#exercising basic consideration is not that hard

[paragonrobits]

ATLA fandom presents a point on how people feel compelled to be smartasses or constantly make snarky remarks even when its incredibly inappropriate, as you will note that a huge chunk of all ATLA fanbase jokes inevitably involve genuinely racist remarks at cultural hair styles (many of which have been actively repressed in real life), mocking the appearance of characters in ways that winds up being super racist (mocking Zuko’s s1 ponytail and ignoring comments to the effect of that being a Thai hairstyle), invoking outright racism-based tropes for shipping reasons whether out of ignorance or not caring, and hyperfixating on the Fire Nation with very obvious idolization of the luxury, political power and perceived glamour of the nation without acknowledging that it is a colonial empire that has this wealth from a century of conquest and subjugation

really when you get down to it there’s a lot of really just plain awful things said in the fandom, often by Big Name Fans, that spread like wildfire and when people point how how blatantly racist these are, the person who said it either doubles down or tries to backpedal when it would have been far easier to either do the research or just... not be a snarky smartass. That is an option, you know. You’re not obligated to constantly make obnoxious jokes about everyone and everything.

Much of this, I think, comes from the people making these jokes genuinely not understanding WHY it’s offensive. It doesn’t excuse that these things happen, nor how they mostly double down on it or refuse to listen to people who actually know the subject matter. But in brief if flows from two broad sources:

1st, people who watch ATLA and have a tendency to not engage with the world on its own terms. Neither internalizing the way the setting presents itself or trying to get any understanding of the real world cultures that inform the civilizations of the setting or the religious views that underpin the show’s themes, they instead view EVERYTHING strictly through a modernized lens. At its most harmless, this is where you get the ‘Zuko is a theater kid/Mai is a goth’ jokes. Harmless enough, though people often tend to take it too seriously.

It gets worse, though, when people EXCLUSIVELY look at the show and its characters through the lens of what’s familiar to them, and often that means an extremely westernized view. This is where you get people who don’t seem interesting in engaging with fiction on anything other than everything as high school dynamics or coffee shop slow burn romances, and refuse to understand how the outlooks of the characters can and should differ from their own; its where you get a lot of people treating Azula like an misunderstood popular girl, when the particulars of Dynastic power, politics and Ozai as a role model become apparent.

2nd, the aforementioned obsessions with constantly making snarky remarks and be clever smartasses about everything. This is an attitude that mixes badly with this setting, because the people who do this are CONSTANTLY making fun of cultural touchstones, clothing fashions and appearance traits, and it winds up being deeply racist or mocking people for not looking like Westernized fashion models.

This is the sort of thing where popular bloggers crack jokes about various Southern Water Tribe members being homophobic and try to make that a running gag without ever looking into the ways circumpolar indigenous people actually viewed gay orientations, and when backlash happens, they either double down on it and refuse to take it seriously, or backpedal too hard and pretend they hadn’t said something horrible that could have been avoided by treating things with a modicum of respect, and not constantly acting like this is a high school AU with different architecture.

[findmeinforks]

Understanding - Paul Lahote X Fem!Reader

A little break up, make up one shot while I work on part two of stay 💕 as always, let me know what you think! 2.4K Words ❤️

You had been understanding. You had been so, incredibly, unbelievably understanding. You had been kind, patient, considerate. You had thrown every insecurity away in your mind. You shoved your feelings right down your throat.

But that was over with now.

Now, you faced him. In the middle of the yard, your throat agonizingly raw from yelling. You were shocked he hadn't phased yet, but he knew the minute he did you would take off. The pack, watching from afar and unbeknownst to you, were also shocked at his restraint.

"I would NEVER do anything to hurt you. Why won't you believe that?"

You laughed wetly through the tears. You were down right manic over what he didn't comprehend.

"Really?? You don't understand why I would be upset by ANY of this? Are you that fucking blind?"

Paul huffed through his nose, attempting to control his temper.

"I have a job, Y/N. There's new bloodsuckers popping up every day now and we have to make sure we're ready for anything. That means stacking up our numbers against them. Guy or girl, they have to be trained."

You scoffed, rolling your eyes,

"And don't you find it at all peculiar that everyone else is out on their own but you're STILL having to train this same girl? DAY IN AND DAY OUT?!"

He sighed.

"She should be ready, I know. But every time we get on patrol, she gets fearful and fails at basic exercises. Sam has me spend extra time with her."

You threw up your hands as if the answer was obvious, "Then TELL Sam to have someone else take a turn?"

"She only likes training with me."

Your eyes went wide, and all you saw was red.

"AND THAT DOESNT GIVE YOU ANY FUCKING CLUE THAT MAYBE SHES FAILING ON PURPOSE FOR YOUR ATTENTION? THAT MAYBE SHE DOESNT GIVE A SHIT ABOUT IMPRINTS? THAT MAYBE PERHAPS SHE HAS DIFFERENT INTENTIONS?"

Paul shook his head, him now scoffing.

"It's actually really hard to learn to navigate being a wolf. That's something YOU don't seem to understand."

You think you had lost your mind. It seemed as though the world crumbled around you, his words ringing in your ears from the impact. That was not something the imprint you knew before this would have ever dared say to you. It wasn't that you believed Paul would ever be disloyal, but your instincts were damn sure this girl wanted him to be.

You nodded, swallowing the lump in your throat.

"You're right. I don't. You need to be with someone that understands. We're done."

Paul stepped back like he had taken a blow to the chest. His eyes softened now.

"You....you don't mean that."

You headed towards your car, not being able to face the broken look in his eyes.

"Y/N, wait," he reached out, and even though you were mad, a part of it killed you to deny him.

You shook your head, new tears rehydrating their original streaks.

You sniffled, and took a deep breath.

"I'm tired, Paul. I'm tired of waiting up for you. I'm tired of being left unanswered for hours. I'm tired of making plans that just get canceled. Im tired of being lonely. And most of all, I'm tired of being disappointed."

He grabbed your arm before you could fully get in, and you saw Sam emerge, still at a respectable distance from the two of you.

"Baby listen, okay, I'm sorry. I can do better I-"

"You've said that before Paul. This is not the first time we've fought about this."

Tears pricked the corners of his eyes now.

"Please. Don't." He whispered.

He almost made you cave. You so badly wanted to stay. But you also knew if you did, it would be the same reoccurring cycle. He had to know you were serious. You wanted the relationship you had before she came along. Until you were sure you would get that again, you had to leave.

"I have to go. Call me when your priorities change." You said as you gently pulled out of his grip and shut the door. And with that, you took off to your father's place.

-

Paul stood planted in the same spot you had left him, shattered. What had he done?

He felt a small hand on his shoulder, a feminine voice in his ear,

"Maybe it was for the better. She seems like a total bitch."

Paul's blood turned cold. It was as if in that very moment, he had come to his senses. The smoke had cleared in his crowded mind. You were right. Of course you were right. All the stress that had been on his plate, he hadn't been thinking clearly at all.

He came to realization now, and it was too late.

Paul yanked away his arm, turning with a fury in his eyes to the woman behind him. She shrunk back under his gaze, feigning an innocence he knew good and well was all fake.

He trembled with anger, barely registering that Sam was now in between him and the girl. Paul pointed a finger at her, teeth gritting with anger.

"Get. The FUCK. Away from me."

Paul ripped apart as he phased, having it bottled up for far too long, and dashing off like a mad man into the woods.

The woman gaped like a fish, starting to babble, turning to Sam for reassurance.

"I didn't do anything I-"

Sam huffed a breath through his nose, "You heard him. I think it would be best if you left. Embry's cousin or not, you are no longer welcome here. That's an order."

Sam shook his head, running a hand through his hair as she stormed off. He felt guilty for letting it get like this. He had some suspicions about her joining the pack, seeing as she was always gravitating towards Paul, but he had shrugged it off, too occupied with everything else going on.

Sam also knew too well what it was like to hurt an imprint. Physically or emotionally, the bond felt all the same. Strict alpha or not, he valued Paul as a brother, and just hoped you would come back for him.

-

As Paul laid his head onto his pillow, he watched the days go by before him. Being forced to come eat dinner by Emily and whenever he had patrol were just about the only times Paul left his bed. He would call you once a day, sometimes with a small hope you'd answer, and sometimes just to hear your voicemail. After his patrol shifts ended, he would often sneak off to your house, just to make sure he'd know you were safe, if even from a mile away.

-

"Do you think she'll ever come back?" Kim asked Jared quietly one day, after watching Paul barely eat his food and sulk back up to his room.

"I don't know honestly. Y/N is just as stubborn as he is. But I do miss him. I've never in my life seen Paul like this. His internal thoughts are depressing as hell..."

Kim sighed, "It's not like she's doing any better. She finally answered my call yesterday, and I had to double check who I was talking too. She's miserable, Jare."

He shrugged, "I mean what can we do about it babe? You can't get involved in people's business like that."

"They're not people. They're family." She mumbled as she clutched her coffee mug.

-

Another week had gone by, the pack all sitting in the kitchen getting ready to eat.

"Boys. We have information on the new vampires in town," Sam announced as he walked through the door with Jacob.

"They're after Bella. She had a run in with that red head we keep chasing to the border every night. Her boyfriend had tried to kill her so the Cullen's killed him, and now this bitch is assembling an army to take her out for revenge." Jacob relayed.

This grabbed Paul's attention. If they were after your sister, that meant you were in danger.

"We're going to help them fight. Our people are at risk if we let this get out of hand, or if the Cullen's lose. But until the army comes here, we're going to be sharing shifts with them to watch over the Swan house," Sam said, looking at Paul who was heading out the door.

"Paul."

"You can watch Bella from a distance. I'm taking my imprint home," he slammed the front door.

"I can't imagine that's gonna go good." Embry mumbled.

-

Your body jolted upright from the couch at the abrupt knocking on the front door. You hadn't been expecting anyone, Bella out doing who knows what with Edward, and Charlie hours away on a fishing trip.

Opening the door your breath caught in your throat.

"What are you doing here?"

"We have to go. Now." He said sternly, ignoring your bewildered look as he flew past you and up the stairs to your room.

"And just who the hell do you think you are?!" You stormed after him, appalled he was barging in your house like this.

"There's an entire army of vampires on the hunt for your sister. You're not safe here, I'm taking you to Emily's." he said as he grabbed a suitcase and started throwing random clothes in.

"You don't own me Paul Lahote. I'm not going anywhere with you." You crossed your arms as you looked at him incredulously.

He refused to look you in the eye as he spoke, his breathing heavy from your scent,

"It is still my job to protect you whether we're together or not. You don't have to talk to me at all if you don't want too, and you can sleep in the spare bedroom" He said as he continued to pack.

You laughed.

"Come to Emily's with her there? I think the fuck-"

"She's not there anymore."

"Ohhhh so because she's gone you care about me again."

He stopped, this time turning to look you in the eyes for the first time in two weeks.

"Don't you ever fucking say that. I could give a shit less about her. It's always been you. I'm....look, I'm sorry I didn't make you believe that before. You were right. And I was so unbelievably wrong. I understand why you don't want to be with me anymore. I'm not asking you to forgive me. Im asking, just for the time being, that you do this so that I know you are safe....please."

You wish you could have stopped the tears that welled up in your eyes. A part of you wanted to stay mad forever, just to make a point. But the other just wanted to wrap your arms around his neck and kiss him. Two weeks felt like two years apart from him, and your heart so desperately ached to be near him again.

"Fine," you whispered.

Paul looked like he wanted to say something more, his eyes lingering on yours, but he decided against it, zipping up your bag and heading to the truck.

-

Once you both arrived to Emily's the pack headed out to train with the Cullen's, leaving you both and Kim at the kitchen table.

"So you guys.....didn't make up?" Kim asked disappointed.

You shook your head, "He just wanted me here. He apologized and said he wanted me to be safe. It was left at that."

Emily reached her hand over into yours,

"Do you want to be with him?" She asked genuinely.

"I.....I mean," you sighed. "Of course I want to be with him. I just was so angry, you know?? I didn't like feeling that way in our relationship. Alone."

The girls nodded understandably.

"If it helps, he's been an absolute wreck without you. I think if anything it was a wake up call." Kim offered.

"I haven't been exactly living the best either," you slightly chuckled.

"Well. We are more than excited to have you back in the house. That being said, I'm going to need both of your help with dinner." Emily smiled as she looked at the clock, standing up.

You grinned, happy to at least be here with your friends.

-

It was the night before the fight. Everything was quiet, but you lie awake, your mind racing. You hadn't said much to Paul in the three days you were here. There were lingering stares, brushing past eachother occasionally in the hall, but no conversations had been had. You felt a pit in your stomach at the idea of this fight. What if something happened and you never got to see him again? What if the last thing you had between you two was this awkward tension? The more you thought about it, the faster the tears spilled down your cheeks. You sniffled hard.

A gentle knock at the door startled you, getting up you frantically tried to wipe them away.

There he stood on the other side, leaning against the frame. His eyes looked so exhausted, like he hadn't gotten sleep either in days. "Whats wrong?" He said softly, taking a look at your face.

His gentle voice was enough to send you flying into his embrace. You arms wrapped around him as you sobbed into his neck.

He held your waist as he walked you both backwards into the room, shutting the door. His hand caressed your face as he leaned his cheek on your forehead.

"Hey, hey. Shhhh. I'm right here. It's okay. You're okay. You're safe."

You leaned back just enough to look at him, shaking your head. Your voice was broken and trembling,

"I-I don't care that I'm safe. T-tomorrow. A-and you. What if we never-"

Paul used both hands to cradle your face.

"Hey. Listen to me. Everything will be okay. This is what we've been training for. It's us and the Cullen's against them, our numbers are stronger. I'll be fine, alright? I'm just happy you're here and away from harm."

"I can't live without you. I love you." You whispered.

Paul instantly kissed you. It was like a wave of relief and happiness washed over you as you kissed him back with every ounce of passion you could muster.

Both your tongues danced as you refused to pull away from eachother. Paul bent down only for a moment to hoist you up in his arms, taking you into his room instead.

Unfortunately due to advanced hearing, the house was no longer quiet that night.

[sanhatipal]

"Noble d'Apchier"

A little watercolor painting of Chloe,with the Zorn palette! I found out about this palette a while ago and I really wanted to try it out! (More on that below )

Chloe's hair is something I adore, it's gotta be one of my absolute favourite character designs ever,I love how swirly and fluffy it is,very fun to draw. I've drawn her normally before,I wanted to do one with her vampire eyes and fangs too. I decided to try to draw a white fuzzy rim around the foreground against the plain background,for a change,like in some of the VnC panels.

The Zorn palette,or Apelles Palette was a colour scheme used by Anders Zorn in the late Victorian/Early Edwardian era. It ,or something similar,might have been used by artists of old civilizations too, because it avoids the use of blue and green entirely: which would eliminate the need for rare pigments . It's essentially a colour mixing challenge,to draw the entire paintings with 4 pigments,2 basic colours: Ochre yellow, Vermillion,and Black and white,which can be mixed into different shades. It can be an excellent exercise and means for portrait painting

Modern artists use red instead of vermillion,but the essence is the same. So that's what I did too. I considered using vermillion,but I realised that it would introduce a lot of yellow tint, making the picture very warm. Which is usually something I prefer honestly,but not what I was going for here. Also,I need to consider the fact that I'm a watercolour artist,which is very different from the original intended palette. Zorn used oil paints,but other artists use it fine for gouache and acrylic too, however,that too is different from watercolor, because instead of mixing with white, I'll be diluting with water,which changes the composition of the palette considerably. So I went with these supplies: ochre yellow and red watercolor pencils (for me, basically watercolor pigments,I don't use them to draw,I grind and dissolve them in water),white and black watercolor tubes,and white ink. In addition: lineart with sepia,grey and black brush pens,which are well within the bounds of the palette

To be honest,I ended up not using the white paint tube at all,water makes more sense to me. I didn't use anything else though,and stuck with the original materials.And the results:

Does it work? Hell yeah. It's not perfect,but I'm happy with how she turned out

Was it restricting? That's kind of the point,to paint with some limitations

Was it hard? Honestly? No. Not at all. It's definitely very different from what I'm used to,I use a lot of colours both as is and mixed,but this was surprisingly easy. Perhaps because of my subject,which didn't have much colour to begin with

Do I recommend it? If you want a small challenge,or to experiment or practice colour mixing,definitely

Will I do it again ? Absolutely. I feel like I haven't utilised much of the potential of this palette. I ended up using mainly red and black, hardly any yellow at all. So I'd like to do something more colourful with this palette, perhaps a sunny painting of a gingerhead girl with flowers,and for this I'll probably use vermillion,not red

Anyways, that's all! If you read all this,thank you for your time!!

[itsawhumpsideblog]

The Safehouse, pt. 15

CW: for institutionalized slavery, mentions of abuse, treatment of people as things, description of injuries

Advice from the Box Boy Liberation Movement

During the rescuee's first days and weeks in a Safehouse, much of the staff's time will be spent helping them with the most basic aspects of their new lives. Rescuees will need to become accustomed to new schedules, the layout of a home, and emerging group norms around eating, chores, how to spend free time, and interpersonal interaction. As they become accustomed to schedules and more comfortable in the presence of other members of the household, rescuees will begin to need additional things to occupy their time. Safehouse staff members are encouraged to find methods of enrichment and entertainment that can help rescuees develop necessary skills, ideally without causing rescuees to feel that they have been given an assignment or are unwelcome to exercise their own will.*

*In the event that rescuees express a desire for more formal education, your BBLM contacts can assist.

After that first busy week, Angie and Tim realized that they would need to find something to do to keep everyone occupied. Nathan was all but confined to bed or the couch, since standing for long and using crutches could be tiring. Francis remained feverish and bore his considerable pain with a sort of quiet dignity, but they reasoned that he must be bored. Worst of all, poor Mikey was still waiting for their contacts to call with a date and time for his medical treatment.

It had been almost two weeks and Tim and Angie were debating the merits of calling their contacts to make a fuss. Without the surgery he needed, Mikey had very limited use of his hands and arms and difficulty doing things for himself. He couldn't eat, dress, or bathe without assistance and it was hard for him to stand up or to kneel (he still would not consent to sit on the furniture, something Francis seemed to be getting accustomed to since learning that they were free.)

Even worse, Nathan reported that Mikey slept fitfully and sometimes had night terrors; this was also how Angie and Tim learned that Francis got out of bed to care for him. It was sweet, they agreed, but they worried that the interrupted rest was harmful to all three of the rescuees, to say nothing of the damage Francis might be doing by standing and walking.

On good days, Mikey held his head up and looked around the room at whatever was going on, smiled, and could look Francis or Nathan in the eye, though he was still shy around Tim and Angie. He even helped with small tasks when he could, like moving pillows to straighten up the living room, or bringing Angie the loaf of bread when she made sandwiches for lunch.

On bad days, however, Mikey dropped to his knees on his pillow, next to Nathan's spot on the couch, and stared at the floor. They could see dark circles under his eyes and he cradled his arms to his chest, holding them protectively. On those days, he could barely eat and they didn't try to force him, beyond making sure that he had enough in his stomach to safely take painkillers. He simply withdrew into himself and rocked back and forth for hours on end, in terrible pain that they were powerless to ease. Sometimes, they could tell that he was crying, noiselessly and without moving, but leaving small wet spots on the front of his shirt.

Angie had her bright idea on a good day, when the painkillers seemed to be helping a little and Mikey knelt on his pillow listening while Francis and Nathan talked quietly. They were discussing the show that was on television- it was the Great British Bake-Off, which Tim and Angie liked to put on to encourage the rescuees to begin having opinions.

It was scary, they had realized, for Francis to tell them what he wanted to eat for breakfast, or for Mikey to pick out his own clothes. But when they put on Bake-Off, it was almost impossible- even for former Pets- not to have an opinion on the bakes. Angie and Tim had gone into the other room to high-five each other the day Francis had observed, very quietly, "Francis doesn't think that Paul Hollywood is going to like that," and then added, very quietly, almost under his breath, "And Francis doesn't like it, either."

Not surprisingly, Nathan was perfectly comfortable being vocal about his opinion on things that didn't really matter and weren't being done by anyone in the house, especially since the bakers would never hear him. Though he also struggled with expressing that he needed something from Tim or Angie specifically, he was happy to share his thoughts on baking and this encouraged the other rescuees. So, Bake-Off became a regular fixture in their routine.

It was during an episode of Bake-Off that Angie noticed Mikey sit up a little straighter and peer curiously at the screen. He turned to Nathan and raised an eyebrow, looking back and forth from the screen to his friend. He cocked his head slightly, the signal that he had a question.

"What are they doing with their hands?" Nathan asked. Mikey nodded.

"That's sign language," he explained. "She's deaf, so that guy is interpreting for her- telling her what everyone else is saying while they say it."

Mikey still looked intrigued. His eyes widened and his eyebrows lifted.

"Yeah, presumably everything," Nathan said. "Are they allowed to leave stuff out?"

"I don't think so," Angie said, without thinking about it. "I think a good interpreter is, like, legally required to interpret everything that's said."

They fell silent again until, after a moment, the idea dawned on Angie like a new day. "Mikey," she exclaimed, forgetting for a moment the calm demeanor she was usually careful to wear in front of the rescuees, so as not to startle them. "You could do that!"

He looked up in her direction, the closest he had come to looking her in the eye.

As the first shock of realization wore off, Angie immediately began to worry that she was being pushy or asking too much, damaged as his own hands were. "I mean, you don't have to. But if we all learned some signs, you might be able to- well, not talk, but..."

Mikey still couldn't look at her, but his eyes were sparkling and there was a definite upward tilt to the corners of his mouth.

"What do you think?" Nathan asked, in case Mikey would be more comfortable having an opinion if it was Nathan he had to communicate with.

Mikey's eyes darted down to his hands, over to the television, and then up to Nathan, one eyebrow raised.

"Yeah," Nathan replied. "Even with your hands. I mean, you could start learning and we'll know what it looks like when you sign something. And then when your hands are better maybe it'll be easier to sign and you'll already know how, a little bit." Mikey thought for a moment, then actually smiled and nodded and Angie could cheerfully have cried.

But she held herself together and they finished the episode- stopping in the middle seemed unkind, as entranced as they all were.

"Think you're ready to start learning?" Angie asked Mikey when the star baker had been announced and the credits had begun to roll. He looked shy and she knew she wasn't going to get a direct response. "Well... let's try it."

It was as simple as searching for a video and picking one that looked like it began at the very beginning. It took them a moment to remember that, of course, there didn't need to be sound in this video, though the enthusiastic young man on camera had provided subtitles for hearing audiences. For Francis' sake, Tim read them aloud while their teacher began the lesson.

By the end of the video, they had all practiced basic greetings and when the next video autoplayed, they let it go. By the time Tim stood up to cook, they had watched the first four videos in the series.

After dinner they didn't go right back to learning, but Mikey continued to practice, moving through his new vocabulary as best he could. When Angie fed him, he signed thank you and when they went upstairs he wished them all good night for the first time.

It was immediately clear that the ability to sign, even painfully and inaccurately, using only his right hand, was important to Mikey. He couldn't seem to get enough of learning and practiced vocabulary as best he could until he was visibly shaking with the effort and they had to turn the videos off to keep him from hurting himself. Even then, he insisted on signing thank you and This pet is grateful whenever anything was done for him.

Angie almost regretted that they had learned the sign "pet" at all, but even though he signed like Francis talked, Mikey almost shone with the pleasure of being able to communicate again. Angie couldn't bring herself to ask what had happened to his voice, knowing that it couldn't be good, and tried to be content instead with the joy that signing brought him.

Not all days were good days, however.

It was a week after they began learning to sign that Mikey tripped- over a spot in the rug, they decided later, nothing that they could have foreseen and fixed. He had simply stepped oddly and lost his balance and went down before Tim or Angie could have gotten across the room to catch him.

He caught himself primarily on his right arm, which was better than the alternative, but he hit the ground full-length and there was a long moment in which all four of his housemates stared at him in horrified shock as he lay stretched across the middle of the room.

Then Angie and Tim finally snapped back to themselves and leapt up to crouch on either side of him. Tim began examining his right arm for signs of additional damage, speaking softly in a voice that he was clearly working to control.

Nathan was almost writhing where he sat, desperate but unable to go to his friend; it was Francis who rose, a little more slowly than Tim and Angie had. His training as a Pet kicked in and he barely winced as he put weight on his feet and walked the few tentative steps to drop to his knees by Mikey's head.

Mikey's eyes were squeezed closed when Francis knelt and smoothed his hand over Mikey's furrowed forehead. Mikey looked like he wanted to cry out, but couldn't. He twisted his head from side to side, cradled in Francis' hands.

"I don't think there's any new damage," Tim said at last. His voice was thin and dry and he looked anxiously across at Angie.

"Good," she said, sounding no better. "But we have to call them. They have to do something."

"Yeah." Tim took a deep breath and turned back to his patient. "But let's get him comfortable. Then you can call and rip somebody a new one." He smiled very thinly at her, with no humor in his face at all.

Their first attempt to help Mikey up failed spectacularly. Tim and Angie slid their arms under his back and began to lift him, as gently as they knew how, but his eyes fluttered and closed and he sagged bonelessly in their arms as he fainted.

The second time, they managed to get him sitting up, propped forward with his legs splayed out in front of him. His eyes were unfocused as if he was very dizzy and he was trembling all over. He had his arms back in that protective position and when he began to rock in his usual self-soothing habit, Francis put a steadying arm around him to keep him from falling over again. Mikey's eyes fluttered as he struggled to stay conscious.

"Straight up to bed, I think," Tim said. "Just get it over with and then let him stay there as long as he needs. It'll be better that way."

On the third attempt, they at last got Mikey swaying to his feet and linked their arms around him to guide him to the stairs. He had his feet under him somewhat by then and although it felt like a longer climb than usual, he was able to support himself.

In the room, Tim and Angie helped Mikey stretch out in bed, propped up with pillows under his elbows to support his arms, which lay across his stomach. They took turns sitting by the bed; they couldn't leave him alone in case there was anything at all he needed. At dinner time, he was unable to eat and simply sat very still, staring blankly across the room. Angie had to make a real effort not to cry; Mikey had been doing so well, even getting a few words back, and now, for the moment, it was as if none of that progress had ever taken place.

She would call someone and make them schedule time for him in the hospital. She would do whatever it took- there had a to be a story they could tell, some lie that would explain why he had no ID and couldn't speak, and the awful injuries they would need to treat...

Later. She would deal with it when Mikey was asleep.

When Francis and Nathan came up to bed, they found Mikey sitting as he had all the rest of that day, looking horribly sick, pale and blank-faced from the suffering he had been trained to endure silently. Nathan limped over to the bed, shuffling as close as he could, and gently ruffled Mikey's hair.

"Sorry, buddy," he whispered. "I'm so sorry." Mikey's eyes flicked in his direction, but his expression did not change and his hands did not move.

Francis, too, was watching Mikey with such sorrow in his eyes that Tim, who was helping him to bed, carried Francis over. Wordlessly, Francis put a hand out and smoothed Mikey's hair, stroking it a few times before nodding to Tim. Tim laid him in bed and pulled the blanket up for him, but all four of them were still watching Mikey.

Once Tim and Angie had done all they could to make Mikey comfortable, he at last closed his eyes and they left the room, pulling the door quietly shut behind them.

"I'm going to make a phone call," Angie said, looking very determined. Tim nodded.

"It's time."

Next time: They finally get the call Mikey has been waiting for, possibly because Angie bullied someone.

Master List

Notes: @whumpsday was kind enough to let me know that a couple of the tags weren't working. Hopefully they're fixed now- at least, when I hover over them, I get the little drop-down that would take me to your blogs, so I'm optimistic? If not and you have any suggestions for what I might be doing wrong, let me know and I'll do my best to correct it!

As Mikey is not d/Deaf, nor is anyone in the Safehouse, he's not familiar with Deaf culture and is more using Signed English than an actual, grammatically correct sign language. His dialogue will be in italics to connote that it's signed, rather than spoken. Pursuant to a little research, this will change as he becomes more fluent and graduates to expressing himself in full sentences. Though cursory research doesn’t turn up total consensus on whether italics are rude, the d/Deaf authors whose advice I found in my google search seem in agreement that ordinary dialogue markers are always fine. To be safe, I’ll go with the option I can most guarantee is polite!

Also, forgetting that signed videos don't need sounds is 100% something that happened in my high school ASL class (not to me). Our teacher said there was someone every year who said they turned the volume all the way up but nothing happened!

Tag list: @pigeonwhumps, @cepheusgalaxy, @i-eat-worlds, @honeycollectswhump @taterswhump, @starfields08000 @whumpsday, @fruitypinapple00, @currentlyinthesprial

[witchofthesouls]

I love your thought of Tarn being fascinated by the tiny invaders in his quarters. Mech goes so hard on sparkling proofing his room. It actually starts looking like normal quarters. The First Editions and other Creepy Stuff™️ are carefully packed up and stored away. Tarn starts reading the convolutedly obtained sparklin guides and rigorously prepares the room to be Sparlking Safe Deceptacon™️.

Plus if the DJD alies with Deathsaurus, Deathsarus has a very different reaction to Tarn's room. Mech immediately melts into a cooing mess at the bitties. Immediately wants to spoil the sparklings.

His room is clear to begin with. Tarn has a walk-in closet that's absolutely Dedicated to Megatron. Tarn wants to make sure it's a well-kept and clean area, after all. Plus, there are too many limited editions to keep out in the open, especially the early renditions of Towards Peace upon miners' corpses.

Tarn does get into newspark guides and bitlet development. You and Nickel do smack datapads and run away with recovered chips because, well, Functionism. Because Tarn is adamant about it, you and Nickel do cobble up a learning guide that's geared to these bitties. (Of course, there's other guides for other frames because Tarn got interested. The nerd.)

It leads to more blankets, padding, and pillows, which kicks your nesting instinct into unsuspressable overdrive. Tarn is getting fascinated by the entire process since you dedicate all your energy into it: deeply entwining your own biosignature into the materials, getting it into a proper placement, reshaping a nest-like structure, fluffing up everything, and keeping the three newsparks inside the middle.

And your considerable wells. You're pumping sparkling fuel and stocking the medbay and the habsuite, just in case. Cubes of very pale pink Energon lines the shelves and in a neat stack in one of his closets. It doesn't slosh easily like the fuel he's used to. It's thick and viscous, leaving a film on a partial filled container where he can see granules of curious substances.

He will never admit how his spark turns to mush and oozes out of its chamber when a blind, soft-plating tiny thing grabs his pinky. Or how he locks his entire frame when the split-sparks settle upon his chassis, cozy and comforted by his spark. Or how he tries not to grind into you during recharge, how heated you've become with the second carriage, especially around your middle.

If the DJD ever joins with Deathsaurus, then it's going to be awkward with all the rumors and misunderstandings running around. No one has ever seen you, so some think the Witnessed Acts documentation was a hoax or a prank. But not Deatbsaurus, he can smell the faint, lingering sweetness of sparkling fuel on Tarn.

At first. Deathsaurus is extremely leery because what kind of mech would willingly pledge their spark to Tarn? But then, there's no sign of them anywhere. It really doesn't help that he can vaguely understand Primal Venacular and makes a huge blunder from Vos' and Kaon's quiet exchanges.

The sheer pandemonium that will happen when Deathsaurus tears through the ship, thinking the worst, but really, you're just too exhausted with the second carriage. It's taking a huge toll on your frame, so you're basically nesting most of your time as you care for the newsparks with a couple of others checking on you, like Nickel, Kaon, and Vos since the gunformer enjoys your mental exercises on the dearly departed Deadzone.

[8bitsupervillain]

Higurashi When They Cry Hou Ch. 8 Matsuribayashi pt. 47

I do believe this is the longest fragment of the bunch. Just a smidge longer than A invitation to an end.

Leftover fragments pt. 3

You know, I don’t think it’s really fair for Akasaka to kick himself this hard over not protecting Rika. Yes, it sucks that he wasn’t able to protect her like she wanted, but to be fair to Akasaka, his wife did just die. I think it’s fair that he was kind of focused more on the death of his wife and his newborn daughter than on some random girl he met once on the job.

If Ooishi hadn’t gotten in touch with Akasaka after the events of the Great Hinamizawa Disaster I wonder if Akasaka would’ve even remembered the conversation with Rika? If this were one of the timelines where Ooishi died like Tatarigoroshi or Minagoroshi I wonder if he would’ve remembered Hinamizawa at all. Much less Rika.

I like the implication that Hanyuu sort of exists regardless of whether or not Rika is alive or if Hinamizawa exists. Since this fragment is set after the Great Hinamizawa Disaster where basically everyone outside of Ooishi died I guess Hanyuu was just sort of wandering around the ghost town of Hinamizawa. Which again makes me wonder about how far Hanyuu can go outside of Hinamizawa. She was able to manipulate events to make it so Rena transferred back to Hinamizawa, but I was under the assumption she was only really able to do that because at the time she still had most of her power. Whereas in the last sections of Minagoroshi she said her power has weakened considerably.

Or is Hanyuu able to go far beyond the confines of Hinamizawa because of the power of belief Akasaka seems to possess in what I assume is Tokyo in the year 198X. Similar to the beliefs that Rena needed to have instilled into her back in 1981 in Ibaraki. Please note that for the remainder of the playthrough, Saikoroshi does not exist.

Also I know it won’t get into it, but I do wonder how that works with Akasaka in the future? Did he just disappear one day when he got spirited back into 1983? Is there an Akasaka running around in the future being the ace super cop? Is that the version of Akasaka who shows up in the post-game TIP in Tsumihoroboshi? Does it matter? Probably not, but it’s a fun mental exercise.

A Fragment of Matsuribayashi

Regardless of what you do that shattered fragment remains shattered. Probably to represent the complete and utter defeat the gaming club experienced at the end of Minagoroshi.

I had to retroactively apply some formatting on a previous statement. Can you tell which one?

I don’t believe I have such poor reading comprehension that I didn’t notice this statement about how either Hanyuu or the entity that exists outside of the fragments, who most definitely is not Rika has been struggling against the fate of June 1983 for hundreds of years. The observer who isn’t Rika may very well have been secretly behind the scenes trying to aid the Rika we know for these past centuries, but if that’s the case why didn’t it let itself be known to Hanyuu? Throughout Minagoroshi and Matsuribayashi Hanyuu mentions that outside of her life in the far past of Onigafuchi she’s been living a lonely isolated existence. Unable to interact, or speak with anyone for a thousand years until Rika’s birth.

Rika then mentions that she’s been living through the fragments/time loops for a hundred years. Which I believe is fair to take at face value. So at some point during one of the Watanagashi 1983s Rika was killed by Takano, and then Hanyuu was able to use her power to restore Rika back to life, sticking her in the loop. Which does raise the question of how Hanyuu was able to do this in the first place. Later in the chapter there’s the implication that in order to transport someone’s consciousness back through time both Hanyuu and the person have to be aware of the others’ existence and agree to the transportation.

It goes against what I literally just said, but looking at the screenshot as it is written, the implication here is that Hanyuu has been bringing Rika back from the dead for at least a hundred years minimum before informing Rika of this. Or she has indeed been colluding with not Rika for just about as long before telling Rika about her endless June.

The other implication, and this one gets summarily ignored for the rest of the chapter, is the idea that Rika has herself been resurrected throughout the hundreds of years. This explanation actually makes more sense given Rika’s despondence about how fate was turning out in Minagoroshi. Her willingness to let her consciousness fade away into oblivion makes more sense if she’s been living the same existences repeatedly for centuries. However, this idea goes largely ignored because Rika mentions multiple times over the remainder of the chapter, and earlier that she’s only been going through this endless June for a hundred years. I feel it’s reasonable to assume this includes the times that she was reborn a year or more before June 1983.

You have no idea how badly I want to tie this in to some statements that are made in Umineko. But for now we’re focusing on chapter eight as it was released.

As an aside, I just want to say that I know this is going to sound dumb, but so much of Higurashi reminds me of Umineko. Please try to act surprised that the spiritual prequel reminds me a lot of the visual novel I read first. But so much of the plot in the eighth chapter here in Higurashi gives me strong Umineko vibes. The two are very interesting contrasts to one another.

Ninety-nine percent of all believers become pessimists right before hitting it big. I don’t think that this gambling metaphor really works, but whatever helps you live your life I guess.

Continuing the oddities from earlier it now seems that everyone can see Hanyuu. Until her appearance goes unremarked upon by some of the other characters at any rate.

It’s a rather fitting description.

What luck that everyone in the gaming club seems to be getting along instantly with Hanyuu eh?

[trainingforfandom]

Asta (Black Clover)

Asta is the kind of character everyone would love to be friends with, even if he is loud and a little much at times his heart shines through. He works hard with what little he has and makes the best of it. He is super ripped before the time skip, he mainly does high rep calisthenics (these build muscle, trust me I know a guy) and hard labor around the church (hence why even Yuno is considered physically strong). I don’t have much to say on Asta as he is a simpler character that manages to be engaging. He does get bigger after the time skip as a result of better nutrition swinging around a heavy sword and being really short. Although we don’t see him train I feel kind of bad about how short this is so I’m making 2 workouts: 

Calisthenics classic workouts

The hidden time skip mass builder (with swordwork considerations) 

I’ll try to stick to some bronze age bodybuilding, labor simulating, and minimal equipment techniques. Asta is a character whose training grows with him and evolves,based on his needs. 

Diet: POTATOES. The ones that grow in Hage village resemble red skinned sweet potatoes, or simply red potatoes. They might even have varieties! Potatoes are actually very good for you! However, potatoes are short on protein, and other vitamins and minerals. So please eat a balanced diet of which potatoes are a part of. 

Recovery/Programming: Asta works out until he literally can’t anymore. A lot of this stuff will be to failure especially the calisthenics and he works out MULTIPLE times a day. Since he lives in a church, we’ll call Sunday his day of rest. Knowing him, he’s not resting. I’ll be doing a 3 day cycle repeated 2x a week kind of thing, you could do only 1 cycle and be just fine. Measuring up to the character he’d do labor, his workout, cardio, and abs all in one day everyday, but we ain’t trying to die here so I figured something out. We don’t have access to recovery magic or potions or whatever he probably uses. So stretch up, eat well and rest plenty. 

Part 1 Calisthenics and Labor: When bodyweight becomes boring/easy add weight to simulate Asta getting his sword. 

Day 1: Legs  + Labor 

5 x Failure (on each leg if doing unilateral exercise( Bodyweight Squats/Pistol Squats/Shrimp Squats

3 x Failure Explosive Split Squats 

5 x Failure Calf Raises

5 x Failure Nordic Curl Progression

-----

3 x 10 Sandbag/Barbell Deadlifts (moving heavy-ish items) 

4 x 100 m Farmers Carry 

3 x 5 Sandbag/Atlas Stone (Pick Up and place onto waist height box, please research technique)  

4 x 100 m Sled Push/Pull 

Day 2: Push + Labor 

5 x Failure Basic Push Ups 

3 x Failure Dips 

3 x Failure Handstand Progression/Pike Push Ups 

-----

5 x 8 Overhead Press

3 x 20 Sec Isometric Plate Hold (Arms straight out, holding the plate parallel to hands, pushing together should be what’s holding the plate up) 

4 x 25 per side  Cable lateral raise 

4 x 10 Tricep Overhead Extensions

Day 3: Pull  + Labor 

5 x Failure Basic Pull Ups 

5 x Failure Chin Ups/Headbangers 

5 x Failure Australian Rows/Front lever training 

-----

1 x Failure Rope Climb/ Pull sled with rope 

6 x 10 (or 3 x 100m ) Supinated Carry/Bicep Curls  (Bicep Curl with moderate/heavy weight, squeeze at the top and keep it there) 

4 x 10 Straight Arm Pushdown

TAKE A BREAK HERE IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY 

THE ABOVE CAN BE WEEK A, THE BELOW CAN BE WEEK B

Day 4: Legs + Abs + Cardio 

5 x Failure (on each leg if doing unilateral exercise( Bodyweight Squats/Pistol Squats/Shrimp Squats

3 x Failure Explosive Split Squats 

5 x Failure Calf Raises

5 x Failure Nordic Curl Progression

-----

3 x 30 Crunches/Sit Ups (mind the lower back) 

2 x Failure Hanging Leg Raises 

2 x Failure Plank with alternating knee to elbow 

-----

2000 m run (or any distance that forces endurance) 

Day 5: Push + Abs + Cardio

5 x Failure Push Ups Variety (each set should be different: diamond, archer, decline, staggered, pseudo planche etc..) 

3 x Failure Dips 

3 x Failure

-----

3 x 30 Crunches/Sit Ups

2 x Failure Bicycle Crunches (Slow) 

2 x Failure In and Outs 

-----

Stair Climbing/Hiking 

Day 6: Pull  + Abs + Cardio

5 x Failure Pull Ups (each set should be different: narrow, wide, archer, 21’s etc..) 

5 x Failure Chin Ups/Headbangers 

5 x Failure Australian Rows/Front lever training 

-----

3 x 30 Crunches/Sit Ups

2 x Failure Windshield Wipers

2 x Failure Rotating Plank 

-----

Interval Running (100 m Sprint, 200 m Jog x 5) 

Day 7: REST/ Cardio

-------------------------------TIME SKIP----------------------------------

So here we start his weighted training to get him big and beefy in the Heart Kingdom.

1. Asta will be eating more and have access to more state of the art equipment. To get bigger is to eat in a surplus mainly of protein.

2. He will still train 6 days a week, 4 with weights, 2 for his swordwork/fighting/anti-magic, 1 day off for Sister Lily. We'll do an Upper/Lower split as this is common with some of the strongest biggest folk I've seen.

3. He finally learned to prioritize efficiency and recovery over sheer volume. Burnouts are there for that 'going to failure feel'. Be warned that the form on these exercises might be a little 'advanced' for someone just stepping foot in the gym for the first time.

Upper 1

Warmup + (Program = 95% 1rm 5 x 2 -> 80% 1 x AMRAP -> 65% 1 x AMRAP) Bench 

15 + (8,5,5) + Burnout OHP 

15 + 3 x 8 + Burnout Barbell Bent Over Row

-----

3 x 10 SkullCrushers

6 x 10 Curls 

4 x 10 + Burnout Rear Delt Row

Lower 1 

Warmup + (Program = Refer to bottom of the post) Squat

Warmup + (Program = Refer to the bottom of the post) Deadlift  

4 x 10 BB Alternating Lunges

-----

3 x 10 each Quad + Ham 

4 x 10 + Burnout DB Lateral Raise

Upper 2 

Warmup + Program Bench 

15 + (8,5,5) + Burnout OHP 

4 x 8 Dips

15 + 3 x 8 + Burnout Smith BOR 

-----

6 x 10 Curls  

4 x 10 + Burnout Machine Lateral Raise

Lower 2 

3 x 8 RDL’s (Light) 

Warmup + Program Squat 

4 x 10 light leg press (quad emphasis)

-----

3 x 8 Heavy Calf Raise

4 x 10 Quad Ext 

-----

4 x 10 + Burnout Rear Delt Row 

Calisthenics and Fight Training 1

Mace workout (for obvious reasons!) As a real person, I would suggest not doing this in public... it's a little awkward, maybe go to a class or hit a tire with a hammer... Where would you even get a mace anyway?

Here's one you can try to base yours off of: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdatDbqb8TY

-----

Calisthenics Portion Upper:

3 x Pushups to failure

3 x Inverted rows to failure

Train Pull-Ups AND Chin Ups, train to pull more weight or just rep out till you can't feel your lats with a band.

2 x to NEAR failure Dips, keep 1-2 reps in the tank

Short Abs workout: ab wheels, captain chair, crunches, planks are all great

Calisthenics and Fight Training 2

Mace workout/ Some kind of combat class

Calisthenics Portion Lower:

3 x 30 Jumping Squat

3 x 30 Jumping Lunges

3 x 10 Sissy Squats (assisted usually, these are hard)

Train shrimp/pistol squat to your skill level

Short Abs workout: ab wheels, captain chair, crunches, planks are all great

Squat Programming: I made this up myself and went from nearly dying under 135lb to repping 185lb. Be safe out there y'all!

Step 1: Pick a working weight, it should be REALLY HARD, but not your 1rm, it can look messy! but you will build strength and eventually the perfect form will follow.

It goes like this: the only thing that is included is the TOPSET with the working weight you picked, you must warm up and do back off sets too!

Week X: Session 1/ Session 2

2x2 / 3x2

4x2/ 3x3

1x4/ 2x4

1x6/ 1x8 (at this point pick a new weight and repeat the program with it. If you fail or feel like one of the sessions is too hard, repeat it until comfortable and then move onto the next rep/set scheme)

Deadlift Programming: This works! It got me from 225lb - 265lb on DL, thats 40lb! I do want to hit 315lb this year so I'm running the program again:

https://t-nation.com/t/the-simple-deadlift-program/284445

Oh my... how the hell did I used to spit these post out so often. This is my first post back, and it's SOOO LONG ... Anyway here it is. Enjoy!

[pielplastica]

I'm sorry I've been so quiet these last few days, it has been kind of an emotional rollercoaster seeing you after so many, many years.

Not much has happened, I didn't go to school this whole week. But I did manage to clean my room and do basic self-care things so I'm feeling a little better now. But yeah.

I know working its so hard, specially when you are like "on the spotlight" since you're being considered for this promotion to an official position, but I know you can do it. You have always been capable of so many things on your own, and I'm glad that people are finally recognizing that. But please don't forget taking good care of yourself, letting you feel stressed and angry and happy and so many more emotions. Hope things are better at home too, and I also wish that parents could be more considerate with their children's feelings and how their words affect them. I do hope that you're feeling better from that situation and that things have calmed down, but if they don't, remember that we do share a sky and a moon, and that we have a window too. It might not be much but yeah. Also, is Kung Fu Panda 4 any good? I like the first two, the third one was kind of "meh" to me but also I was a cheeky brat back then so yeah, might give it a try if you recommend it.

Don't forget to eat, do your exercises and read a little. Drink enough water daily and don't push yourself too hard while at work, your physical and mental health will always come first. Hope that you have a good weekend, and I'll try to write more often.

[the-shining-river]

Frank’s Complicated Education, Part II

Continuing from Part I and this little bit about Frank’s military specialisations, because I’m curious what exactly a scout sniper studies.

I’ll be skipping any physical requirements, and also I still haven’t found anything about Frank’s possible college education except that it can’t be medical (medical degree not accepted at USMC OCS).

But a bachelor’s degree is a hard requirement for getting to be a commissioned officer, so we know that Frank must have gone through some kind of college at some point in his life before his wedding, considering how he’s wearing a 2ndLt uniform in the flashback. I understand that technical, engineering, etc. majors would have given him a better chance of getting accepted into the Officer Candidates School (OCS), but other options are also possible, so everyone gets to have fun writing fics giving Frank the wildest majors :)

.

So, since writing Part I of this whole damn essay, I’ve found out that Platoon Leaders Course (PLC), NROTC, Officer Candidates Course (OCC), etc. can all be lumped together under “Officer Commissioning Programs”, and they all fulfill the same function of evaluating Marine officer wannabes. What differs slightly is the duration, timing (during or after college), and entry requirements (enlisted vs civilian, college student vs already a holder of a degree, etc.), while the physical fitness and good character etc. requirements are more or less the same.

As mentioned in Part I, it is possible that Frank enlisted at 18 years old, went through the regular boot camp, made his way up the enlisted ranks and only then went to college to gain commission. But, in order to become a 2nd Lieutenant quicker, let’s assume he followed the following path:

Platoon Leaders Course (PLC), 2 x 6w training during college summers (apparently, the most popular option in real life);

The Basic School + Infantry Officers Course;

Primary Military Occupation (PMO) school = Infantry Officer;

Additional PMOS = Reconnaissance Marine

First deployment, active service with the Force Recon

Scout Sniper Course

.

1. PLC, NROTC, or any other Officer Commissioning Program

All the Officer Commissioning Programs have the same goal of evaluating officer candidates, and the training, regardless of the program, takes place in the Officer Candidates School (OCS) in Quantico over 2 x 6 weeks (PLC) or 10 weeks (NROTC “Bulldog” or OCC, or MECEP, or OCS in itself). [X & X]

The training of officer candidates is basic in nature and is divided into seven general categories:

1. Leadership 2. Professional development 3. General military subjects 4. Physical training and conditioning 5. Drill, inspection, and ceremonies 6. Weapons 7. Small unit tactics [X].

A clear, nice list of PLC Senior subjects is available here, and it includes Safe Weapons Handling, Field Skills, and Law of War (which is kinda sexy until you realise just how fucked up Kandahar was and how Frank must have known that and still remained on board, because that’s how much he trusted his CO).

Unfortunately, no such list of subjects is provided for the PLC Junior course, but I assume the general categories would be the same and include more introductory studies of the same subjects.

According to additional sources, classwork at OCS includes also: History, Code of Conduct, Weapons Performance, Close Order Drill, Finance, Basics on Land Navigation, Small Unit Leadership Exercises, Squad in the Offensive, Call for Fire, Operation Order Format, etc. [X & X] There’s also the Combat Conditioning training that, I think, Frank mentions at some point, how they were conditioned to shoot at an enemy without thinking, and how it never took him any effort at all (unless I’m confusing this with some fanfic).

Taking into consideration that USMC boot camp or previous military experience is not required for OCS, this stage of training would also include all the practical and theoretical knowledge provided at a boot camp, with more emphasis on leadership.

2. The Basic School + Infantry Officer School

The Basic School consists of the Basic Officer Course + Infantry Officer Course in case the selected primary military occupation specialisation (PMOS) is an Infrantry specialisation.

The course is split into three graded categories: Leadership, Academics, and Military Skills. Classroom events include topic specific lectures, exams, tactical decision games, sand table exercises, decision-forcing cases, and small group discussions. [X] The subjects taught are:

Phase I (7 Weeks): Individual Skills

Leadership

Rifle and Pistol Qualification

Land Navigation

Communications

Combat Lifesaving

Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP)

Phase II (6 Weeks): Rifle Squad Leader Skills

Decision-making

Combined Arms

Rifle Squad Tactics/Weapons

Scouting and Patrolling

Phase III (6 Weeks):  Rifle Platoon Commander Skills

Rifle Platoon Tactics

Convoy Operations

Engineering

Crew-served weapons

Phase IV (7 Weeks): Basic MAGTF* Officer Skills

Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain, or MOUT

Rifle Platoon (REIN) Tactics

Force Protection

Expeditionary Operations (AMFEX/"War")

Legal/Platoon Cmdr's Admin

*MAGTF - Marine Air-Ground Task Force

Let’s assume that Frank went for Infantry specialisation, because that’s the occupational field containing the pre-requisite PMOS for the Sniper Scout specialisation later.

So he continued his training at the Infantry Officer Course (IOC), the aim of which is to “prepare and train the student’s ability to decide, communicate, and execute in a mentally and physically demanding, austere, chaotic, and uncertain environment, for sustained operations,” but I couldn’t find any specific curriculum for IOC.

Upon completion of IOC, all officers receive the MOS 0302 Infantry Officer [X], and this is also when Frank could have been sent on his first deployment.

(Note that an officer with the generic 0302 Infantry Officer PMOS can command a Scout Sniper Platoon, where they “command, train, and employ 15-30 specialized infantry Marines” [X], but I’m not sure this 0302 specialisation would work for Frank to become a Scout Sniper himself.) (And, no, I can’t say I understand 100% how this whole damn system works)

3. Basic Reconnaissance Course

In order to become a Scout Sniper later, Frank would need also one of these other Infantry PMOS:

0311 Rifleman,

0321 Reconnaissance Marine,

0331 Machine Gunner,

0341 Mortarman,

0352 Antitank Missile Gunner, or

0369 Infantry Unit Leader.

With the Infantry Officer PMOS from IOC, he kinda has that Infantry Unit Leader covered. I don’t think the show ever mentions that he had anything to do with artillery, and, considering he already had his Rifle Expert and Pistol Expert qualifications from the TBS (see the marksmanship badges on his wedding uniform), I’m not sure what else he would have been learning as a Rifleman. So that leaves Recon Marine, which also explains how he ended up in Force Recon with Schoonover, Rawlins, and the entire Kandahar mess. Clearing that landing zone for evac—the mission that Schoonover refers to at court in DD S2—also sounds like something a Recon Marine would be doing.

So, a Reconnaisance Marine is part of Force Recon / Special Forces with advanced skills and training in the following [X] :

amphibious reconnaissance and ground reconnaissance & surveillance

combat swimming;

small boat operations;

highly-refined scouting and long range patrolling;

close combat skills;

demolitions;

forward observer procedures for supporting arms;

ITG operations for heliborne, airborne, and waterborne forces;

long-range communications;

imagery collections;

threat weapons and equipment identification. 

All Reconnaissance Marines receive advanced training in Survival Escape Resistance Evasion (SERE), Low Level Static Line (LLSL) parachuting, Military Freefall Parachuting and Combatant Diving.

They are also trained as a Subject Matter Experts in advanced communications, special weapons, joint terminal attack control, helicopter rope insertion/extraction techniques, assault climbing, intelligence collection, mountain warfare, method of entry, sniper operations, advanced combat life support, close quarter tactics, jumpmaster’s and dive supervisor’s depending on their billet in the reconnaissance platoon. [X]

Critically, they’re able to also perform basic and advanced trauma casualty management and paramedic level skills, basic emergent surgical procedures, treatment of basic traumatic dental emergencies, and other routine and emergency medical healthcare procedures [X].

I bolded the skills Frank mentions in the shows (e.g. trying to remember his explosives training when disarming the bomb connected to Curtis, or when extracting info on Billy’s location from that other vet in TP S02).

Also, this list sounds pretty close to what Navy SEAL training includes [X], even the swimming and diving stuff, parachuting and the same SERE course. The newspaper article prop mentions that he was “permitted to go through US Army Airborne School and US Navy Underwater Demolition Team training, becoming qualified as a Navy Seal”. HOWEVER, Navy SEALs come from the Navy, not the Marine Corps, and I couldn’t find info how a Marine officer would or should end up or even theoretically qualify for a SEAL unless he downright went and got himself transferred to the Navy. But a Recon Marine sounds close enough:

[Force Recon] are similar to the Navy SEALs in that they are heavily trained in airborne and combat diving techniques in order to allow them to bypass traditional land defense systems. The water, and swimming, is a heavy component of being in Force Recon. The difference between them is that the SEALs' purpose is to kill the enemy, while Force Recon's main purpose is simply to gather intelligence. Force Recon's mission is considered a success if absolutely no shots are fired. [X]

So let’s go with that.

Here’s also a PDF with what the 12-weeks-long Recon Marine training at the Basic Reconnaissance Course involves physically.

4. Scout Sniper Course

Finally! :D

With some active duty experience and confirmation from his CO, Frank gets sent to the Marine Corps Base in Quantico for a 10w Scout Sniper Basic Course.

Phase 1: Marksmanship and Basic Fields Craft Phase

During this phase, Marines are trained in basic marksmanship on the Known Distance (KD) Range and also receive classes in basic skills such as camouflage, individual movement, weapons systems, observations, and field sketches. Observation, noticing of details and memory skills are trained.

Phase 2: Unknown Distance and Stalking 

During the UKD (Unknown Distance) and Stalking portion students will become experts at engaging targets at unknown distances by way of range estimation and range cards. Stalking involves moving from a distance between 1200 and 800 yards to within 200 yards of an observation post (OP) undetected. After doing this, the student must set up a Final Firing Position and fire two shots without being found by the OP within a time period of 3–4 hours.

Phase 3: Advanced Field Skills and Mission Employment 

There was no clear further info on this phase on Wikipedia, but another source lists the following subjects covered in the sniper school that weren’t mentioned above, so I assume they fit in whichever phase:

Land Navigation

Surveillance

Limited Visibility Target Engagement

Call for Fire

High-Frequency Communications

Mission Planning

Reconnaissance and Surveillance Patrolling

.

After the Scout Sniper Basic Course, further advance training is possible:

Urban Snipers

High Angle (Mountain) Snipers

Scout Snipers Team leader course

.

There are also some distance learning courses required/recommended that should be completed before the sniper school [X]:

Basic Comm Officer Fundamentals

Propagation of Radio Waves/ Antenna

Infantry Patrolling (recommended)

Scouting and Patrolling  (recommended)

Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) Primer (recommended)

=================================================

So, my takeaway from all this is that I’m not sure why Frank is so proud of his Scout Sniper MOS, because it’s kinda low-level specialization that theoretically can be gained by any enlisted Marine who gets the Rifleman PMOS after the boot camp and the School of Infantry.

With the specific path I selected, to satisfy Frank’s wedding look requirement + him being so young when he married, I figure he should have been more proud of his Recon Marine skills that earned him that Navy Cross, or his 1st Lt rank. Unless maybe Scout Sniper was something he really really wanted to be from the very beginning, so it felt like such a proud achievement for him to get that specialisation?

Or he did get it as a newbie enlisted Marine, and then went to college, which would require some adjustments in the timeline? (That might explain how he met Schoonover at 18yo, and also how he met Billy who, being an orphan, probably didn’t have the funds to go straight to college after highschool). (But I like the possible (fanon?) explanation that Schoonover was a family friend when he met young Frank who’d never held a gun before; and Frank was already an officer and a Recon Marine when his path crossed with Schoonover’s in Force Recon again)

Another takeaway is that Frank should really know his electronics and telecom devices. We see how, on the one hand, he doesn’t understand much from Micro’s computer setup, but on the other hand, he confidently knows how to set up and use that police frequency scanner and all kinds of other equipment. The way he set up that bomb in the briefcase for the Kitchen Irish :) The way DIY for him means making his own smoke grenades :)

And look at this recommended reading list. Each year, a Marine is expected to read at least 3 books from the list, and, sure there’s Ender’s Game and All Quiet on the Western Front, but there’s also plenty of technical and academic literature to feed your brain.

Throughout this whole career, there are also consistent requirements for mental fortitude, emotional stability, common sense, etc. And I think we see that in all the cases where... Frank is actually pretty hard to piss off. Once chained to a table, he sits calmly. When arrested, he’s also sitting tight and not trying to escape if trying to stop him could hurt people who’re just doing their jobs. Like, there IS an unhinged element to The Punisher, and his anxiety over Karen’s safety or grief over his family’s deaths is tremendous, same as his rage over Agent Orange issuing idiotic orders, etc., but he’s also quite level-headed and self-possessed when going about getting shit done.

So, um. Yeah. There’s even a martial arts program in USMC, and we might not know what skill level Frank had exactly, but with the rigorous fitness requirements, years in deployment in harsh continental climates, stealth, marksmanship, comms, and mission planning training, not to mention the mystery college education, I think... we should have seen Matt getting his ass handed to him much more often than we did :D

[chatdae]

I find Flatland's portrayal of sexism fascinating, so I thought I'd post my thoughts here instead of in the tags (Sorry to ramble, OP)

The author of Flatland, Edwin Abbott Abbott, wrote the narrator as bigoted to satirize his contemporary English society. So, the book contains terrible bigotry and is from 1884, but it doesn't support these beliefs.

Abbott has the Square interpret everything through a bigoted lens, while also including details that make it clear to the reader that the Square is interpreting things incorrectly. For example, the Square criticizes his wife as overly emotional and irrational. Yet, his description of his country tells the reader that the laws of Flatland rob women of education to prevent them from exercising their autonomy and challenging the social order. The above quote demonstrates the Flatland belief that angle size is equal to intelligence, which Abbott intends his reader to identify as propaganda made up to prevent people from saying, "hey, maybe women and Isosceles only seem 'unintelligent' because we dont let them go to school."

In the second edition of Flatland, the introduction responds to readers calling the Square sexist and classist. So, yes, the Square's bigotry is distasteful to present-day and Victorian readers alike! I'll include this section of the introduction:

I gather that in the course of an imprisonment of seven years [the Square] has himself modified his own personal views, both as regards Women and as regards the Isosceles or Lower Classes...writing as a Historian, he has identified himself (perhaps too closely) with the views generally adopted by Flatland, and (as he has been informed) even by Spaceland, Historians; in whose pages (until very recent times) the destinies of Women and of the masses of mankind have seldom been deemed worthy of mention and never of careful consideration.

Basically, Abbot is saying:

1) the Square's bigotry is excessive, yes, but it's similar to the bigotry demonstrated in our real-life history books. The narration of this satirical book is extreme only so that we might recognize the flaws in the non-satirical books around us.

2) the Square has done personal reflection while in jail and has changed some of his views. This is a way of saying, "Even someone as bigoted as the Square would, hopefully, come to see that their sexist and classist beliefs are baseless and wrong."

Fun fact: Charles Dickens published a book ten years later, called Hard Times, that makes similar criticisms. The book, funnily enough, begins with an English schoolmaster---that's the job Abbott had!

okay flatland, what the fuck

it was published in 1884 but STILL WHAT THE FUCK

[longpahern]

When People Quit Smoking, Is Weight Gain Unavoidable?

There are a deal of people who smoke out there who, among others parts, think twice to try to quit cigarette smoking for the concern of what they think is inevitable weight gain. Basically everyone they comprehend who has successfully stop smoking really packed on the pounds and they do pass by this to strike them. Does the connection in between quiting cigarettes and weight gain need to do directly with the cigarettes themselves, or exist other, outdoors parts why this occurs so frequently to people who "kick the practice"? Lets have a take a look at what all of the parts are that cause such weight gain in people who stopped smoking cigarettes and see if potentially this weight gain may have the capability to be handled to where it does not require to be a part when you select to put the cigarettes down for impressive. When you offer up cigarette smoking cigarettes, the truth is you do not have to get weight. There are a great deal of people who stopped cigarette smoking who do not get any weight at all. Nicotine, which is a chemical found in cigarettes, does to a little degree keep your body weight down. When you quit and the nicotine begins to leave your body, you may see an exceptionally little amount of short-term weight gain, nonetheless typically it will vanish than 3 to 5 pounds, primarily due to water retention. The substantial part why so offers of people will get a considerable amount of weight nevertheless, has more to do with customizing the smoking cigarettes regimen with severe consuming practices. Great deals of will personalize making use of hard sweet foods all the time to customize the cigarettes. It is this new program, which is done basically immediately, that is usually responsible for considerable weight gain when people stop smoking cigarettes. When you stop smoking cigarettes, keeping skilled about what you take in, when you take in, and simply just how much you take in together with some workout will keep that weight gain to a minimum and may keep you from getting any weight at all. You similarly require to think about that even if you do get 5 to 10 pounds from stopping smoking, the risks of cigarette smoking are far greater than a 5 to 10 pound gain in weight. Smoking cigarettes is the element for more than 400,000 deaths every year in the United States. It would take a weight gain of over 100 pounds to represent the health dangers of cigarette smoking. Smoking cigarettes activates your heart rate to increase, and you have 2 times the likeliness to suffer a heart issue than that of a nonsmoker. You take in around 4000 chemicals from cigarette smoke and 40 of these chemicals are cancer triggering. Males are 22 times more than probably to develop lung cancer than nonsmokers, and girls are 12 times more than more than probably. With a little effort on your part to keep your consuming programs in check and consist of some exercise into your everyday program, weight gain can and will be at least kept down to a minimum when you stop smoking. You will stay in far better health, feel far better, and have a much better outlook on life when you choose to put those cigarettes down for at last. There are a deal of people who smoke out there who, among others elements, are terrified to try to stop cigarette smoking for the concern of what they think is inevitable weight gain. It is this new regimen, which is done virtually rapidly, that is typically liable for severe weight gain when people stop smoking cigarettes. It would take a weight gain of over 100 pounds to link to the health threats of smoking. There are a wonderful offer of people who smoke out there who, to call a series of elements, think twice to try to provide smoking cigarettes for the problem of what they think is inescapable weight gain. Does the connection in between supplying cigarettes and weight gain require to do directly with the cigarettes themselves, or exist other, outdoors elements why this occurs so often to people who "kick the practice"? It would take a weight gain of over 100 pounds to represent the health hazards of cigarette smoking. There are a lot of people who smoke out there who, among others aspects, are terrified to try to stop smoking cigarettes for the problem of what they think is inescapable weight gain. It is this new program, which is done almost quickly, that is primarily responsible for severe weight gain when people stop smoking cigarettes. Does the connection in between quiting cigarettes and weight gain need to do directly with the cigarettes themselves, or exist other, outdoors elements why this happens so routinely to people who "kick the practice"? It is this new program, which is done virtually quickly, that is usually accountable for severe weight gain when people stop smoking cigarettes. It would take a weight gain of over 100 pounds to represent the health risks of smoking. There are a great deal of people who smoke out there who, among others aspects, are frightened to try to stop smoking for the concern of what they think is inevitable weight gain. It is this new regimen, which is done almost right now, that is mostly accountable for severe weight gain when people stop smoking cigarettes. Does the connection in between quiting cigarettes and weight gain need to do directly with the cigarettes themselves, or exist other, outdoors parts why this occurs so consistently to people who "kick the practice"? There are an impressive offer of people who smoke out there who, to call a number of aspects, are terrified to try to stop smoking cigarettes for the concern of what they think is inescapable weight gain. There are a great deal of people who smoke out there who, among other components, are horrified to try to stop smoking cigarettes for the problem of what they think is inescapable weight gain. Does the connection in between quiting cigarettes and weight gain need to do directly with the cigarettes themselves, or exist other, outdoors parts why this occurs so routinely to people who "kick the practice"? There are an extraordinary offer of people who smoke out there who, to call a couple of aspects, are frightened to try to stop cigarette smoking cigarettes for the concern of what they think is inevitable weight gain. There are a lot of people who smoke out there who, among other parts, are frightened to try to stop cigarette smoking cigarettes for the concern of what they think is inevitable weight gain. Does the connection in between quiting cigarettes and weight gain need to do directly with the cigarettes themselves, or exist other, outdoors parts why this occurs so routinely to people who "kick the practice"? There are an extraordinary offer of people who smoke out there who, to call a couple of aspects, are frightened to try to stop cigarette smoking cigarettes for the problem of what they think is inevitable weight gain. It would take a weight gain of over 100 pounds to correspond to the health risks of cigarette smoking cigarettes. There are a lot of people who smoke out there who, among other parts, are frightened to try to stop cigarette smoking cigarettes for the problem of what they think is inescapable weight gain. It is this new program, which is done basically quickly, that is mainly responsible for considerable weight gain when people stop cigarette smoking cigarettes.

https://click4information.com/lifestyle/when-people-quit-smoking-is-weight-gain-unavoidable-7/

[contingentfitness]

The Top Benefits of Hiring a Personal Fitness Trainer for Your Fitness Journey

It is also a very enriching decision to commit to a journey of fitness. In any case, it could be so difficult without professionals who may lead you to your goal. Some people insist on creating their own workout routines, while hiring a personal fitness trainer would make all the difference in effectively and safely reaching your goals. Trainers offer knowledge, guidance, and motivation that are important in bringing lasting results. Let's delve further into some of the best advantages of having a personal fitness trainer to oversee your way of reaching your goals.

1. Personal Workout Programs

One of the biggest positives of working with a personal fitness trainer is getting a workout program tailored to suit your needs. Everyone is different in their goals for gym performance, whether it be about weight loss, muscle gain, improvement in stamina, or even just general health-and a personal trainer thus creates a workout program that best fits your particular situation.

A personal trainer considers your level of fitness, body type, and any health problems in constructing a regime that will work for your maximum benefit. In addition, it considers your preference list so that you are assured that every workout will address the right areas to help you achieve your maximum benefit from the effort you invest in it.

2. Proper Technique and Injury Prevention

Form is a very critical thing to learn about every exercise to ensure your safety and effectiveness in your workout. A personal trainer offers hands-on instruction to make sure you are performing every single movement correctly. They give real-time feedback, making sure to adjust your form as necessary to keep you safe during workouts.

Without proper guidance, one might easily get on the wrong track with exercises, perhaps getting injured through muscle strains, joint pain, and even worse. A personal trainer helps you minimize these risks through teaching on safe and efficient ways of moving. 

3. Accountability and Motivation

The most difficult thing is actually staying consistent with workouts, especially when life gets busy. The personal trainer makes you responsible by putting regular sessions into your scheduler and tracking your progress. Sometimes, that one person expecting you to show up and put in the work is all it takes to get into good routine.

In addition, personal trainers are great and wonderful motivators. They drive you to go a notch higher while still assuring you when you need it most. Whether you are feeling sluggish or you want to skip over a session, it is the trainer who will help keep you focused and charged. 

4. Faster and More Efficient Results

Most spend years with a less than noticeable approach to their aims in fitness. It could be due to the fact that these persons didn't hold on to the right training plan that is supposed to get them through, or simply they didn't push themselves hard enough. A personal fitness trainer will give you a structured path to success by focusing on particular exercises that will help to get you closer to your goals sooner.

Trainers know how to design programs that effectively build strength, endurance, and flexibility. They will also help you chart your progress and make necessary adjustments in workouts to keep you ahead of plateaus for continued progression. 5. Personalized Nutrition Counseling

First of all, working out is just one side of the coin in a fitness journey; nutrition plays another important role in the path to yielding results. Most personal fitness trainers will be able to offer basic nutrition advice as part of your working-out plan-suggestions for healthier food choices, portion control, or meal recommendations should be made for you, taking into consideration what fuels your body and supports your fitness goals.

While not all personal trainers are certified dietitians, most of them know a great deal about how good nutrition enhances performance and recovery. Make sure your diet coincides with the workout routine for faster and more sustainable results.

6. Increased Confidence and Mental Health

Exercises are not only great for your body, but they are equally great for your mind. Working with a personal fitness trainer will improve your self-esteem and mental well-being through attaining small milestones, mastery of new exercises, and progress in building confidence to help you develop a more positive self-image.

Regular exercises will also lighten the impact of stress and anxiety and can even prevent the onset of depression. It also lets you feel good psychologically and mentally too. All this can be amplified with the motivation and encouragement coming from a personal trainer that ensures not only you appear fitter but you also feel fitter.

ConclusionAvailing the services of a personal fitness trainer and corporate wellness program is an investment towards health and fitness. From personalized workout plans and injury prevention to motivation and quicker results, a personal trainer has the guidance and expertise to alter your fitness regime. If you're ready to take your fitness into the next gear, Contingent Fitness has certified personal trainers who will design a particular program suited for you. It is with Contingent Fitness in your corner that you'll have the tools, motivation, and accountability to realize those goals most effectively.

[intlschnursing]

Top Home Health Aide Schools Near Me | What to Look for in a Program

Searching for Home Health Aide School Near Me is very important to anyone serious about having the right foundation when it comes to the healthcare setting. This is because due to increased demand for home health aides schools are training students on what to expect on the field. Home health aides are a valuable element of today’s society because they help elderly persons, people with disabilities, and surgical patients and other patients recover and live better lives. But having so many options what can a person do to get into the right school? Here in this blog, we will help you know what to consider when choosing a HHA Training Near Me program and why it matters for your career.

Detailed Course Outline and Real Life Encounter

The syllabus offered by any Home Health Aide School Near Me must be one of the first things that come into consideration. The right school should have a good program that will teach basic areas such as grooming and dressing, hygiene and infection control, patient rights, fire and disaster preparedness. These subjects constitute the basic subject area of your work as a home health aide.

Also, there should be some practical exercises in the program. This helps the student in that he or she can rehearse actual situations in a controlled setting. With this kind of training, you will develop confidence in offering the best to the patients as will be impressed with your hard and soft skills. Certain schools even have clinical training where the student will work with actual patients under the tutelage of career medical professionals. This is a real life experience that helps one prepare him/her for what he/she is going to meet out there in the field.

Experienced and competent trainers

The other important consideration while selecting a course on HHA Training Near Me is the faculty that the program offers. Good instructors, other than possessing the appropriate qualification, should be experienced in the healthcare profession. It also gives instructors an opportunity to share with the students real life tips and tricks that they may not learn in a text book.

Teachers should be able to advise students, attend to individual needs or questions, and accompany them throughout the course. Another factor is the student-teacher ratio; you want your class not to be filled with many students, as this grants you an opportunity to access more teacher time and learning resources.

Certification and Job Placement Assistance

The most common reason for enrolling in a Home Health Aide School Near Me is to take the certification course. When you have gone through the obligatory training, you should be ready to sit for the certification test. Confirm if the school prepares students for the exam and how they can help students to meet their state’s licensing regulations.

Another relevant factor is job placement assistance as well. Some of the schools work in collaboration with healthcare centers in that area and provide the graduates with job placements for faster employment. This support can indeed serve as the differentiating factor as far as launch of your career is concerned. Further, having a school that is well known within the market place prospects of securing a job after graduation enhance.

Easy Access and Low Cost

Last but not the least, cost of the Home Health Aide School Near Me as well as the location of the Home Health Aide School near me should also be given much attention. Almost all schools may open their doors during afternoons and during weekends; this assists any person with other obligations such as working. Choose organizations that are willing to help you with the payment as they often have programs to help you afford the training.

Also, look at where it is located. Even if there is a program that makes it possible to get the best training, do ensure that the school is easily accessible. The proximity to a person’s home or workplace increases the chances of attending classes always and on time.

Conclusion

All in all, the research of the best Home Health Aide School Near Me is crucial for your job as a caregiver. Here at the International School of Nursing, our programs include, expressive curriculum, proficiency teachers and employment placement assistance to make you ready for practice. Whether you are in search of HHA Training Near Me or need information about the Sterile Processing Exam, we have programs that will suite your needs and ensure that you find success. 

[foolish-edworm]

Hi, im asking this fully out of confusion and curiosity. I have been American my whole life, all 3 odd decades of it, and have never heard of "usamericans" till this year.

I'm asking this as I see you use the term so maybe you can point me to the answer: Where the hell did that come from? Are there other people who call themselves Americans who need to be differentiated from us who have used it, as far as I'm aware, exclusively for well over 2 centuries?

This is fully confusion cause like. I've never been usamerican just. American. And as far as I was aware no one else used American exclusively, as the south and central Americans I know use the names of their country's to identify themselves.

Basic internet search doesn't really give me answers and either I live further under a rock than I thought or this is an extremely new term?

Why are people specifying something that was already specific. I'm inclined to dislike it as it always tends to feel derogatory and not in the usual making fun of Americans way about our spelling and hard Rs ya know? It sounds like the pretentious bastard that is "well actually"ing a conversation into the floor.

Or is this just a tic toc trend?

Idk I hope this isn't weird, im just so confused. Im pretty sure ive been on Tumblr longer than you've been able to read. And mean that in the same tone as an old person complaining about the rain and their knees, I'm glad there's younger people on here, its just the Internet I grew up with is very very different then the one you have and it turns me around backwards cause I thought I knew my way around here but all these weird useless things show up that apparently mean things to people.

Idk, I guess im just asking are people actually being derogatory or are they just following a new trend or what?

Thanks for your time. And hopefully a consideration for an answer. And dont feel nervous voting. It's your right and I'm proud of you for exercising it. It feels weird every time but very good and I've voted every year I could.

:)

🥔- for the long ask

Woah. Okay! So I honestly don't remember when I first saw people using "usamerican" but it's just a combination US and American. It's absolutely a semantics thing as far as I know, like, "America is actually the continent so technically American includes the US, Canada, and also most US Americans don't specify they're talking about North America so it also includes Central & South."

I once shared a post about it (but knowing me I likely won't be able to find it.) If it's a tiktok trend that's definitely not where I got it from lmao, I only have tumblr at this point. I think it's just an easy way to be clear about which North/South American country you're talking about! I've never seen it as a derogatory thing or anything negative like that lol.

It's consistent. If you're talking about a Central American country, you say it's from Central America, same for South America. So it only makes sense to do the same for North America, right? But NA is the US and Canada, so when talking about the US specifically, US America is a good way to do that. And on Tumblr it just makes sense to shorten it to "usamerican" for tagging purposes. I've honestly never checked if anyone else tags it that way, but it's mostly for me anyway lol.

I hope that was a satisfactory enough answer, and I hope it made even a shred of sense lol! I'm not used to answering questions like this :D

And thank you! For the voting reassurance (I'm really gonna need it :D) and for putting the time to want to learn about something new! I wish I could've been more smart about it, but it's not something I ever really thought deeply about. Have a good day!

[twentyfivedegree]

SIGH

Today is April 9, 2024. I decided to start writing this because I feel like everything around me is messed up especially me, I am very messed up. I don’t know, I’m currently a slave of myself, I can’t seem to overcome my own flesh, I lack patience, rationality and I am overwhelmed with unnecessary pride, A pride with no honor, I hate this version of myself but . . . I can’t seem to change, I am mentally weak, physically trash and emotionally insane. I hate this version of myself, I can’t take myself seriously.

I want a single person who I can lean on, a person who will listen, who will remember the small details about me and my stories. I feel so much invalidated around my friends and even in my family. Ah- Family, I love my mother and father, I want to give them a good life- well its not like they’re asking for it but they only wish for me to finish my degree have a job and then live with content, I myself would say that what they want to happen is simple, I just need to work hard right? But I found myself today, I am incapable of doing things. I don’t know, I would always say that this is because I lack passion, I don’t understand myself, I want to blame someone but who? I am very weak, weak-minded, I am hot-tempered person to anyone- no I think I lack rationality when it comes to things I don’t like doing.

I hate my brother so much, but there’s a part of me that would want us to be okay and be respectful with each other, but I guess we can’t, my hatred against him runs deep. He is the reason why I can’t do many things, I am still angry at him about something that happened years ago, when he accused me of using the tablet when in fact, I know myself that I didn’t do. My parents believed him and from then on, that fucker did not show respect to me anymore, I tried telling my mom about his behavior, but She didn’t do anything.

What I hate so much about my family’s belief is when they see these things like altercation with me and my brother as normal, they don’t understand that I am treated in a horrible way that it messed up my mind, cause to develop unlikely behaviors which is now in the present- is acting up and I cannot control anymore. I am beyond invalidated that there is a neglected rage in my heart, and I am wishing that someone will teach me and lead me the right thing to do.

I can’t control myself; I am wishing that someone will teach me control my neglected parts, my neglected child inside. I want to let everything out, I want them to understand the pain they’ve caused me, I did once and where do it get me? I end up acquiring heavier than burden- guilt. I just want to be heard, I just want respect, I would always think “ Is it because I don’t treat them with respect that I do not received it?” I hated the fact that the only way to express the pain inside me is through crying in a suppressing manner.

Now that I kept writing this, I realized, I am jealous of many things; I hated that I did not receive the attention and care I needed as the eldest child, as a girl, and as a daughter. But I cannot bring myself to hate my parents, I witness how they are doing their best to give us good life. I love my parents so much, but everything is painful. I am basically keeping everything up because of them. I am doing my best despite what state I am in my school so I can give them the grade they want if its not for them, I would really consider going away, far from the painful surrounding I am exposed right now.

There was a time when me and my mother had argument, I reach to the point that I can’t help but speak up or talk back to my mother because I want her to change some things that is toxic to be exercised in our household, but she would always receive it as an insult, disrespect and hateful. I would always be stressed over it, even at smallest thing my opinion is not taken as consideration, I hated it. I had an outburst. I chatted my father and asked him if I can just die, at then I fell asleep. I woke up because I was bombed with missed calls and my father, my loving father with his soothing voice, so worried about me talked to me about, he said something that strucked my core, he said that he is doing everything for me that I am someone he is value so much so how can I say something like that? I cried, I died inside, yet I saw my mother’s eyes that time it’s the eye that says I am good for nothing child full of drama. I died in my ways that day. I died because how I made my dad worried which is something I am always cautious with, reason why I can’t let everything out, and second, I died in most painful way- my mom and dad did not check on me or did after declaring that I want to die- how so? I remembered when my brother around pandemic, he started doing things and both my mom and dad supported him, bought him with what he needs and stuff- months after he declared that he is feeling depressed. I was there, I saw how my mom and dad panicked and did many things to help him, like takin him to the park for a walk, talking to him and at that time, my mother couldn’t stop worrying about him. I thought at that time “Ya’ll panicking over that not knowing your daughter (me) wants to die already”. But then when I declared I want to die- they didn’t do anything, they just left me drowning in these pool of emotions/behavior/thoughts like they always do.

One of the many things I want to correct my parents is when they would expect me to be something and yet they didn’t even teach it. “be mature”, “Be patient”, “don’t cuss”. “don’t lie”, “act like your age”, “don’t be a parasite.” And many more yet they don’t teach me, they are not being a role model, and they don’t give me the chance to be in a situation where I can start flocking my wings. Yet in the end, I am being scolded, degraded for not being able to be someone they want. I wish they can be a little bit gentle with their words because my world revolved around them and everything, they say has a big impact on me.

I’m tired now, I will stop here.

[drnishargpatel]

Chronic Constipation: When to See a Specialist 

Chronic constipation can be more than simply an unpleasant bother; it can demonstrate a basic issue that requires medical treatment. While incidental constipation is normal, chronic constipation can have a negative impact on existence and wellbeing. But, how can you decide when to visit a specialist? We should take a look at what chronic constipation is, what causes it, and when to look for professional help.

What is Chronic Constipation?

Constipation is commonly characterized as having less than three bowel motions each week. Chronic constipation, then again, happens more than a little while or even months. You may also have hard, lumpy stools, considerable straining, or a sensation of incomplete evacuation.

If these side effects continue for over 3 months, they may be categorized as chronic, and focusing on your health is basic.

Common Causes of Chronic Constipation

Chronic constipation can result from various of conditions, including:

Dietary Habits: A lack of fiber, insufficient water, and a high intake of processed food might make it hard to produce regular bowel movements.

Lifestyle Factors: Inadequate exercise, conflicting toilet habits, and stress can all contribute to constipation.

Medical Conditions: Medical conditions like hypothyroidism, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and neurological diseases can all cause chronic constipation.

Drugs: A few drugs, like pain killers, antidepressants, and calcium or aluminium antacids settling agents, could cause constipation.

When Should You See a Specialist?

So, how can you tell whether your constipation is more serious? Here are some signals that it's time to see a specialist:

Constipation continues for more than 3 weeks.

If you've tried a stab at working on your diet, exercising regularly, and remaining hydrated but are still experiencing constipation, now is the ideal time to consult a best gastroenterologist in surat. Chronic constipation could flag an underlying issue that requires evaluation and treatment.

Severe pain or discomfort.

Consistent acute stomach pain, cramps, or swelling alongside with is a warning. This could show a deterrent, irritation, or a more serious gastrointestinal condition.

Blood in the Stool

If you find blood in your stool or on the toilet paper, you should look for clinical help immediately. This could imply haemorrhoids, anal fissures, or, in rare conditions, colorectal cancer growth.

Unintentional Weight Loss

Losing weight without trying, along with constipation, could show a more serious medical condition, like a stomach related disease or cancer growth. It is critical to have this assessed by a healthcare expert.

Family background of colon cancer.

If colon disease runs in your family, chronic constipation should never be ignored. An expert might suggest a colonoscopy or other screening methods to rule out serious conditions.

What to Expect from a Specialist Visit?

When you see a specialist for chronic constipation, they will most likely undertake embrace a complete evaluation, which includes a physical test and potentially tests, for example,

Blood tests to look at thyroid function and other potential problems.

Colonoscopy is used to really take a look at the colon for obstructions, polyps, or cancer.

X-rays or CT scans are used to picture the digestive tracts and recognize abnormalities.

The specialist may also ask about your food, lifestyle habits, and drugs to rule out frequent causes.

Want to Know More? Check out our related blog on “Are You Suffering from Constipation? Causes and Remedies”

Treatment Options for Chronic Constipation

If a professional identifies ongoing chronic constipation, they will make a treatment plan that is specific to your needs. Normal medicines include:

Dietary Changes: Increasing fiber intake (by natural products, vegetables, and whole grains) and drinking more water are as often as possible the initial measures.

Drugs: Over-the-counter laxatives or prescription drugs may be used to promote bowel movements or soften stool.

Behavioural treatment: Biofeedback and pelvic floor treatment can help with retraining your body to easily pass stools more effortlessly.

Surgery procedure: In rare circumstances, If constipation is caused by a structural problem or blockage, medical procedure might be required.

How to Prevent Chronic Constipation

Making a couple of way of life changes can frequently assist with forestalling obstruction.

Remain Hydrated: Drink a lot of water throughout the day to help with keeping your stool soft.

Eat a Fiber-Rich Diet: Include more organic fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your meals.

Exercise regularly: Physical activity stimulates bowel motions, so try to move around each day.

Lay out a Daily practice: Try to use the bathroom at the same time every day, ideally after dinners when your digestive tract is most active.

While it may be awkward or humiliating to talk about constipation, it is basic to pay attention to your body. Chronic constipation can be an indication of a larger health problem, and looking for professional care early on can help avoid issues in the future. If you have chronic problems, don't hesitate to see a doctor to get the help you need.