relevant scientific literature, failed to understand how humans actually react to sudden catastrophe. And it failed to understand the keenest pain felt by those whose world had been annihilated by war: in the absence of that world, they wanted to rebuild it as swiftly as possible. The second thing that did not happen is that humanity did not revert to technological ignorance or luddism. The only hope of rebuilding the things that they had lost, after all, was in mastering and deploying every bit of technical knowhow they had on hand. The destruction of roads and cities and factories, coupled with the deaths of billions, did indeed trigger a massive economic contraction whose effects would be felt more than two centuries later, and it is an unescapable truth that some knowledge, irrelevant for the long decades of initial rebuilding, was lost--knowledge like how to manage transcontinental logistics effectively, or operate ports that handled millions of tons of cargo annually--but the civilization that preceded Seileshrant wrote and recorded information obsessively. Not only physical science, but art and philosophy and history and a hundred other disciplines carried on very much as before, incorporating this catastrophe into themselves like they had the plagues and collapses of empire before.

So, yes: four hundred years ago, the world ended, in Seileshrant and everywhere else. But then it continued to spin; and, looking about themselves, the survivors noticed that they were stuck with the world that came after. And so with heavy hearts they set about their task--and resolved to build a world that was, if they could manage it, a little bit better than the one they had lost.

Seileshrant sits along a wide inland sea, an inlet of the great ocean; primevally, its land was a strip dense conifer forests, pinned between the mountains and the open ocean. From the inlet whence the country draws its name hundreds or thousands of smaller bays, sounds, and fjords cut into the land, producing a thick scattering of islands along the shores, and spreading across the bays like stepping-stones. The climate is temperate, on the warmer side, and oceanic. The winters in Seileshrant are mild, but very wet, while summers are drier. Four hundred years ago, Seileshrant was home to two large cities, one to the south and one to the north. Both are now sprawling ruins; the total population of Seileshrant now is only a little more than three-quarters what the population of those cities were at their peak; it is about one million people. The current largest city and economic hub of Seileshrant is Green Mountain, with about three hundred thousand people, located roughly halfway between the two great ruined cities. The name is an old one, from the prewar era, though perhaps one not entirely well-translated.

Seileshrant borders are not quite firmly delineated. To the east are high mountains, and beyond that a country that is very sparsely populated. This definitely does not belong to Seileshrant . Its people are organized into far smaller communities, and though friendly with the people of Seileshrant , too independent-minded to consider themselves culturally the same. To the west, of course, is the ocean. North, along the island-specked coast, the population gradually thins out, and the towns there participate less often in the great projects and major cultural events that seem to define Seileshrant for its people. To the south, after the land bends sharply westward, abruptly cutting off the inland sea, there is an allied state organized along much more centralized lines. It and Seileshrant and dozens--hundreds, really--of other communities on the same continent are loosely confederated. A common rule of law runs throughout the hemisphere, both an assurance of individual rights and a safeguard against any other catastrophic wars that might devastate the planet. But this is still a postapocalyptic world. The states are smaller, the populations more thinly spread, the difficulty of travel greater, than they were in a century or two or more before the end of the world, and the dream of a single world united in harmony is perhaps even more distant for the people of Seileshrant than it is for our own.

This is not a utopia. This is by no means a perfect world. The people of Seileshrant would be the first to tell you that. They have lost so much that the grief of it still overwhelms them sometimes, even two hundred years later. They would be the first to tell you that if that great disaster had been averted, if people had just been a little less stupid, if they had been a little more hesitant to lash out with the worst of weapons, well, who knows what kind of world they would be living in? What kind of wonders they’d have achieved by now? But it doesn’t really bear thinking about, because that’s not the world they live in. Thus the motto of Seileshrant: “the world that is given to us.”

The constitutive political unit of Seileshrant is the “neighborhood.” It’s a technical term, now quite divorced from the folksy connotations it was originally intended to inspire. (Such is the fate of all bureaucratic terminology!) Originally intended to denote a small part of an urban community, a neighborhood designates a contiguous physical expanse that can contain anywhere from dozens to thousands of households. A neighborhood is the formal administrator of its territory, but not the actual owner of property, and while neighborhoods may level certain kinds of taxes to pay for their own upkeep, they also don’t directly manage larger pieces of infrastructure. What they do manage, most importantly, is housing. For Seileshrant, “housing” is all physically occupied real estate, residential and commercial. (Industrial is a slightly distinct case in some circumstances--agricultural, polluting, and location-specific industries are managed differently.) By general custom, housing is managed by lottery: when a unit of housing falls vacant, a lottery is held among those wishing to move into the neighborhood, or that unit specifically, weighted if necessary to accomodate people with specific needs (e.g., a ground floor apartment for someone who can’t manage stairs). If the wait list for housing is very long, this is generally seen as a sign that a neighborhood needs more housing. It falls to the neighborhood to build it, funded by taxes or a grant. This process is automatic; the organic laws which establish a neighborhood generally instruct that the building committees “shall” begin planning procedures when a certain waitlist threshold is reached. It can be delayed, but not indefinitely; a long and ever-growing waitlist is generally seen as a sign that a neighborhood’s leadership is neglecting its job.

No housing is owned. Indeed, the concept of “ownership” of real estate doesn’t exist in Seileshrant. The tenant--the resident, we should say; they pay no rent or property tax--has the right of quiet enjoyment of their home. They cannot be evicted. All persons of majority age (and minors under various conditions) are guaranteed a home. You might want to opt to live with your friends if you’re young; the wait list can be shorter if you’re willing to have roommates. Commercial property works much the same way: businesses--which as legal entities are a unionized workplace with a persistent identity--occupy storefronts and workshops and small factory spaces on much the same basis; if they move or dissolve, the space is reallocated according to a weighted lottery, administered by the neighborhood, though under standards enshrined by law throughout Seileshrant.

Very large, very specialized endeavors--ports, hospitals, power plants, wastewater treatment--will be the common task of groups of neighborhoods. These are “towns,” but it’s important to note that towns do not need to be contiguous and have flexible membership. A neighborhood can also belong to more than one town at a time. Towns levy taxes to fund major common projects, but their area of operations is mostly limited to what we would think of as municipal-scale works. Importantly, neighborhoods unhappy with their town can, to a limited extent, opt to join another for some purposes. A sewer system is hard to reconfigure, but if you want a different garbage pickup service, that’s a bit easier to rearrange. Some towns are highly specialized and offer only one service: the South Seileshrant Power Town runs a nuclear plant that thousands of neighborhoods use, and does nothing else. Others are functionally independent cities: Green Mountain Town coordinates almost every public service in Green Mountain.

Every town, every neighborhood that isn’t a part of a town, and the unincorporated rural areas of Seileshrant are organized under the auspices of the Seileshrant Coordinating Committee, a body of directly elected officials organized via a set of more than two dozen statutes. Various communities in the Seileshrant region have decided to what extent they want to participate in the SCC’s activities; most are signatories to every statute; some to only a majority, some to only a few. As a result, the authority of Seileshrant’s collective elected government varies, although certain essential laws (like those banning murder) always have force everywhere; and all of Seileshrant is strongly influenced by the same common body of legal customs.

The SCC manages pensions and basic income; it pays for healthcare and heavily subsidizes the Seileshrant Free University; it also manages the major wilderness reserves. In setting certain statutory minimum rights, the SCC has a big effect on how real estate is managed in Seileshrant--but it, also, is not in any real sense the “owner” of property or land. Rather, in all Seileshrant, the governing principles behind how land or a building or a space is disposed of is: 1) is it being used? 2) Does someone want to use it? 3) Will the use they want to put it to have negative effects on those around them? 4) Can these effects be reasonably mitigated? You cannot open a fireworks factory next to a preschool, generally speaking; but the system is designed to enable, not to inhibit, the productive use of space.

A special case might seem to arise in those circumstances, when a resident or commercial user of property makes immovable improvements to land or a building. To treat the cases in ascending order of complexity: basic resident rights mean there are some things (putting up pictures, painting, redoing your kitchen) a neighborhood cannot and would never forbid. The costs of upkeep beyond basic maintenance for a house or apartment fall to a neighborhood and not the resident, which might seem like an incentive not to take care of your home--but because nobody is ever going to kick you out, and you’ll probably be living their a long time, that is in fact a very strong incentive to take good care of the place you live in. After all, the unit you live in is in a very real sense exclusively yours--no one else has a right to be there. You just can’t sell it when you’re done with it.

What about if you build your own house on unoccupied land? For one, you automatically have the right to live there. Indeed, it’s yours as long as you want it--no evictions, remember? And you can even pass it on to your heirs: residential rights can be bequeathed under certain circumstances, including that of a house you built yourself. The only thing you or your heirs can’t do is 1) sell it, or 2) let it stand empty. If you have a house in Green Mountain, and your aunt leaves you a house up north, you have to pick one or the other to live in. The one that’s empty will go in the lottery.

What about non-residential structures--say, specially built factories or mines or farms? Is it worth it to invest money and time and labor in improving property you can’t sell? Well, yes--productive improvements are productive improvements. And businesses enjoy similar, if a little more limited, rights to occupation as individual residents. The SCC will even help fledgeling cooperatives undertake new tasks with loans or subsidies if they think their business will be especially economically beneficial to the region. What you cannot do is extract rents.

Many other kinds of property also don’t exist in Seileshrant. You can’t own part of a company; there are no stocks. All companies are owned entirely by their workers, per SCC regulations. Companies can still split and merge as their workers see fit, but they’re much more like democracies than dictatorships. If the lack of capitalistic investment seems like it would inhibit economic growth, remember that Seileshrant’s economy is far smaller than our own; any benefits it might be missing out on there are probably comparatively small. Seileshrant has no legal concept of intellectual property. Artists have the moral right to be identified as the creator of their work, and certain kinds of limited copyright exist, but these are more akin to choosing which Creative Common license you want to distribute your work under, with preventing other people from selling copies of your work or close derivatives being assumed as the default. It is always legal to redistribute copies of artistic works for free. Most movable property is covered under the law of possessions, which gives rights of exclusive use and bequest to the things you keep in your house, or on your person, or otherwise haven’t intentionally abandoned, even more strongly than it does to housing. And businesses have the same rights to the fruits of their common labor, at least until they’re sold or abandoned.

In general, a Seileshranter would be a little puzzled at our ideas about property, namely the way in which we exercise a kind of sovereign metaphysical authority over space. In Seileshrant, law and custom is much more narrowly focused: it is geared at solving in practical terms certain problems of competing uses and desires. Either you’re using a thing or you’re not, and if you’re not, someone else is generally permitted to use it. The system has its limitations, but it also has several salubrious effects: lacking a concept of property, as well as sovereignty, has perhaps given the Seileshranters a much more nuanced attitude toward how they think about shared spaces and objects in their communities; what communal administration of space looks like when it doesn’t have to demonstrate that is possesses metaphysical authority; and, indeed, what their government is for and what it is supposed to be doing at any given moment.

[doesthislooknormalmed]

What Not To Do When Applying to Medical Schools

I made a lot of mistakes when I first applied to medical schools, and now that the dust has settled and I can look back on the last few years without weeping, I thought that I should reflect on them. I applied twice. I received two interviews but no acceptances the first time. The second time I applied, I was invited to interview at eight schools (six osteopathic and two allopathic schools) and attended five interviews. I was ultimately accepted to four schools. So, I thought it would be a good idea to make a list of my mistakes. There are probably way more, but these are the ones that I've noticed:

Applied late. This was by far my biggest mistake going into my first application cycle. I applied almost a month after AMCAS opened their applications for submissions. Why? Well, my excuse was that I was studying abroad during the summer and just didn't have the resources or the time to apply early. In actuality, I was just an overthinking mess going into the process and I didn't think I'd be accepted anywhere so I kept pushing my application back. It was a self-fulfilling prophecy. The second time around, I had everything ready. I wasn't messing around with this one.

Only applied MD. My first year, I only applied to allopathic schools and thus significantly reduced my chances of getting an acceptance. At the time, I wasn't aware that there was a separate application system for osteopathic schools and I hadn't really understood what osteopathic physicians did differently than allopathic ones. The answer: they're virtually the same once they start residency (unless you plan on going into a super competitive specialty. In that case, maybe DO isn't the way to go). During my second application cycle, I applied to both osteopathic and allopathic schools and was blown away by how many osteopathic schools had offered me interviews and acceptances.

Applied to very competitive, low-yield, or state-preferential schools. This was probably my second biggest mistake. In my defense, most of the schools that I applied to were with my academic metrics and I had read and connected with their personal statements. This one is a little weird because, unless you know that the school isn't going to accept you because they have a strong in-state bias or that you NEED to have published research in order to get in or whatever, it's difficult to avoid this problem. MSAR can give you stats and figures about applicants vs accepted students, but there are some things that you only really get from word-of-mouth, like prestige or other biases. Confession time: I fell into the same trap the second time around, so maybe have the folks over on the SDN forum offer you a list of schools for your applications (but take them with a grain of salt, of course).

Didn't prepare properly for interviews. I had never been seriously interviewed before. There was the occasional college interview for leadership roles and such, but I'd never had a job interview, so I had no idea how to prepare for it. I also didn't take advantage of my college's pre-medical resource department, which offered mock interviews and personal statement critiques. I thought that I could practice this all on my own, and I was wrong. There are some people out there who are naturally charismatic. I'm definitely NOT one of them. I also didn't do my due diligence in researching the schools that were to interview me. I don't mean looking up their personal statements, visions, and values. I'd done all that. I even tried to look up the volunteer or research opportunities that were available at each school. However, I didn't go beyond that. I didn't see myself attending those schools in the future and didn't see how I'd use those resources. I think that the interviewers saw that I just wasn't passionate about their programs. Nothing beats actual practice (preferably with a friend/mentor who knows what to look for), but I found some med school interview books to be helpful, along with Kevin Ahern's youtube videos on interviewing (again, grain of salt. Not all of that information may apply to everyone because we are all unique).

Didn't send updates. So after I was waitlisted at those schools, I felt stuck in limbo. I should have treated the waitlist like a soft rejection and improved my chances for the next application cycle. I was still in school at the time, but I didn't pursue other interests and add to my resume because I was banking on getting accepted off of one of the waitlists. Therefore, I didn't actually have anything to write in update letters, so I didn't send updates. Nor did I send a letter of intent to my preferred choice (whether or not these letters make a difference when you're not accepted anywhere is up for debate, but... if the school's okay with them, it doesn't hurt). During my second application cycle, I was waitlisted at my state MD school. It was my first choice program, and I had been over-the-moon when I received an interview invitation. I sent the school a letter of intent, and they ultimately accepted me off the waitlist. N=1 of course, but showing that you're passionate about the school can only help your cause. Be your own advocate!

I took a gap year after the first application cycle. One, I felt burned out from all the rejections, and two, I felt like I wouldn't be able to patch together a decent application on such short notice (to me, the worst part about being waitlisted is just being strung along until the eleventh hour). During that time, I started working. It was a customer service job in the health care industry and it was also my first job ever. I also started volunteering at a nursing home in my community, and I reconnected with some old friends and was even a bridesmaid in my friend's wedding.

It might sound dumb, but I'm actually glad that I hadn't gotten in during the first cycle. I hadn't been ready before. Emotionally, I had already been burned out from school, and I hadn't been in a good headspace at the time. I might not be saying this if I don't currently have an acceptance in the bag. I was devastated when I realized that I wasn't going to be going to medical school the first time around. I don't actually think everything happens for a reason. However, I do believe that life is short, and it only gets shorter. I asked myself, "What am I going to do about it?"

[bachelordeveloperdesignn-blog]

Choosing the Right Web Designer

"A man's mistakes are his gateways of revelation."

 What does the above citation pass on? To have an entrance, you need to submit botches. Isn't that entertaining? Actually no, not in the slightest degree. It might be a rousing sentence, yet in bachelor developer business it can end up being doomsday for little new businesses with little speculations. This article has been done particularly for little new companies who need to make it in their individual fields and are intending to dispatch their site or searching for a facelift or adding new functionalities to there existing site or aren't sure about their plan necessities.

 Picking a Web Design Company

 With a huge number of website specialists and engineers out there, from consultants, to offices, to online formats, how would you know what the correct fit is for your organization, and all the more essentially, for your objectives and destinations? Picking a website composition organization isn't that a genuine activity. Be that as it may, picking a decent website architecture organization is a genuine test. Individuals state that Internet has made business forms straightforward and worldwide, however what about the complexities that Internet offers which are novel. Simply Search for the expression "Great Web Design Firm" on Google, and it thinks of a large number of results. For typical individual it's difficult to seek through each outcome. We will experience the whole procedure of choosing a Web Design and Development organization structuredly.

Stage 1 - Planning

 The initial step includes characterizing your requirements. While scanning for the correct website specialist, it is vital to have an unmistakable thought what job your new Web webpage or an upgraded one will fill. Will it give data to your clients? Will it serve the necessities of your representatives? Or then again will it incorporate a web based shopping area with the goal that you can pitch your items to guests? Most Web creators should know the accompanying:

 o The job of your new Web webpage.

 o The planned market or group of onlookers of your Web webpage.

 o Your financial plan.

 Set aside effort to think about what you anticipate from your Web webpage and the sort of data you need to impart to your potential customers before you approach your planner. This will spare you and the creator a lot of time and exertion.

 Stage 2 - Searching and Creating a Primary rundown

 Seeking is an overwhelming procedure and does not require any unique expertise other than perseverance to adequately concoct great outcomes that satisfy your necessities. link building  Simply examine through registries, check Google postings on explicit watchword looks and request referrals from your companions or colleagues. It doesn't need to be a broad research work.

 Referral: Ask business associates, companions, and family which website composition firm planned the site for their individual associations, or on the off chance that they can generally suggest a website composition firm.

 Sites: Determine the website architecture firm that is in charge of the sites of associations that you appreciate. These associations might be your rivals, or in related or random ventures. Now and again the website composition firm is incorporated into the webpage credits, or is recorded somewhere else on the site. In the event that you can't discover the credits on the webpage itself, don't hesitate to contact the association and ask which website architecture firm is in charge of the site. This can likewise be a decent hotspot for references for that website architecture firm.

 Stage 3 - Evaluating and Short posting

 When you have assembled a rundown of potential website composition firms you are prepared to pare them down to a waitlist. This requires a touch of research work.

o Portfolio - It's about the three C's - Credibility, Consistency and Capability. How steady they are? What are the parameters on which the organization is sufficiently competent to satisfy your necessity? Are there any tributes that talk about their validity? Do the ventures in the portfolio have a predictable quality? Have they reliably given great outcomes in the given time allotment? Has the Web configuration organization given answers for different organizations in your industry? Have they managed comparable difficulties to those looked by your association? These are some critical elements to consider. When you've limited your hunt to a couple of configuration sources (through proposals, web registries, or your rivals' locales), assess their online portfolios and their rate structure. A site doesn't need to be showy or energized to carry out its responsibility. Peruse locales they have manufactured, check simplicity of route, association of data, generally tidiness and guest kind disposition. Likewise, consider contracting a firm that shows some recognition with your sort of business. Simply experience the examples of overcoming adversity/contextual analyses that have been made accessible on their site and prove the certifications through references if conceivable.

 o Experience and Fees - This is known as the EF of website composition firm. Experience and charges are especially between related. The general standard is the more experienced you are, the more you are paid. This fascinating story can reveal to you what experience is about.

 Sometime in the distant past there was a steam creating plant that was not delivering much steam. After a disappointing quest for the reason, the plant supervisor, in distress, brought in a specialist. After just two hours on location, the master found the issue and set "X's" on two pipes that were causing the issue, saying that they must be evacuated. At the point when given the bill, the plant supervisor asked the expert how he could charge $5,000.00 for just two hours of work. When he requested an ordered bill, this is the thing that he got:

 1. $400.00 - Placing "X's" on two funnels.

 2. $4,600.00 - Knowing where to put the "X's".

 The plant director got what he paid for and most likely much more. He had effectively spent more than that sum alone staff also the misfortune in income while the plant was closed down. For him, verifying the warning administrations of an expert was the correct activity.

 It is important a great deal if the organization has a decent involvement in differing business spaces and has experts and pros from variegated foundations. Thusly they will have a comprehension of various business verticals that might be a favorable point for your site. Another imperative factor is spending plan. What you pay is the thing that you get - WYPIWYG. Never bargain with the nature of your site only to spare couple of fast bucks. Over the long haul you will finish up on a losing side. Have you at any point envisioned why American jewels cost less and than genuine precious stones when now and again it's hard to separate between the two? It's self-evident - the splendor and hardness of precious stone. This makes another fascinating point, you can complete a restorative medical procedure for your site for a lesser expense, yet it will do not have the functionalities and adequacy. It can draw guests however can not transform them into business. So when you pay for something, you certainly receive a decent arrangement consequently.

 o Technology - What is their innovative ability? Does this match with your necessity? What number of activities they have dealt with utilizing the equivalent? How habitually their innovation is updated both as far as programming and equipment?

 o Deadlines - Has the organization completed the tasks in stipulated time? Time is a standout amongst the most critical factors as the more it takes, the higher the information costs get. A few organizations may offer you a shorter timespan and might be prepared with the plan. Yet, after that begins the long and torrid voyage of finding and fixing bugs which may kill your guests.

 o Responsiveness - How speedily the organization reacts to your inquiries? Does it tune in to your questions? It is safe to say that they are receptive to my recommendations and questions? Do they clarify issues in manners you can get it? Do they share your general vision for the site? It is safe to say that they are keen on Return on Investment for the site? Do they have what it takes important to accomplish your objectives?

 o Communication Process - Poor correspondence is one of the significant bottlenecks for business forms. Guarantee that the organization with which you are working is OK with your language. For the most part, English (US/UK) is taken as the favored language to speak with one another. What are the devices and advances they use for imparting? By what means will they keep you refreshed with the improvements with respects your undertaking? These are a portion of the critical variables that ought to be remembered while choosing about the correspondence procedure while picking a Web Design accomplice.

 o Services - What are alternate administrations that organization can offer other than structuring? What sort of significant worth included items or administrations can the plan firm offer?

 Every one of these focuses will assist you with narrowing down to the rundown of organizations that may offer you suitable arrangements and help your motivation. The subsequent stage includes welcoming recommendations from the short recorded gatherings. Simply check through the same number of cross references that you find legitimate or will fulfill your interest. The additional time you will put resources into this stage, the better will be the profits subsequently.

 Stage 4-Proposals

 When you have chosen your short-rundown of best web improvement firms, ask for that they send you a proposition. Ask that their proposition incorporate an outline of your prerequisites and their proposed arrangement. This will figure out which website composition firm comprehends your necessities best. Likewise ask that each website architecture firm incorporate a portrayal of their advancement procedure and a value breakdown for the different parts of the site venture.

[borrowabuddy-blog]

Labs, Golden Retrievers,        Yorkies…Oh My!      Which Dog is Best For Me?

Big, small, hairy, hypoallergenic, high energy, loud, quiet….the list goes on and on. There are loads of dog breeds to choose from. There are currently 187 recognized breeds by the American Kennel Club, but there are tons of mixed breeds too. So, how is anyone supposed to choose what breed of dog to get? This post will touch base on some dog breeds and what types of lifestyles they would be best suited for.

In my life I have had two dogs. One was a Schnauzer mutt that we purchased for $50 out of the back of a pickup truck and the other, my current dog, is a Schnauzer-Yorkie mix who was a lot more than $50. Both of my dogs weighed less than 20 pounds, and both have made great family dogs. My Schnauzer-Yorkie has lived with 5 kids. When we purchased her our ages ranged from 13 to 3 years old. Typically, small dogs are not recommended for households with young children. While I believe this is a good rule of thumb, I also believe that if the children are properly supervised and the dog has the right temperament it all works out ok. The first breeds that I will touch base on are breeds that many people view as family dogs.

1.      Lab and Golden Retriever

The Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever, two of the most well-known dog breeds. These are commonly the go to family dogs. They are known for being incredibly gentle and good with children.

This past year, a new challenge started based on how gentle a Golden Retriever is. This was the egg challenge, where an owner would place an egg in a dog’s mouth and the dog would not crack it. Later on, it was proven that any dog was capable of this, not just Golden Retrievers. I believe that this viral challenge proves how highly society thinks of Golden Retrievers.

Golden Retrievers and Labs are also in lots of movies which depict them as a family dog. In addition to being great family dogs, they are also good hunting dogs. Retrievers are active but also like to cuddle with their owners. They do shed a lot, so this is something to keep in mind if you are considering one. Labs and Goldens both come in lots of color variations. Labs generally come in black, yellow, or chocolate. Although, there are variations to this such as fox red or silver. Goldens also come in a few color variations. These include: cream, golden, dark golden, and light golden. Goldens tend to live up to 12 years, and Labs live up to 14 years. Labs get up to 71 pounds and Goldens get up to 75 pounds. Furthermore, both of these dog breeds are easy to train and generally get along well with other animals. They are often referred to as good dogs for first time owners.

So, are these the right dogs for you?

Yes- If you are looking for a larger, active family dog with color variations who would be simple to train and love all people then this is the dog for you.

No- If you do not want to deal with shedding, a lot of slobber, high energy, and a shorter life span then this is not the dog for you.

On a side note, if you really like these breeds but do not want to deal with shedding a doodle might be perfect for you! This is a Golden or a Lab mixed with a Poodle. This allows for less shedding, but still makes for a great family dog!

2.      Yorkshire Terrier

As I mentioned earlier, my dog is half Yorkie. My family’s joke is that this is the difficult half. I have a friend who has two Yorkies, and another friend with one. The common theme we all agree on is that they are very stubborn. They are terriers; therefore, they love rodents and love to chase them. A lot of them do not do well when alone for extended periods of time, but there are ways to train them, so they do not develop separation anxiety. They are one of the few smaller dog breeds that is recommended for a first-time dog owner, and they adapt well to apartment living. Yorkies do not do well in extreme weather conditions. My own dog will choose to not go outside if it is raining or extremely cold. Yorkies are also not the best family dog, as they are not a huge fan of other dogs or strangers.

For being a small dog, they still require a lot of exercise. They are a high energy dog and need to be walked daily or they get stir crazy. They also are extremely playful. They enjoy a game of fetch or tug of war as much as a big dog does.

Yorkies stay around four to six pounds and shed very minimally. They can come in a few different colors. These include: black and tan, blue and tan, black and gold, blue and gold. Ultimately, their colors do not vary too much, and Yorkies pretty much have the same common look about them. A huge downside is that they tend to be extremely yappy and suffer from small dog syndrome.

Is a Yorkie the right breed for you?

Yes- If you want a small, non-shedding dog who still is very active then this is the dog for you.

No- If you are not a fan of yapping, have small children, want more color variations, or do not have much time for an active dog then this is not the breed for you.

3.      Beagle

Beagles are one of those dog breeds that everyone just knows. They are used as police dogs and they have starred in many movies. They are smaller in size and weigh up to 22 pounds. They are known for being excellent family dogs. Beagles are amazing with kids, other dogs, and strangers. Generally, they show very little aggression towards anything in their life.

Beagles can be difficult to train due to their stubbornness. The combination of their own intelligence and high prey drive does not help when attempting to train them. Just like a Yorkie, Beagles tend to be extremely vocal. Despite being difficult to train they do make decent dogs for first time dog owners, and they do adapt well to apartment living. Beagles do not do well when left alone, and they do not tolerate cold weather well.

Beagles are very high energy and require a lot of vigorous activity to keep them from becoming destructive. They love to play and will play with their owner 24/7 if they are allowed to. Beagles come in a few color variations. These include: lemon and white, tri-color, chocolate tri, white and chocolate, red and white, and orange and white. They do shed, but not too much. Overall, Beagles are one of the top family dogs.

Is a Beagle the right dog for you?

Yes- If you want a small sized but still active and great family dog then a Beagle is perfect for you.  

No- If you want a quiet dog who is simple to train then a Beagle is not for you.

4.      Mutts

The final “breed” I am going to discuss is a mutt. Mutts are any combination of recognized breeds. Mutts range from “Designer Dogs” to just plain mutts. Designer Dogs include breeds such as Teddy Bears (Bichon Frise X Shih Tzu), Maltipoo (Maltese X Poodle), Mini Goldendoodle (Miniature Poodle X Golden Retriever), and so on. The list could go on forever. Plain old mutts are dogs that you see that have been dumped at a shelter or stray dogs that have bred amongst themselves. These mutts could have a whole mix of things in them. I have a friend whose dog is a mutt and he is a Chihuahua, Boxer, Lab mix. This is not a combination that normally would be sought after, but he is still a wonderful dog.

Mutts tend to be great dogs. They can be all sorts of sizes. Some shed, and some may not. You just never know what you will get with a mutt. Many people gravitate towards mutts because they are what is primarily seen in an animal shelter. Unlike a purebred, there are no breed norms to a mutt because they can be any combination under the sun. Believe it or not, not having breed norms is a selling point to many people.

Not having a single breed is a selling point because it allows a dog to get the best of a combination of breeds. Take a Goldendoodle for example, these dogs are technically mutts. When they first became popular people paid a lot of money and were on waitlists to be able to own one. People are in love with the Golden Retriever attitude combined with the Poodle brain and the little to no shedding. Goldendoodle owners will tell you that their mutt is truly the best of both worlds.

Shelter dogs are also highly thought of. Many people like the fact that they are rescuing a dog who may have otherwise been put down. Our family vet has told us that he finds rescued animals to be nicer. He believes this is because the animal appreciates the life they have after the shelter. Whether this is true or not, shelter dogs do make wonderful pets. A person can pick out the size they want, the color they want, the activity level they want, and the age they want just by simply walking into a shelter. Shelter dogs also tend to be cheaper than purchasing a dog from a reputable breeder, and they are always up to date with their vaccinations and any other medical care they may have required.

Is a mutt the right dog for you?

Yes- I personally believe that mutts, especially shelter dogs, are great for any family and it is nice to give a dog a chance.

No- If you want a specific breed then this is not the dog for you.

These are only five types of dogs. There are many more dog breeds that I did not even touch base on. Before purchasing a dog, make sure you do your research, so you and your dog can live a long and happy life together. What is your favorite dog breed?

[cnvbeautyhairgrowth]

Postpartum Hair Loss Is a Dispiriting Reality. Here’s How I Found Help, and Hope

It started in the shower. I have thick, curly hair and am accustomed to shedding when washing or combing—100 strands a day is, apparently, normal. What I was not accustomed to was when, around two months after I gave birth to my son last May, seemingly thousands of hairs began leaving my head every time I shampooed. Soon it was no longer just in the shower: It was when I gently raked my hair back into a ponytail and my hand emerged with a competing ponytail of escaping strands; or when my pillowcase appeared to be covered with floating clouds of dark coils; or, God forbid, when I actually brushed it and an American Girl doll’s–worth of hair clogged the bristles. Worse still is that I began noticing patchy spots around my hairline. My scalp was newly visible and I was not pleased to see it. Was the muffin-top of residual baby weight hanging over my C-section scar, and my ballooning, milk-leaking breasts not enough aesthetic trauma to suffer? Apparently not.

I quickly discovered that this indignity was not unique to me. Other moms and my dermatologists nodded knowingly when I complained, awestruck at the new state of my hair. The shockingly common condition is called telogen effluvium, I was informed, and, according to the American Pregnancy Association, it affects 40-50% of new moms. The condition can actually afflict anyone suffering from severe sudden stress, Lars Skjøth, founder and lead researcher at the Danish hair clinic Harklinikken, tells me in his light-filled Flatiron salon. But it is particularly common among postpartum women when their estrogen levels decline and the stress hormone cortisol increases causing the hair to move from the growth, or anagen cycle, to the shedding, or telogen phase. The hair typically grows back, Skjøth assures me, clocking my panicked expression. But that regrowth can appear thinner and finer, he adds, as the hair follicle itself often shrinks—a process known as miniaturization.

Once the exclusive domain of Rogaine and male pattern baldness, the hair loss conversation has gotten a bit of a makeover in recent years, led by companies like Harklinikken, which specifically targets women’s hair loss. The opportunity for diversification has always been there: According to the American Hair Loss Association, women’s hair loss specifically accounts for nearly 40% of cases in the U.S. “When I started no one was speaking to women about this,” explains Skjøth, who launched his first clinic in Copenhagen in 1992 and who has been studying female hair loss for nearly three decades. (Harklinikken opened a U.S. flagship in New York in 2019, and currently has a 40,000 person waitlist for its customized, botanically-derived treatments).

After Skjøth picked through my hair like a mama baboon looking for fleas, I was given my own personalized “extract” along with strict and elaborate instructions to wash my hair daily, then apply the elixir with a syringe in the evenings followed by a strenuous scalp massage. It was a significant departure from my typical grooming ritual, which entails shampooing about once a week—and from the general guidance of hairstylists who often discourage daily washing to minimize dryness. But cleansing and massaging the scalp is an essential step for allowing the follicles room to grow properly, according to Skjøth and his associates, not to mention preventing scar tissue around the follicle.

Watch Model Fei Fei Sun Perform Skin-Care Magic

Skjøth isn’t the only one to advocate for this. It turns out the scalp is a hot commodity in the beauty industry at the moment, with a raft of companies focusing on this oft-ignored skin tissue. Sarah Fotis began noticing hair loss after the birth of her son Eli in 2009, and again after suffering a stroke several years later when she turned to Pakistani scalp remedies, such as mustard seed oil, turmeric, and ginger. Fittingly, every member of the founding team of Collective Labs—the brand she launched in 2018 to focus on natural solutions for scalp care and hair growth—had suffered from hair loss due to a variety of root causes: genetics, childbirth, stress. Its Scalp Wellness Kit, which includes a detoxifying shampoo, fortifying conditioner and activating serum, aims to tackle scalp build-up and then stimulate healthy hair growth with lilac stem cells to reduce scalp irritation, and ginseng root to encourage follicle microcirculation.

As declining hair health is one of the first visible signs of vitamin-deficiency, diet is also extremely important to any regrowth strategy, says dermatologist Robin Blum, M.D., noting that many women are deficient in vitamins D and E, which are particularly important for maintaining thick, shiny strands. She recommends Nutrafol, a nutritional supplement boasting marine collagen for scalp health and saw palmetto, which decreases DHT, the hormone that shrinks hair follicles. Viviscal is similarly popular. Celebrity hair stylist Mara Roszak has recommended the capsules and vanilla-flavored powder to her clients for years, but recently started taking them herself after her own postpartum hair loss. “When my baby was about four months, I started to experience hair loss and applied the same ideas I’ve guided my clients through—cutting face framing lawyers to ‘blend’ in shorter bits around my face, moisturizing regularly,” explains Roszak. But adding Viviscal supplements to her routine made a discernible difference in just three months, she reveals. “Hair cells are the last cells to get nutrition,” adds Dr. Lamees Hamdan, the Dubai-based founder of Shiffa Skincare and DLMD, a popular liquid multivitamin that’s sold at Sephora. “That’s why for healthy hair, you really want to make sure your intake of vitamins and minerals is on the higher side of normal.” Encouraged by the sleek packaging and subtle raspberry flavor I took the DLMD multi-vitamins and after about a month, I did notice that my nails were less brittle, and my hair seemed shinier.

As I prepare to celebrate my first Mother’s Day and my son’s first birthday, I am happy to report that I can pull my hair back into a ponytail without handfuls of it coming out. Also thrilling: My scalp is no longer visible to the outside world and there is noticeable regrowth, thanks to time (most dermatologists suggest that postpartum hair loss peaks around two months and tapers off around four months, with regrowth typically beginning around six months)—and the wealth of new treatments below, now available to the legions of women fighting this very real battle. My hair is still short and stubby, but I am hopeful that it will grow back to its former frizzy, coiling glory. Now, I just need my son’s hair to grow in.Hair Regrowth Treatment   hair growth treatment