#come on…technology and advancement to where you can soar through the sky…

[beastwars-transformers]

I was waxing poetic in my mind about the loneliness of flight but then. Oh yeah copilots exist.

[loaksky]

— 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳

the lowdown — the one where you witness a tragedy and the sully's are there for you.

the who — neteyam x fem omatikaya!reader

the word count — 864

the tags & warnings — TW character death(s), angst, hurt / comfort, implied neteyam x reader (but could possibly read platonic as well).

the notes — based off of this request! tsmuke — sister, & i'm sorry for always writing sad things heh. read with caution; content under the cut!

masterlist

You should’ve listened to your gut. 

One moment, you’re closing in on the enemy, soaring high in the smoggy sky as a spotter for your mother and father who are at the forefront of the unit. The beat of the ikrans’ wings hum like an omen, hushed whispers of action plans culminating as warriors begin breaking from formation. 

But the next moment, creatures caw and squeal ferociously from being hit.

It’s a silent ambush, you realize, no advanced technologies or oversized vessels. Just humans cast in blue bodies, hiding among the overgrown brush of the lush forest using simple tactics to seal their agenda. 

But you’re good at what you do, eyes keen, sharp and you sight the lumbering blue body taking aim. 

From above, your arm pulls taut and sends the arrow sailing, pinning the solider’s chest to the forest floor. 

Your fingers find the button of the comm on your throat, choking out a quick plea to retreat. The RDA is getting smarter, finding new strategies, and it devastates the people. 

Neteyam trails behind you, watching your peripheral like a hawk when he hears your hoarse voice like static in his ear. 

“Fall back.” It’s his father’s voice, Jake Sully’s. 

He’s near the front of the unit with your father, you can see them like specks in the distance, four blurbs flitting through the trees. 

You press forward and your name on Neteyam’s tongue is a warning. 

You crane your neck over your shoulder, chance a glance at the dream walker’s son, committing his features to memory as you give a silent command to your ikran to swoop down into the canopy of the trees. 

The units are dropping rapidly, but you will you and your creature forward, foliage and tree trunks blurring as you whirl through enemy fire. 

You see them up ahead, your parents and Neteyam’s, the colored ends of their arrows landing blow after blow into the force below. 

You hear it before you see it, the curse that leaves your father’s lips, the shout that pierces the otherwise silencing air.

Four blurbs become three, then two, and your heart is lurching in your chest.

The agonized scream tears your throat until it’s raw. 

“Two down, urgent.” Jake reports raggedly. “Fall back.” 

You don’t, you’d never. 

You’re barreling towards the forest floor like a bullet ready to pierce the earth, your name echoing through the air like a mantra. 

You can’t stop shaking, eyes unblinking as you watch the roar of the crackling fire in the middle of the tent. It’s quiet save for the solemn murmuring of villagers outside, but all you hear is the sound of rushing water, like you’re caught in a current. 

They’d found Tsu’tey and Beyral before you could, Neteyam swooping down seconds after you to steal you back to safety. 

And Neytiri had tearily barred you from Mo’at’s tent when they arrived because the tsahik needed quiet and concentration. 

The attempts were futile, you’d seen it on Jake’s face when he ducked into your tent and settled before you, five-fingered hand coming down to rest on your head as your shoulders shook. 

“I’m sorry, kid,” he whispered, eyes brimming with tears as he watches you fall apart in front of him. 

You’d grown into a strong young woman, already surpassing your coming of age, but in that moment, your rounded cheeks streaked with tears, you looked every bit of the little girl he’d watched grow up with his oldest son. 

Neteyam’s entrance is silent, hands brushing your shoulders as a silent notice that he’s there. He settles in front of you, gaze soft as he thumbs away a stray tear. 

You crumple all over again, falling forward into his chest as an anguished wail wracks your tired body. You cry and you cry and you cry, Neteyam absorbing each devastated sob as he rubs your back, the other hand cradling the back of your head. 

He feels a disgusting concoction of dread, sadness, guilt. He doesn’t know what he’d do if it were his own, but to know that you’d gone into battle with two loving parents and emerged without makes his heart tug so hard he feels like it’ll shatter. 

Tsu’tey had been good to his family, did well leading the people alongside his father. Beyral had fiercely given power to his mother, to Kiri, to you, to be mighty hunters. Regardless of the lack of blood binds, he feels the hollow in his chest. 

The hide shifts and Kiri enters, followed by Lo’ak and the youngest. Neteyam’s eyes are warning, sharp as they form a circle around you, each of their hands finding purchase on some part of your body as a silent reminder that family isn’t always blood.

“We’re here, tsmuke,” Kiri whispers. 

You feel infinitely warmer with their bodies surrounding you, Neteyam hugging you so tight you feel like your broken pieces could stick together. 

“Always,” Tuk says, voice small as she slips her fingers through yours

You suck in a shuddering breath, hiccuping as you peel away from Neteyam’s chest.

He watches you closely, brushing your sweaty hair from your face as he seals the reminder. 

“Always.” 

neng © 2023

taglist: @nao-cchi , @jkiminpark , @philiasoul @amart-e, @s-u-t , @netesbby , @tayswiftlovebot , @dumb-fawkin-bitch , @ewackmn , @fanboyluvr , @neteyamoa , @itssiaaax , @girlpostingsposts

[qocsuing]

The Sky’s Guardians: Understanding Flight Towers

The Sky’s Guardians: Understanding Flight Towers

In the vast blue skies, where birds soar and planes journey, there’s a silent guardian known as the flight tower. These towers are the watchful eyes that guide pilots safely through the clouds and back to the ground.Get more news about light tower,you can vist our website!

Imagine you’re a pilot, flying high above the earth. The world below is a patchwork of fields, cities, and oceans. But as you prepare to land, you need help from those on the ground. That’s where the flight tower comes in. It’s like a lighthouse for airplanes, standing tall with its antennas reaching towards the sky, always listening and watching.

Flight towers are filled with air traffic controllers, the unsung heroes of the skies. They wear headsets, their eyes fixed on glowing screens, tracking every plane in their airspace. They’re like orchestra conductors, but instead of music, they harmonize the flight paths of airplanes to prevent them from coming too close to one another.

These controllers talk to pilots, giving them instructions on when to climb, descend, or turn. They ensure that each plane has its own safe space in the sky, much like how teachers make sure students don’t bump into each other in the hallways.

Air traffic control towers have evolved over the years. They started after World War I, helping mail planes find their way. Today, they use advanced technology to track flights even in the busiest airports.

So, the next time you look up at the sky and see a plane, remember the flight tower. It’s more than just a building; it’s a guardian that helps every plane find its way home safely.

[jacksonbk]

Soaring High: Exploring the World of Microlight Aircraft

In the vast expanse of the sky, where the blue meets the earth, lies a realm of adventure and freedom — the world of microlight aircraft. These marvels of engineering have captured the imagination of aviation enthusiasts and adventurers alike, offering a unique perspective of our planet from above. In this blog post, we delve into the fascinating realm of microlight aircraft, exploring their history, technology, and the thrill of taking flight.

What are Microlight Aircraft?

Microlight aircraft, also known as ultralights or microlights, are lightweight, single or two-seater planes characterized by their small size and low weight. They are designed for recreational flying, offering pilots a more affordable and accessible way to take to the skies compared to traditional aircraft.

The Evolution of Microlight Aircraft

The origins of microlight aircraft can be traced back to the early 1970s when aviation enthusiasts began experimenting with lightweight, engine-powered aircraft. These early prototypes paved the way for the development of modern microlights, which combine advanced materials and technology to achieve remarkable performance and safety standards.

Technology Behind Microlight Aircraft

One of the defining features of microlight aircraft is their lightweight construction. Modern microlights utilize a variety of materials, including aluminum, composite materials, and advanced fabrics, to achieve the perfect balance between strength and weight. This lightweight construction allows microlights to be powered by smaller engines, resulting in lower operating costs and greater fuel efficiency.

Advancements in engine technology have also played a crucial role in the evolution of microlight aircraft. Today, many microlights are powered by efficient and reliable two-stroke or four-stroke engines, offering pilots a smooth and responsive flying experience.

Types of Microlight Aircraft

Microlight aircraft come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each designed to suit different flying preferences and requirements. Some of the most common types of microlights include:

Flex-wing Microlights: Also known as trikes or weight-shift microlights, these aircraft feature a flexible wing suspended from a lightweight frame. Pilots control the aircraft by shifting their weight, providing a unique and exhilarating flying experience.

Fixed-wing Microlights: Fixed-wing microlights resemble traditional airplanes and are equipped with rigid wings and a conventional control system. They offer greater speed and stability compared to flex-wing microlights, making them popular choices for cross-country flights and aerial photography.

Powered Paragliders: Powered paragliders combine the simplicity of paragliding with the convenience of motorized flight. Pilots wear a backpack-mounted engine and harness, allowing them to take off and land in small spaces with ease.

The Thrill of Flying Microlight Aircraft

For many aviation enthusiasts, flying a microlight aircraft is a dream come true. From the moment you take off to the exhilarating sensation of soaring through the clouds, every aspect of the experience is unforgettable. The open cockpit design of microlights allows pilots to feel the wind on their face and experience the true freedom of flight like never before.

Flying a microlight also offers a unique perspective of the world below. Whether you’re cruising over rolling countryside, skimming the surface of a tranquil lake, or admiring the breathtaking beauty of snow-capped mountains, the views from a microlight aircraft are nothing short of spectacular.

Safety Considerations

While microlight aircraft offer an unparalleled sense of freedom and adventure, safety should always be a top priority. Pilots must undergo thorough training and certification to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to operate a microlight safely.

Regular maintenance and inspections are also essential to keep microlight aircraft in optimal condition. Pilots should conduct pre-flight checks and follow all recommended procedures to minimize the risk of accidents and mechanical failures.

The Future of Microlight Aviation

As technology continues to advance, the future of microlight aviation looks brighter than ever. Innovations in materials, propulsion systems, and avionics are making microlight aircraft safer, more efficient, and more accessible to pilots around the world.

With their unique combination of affordability, simplicity, and adventure, microlight aircraft are sure to remain a beloved fixture of the aviation community for years to come.

In conclusion, microlight aircraft represent the epitome of freedom and adventure in the world of aviation. From their humble beginnings to the cutting-edge technology of today, microlights continue to inspire pilots and enthusiasts to explore the skies and experience the thrill of flight like never before. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of soaring high above the clouds, why not take the leap and discover the world of microlight aviation for yourself? The sky’s the limit!

[helmort]

𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 (Photos from: Smithsonian)

The Halloween season has sadly come to an end, but winter is approaching with Christmas and other holidays. As we return to our regular routines, I plan to brighten your Mondays with uplifting content, steering clear of somber and grim subjects. Today, I'd like to share some incredible bird pictures and delve into the timeless human longing to take flight.

In today's world, where air travel is readily available, we often take flying for granted. Yet, it's worth reflecting on the fact that we are among the first generations to experience the marvel of flight, thanks to technological advancements. In times past, the idea of flying was as heretical or fantastical as today's notion of teleportation, more akin to science fiction than reality. The ancient Greeks conveyed this sense of the unattainable and doomed in their myth of Icarus and his ill-fated flight. However, a central question persists: Why has humanity, throughout history, harbored a relentless desire to soar through the skies? Have humans not always yearned to fly for the sake of technological progress and curiosity?

By nature, humans are inherently curious beings. They have always held the belief that just as life teems on the ground and in the depths of the sea, another realm exists in the sky. A domain where unique creatures inhabit, and everyday life takes on a different aspect, waiting to be explored. The true impetus behind our yearning to fly is exploration. Humans possess an inborn desire to confront what both frightens and captivates them. Exploration is, perhaps, the most authentic human instinct, a primal force that distinguishes our species from others. While some species carve out their territories and settle, humans have an insatiable craving to break free and discover new horizons. The urge to fly has always been intertwined with the quest for freedom and a sense of moral superiority. Our forebears believed that human life was marred by heaviness, turmoil, and mortality, and flying represented an escape from earthly struggles such as warfare, hunger, and sinful carnal desires.

I know. Times have evolved, and here we are in the rational year 2023. Yet, if you can spare a few moments, cast your gaze upon some birds, and contemplate why our ancestors were entranced by them and their power to take flight. Imagine, for a moment, that like them, you imagine that in the sky, there's everything that you have always desired: freedom.

Anyway, That's all for Today! Check out these Pics and 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁!❤️

💀☠️💀☠️💀

[emperor-palpaminty]

Heart Song

Part 1: In which Tech meets his soulmate as a cadet. I like soulmate AUs. Yes, there will be lots of parts to this. Forgive me.

As far as the young clone knew, the clones had gone through specific DNA alterations to ensure they wouldn't hear the voice of their soul mates. They were soldiers, not lovers. They were told as soon as they began training that if they heard an unfamiliar voice to report it to their supervisor.

The child wasn't necessarily concerned with this- he was only a cadet. War and training were the only things he was concerned with.

He laid back in his bunk, eyes squeezed shut with pain. Trying to see from far away hurt his eyes, but he didn't want to say anything. He didn't want to get in trouble. People already made fun of him and his brothers. The biggest out of all of them already had selected a name- Wrecker- and it fit him. The other boys, the normal boys, had used his name against him. Wrecker didn't seem to care, though, and he stayed confident in his skills.

He breathed deeply, rubbing his bleary eyes, trying to calm himself down.

A voice broke through his head and jarred him. It was sweet, feminine, and melodious. Was it... singing?

The boy sat up abruptly, head smacking the top of his bunk. "Ow!"

The voice in his head went quiet. "Who's there?" She whispered.

"Uh." The boy coughed. "Hi."

She gasped. "Are you my soulmate?"

"That's not possible. I don't have one."

"Everyone has a soulmate, silly!" She giggled.

The boy's heart thumped. Her voice was the prettiest voice he had ever heard. "Wow," he breathed. "Your voice is..."

"Awesome?" She laughed again. "Thanks. I like yours too."

"Was that you singing?" He whispered, laying back down, slowly. He didn't want to wake anyone up.

"Yes. I have voice lessons tomorrow, so I was practicing. I like singing." There was a pause, and then she said, this time matching his whisper, "Can you still hear me?"

"I can!" The boy whispered back, hardly able to contain his joy. "I have a soulmate!"

Her giggles filled his head, and he hugged his pillow (just the one he had) tightly. "What's your name, soulmate?"

"I, uh..." he frowned. "I don't have one."

"But... everyone has a name."

The boy's face warmed in the dark. "I haven’t picked one yet. My brother has! His name is Wrecker."

"You get to pick your own name? Oh, I love that."He heard a muffled squeak, and his heart fluttered again. "What will you pick?"

"I don't know yet," he confessed. "When I know what I'm good at, I will."

She yawned, sweetly, and the boy could imagine a little girl in bed. Perhaps she was with other people, like he was, or alone. He had thought about having his own room, especially when Wrecker scored. "You need to sleep." He said quietly.

"May I talk to you tomorrow?"  She yawned again.

"Yes!" The boy agreed. He watched his brother, the one with blonde hair, shift in his sleep, and he lowered his voice. "I may not be able to talk back a lot tomorrow. I have training."

"What are you training for?" She mumbled.

"I'm going to be a soldier." He said, quite simply. "I believe tomorrow is flight simulation." He hugged his pillow gently, exhaling. He pressed his face in it. "Can you sing more?"

"Of course. Goodnight, Soulmate." The girl began to hum softly, singing lilting words. "Come guess me this riddle, what beats pipe and fiddle..."

The cadet was asleep, soundly, within the minuite. He wished he had some way to remember her voice and listen to it through the day.

___

His eyes hurt through the day again, but his little heart was soaring in joy as his fingers moved quickly on the keys. He had no issue seeing in front of him, just further away.

His number was called, pulling him out of his mind replaying the lullaby from last night. He rose, trying to not be shaky, walked to the Sargent, ignoring the other boys glaring at him. "Yes, sir?" He ignored his leg bouncing, trying to not reveal his nerves. Did the older clone know he had a soulmate? That he heard a voice?

"Come with me, CT-99-403." The Sargent in charge lead the boy away. The cadet glanced back at his brothers, their faces standing out with worry and different from the identical sea of clones.

The cadet followed, quietly. He avoided eye contact at the kaminoian female who was leaning over the holopad, eager. "Thank you, Sargent." Nalaa Se stood, turning to the boy.

"Yes, maam?" The cadet stood at attention, thinking back through everything he could possibly be in trouble for.

The Kaminoian waved, lowering her datapad. "At ease, CT-99-403." She traced the room slowly. "I wanted to speak to you and your batch. Individually."

The boy shifted, quiet.

"You and your brothers were made with individual purposes in mind. We believe that the four of you will fully grow into a special batch." Her insectoid eyes scanned him, and the cadet did his best to stay neutral in face. She continued speaking. "Your scores in the flight and mechanic simulation are one hundred and thirty five percent higher than average." She folded her fingers, long neck craning. "Your mathematical and quantitative skills are... maturing quickly." Nalaa Se picked up the holopad again. "Your mind is technologically advanced. We'll be specializing your training with additional combatative skills and technology or engineering, as with your brothers. You will all specialize in different fields."

The boy's heart fell. "Will I still get to see my brothers- my batch?" He said, soft. He was almost frightened to ask.

"Yes. You'll all train together in combat." The kaminoian waved a hand dismissively.

"Um... actually, I wanted to ask," the boy said quickly, and the insectoid eyes peered up again. He half-shuddered and spoke. "My eyes... it's hard to see."

She frowned at him, comprehending, not judging. "Stop at the medical bay. I'll have them create some lenses for you."

The cadet's heart had fallen before, but now it plummeted. He would be the only clone with glasses. He gave a half-hearted "Thank you. Maam." Before hurrying out, towards the medbay.

___

"Soulmate?"

Tech gasped, glancing up from his glasses, which he was examining in his hands. "You're here!" He whispered, delighted.

Her laugh brightened his day. "Have you picked a name yet?"

"No, but I think I have an idea." He tugged the regulated blanket over him, rolling over and hugging the pillow again. "I met with my maker today."

"Maker? You mean... your parents?"

"Er- yes." He coughed quietly. She wouldn't understand. "My... parents, they said I was advanced in technology and scared high in engineering fields."

"Oh! My soulmate is smart!"

The boy's heart soared. On a planet where he was reminded that he belonged to the means of war, it was nice to be called someone's 'something'. "I... yes," he cleared his throat. "I want it to be something like that."

"Smarty-pants," She teased. Her laughter followed.

He smiled, squeezing his pillow, happy. "Song bird."

"So what is your name gonna be?"

"I don't think I can say," he said, quietly. "Doesn't that... go against the rules?"

"Well, we can try!" She declared. The cadet sighed happily, snuggling his face im his pillow, heart tumbling between his ribs. "My name is-"

Static. Nothing.

"I didn't hear it."

"Oh. That does make it complicated, then." She mumbled, significantly more down cast.

The cadet yawned softly, tucking the blanket around his shoulders. "I'll find you some day, soul mate."

"I thought I was song bird, smarty-pants.'

He giggled, unlike himself, and nestled into what warmth he could find. "You are, song bird. And I'll find you.' He yawned again, then rubbed his face. "Can... can you sing again?"

"Sure! The same song, or something else?"

Oh, he wanted to memorize her song. Every word and every melody and every note of the lullaby, all the songs she could ever sing. "I liked the one last night. But what's your favorite one?"

There was silence, and then she spoke softly. "Are you in bed?'

"Yes."

"Does no one come tuck you in?"

The boy's face emblazoned with red, and he, remembering she could not see him, spoke. "No."

"Then I'll tuck you in some day." She said, gently. "And I'll sing you to sleep."

The boy's heart imploded, and he curled up in bed as she softly sung. "I saw the light, fade from the sky..."

As he closed his eyes, the boy whispered, "Tech. My name is Tech." He doubted she could hear him, but it felt good to say the name he claimed to be his and no one else's.

[pastelsandpining]

The Master Sword

Summary: This is my take on memory 18, because the game’s version was far too happy for me. Zelda’s trip to Korok Forest was no easy feat, but she knew the sacred blade needed to return lest they lose it too.

Words: 2671 Warnings: this is Zelda after her entire kingdom was destroyed and all of her friends were slaughtered. it’s gonna deal with grief, survivor’s guilt, and other heavy themes.

CEO of posting works at midnight then being sad about the lack of notes

Masterlist

~~~~

Exhaustion was heavier than the sword strapped to her back.

Her legs screamed for her to slow down and her lungs burned from the ash in the air, inhaled in gulps as she wrestled with the grief in her chest. 

This morning, a beautiful sunrise greeted her from her window. Birds sang a song of love from their perch, and people bustled along the streets of Castle Town. She had a piece of her favorite dessert brought to her by her knight as a gift, and she walked through her lively, wonderous kingdom covered by green grass and wildlife beyond compare, to meet with her friends and conduct a day of prayer at the Spring of Wisdom.

It was a day just like any other, birthday or not. 

And now, that green grass was burning. That cerulean blue sky was painted red with clouds of ash raining down from every last bit of civilization she could see. The wildlife scattered, if there were any left at all. The fields of flowers were trampled by ancient technology that had gone from astonishing to terrifying—and out of their control.

She did not need Nayru’s wisdom to know that everyone from the castle, her home, to the outskirts of Central Hyrule had perished. She knew nothing of her friends, trapped within their once loyal machines, but she could not imagine they’d met a better fate.

And Link.

Zelda took a deep, shuddering breath and held tighter to the Champion’s Tunic that once matched his eyes. Now, it was covered in dirt and grime and stained with his blood. She wasn’t aware of the exact time, but she figured it couldn’t have been more than ten minutes since Hyrule’s hero had died in her arms. She didn’t allow herself any time to grieve—she couldn’t. 

Her despair reached far beyond the point of tears anyway.

She wiped at her eyes with her wrists, which managed hardly anything more than smearing the dirt on her face, and tried to even out her breathing as she reached Kakariko. Only then did she lower her pace and she didn’t have to search far for Impa, who was giving orders to her warriors. 

“Princess?”

Zelda pushed the tunic towards her dear friend and trusted it would say what her voice couldn’t. Some naive, stupid part of her hoped that if she didn’t speak it aloud, then it wasn’t set in stone.

“I can’t stay for much longer,” she explained, forcing her voice steady. “Two Sheikah have taken Link to the Shrine of Resurrection. When he returns, please, give him this.”

“How long-“

“As long as it takes.” 

In truth, she had no real reason to believe the shrine would work. Every last piece of Sheikah technology they’d entrusted was corrupted and turned against them. If the Calamity had that sort of power, then it was probable it could do the same to their last piece of hope. She prayed that wouldn’t be the case, because she didn’t want to think about what would become of Link, or his body, if something went wrong. 

“The sword,” Impa said, her eyes locked where the hilt peaked out from her shoulder. 

“I hope to return it to the forest, so that when he is ready, he can retrieve it,” Zelda explained, fidgeting with the strap. 

“And then..? What will you do, Princess?”

“Tell him that he must free the Divine Beasts if there is any hope of winning this.”

Impa’s face betrayed that she knew and Zelda turned away so she did not have to see the desperation on her loyal friend’s face.

“You can’t,” the Sheikah whispered. “We have no way of knowing— If the shrine does work, it could be years before Link is ready to face the Calamity again! No one can fight for that long, much less alone!”

“Stop,” commanded the princess. Her eyes traced the three golden triangles burned into the back of her hand and she closed it into a fist. “My entire purpose is to fight this Calamity. I refuse to do nothing when finally this power obeys me. Enough have died tonight.”

Her tone made it clear there was no hope in arguing. Her decision was final.

“Do you think.. Can we win this?” Impa asked instead with an awkward shift. She’d asked herself that same question many times within the last few hours and she wished that she could provide a complete answer. 

“I believe in Link,” she replied firmly, as if daring him to truly die on her. “Tell him that as well.”

Zelda had taken perhaps three steps forwards when Impa spoke again.

“Will you come back?”

“...you must do everything you can to aid him, Impa. Promise me that.”

“I promise.”

She couldn’t stand to waste more time, so she didn’t allow for any more questions. With a nod of appreciation to her friend, one that also served as a silent thank you and goodbye, Zelda broke into a sprint and didn’t stop until she was out of the village borders. Extreme physical activity was not of her forte and she’d done plenty of running already. Every bit of muscle in her legs protested against it. With an unspoken apology to everyone she had failed, she stopped trying to push herself.

She would need all of her strength. 

The strap was digging into her shoulder. Zelda slung the scabbard off of her back and chose to hold it in her hands instead. 

How many times had she looked up, seen him with this very sword on his back, and loathed it? How many times had she seen the blue metal glinting in the sun, the golden triangles crafted with such precious precision, and felt defeated?

Zelda could laugh. Defeat surrounded her and it was far heavier than her tantrums. It was even heavier than the steel in her grasp. She found it ironic, yet heavily fitting, that she would be the one to carry the blade she once detested to its resting place, that she would be the one to hold its wielder as he died, when she once loathed him so, that she, the one who could not fulfill her role, would be the sole survivor left to fight the Calamity. 

She wondered briefly, stumbling over a rock, or maybe her own exhaustion, whether or not they had made it to the Shrine. Did they lay his body to rest? Could they see his wounds healing? Was it slower than that, or was it just a futile attempt of grasping at straws?

A nearby screech startled her. Without much thought for what she was doing, she’d unsheathed the Master Sword and, with both hands on the blade, swung with all the might she had left. The Bokoblin fell before her without another sound, but the momentum of the swing kept her moving until she, too, was doubled over. The sword, with its tip driven into the dirt, was her only crutch. 

How Link was ever able to swing something so heavy with such ease baffled her. Or perhaps it was just because her hands were clumsy with weapons of any sort.

Zelda pushed herself upright and picked the scabbard up from the ground. With a little difficulty, she slid the sword back into its holder and continued her trek towards the forest.

It was hard to ignore the burning fields all around her. It was hard to ignore the guardians soaring overhead. She was careful to avoid their search beams because she didn’t think she could spare any of the sealing power for them. 

Part of her felt for them. She knew they were machines—no more than hunks of metal on legs, but there was tragedy surrounding them. Pieces of technology that were so advanced, that she loved, that were created with the sole purpose of helping Hyrule, were abandoned as soon as the Calamity was sealed. Their creators were exiled, their kind were banned, and they, too, were lost to the sea of time. Buried and forgotten, until they were needed again. And as fate would so cruelly have it, they were twisted and corrupted and now knew nothing but destruction.

Her thoughts flickered back to her loyal knight and she realized with a stroke of horror that he, too, would be buried and forgotten, lost to a sea of time. But then again, so would she. That’s how it went, wasn’t it? A hero and a goddess, set to revive only when the Calamity would. With tens of thousands of years passing between them, all they would truly become were stories. Except, there would be no grand legend following them. For a story to exist, there had to be people to tell it. Her kingdom, as far as the eye could see, had very little left.

She wanted to be upset. She wanted to be angry at this cursed fate, but if she refused to play her part in this elaborate game of chess, then there would be no hope for a future Hyrule to recall stories to.

Zelda gripped the scabbard tighter and pushed onwards. She never knew how much she would come to miss having his eyes on her back—having him three paces behind her at all times. She felt incredibly, strangely alone, and there was no comforting thought that one day she would feel his presence again. Wisdom did not grant knowledge of the future, so she was not naive enough to try manifesting her desire.

There was no bringing him back, not yet, and all the other lives lost tonight, all of their friends who’d stood bravely together only to die alone, had no chance of returning whatsoever.

All she could really do was hope that she could give the remaining populations in every last corner of Hyrule a chance to evacuate while she held the Calamity back. Should it devour her, her entire kingdom, at least her people would be safe. 

Goddesses, every step felt more difficult. Every step she took forward was a missing step behind her. And she couldn’t help wondering,

could she have saved him?

Part of her wanted to believe it would have been possible. The other part of her knew better than to tempt fate. They could not change it, but fate itself could play with whatever rules it desired. 

This, she realized with a deep chill, was how it’d always been meant to go. All of the time she spent in the springs, crying for a silent goddess to answer, wouldn’t have changed a thing. Fate was cruel.

Yet she couldn’t bring herself to be angry with the goddesses. The realization, the clarity that fell upon her, washed her through with a sudden calm. 

Or perhaps that feeling stemmed from the Lost Woods, whose fog seemed to be parting for her. With the sacred blade in her hands and the goddess in her blood, she supposed it had no reason to disorient and disable her. Even the trees were silent as she passed, their eyes following her as if they were waiting for a cue. 

Korok Forest looked as if it were from an alien world. The bright and lively green of the trees and pigment of the flowers did not match the decay outside of them. But even here, in the most sacred grove in all of Hyrule, the Calamity had a reach. She could see the dark, crimson sky behind the leaves of cherry blossoms where it did not belong. 

Zelda mistepped, her foot hitting the raised platform, and she didn’t try to catch her fall. The sword’s clang was loud as it hit the stone and her arms trembled under her weight. Her knees were scraped through the dress but it was already stained with blood, what was a little more? The sting was nothing compared to the loss of her kingdom. 

“All hope is not lost.”

She lifted her head, but it was hard to see the Great Deku Tree through the blur of tears in her vision. She blinked hard, but it did little to help. 

“With all due respect, I don’t think I can handle much positivity,” she replied, ducking her head again so she didn’t have to look at him. 

“There is no fault in that. However, telling you that there is nothing left would be false.”

“They’re dead,” she said and shook her head. How did she still have tears to cry? “All of them.”

“Not all of them. But you already know that.”

Zelda wiped at her eyes with her fist and dug her nails into her palms to keep from slamming them on the pedestal. 

“It hurts,” was all she could manage. 

“Yes,” replied the Deku Tree with a gentle hum. “But what is grief, if not love persevering?”

She did not want to reply. Instead, she turned her focus to steadying her breathing and putting an end to the ever flowing tears. The Calamity had laid waste to her kingdom, what good would crying do? Her clumsy hands found the hilt of the sacred blade and she pulled it closer. 

“You master will come for you,” she promised quietly. “Until then you shall rest safely here.”

But what good was her promise when she didn’t know if the shrine would work, or if Link would still be Link if it did? Could the soul of a hero strong enough to surpass lifetimes be altered, shaped into something unrecognizable? If such were the case..,

“Please,” she begged, holding her hands tighter, though she didn’t know if she was saying it to Link or to the sword. “Trust me when I say that I know he will arrive before you yet again.”

Zelda gripped the sword again and struggled back onto shaky legs. When she was steady, she slid the sword back into the pedestal and pressed down firmly until she felt it stick. There was a rush of something too, an odd sort of warmth that hit her fingers and spread throughout her chest as if it was trying to say something. This, she thought, must be what courage feels like.

“If I may be so bold,” the Deku Tree began again, “what is it that you are planning to do next, Princess?”

“It seems that my role is unfinished,” she replied, giving her eyes a final wipe. “There is still something I must do.”

“I sense there is great strength in your dedication.”

Yes, perhaps there was. She wondered if this is how Link had felt nearly every day—ready to act upon a moment’s notice. Even in his absence, she could feel a piece of him resonating within her heart. 

“Great Deku Tree, I ask of you,” she spoke in the comfort and confines of the forest, where no one could repeat her words, “when he returns, can you please relay this message..? Tell him I-“

“Now then… words for him would sound much better in the tones of your voice, don’t you think?”

The guardian spirit, old and wise as the sacred blade itself, gazed down at her with a warm look of faith. There was a gentle breeze that ruffled her hair and a ray of sunshine peaked through the grotesque sky for only a moment, but it was enough to bring a tiny smile to her lips despite it all. 

“Yes,” she decided simply.

This was courage.

The heavy fog of the forest parted for her just as it had done before and the gloomy, burning world she’d escaped welcomed her back as if she’d never left. The exhaustion was gone and in its absence remained a hostile anger that she was ready to let go of. Years upon years of neglect, of training, of hardships, led her to this exact moment—walking into an impossible fight alone. It wasn’t fair, goddesses knew that. This thing had taken everything from her.

But if her kingdom had fallen and she was destined to follow, she would make certain that she took the Calamity with her.

[bearingwater]

September Forecast for Aquarius

Resist the back-to-school rush, Aquarius. This month finds you feeling more private and internal as the Sun grooves through Virgo and your intimate eighth house until September 23. Your energy is best focused on one particular person or project since Virgo season sharpens your powers of concentration. Of course, your naturally social personality doesn’t exactly operate like this. Adopt a “quality over quantity” metric and choose your RSVPs accordingly. You don’t have to be at every industry cocktail party or welcome-to-fall gathering—especially when the real “pumpkin spice” is likely to happen behind closed doors!

The eighth house rules all manner of merging, from soul-searing sex to joint financial ventures—unions that create a force field of power through your shared energies. Whether you reach “supercouple” status (think: Will and Jada, Barack and Michelle) or team up for world domination (like the “Steves” of Apple, Woz and Jobs), those are #goals for Virgo time. And they’re supercharged now because heat-seeking Mars, the planet of drive and ambition, is also in Virgo from August 18 to October 3.

Mars only visits each sign every two years, and this biannual boon could find you eager—even racing frantically—into a permanent engagement. Before you plunk your life savings into a piece of property or a cryptocurrency coin…or rush to City Hall with “the One” after dating for six months…know that the Sun and Mars together can tempt you to jump the gun.

Having inflammatory Mars in this intense zone of your chart isn’t necessarily easy. It can stoke envy, possessiveness and power struggles just as readily as it can bring you a lucrative financial deal or a soulmate encounter. You’ll need to manage the energy with care!

There’s even more reason to pace yourself, Aquarius. All month long—and exactly on September 21—optimistic Jupiter and hazy Neptune will make their last of 2019’s three dueling squares. Both are in ever-changing “mutable” signs: Jupiter is in its native soil of starry-eyed Sagittarius, and Neptune’s daydreaming in its home court of Pisces.

Jupiter and Neptune have been traveling in close contact nearly the entire year; they made two previous alignments in January and June. Under their influence, you’ll feel pulled between the practical and the fanciful, torn between your daily duties and a desire to dream big.

Expansive Jupiter is making its once-every-12-years trip through Sagittarius and your eleventh house of groups, the future and idealistic visions from November 8, 2018, until December 2, 2019. A collaboration may have taken flight under this transit, bringing opportunities to travel, grow or spread an inspiring message. Since the eleventh house rules technology, Jupiter’s auspicious touch may have enhanced your digital presence or led to an exciting launch. A chance to put your unique and innovative stamp on something huge—with a dream team to boot—is in the offing for the rest of this year!

The catch? A conflicting beam from nebulous Neptune in your money house may have left you short on funds or dealing with unclear budgets, timelines and practical details. This could make it hard to pull off your lofty vision, at least on the scale you imagine. A confidence crash could bring a wave of self-doubt at this month’s Jupiter-Neptune square. Your hyperactive social life could also contribute to your cash crunch. Have you spotted your friends or picked up the tab one time too many?

This month, Mars will wedge itself into the Jupiter-Neptune conflict, forming a T-square, which is a three-way battle for the throne. You’ll feel this tension from about September 8 to 18, and most strongly from September 12 to 14. The stress of a big expense or purchase could further exacerbate financial friction. A partner may also lean on you heavily now, which could zap your time or energetic resources. Your freedom-seeking side can feel completely claustrophobic and tempted to bolt. Unfortunately, your responsibilities are too deeply embedded to extract yourself from impulsively. While you may decide it’s time for an exit strategy, that might not be possible until later this year or next.

The key? Don’t lose your sense of humor or your creativity. While it’s important not to be impulsive, that doesn’t mean you should lock the muse in the closet and throw away the key. Nor should you stop yourself from enjoying fall festivities. Although you won’t have time for all of them (or even most of them), choose—or host!—a “party of the season” and really let your hair down.

This T-square tension will reach full tilt right as the September 14 full moon appears in Pisces and your grounded second house. This could bring a midmonth moment of clarity, a chance to prioritize and make an action plan. If you’ve been waiting for word on finances or work, you could finally hear concrete news. This full moon can also bring a confidence boost when you need it most. Don’t wait for other people to call the shots or make a decision for you. Be firm and self-authorized today, Aquarius and lean in to leadership. If nobody steps up to the plate then…tag, you’re it!

That said, dreamy Neptune IS hovering close to the moon, so you’ll still have your rose-colored glasses on. Make sure you haven’t swept any key details under the rug, especially when it comes to finances. The gift of Neptune’s presence? You can infuse any tough decisions or announcements with compassion. If you have to tighten your belt for a bit, you’ll find a way to keep pleasure in the equation! Your artistic innovations could also hit paydirt today. If you’re dropping an album, hosting a gallery show or bringing people together for that aforementioned “party of the century” gathering, this full moon could be a great day to do it.

Either way, you’ll be glad you got yourself grounded and streamlined because on September 18, structured Saturn wakes up from a four-month retrograde nap in Capricorn and your twelfth house of closure and healing. Saturn’s been making a long tour of Capricorn from December 2017 until March 2020 (with a final lap coming July through December 2020). You’ve done a lot of important inner work during this time, Aquarius—and you’ve probably gone deeper into emotional, spiritual and vulnerable places than ever before. Whew!

While there may have been some painful moments, you can also take stock of the resilience you’ve gained! Is there someone you still have yet to forgive, a resentment that’s poisoning you by carrying it around. Saturn helps you do the brave work. For artists and healers, this is a powerful time to establish yourself as an expert or to work with a mentor to gain mastery through a disciplined practice.

A taste of the freedom you’re craving arrives starting September 23, when the Sun soars into Libra and your ninth house of travel, expansion and adventure for a month. Now you can pull yourself out of tunnel-vision mode and see the big picture again. At the September 28 Libra new moon, start putting plans into action. Where would you like to be six months from now, at the corresponding Libra full moon? And what horizon-broadening experiences do you want to have between today and then? Get some bucket-list goals on the agenda, from launching your indie business to visiting a dream destination. Don’t limit yourself—explore all possibilities during this blue-sky month without holding back!

Love & Romance

With Mars blazing through earthily sensual Virgo and your erotic eighth house all month (until October 3), your seductive and sizzling superpowers are cranked up full blast. The red-hot planet hasn’t visited this chart sector for two years, and some Aquarians are making up for lost time! And with the other love planet, Venus, along for the ride until September 14, it really is a wonder you’re getting anything (else) done at all.

That’s not to say it’s been all fun and (naughty) games. Mars ratchets up passion but also increases competition, jealousy, tension and paranoia. Monitor your emotions as they arise and catch yourself before you go on the attack. Chances are you’re blowing up a molehill. If there are legit complaints, however, take the high road and initiate a calm, loving dialogue, perhaps with a mediator.

You might be feeling ready to make things permanent—or possibly you’re having the exact opposite sense, like it’s time to go your separate ways. This, too, deserves compassion and respectful conversations (e.g., do NOT send a breakup text!). Unattached? Lust might override your need for trust, and while there’s nothing wrong with following your desires, know what you’re getting yourself into because getting OUT of it might be trickier.

Venus advances to Libra and your adventurous ninth house on September 14 through October 8. The call of the open road may be irresistible over the coming weeks, and if you’ve got the time and funds, why NOT answer it? Romantic escapades await the wanderlust-y Water Bearer. You might even be open to a long-distance relationship or click with someone from a wildly different background than yours.

Key Dates

September 1: Venus-Saturn Trine This rare (twice-a-year) mashup of loving Venus and structured Saturn activates your most emotional and intuitive sectors. Find some time during the day to tune in, and you can get more lucid about your needs and desires, including what “commitment” looks like to you—and whether you’re ready for it in the first place.

Money & Career

Dive into the deep end of the pool, Aquarius With the Sun and motivator Mars in Virgo and your eighth house of research, merging and shared finances until September 23, this month is all about powerful alliances and transformational projects. The key will be to FOCUS! That could get tricky, though, since Mars is making a distracting angle to Jupiter and Neptune all month (hitting a peak on September 21). Competition from your thriving social schedule and daily duties could interrupt your focus. Plot some money moves at the September 14 Pisces full moon, which will illuminate your second house of work and financial gain. Update your resume with your most recent achievements. Put your name in the ring for a promotion or plum project.

On September 18, structured Saturn ends a four-month retrograde in Capricorn and your restful twelfth house. If you’ve found it difficult to complete projects since late April, or your energy levels have felt low, you’ll be able to make a plan for tying up those loose ends (finally!). Reach out for support or mentorship instead of trying to figure it all out alone. Optimism returns starting September 23, when the Sun starts a monthlong visit to Libra and your ninth house of growth, entrepreneurship and travel. Let a vacation be your motivation. Start saving for a trip to a beautiful (and budget-friendly) bucket list trip. If you’re a freelancer, make it a “work-cation”—have laptop, will travel— and head somewhere you can quietly develop your passion projects in a serene setting. Shake loose from your everyday surroundings and allow yourself to be inspired. The Libra new moon on September 28 could spark a visionary idea or a novel concept for a savvy startup!

Key Dates

September 6: Mercury-Jupiter Square Don’t believe everything you hear today. It’s not that anyone is intentionally trying to pull the wool over your eyes, but with expansive Jupiter adding a little elasticity to the truth, people may be slightly exaggerating their abilities or soft-pedaling the costs. Be agreeable, but before you say yes, tell them you need to see some hard evidence.

Love Days: 21, 25 Money Days: 1, 13 Luck Days: 28, 10 Off Days: 22, 27, 8

[x-fantasy-is-my-reality-x]

Goku Black x Reader: Forbidden Fruit (Chapter 3: Blink of an Eye)

After that last disastrous encounter with Black, you were forced to drag your broken body a couple of miles back to your cabin, which was no easy feat considering only one arm and one leg worked. It took you a nearly a month to fully heal, during which you were forced to hide away in your house, haunted by constant nightmares so real that you could still feel his fingertips when you woke. Wisps of dense air that brushed across your face and surrounded your neck, squeezing lightly as you slept. You weren’t the only one that was affected though, Black found himself constantly watching. If there was nothing to do, then he was there. It was like a moth drawn to fire, even though it knows the destruction that the warmth could bring, yet it still comes. Every. Damn. Time.

And it was absolutely infuriating.

Black sat in the boughs of the large oak tree directly outside your window, far enough so that you wouldn’t be able to see him but close enough for him to be able to see you clearly through the transparent glass. You haven’t done anything interesting in a month and he half wished that he hadn’t injured you so grievously, so you could at least do something other than eat and sleep. It was almost comical how the man who had slaughtered billions was now sitting cross-legged outside your window, staring at you lazily as you moved sluggishly around your tiny area, almost as if you were teasing him. But as far as he knew, you had zero idea that a psychotic, bipolar serial killer was less than one hundred feet away from you for hours every day. He tapped his fingers lightly against his white boots as he imagined your reaction if you found out, how you would probably make that adorable squeaking sound you made every time you were startled, or how you would freeze up with your beautiful eyes blown wide when you were paranoid or frightened.

Wait, what? Adorable? Beautiful? What’s wrong with me? I don’t even know her name! I can’t be falling for that stupid mortal!  

The branch he had been clutching snapped under the pressure, and he cursed silently under his breath as you whipped your head around. He scrambled backwards into denser leaves as you scanned the area, your gaze lingering on his previous position. After a good 5 minutes of looking around, you shrugged and went back to making breakfast, but he could tell from the hunch in your shoulders that you were anxious. That had been too close.

I’d better go before I completely lose it.

The Saiyan quickly descended into the sky, soaring around for a while before heading back to West City. Perhaps Trunks would help him take his mind off of you, but even that half-breed was beginning to bore him. Oh well, there wasn’t like there was much else to do, and he just wanted to get as far away from you as possible. Agitated, he touched down on top of a desolate building, a couple meters away from Trunks little hideout. As if that could escape a god like him, he scoffed.

Still, that blue-haired teenager was the closest thing to a rival he had on this miserable planet. He would have to do for now. Heavy, gray storm clouds gathered above him, the unmistakable scent of rain flooding his nose, and he glowered at the sky as if it had personally offended him.

I’d better hurry.

Gracefully, he took a flying leap from the roof and landed right on top of where he could sense the puny mortals clustered together in a group.

Honestly, there’s no point in hiding them if I could sense them. I can see them like a lighthouse in the darkness.

He almost laughed at the absurdity of it all. They still struggled to survive when they knew deep down that there was no way out, and they knew that they deserved it. Given a few more years and he wouldn’t even have to clean them up, they could just kill each other as their technology advanced. But it was too much fun crushing their necks and hearing that gargled screams of theirs than sitting back in the sidelines. No, he had to do this. The humans had a chance to live peacefully, and they threw it all away. He was just their punishment that he himself a god had sent down.

White boots clicked faintly as he walked back and forth across the ground, and he could feel their chi changing as panic set in. He could hear them scuttling around like bugs. Through the mass of energy, he didn’t even notice that one was missing. Black completely forgot that Trunks could suppress it at will, and it was all because of you. Blame it on the nerves.

“BLACK!” A voice bellowed, and a hard blast blew Black off his feet and he tumbled face first into a pile of rubble, a crack of lightning splitting the air. Without giving him any time to recover, Trunks threw blast after blast after at his opponent, glowing blue light brightening up the sky like fireworks. The ground shuddered from their blows and down below the humans shuddered, praying that their savior would emerge victorious. And even from your cabin miles away you could hear the commotion, and you debated whether or not you should go. It sounded pretty serious and you were still somewhat weak, your arm having just healed. But you would never leave a friend to fend for them self, especially not Trunks. The world needed him.

Grunting in annoyance, you grabbed a dagger and your coat, leaped into your shoes and sprinted out of your door, hitting your shoulder on the frame in the process.

“Great,” you groaned, as you nearly tripped over a stump, but you didn’t stop running. You hadn’t been outside for weeks, and upon reflection maybe charging into a battle that was way out of your league while you were still recovering wasn’t your brightest idea. Too late now. After a couple minutes of cardio, you were close enough to feel the ground trembling from their fight. You peered through the trees on the outcrop where he had ambushed you, the memory still sending chills down your spine. A fearsome super Saiyan Trunks was being pounded to a pulp by the fake Goku, who then delivered a devastating blow to his stomach, sending the teenager flying into the ground. You held back the urge to just charge into the battle; getting yourself killed wasn’t going to help anyone.

Black dived down like a rocket, his dark purple aura blazing around him like a massive halo aiming right at Trunks’ prone body. Even then, you couldn’t help but admire his sheer power, even if it was stolen. Just as he was about to make impact, Trunks shoved himself out of the way, and Black was too close to stop, his body sending massive hunks of rock flying everywhere. You nearly had a heart attack as one went hurling a hair length away from your head, breaking the trees in half behind you.

At this rate there wasn’t going to an Earth left to defend. Everything was quiet for a moment as your friend stood a little distance away from the pile of boulders, wheezing from the exertion. Without warning, beams of violet light shot from beneath the earth, scattering the clouds and you could hear a deafening howl that was Goku Black’s voice.

He shot from the rubble faster than you could see, and the only indication of anything happening was when Trunks keeled over, his eyes wide and blank as his golden glow disappeared. For a terrifying second you thought he was dead as Black stood over his body like the Grim Reaper, barely seeming to break a sweat through the whole ordeal. He raised his hand and you readied yourself to leap in and stop him.

“Black.” You heard a new voice call. The Saiyan turned his head to stare at the what seemed like a weird floating goblin man with spiky white hair, completed with forbidding silver eyes. You hadn’t even noticed him the entire time. Or maybe he hadn’t been there? Now that you realized, they were wearing similar clothing, and Black did seem familiar with him. Mostly on the fact that he didn’t immediately try to kill him.

“Zamasu,” he replied coolly. “What are you doing here?”

Zamasu is certainly an unusual name.

“I was just checking on you. You’ve been…. odd lately.” The newcomer narrowed his eyes. “And I see you’ve disposed of Trunks for now.”

“For now.” Black concluded, and you let out a sigh of relief, crouching back down. He was letting Trunks go.

The green alien touched down and walked over to the unconscious boy, nudging him with the toe of his boot. Zamasu paused for a second, and his face twisted in a grin.

“And it seems like he’s the only one who needs disposing of.” Your stomach clenched, and you could feel sweat pooling at your collarbones. His grin grew wider and you could see Black tensing his shoulders.

They both turned, and their eyes were locked on you.

Oh no.

[cinnamon-sorceress]

Spinach didn't retain gamblers, DApp didn't see tomorrow...

"You enter a location with hundreds of tables handmade cards. Do you know how shocking it feels? (Like) a huge selection of tables at a rural wedding, not wanting to eat, all handmade cards."** Textual content | Xin Nan Functions | Gai Yao Edited | Lu Xiaoming** Produced****|****Odaily Planet Regular (ID: o-daily) The gambling DApp is fading out of people's attention. Gambling is the nickname of "video gaming" in the currency circle, and DApp identifies applications predicated on distributed technologies. This past year, the gambling DApp has been playing fiercely. In the summertime of 2018, the fund attribute DApp FOMO3D premiered. This DApp developed based on user gambling, arbitrage, and speculation requirements is significantly less than 24 hours. It attracted hundreds of millions of bucks in just a few hours, detonating people's ambitions for DApp development. In this market environment, gambling DApp games started to flourish. How hot was spinach in the past? It can be said that after FOMO3D, new gambling DApps have been launched almost every few times. Simultaneously, the EOS open public chain, that was just launched on the mainnet at the end of June, ushered in DApp With the outbreak of the ecology, numerous DApp programmers have poured in to the advancement of DApps. For a while, all sorts of spinach DApps, such as dice, German poker, and greyhound racing, possess blown out of the top three public chains in the worldwide market value. Become the splendid fireworks in the long bear market. At that time, the top ten DApp apps with the highest 24-hour user activity were almost all gambling video games. Gambling has been once considered to get a natural fit with the blockchain, and will be the first to become a major application situation. At the end of 2018, we called gambling the pig in the DApp market, and everyone wanted to come in and talk about the pie. However in 2019 In 2017, the voice of Video gaming gradually faded out of this circle, and a wave of old gamers and project groups were leaving behind the field. At the same time, various activities such as for example DeFi (decentralized finance), Staking (storage space of coins and attention), IEO (initial swap issuance), and Bitcoin bull market are all distracting the attention of the stock users in this circle. DApps can survive, therefore can gambling DApps. You might say that market hasn't lacked gamblers. Following the old players leave, there will be a wave of new players. But the the truth is that neither gambling nor DApp has ushered in the explosive period they expected half a year ago. The gambling tone of voice fades plus some players exit Since 2019, gambling seems to be outdated. "I haven't played for a long time, and now I don't have any motivation to play." When requested if he is still playing gambling games, DApp old gamer Huang Xu shook his mind. This past year, Huang Xu started to come into contact with DApp applications. He has always experienced the favorite DApp without landing. But he almost never dabbles in spinach. Around October 2018, the gambling video games on the EOS mainnet begun to explode. Viewing increasing numbers of people enter the overall game to have fun with gambling, Huang Xu had been also transferred and entered. For Huang Xu, the inspiration to have fun with gambling comes from "experience + earning money". Huang Xu's primary gambling sport is Dice, the dice sport on EOS, however when new tasks are released, he always rushes to the forefront and joins the new project community very first. Some time ago, Huang Xu joined a new community for the brand new gambling task EOSJob. In those days, almost everyone locally was playing, and there was a steady blast of news discussions. The number of news atlanta divorce attorneys minute could soar to 99+. Every time he goes online, Huang Xu spends an hour or two on spinach. But after enjoying for some time, Huang Xu realized that not merely did he not really make any money, however the time he previously spent on spinach had been all in the water: "I really was addicted after playing it, but afterwards I found out that this is really a video game of probability in the end. It should be a reduction, it will waste time and create no money." PolkDot Gambling is actually a probability occasion. The dealer has countless chances of winning, but you only have one. Right after realizing that gambling cannot meet his needs, Huang Xu left the game. Today looking back at the wagering apps he joined at that time to play a new team, Huang Xu found that there had been not many gamers who left the game silently like him. "The EOSJob group has no voice afterwards, and contains become a dead team." Huang Xu said. The Odaily Sunday newspaper checked data through DAppTotal and discovered that EOSJob did have plenty of users when it was first launched, and there have been several peaks at once, but as of enough time of publication, there have been less than 4 everyday active users. There are a great number of players like Huang Xu who simply taste it, and most of them began to leave the marketplace right after 2019. Some gamers confessed to Odaily Earth Daily: ��Dapp It's getting much less and less experience, spinach is no longer playing, and it feels cold. " Losing more plus losing much less is a big factor pertaining to gamblers to keep. According to data provided by PeckShield regarding Odaily Planet Daily, starting from February 2019, the proportion of players losing money in gambling DApps upon the EOS chain offers been escalating. February to 5 During the 30 days, the proportion of gamers who lost money was more than 50%. Included in this, the proportion of players who lost profit May 2019 had been a lot more than 60%. The proportion of gamers who lost profit betting DApp on the TRON chain had been even higher. Since October 2018, there has been a craze of more than 50%. Contrast, PeckShield Team evaluation: The reason why even more people lose cash is because the competition pressure between systems is high, and there could be situations where platforms adjust the earning rate algorithm. In addition, another chance is that an individual churn price is high, and several users play several games and believe that they'll not play if they lose, so that they are counted as shedding users. Gamblers collected in the top to stalk the wool "Gambling is a real market, just looking for a marketplace. There are some gamblers staying for a long period under this kind of gameplay, which means you say he has no potential at all, definitely not." An industry insider commented. The currency circle is a market where speculators gather. If the foreign currency circle is for those who desire to earn 1 million yuan with 10,000 yuan, gambling will give a natural channel. People think that even if the gambling DApp visitors dries up, gamblers will always exist. In this seemingly lifeless market, you can find indeed some best gambling DApps collecting stock players. Previously six months, the daily active users of TRON's head gambling application WINK (Tronbet) have fluctuated slightly, but their day to day activities have almost stabilized above 2000. The news of WINK's landing on Binance IEO can be a major event in the DApp circle recently. However, people have mixed opinions on the WINK landing about Binance. Proponents think that in comparison to various ideas of air foreign currency, DApp is at least the landing software, and the foreign currency price is supported by real transaction volume. Opponents criticized WINK as a rubbish project, and hyping financial products is also building a castle in the sky, and it will not bring any worth to the, and you can find doubts about its sustainability. There has by no means been a shortage of gamblers in the spinach market, but unlike the pure gambler mentality, there is a wave of "smart people" who also target the dividend tokens behind the spinach DApp. The successful listing of WINK has induced a fresh way of profiting for players-gambling is mining.

Unlike Huang Xu, Charlie Sheen laughs at himself as a "gambling dog" and claims he has the physique of Easy Stud. He entered to have fun with the gambling DApp in July last year. In his terms, he is a senior player of the gambling DApp, EOS, TRX After the spinach emerged up, they slapped everything over. "You enter a location, there are hundreds of tables playing cards, do you know how shocking it feels? (Like) a huge selection of tables in rural wedding ceremonies, not eating, all handmade cards." Charlie Xin said The Odaily Planet Daily reporter referred to the ecology of casinos on the chain he saw. Because the gambling tone of voice faded, gambling applications began to iterate like flowing water, but he was a new player who stuck to the gambling marketplace. He is able to even name some of the programs that the task team utilized before they ran away-if they can not do it, they'll pretend to be a hacker attacking the prize pool and close the entranceway and run away. Charlie Sheen said that the reason why he is thinking about gambling is not only to fulfill the desire of "gambling", but also to "mining." "Mining" refers to the dividend coins acquired from the betting app through playing gambling video games, from Eosbet, Tronbet He went to BG (BigGame) and also some gambling DApp project parties that had ��elope�� and the foreign currency cost had ��came back to zero��. "The good matter is that the overall game is mining, and the bad factor is that gambling is mining. Normally, where do you think I am constantly betting? Sometimes I dig and dig, and I receive platform coins easily win." Charlie Xinxiang Odaily Planet Daily shared his connection with gambling and paying dividends. "Usually, you get plenty of system coins in the first video game, and the dividends will be paid back quickly. If he just announces the news headlines or just opens a fresh section, you instantly ( Entry) is really a big profit." "The WINK coin I started mining the day before yesterday is currently 2/3 back." Charlie Xin said slightly. "It's impossible to work part-time. Right now the income from this DApp token will be dozens of times." At 1 am, Charlie Sheen returned Odaily Planet Daily reporter sent a note saying he had simply bet several and was going to fall asleep. The spinach blue sea has passed, the red sea hasn't come Judging from the actual DApp survival information, gambling is still the most active category upon the TRON plus EOS chains. However, there is not much room left for speculators to build up the DApp DApp group. This market has been monopolized by several top gambling applications. PeckShield data demonstrates the head effect has recently appeared in the two main gambling ecologically prosperous general public chains EOS and TRON. Dice occupied 70% of the gambling DApp on EOS The total transaction quantity, TRONbet occupied 86% of the total transaction volume of gambling DApp on TRON.

During the past year, Dice and TRONbet were also the total gain champions of the two major public chain gambling DApps, and their gains accounted for 46.02% and 46.02% of the very best ten DApps within their respective general public chains. 70.63%. Among them, all gambling DApps on the TRON chain except TRONbet account for no more than 10% of income. Note: Statistics period: 2018-6-25 -2019-5-31 Another information chart shows that from September 2018 to March 2019, the number of profits of gambling DApps in EOS was higher than losing, but from April 2019 Starting from the start of the 30 days, the amount of losses in gambling DApps on EOS started to exceed the amount of profitable DApps. At the GBGSEC Blockchain Game Ecological Conference held in Shanghai a few days ago, DAppReview founder Niu Fengxuan furthermore believes that the top competition of gambling DApps is obvious: "Last but not least, gambling DApp competition will be fierce, and only the top DApp can recover the cost. " The data distributed by Niu Fengxuan is that probably the most profitable DApps are still Tronbet, PokerEOS, EOSJacks, etc. And these without exception, are at the forefront of the checklist. For these gambling software development teams, not only gets the industry's dividend period passed, however the more severe environment is that since 2019, there has been hardly any traffic allocated to DApps in the circle. The gambling programmers are also turning around. Some insiders uncovered to Odaily Earth Regular that the cost of making a gambling DApp is 2 It is about 10,000 yuan, but unlike the group developers who've taken the investment, gambling designers are mostly individual developers that are sizzling in the currency circle. "The boat is quite easy to change. Many people began to engage in staking after staking grew to become popular." said the above-mentioned industry insider. Spinach is cool, DApp is colder The currency circle is changing with each passing day, and so may be the DApp circle. When an app leaves the market, there will be new apps at the top. However the life period of all DApps isn't long. According to the data shared simply by Niu Fengxuan, there are currently related to 30 to 40 DApps online on a monthly basis on average, but additionally, there are 30 to 50 DApps which are no longer in use on a monthly basis, with a survival period of more than two months. DApp, just 30% of the full total The unsustainability of spinach showed its signs as early as the finish of this past year. In those days, Odaily Planet Daily reported that many gambling apps felt that daily activity had reached the freezing stage and withdrew from your competition early. Once the bear arrived at its deepest, nobody was speculating or gambling. In those days, almost everyone believed that gambling DApps The bleakness may be the beginning of the return of ecology to healthful development. It is period for investors on the market to pay focus on healthier blockchain programs. Because of this, people begun to search for a new investment target for the coming of the bull marketplace. At that time, the concept that games will be the first touchstone for the execution of blockchain had been proposed. Almost everyone is looking towards the explosion of games under like market conditions, however the reality is that game DApps with outstanding playability have not exploded needlessly to say. Minus the data polishing of spinach, the DApp circle is also cooler. According to DappReview data, there are presently 3548 DApps, plus the total daily active users of the apps are only 189,209. Quite simply, on average, each DApp Now only 53 users could be assigned. (Notice: From December 2018 to present, the two open public chains of EOS and TRON reached DApps between April and May this year. The number of active users peaked and then began to fluctuate and decline. The daily energetic information has rebounded recently, but there is still a certain distance from the previous peak period. ) The DAppTotal data graph shows that since 2018, the full total number of DApps has grown steadily. Simultaneously, the price of new DApps began to slow down, that is to say, new DApps Less and much less. "Compared with the beginning of the calendar year, the eye of the DApp circle is definitely less. The so-called DApp Popularity, a large proportion is supported by gambling flow, but because the gambling class declines, less and fewer people play (DApp). "BlockHop founder Alex also really felt the current DApp The "cool" of the circle. "In the absence of too many brand-new users, DApp growth continues to be relatively slow, and the entire decline." A blockchain DApp practitioner commented. "Users do not involve quality right now, they are basically traders. The current amount of consumers could be less than 100,000." Alex said, BlockHop It is seeking seed customers in conventional circles. Currently, users in its video game applications are mostly obtained through conventional channel promotion, instead of users obtained in the blockchain market. The reduced attention of existing users isn't good for the DApp growth teams that are looking forward to the support of capital admission. "The recent IEO, Staking, each of them directly hit the hearts of investors." Alex believes that the eye of DApps is definitely dispersed, but DApps For a while, additionally it is difficult to have a hot product. Niu Fengxuan's views and Alex

Similarly, he believes that the entire market is looking forward to a hot product. Once a articles path is explored, it'll explode quickly: "With a popular item, it is possible to copy, imitate and understand it to attract mainstream players. The marketplace is waiting, following The birth of an explosive model." However, along with hard work, the birth of explosive versions is always accompanied by luck and possibility. If this is the case, there's still a long way to choose DApps. (Be aware: Huang Xu and Charlie Sheen are pseudonyms in this post) ****Original write-up, reprint / content material cooperation / for reports, please contact report@odaily.com; Unauthorized reprinting is strictly prohibited, and unlawful reprinting shall be investigated by law. **** Don't skip the excitement of days gone by **** **** ******** ******** ********** ********** High-quality push brings deep thinking Celebrity Odaily to cause you to different

[blackapplestar]

The Hero From the Future

AN: Just something for my friend, Dylan. Earth. The year 2017. I just arrived from the year 3017. Earth looks...so primitive. It makes me wonder... Wonder if I can really help these people.. If I can save this planet... If I'm really meant to do this... If I'm even at the right place!!! .......Now, what was I saying...? Ah, right, I'm Dylan and I've been sent from the future to save Earth. From whom, you ask? An evil pirate that stole the time travel technology my organization created. He calls himself Arbuckle and he's intent on taking over the world and he's come to the year 2017 to do it. Their technology and resources are far less advanced than ours so it wouldn't be hard for him to cause a lot of damage. His last location was reported in this general area so it shouldn't be that hard to find a destructive pirate from the future... *STOMP STOMP STOMP* I suddenly heard footsteps coming my way. If I'm discovered, my mission could be in jeopardy! I need to find a safe place to hide before-- "Hey! Who are you?!", a voice yelled from behind me. Balls! I've been found! "Erm, me? Just a humble hero from the fu-- I mean, Dylan... Just chillin', bro.", I said in the coolest, most inconspicuous way I could. "In my backyard?" She raised an eyebrow at me. Stupid sight-to-sight transporter piece of crap! "Uhh, well, yes, actually! It's a lovely yard. You see I'm a...yard eh, enthusiast?", I said as convincingly as I could muster. "Well, enthus yourself in someone else's yard. I'm working here.", she angrily retorted. "Right! I'll be off...", I agreed. I stopped for a moment........ "What?", she asked in an annoyed voice. "What are you working on?", I asked. "If you must know, I'm working on my top secret invention for taking over the world.", replied the girl whose backyard I was currently invading. "Really?", I questioned. "What?", she irritatingly inquired. "Is that just something you tell a random person you found creeping around in your yard?", I asked, expecting to hear a laugh and a different answer. "So you WERE creeping! I knew it! You want to steal my evil inventions!" "No! Not at all!", I said. Primitive moron... " Then what ARE you doing here?", she demanded. "I'm into yards, okay? Gosh...", I claimed, trying to stick to my original story. "Liar!", she yelled as she reached behind her back. *cshick* "Um, what is that?" I pointed. "It's my evil raygun for killing people that creep around in my yard. Now, who are you?", she demanded. I gave her a funny look and said, "Psh, you really expect me to believe that you made a working ray--" *ZAP* *shhhh* The raygun fired. I stood staring for a moment. "Uh, you do realize that you just blew up your evil invention, right? "NNNOOOOOO!!! My life's work! You're going to pay for this!", she yelled, pointing an angry finger at me. "Hey, it's not my fault! Here, take this.", I said, thinking it would solve the problem. "What is it?", she asked, taking it from my hand. "One of your primitive collecting devices." She looked at it and back at me.... "A Pikachu trading card?!?" "You're wel--", I began to say. "I hate Pikachu, dangit!", she interrupted. Who hates Pikachu...? "Fine, give it back.", I ordered. "No...", she said quietly. "I don't have this one..." "Omg.... I have to go.", I said, irritated. "Oh no you don't! I'm following you until you pay me for my invention! How am I supposed to take over the world without it?" She followed me. "Look! I've got better things to do than babysit some prehistoric nutball that's trying to take over the world! Don't you know there's a futuristic nutball trying to take over the world and he has far better resources than you do!", I blurted. She stared at me. "There's a wha...?!" Double balls! "Okay, forget everything you just heard!", I said, hoping to trick her. Maybe if I just wave my hands like this..... "What are you, a Jedi?", she deadpanned. Clearly this isn't working.... Improvise! "Yes! And I am your faaaaatherrrr!", I continued to wave my hands. ........"So, are you buying any of this?", I inquired. "What do you think.", she rhetorically returned. "Yeah, thought so...", I said. Just then, there was a loud sound soaring through our ears. *ZZZZZZZOOOOOM* *CRASH* "What was that?!", the girl yelled. "Arbuckle!", I exclaimed. "What's an Arbuckle?" "Shuddup and come on!", I ordered. Dangit! Where did he crash? We ran out of her yard and down the street in Arbuckle's direction. The dark line of cloud his ship painted in the sky was dwindling, making it harder to track him. "There! A cloud of smoke!", The girl reported. "Good eye!", I rewarded. "It's a giant cloud of smoke. Kinda obvious, Dylan....", she replied with monotone. I looked at her as we continued to run. "Didn't I say to shut the balls up?! I will futuristically beat you." "Whatever.", she deadpanned. We came to a clearing nestled in a small patch of wood just outside of the town I appeared in. There's Arbuckle's ship, filling the air with a feathery stream of dark, grey smoke. My eyes frantically searched for him but he was no where in sight. I glanced at the door on his ship and it was slightly bent but closed. He must still be inside. "We're here, Arbuckle! Come out with your hands up! This is Dylan--", I started to say. *cough cough* A voice came from the other side of the ship's door. "Dylan, from the secret organization that's tryin' ta foil me evil plans ta take over the world, arr. Aye.... I know a lot about ye.", Arbuckle interrupted my line as he forced open his door, leaping down to the ground from his wrecked ship. I was a little startled by his knowledge of me but that didn't cause me to waver. "Then you must know my track record. I always catch the bad guy and I always win.", I said, my voice solid. "Not today ye won't, arr. Today I has the upper hand, matey." "DUDE! What. Is. THIS?!", the girl, I had forgot about, beamed. "Nae! Don't be touchin' that!", Arbuckle uttered. She was standing on top of Arbuckle's ship, admiring a piece of equipment. "Sweet! This will SO replace my invention that someone destroyed!", she said with a glare in my direction. "Thanks, Archibald!" "The name's Arbuckle!", he corrected. "Arfinkle?", she questioned. "ARBUCKLE!", he restated angrily. "Arcanine?", she asked again. "AAAAARBUCKLE!!!", he yelled emphatically. "Dude, calm down, ArrrWEINERFACEbuckle.", she said sarcastically. "It's AAAAARBUCKLE!!! ...Who is this anyways?!" ......."Can you two frootloop dinguses please shut up! And that's a good question! What's your name, weirdo?", I finally thought to ask. "Who are you calling a weirdo, Future Freak?! And the name's Whit!", she stated. "Arr, Dylan! Prepare for a dual! Unsheath yer sword!", Arbuckle demanded as he reached for his. "Do I LOOK like a pirate to you?", I asked. "Arrr....", Arbuckle said in an agreeing tone. "Omg, how did YOU steal the most powerful technology known to the entire universe?!", I yelled. "Simple. Spiffy got it fer me.", he stated. "Dylan, what's a Spiffy?", Whit asked, rejoining me. "You're asking the wrong futuristic hero, yo.", I told her. Just then, a squawk rang through the woods. *BrrrrAAAck* "Arrr! Spiffy! Come to Daddy!", Arbuckle called. Spiffy obeyed and landed on the ground next to Arbuckle. Arbuckle is a tall futuristic, evil pirate but Spiffy towered over him by at least a foot. He had large, blue colored feathers on his boasting wingspan and he wore an eyepatch over his right eye similar to Arbuckle's. "Hooooly what the hay! Dylan, what is that?!", Whit exclaimed. "It's a breed of bird called gigantus pirateus parrotus! They're rare and usually aren't this...BIG!", I tried to explain. "Go get Daddy some prisoners, lad!", Arbuckle ordered his bird. Spiffy spread his wings, lifting high into the air above Arbuckle, who was staring intently at us. "Well, can't you do something about it? It's coming right for us!", Whit urged. "Yeah. RUN!", I said. Whit and I made an about face and quickly began moving in the opposite direction. "Real futuristic thinking there, bud!", she said. "Give me a minute, Pikachu!", I joked. "I swear if you say Pikachu one more time, I'm gonna--", Whit started. "That's it! Pikachu!", I exclaimed as I cut her off. "I really hate you right now....", she said with a glare. "No, give me your Pikachu card!", I said. "What? Why?", Whit asked. I looked at her and said, "Just do it if you don't want to die!" She rolled her eyes and replied, "Fine... Here, dangit...." Still racing along, she took the Pokemon card from her pocket and handed it to me. "What are you doing with it?", she asked. "Interpretive dance.... What does it look like I'm doing? I'm sharpening it!", I told her. "Well, he's catching up so you had better speed it up a bit!", Whit announced. "I am aware! Now, get ready to duck on my count, okay?", I instructed. "Will do!", she obliged. "Wait, what are you sharpening it with? We're running!" "Okaaaaaaaaay, NOW!!!", I screamed. I had taken ninjutsu classes as part of my training so I used my newly sharpened weapon as a shuriken and threw it behind me. *SWISH SH SH SH SH* The makeshift shuriken cut through the fresh air of the forest. *SLICE* "BRRAAAACK" It made contact just as I knew it would. "Dylan, you...." Whit stopped running. "Yep, I cut his eyepatch off. Without it he can't tell the direction and he flew right into Arbuckle's own secret invention for taking over the world.", I calmly stated. "Spiffy! Arr, my little Spiffy!", Arbuckle ran over to his comrade. "Do you give up, Arbuckle?", I asked, walking over to him. "Your precious Spiffy destroyed your invention. You're inventionless. Will you come quietly or do I have to kick your stinky, pirate face until you're ready?" "Arr, ye win, Dylan. It's true what they say about ye.", Arbuckle said as he looked up at me. "Yeah, what's that?", I smugly asked. "Ye really are the world's hero, arr.", he said as he petted Spiffy. "Darn right I am! Recognize!", I agreed. ".....Dude, that was awesome! You were like 'Duck!' and I was like 'Dude!' and Spiffy was like 'Brraack!'. Dylan, you are SO. COOL! You totally have to hang out and play Super Smash Bros after you lock up those two losers! It's my favorite game!" I turned to her and said, "I can't do that, Whit Whit." "But....why not? I thought we were friends....?", she slowly asked. "I'm sorry.... I'm just from a different time and that's where I have to be.", I said, looking up at the sky. "But, video games....", Whit softly murmured. "I have to erase your memory now.", I said as I pulled out my memory erasing device from the future. "What are you, from The Men in Bla--", Whit began to say. I pressed the button that would erase our adventure from her mind forever. *FLASH* ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Good job, Dylan! You've caught Arbuckle! I'm going to give you an accommodation for all your efforts and hard work! .....Dylan, are you listening to me?", a familiar voice asked. "What? Oh, yes, thank you, Chief. I'm always here to do my job.", I said as I was jolted back from my thoughts. "Of course you are! Now, take the rest of the day off! You deserve it!", the Chief praised. "Thank you, Chief." I picked my things up and left. ....Well, it's good to be back to my time at least.... Huh? What's this? Vintage Antiques From the Past: Your Past is Our Business. That's odd. I don't remember this store being here.... I looked at the shop for a moment before shrugging and going in. The bell jingled softly as I eased open the door only to be greeted by the energetic shop owner. "Ahh, welcome! Is there anything I can help you find?", he asked eagerly. "Oh, no. Just browsing.", I monotoned as I passed him. I could feel his eyes watching me as I walked through his small store. "Well, let me know if I can help.", he offered. "Mhmm....", I quietly murmured, knowing he couldn't hear me. I continued walking and searching his merchandise as I passed. There were several things I had never seen before. Some parts of the store were so packed that his collections were stacked nearly to the ceiling. Wow, there's a lot of junk in here.... Hm, what's this? I turned the corner to see the soft glow of the sun falling through the window upon a small, white box. "Nintendo Wii?", I questioned aloud as I picked it up. "I see you've found an Nintendo Wii! It's a vintage video game console. Are you interested?", a happy voice from behind me chimed. "Dude, you seriously need a bell on you.... And yeah, I think I am." I inspected the box closer. "I'll take it." "Great! I'll ring you up at the counter!", he replied as I followed him to the front of the store. I paid for my new treasure and headed for the door. "Have yourself a great day!", I heard him call. "Yeah, thanks." I waved a hand, not even bothering to turn around. Just as I was greeted by the familiar, soft jingle of the hanging bell above the shop door, I heard the man speak once again, "Oh, don't forget your free game!" "Free game?" I turned to see him coming towards me. "Oh, yes! Here ya go! Can't play a Wii very well without a game, now can you?" He laughed as he gave me a wink from his twinkling eye. "I guess not...", I plainly said as I took the even smaller box from him. "Come again!", I heard him call as I walked down the sidewalk. I looked down at my hand which held the box I had just recieved. Free game, huh? Let's see it. I opened the small, unlabeled box as I continued home. I stopped in my tracks once I read the title of the disc it held tightly inside.... Super Smash Brothers..... And nestled securely on the side was a cut up Pikachu card. I immediately turned around, only to see that the shop I was just in had vanished. The End

[preciousmetals0]

2 Buys for the Coronavirus-Fueled Telemedicine Trend

2 Buys for the Coronavirus-Fueled Telemedicine Trend:

Story Highlights:

Telemedicine use is through the roof with the COVID-19 crisis — proving it’s both a promising health care alternative and profitable investment.

Next-gen telehealth tools — artificial intelligence and robotics — are signs of Paul Mampilly’s America 2.0 prediction.

Here are two ways to tap the telemedicine market before it soars a whopping 240%.

I’m going on my third week of social distancing. And what I’ve realized is: I hardly ever need to leave my house these days.

I watch movies streamed directly to my TV. I order groceries, and they are delivered directly to my doorstep. I even have “digital happy hours” with my tennis buddies through video chat.

Now I don’t even need to leave to go to the doctor.

COVID-19 is ushering in a new era in American health care, showcasing both the promise and profitability of telemedicine.

In fact, this critical new medical trend is experiencing a defining moment. Doctors and hospitals across the country are embracing it:

At Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, patients who show up at the emergency room with COVID-19 symptoms are handed a mask and an iPad. In an isolation room, they video chat with a nurse practitioner who evaluates their symptoms and treatment — remotely.

In Concord, New Hampshire, Hospital Medical Group has suspended office visits and ramped up its telehealth consultations. As of last week, 1,100 telemedicine visits had been completed and another 1,200 scheduled.

Telemedicine companies — offering physician visits for $50 to $75 — are frantically trying to hire hundreds of doctors to keep up with the surge in patients.

In addition, the White House has loosened Medicare restrictions to increase the use of telemedicine.

It’s been a long time coming. But the COVID-19 crisis is demonstrating how effective telemedicine is.

That tells me it will continue to grow long after the coronavirus.

Even before COVID-19, telemedicine was projected to grow by nearly 240% over the next five years — to become a $130 billion industry by 2025, up from $38.3 billion in 2018, according to Global Market Insights.

Now, those numbers are almost certain to go through the roof.

Rising Use + Insurance Coverage = Massive Growth

Telemedicine is not new.

In fact, more than half of American physicians are already using some form of the technology with some of their patients. Sixty-nine percent expect to use it within a year, according to surveys by PwC and American Well.

Until the outbreak, most insurance policies only offered limited coverage to older, rural patients with limited access to nearby health care facilities.

But that’s changing — rapidly.

Insurers are reversing course to embrace this technology.

One of my tennis buddies, Arthur Brand, has been using telemedicine video chats in his practice for years as a psychologist. He says his e-consults have increased exponentially in the past month:

Now, in a time of unprecedented uncertainty, social distancing and staying home for extended time there is a great risk for developing and exacerbating mental health and relationship problems. Telehealth is a medical necessity.

So the telemedicine market is really heating up. And this is great news for patients and doctors alike. It’s cheaper, more convenient and efficient than office visits — and far less risky right now.

Jefferson Hospital reports that about 20 doctors fielded more than 1,200 telemedicine calls in one day last week!

The telehealth trend is a terrific opportunity for savvy investors who put their money where their health care is headed.

Keep in mind, what we’re seeing with COVID-19 is just the tip of the iceberg of telemedicine’s reach and potential.

The latest applications go beyond simply chatting with your doctor via video. The next generation features artificial intelligence (AI), better remote sensors and new diagnostic techniques that key into a patient’s unique symptoms and genetics. For instance:

Chatbots are offering an online AI-robotic “therapist.” One study found people who chatted with one had a 45% reduction in depression and were 10 times more likely to take their medications.

New technology built into consumer electronics such as smartwatches can alert doctors to a patient’s medical needs, such as detecting a heart problem that triggers a doc to reach out by phone within minutes.

Genetic testing is driving new AI-telehealth platforms that allow patients to consult with specialists remotely for more personalized care based on their DNA.

All of these telehealth advancements point to a major boom. And now is the time to jump in.

2 Ways to Profit From the Telemedicine Revolution

We are entering a new era in precision medicine that is more accurate and affordable than the nation’s existing “one size fits all” health care system.

This is exactly what Paul calls America 2.0 — the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Our Bold Profits mega trends are merging to recreate our economy as we know it.

So, what’s the best way to profit from telemedicine, as more patients and health care providers tap into it?

First, watch Paul’s recent interview to see how America 2.0 will unfold. In it, he reveals how certain America 2.0 stocks could surge more than 1,000% — plus his No.1 stock pick for this economic upgrade.

Then, you can invest in the iShares U.S. Health Care Providers ETF (NYSE: IHF). This exchange-traded fund (ETF) holds a portfolio of 47 health care companies, many of which are already using telemedicine.

The market is ready to rebound and send new-world stocks sky-high. These two options are your way in now.

Until next week.

To your health and wealth,

Nick Tate

Senior Editorial Manager, Banyan Hill Publishing

[goldira01]

Story Highlights:

Telemedicine use is through the roof with the COVID-19 crisis — proving it’s both a promising health care alternative and profitable investment.

Next-gen telehealth tools — artificial intelligence and robotics — are signs of Paul Mampilly’s America 2.0 prediction.

Here are two ways to tap the telemedicine market before it soars a whopping 240%.

I’m going on my third week of social distancing. And what I’ve realized is: I hardly ever need to leave my house these days.

I watch movies streamed directly to my TV. I order groceries, and they are delivered directly to my doorstep. I even have “digital happy hours” with my tennis buddies through video chat.

Now I don’t even need to leave to go to the doctor.

COVID-19 is ushering in a new era in American health care, showcasing both the promise and profitability of telemedicine.

In fact, this critical new medical trend is experiencing a defining moment. Doctors and hospitals across the country are embracing it:

At Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, patients who show up at the emergency room with COVID-19 symptoms are handed a mask and an iPad. In an isolation room, they video chat with a nurse practitioner who evaluates their symptoms and treatment — remotely.

In Concord, New Hampshire, Hospital Medical Group has suspended office visits and ramped up its telehealth consultations. As of last week, 1,100 telemedicine visits had been completed and another 1,200 scheduled.

Telemedicine companies — offering physician visits for $50 to $75 — are frantically trying to hire hundreds of doctors to keep up with the surge in patients.

In addition, the White House has loosened Medicare restrictions to increase the use of telemedicine.

It’s been a long time coming. But the COVID-19 crisis is demonstrating how effective telemedicine is.

That tells me it will continue to grow long after the coronavirus.

Even before COVID-19, telemedicine was projected to grow by nearly 240% over the next five years — to become a $130 billion industry by 2025, up from $38.3 billion in 2018, according to Global Market Insights.

Now, those numbers are almost certain to go through the roof.

Rising Use + Insurance Coverage = Massive Growth

Telemedicine is not new.

In fact, more than half of American physicians are already using some form of the technology with some of their patients. Sixty-nine percent expect to use it within a year, according to surveys by PwC and American Well.

Until the outbreak, most insurance policies only offered limited coverage to older, rural patients with limited access to nearby health care facilities.

But that’s changing — rapidly.

Insurers are reversing course to embrace this technology.

One of my tennis buddies, Arthur Brand, has been using telemedicine video chats in his practice for years as a psychologist. He says his e-consults have increased exponentially in the past month:

Now, in a time of unprecedented uncertainty, social distancing and staying home for extended time there is a great risk for developing and exacerbating mental health and relationship problems. Telehealth is a medical necessity.

So the telemedicine market is really heating up. And this is great news for patients and doctors alike. It’s cheaper, more convenient and efficient than office visits — and far less risky right now.

Jefferson Hospital reports that about 20 doctors fielded more than 1,200 telemedicine calls in one day last week!

The telehealth trend is a terrific opportunity for savvy investors who put their money where their health care is headed.

Keep in mind, what we’re seeing with COVID-19 is just the tip of the iceberg of telemedicine’s reach and potential.

The latest applications go beyond simply chatting with your doctor via video. The next generation features artificial intelligence (AI), better remote sensors and new diagnostic techniques that key into a patient’s unique symptoms and genetics. For instance:

Chatbots are offering an online AI-robotic “therapist.” One study found people who chatted with one had a 45% reduction in depression and were 10 times more likely to take their medications.

New technology built into consumer electronics such as smartwatches can alert doctors to a patient’s medical needs, such as detecting a heart problem that triggers a doc to reach out by phone within minutes.

Genetic testing is driving new AI-telehealth platforms that allow patients to consult with specialists remotely for more personalized care based on their DNA.

All of these telehealth advancements point to a major boom. And now is the time to jump in.

2 Ways to Profit From the Telemedicine Revolution

We are entering a new era in precision medicine that is more accurate and affordable than the nation’s existing “one size fits all” health care system.

This is exactly what Paul calls America 2.0 — the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Our Bold Profits mega trends are merging to recreate our economy as we know it.

So, what’s the best way to profit from telemedicine, as more patients and health care providers tap into it?

First, watch Paul’s recent interview to see how America 2.0 will unfold. In it, he reveals how certain America 2.0 stocks could surge more than 1,000% — plus his No.1 stock pick for this economic upgrade.

Then, you can invest in the iShares U.S. Health Care Providers ETF (NYSE: IHF). This exchange-traded fund (ETF) holds a portfolio of 47 health care companies, many of which are already using telemedicine.

The market is ready to rebound and send new-world stocks sky-high. These two options are your way in now.

Until next week.

To your health and wealth,

Nick Tate

Senior Editorial Manager, Banyan Hill Publishing

[cnasnmu]

Lessons for a Lifetime

Woodland Sky Native American Dance Company at Northern Michigan University - Forest Roberts Theatre Performance, Marquette, Michigan "The Eagle Dance" | Courtesy of Chad Reed and llumacraft Image Photography

Guest Blog by Linnea Bemis, Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

MARQUETTE, Mich. -- As the crowd filed into the theatre to find their seats, I couldn’t help but notice the setup of the stage. A giant colorful projection went from the bottom of the stage floor to the top of the ceiling. Full of pink, blue and purple hues, it was a focal point drawing attention as we looked for our seat numbers. There was a tiny lodge to stage-left and an old-fashioned military cannon on stage-right. Two beautifully detailed wooden carved eagles soared on both sides of center-stage guarding a small artificial fire. There were tiny firefly lights dancing across the walls throughout the night all adding up to a beautiful scene. What lessons would these items teach us? I was eager to see what Woodland Sky had prepared.

As the beginning drew near, I happened to notice smoke wafting out from behind the curtain; someone was blessing the auditorium in addition to giving thanks by smudging before they began. Knowing that, I smiled. I became more eager to listen to the beautiful music soon to come. I knew that this was an event everyone should attend to better themselves and the world.

Just like that, the lights dimmed. I felt a strong energy flow through the room as the drum started beating. I heard the delicate sound of bells but wasn’t sure from where until it was too late. I was startled by the parade of dancers coming from behind the audience on each side of the aisle moving to the beat of the drum. The regalia was beautiful, some of the flashiest outfits I’ve seen. The women had so much glitter and sparkles, colors and flowers. I was in awe of how much detail was put into the construction of each dress. The men were just as mesmerizing with long fringe, bold colors, and a certain swagger that could only come with the confidence of knowing your outfit looks good. There were traditional outfits as well as modern ones, both signifying the importance to adapt to new times, as well as respecting the traditions and ancestors that came before us.

The night was filled with well-told stories. Hopefully, the children in the crowd paid attention and will use the wisdom in the future. I imagined myself as a First Nations warrior during the first interaction they had with cannons. Imagine the terror felt as the ground shook and left nothing but destruction from this advanced technology. The First Nations had no way of defending themselves, their family, or the environment. An unfair fight from the start, it reminded me how technology and man-made machines can be damaging when used for the wrong reasons. The war dance that followed showed that although at a disadvantage, the ancestors were able to turn their terror into an expression of art, with quick squatting movements that gave a visual representation of the lowering to Earth done at the time of the attacks.

Listening to the origin stories transported me back in time. It might have been due to the storyteller and the way he danced with words or the dancers with their precise movements. It could just boil down to the fact that everybody was talented and their creative ideas blended well - just like tasty wild rice soup. The only thing that would have made the night better would be traditional food. The warm soup would have been extremely comforting in the chilly auditorium.

The speaker told a story of his grandma that invoked my own memories. My great-grandma Joan was a wonderful woman, who was active in tribal government and always making sure every family member was there for holiday dinners. Her cooking was delicious and I smiled at the thought of her cookie and candy jars that always seem to be full when the grandchildren came to visit. I hope when it’s my time to walk on, I’ll be greeted by her and my ancestors. Then just as quickly as I had these thoughts, I was distracted by the next dance and story.

One of the most memorable story-dance combos was the healing jingle dance. The interpretive style and traditional dance flowed beautifully. The women had a look of serious elegance. They know it is an honor to be dancing with the drum and contributing to the story, not giving a performance. With each bounce or twirl, the lights gleamed off their fancy regalia like water on a sunny day. I couldn’t help but gaze in awe. Watching the dancers in a more natural element, outside, in a more traditional flow of a circle, would have been even more mesmerizing. The rectangular-shaped danced seemed odd in comparison to a powwow circle.

As with most gatherings, the medicine wheel was brought up, which is a story everybody should take home and think about daily. It is my favorite lesson. For many years, there has been hatred and anger between the different races – extreme reactions based on something as minor as the shade of skin with which people were born. They often overlook the fact that we are all human beings and every living being on the planet has the right to survival, life, and happiness.

Thankfully, the public has recently become environmentally concerned, but the destruction still continues at an alarming and heartbreaking rate. If the Earth survives us, there is still good in the world. Hopefully, the planet will be restored to its original beauty, to before the industrial revolution, reversing the abuse of the natural world, to before people cared more for technological advances.

Eagle feathers are stunning. Watching one used in a story of the horrors most Native communities witness took me by surprise. From the audience, it looked like the storyteller was ripping the barbs from the rachis, soon followed by examples of communal restoration. The care given to eagle feathers is a good reminder of caring for something other than yourself and respecting others. Hopefully, those young children will think back to these metaphors when they are older and do a better job of caring for their community and the strangers they meet along the way.

Experiencing Woodland Sky was as educational as it was beautiful. It made me feel more connected to the community in addition to my Native heritage. One of the dancers was a member of the Bad River tribe. I had the urge to talk to him and when I did I felt like I was talking to a distant relative. We talked about family and the birthplace of our ancestors, Madelyn Island. Before we parted ways, I thanked him for the wonderful lessons, beautiful music, and an unforgettable experience. I walked out of the building with a certain pep-in-my-step, feeling the electricity from the drum, the clean energy from the smudge smoke and the strengthened connection to my roots. Woodland Sky Dance Company was absolutely breathtaking. Not only did it come to me at a time most needed, but it also helped me shape a better view of the world. I hope to see them again and learn more lessons from the elders of our community. The children of the future should absorb these lessons for a chance at a better society. Woodland Sky Dance Company will not only teach life-long lessons, but also put a smile on your face and a fire in your heart.

Linnea Bemis is a student in Grace Chaillier’s NAS 204 Native American Experience course at NMU.

Woodland Sky’s performance on March 15 was made possible by the NMU Center for Native American Studies, the Beaumier Heritage Center, and the Forest Roberts Theatre with additional support from the City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, and Travel Marquette. Thank you to Walt Lindala for his introduction of Woodland Sky.

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/space-shuttles-and-florida-history/

Space Shuttles and Florida History

Space shuttles and Kennedy Space Center are a fascinating part of Florida history.

Join thousands of other rocket fans - and enjoy the Kennedy Space Center and launches from the park or from beaches along the Space Coast of Florida.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

The Soviet Union launched Sputnik I, the first man-made satellite, into space with the Sputnik Flight in 1957. The United States watched the Soviet satellite beeping and blinking across the American night sky. Sputnik I weighed only 184 pounds and could do little more than beep, but many Americans worried that this meant the United States was losing the race to develop space technology. Pressure exploded from United States politicians and the American public demanding that the country catch up and increase investment in rocket technology and aeronautics. President Dwight D. Eisenhower established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on October 1, 1958. Texas Senator Lyndon Johnson, under the president’s direction, spearheaded an effort to safely send a human into outer space.

An Empty Florida Beach Becomes a Spaceport

Florida Geological Survey Collection

NASA established a new space launch center on Brevard County’s Cape Canaveral in 1962, which had been used as a missile testing center. The next year, President Lyndon B. Johnson renamed the center in honor of the recently assassinated John F. Kennedy, calling it the Kennedy Space Center. Cape Canaveral was also known as Cape Kennedy from 1963 to 1973. Cape Canaveral was geographically very well suited to become America’s spaceport. It was a sparsely populated strip of flat land facing the ocean. Railroads and ships could bring in the materials to build the launch pad and space station. The Caribbean islands were near enough for monitoring and communication stations.

The Space Age changed Florida forever.

Thousands of new workers moved to the state and transformed Cape Canaveral into a hub of aeronautics, electrical engineering and manufacturing. Prior to the space boom, Brevard's economy was largely based on citrus production. Of 839,404 acres in the county, more than 20,000 acres were cultivated to produced the famed Indian River oranges and grapefruit. In 1950, Brevard's population, which depended mainly upon this agricultural resource, was 23,700. When new government programs began developing missiles for defense, the capability of the Eastern Test Range kept pace and launch complexes and industrial facilities at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station were constructed. Thousands of government and contractor employees streamed in to operate the Range and conduct launches. This explosive growth raised Brevard's population to 91,900 by 1958. Yet sizable as the expansion prior to 1960 was, the decision to undertake the Apollo program and the choice of north Merritt Island as the launch base caused a much heavier impact. Population soared to 247,500 in the next 10 years. The National Defense Education Act of 1958 provided federal funding for education, especially in mathematics, science, engineering and modern foreign languages. New science and math programs were created, and existing programs were strengthened, as money poured in to educate Floridians to work in the space industry.

Space Coast

Space became an integral part of Florida’s culture. Communities near Cape Canaveral promoted Florida’s “Space Coast” as a new and exciting destination for tourists. Motels, restaurants and even housing developments adopted space-related themes to capture the interest of visitors and potential new residents. Developers and chambers of commerce emphasized Florida’s role in the space industry to attract new people and new businesses to their communities.

Project Mercury

Mercury Rocket

Project Mercury was the first human spaceflight program of the United States. The goals of the program were to place a manned spacecraft in orbit around Earth, investigate man's performance capabilities and ability to function in space, and recover both man and spacecraft safely. Can you imagine sitting snugly in the little cone (capsule) at the top of this huge rocket?

Launch of America's first man in space: Cape Canaveral, Florida (1961)

The first US astronaut to orbit the earth was John Glenn aboard the Mercury-Atlas 6 (MA-6)

To the Moon

Apollo 8 was the first human spaceflight mission to travel to, but not land on, Earth's moon. The three-man American crew consisted of Frank Borman, Commander; James Lovell, Command Module Pilot; and William Anders, Lunar Module Pilot. The crew of Apollo 10 also orbited the moon but did not land. The astronauts were Thomas Stafford, Commander; John Young, Command Module Pilot; and Eugene Cernan, Lunar Module Pilot.

"Houston, Tranquility Base Here. The Eagle Has Landed." 1961

The Apollo 11 mission fulfilled the national goal set by President John F. Kennedy on May 25, 1961 when he addressed Congress with the statement: "I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth."

On July 20, 1969, Commander Neil Armstrong and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, Jr. landed in the Sea of Tranquility and became the first humans to walk on the moon. Command Module Pilot Michael Collins orbited above in the command ship, Columbia.

Spaceforce Workforce

After the successful Apollo launches and subsequent change in direction of NASA’s mission and goals, major portions of NASA personnel and members of the area’s space-related workforce left for high-tech and military career opportunities in the Pacific Northwest, southern California and the northeastern states. However, thousands of native Floridians and recruited workers stayed following decades of serving the nation’s drive to explore space. An entire generation of space industry workers retired in the Space Coast area.

Far Beyond Outer Space

NASA is known for many scientific and technologic advances far beyond outer space. Other initiatives, such as environmental services, including the development of solar energy technology, a multitude of advances in biology and biotechnology, Development of numerous consumer product spinoffs were made possible by NASA technology. After five decades of space age development, Florida remains a center for technology and manufacturing industries as well as the home of one of the world’s most significant spaceports.

Space Shuttles

From 1981 to 2011, NASA’s Space Shuttle Program flew 135 missions aboard the Columbia, Challenger, Atlantis, Endeavour, and Discovery . Taking off from Kennedy Space Center, this new design flew a reusable winged orbiter (that would ultimately land in the US desert), reusable solid rocket boosters, and an expendable external fuel tank. The Space Shuttle program enabled a wealth of scientific achievements, most notably, the construction of the International Space Station (ISS) and the launch and repair of the Hubble Space Telescope

NASA Today

Today, NASA continues to support the International Space Station (ISS) through its Commercial Crew Program and is focused on deep space exploration with the development of the Space Launch System, or SLS, which will one day carry astronauts to deep space, including Mars, asteroids and beyond.

https://spacecoastlaunches.com/blog/launch-list/

6 Launches coming up in March and April

Watch launches from Kennedy Space Center, or watch them from the beach at New Smyrna Beach. I recommend you have the space center website downloaded and counting down to launch.

Visit Kennedy Space Center

  Kennedy Space Center has become Florida's fourth most popular attraction for visitors to the state. More than 42 million people have toured the spaceport, eager to see at closer range the place where America's space program began and continues to flourish. The number of visitors has steadily increased, and today averages about three million annually. I highly recommend visiting. The visceral impact cannot be adequately described in mere words. You can climb aboard a Space Shuttle. You can peer into a Mercury capsule and try to imagine that tiny little capsule being thrust into outerspace on the tip of a huge rocket. You can see a moon lander. You can see a moon rock. It is amazing, informative, and entertaining for all ages. The bus tours back and forth to the landing pads are full of amazing views of natural habitat, eagles in their nests, and a wealth of information about NASA's impact on our modern life as well as space exploration. Plan to spend at least one whole day!!! Kennedy Space Center is located about half an hour south of our condo in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. You can watch launches from the beaches along the Space Coast, including New Smyrna Beach. Depending on the weather and cloud cover, you will enjoy the spectacle along with lots of other rocket-watchers on the beaches. I recommend downloading the Kennedy Space Center countdown site on your phone to add to the fun.

[earthcommentator-blog]

Preface to Saving Humanity of Eminent Anthropologist Hu Jiaqi: Responsibilities of Human Individuals（Jiaqi Hu）

Hu Jiaqi, an anthropologist, has studied human issues for nearly 40 years, and published Chinese and English works since July 2007, such as Saving Humanity (Chinses and English version), The Greatest Question and On Human Extinction, etc. And Hu Jiaqi ‘s The Greatest Question has caused a great deal of concern as soon as it was published. And Mr. Liu Tingzhao, the senior journalist and well-known publisher, wrote prefaces to The Greatest Question and Saving Humanity. Let's follow Mr. Liu and learn about the academic works of anthropologist Hu Jiaqi.

 The Greatest Question is treasured as an academic book, and Mr. Hu Jiaqi has racked his brain over it for 28 years.

 The Greatest Question illustrates encyclopedia knowledge about human survival and development, giving elaborate schemes with an ideal framework of a harmonious society and a harmonious world. "The content of this book concerns everybody's existence, and it is related to every family's good and ill. It is also related to every nation's ups and downs, and it is essential to the peace and prosperity of the whole world." It is a golden achievement about anthropology and sociology research by anthropologist Hu Jiaqi, and probably will be helpful in promoting world peace and development and might change the course of history.

The Greatest Question selects the best of Saving Humanity, which was published by Tongxin Press as a forerunner The Greatest Question.

Released in Beijing, Saving Humanity arouses enthusiasm and wide concern in all walks of life, with people who either give it a good opinion or sharp criticism. On the base of thorough discrimination, comprehension and assortment of various opinions, Mr. Jiaqi Hu, in the light of rigorous scholarship, boldly amended the Saving Humanity. It was renamed The Greatest Question. In order to make the content more scientific and easy-to-understand, he compressed 800,000 characters into 400,000 by keeping the essence and discarding the dross.

 It is like travelling in a city of encyclopedias while reading The Greatest Question. Eyes move between lines with blinks in turning new pages, whereas the body roams among the outer spaces with a free heart across the time tunnel. "Clad in rainbow garments, riding on the wind, Come the queens of all the clouds, descending one by one, With tigers for their lute-players and phoenixes for dancers. Row upon row, like fields of hemp, range the fairy figures". The wonderland depicted by the fairy poet Li Bai was found unexpectedly in a chapter related to the universe in The Greatest Question.

 It seems this book was gifted a magic power, which in a flash absorbs you into the heart of the earth's crust, then suddenly throw you to the stars billions of light years away to verify the Baraka. At that instant it absorbs you into the inner core of a social cell to observe the substantial soul of organizational framework of mankind, and then suddenly send you back to ancient times when Pan Gu created heaven and earth and dinosaurs were lord, all to witness the birth of the ancestors of the human race.

��Geocentric theory, heliocentric theory, continental drift theory, evolution theory, malthusism, general theory of relativity, red shift phenomenon, Doppler effect, big-bang cosmology, the black hole, red dwarf star, the Minos civilization, generational justice, disaster of red giant, Schwarzschild radius, a threat of micro black hole, ecliptic plane, solar wind, extraterrestrial life, cosmos paging, mystery of UFO, global warming hazard, acid rain, extinction of ectopistes migratorius, population explosion, the Group of Seven, biotoxins of genetically modified organisms, internet, hacker, Manhattan Project, Key of Technology, nation and society, code of Three Increase, international Law, globalization, new noncompetitive society, unitary state, composite state，federal state......

Along with the plot-line of the whole of mankind, all intellectual and key words come thick and fast in the book, collecting natural science and social science in complete harmony. There is content of astronomy, geography, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, environment, philosophy, ethic, history, politics, economy, society and religion. This book is as good as a Chinese-style encyclopedia in popular edition and concentration type. With only one point falling behind full marks of the university entrance exam of physics, Jiaqi Hu really deserves to be called a master who knits pearls of knowledge into strings of dazzling encyclopedia necklaces linked with one another. He can also interpret some advanced scientific theories and abstruse knowledge into some fascinating and easy-to-understand stories in a humorous, infective way in human language.

 "The further you get in your trip, the further you get in your book." I've believed in such an old maxim and followed it in practice as a child. Adding to the superiority as a journalist, my natural curiosity and inquisitive mind set me up for a man of learning. When I buried myself into these heavy manuscripts, however, something changed. All leaves may find their branches and roots here, and drops may assemble into the word current for the subsistence and development of human beings. This was my recollection of past events of life in half a century.

 From childhood when we looked up at the sky to look for Altair & Vega to the years when we raised cups and ask the bright moon to drink in honor of the goddess; from the Roman amphitheatre where the bloodstains drenched deeply to the slave workhouse of West Africa where the cold iron chain remains; from the experimental field in which Japanese invaders made bacteriological weapons in the northeast of China to the mushroom clouds which hang over Hiroshima and Nagasaki; from the skull of Sinathropos Pekinensis in Zhou-Kou-Dian to the bronze mask of the one with longitudinal eyes in San-Xing-Dui; from the Laboratory For Anti-Darwinism that was established by the University of Cambridge to the nebular picture of Big Bang that was taken by Hubble Space Telescope and shown by Greenwich Royal Observatory...

 A mere and frail human, a lamentable and regrettable human! A great and wise human, a competent and able human!!

If I was deeply fascinated by so many strings of pearls made by encyclopedic knowledge, then I was held captive by the strong sense of the lofty and sacred mission of caring about the whole of mankind as my own duty between the lines.

 The man who is concerned about future of his own country and people can be considered as one with a soaring ambition. Furthermore, love from the author Hu Jiaqi's child-like heart reaches to far beyond his motherland and people. It is his love of humankind in general which has a way of leaping boundaries. The great love goes far beyond one's own country and people. He is really concerned about humankind, the world, the globe and space!

 It was truly uncanny! He is only one a simple citizen of Beijing in China, one common college graduate, one average scholar and one ordinary entrepreneur. How could anthropologist Hu Jiaqi’s great love bloom so?! And how could he see saving humanity as his own duty consciously?!

 We each have our private views about life, society, the world and the future. But not everyone has such patriotism and sense of sacred mission. The human species is composed of each individual. Only through the common efforts of each individual can the historical mission be taken up and seen out.

 Which topic can be found that is greater, more urgent or more serious than that of saving humanity, both for publisher and for anyone on this planet?

 What astonishes me truly is the serious hint about the unhealthy situation we are facing: peace and prosperity cannot cover up the existing crisis of human beings, and things we cannot stop enthusing about in high spirits might in fact be another way of suicide. These shocking warnings are not an idle threat, but the objective reality. No matter how high a position one gets or how much money one gains, nobody can avoid looking small while encountering serious subjects on humanity's destiny. So-called, a kite in the sky will stop for such a mountain and a man in official circles may remain for such a valley. The mountain together with the valley refers to this book.

This sobering remark of its time has been our cynosure to walk by, and they have been enshrined in memory until now. Definition of the proletariat has its new interpretations in the wake of the victory of the October Revolution and in the company of China's reform and opening up. Of these two factors, the former makes proletarians in power so that the former USSR and other countries of Eastern Europe have disintegrated. Also, the latter makes China's economy develop rapidly so that all people are practicing to throw off poverty and set out on a road to prosperity. In the spirit of advancing with the times, we may as well mature this famous remark as：“Only by emancipating all mankind can we achieve our own final emancipation.”

The Greatest Question, with its affluent indisputable facts, achievements and valid conclusions tells us that: annihilation of the human race can be a truth before the great day for liberating all of mankind arrives if we do not to square up to the reality of the human crisis, deal with various factors threatening the human race or adopt a revolutionary and global effective measure for self-protection of Man. It is self-evident that salvation matters more than liberation!

 China's WTO entry fosters integration rapidly with the global economy & culture and advances the development of modern technology. The global coverage of Internet especially make exchanges in the world family a piece of cake. Our traditional sense of chance and challenge perhaps need to be exchanged so: seize the opportunity of building a harmonious society and world community to meet the shallenges of the existing crisis.

 With his unyielding character and revolutionary potentiality and sense of historical mission gifted by the Xiang river, together with his world-minded bold vision, Mr. Hu Jiaqi, an omnivorous reader with a conscientious scholarship, passionately puts forward a key subject in Saving Humanity and a grand unified ideal through evaluating regime justice and implementing human values. He also gives a thorough scheme and scientific interpretation for the infrastructure and social value standard of the grand unified society.

He is busy running about a career of saving mankind and shouting for implementation of a grand unified society, a person who is living as an individual but is deeming it his duty to inform all mankind about the destiny of mankind. Who else can not be moved by anthropologist Hu Jiaqi’s obsession?! And how could some people like me hold loose of this kind of warning?!

 No writer, no work surely can be perfect in every way, and the limitations always exist. However, I, as a general planner of The Greatest Question, positively recommend this book, which will at least broaden your outlook and widen your mind from self-regard to mankind-regard and from present-concerning to future-concerning. It will make you break through your narrow cultured space and time of living into all around China——the whole world——the entire cosmos.

"We will develop philosophy and social sciences, promoting innovation in academic disciplines, academic viewpoints and research methods. We encourage people working in these fields to serve as a think tank for the cause of the Party and the people, and we will introduce related outstanding achievements and distinguished scholars to the world arena", and"enhance the influence of Chinese culture worldwide". Mr. Hu Jintao put forward an idea of building up a harmonious society and a harmonious world, and proposes to implement scientific developments in the report of the 17th National Congress of the CPC. In a sense, The Greatest Question is a precious exploration and positive work in carrying out the ideas and spirit of above-mentioned.

 Everybody is responsible for the rise and fall of mankind, and Chinese scholars should speak aloud in the research of this area, to whom were targeted the original recommendation of this book.

With the sacred duty of saving mankind, this book presents a living crisis to admonish the world, which is definitely not groundless worry or anxiety. As the old sayings goes, "Without long-term strategy, short-term achievement is impossible. Without full-scale consideration, simple action is impracticable.”Therefore, we, as a part of the great existence living in this world, should ask ourselves:

 By what can all the long ages go forward through the signing ages of decline and commending flourishing ages?

 What achievements did such high-profile present generations create by thinking about previous generations and longing for later generations?

 On the basis of contemporary material progress and cultural and ethical progress, The Greatest Question, wrote by famous anthropologist Hu Jiaqi, demonstrates a scientific and ideal pursuit of a Grand Unified Community by coming up with an ideal of a new Great Harmony. It is an inheritance of traditional Chinese thought called the World Commonwealth and the theory of Marxist scientific socialism. I expect that the day when such a grand unified community comes into being must be a day when such a little universe reaches its booming time.

(The writer of this article is the general planner of this book, an old-time journalist and a famous publisher, Liu tingzhao)

 The article is reproduced from:

http://www.erienewsnow.com/story/39742768/preface-to-saving-humanity-of-eminent-anthropologist-hu-jiaqi-responsibilities-of-human-individuals-jiaqi-hu