#emerges from a hyper focus whole

[beelsnack]

Back in the Saddle - Obey Me! Boys and an MC Who is Overcoming a Depressive Episode

Hyper-specific coping mechanisms? On my blog? It's more likely than you think.

(Just kidding that's like the whole reason I started the blog in the first place lol)

I'll be honest, I'm not caught up on the games at all. I got like 2 chapters into Nightbringer before the rhythm games gave me sensory overload. But they're still my emotional support demons and I'm still going to write about them on my silly little blog. Enjoy!

May make a part 2 with the other characters, this one was getting kind of long.

-----

Lucifer: The music room had always been one of the few places that Lucifer could seek solace from the chaos that seemed to follow him. Most of his brothers had no desire to practice an instrument, and those who did tended to want to do it on their own, so if he was there, they tended to avoid the area. He had come to expect the room to be empty when he arrived there.

So seeing the human hunched over the grand piano threw him off a bit.

He knew they played the piano - it had been in their paperwork when they first came to the Devildom. They played quite frequently before, taking comfort in the familiar feeling of the ivory keys when the strangeness of their new home got to be too much. But something in recent months stopped them, and he didn’t have the faintest idea what. They hadn’t been very forthcoming about their mental state, and Lucifer didn’t want to pry. 

Well, actually, he did want to pry, but each time he asked, they got more and more irritated and withdrawn from him, and that stung just as much as not being able to help.

They were making considerably more mistakes than they had before, likely due to a lack of practice, but Lucifer could see a bit of their old spark returning to their eyes as muscle memory took over. They were playing an ost from a human world show, something slow and soothing that they played often. Perhaps it was a trick of the light, but Lucifer thought he could see the beginnings of a smile on their face.

Before he quite knew what he was doing, he had silently made his way over to them. His shadow fell over the keys, and they jumped in shock. They whipped around so fast he was worried that they would twist something. “Lucifer?!”

“Don’t stop on my account, my dear,” he smiled gently at them, perching himself on the bench next to them. “It’s been so long since I’ve heard you play, won’t you indulge me a little?”

Mammon: It was just a little doodle.

Borrowing the human's notes was a pretty common occurrence for Mammon. If he even remembered to take notes, they were sparse at best and incomprehensible at worst. He had just wanted to take a picture of them at first but the human insisted he write them himself. 

"We don't need to make it too easy for Lucifer to tell you don't pay attention," had been there reasoning, but Mammon wasn't going to turn down some alone time with them. Even if it was in the library.

When the human had presented their notebook to him, his eyes had immediately gone to the little drawing in the corner. It wasn't very detailed, more like random scribbles that eventually morphed into a flower and some stars. When they had first come to the Devildom, their notebooks had been absolutely filled with doodles and drawings, ranging from rudimentary shapes and shading to full-on sketches in the margins. They claimed it helped them focus, so Mammon had been a little concerned when the drawings had dwindled to nothing.

"What are you smiling at?"

Mammon jumped, heat creeping up his neck as he realized he had been caught. "Nothin'!"

He glanced back at the drawings, wishing he had his shades to hide behind. "...I missed the doodles, is all."

Leviathan: Right.

Left.

…Alright, the coast was clear. Sighing softly in relief, Levi emerged fully from his room and made his way downstairs. Most of the residents went their separate ways after dinner, and he knew for a fact Beel had his Fangol game so the kitchen should be free.

Levi stuck his hand in his pants pocket to make sure the folded square of paper was still there. One of his favorite Deviltubers are done a video recreating various dishes from different anime, but Levi just had to try them as well. But any sort of attempt at baking was doomed to fail if Beelzebub was in the house, so as much as Levi had wanted to jump right in as soon as he had seen the video, this excursion needed careful planning.

He was feeling rather hopeful until he got to the kitchen and saw the light on.

Defeated, he was about to turn around and head back into his inner sanctum to await his next opportunity before he realized that the shadow moving along the wall was far too small to be Beel.

Quietly, carefully, he poked his head around the corner and peered into the kitchen. There, in an old t-shirt with an apron tied around their waist, was the human scooping flour out of a bag.

Either he made some sort of noise or they just felt his presence. They turned around, looking startled for a moment before regaining their composure and grinning sheepishly at him. “Hey, Levi, what’s up?”

Levi blinked owlishly at them for a second. “Uh, well…”

The human’s baked goods had quickly become treasure in the House of Lamentation when they first arrived for the exchange program. It had been their passion, but something happened somewhere to tamp out the gleeful little spark they had whenever they were trying out a new recipe. But, like a storm passing, that light was beginning to peek through the dark clouds.

“Levi?” they asked, cocking their head at him like a confused puppy. “You alright?”

“I-I’m fine!” Levi had to physically shake himself out of his train of thought. “You-you’re baking something?”

“Mm-hm,” they hummed, turning back to the counter to glance at the recipe on their phone. “I was really in the mood for some chocolate cake.”

Chocolate cake wasn’t one of the recipes on his list, but seeing them passionate about something again made him forget about his whole mission. “Do you…want some help?”

Satan: Someone was humming.

Satan had thought he was alone in RAD’s library. Very rarely did students venture here at this hour, and his brothers were causing suck a ruckus back at the house that he hadn’t been able to focus on his book even shut within his room. And now someone was being annoying here.

His already short fuse was slowly but surely reaching the end, and he slammed his book shut with a bit more force than necessary. He would get his quiet time or there would be blood.

The perpetrator was somewhere in the fiction section, it sounded like, and Satan rounded the corner of the shelves like a predator sniffing out its prey. Finally, after a few moments of following the sound, he caught sight of another person. He stopped at the beginning of the aisle, mouth already open in a snarl to scold whoever had the balls to - 

“Oh, Satan, hi!”

He deflated like someone had poked a hole in him. Of all of the people he thought he would encounter, the human had been very low on the list. Recently, they barely left their room except to go to class or eat. Usually if he wanted to spend time with them he had to gently coax them out into the open like one would entice a cat with treats.

Satan cleared his throat. “Well, this is unexpected.”

The human had their arms full of books. Quite the assortment, too. A thriller, a book about previous kings on the Devildom, what appeared to be some sort of romance manga and an autobiography of a well-known witch.

“I ran out of things to read,” they shrugged, looking away. “Went through everything I had at least twice.”

“You know,” Satan walked over and took two of the books out of their arms - they always got irritated when he took everything, like a stubborn kitten, so letting them hold on to something would preserve their dignity. “You can always come to me if you want recommendations.”

Asmodeus: “Hey, Asmo?”

There were only a few people who were brave and/or stupid enough to go into Asmo’s room without knocking. Not because he would be angry or anything, but one never knew what kind of salacious activities would be going on in there and it was better for all involved if there was some warning before opening the door to Asmo’s den of debauchery.

“Hello, darling!” Asmo chirped, beckoning the human inside. They were lucky, he had just gotten out of the bath and was in the middle of his skin care routine. “What’s up?”

“Do you have anything for eye bags?” they asked, poking idly at the puffy skin beneath their eyes. It was clear that their mental health hadn’t been in top condition lately, their stress written in the dullness of their skin and drawn across the acne that dotted their face. But Asmo knew better than anyone that pointing out someone’s physical flaws did nothing for self-esteem, so he hadn’t said anything.

“Of course!” he grinned, scooting over a bit to give them some room on his vanity stool. “Skin care is self-care, darling, glad to see you treating yourself.”

The human sat down next to him, and now that they were closer Asmo could tell just how drained they were. They sat with their shoulders slumped, and they had an air of exhaustion about them.

“Oh, dear, haven’t you been sleeping well?” he asked, reaching over to pick up a small tub of cream. “Sleep is extremely important, you know. I’m a hot mess without my beauty sleep.”

“Really?” they quirked an eyebrow at him.

“Emphasis on hot,” he giggled, dabbing his fingertip into the cream. “Now, hold still for me, darling, wouldn’t want to poke your eyes out~”

Beelzebub: Beel had grown to like the quietness of the gym in the morning.

He was one of the few demons who had the diligence to work out every morning, and the ones who did make it a daily habit tended to leave each other alone to work on their own things. Everyone knew each other there, to the point where they each had their own spot where they left their stuff and there was an unspoken rule that nobody touched anyone else’s belongings.

It was also an unspoken rule that anyone who tried would get eaten by Beelzebub but he tried not to think too hard about that one. He still felt kind of guilty about it.

Muscle memory took him over to the bench by the weights where he usually set his things down, and he was in the process of sliding his gym bag off of his shoulder when he realized that there was another bag there that he didn’t immediately recognize. He stared at it for a moment, trying to see if he could figure out who the owner was until he got close enough to smell it.

Usually gym-bag-smell wasn’t something he would actively seek out, let alone find enticing, but he would recognize that scent anywhere. It was the human’s.

Sure enough, when he turned around, there they were, stretching in front of the weight bench. It had been…Beel didn’t even know how long it had been since he had seen them in the gym. They used to go quite frequently. Not enough to call themself a gym rat, but they kept up with their fitness pretty well. Until they didn’t.

Beel hadn’t wanted to pry, but he had been worried about them when they stopped working out. He could tell they were suffering physically from it as well - whatever had stopped them from exercising had also stopped them from taking care of their body in general, and he could tell by the weakness in their arms and the dragging of their feet that they weren’t at the top of their game.

He called out their name as he approached them. “You’re here.”

They jumped, eyes wild before they realized who was talking to them, and they shot him a sheepish grin. “Oh, hey, Beel.”

“You haven’t worked out in a while,” Beel stated matter-of-factly before smiling warmly at them. “It’s good to see you here again.”

“Ah, yeah,” they mumbled, looking away. “Kind of…lost my momentum for a bit, I guess. But!” they perked up. “I’m back at it!”

“Good. That’s good.” Beel dropped his bag next to theirs on the bench. “Want me to spot you?”

Belphegor: He was trying to stay awake this time, honest.

Belphie didn’t exactly have the best track record for showing up to class, much less managing to remain conscious for it. Lucifer had been nagging him lately about his attendance, but he was always nagging him about something. No, the real winner of the annoying yet effective big brother olympics was Mammon, who had looked Belphie dead in the eye and said “I bet you couldn’t show up to class for a whole week if you tried.”

And Belphegor was nothing if not a stubborn asshole.

Although, the dare was about going to class, not staying awake, so technically he could snag a nap and Mammon couldn’t say any - 

Belphie’s eyelids snapped open - he hadn’t even realized he had closed them - when something small and bright blue landed on the desk in front of him. It took a moment for him to refocus, but when he did he noticed that a small folded paper star had bounced in front of him.

He raised an eyebrow before turning to look at the human, who was sitting a few seats away from him looking too innocent for them not to be the culprit.

“Can I help you?” he muttered.

“Wakey-wakey, Belphie,” they grinned back at him. They had surrounded themself with a myriad of different-colored paper stars, something Belphie hadn’t seen them do in quite a long time. They had claimed that keeping their hands busy helped them focus during class, and even outside of class they were usually doing some sort of origami project. But at some point, they had stopped. Maybe someone had pointed it out to them, maybe something happened to make them depressed, he didn’t know. But he had kind of missed seeing their little army of paper animals.

“Can you make a fox?”

[medtechenthusiast]

about me and rules of my blog

I am a 22 year old straight male 

I was unfortunately born in Russia and was born with a disability called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder because my birth mother was drinking when pregnant with me which basically gives me the social maturity of a 15 year old but i am normal on the outside. It also makes me hyper-sexual. I enjoy making music specifically dubstep. I am in college persuing my EMT-B and eventually my paramedic certification and dream of becoming a TEMS (tactical emergency medical services) member which are the guys that go in behind LEOs(law enforcement officers) during a mass shooting or other violent scenario and treat casualties by applying tourniquets to stop major bleeding dealing with airway emergencies and performing advanced procedures such as cricothyrodotomies which is a surgical airway and starting IVs. 

I have been interested in medicine/medical related things since a small child after a traumatic experience with the anesthesia induction for a tonsillectomy in 2006 AKA being held down and induced with sevoflurane. My main focus has always been airway management and ventilation for some reason but I embrace all aspects of medicine. My parents got me my first resuscitation bag in 2014 as a reward for passing my first aid merit badge. In 2019 I started a small collection of mostly disposables and have built on that since. I bought my first patient monitor in 2022 which is a Philips intellivue MP5. I have been continuously scrutinized by my family for all of the equipment I own and buy with them saying it’s “freaky” “weird”  and then thinking I have an obsession with it. Then also saying “you don’t need any of that stuff nor have the training to use it”  not to mention them saying “why can’t you just be normal”

In early 2023 I joined a med tech enthusiast discord server started by a small YouTuber who has a collection of defibrillators including a lifepak 12 which convinced me to buy my first defibrillator monitor which is a Philips heartstart MRx 

I am also an outdoor emergency care technician (OEC-T)  for the national ski patrol and have saved numerous lives but have experienced death before which is a whole completely different story if you want to hear that story just let me know. And I do have extensive medical training.

I’m also a Boy Scout and an Eagle Scout. 

rules of my blog

-My blog is mostly about medical technology and equipment I do not have a med fetish or get any sexual gratification from it but I have no judgement towards those that do.

-Despite me being a first responder None of what I post is medical advice don’t ask me for medical advice cuz I’ll just say that you need to talk to your doctor. Or if it’s an emergency to call EMS.

-My profile is 18+ only, I don’t support minors being publicly involved in fetish or similar communities. Fetishes are an awesome thing to explore and people tend to find out about them in their teens. I think it’s perfectly okay for teens to learn about fetishes and to experiment, but do not interact with fetish or sexual communities until you turn 18. The internet is full of creepy people and unfortunately there are plenty of bad eggs in fetish communities or online in general who will try to take advantage of you, so it’s best to wait.

-I’m more likely to respond to your DMs or interact with you in general if you actually have content posted on your profile.

-I am more than happy to take requests for content you want to see me post (except for things that involve shocking myself with my defibrillator or performing invasive procedures on myself. because that is dangerous and I consider that to be a form of self harm if it is medically unnecessary not to mention potentially illegal if untrained), a mostly complete list of all my equipment is in several posts, just leave a comment on one of my posts or use the ask me anything button to make a request.

[manifestingkai]

Manifesting as an ND person through trauma, intrusive thoughts + survival mode behaviours.

*Disclaimer: I do work in mental health + have it, but I am not a doctor and none of my content should replace health related advice/matters. If you’re in need of emergency or crisis support, please reach out to a trusted loved one or your healthcare team.*

You are not your trauma. You did not manifest your trauma. You are not responsible for your trauma (though you are the creator of your healing, however that looks for you). You do not have to revise your trauma or mental health issues away. This is a hill I will die on.

You are perfect as you are right now. You are whole, complete and capable right now. You can manifest. The law can, does and will work for you. Your best is good enough and you are not an exception to LOA. You are valid, seen, worthy and deserving just as you are.

The law of assumption is so unique in the sense that there are no rules besides the ones we create for ourselves. It’s the coolest and for some the most challenging part of the whole thing - add in the layer of being ND and it becomes a little more dynamic, esp at the beginning.

Yes, if you can think of it and desire it you can manifest it. Your subconscious mind is limitless. This is mind blowing information the first time we hear it and sometimes it takes a little while to fully wrap our heads around it, that is completely common and okay.

Many of us have been conditioned to think and view ourselves, others and the world around us a certain way: for me and many others this was taught in a very survival-based, often negative way.

Examples: can’t have everything you want, life is hard, you can’t always win

The learning that none of that is true can feel staggering, too good to be true. But it is true. You’ll see it for yourself if you haven’t begun to already. As an ND person sometimes this learning comes with its own unique set of thoughts and questions. That’s okay too.

Your brain’s primary function is to keep you safe and alive. It will do everything and anything it needs to in order to meet that need for survival and safety.

When you experience a trauma or ongoing trauma, your brain learns to perceive situations + things as safe or unsafe.

Without getting to much into the science/psychology of it (bc I will link threads at the end), your brain works so hard to keep you safe that it may perceive danger even when it is not there in an attempt to keep you safe. Very common in trauma survivors.

People who experience trauma often live in survival mode. Often hyper-vigilant, in a state of moving from one day to the next with the focus being on getting through one day to the next, keeping safe, protecting themselves. It can be hard to see past surviving for some.

So finding LOA and learning that the circumstances you’re in or the things that have happened to you don’t define you and don’t have to be your future can be overwhelming. When I first found out I wept and grieved and celebrated all at once.

I recognize that you may still be experiencing trauma and your 3D world may not feel safe to you. I’ve been there too. In the moments when living in the end felt too much or impossible, I remind myself that it’s changing. That i’m going to be safe. That my life matters. Yours does too.

Manifesting starts and ends with you in your mind. For those of us who experience intrusive thoughts that can feel scary, too. You are not your intrusive thoughts. You don’t have to spend all day beating yourself up when you have one, you are human and it happens.

It is perfectly okay to allow the thoughts to pass if jumping on it to flip it causes you to spiral into it or causes 15 more. What works for you might be a bit different than what others do and that is okay, your experience is unique to you.

You create new stories in your mind (4D) but you do still have to navigate living in your physical world (3D). If you take nothing else from this, please take that you do not need to neglect yourself or your mental health to manifest. Taking care of you comes first.

You do not have to lock yourself in a room all day and affirm, you do not have to repeat the same 2 sentences for 12 hours straight until you’re burned out and exhausted. The fun in manifesting is exploring what works and feels good for you.

This can be done through techniques: SATs, scripting, visualizing, subliminals, affirmation tapes, lullaby method. There are so many. Explore it, see what feels good for you.

If you’ve experienced trauma, it can be scary and difficult to accept this at first and I encourage you to take things at your own pace. You can start with something like seeing lime green cars, you can test it out, you can have questions. You are supported and you’ve got this. You can trust yourself and you have all of the power. 💕

Source: my thread on Twitter // additional resources here

[sepublic]

Hive Mecha Scene

I want to discuss how the Hive Mecha battle in a Metroid show would translate into a scene: Of all the bosses to discuss, this one seems silly, but hear me out.

Samus enters the Hive Totem chamber, and then poisonous water floods the room, leaving only a small platform to be safe on. The Hive Mecha opens one of its three ports, releasing a swarm of Ram War Wasps. They swarm around Samus at all angles, flying around, disorienting; Samus tries to aim for one but misses, then feels compelled to aim for another that crosses her field of vision.

All the while, the War Wasps ram into her, throwing Samus off-balance and messing with her aim, her focus, her concentration. Samus switches focus to each attacker, only to get sidetracked all over again; She almost falls into the poison, maybe does and climbs back onto the pedestal. She wastes a few missiles, maybe even a Super Missile; But it's clear Samus is wasting firepower, her focus should be on precision, not a more powerful blow against individual War Wasps that don't need much damage. And missiles are slow, unlike the faster and responsive power beam.

As that surprisingly good music plays in the background, Samus crouches and closes her eyes, concentrating; This isn't working out. She then flashes back to her childhood on Zebes, a moment with Old Bird. Old Bird tells her a classic story; Something along the lines of some entity, who attempts to take on a whole group of things it wants.

But it gets distracted, sidetracked, the things keep evading it. Instead of focusing on just one, it focused on all of them, and its greed proves its undoing; It comes away with none of the things, because its attention was split across getting all of them at once, instead of having the patience to do one at a time.

Samus opens her eyes; She knows what to do now. Straightening up, she hyper-focuses on one, single, Ram War Wasp; She lets the rest attack her, tanking the damage as she tracks this specific wasp with her arm cannon, and then bam! She fires, obliterating it.

Onto the next one; And then the next. Every now and then she moves to the side to dodge a ramming War Wasp, but otherwise, Samus remains patient, methodical, and still. She doesn't waste any energy flailing about, she knows progress is progress. Cue a montage of her doing some sick sharpshooting, until all of the War Wasps are dead.

Samus scans the Hive Mecha now that she's free, and cue the explanation of its symbiotic relationship with the War Wasps, its purpose as a security system, as well as the vulnerability of the ports it deploys War Wasps with. Knowing what to do now, Samus fires a missile into its port, destroying it.

The Hive Mecha switches to the second port, releasing another batch of War Wasps. This time, Samus is prepared, going into Morph Ball mode. She baits them; Every time a War Wasp lunges, Samus Boost Balls out of the way, leaving behind a bomb in her place that blows up the War Wasp. Cue the following explosions, the War Wasps just don't learn unlike Samus.

The second batch is finished, Samus destroys its following port. The third port opens-

And Samus fires a Super Missile right into it, destroying the War Wasps right as they emerge; Spawncamper. A few War Wasps make it out, some aflame, but Samus finishes them off from afar like an Olympic marksman. With all its defenses destroyed, the Hive Mecha deactivates, and the room drains itself; Samus is free to continue her progress in exploring the Chozo Ruins.

If you played the boss fight yourself, you can tell: This scene implements the intended strategy for the Hive Mecha. You focus on an individual War Wasp, shoot it, and then another comes to take its place. I think translating the in-game strategy into a methodology Samus herself has to adopt in the episode would help to diversify the boss battles in the show; If all of them are adapted, they need different ways to make them stand out, beyond just having different appearances! It’d be repetitive if she just shot them the whole time.

Plus, it shows Samus’ cleverness; She’s a strategic fighter who analyzes and breaks down her opponents, instead of going gung-ho on them; She adapts to her surroundings, hence all of the transformation and upgrades. That’s what the scan visor represents, it’s what the puzzle nature of the series represents, and it’s why she lasts while others don’t.

And the way she approaches the same problem in different ways until she can bypass it entirely (such as the Hive Mecha ports) shows Samus is creative and can come up with work arounds, which also hearkens back to the sequence breaking built into the games’ DNA. Her methods develop as her familiarity and understanding does; So in a way it’s like character development, as Samus learns a lesson she applies to future scenarios.

And in the end, Samus holds dear to her heart the lessons and childhood she got from the Chozo, applying it to a Chozo ‘test’ in the present. I could see this scene, simple as it is, capturing the basics and fundamentals to a lot of Samus’ character; AKA the core mechanics, which is what an early boss fight does.

[theriverbeyond]

How connected would you say these two posts are? Would you enjoy raw tofu this much if you weren’t just coming out of the joy/pain of a hyper-focus-fueled-temporary-loss-of-humanity? 😂

... ok u got me i DID post both of those back to back bc i emerged from a 4 hour felting session and then immediately inhaled a whole block of raw extra firm tofu with a little soy sauce using a spoon BUT in my defense I have been doing this since time immemorial. one of my favorite comfort foods/snacks as a little kid

[abronzeagegod]

Untitled YA Project Chapter 5: A Quiet Assault in the Dead of Night

First Chapter || More

8:50 PM local time

1.4 Miles outside of the Training Barracks, House Kaiyantsh, Si Yátz

Hira sat bolt upright a few minutes later, the paralysis toxin leaving her body. Luckily for her, shrar toxins from their stingers are the least potent of the zlilfian’s defenses, but they could sting more than once.

That, however, was the least of her concerns at the moment. Something very bad was happening. There was a human on the island, Rafe attacked her, there was a human on the island, and there was that horrifying moment where all sound went away. But that last one was probably some weird side effect of the adrenaline of the whole attack and the paralysis. Right?

Hira quickly stood up. She didn’t know what she was supposed to do. There was so much wrong and it all just happened. She started to panic. This wasn’t just some test or prank. This was an attack.

Oh crap.

That thought clarified everything else and she knew what she had to do. She had to get back to the zone’s military barracks and warn someone, anyone, everyone.

At least she was a good and fast flier. She had that over Rafe and her new human best friend. Even if they did have a lead on her.

With a running start, Hira took to the air and flew as fast as she could. Dodging the limbs of trees and dangling tendrils or the leaves of the various giant flora native to her island. Hira would land on a thick tree branch only for a moment as she would use it to springboard to a jump at an angle and propel her flight forward faster.

It took her barely twenty minutes to get back to the barracks. Which she assumed would have been a record of some kind but that didn’t matter. Hira ran into the barracks and shouted for someone, anyone. But her voice felt empty and quiet, even to herself. They couldn’t have possibly beaten her here, could they?

She could feel the nervous flutter of her wings and the agitated sway of her stinger. Something was wrong. Very wrong. And for some reason that made Hira hyper aware of herself.

With that sudden, intense focus, she noticed a small circular device on the ground about halfway down the hallway. There were small whiffs of smoke coming out of it.

Smoke bombs!

The human, and possibly Rafe, must have planted them and then smoked the entire building. All of the zlilfians would be incapacitated within moments. Hira was only spared because she wasn’t here.

This was definitely an attack.

She couldn’t hear anything and that’s when something stirred in the back of her mind, from one of the books she read back a few months ago. The collapse of the Maya back in the early part of the 100’s CE. There were fears that the oldest enemy of the zlilfian people had come to finish the job. The Silence.

Hira was truly afraid now. It was the only thing she could think of. The thing that had destroyed the old ancestral home of her people had come back to finish the job.

But she also knew that she couldn’t just stand there, being afraid. She had to warn someone. If this was the Silence she couldn’t just radio for help. She had to get to the emergency broadcast system. A failsafe that every Great House in every zone had to maintain by law. She had been briefed on it several times, but she never really remembered what to do.

Hira did remember where it was. She thought a quick little litany thanking the sun for shining on her and giving her whatever small slice of luck she had.

Without sound, and with everyone presumably incapacitated, Hira didn’t even attempt to try and be stealthy as she made her way to the command office.

She flew as fast as she could through the wooden structure of the barracks, only stopping to secure a cloth over her face to try and reduce the fatigue brought on by the smoke bombs that were still spewing little clouds of smoke.

Hira slammed into the door of the command office, which should have been locked. The door opened so fast that it hit the wall and left a solid dent from the door handle.But it made no sound. Hira was breathing hard because of her flight, yet she didn’t move. Because already in the room were the mysterious human and Rafe.

The human was on the commander’s computer, and looked over their shoulder at the sudden burst of movement caused by Hira’s sudden appearance. Rafe aslo turned to look at her, but with a curiously flat expression. There was no subtle, unconscious movements of her antenna or wings. Nothing to suggest she was awake. In fact, she had that look across her entire being that she wasn’t really paying attention to anything around her, like she had zoned out during a boring lecture and had started to fall asleep.

Rafe turned to look at the human, who Hira had to guess was an adult, possibly in their early adulthood. She had little experience with humans so judging their ages was hard. But she also guessed he was a male by the facial hair, a close cut beard to match the close cut haircut.

The human made a few curt gestures to Rafe and the slackened zlilfian suddenly launched into a series of attacks on Hira.

This time, Hira was prepared. She dodged and countered where she could, listening to the little voice of Rafe in her head from earlier that day who was correcting her form.

But she couldn’t just dodge and defend. Something very bad was happening. And Hira needed to activate the alarm, which was of course on the other side of the room. She had to attack and get around Rafe.

“Rafe! Why are you doing this? What is happening?” she tried to ask out loud, forgetting that sound was a dead thing here. Even if she could get a response, Rafe didn’t look like she could share, with that vacant look in her eyes.

Hira flared out her wings and went in for a quick series of punches which caused Rafe to react and settle into a defensive position. Instead of following up with even more attacks to try and get around Rafe’s guard and press her advantage, Hira jumped up, flying a few feet up, and then like she did with the trees before, used her friend as a springboard to propel herself to the far side of the room.

Right to the alarm.

She landed and tried to do what she could to activate it. But she couldn’t remember how. There were so many buttons. So she just started pushing every single one.

The she felt the harsh stinging pain right between her big wings. She looked over her shoulder to see the empty expression on Rafe behind her, stinger stuck in Hira’s back. The concentration of the toxin would be much greater that it was the last time. She could already feel the numbness spreading.

Hira couldn’t hear herself cry out in pain as he friend attacked her so hard that the stinger was stuck in her back.

It was only then, that she remembered what she had to do. She pushed up on the small lever with her left hand.

It felt so hard to do. She was suddenly so tired, her muscles were sore from the patrol and the flight and the fights. Hira just wanted to sleep. She could feel the toxin and the pain spreading, the toxin amplifying the feelings of exhaustion. One leg gave out. She had to pull the lever back down to activate the alarm. Her arms felt heavy. Her whole body felt heavy.

Hira dropped to one knee. She couldn’t hear anything. Her vision was fading. She could smell and taste the smoke in the air. The ground seemed like it would be so comfortable. She just wanted to lay down and do nothing else.

No!

Part of her screamed. The adrenaline in her body spiked. She had to stop this! She had to set off the alarm.

Her hand lay on the lever, but she couldn’t convince her fingers to close. Everything had gone numb. She couldn’t keep her eyes open.

Pull the lever down, she screamed within her own head, and maybe out loud too, even though she couldn’t hear it. The paralysis was winning the fight.

Hira collapsed to the floor as she finally succumbed to the toxin, pulling the lever with her.

Suddenly, flashing lights lit up the office. It would have been bright and annoying but Hira’s eyes had closed. She could only still see hints of flashing lights behind her eyes.

She would have smiled if any of her muscles worked. Instead she passed out.

i have a kofi

[luminarot]

@n0vembrs // continued from here.

Long gone are the days of heavy slumber, where a teenage Benji could sleep on through the storm without so much as a whimper. Responsibility had granted him steady schedules and a keen ear, but even light sleep has been a scarcity since he emerged from the depths. There isn't a point in wasting time on nightmares; not when he could be poring over vital research or drawing maps, plotting his way back to earth, and back to Max.

If he listens for his host's return in the meantime, it's only partial vigilance, hyper focus broken with the quiet click of the door.

Two of them creep through the darkness now; he's sort of grown accustomed to it, no shade or shadow even remotely as black as the tunnels that had swallowed him whole. With the room lit up in a lightning's flash, his tired eyes lock on the figure illuminated, and he's almost relieved to see November's familiar shape traced in an eerie glow. Almost, except for the stain drenching her torso, discoloration too vital to be missed even in the dead of night.

He could call it a nightmare if it didn't pull at his memory, harkening back to a half-dead man crawling through the mud with his guts falling out. This feels like something different, dread pinning him to this version of reality as he trails solemnly after her, worry painted in furrowed brow. It's not that he doesn't know what she does when she's away, or at least enough that he no longer asks many questions — but seeing the evidence erases that denial, one she doesn't bother insulting him with as she washes her hands of the muck.

It isn't her job that concerns him. He doesn't think of an opponent as he looks at her, or even a victim left behind at her wish; he's only thinking of November as he takes that first step into the room, unwavering as he tries to catch her eye in the mirror.

"Are you hurt?" It's the only question that matters, the only one he'll ask and keep his welcome, the only one stuck in the forefront of his mind as he reflects on the blood trail left behind. "If you are, I can help. I wasn't sleeping anyway."

[ask-mortarion-the-death-lord]

Bretonnia in AoS concepts:

for fun mostly, but i do think that when warhammer the old world comes out we'll see a not unusual amount of flexible use between models allowed to be used in TOW and models in AoS. either way my guess would be bundling them into cities of sigmar or making a roaming knights kingdoms bretonnia proxy army like how soulblight gravelords are just blatantly the vampire counts.

THAT SAID!

AoS also provides plenty of opportunity for new weird wacky or interesting concepts to play with thanks to its far more fast and loose hyper magical setting. So, what could a 'bretonnia inspired' faction of humans look like to sell as an AoS exclusive and charge exorbitant prices for...

IDEA: AVALON GRAIL KINGDOMS

grail knights+++, everyone even the peasant eating dung gets a blessing in avalon! heavily diluted mind, but enough so that everyone born in avalon has higher then average physicality and slight magical resistance regardless of class. to be a true grail knight though ya gotta go on a grail quest which involves sallying forth from avalon [the renamed haven lileath came up with thats been taken over as a new home for the grail knights now its completed its original purpose] and right wrongs cure injustices and do heroic deeds in the mortal realms. unlike the world that was however, anyone in avalon can undertake these [though nobles have more success in the matter] regardless of status or even gender, though as such only a few succeed such grueling quests. in times of war grail knights rider forth supported by avalon knights, the nobles in their finest armour and animal, nature or grail inspired heraldry, and avalon soldiers, peasants who have trained in war acting as the footsloggers, their diluted blessings and avalons excessive amount of master blacksmiths meaning they stride out significantly better equipped and armed then the men-at-arms of old [even getting their own plate armour, think elden rings soldiers but with bretonnia aesthetics]. in particularly dire times peasant mobs will storm out to support their brave defenders or if riled up enough embark on grand crusades with them. well most avalon battles tend to be in defense of their realm, that is not to say they are a peaceful or idyllic lot. simply that because of their realms unstable nature and seemingly capricious whims of abducting people and even whole cities or armies, they need to fight off many more incursions then they do get to embark on their treasured crusades. as the avalons are a highly competitive and glory seeking lot however they will happily go on crusade whenever the option arises, their entrances full of grandeur, light and noise as their armies seemingly emerge from the air of a battlefield itself into the mortal realms already into a full charge in preparation for running down any foe foolish enough to remain still. even when traveling alone an avalonians emergence into the mortal realms are marked in great amounts of noise and light as if a trumpeter and a lightshow is always ready to herald their arrival. after arriving they will pursue crusade objectives with bloody minded focus and with great pomp and effort, going as far as building magnificent castles to act as staging grounds and command centers should a crusade be big and long enough to require it, yet once the crusade is over just as quickly dismantling the castle and returning its pieces home. for a crusade is only done when its objectives are complete. avalon itself is a wild place, full to the brim of magnificent natural beauty of a dizzying variety, yet what is in one spot today is as likely to be halfway around the realm or even gone completely the next [due to the realms ever-increasing instability]. this has led the peoples of avalon to be careful where they build finding those places unlikely to shift or change or building their habitations into natural landmarks themselves as means of grounding the realm in a more orderly logic, though the realms magical nature makes these efforts questionably useful at best. as well, well the people of avalon might all hold a natural resistance to foul magic they are not immune to it and the realms magical nature and its peoples own natural blessings as seen some of the most dangerous sorcerors and witches emerge from the realms of avalon. thus are the avalon people especially suspicious of 'unlicensed magic users', the only notable exceptions being the ladys prophets and the 'lake witches' who well fickle and self taught still owe their allegiances to the realm of avalon and grail itself. people outside of avalon find avalon people bewildering and hard to deal with, as even the lowliest peasant will take matters of honour and chivalry with great gravitas, yet at the same time be prone to wild bouts of superstition

[kondapallisiva]

The Transformative Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Industries

Introduction:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a revolutionary force reshaping industries across the globe. Its applications are diverse, ranging from automating mundane tasks to driving strategic decision-making processes. Let's delve into how AI is revolutionizing business processes across various sectors.

1. Automation and Efficiency:

AI-powered automation is streamlining workflows and increasing operational efficiency across industries. By deploying machine learning algorithms and robotic process automation (RPA), businesses can automate repetitive tasks, reducing human errors and freeing up valuable time for employees to focus on more strategic endeavors.

2. Enhanced Customer Experience:

In sectors like retail, hospitality, and healthcare, AI is revolutionizing customer interactions. Chatbots powered by natural language processing (NLP) provide instant customer support, personalized recommendations, and seamless transaction experiences. AI-driven sentiment analysis helps businesses gauge customer satisfaction levels in real-time, enabling them to respond promptly to feedback and improve service quality.

3. Data-driven Decision Making:

AI is transforming decision-making processes by leveraging big data analytics and predictive modeling. In finance, AI algorithms analyze market trends, assess risks, and optimize investment portfolios. In manufacturing, AI-driven predictive maintenance minimizes equipment downtime by detecting potential failures before they occur. By harnessing the power of AI, businesses can make data-driven decisions that drive growth and innovation.

4. Personalized Marketing and Sales:

AI is revolutionizing marketing and sales strategies by enabling hyper-personalized targeting and content optimization. AI algorithms analyze customer data to identify patterns and preferences, allowing businesses to deliver tailored marketing messages and offers. In e-commerce, AI-powered recommendation engines enhance cross-selling and upselling opportunities, driving revenue growth and customer loyalty.

5. Healthcare Transformation:

In healthcare, AI is revolutionizing patient care, diagnosis, and treatment. Machine learning algorithms analyze medical imaging scans to detect abnormalities with greater accuracy than human radiologists. AI-driven predictive analytics identify patients at high risk of developing chronic conditions, enabling proactive interventions for better health outcomes. Virtual health assistants powered by AI provide patients with personalized healthcare guidance and support, improving access to medical services and reducing healthcare costs.

6. Supply Chain Optimization:

AI is optimizing supply chain management by enhancing demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics optimization. Machine learning algorithms analyze historical sales data and market trends to predict future demand more accurately, reducing stockouts and excess inventory. AI-powered predictive analytics optimize transportation routes and delivery schedules, minimizing costs and improving delivery efficiency.

Conclusion:

The impact of artificial intelligence on industries is profound and far-reaching. By harnessing the power of AI, businesses can unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and competitiveness. However, as AI adoption continues to accelerate, it's essential to address ethical considerations and ensure responsible AI deployment to maximize its benefits for society as a whole.

[hermannlederle]

Hermann Lederle

Critically admired german artist Hermann Lederle is most prominent for his PIXEL and BLOTS painting and more recent ADAPTATION series. His works have shown in numerous exhibitions around the world, and his artistic production is particularly unique and recognizable. Although initially the impression is abstract, Lederle's works feature geometric elements that compose, as a whole, figurative elements, bringing to mind that of the abstract expressionists.

Los Angeles artist Hermann Lederle is known for his innovative BEAUTIFUL CHAOS abstract canvas scapes and unique BREAKAWAY layered PIXEL painting. Blurring the boundaries between paint-scape and landscape reality, and between the paint and its intended object, the work combines geometric abstraction and pure color concept to explore a new ethereal thematic. Through a PILLING of dotted lines and multitude of hyper-glow colors - as if the artist intends to assault the surface with micro-nuclear forces, Lederle constructs a next generation art-scape.

Upon graduating from Karl Friedrich School Mannheim for humanist and classic studies in Germany, Lederle re-directed his career path. His early apprenticeship training in photography��inspired him to seek a formal continued education in the Fine Arts, namely filmmaking and painting at the San Francisco Art Institute. San Francisco became his new residency for the next years until graduating with a BFA, followed by five years establishing himself as a painter in the thriving arts district of Tribeca in downtown New York City. It was there, Lederle began to formulate his own visual language to express his concepts and ideas through the lens, on canvas and on the film screen. Exemplifying the artist’s interest in the interaction between art and film and creating an additional link to 21st century web based digital art, Lederle's painting strives to wipe clean the slate of conventional notions of image construction.

Lederle's PIXEL series, first shown at Media Rare Gallery in Hollywood  suggests a kind of Cubism for the digital age. His work as a filmmaker cross-pollinates in subtle, oblique ways. The idea of pixel paintings originated when working with digital images. “It was a discovery. We may have been seeing this way unconsciously since human beings had eyes, but now that we know we can zoom in on something, and then zoom out and see the whole picture, it becomes an awareness we can use to appreciate the pixilated version. Kind of like a primal, pre-conscious experience that relates to the era of technology."

Lederle's FOOTPRINTS ON SNOW series entails a two stage process, where a graduated color is applied with a tractional brush allowing for the distinct qualities of its stroke to emerge. The second stage is executed with a painter's knife often with ostensibly contradictory linear shapes and lines, imbuing it with the properties of rival perceptions, irreversible  like footprints, taking place within the canvases.

More recently, in his so-called ADAPTATION series, those vertical bands consist of the vivid and expressionistic decades-old paintings that Lederle has painstakingly hand-cut and then collaged onto the canvas, leaving just enough space for original marks to show through as interstices of the canvas. Punctuated with a stop and go rhythm, the work reigns in the artist’s prior unbidden flourishes and lays bare the source of artistic inspiration, simultaneously suggesting themes of evolution as they relate to Lederle's own practice and reflections on art history.

His latest works in submission on the occasion of IN SPRING Exhibition 2024, recall the BLOTS-pointillism of the neoimpressionists. When purposely set against a SCHIENA SCURA - dark FOAM bubbles, the painting is calling out a messy, un-ordered free floating imagery of some scenery not quite in focus and frozen in a still frame, although its kinetic forces relentlessly pushing up against its limits. The experimental composition of primal shapes and lines striving for a creative expression of artificial, nearly molecular spaces in another dimension and direction. These images take time to absorb, asking you to invest and trust, not speed through in a frenzy. A new-dimensional structure slowly emerges transcending past traditional geometrics.

Hermann Lederle's work has been exhibited in the United States in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Canada, Germany, Italy, France and Hungary. A body of his work is in consignment at galleries, including DSV Kunstkontor Stuttgart, HPH Siebdruck Echterdingen Germany, Media Rare Gallery Los Angeles, Court Gallery New York, Lawson Galleries San Francisco, Friedman Guinness Gallery Heidelberg, and in private collections of Ringo Starr, Eric Stolz, Cal Zecca, Gabor Csupo.

Lederle lives and works in Los Angeles, California. Previous notable exhibitions took place at M.A.D.S. Art Gallery ANDRENOCHROMO FOR DINNER Milan Italy 2022, ART KARLSRUHE HPH Special Serigraph Exhibition Germany 2020, Silverman Studio Hollywood 2017, Vertiva Stuttgart Germany 2015, Arthea Galerie Mannheim Germany 2015, Frank Pictures Gallery Santa Monica 2012, Solaris Gallery Los Angeles 2005, FP Gallery Los Angeles 2005, Media Rare Gallery Hollywood 2001, Lawson Galleries San Francisco 1987 and Court Gallery New York City 1986.

[tapan156546541]

Title: Safeguarding Digital Frontiers: A Comprehensive Guide to Cyber Security

In the present hyper-associated world, where each part of our lives is unpredictably woven into the advanced texture, the meaning of network protection couldn't possibly be more significant. From individual information to basic foundation, the danger scene poses a potential threat, presenting difficulties that request steady watchfulness and proactive measures. As innovation propels, so do the procedures and strategies of digital foes, requiring an extensive way to deal with shielding our computerized boondocks.

Understanding Cyber Security:

Digital protection includes a wide cluster of practices, innovations, and conventions intended to safeguard organizations, frameworks, and information from unapproved access, abuse, and double-dealing. It's not simply about introducing antivirus programming or setting up firewalls; rather, a diverse discipline requires a blend of specialized mastery, strategy systems, and client mindfulness.

The Importance of Cyber Security:

The repercussions of digital assaults can be broad and destroying. Past monetary misfortunes, they can result in reputational harm, legitimate liabilities, and even compromise public safety. Consider the effect of information breaks on organizations, where delicate client data is compromised, prompting disintegration of trust and certainty. Besides, in areas, for example, medical services and money, the stakes are much higher, with possible ramifications for patient wellbeing and monetary strength.

Key Threats in Cyberspace:

Digital dangers come in different structures, going from normal malware and phishing tricks to modern ransomware and country state supported secret activities. Programmers exploit weaknesses in programming, equipment, and human way of behaving to penetrate networks and exfiltrate important information. With the multiplication of Web of Things (IoT) gadgets and distributed computing, the assault surface has extended, enhancing the potential for double-dealing and disturbance.

Principles of Effective Cyber Security:

Accomplishing strong digital protection requires a proactive and all encompassing methodology. Here are a few key standards to direct your endeavors:

Risk Evaluation: Distinguish and focus on possible dangers and weaknesses in view of their probability and effect. Direct ordinary reviews and appraisals to remain in front of arising chances.

Safeguard Inside and out: Carry out numerous layers of protection, including network firewalls, interruption location frameworks, encryption, and access controls. This approach mitigates the gamble of a weak link compromising the whole framework.

Ceaseless Observing: Screen network traffic, framework logs, and client exercises to recognize abnormalities and potential security episodes continuously. Utilize progressed investigation and AI calculations to distinguish designs characteristic of vindictive way of behaving.

Occurrence Reaction Arranging: Foster far reaching episode reaction plans framing strategies for identifying, containing, and alleviating digital assaults. Lay out clear lines of correspondence and assign jobs and obligations to work with a planned reaction.

Worker Preparing and Mindfulness: Teach representatives about network protection best works on, including secret key cleanliness, phishing mindfulness, and safe perusing propensities. Cultivate a culture of carefulness and responsibility where everybody assumes a part in safeguarding delicate data.

Standard Updates and Fix The executives: Keep programming applications, working frameworks, and firmware in the know regarding the most recent security fixes and updates. Weaknesses frequently emerge from obsolete programming forms that leave frameworks helpless to double-dealing.

Information Encryption and Protection: Encode delicate information both on the way and very still to forestall unapproved access and revelation. Comply with information protection guidelines and industry principles administering the assortment, stockpiling, and transmission of individual data.

The Future of Cyber Security:

As innovation keeps on developing, so too will the nature and intricacy of digital dangers. Developments, for example, man-made reasoning, quantum registering, and the Web of Things vow to reform enterprises yet additionally present new roads for double-dealing and misuse. In this unique scene, flexibility and strength will be vital, expecting associations to keep up to date with arising patterns and embrace a culture of consistent improvement.

Conclusion:

In a time characterized by computerized change and interconnectivity, network protection arises as a key part for defending our aggregate advantages and safeguarding the respectability of our advanced biological system. By embracing a proactive mentality, utilizing trend setting innovations, and encouraging a culture of joint effort and shared liability, we can sustain our safeguards against digital dangers and set out on a way toward a safer and versatile future.

In the consistently developing fight between digital protectors and enemies, the stakes have never been higher. As gatekeepers of the computerized domain, we should stay careful, versatile, and focused on the standards of network safety, guaranteeing that our advanced boondocks stay secure and strong notwithstanding difficulty.

[sjjnyc]

The Desert Continuum + thoughts on having a fluid identity and lifestyle

I bought The Funambulist's Issue #44 about the desert because I felt like, while living in a landscape I didn't grow up in, it would be helpful to learn various desert perspectives. I really love the idea of a "Desert Continuum" described in the excerpt below because it raises my awareness that there are other desert communities around the world. Duh! I know.

"What we can do however is to loosely trace these porous boundaries and, from it, observe the drawing of a desert continuum (see the map on next pages) that links Dakar to Ulaanbaatar by way of Karachi, Volgograd, Gaza, and Nairobi—considering cities, rather than mountains or other salient points, has to be understood as arbitrary geographical references here. Just as we talked in our issue on The Ocean about the political commonalities that islander nations could experience through the Ocean despite living thousands of kilometers apart, we can envision such a commonality throughout this continuum."

- excerpt from the Introduction

After growing up on an island near the Atlantic Ocean, I felt like a dear caught in headlights moving to the arid West. I didn't think I would even be here this long. I'm kind of not surprised I found myself in this region of the country during my Saturn Return; I was born in Denver, Colorado in 1991 and grew up in Denver, Aurora and Colorado Springs until the age of twelve, so it makes sense that I would find myself back here during my first Saturnian rite of passage.

Besides living in Brooklyn with my great-grandmother for almost two years (when I first moved to New York City and for my grandmother, when she returned after two decades away), I mostly grew up on Staten Island. It makes sense that I and other people would place myself in this distinct place, but then I have familial migrations, histories, lineages and personal callings going in all sorts of directions, so it's hard to place me somewhere.

I have not shared the story of why I came to Arizona in 2019 in the first place; I didn't want to come here. And I didn't want to stay in New York City either, because like a lot of folks I have a love-hate relationship with the city. I've moved around a lot since I was a child, whether I was staying at different family member's houses, moving to another neighborhood, another city, another state, another borough. On the outside I look like an adventurous nomad, but my whole life has been constant uprooting and uncomfortable home situations.

I root in water, my body and taking care of myself

I root in water, my body and taking care of myself. Sometimes people don't understand the first part, they don't understand my watery energy and predominate watery expression- and what tends to happen is that I become judged and pathologized, and something that needs to be balanced and fixed. I'm not shy in letting folks know I have problems and things to work on, but honest to God it is so interesting how sometimes the first thing people do is pathologize my relationship with water. Or my hyper focus and expression of water explains xyz issue in my life. At first, I started internalizing these reactions, but I think all of this reflects what's going on with other people.

I live in an aquatic universe yall (with other beings, many who have lived here way before I was a twinkle in somebody's eye); I don't need to second guess myself, accept other people's funky energy about how I express myself, feel ashamed or feel like I need to abandon myself/my aquatic heritage in order to make sense, be relatable and belong.

It was water who reached out to me. I was on my way to being a farmer while my water art practice quietly emerged in the background. But Water, while living in urban New York City, came forward into my consciousness and life in an unexpected way. Most of my life is guided by Water, and it's intelligence draws or attracts people into my life who inspire me and who I (need to) learn from. And after almost thirty-two years on the planet, I find myself a part of the Desert Continuum, but I don't know if I belong, or if I'd ever call the southwest home, even though I absolutely love New Mexico.

Desert Libraries in Mali, The Invention of Nubian Deserts and The Impact of a Life (and Death): Colonial Encounters and Aboriginal Desert Practices

The Desert Issue is included in my make-shift water library (Timbuktu is not mentioned in the magazine, but thinking about water libraries made me think about desert libraries (#nobinary) so I included a link about desert libraries in Mali), and since I'm moving once again, I had to pack up my water library and put it in my grandmother's garage. You can review the digital version here; it needs to be updated!

Mali is a part of the Desert Continuum / Photo Source: Libraries of Timbuktu

Ancient desert libraries / Photo Source: Timbuktu Hopes Ancient Texts Spark a Revival

I only managed to read two stories anyway: the displacement of Nubian people from living near their ancestral waterway, the Nile River, and the life and death of desert Aboriginal artist and community leader Mr. Ward. These essays were difficult to read; it's like I can't read the other contributions just yet because I'm still sitting with these two stories, each one having stirred my spirit and left some kind of imprint.

All Image Sources: The Funambulist Magazine #44

I'm really big on life not being a quiz. With all the technology many of us are afforded, I think it's helpful to relieve ourselves of having to know and remember everything and feel free to look something up or ask someone when we don't know something. In saying this, there are probably places I know about that I don't even know are deserts.

When I think of Egypt I know about the pyramids, but it never really registered that Cairo is a desert city. Also, outside the US I have been paying attention to Desert Mob, Central Australia's largest First Nations art and cultural event and exhibition held in Mparntwe or Alice Springs. I happened to find the organization on Instagram. At least for me in my personal experience, it is really nice to see the art and cultural practices people in different desert communities are creating and participating in. Even though I don't know anyone well in Egypt or Central Australia, these places, being a part of the Desert Continuum, develop my consciousness and clarity more around desert identities and lifeways.

PROMPT: This prompt is more for people who live in arid and semi-arid environments: who are your favorite desert artists? Or whose work would you like to learn more about? Another prompt is to take a portrait of yourself in the place you call home and share it if you want!

[foodboys-blog]

best food 2023

Sustainability and zero-waste practices: The focus on sustainability extends beyond ingredient sourcing. Restaurants and food establishments are likely to adopt practices that reduce food waste, such as utilizing food scraps creatively, composting, and implementing sustainable packaging solutions.

Hyper-local and hyper-seasonal cuisine: Chefs and food enthusiasts are increasingly embracing hyper-local and hyper-seasonal cooking. This means showcasing ingredients that are sourced from the immediate vicinity and highlighting dishes that reflect the flavors and traditions of a specific locality.

Immersive dining experiences: The dining landscape may evolve to provide more immersive experiences. This could include interactive meals, multi-sensory presentations, and collaborations between chefs, artists, and performers to create memorable and unique dining events.

Ethnic and regional exploration: Exploring lesser-known cuisines and regional dishes may gain popularity. Diners are likely to seek out authentic experiences and flavors from underrepresented culinary traditions, such as African, Middle Eastern, or Central Asian cuisines.

Health-conscious indulgence: While indulgence and comfort food will always have their place, there is a growing interest in healthier alternatives. Chefs may focus on creating dishes that are both delicious and nutritious, incorporating more whole foods, nutrient-dense ingredients, and creative preparation techniques.

Personalization and customization: Customization options may become more prevalent, allowing diners to tailor their meals to their specific dietary preferences or restrictions. This could involve build-your-own-bowl concepts, personalized spice blends, or interactive menu options.

Food technology advancements: Advancements in food technology may influence the culinary landscape. This includes the use of AI and machine learning in recipe development, 3D printing for food presentation, or advancements in food preservation techniques that enhance flavors and extend shelf life.

Remember, these are speculative trends based on observations and patterns up until September 2021. The best food in 2023 will ultimately be influenced by a combination of cultural shifts, individual tastes, and the creativity of chefs and food entrepreneurs. Stay curious, explore local culinary scenes, and keep an eye on emerging trends to discover the exciting flavors and dishes that may define 2023.

[eventindustrynews]

6 Key Strategies for Managing C-Suite Attendee Expectations in Events

The usual waterfall of the series of activities leading to the main event is relative to many other things. While figuring out the target audience, the objective of creating a laser-focused strategy for addressing C-suite attendees’ expectations is often diluted. Integrating multifarious agendas catering to multiple audiences is crucial, but reaping real results from the event depends mainly on the engagement of the C-suite.   

Why the Spotlight on C-Suite Attendees? 

The whole buzz around the C-suite sometimes overwhelms and becomes daunting. C-suite are the most sought-after, most complicated to attract, and challenging to keep engaged. Given their leadership position, they are time-strapped and have calendars pre-mapped for months. Also, being THE decision makers, the outreach of an event heavily depends/focuses on the executive bench.   

It is a common understanding that networking is a 360-degree space and the C-suite can move the needle for your business which makes them one of the most relevant attendees for your event. 

Decoding Expectations of C-Suite Attendees   

‘Value’ is the foremost attribute execs look for in everything under the sun, especially in exchange for their time. Until they are sure to derive worth from an event, they wouldn’t step out (or switch screens in case of a virtual event).  Here are some insights on C-suite attendee expectations and how to manage them. 

1) Simplify the Event Experience: Time is money. An undeniable reality for the particular TA, they expect fluid movement in an event from start to end. The complete event cycle must be convenience-led, from a quick registration process to hassle-free entry and easy in-event navigation. Establishing credibility at the very onset is essential to get them on the attendee bandwagon. It is also necessary to assure C-suite attendees that the data submitted by them is secure. The event’s program should be covered in a precise manifesto for the C-suite to identify and be able to make decisions on which rooms, sessions, or booths to visit.   

2) Networking: A successful business has many cornerstones, and networking is one of them. Executives are inclined towards connecting with like-minded individuals who can work as catalysts for business and marketing, and help them gain knowledge and discover new technical competencies. Personal and intimate event formats like panels, roundtables, and exclusive forums are preferred over traditional event practices due to opportunities to interact in interpersonal space with peers. The focus of networking should not be limited to the event but also on forming connections that grow post-event.  

3) Personalized Invitations: A recent survey revealed that more than 60% of executives decide to attend an event based on how personalized the invite and communications are. A marriage of strategy and design is required to showcase the keynote speakers, a snippet of topics/agenda, and key takeaways using visualization and graphics in the invitations to draw them to the event. If your email or invite is not good enough for the CEO to click/tear open, they are less likely to be stimulated to attend the event. Managing the time window between impact and conversion is crucial and has to be anchored with a careful pro-C-suite approach. For that, hyper-personalizing every detail of the invite, like URL, email design and content, attendee designation, and maybe even their picture, will prevent pawning off the invite to other staff members.  

4) Thought-Provoking Content: The C-suite are in constant pursuit of riveting ideas, and nothing puts them off more than blatant sales pitches, especially at an event. The content of the event is expected to address industry problems, emerging solutions, and evolutionary technologies. They like listening to panelists who share foresight into the future and lead conversations and discussions that drive innovation. Outcome-led data-driven storytelling, providing unconventional and eccentric solutions, can initiate long-term, post-event relations with executives.   

5) Relevancy: The aim is not just to have C-suite invitees on board but create an inclusive and value-adding experience for them. Cross-industry C-suite should be invited if the event agenda, speakers, and other guests are relevant. The event’s quality assurance is judged based on its relevance to products, technology, innovations, speakers, and other executive attendees. The content must enrich their thought process with meaningful information and knowledge to make the event important enough for them.  

6) Relatability: Engagement with peers and co-executive leagues is also a major draw for any event. The presence of attendees or speakers ranking in industry leadership with opportunities for meaningful interaction with them is what gets the C-suite to attend the event. Having a few executives and thought leaders from the industry as speakers or contributors can significantly impact the C-suite attendee turnout. It’s crucial to design an event by: 

   a) Aligning the event strategy with the deliverables of speakers and contributors   

  b)Co-create agenda that caters explicitly to C-suite, making the event relatable from their perspective 

Executive positions in the management hierarchy are earned based on role-specific skills of leadership, critical thinking, collective experience, and adaptability. Such professionals look for augmenting experiences that can foster their proficiencies. Delivering on the expectations of C-suite attendees at an event doesn’t just add to the success of one event but also ensures their attendance in future events.  

Source - Eventcombo

[lolottes]

Finally I'm going to make a post about it so I'm posting my comment here too, sorry for the repetition:

When duke first sees him, he says he's brilliant, everyone takes it figuratively. When the floating happens the first time everyone panics a bit.

Duke is simply: I told you so. it shines like a phosphorescent star, of course it's a meta.

Everyone looks at him with wide eyes.

The flutter appears the first time it falls and no one was fast enough to catch it.

Invisibility during a game of "pik a boo" (I don't know how to spell it sorry).

Intelligibility has its first successful candy steal, telekinesis comes in a similar way.

Shield construction the first time RH comes back injured and falls unconscious before covering everything up, danny wakes up heals and watches over his dad for hours, no one can / must come near! so shield. After that it is decided that he will have a medical training and spend some evening with Alfred patching up the batfam or making them cookies.

The eclipse happens by accident at school, it takes more than a week for him to tell his father about it. They trained it together but agreed to keep it a secret

The ectobeams the first time is that his father teaches him the safety of weapons and then takes him to his secret / private shooting ranges, as much to say that Jason is happy to have taught him safety.

Tech eclipse happens by accident as oracle had it one night when everyone was on the deck and alfred was busy/hurt. He helped with some low level hacking (because of course uncle tim and aunt barbara taught him "the basics") He hypers focus and "falls" into the computer. In the heat of the moment he continues to do what he does, succeeds, contacts barb' via his com' without her realizing that he is no longer physically close to the audio quality of the com'. It is hours later after having stopped the plot of the week that the situation is realized. The batfam is divided on the situation but it is finally decided that Danny will spend some evening with Barbara to learn this new ability.

The dream walk happens when a member of the batfam falls into a comma (no doubt magic), everyone else is on the pond and Danny falls asleep watching him and he wakes up together and confused

Ice comes at the onset of puberty, much like in canon, but with a panic of whether it's some kind of Mister Freeze disease that's infecting it

The wail arrives at the announcement of the death of one of the batfams see jason (they are better now)

I see Danny eventually becoming the group's field medic/emergency extractor but usually just Oracle's right-hand man. His ghostly urges make him want to help but his very pultions can disconnect him from logic. This situation is ultimately the compromise that has been found.

After that he is extracted and healed some number of villains, their henchmen and a lot of civilians. It is called the white flag. It is totally forbidden to harm him otherwise the whole gallery of villains and bats will fall on you, no matter if the bullets pass through him or he is almost uncapturable. Don't even think about it and if we hear you thinking about it, you're finished in Gotham. Unless it's the jokers...

Eventually he meets Jazz after she becomes an intern at Arkam and he has to check her background. Suffice to say that it was a week full of emotions...

So continuation of this post ->

Jason adopts Danny as his own.

At first he has no idea what he's doing and does extensive research on how to care for his new son. He fumbles a bit at when actually buying baby products as he's not sure exactly what he'll need, intill a mother of two spots him and helps him out.

In order for the batfamily not to find out about his kid he just puts Danny to sleep before patrols and locks his whole apartment down, leaving a camera to watch over Danny and check on him when ever he gets the chance.

Sometimes making a quick pit stop back to feed or put him back to sleep if he woke up.

Eventually he gets the hang of parenting and hiding his son. Intill hes just relaxing, reading a book at the end of patrol before bed. And gets an unexpected visit from one of the bat fam (I'm thinking nightwing but could be any). They look between Jason and the sleeping baby in a cot before they evidently become incredibly concerned and confused.

Where did this baby even come from?

Why is there a baby? WHY DOES JASON HAVE A BABY??

Jason has to finally Reluctantly reveal his sons existence and the whole family goes wild.

Bruce: I have a grandson? :0

Dick: I have a Nephew! :D

Tim: Should we be concerned?

Duke: Oh God, the Bird adoption tendency has passed onto Jason..

Damian: ... What

Cass: Nephew :D

Stephanie: I'm gonna be an awesome aunt! >:D

They all immediately try and meet the little guy but have a hard time when a very protective Jason practically hisses at them when they try to get close without his invitation. Especially Bruce. Telling them all that he'll let them met him eventually over time under his choosing.

First is Alfred and Barbara (obviously) who is absolutely in love with little Danny on sight. His little great grandson. And Barbara's technical Nephew.

Bab's absolutely melts when she gets to hold his little self bundled in fabric. And tears up when reaches for her face and gently munches on her hair.

When Alfred got to hold him and he had to wipe his eyes then well, he just has to do some dusting later that's all.

Next is the overwhelmed with excitement Richard. Dick is absolutely overjoyed to meet his little Nephew and immediately crys when Jason allows him to hold the little guy and Danny grabs one of his fingers. The little guy was holding his finger! With his whole fist!

Cass and Steph were after Dick, Cass absolutely loved him and even had a gift lined up for him (that others were jealous of since they hadn't even thought about that!)

A stuffed toy Bat that Danny immediately took and held close. Steph followed up with Cass's idea and bought clothes for Danny, JL themed because it was funny.

Both got to hold him and both got to take turns bottle feeding him. He went to sleep in Cass's arms and had to be taken back by Jason.

Next up had been Duke and Tim. Both were very intrigued to meet him and Tim even made the comment that he looked identical to Jason.

Black hair, blue eyes, white streak. He was honestly suprised to hear from Jason that no, he was not biologically Danny's father. And that it was just incredible coincidence.

Duke makes fun of Jason with the Bruce adoption trait the entire time.

When they got to hold him they fell for his little chubby face and adorable sky blue eyes. This was the're Nephew, and they would absolutely protect the little guy from harm.

Finally it was Bruce and Damians turn,

Bruce was holding in all of his questions and all of his excitement. In order not to scare away his second son who had finally given the okay for him to meet his grandson.

Damian wasn't as enthusiastic as all the others but Bruce could tell he was curious.

As soon as Bruce laid eyes on the little bundled form in Jasons arms. He felt himself smile and his heart skip a beat.

That was the newest addition to his family. His little grandson.

His sons first and foremost rule was that Danny was his adopted son and not up for Bruce to take. Bruce readily agreed.

And that Danny was not to ever become a robin. Jason didn't want that for his son.

Damian looked at the little baby that in turn, turned to face Damian with wide eyes.

Damian blinked owlishly as the little one smiled widely and reached for him cooing.

Jason was also suprised.

"He likes the demon brat?"

Damian gave his hand to Danny experimentally and Danny happily took it and did not want to let go for a while.

Damian wondered if Danny would like animals?

Would Todd even let him show Danny all his animals?

Bruce would not not lie and say he wasnt jealous at the little ones quick effection to his youngest.

When Jason asked if Bruce would like to hold Danny he jumped at the opportunity. A rare show of trust, a sign of repair to there broken relationship.

When Danny was laid in Bruce's waiting arms it took all he had not to cry then and there. He was just so perfect. Danny curled up a bit and with an adorable little yawn, and drifted of to sleep in Bryce's arms.

I have all these random cute and funny sernarios in my head of Danny interacting with the family as he grows up.

Thinking that the whole family actively try and keep the vigilantism a secret from Danny intill hes a bit older.

Also thinking of either Danny still has his ghost powers and they just awaken incredibly slow over time from toddler age (floating toddler would be incredibly funny) or when he's just starting primary school and he's just absolutely terrified with no idea whats going on and Jasons freaking out on what to do. (Adding a how to care for your Meta child book in his library.)

I'm this 🤏 close to turning this into a fanfic>°>

With like a whole story line and everything. This au's begging to stick.

Also I have some art for this lined up that I'll post next.

Also @starkcravingmad tag as requested:)