#genetic taste score

[random2908]

Another sibling story: my middle sister had been saying for years that next time she was in America and we were all together, she was going to bring a bunch of weird potato chip flavors and we would have a tasting. She didn't want to buy them just for herself in case she didn't like them, but we have such a big family.

So she, being herself, set out ten bowls last night, and then handed out paper and pens to everyone (our family, our little cousin, and my brother's two additional house guests), and told us to number the paper from 1-10 and try to guess the potato chip flavors. Of course a taste-testing with my sister involves paperwork. (She always did taste testing for science fair in middle school.)

It was really interesting how different people tasted different things in the same chips. There was one chip where everyone was writing things like "ginger." Except my brother's wife and I both wrote down "beef," because that was overwhelming all we tasted, and my dad (who has very similar taste to me in probably like a genetic way, and we both hate meat) simply wrote down "awful." (My dad also answered that one of the chips was "yuck" and three were "?)

There was a chip where we guessed all sorts of onions or garlic cooked different ways. At the reveal, my sister said she was surprised, because it was truffle and she'd found it the most obvious of all the chips--but then again she'd seen the packaging. So we all tried it again, and yeah, knowing what it was, it was extremely obvious (except to my little cousin who'd never had truffle oil before). I think truffle simply hadn't crossed anyone's mind as a possibility.

After my middle sister was done with the reveals, my little sister and I gave our sheets to her for grading. (Tbh mainly because we'd clearly done the best out of everyone and were feeling competitive about it.) She teaches little kids so she's a very easy grader. I scored 4/10 (3 points and two half-points), but my little sister won with 4.5.

[theresattrpgforthat]

any ttrpgs similar to tf2? basically a cartoonish but very violent 60s aesthetic

THEME: Cartoon-ish Violence

Hello friend! So when I hear violence, one of the first things I think of is LUMEN. This game system is primarily focused on combat, and really prioritizes character customization, which I hear is pretty big in TF2! I’ve got 2 very different LUMEN games for your consideration, and one lighter game.

Maim!, by Goat Star.

In the days of old, adventurers would go out on epic journeys, fight hordes of foes, and arise victorious with treasure and glory. Now they play maim - a sport where two teams of heroes volley each other with an anti-gravity maim-ball to score points.

A point is scored when a maim player is killed.

MAIM! is a roleplaying game where players are teammates in the midst of a dangerous death sport. It features a sci-fi fantasy setting, a futuristic world full of strange magic and machines - not to mention a cast of weird characters who are all trying to bash you down for points. MAIM! uses the LUMEN system by Spencer Campbell to make players feel badass and powerful even as they're risking their lives in the court.

Nothing feels more cartoony than turning hyper-violence into a sport. The setting is a sci-fantasy blend, with a broad span of genres to pull inspiration from. One note that I found very interesting is that this game advertises a system for generating new equipment for brand loyalty. That sounds like the perfect amount of corniness that I’d be looking for in a cartoony combat game.

CyberRats, by Alex Rinehart.

Welcome, trainee!

You are genetically engineered Operatives addicted to Biotech, a glowing gel that gives you superhuman powers.  The world is being invaded by extraterrestrials known as Interlopers. You have been employed by a megacorp to ensure that the aliens don't win, and that if they are stopped, it's you who does it, and not some rival corporation. Winning won't be easy. But it also won't be enough. The right corp must get credit.

Can you stop the aliens? Will you sabotage the military to steal equipment and defense contracts from your competitors? How many Operatives will you lose before you taste victory? If you want to really lean into the cartoon fun, Cyberrats might be up your alley. I think the art for this game is amazing, and really communicates the tone and feel of the game. It’s colourful and electric, and captures the devil-may-care attitude the rats appear to have about causal violence. There’s ongoing work to produce more content for this game, currently in the form of the Briny Bastards playtest, so if you like this game, rest assured there’s more to come!

Gun Gun Go!, by Spook-Generator.

Are you ready to take up the mantle -and chamber- of a Shooter, a defender of and gun-for-hire on X-EARTH?

Get right to the action, take on deadly threats, and use explosive abilities in this fast-paced Lasers and Feelings hack.

Lasers and Feelings is a system that is great for games that are light-hearted, and this game hands you guns and over-the-top foes to duke it out with. The setting is meant to be pretty over-the-top, with the possibility for everything from Kaiju, to Cyber-Assassins, to dragons! If you’re interested in a game you can try for very little investment, this game might be what you’re looking for.

[hellothetutorshelp-blog]

Biology Exam Help

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[blepworld2]

Tailoring Your Pup's Diet: Dog Foods for Weight Loss

Welcome to Blep World, where we prioritize the health and happiness of your furry friend above all else. If your dog is carrying a few extra pounds or struggling with weight management, you're in the right place. In this guide, we'll explore the best dog foods for weight loss, helping your pup shed those excess pounds and regain vitality and vigor. Let's embark on this journey together and set your furry friend on the path to a healthier, happier life.

Understanding Canine Obesity

Before diving into the specifics of dog foods for weight loss, it's crucial to understand the factors contributing to canine obesity. Just like humans, dogs can become overweight or obese due to a combination of factors, including overfeeding, lack of exercise, genetic predisposition, and underlying health issues. Obesity in dogs can lead to a myriad of health  problems, including joint pain, decreased mobility, diabetes, heart disease, and reduced lifespan.

The Role of Nutrition in Weight Management

When it comes to weight loss for dogs, nutrition plays a pivotal role. Feeding your pup a balanced diet that is low in calories but rich in essential nutrients is essential for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Look for dog foods that are formulated specifically for weight management, with reduced calorie content and increased fiber to promote satiety and prevent overeating.

Choosing the Right Dog Food for Weight Loss

When selecting dog food for weight loss, opt for products that prioritize quality ingredients and optimal nutrition without compromising on taste. Look for recipes that feature lean proteins, such as chicken, turkey, or fish, as the primary ingredient, as well as wholesome grains and fiber-rich vegetables to promote digestive health and keep your pup feeling full and satisfied.

Key Features to Look For

●       Low-Calorie Formulation: Choose dog foods that are specifically formulated for weight management and have a reduced calorie content compared to standard formulas.

●       High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for products made with premium, natural ingredients and free from artificial additives, fillers, and preservatives.

●       Balanced Nutrition: Ensure that the dog food provides complete and balanced nutrition, with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall health and well-being.

●       Satiety and Digestive Support: Look for recipes that contain added fiber, such as beet pulp or pumpkin, to promote feelings of fullness and support healthy digestion.

●       Gradual Transition: When switching your dog to a new weight loss diet, introduce the new food gradually over several days to prevent digestive upset and allow your pup to adjust to the new diet.

Monitoring Your Dog's Progress :

●       As you embark on your dog's weight loss journey, it's essential to monitor their progress closely and make adjustments as needed. 

●       Keep track of your dog's weight, body condition score, and energy levels, and consult with your veterinarian regularly to ensure that you're on the right track.

●       With dedication, patience, and the right nutrition, you can help your pup achieve a healthy weight and enjoy a happier, more active life.

Ready to help your pup shed those extra pounds and reclaim its vitality? Explore BLEP World's collection of dog foods for weight loss and discover the perfect meals to support your furry friend's health and well-being. With our nutritious, delicious recipes, your pup will be on its way to a healthier weight and a happier life in no time. Shop now and give your dog the gift of optimal health with BLEP World! Here are some of the custom product collections that you can customize as per your pet’s requirements. Below are some custom-pack pet food options for your reference:

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●       Streamlined Ordering Process: With BLEP World's Easy Bundle, ordering your pet's favorite foods has never been easier. Our user-friendly interface allows you to customize your bundle based on your pet's preferences and dietary needs. Simply select the products you want to include in your cart, choose the quantity you wish to order and then let us take care of the rest. As BLEP World helps you and ensure that your pet never runs out of their favorite healthy and nutritive food packs. And if you wish to try their dog food trail pack available in india. Then it’s a must try for your dogs daily food intake. If you wish to shop these pet foods online then you can find it at fresh dog food trial pack in India. If you are looking to purchase these customized pet’s needs.

●       Customizable Options: One of the key features of our pet food pack is its flexibility and customization options. As per your pet's preference our pet food pack allows you to mix and match products to create the perfect meal plan for your furry friend. Choose from a wide range of premium pet foods, treats, broths and trail packs. All carefully selected to meet the highest standards of quality and nutrition. Then it’s a must try for your dogs daily food intake. If you wish to shop these pet foods online then you can find it at fresh dog food trial pack in India. If you are looking to purchase these customized pet’s needs.

●       Convenient Delivery: Say goodbye to last-minute trips to the pet store and heavy bags of pet food. As BLEP World's pet food pack, get delivered right to your doorstep as per your order plan on their website. We at BLEP World ensures that you always have everything you need to keep your pet happy and healthy. Then it’s a must try for your dogs daily food intake. If you wish to shop these pet foods online then you can find it at fresh dog food trial pack in India. If you are looking to purchase these customized pet’s needs.

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Apart from the best dog food available in India, there are many other options in terms of pet food like fresh dog food trial packs. Then either it is chicken broths for dogs or paneer dog food there is no other brand better than BLEP to cater your pet food demands in a right way. As it is known for providing the best dog food in india or the best pet food available online which that you can explore on their website

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[the-firebird69]

According to your religion if you score like that you become a fanatic and they were made by us and that's the riders and they can go now and people who eat part of them becomes a fanatic against us and they don't talk about it. And we haven't heard of anybody doing it yet and they're trying to and they fight over it and that's why Trump operated on her son but he failed and it's time to repay him and a ball injury needs to be operated on and he doesn't have the ability to heal that either cuz people don't care for his nuts and by the way it applies to Sarah too and there's a bunch of women even Alicia and Tricia who are human who has swallowed his genetic material somehow quite a bit quite often they have a taste and maybe poor old Dave here digested it in the inner sanctum

Thor Freya

I think I can answer the question I'm now considered to be a fanatic in my own mind

Terry c

Olympus

[im-having-a-gender-crisis]

I took the RAADS-R test along side my mom today. Here's some noteworthy things that happened

She freaked out over her "high score" of 78

She told me I don't stim (???) because stimming is "hitting your head and rocking back and forth" which, like ma'am. You are a school teacher. You should know better

Told me my Misophonia (strong aversion to certain sounds) is not the same thing as sensory overload

Told me that just because my older brother has autism and my dad is getting tested, doesn't mean I have it. Which is true, it's not certain I do have it. But autism is genetic so them both having it should have made her believe me more instead of less? But whatever

She straight up did not believe my score of 218 was legit. She thought I made up some answers to get a higher score.

Told me that the only thing that reminded her of me when she took the test was the question about needing to talk about my special interests no matter if anyone wants to hear about it or not. Which kind of hurt my feelings because like yea I know I'm annoying about the shows I like. But youre telling me you only noticed that but not the selective mutism or the stimming or me preferring textures over taste? The collections and touch aversions and copying dialogue from shows didn't tip you off at all? Go off I guess

[joseywritesng]

Genetic 'taste score' could help us eat healthier and reduce disease risk

Genetic ‘taste score’ could help us eat healthier and reduce disease risk

June 29, 2022 – Addicted to cookies? Can’t stand broccoli? You may be able to blame Mom and Dad. That’s because our taste preferences are influenced by our genes. And this may play an important role in shaping our food choices and, in turn, our health, according to early research findings presented at this year’s annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. “Our genetic predisposition to…

[ladykissingfish]

drunk Akatsuki hc? 🥺

Ask and ye shall receive! ((Sorry it took so long to get to/finish this. Also get the nagging feeling I did a post very similar to this before but 🤷🏽‍♀️ piss poor memory so))

Drinking with the Akatsuki

Kakuzu

Takes a lot to get him drunk; his alcohol tolerance is pretty damn high. And when he does reach that point, he becomes … very unlike himself. Friendly, smiling, and extremely loose with his precious money. Kakuzu being drunk is the best time to ask him for an advance on your pay, or a personal loan. Another bonus: drunk Kakuzu is storytime Kakuzu. When he’s sober, the others don’t really like listening to his stories because they’re all boring as hell, and are usually centered around some point that he’s trying to nag everyone on. But drunk Kakuzu, well, he’ll tell you about brawls, dangerous stunts he pulled when he was a kid, sometimes even old lovers. He can keep the rest of the Akatsuki enraptured for hours with his intoxicated tales. The morning after a night of drinking is a different tale, though. He’ll remember loaning money to people and hunt them down to make sure that know they have to pay him back, and he’ll deny like crazy any story tidbits that the others bring up to him. Will also go through several pots of pure black coffee in an effort to de-hangover himself more quickly.

Pein

The Pein bodies don’t drink, but Nagato will, very rarely. Beer is his drink of choice, and he’ll opt for foreign rather than domestic. He’s not really the type to get full-on drunk (no matter what he’s the Leader and he carries himself as such), rather he’ll just get slightly tipsy. If he gets tipsy enough he’ll rant a bit to whoever’s closest about pain, and the unfairness of life, and anything else that would put a downer on happy drinkers’ moods. He always hopes that the alcohol will help him to sleep (he’s a horrible insomniac) but most times it just gives him a slight headache while leaving him wide-wake and dry-mouthed.

Hidan

Nobody wants to be around this guy when he’s had too much to drink, because the normally violent Hidan becomes even more so after hitting the booze. He’ll be willing to take on any and everyone, from teenagers to old men. And being immortal doesn’t help matters any; he could literally get torn limb from limb and his mouth would still be taunting his opponents with “Is that the best ya got, bastard??” Drinking also brings out his creative side when it comes to his human sacrifices and Jashin rituals; he’ll think up new (and horrible) ways to torment and kill his victims. Is the type to finally, FINALLY just completely pass out after reaching his final tolerance point, and the others will (reluctantly) drag him to his room and put him in his bed. Not many are willing to do this, however, as most times before he passes out he’ll have stripped himself completely naked.

Tobi

An emotional drunk. Gets sad and cries over practically anything. And it doesn’t take much to get him tanked, either; his tolerance level is embarrassingly low and he’ll be ready to sob after just a couple of glasses of wine. Tobi tries to avoid drinking when he can because he knows there’s a good chance of him dropping his persona and letting the others see Obito Uchiha. In fact this HAS happened a few times, where he’a taken off his mask and everything; fortunately for him the others were so gone that the next day they either didn’t remember, or believed that had just imagined the whole thing. Likes to soothe himself by slurring sad love songs at the top of lungs, joined most frequently by Deidara and Hidan. Will also drunkenly stuff his face with meats, which is a complete opposite from his sweet-loving sober self. He can throw down a dozen burgers when boozed up, the results of which will likely be in puddles all over the floor the next day. Will go to his bed and turn around in circles a bunch of times, like a dog, before finally going to sleep. “Tobi” will be the quietest he’s ever been the next day, as he fights a massive headachy hangover.

Konan

For being such a thin, delicate girl, Konan can hold her liquor right up there with the likes of Kakuzu and Kisame. One might never even know that she’s drunk to begin with; she walks perfectly straight, doesn’t slur her words, has almost perfect reflexes and normal mannerisms. One thing always gives her away, however; drunk Konan is hungry Konan. Under normal circumstances the little lady sticks to a healthy diet and isn’t one for over-indulging in anything. One shot or beer too many, and suddenly the gloves are off. Konan will make pizza, hotdogs, gigantic sundaes, cakes and pies … and devour almost all of it. She’ll share with the others if asked … but most times she’s eaten so much that there’s not much left to share. When she’s finally had her fill, she’ll go to bed … and wake up feeling sick as a dog the next morning. After the nausea passes, she’ll force herself to go for a long run or walk, no matter how much her head may be aching, in order to work off her excessive calorie intake.

Zetsu

Zetsu doesn’t drink, because alcohol interferes with his plant genetics, acting as literal poison to his system. But he enjoys being around the others when they’re drunk, to see the different types of personalities that emerge. Likes to hang around Hidan in particular, as the man’s sacrifices pick up significantly when he’s drunk, meaning Zetsu has more of a smorgasbord of leftovers to pick from

Sasori

As a puppet, Sasori doesn’t drink. But when he was a human, it was a different story. He turned himself into a non-human at a very young age, much younger, of course, than would have been the legal drinking age. But his grandmother kept a variety of wines in their home, and when she was away, he liked to pour himself a glass. Always only a single glass; he was intelligent enough both to know that his grandmother would notice if any larger of a quantity was missing, and, already dabbling in making poisons at this point, he understood the concept of “tolerance” better than most. But the single glass was enough; it seemed to comfort him during those nights when he was missing his mother and father. The wine also served as a brain-opener for him, of sorts: it was over wine that he first got the idea of turning himself into a puppet.

Deidara

Being young and so slender, and not having much experience with alcohol before joining the Akatsuki, the blonde is a bit of a light-weight when it comes to the hooch. He doesn’t really care for beers or ales (he compares the taste to “cat-piss”) and instead goes for the fruity mixed drinks that don’t SEEM that strong … until you’ve had about three or four, and they put you on your ass. Deidara becomes very lovey-dovey when drunk, and not just in a romantic sense. Alcohol makes everyone in the world his friend, and he’s suddenly interested in what others have to say about life and art. He’s even nice to Itachi, going so far as to hug him and tell him that he smells good, something that he will vehemently deny the next day. He’ll go to Sasori and cling to him and gush about how he appreciates his friendship and his guidance, until Sasori gets tired of him and tells him to go to sleep. Deidara can get to his room on his own, but once the door closes, he’s more likely to pass out on the floor than in his own bed. Also, if he didn’t think to tie up his long hair beforehand, he’ll be in for a nasty, messy surprise when he inevitably wakes up to vomit at some point.

Itachi

Itachi isn’t one to ever let himself lose control of his senses, no matter the situation. Therefore, if he’s drinking with the others, he’ll stick to one or two beers or a single shot before cutting himself off for the evening. He plays much of a “mom” role in the group, making sure the others are okay, lending a shoulder to cry on for the emotional drunks, and, if they’re out somewhere, making sure everyone gets home safe and sound. On the rare, RARE occasions he drinks by himself, and lets go of his hesitation, he’s just as emotional a drinker as Tobi (which is quite possibly an Uchiha trait). He’ll cry into his pillow, he’ll sit and lament over the choices he’s made in life. Sometimes he’ll find and put on the saddest song or movie he can think of, just so he has something to get emotional over. Although this sounds bad, this is actually a helpful bit of therapy for him, as it allows him to release emotions that he normally keeps bottled up. He’ll end a night of solo drinking with a cup of tea, then go quietly to bed, sleeping like a rock until the sun comes up and things go back to normal.

Kisame

Right up there with Kakuzu as being a guy that can hold his liquor like a champ. In fact his ability to do so has won him many drinking challenges at bars, as well as a formidable reputation as “one bad ass son of a bitch”. It also helps him confidence-wise; normally the half-shark is very reserved and keeps to himself, as he feels that his appearance is off-putting and scary to “normal” people. But alcohol loosens him up and gets him talking, and being bold, and many people find this switch in personality to be highly attractive. Ladies especially take notice of his smile, his eyes … and his muscles. He even scores several phone numbers from interested parties … but by the time he’s sober again, he never follows through with calling anyone. Also helps Itachi in that he keeps an eye on the others when they drink, to make sure that they’re safe.

[cbdweedblog]

Most Popular Weed Strains in California

In the modern age of marijuana, there is no shortage of strains to choose from. And some of the world’s best genetics are coming straight from California. Remember when you had to travel all the way to Amsterdam just to score some decent bud? Since cannabis decriminalization began in the USA, Californian genetics have given the Dutch some serious competition. Indica, sativa, hybrid, diesel, cookies, cheese, the list is endless. The only downside is that when there are too many choices, it’s hard to make a decision.

While all cannabis strains originate from the same plant, it is important to note each strain is unique in and of itself. Each strain - Sativa, Indica, and hybrid - will produce very different effects. So, it’s helpful to learn about the individual strains so you can choose the best one for your session’s set and setting.  So here they are!

Gelato Strain

When we hear gelato we think of delicious ice cream, and this new strain of gelato weed is no different when it comes to delicious taste. Gelato strain has a solid impact on the palate that delivers a sweet, pleasurable sensation.

The gelato strain is taking the cannabis industry by storm and there have been many different types released so far, it has become renowned for its powerful yet unique feels when ingested, vaped or smoked.

It gives a well-balanced experience and doesn’t give the user a crashing feeling at the end of the high, it has a citrusy look, smell and taste.

White Runtz Strain

When classic strains come together to create an entirely new bud, cannabis lovers often think they’ve hit the holy grail of weed. The cross between Zkittlez and Gelato is no exception, as the secretive breeding group Runtz has created a winner with White Runtz. Evenly balanced and full of flavor, this strain will easily make your list of all-time favorites.

Although there are plenty of strains on the market with much higher THC levels, White Runtz is no slouch with her 23% average. Nugs are very large and feature a forest green tone with pistils that take on a reddish-orange coloration. Trichomes are small and white yet are blanketed rather thickly on each bud. Both flavors and aromas are similar when it comes to White Runtz, as a sweet and sour fruity note makes you think of candy with a slight hint of earth.

Pink Runtz Strain

Pink Runtz is a hybrid marijuana strain and a phenotype of the original Runtz, which crosses Zkittlez with Gelato pink runtz weed strain for sale near me. The hype around this strain has been firmly established – and for good reason. Pink Runtz features an aroma that is sweet and fruity like candy. This strain produces uplifting effects that are known to be long-lasting. Growers say Pink Runtz is distinguished by an extremely dense bud structure with dark green-to-purple hues.

Lemon Tree Strain

Lemon Tree, also known as “Lemon Tree Kush,” is a balanced hybrid marijuana strain made by crossing Lemon Skunk with Sour Diesel lemon tree weed strain for sale. Lemon Tree features a robust flavor profile that tastes like fresh lemons with undertones of diesel. Lemon Tree provides happy, relaxing effects that can be euphoric. Medical marijuana patients choose this strain to help relieve symptoms associated with inflammation and chronic pain.

Lava Cake Strain

Lava Cake, also known as “Lava Cake #11” is a super rare indica dominant hybrid strain created through crossing the delicious Grape Pie X Thin Mint Cookies strains. Named for its super delicious flavor, Lava cake strain packs a sweet and chocolaty taste with a slightly minty fruity exhale into each and every toke. The aroma is just as delectable, with fruity pine and nutty herbs galore. Lava Cake packs a super relaxing high that’s perfect for inspiring thoughtful reflection before bed at the end of a long and stressful day. You’ll feel a light lift at the onset of the high, filling you with a touch of cerebral energy and pure euphoria. This energy quickly subsides, replaced by creative thought and introspection as your body begins to settle into a deeply relaxing physical state. You won’t feel sedated in this state, but rather totally at ease with the world around you. In combination with its moderately high 15-18% average THC level, these effects are said to be perfect for treating chronic pain, nausea or appetite loss, migraines or headaches and chronic stress. 

London Pound Cake Strain

Some cannabis strains proliferate the web while others remain a bit reclusive. Cookies is one of the more well-known producers in California, but many of their genetics remain a mystery. London Pound Cake 75 is one of those reclusive strains that people seem to love. A decadent strain name paired with frosty photogenic qualities and Cookies brand hype has grabbed many people’s attention. London Pound Cake Strain

Outside of Cookies HQ, nobody really knows what London Pound Cake’s genetics are. A lot of different sources speculate that it’s a Sunset Sherbet cross of some kind, but it’s hard to verify. What isn’t hard to verify is the strain’s eye-catching looks. It has dense elongated buds with deep purple highlights and trichomes that practically drip off the leaves.

Sherblato Strain

Sherblato is a rare sativa dominant hybrid strain created through a delicious combination of the infamous SherbetX Gelato strains. Named for its super delicious flavor, Sherblato brings on the super fruity tastes with a slightly sour tropical citrus exhale with each and every toke. The aroma follows the same profile, although with a gassy pungent overtone that has a touch of nutty cookie to it. The Sherblato high is just as delightful as the flavor, with stoney effects that will have you kicking back in deep introspection after just a few tokes. The high starts in the head with a relaxing lift that fills your mind with happy, unfocused thoughts before letting it slip away into blissful oblivious haze. As your mind settles further and further, your body will begin to fade away, too, leaving you totally stoned both mentally and physically and incredibly happy about it. Thanks to these effects and its high 21-22% average THC level, Sherblato is said to be perfect for treating conditions such as chronic pain, migraines or headaches and chronic stress or anxiety.

Skywalker Strain

Skywalker is a popular strain across the United States, a hybrid with an even 50:50 sativa/indica ratio. Its THC levels top off at about 15 percent, making this an average to below-average strain in terms of potency. But it makes up for that with its mellow body high and mental clarity, plus a pleasing aroma and flavor. It’s a cross of Blueberry and Mazar-I-Sharif, both famous strains in their own right. The high is mostly relaxed, with euphoria and a mood boost. This is a good strain for insomnia, as well as anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, migraines, and PMS. It’s particularly effective at pain relief. Dry mouth and red eyes are likely, while other adverse effects are much more limited. The taste of this strain is pungent and sweet, with earthy tones. Skywalker is most commonly found on the West Coast, in Arizona, and in Colorado. But it’s relatively easy to find on any legal market, as well as the black market in many parts of the country. The indica stress relief of this versatile strain makes it a good choice for patients looking for a break.

Slurricane Strain

Slurricane is a slightly indica dominant hybrid strain (60% indica/40% sativa) created through a potent cross of the delicious Do-Si-Dos X Purple Punch strains. If you’re an indica lover who appreciates a super flavorful toke and a potent punch of effects, look no further – Slurricane will totally have you dazed with its delicious combination. This bud packs a super sweet fruity berry flavor accented by spicy tropical fruits and earth upon exhale. The aroma takes a pungent turn, with a spicy earthy overtone that’s accented by herbs and berries. The Slurricane high settles in a few minutes after your first delicious exhale, creeping up on the back of your head with tingly effects before suddenly taking hold. You’ll feel a soaring euphoria grow and grow, filling you with an expansive happiness that pushes out any negative thoughts. A potent body high comes next, lulling you into a completely couch-locked state that has you totally immovable for hours and hours on end. Thanks to these effects and its super potent 20-28% average THC level, Slurricane is the perfect choice for treating patients suffering from migraines or headaches, chronic pain, cramps or muscle spasms and chronic fatigue.

Cherry Pie Strain

Cherry Pie, sometimes known as Cherry Kush, is a popular and potent indica-leaning hybrid. This strain is a cross between flavor-packed indica Grandaddy Purple and strong sativa Durban Poison, and it offers smokers some of the best characteristics of both parent strains Cherry pie weed strain for sale near me. Cherry Pie’s balanced and mind-expanding high is enjoyable in a wide variety of settings. This versatility, along with the strain’s tart and fruity taste, has made it a staple in dispensaries nationwide. Cannabis testing lab Analytical 360 has tested multiple samples of Cherry Pie flower and has found consistently high levels of THC, with an average of about 20%.

Crescendo Strain

Crescendo is an indica dominant hybrid strain (70% indica/30% sativa) created through crossing the infamous I-95 X Chemdawg X Mandarin Cookies strains. Named for the musical term, Crescendo brings on a high that builds and builds until you hit the point of pure happiness and ease. The high comes on with a creeping effect, slowly seeping its way into both mind and body with an expansive happiness, filling you with a tingly lifted effect that has you feeling as light as air. A sense of euphoria accompanies this tingle, leaving you giddy and giggle at times. A relaxing body high accompanies this lifted state, helping your physical form stay anchored as your mind flies higher and higher. With these effects and its insanely high 30-35% average THC level, Crescendo is often chosen to treat conditions such as chronic pain, depression, chronic stress or anxiety, insomnia and mood swings. Crescendo buds have oversized bright neon green fluffy spade-shaped nugs with long thin orange hairs and a thick frosty coating of tiny white crystal trichomes. As you pull apart each sparkling little nugget, aromas of sweet woods and chemicals are released with a touch of berry, too. The flavor is on the sweeter side, with ripe berries and sweet woods dancing across your tongue.

#cannabis #stonerfam #legalizeIt #weedmob 

#CannaFam just a lil vid of what's goin on in onea ma tents. @SproutBoxx @CoastalMaryVan #CanadianCannabis #GrowOrganics #WeedLovers #growyourown #GaiaGreen #GroTek #Mmemberville #CannabisCommunity #Weedmob

#Weedmob #cannabisculture #WeedLovers #Mmemberville #cannabisusa #Weed  #growyourown #420community #CannabisCommunity #cannabisindustry

[stvpidinlove]

[ HIRAI MOMO, SHE/HER, CIS WOMAN ]  —  [ MAYUMI ISHIDA ]  is a child of  [ HYPNOS ]  with the power of  [ ONEIROKINESIS & SLEEP CONNECTION ] .  they were born in  [ 1997 ]  and have been in nemean lion since  [ 2012 ] .  with the change, they  [ HAVE GRADUATED FROM ]  the  [ HERO ]  role which makes sense since they’re usually  [ TAKING IMPROMPTU NAPS & SNACKING ON SWEETS ] .  if you’d like to meet them try the  [ MOON ]  building .

shocking news me taking a momo char

BASICS

hometown: hatagaya, tokyo, japan

eye color: brown

hair color: brown

height: 5′6

sexuality: bisexual

birthday: june 30, 1997 ( cancer )

BIO

mayumi was raised by ~free spirits, so the fact that her father wasn’t her birth father was a complete non-issue. her mother was raising her alone until mayumi was three, when her parents met, and eventually they got married and started raising her together. they ended up having a son, who mayumi has always considered a full brother.

her parents started a cafe together when she was around ten, which is still their full time job today. at some point, it morphed into a cat cafe and mayumi started helping out when she was in high school. but her parents didn’t ask her for a lot of help because mostly she just ate on the job and wasn’t super attentive with customers, and it was cutting into her time to do schoolwork (which she often forgot about).

call it a familial trait, but mayumi has always loved sleeping. there are few things she loves more than sleeping, except maybe eating snacks, and she’s super good at it! the only downside is she’s a heavy sleeper and she’s always struggled with getting up, so she has to set like 10 alarms.

it wasn’t until she was a teenager that she realized not everyone can control their dreams with such ease, 100% of the time. even after that, she thought she was just a vivid dreamer. mayumi didn’t realize she could link the dreams of other people until recently, way after she came to nl.

when the attacks started...mayumi didn’t think much of it. which she realized was weird but for some reason she felt prepared, like she was training in her sleep, or someone was giving her warnings and telling her how to defend herself. she was kind of clumsy, normally, and the monsters were definitely scary, but somehow she always managed to fight back and escape mostly unscathed.

her parents, for as open-minded as they were, had different thoughts! they wanted her as far away from tokyo as possible, thinking their city was the problem. but they did more of the necessary research and found nemean lion, which they knew would keep their daughter safe and also teach her more than she was learning at school thus far.

highkey she was a trash student and dreading entrance exams because there was a good chance that her scores would be tragic and she’d find it difficult to get into a university

so that’s when she came to nemean lion the end

RANDOM FACTS

mayumi is heavily inspired by usagi tsukino because i missed writing her and i think i’m valid for that

she has synesthesia, more specifically lexical-gustatory synesthesia, which basically means she can taste and smell words, whether spoken or written. and since she’s bilingual, and has been for most of her life, this affects her in both english and japanese. but other languages won’t trigger any response! this is genetic on her mother’s side, which different variations of synesthesia presenting in her family tree for generations

for whatever reason, mayumi is a natural fighter so following the hero route made the most sense to her, though she thinks it’s pretty funny thinking of herself in such terms

you would probably assume mayumi is good at baking or at least making coffee but <3 no

luvs to cry, top hobby #2

is it possible to be the baby friend and a mom friend at the same time

POSSIBLE CONNECTIONS

people who want to experience dream connection together :))) she is aggressively searching for applicants so she can practice!

if anyone else has other sailor soldier vibes....Hello

she loves video games but she’s not that good and also not very competitive, she just wants to play and she loves arcades! so anyone who wants to play stupid games with her ty for ur patronage

nosy af......not gonna be peeping at anyone’s dreams recreationally but sometimes she’ll be tempted. will force her way into lots of situations especially if someone seems to be in trouble!!

she’s really friendly, will talk to anyone!

[nitewrighter]

62 McSombra

62. Lazy Morning Kisses Before They’ve Even Opened Their Eyes, Still Mumbling Half-Incoherently, Not Wanting To Wake Up

----

She seems so small in the crook of his arm that he can almost forget what an asshole she can be when she’s awake, the way her words can fill a room, fill his head, turn his world upside-down. The reason computer viruses are called viruses, she’s explained to him, is because organic viruses themselves are little more than lines of code, genetic code, but code, designed to take root and rewrite and destroy the pre-existing functions of a system. He can feel a small portion of her own logic has wormed its way into his own mind--he was always the wary sort, but her paranoia and the solid intelligence it stems from is another thing entirely. And she’s one more voice in his head--not Reyes calling him an ingrate when he fucks up, but questioning, questioning, questioning goddamn everything. It’s exhausting, but it’s gotten him out of binds. And gotten him into binds. That’s just how she’s like.

Her nostrils flare and her brow furrows slightly and he wonders what she dreams about. She’s scared, he knows that. He knows she’s a lot more scared than she’s willing to let on--she can’t let on how scared she is, she’s built up too much of herself, clawed through too much shit to let the fear consume her now, but there is a fear in her that scares him, because so much of it is beyond his ken and yet none of it is unfounded. He wonders if he knows the the things she knows, if he would just shut down. He studies her expressions as she sleeps. a tug at the corner of her mouth, the twitch of an inner corner of one eyebrow, the brightness of the neural implants scoring her scalp, glowing and fading with her breath.

He’s not sure if it’s that same wariness, that same fear that makes her eyes open. There’s an easiness in the motion, the slow sliding of her eyelids paired with another, calmer, soft inhale through the nostrils. Her eyes are half-lidded at him, and he can’t seem to summon the sleepiness back to his own expression to offset the sharpness of his own eye contact with her.

“What are you staring at?” Of course she manages to be a little shit first thing in the morning.

“You,” his answer is unconscious, automatic, he likes annoying her with obvious answers, “You’re nice to look at.”

“I know,” she says, closing her eyes again with a smug smirk before snuggling against his shoulder.

A short breath puffs out of him. She runs warmer than most on account of her modifications, and he can feel the gossamer layer of semi-dried sweat that envelops his skin just from having her in his arms all night. He stares at the ceiling for a few seconds.

“This is nice,” he says quietly.

“Mm-hmm,” she nuzzles at the point where his neck meets his shoulder.

“Wouldn’t mind doing this for a while...” he muses, “Not having the ol’ internal clock eternally fucked by orca-lag.”

“...is this going to turn into another ‘Sombra, I don’t want to watch you die for that highfalutin eye conspiracy of yours, run away with me and I’ll dick you down forever’ talks?’”

“No,” his voice is thick with defensiveness.

“Yes it is.”

“When the hell have I ever used the words, ‘Dick down?’” 

“I love how you can’t argue with the ‘highfalutin’ part.”

He scoffs and brings his arm in, pulling her tight against his side, still staring at the ceiling. 

“So you are thinking about it,” she says softly, trailing her fingers over his collarbone.

“Hard not to.”

“I know what I’m doing.”

“That’s what scares me.” 

She hefts her upper torso up onto his chest, forcing a short breath out of him with the weight. Those purple eyes are staring into him.

“I’m just saying, you... You don’t... have to do this,” he says, unable to make eye contact.

She trails a hand down the side of his face before kissing him, gentle, then deep, the taste of her tongue sour from sleep and lovemaking. “I don’t think I’d be the person you love if I stopped now,” she says as she pulls away.

A new alertness floods into him. “I don’t love you because you’re on a gotdang death drive to bring these eye fuckers down!” he huffs, “And for the record, I’m sick of you acting like people are idiots for giving a shit about you! You’re worth giving a shit about, Olivia!”

He can feel every muscle in her body tense against him at the use of her real name. “I--” he sighs, “Look--”

“...I don’t think I’m going to die going against them,” Sombra says quietly.

“What?” McCree’s mouth twists with confusion, “But you’re always goin’ on about how dangerous these guys are, and how they can come at any time, and....”

“They are dangerous,” Sombra says quietly, “But...” she smooths his hair back tentatively, “I’ve got you.”

He blinks a few times. “...thought you said I was a liability.”

“You are a liability,” Sombra isn’t making eye contact, “You just... also... happen to be a contingency.”

“I’m a contingency?” There’s a chuckle in his voice.

“Don’t get smug about it,” she says, laying her cheek against his chest, “I just know what you can do. I know you can watch my back. I know you can survive when shit hits the fan.” 

 “...can the contingency ask you to... not do the scary pursuit of the evil murder-y eye guys so you can run away together and he can dick you down forever?” 

She lifts her head to give him a very weary look.

“Worth a shot,” McCree manages to shrug with her weight on his chest.

“Don’t say ‘dick down,” says Sombra, laying her head down and closing her eyes again.

“You said ‘dick down’ first,” mutters McCree, wrapping his arms around her.

[ocular-intercourse]

every once in a while, i am remembered that i should probably nail down what exactly is in the realm of possibilities with the enhancements in the gyoverse

is the process government regulated, or more of a talent thing, the way anybody can learn how to draw with enough patience? I think it’s a mixture of both, people are not forbidden to gain certain abilities, you literally can’t keep it from happening, those are just things that can develop naturally when a person has the right mindset, but it’s also a dangerous process if certain levels are reached and things go wrong, so the government tries to keep certain levels.. I guess certified? At the very least registered. If you gain a certain amount of power you will be observed.

So there are two areas of use: personal & professional life.

In personal life a person can develop certain helpful abilities, imagine a fisherman training himself without trying to a point of being able to sense the location of fishes in the water. It’s very close to people in our world who just get very very skilled in their labor and get the ability to do specific things simply by experience (the way people in food stores can eyeball the weight of a specific item and be 100% right). Those are not particularly ‘powerful’ per se, more little every day helpers that might not even entirely get recognized as an enhancement. A lot of these abilities are inherited, but that might be less of a genetic thing and more grounded in the upbringing, environment, and education, one person teaching their skills and experiences to the next generation and them developing these enhancements themselves.

Then there’s professional life especially in jobs that are highly competitive, because everybody wants to be the best they can be in their field so naturally they would use any tools they can get their hands on. The biggest example of course is the army. The country with the strongest soldiers wins, so there have been raised standards and whoever cannot reach them loses by default. Hence the imperial army usually weeding out people with insufficient talent for the enhancements (thembo supreme raime being an exception). A whole nation selecting and breeding for the ultimate warriors at all times. There have been certain Levels established, a class of soldiers with Level A, Level B, Level C (those are not the actual names I’m still workshopping here), each with stronger abilities than the last. I imagine there are tests, either on set dates, or evaluations a person can apply for, to be moved to the next class (and get more pay and status). These Levels of evaluating a person’s capabilities can vary from job to job. A soldier with Level B would probably score lower in a scientific, research-based field, it’s all depending on how good you are at the enhancements that are useful for your job. (Army standard’s being pretty much universally accepted as the most powerful and useful skillsets and therefore valued the most)

Now this feels like a JRPG leveling system. My character’s skillset scores are Army Level C, Medicine Level A and Barter Level B+. (Now I’m picturing Trading Cards with your favorite Soldiers. Noor has one and every skill is at S cause propaganda. Gyo’s is a lot of S with worse scores in anything communicative, also S+ in immortality)

But what are the basic and less basic abilities a soldier can gain?

At base level are physical enhancements. More stamina, more strength, more agility, general healthiness (better immune system, faster gradual healing).

Followed by your base senses of smell, taste, sight, hearing and feeling. Later Levels of this ability include higher control, shutting down some senses or enhancing only one.

A little bit more difficult are things that need tighter control. The ability to influence your digestion, your blood flow, your oxygen intake. You can go longer on less food and air, you can slow your bleeding down, or trigger adrenaline rushes at will.

The next step is adding supernatural senses. The ability to feel the presence of other people, even at a distance and out of sight. The more trained you are in this area the better the feel is you get on the person and their intent. You cannot read minds, but you can certainly feel anger or admiration, general feelings or moods.

The next step is learning how to hide these things in yourself. These can cancel each other out depending on who is involved. A person that is good at hiding their intent can not hide it as well if the other person is better at seeing people’s intent than they are at hiding it.

The next step would be considered elemental magic by most standards. You can create a spark of flame, a bit of fluid, a gust of wind. These will most likely not be impressive flame thrower like attacks or anything, but can be practical here or there.

Also magical but more difficult, and mostly requires the student of this direction to split from developing other enhancements to concentrate solely on this area to be effective: healing magic. Gyo for example has mostly ignored healing magic, he can keep wounds shut enough to keep someone from losing blood but he cannot close them entirely, while Noor chose to stop their studies of techniques that would help in fights to focus on learning how to heal and nurture (it’s not only wounds, they can also relieve pain and control infections and other things). To be skilled in both is incredibly difficult and I don’t think it is currently seen. Something must be put on hold to learn other powerful things, so you have to pick and chose what you want to be proficient in. It is also an ability you can only use on others and not yourself, so most soldiers (at least those that get to this point and are therefore most likely power hungry in some way) chose to ignore it for something that helps themselves rather than others.

A similar direction but removed from regular healing magic because that focuses on healing other people while this is entirely self-focused: the next level of the control over your own body, the ability to sustain the body without meeting nutritional needs or rest. Beginners of this Level can go several days without sleep or rest, depending on a.. let’s say amount of ‘spiritual’ energy they have gathered before. They are, in that moment, basically feeding their body’s needs from this energy. The better you are at this, the longer you can go. This Level is only reached by those soldiers, that are willing to focus as much on their intellectual studies as they do on physical training. Many talented soldiers who exceed in fights get frustrated by these requirements. The ultimate Level of Control over your own body is the step Gyo has reached where he entirely halted all aging and is practically immortal, if not killed or dying of an illness. I imagine it has a lot to do with gathering such a vast amount of energy, that you can feed on it indefinitely, because you have learned to gain the energy quicker than you deplete it. There are earlier levels of this ability when you learn how to stretch less energy and slow down your aging instead of halting it completely. (many ppl in or out of the army will try to gain some bits of this ability to prolong their lives, everybody wants to squeeze a bit more out of it if they can) There are varying degrees of aging speed depending on the person’s skill level and energy intake.

The problem, aside from many people not having the mental or physical requirements to begin with, and the fortitude, discipline and patience to stick with it, is that said energy is also extremely volatile. People who begin gathering it often get overwhelmed by moodswings, the energy wanting to get out and presenting itself in any way that is currently available for it to be released by, whether that is physical or psychological. In higher concentrations the amount of energy can be literally corroding if your body and mind are not prepared to handle it. People carrying a large amount of energy can be caught in a bad moment and lose the ability to contain the energy, often with catastrophic consequences, definitely for the person themselves, sometimes for their surroundings too. People on Gyo’s Level are basically walking nukes, he could take out a small town if he ever lost it. Key to get to where Gyo is, is a strong enough anchor, a feeling or a motivation that drives you that is enough to sustain your willpower. (While in universe the idea is more philosophical, trained soldiers being told “think of something that motivates you”, this is more literal than they think. Gyo’s current anchor is wrath, that is why his sword which is known for its gruesome owners, attached itself to him. You could see the wrath as a fingerprint scan, if he did not have it, the sword would not work for him. A person’s anchor can also switch, which Gyo’s will, eventually, to his need to protect, and it will cause trouble with his sword and I assume some of the ways his other abilities have worked for him in the past)

The different Levels soldiers can be classified as are defined by a combination of these abilities, since each of them have multiple levels (from lesser to higher control over your body, stronger elemental magic and so on). So, to reach Level A you need Skill A Ability Score 1, Skill B Ability Score 1, Skill C Ability Score 1 while reaching a higher Level requirement might look more like Skill A Ability Score 2 Skill B Ability Score 3 Skill C Ability Score 6. So, a test that would allow you to reach the next Level would test how high your Ability Scores in each Skill are and see where that lands you. So even if your Levels are Skill A Ability Score 6 and Skill B Ability Score 6 if you do not have Ability Score 6 in Skill C you will not reach that higher Level. Gyo probably has all Skills maxed out (except healing but that one is counted separately since the army knows most soldiers will not reach high Ability Scores here).

But like I said, this Grade System is army specific. In another job field requirements might look more for skills that help you read and retain information faster, or specialize in reading other people and putting pleasant emotions out there to influence others.

This also explains Raime’s situation. While they are, from birth on, unable to gain these things that count as army recognized enhancements, they have an ability more on par with those private uses that develop naturally through talent and repetition. They DO technically have enhancements, but they are exclusively social, enhanced emotional intelligence if you will. The ability to read people, not the way the army enhancement works where it is basically a  supernatural sense you gain, but more through being able to instinctively read faces and voices and putting together what that means rather than sensing it. 

I don’t think this is entirely a class system based on your Level of enhancements, but typically people with enhancements are respected more, more so if they are high skilled in ‘popular’ fields (a soldier Level A will be more respected than a Scientist Level A). There is definitely a certain pressure to gain certain Levels, especially in higher society. If a first born noble does not gain high army Levels they are considered shameful.

[gloryundimmed]

Stale cigarettes, cheap perfume, and blood. So much damn blood. The metallic scent of the substance overwhelmed me to the point that I could almost taste it, but I didn’t mind. I was used to it. For normal citizens, becoming accustomed to something so horrible would never come to pass, but I’d never know what life as an average citizen would be like. I was created as a weapon— a murderous dog of The Empire. To those like me, blood smelled of home.

Just small whiff could send me back to the laboratories in which I was raised— the place where I honed my skills by killing those of my own kind. Only nine of us could be chosen in the end, meaning my childhood was spent locked in a battle royale. Thousands of technihumans, ultimate beings formulated by scientists to win the Great War, had been bred for the sole purpose of combating one another until only the cream of the crop remained.

The Nine.

I reached out to touch the emblem embedded in the hilt of my bloodied blade. The crest of The Nine inspired fear in the hearts of those who dared resist the will of The Empire, scared that they would end up like the decapitated body before me. Before losing his mind, he had also been a member of The Nine. Lesath. Since we grew up in the same lab cluster, it was no surprise to me that he had been the sixth one of us to be put down for going insane and running from The Empire. As children, I recall that Lesath— or H-538 as he was called then— scored poorly on mental stability tests.

It was a pity to lose one of our best. The nine of us often called him our “sniper genius”, but he always harbored a soft spot for women. I always knew it would be the end of him, and as I stood in the brothel I found him in, endless corpses surrounding me, I couldn’t help but scoff.

“What a fool. Another ugly stain on The Nine’s good name.” I growled, stepping back into another pool of blood as I turned to leave. If Lesath had hidden elsewhere, all the young women surrounding me would still be alive— but he didn’t care about the women themselves. From the very beginning, he only sought the pleasure their bodies could provide.

With a frown, I wiped the remaining droplets of red off of my katana and sheathed it as I walked out of the brothel, Lesath’s sniper rifle on my back. Because of the weapon’s high-tech abilities, my superiors ordered me to recover it. Each of The Nine was given a custom made, cutting-edge weapon upon entering the group based on their specialization, which was chosen during childhood.

In order to survive the all-out battles of our youth, each one of us chose a way to kill the others that came most naturally, and over time, that method became our specialization. For me, the process of choice didn’t take long.

Even as a male, I was smaller than the rest of my peers during childhood. Whatever genetics they used to create me determined I would hit my growth spurt late in adolescence, leaving me at a disadvantage for many of these decisive battles. In my first combat scenario, where we could choose one weapon out of a large collection, I immediately gravitated toward the katana. It was light enough to keep things quick, but not too quick. If I was after nothing but speed, a gun surely would’ve been the best choice, but no gun could instill the same fear as a blade. On the battlefield, fear was far more valuable than any weapon. With a katana, I could make their end slow and torturous or swift and merciful. Because we were created for combat, none of my fellow cluster mates were scared to die— but pain terrified them.

The importance of fear was an easy lesson to learn after cutting someone you had lived with all your life clean in half and watching the eyes of those around you fill with absolute horror. One of them even dropped their weapon and begged for a quick death.

After that, it’s hard to go back.

You find yourself seeking for, no, longing for that same expression in the eyes of others. It is one of the few things you can control in this hellish world. You desire to have every person you meet on their knees before you, trembling and broken as they plead for a death half as cruel as those you have cut into bits and pieces of flesh before their eyes.

But you have never known mercy.

[aurora-australis-tumbles]

I love your ficlets! How about... 47 and 77... for phrack?

Not a Date + In Vino Veritas

Oh friend, you are the best plot bunny and this definitely got away from me. I’m not even sure this IS a ficlet anymore. Sörrynotsorry? 😉

———————

Every year the Melbourne Police Department holds a city-wide competition, open to all officers, which consists of an obstacle course, a test of marksmanship, a written exam, and a real time tactical scenario. And every year the winner of this competition receives a semi-decent plaque and a semi-decent prize, like popular concert tickets or a visit to a spa. This year, it was an exclusive all day wine tasting at the nearby Voigt Winery. Also this year, for the first time ever, there were two winners: Inspector Jack Robinson of City South and Inspector Phryne Fisher of City North both achieved perfect scores. Two plaques were awarded and two vouchers were presented to two detectives who would attend together.

It was not a date.

Inspectors Robinson and Fisher each repeated this statement many times to many colleagues in the weeks leading up to the tasting, as well as the phrases, “we’re just friends” and “shut up.” Their colleagues’ confusion was understandable, though, given that every time said Inspectors were together, their chemistry was beyond obvious, as was the fact they were never, ever planning to do anything about it. They fought and flirted and stood far, far too close to each other and had done for what seemed like forever.

Friends had taken to calling them “The Literal URST” behind their backs.

So by the time the tasting rolled around everyone was very, very clear, courtesy of both Inspectors, that it was not a date.

What it was, was… fun. Really, really fun. They always enjoyed each other’s company, but away from work, they simply enjoyed each other. It was, appropriately, intoxicating.

Also, the wine was good.

Really, really good.

So good, in fact, that by the end of the tasting neither detective was fit to drive home. 

She suggested calling an Uber, but her phone had died and he didn’t have the app on principle. He tried to call a taxi, but that proved fruitless in his inebriated state and eventually they just decided to walk. Together, but only because they were both headed the same way.

Because it was not a date.

Halfway back to her place they came across a playground, and, in her inebriated state, she hopped up on one of the swings, daring him to as well.

He rolled his eyes, but joined her anyway.

It was a very dark night, and as they swung back and forth their eyes inevitably drifted up.

“The stars are very pretty,” she said, her voice a little dreamy.

“Mmmmm,” he agreed earnestly. “I’ve always thought so.”

“Were you interested in the stars growing up?”

He turned to face her as best he could on a moving swing. “Junior Astronomer, 10 years running.”

She laughed in delight and he chuckled with her.

“My dad,” he continued what the wine had begun, “got me into it. We used to go stargazing all the time. He’d get me up at 3am if need be — to see something really special, mind — then drive me straight to school after so I wouldn’t be late.”

“Oh, so the obsessive rule following is genetic,” she determined, smiling fondly at him.

“Must be,” he agreed.

They stayed quiet for a while after that, just swinging in companionable silence.

Until she broke it.

“Why did you never ask me out?” The question was so quiet, he almost didn’t hear it. “We both know there’s something here. Why… why did you never pursue it?”

Jack kept swinging. 

“When I was 15,” he told her quietly, “my dad and I went to Yarra Bluff to see a particularly impressive meteor shower. It was really spectacular that year, Phryne, like the heavens were putting on a light show.” He smiled a little at the memory, before continuing his story.

“We always went to Yarra Bluff for something like that; the views were great. But as we parked the car that night, there were these three old guys leaving. Said they’d heard about another place where the views were even better. Invited us to come with them. But my dad and I… we knew our spot. Decided to stay with what we knew, rather than risk losing it all.” 

He sighed, pumping his legs a little less enthusiastically on the swings. “I guess the cautious nature is genetic too.”

She raised an eyebrow and frowned. “And what am I in this analogy? The bluff?”

He looked up, watching the stars. “You’re the heavens, Phryne. You always were.”

In response, she made a small noise he couldn’t identify, and he risked a glance her way, but she was staring ahead at nothing in particular. “Why didn’t you ask me out?” he inquired with alcohol fueled curiosity.

She smiled sadly. “Oh that’s easy — I thought you’d say no.”

Their swings were slowing down, the moment passing as so many moments between them had passed over the years, when suddenly she looked up sharply.

“Oh, Jack, look!”

It was a shooting star, and Jack knew how rare that was to see through the lights of the city, so he did look up at it, but only for a moment before his attention was back on her.

It always was.

Maybe it was because the walk and the playground and the stars reminded him of his youth, or maybe it was because the wine was really, really good, or maybe it was something else entirely, but for whatever reason when the swings came to rest he came to life, reaching across the small space between them and kissing her, seizing this moment before it was gone. She responded ardently and they wound up tangling limbs and chains in their enthusiasm before a man walking his dog brought them both back to earth.

“For the record,” he said softly, his forehead still touching hers, “this is me saying yes.”

She placed a hand on his cheek, her delighted expression mirroring his own. “Me too,” she whispered.

Jack grinned, part wine, mostly Phryne, and offered to walk her home. Reminding him that that had been the plan the whole time, it was her turn to roll her eyes, but she took his hand all the same.

They stopped three more times in shadowed streets and darkened alleys to make out, seizing moments all over Melbourne, making up for lost time.

Eventually, they made it back to her street. They were both mostly sober by then, which is why it meant all the more that she asked him to come back the next night for dinner and a private whisky tasting. He happily agreed, but as they approached her condo, he didn’t walk her to her front door. 

Just the bottom step. 

After all, it was not a date.

| Fanfiction Trope MASH-UP |

[phroyd]

Delta Air Lines was hoping to restart flights next month from New York to Athens and Lisbon, two popular summer destinations, but it will probably have to wait a little longer.

The European Union is planning to bar most Americans even as it welcomes travelers from more than a dozen other countries next week, dealing a blow to Delta and other airlines hoping to revive their business as travel across the Atlantic Ocean typically peaks.

International flights make up a minority of flights for U.S. airlines but are typically much more profitable than domestic ones. And flights to and from Europe are generally the most important. U.S. and European airlines had reduced the number of available seats on flights connecting the two markets by about 75 percent next month compared with last July, according to the aviation data provider OAG. A travel ban on Americans, which European Union officials confirmed on Friday, will probably lead to even deeper cuts.

“It’s a huge deal,” said John Grant, a senior analyst at OAG. “It is by far the jewel in the crown for many major airline networks, in terms of both revenue and profitability.”

Last year, flights across the Atlantic, to Europe and other destinations, accounted for about 17 percent of passenger revenue for United Airlines, or about $7.4 billion. Such flights generated about 15 percent of all passenger revenue for Delta, or $6.4 billion, and about 11 percent of passenger revenue, or $4.6 billion, for American Airlines. They were particularly important to United and Delta, generating a quarter of passenger profits last year, according to the Transportation Department.

Tens of millions of people flew between the United States and European Union countries in 2019. Many traveled for business to and from cities like New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco and Amsterdam, London, Paris and Frankfurt. Many others fanned out farther to vacation, particularly in the summer, when international flights are often nearly full as American families jet off to Italy and Greece, and Europeans check out New York and California.

Of course, travel between the United States and the European Union has been restricted since March, when governments on both sides of the Atlantic barred most visitors to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, with exceptions for repatriations and “essential” travel by medical professionals.

At the time, the United States had just over 1,100 coronavirus cases as the virus spread extensively in Italy and Spain. Today, the United States leads the world with more than 2.4 million cases, and infections are surging in Arizona, California, Florida, Texas and other states. As a result, European Union officials have decided to keep Americans out — along with travelers from dozens of other countries — for fear that they could further spread the virus.

Because of the size of the United States, a vast majority of tickets sold by American carriers are for domestic travel. Those flights have led the industry’s recovery, as Americans slowly start to visit friends and family and make limited vacation plans, a pattern unfolding in countries around the world. Higher-profit business and international travel is expected to follow far behind.“I think international travel is probably going to lag domestic by up to 12 months,” Ed Bastian, Delta’s chief executive, told shareholders on a call last week, citing travel bans around the world as one reason.

The large difference in demand for domestic and international travel is also reflected in flight schedules. American, for example, plans to operate about 55 percent as many domestic flights next month as it did last July, but only about 20 percent as many international flights. The airline has delayed restarting service between the United States and a number of European destinations until August, a month later than planned.

The Coronavirus Outbreak

Frequently Asked Questions and Advice

Updated June 24, 2020

What’s the best material for a mask?

Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.

Is it harder to exercise while wearing a mask?

A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.

I’ve heard about a treatment called dexamethasone. Does it work?

The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.

What is pandemic paid leave?

The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.

Does asymptomatic transmission of Covid-19 happen?

So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.

What’s the risk of catching coronavirus from a surface?

Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.

How does blood type influence coronavirus?

A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.

How many people have lost their jobs due to coronavirus in the U.S.?

The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.

How can I protect myself while flying?

If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)

What should I do if I feel sick?

If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.

“Demand is increasing, but those numbers, while they’re increasing, are still a fraction of what they were last year, particularly internationally,” Doug Parker, American’s chief executive, told shareholders this month.

The International Air Transport Association called on governments this week to avoid quarantine measures that can discourage travel in favor of less severe measures, like asking sick passengers to stay home and increasing testing.

After dropping to record lows in April, the number of people going through U.S. airport checkpoints is up to about 20 percent of last year’s levels, according to the Transportation Security Administration. That’s not nearly enough to sustain the nation’s largest airlines, which are losing tens of millions of dollars every day, but it has restored a sense of vitality to an industry ravaged by the pandemic.

And while international travel could remain subdued for months, airlines have found other ways to drive revenue, including operating cargo-only flights, which are in high demand.

“That’s going to stay in place until passenger demand starts to recover,” Scott Kirby, United’s chief executive, said at an investor conference last month. “So there’s an international hedge that cargo is going to stay strong until passenger demand recovers, and then passenger demand will take over for it.”

[popcrone818]

The Other Swan Part 9

Three months had passed with nothing happening. Sam and his pack had settled down on wanting to hunt Renesme, now that Jake had imprinted on her, they were even working together. Seth and Leah didn’t return to Sam’s pack though, but things were good with both packs. Seth and I were made to sit out of the fight with the volturi, so we stayed at Seth’s in front of the fire just waiting to hear any news. Apparently the Volturi didn’t end up fighting with the Cullen’s and their allies. So everyone came home safely. When I saw Jake emerging from the forest, I sprinted from my place on Seth’s lap out to where he was. I didn’t even care that I wasn’t wearing weather appropriate clothing. Sam’s pack and Leah soon followed him out of the forest as well and I wrapped each and everyone of them in a tight hug. All of my boys were okay regardless of pack. Finally everyone was able to breath a huge sigh of relief.

“Party at mine and Emily’s!” Sam shouted before he and his pack took off. I turned to Leah, Seth and Jake. We all shrugged and headed inside so I could warm up. I didn’t think things through when I ran out to Jake and the others. Seth pulled me into his side as we walked.

When we got to Sam and Emily’s the bonfire was going off and Emily had made a delicious looking spread of food for the boys and us girls who had come. Renesme and Claire were still far too young for this kind of party. I don’t even think Seth and I would be able to touch even a single drink.

New years parties were supposed to be fun, and I mean yes I did have fun but theres just something about watching everyone else around you drink when you cant. Even if they technically aren’t legal age to be drinking either. As we counted down to midnight Seth pulled me in close to his warm body.

“Ready to ring in the new year together, first new year of the rest of our lives.” He whispered into my ear. I took a deep breath and nodded. This whole rest of our lives thing isn’t so bad after all.

10.

9.

8.

7.

6.

5.

4.

3.

2.

1.

Seth crashed his lips into my own as he held me to him by my waist. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him impossibly closer. We heard cat calls and wolf whistles coming from the boys as we pulled away blushing.

“Would you look at these two! Finally acting like adults. I'm proud of you kids.” Paul came up and wrapped his arms around mine and Seth’s shoulders pulling us close to his body. “Next they’ll be fucking and making babies together!”

“I think you’ve had plenty to drink Paul. Back up and leave them alone.” I heard Jake yell across the fire at us. The night continued in with Seth and I cuddled up together and everyone else drinking. I couldn’t wait for the time that Seth and I could join in on the games and the drinking. But even then, in two years they would all still say were too young. Even though we would be the same age as they are now. Sometimes I hated being so young. I watched everyone get increasingly drunk and got Seth to help me help the boys inside on the couches or in the spare rooms. We left one for ourselves and crashed out soon after everyone was safely inside.

The new year started off very slowly. Bella and the Cullen’s ended up moving to Alaska promising that they would be back to see everyone occasionally.

Seth’s birthday was coming up quickly and I had taken to discussing it with Sue, Emily and Leah. We were going to surprise him, it is his 16th after all. It needed to be perfect. All Jake knew about it was that he needed to keep Seth out of the house for the day. Leah hadn’t phased when Seth was so she wouldn’t slip up and let it out. Emily, Sue, Leah and I set everything up while Jake was telling Seth all about how to patrol, turning 16 in 2 days allowed him to be able to patrol on some nights.

“I’m worried about him going out to start patrolling. What if something happens to him?” I asked as we set up streamers in Sue’s house. Emily came up to me and wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

“He is going to be fine. They are literally built for this, its in their genetics.” She rubbed my shoulder as Sue and Leah agreed. I nodded and took a deep breath; I would always worry about him. It’s my job really.

“I know, I will just always worry.” They nodded. “Okay, I think I can hear them.” We hurried to get into position as the boys walked through the door. Jake and Sam’s pack came through the door first after I noticed that they pushed Seth to the back, so he was the last one in.

“Surprise!” we all jumped and yelled as he made his way in. I pushed myself to the front where I walked up to him and planted a passionate kiss on his lips. His hands found my hips as mine wound around his neck.

“Happy birthday Seth.” I breathed out as we pulled away.

“Its not for another two days babe.” He turned to everyone and finally noticed the decorations. “You did all of this for me?” he asked turning back to me still in his arms.

“Me and your mom, your sister and Emily, we all did.” I beamed brightly at him as the boys came and patted him on the back.

“So the plan for tonight is a BBQ with a bonfire, and Seth you get to have your first drink, not that it will do much or last long, just to give you a taste.” Leah said walking out and bringing the food along with her as we all followed her outside. Sam’s pack ran off to play soccer while I stood by and listened to Jake tell Seth some more about patrolling.

“You need to be on high alert out there, that’s kind of the whole point. I know you’ve got Skye to think about, but try and think about if she was ever in trouble. You would want to be at your best right? Well just think of it like that, your keeping all the bad people that wants to hurt Skye away.” Jake clapped Seth on his shoulder before putting his head in a headlock and rubbing his head.

“It’s safe though right, Jake?” I asked walking over to the two. Billy and Charlie had shown up in the time it took us to go outside and they oversaw cooking for tonight.

“Of course it safe, I would never put Seth in danger, I know how much he means to you now. Plus Sam’s pack is always out as well. And he will never be on his own, at least until he's 18.” Jake wrapped his arm around my shoulder. “You don’t need to worry so much, he’s in good hands and it hurts that you would even question me about that.” He rubbed my head gently before he pushed me gently into Seth’s chest.

“Okay,” I nodded my head, “Let’s go play soccer so I can kick your asses.” I hit Seth and Jake in the chest, feeling a slight twinge in each hand but shook them and I was fine again. Damn wolves, they will be the death of me.

“Will she kick our asses?” I heard Seth ask Jake.

“Maybe if we didn’t have killer reflexes, she used to, when we were younger, Embry, Quil, me and Skye, we used to play all the time. So yeah, she used to kick my ass. As far as I know she played in school too after that.” I swear I could hear Seth gulp from here.

The first round the boys went easy on me, after realising I was a decent player, they started to play harder. Embry knocked me with his shoulder before trying to take the ball from me. I elbowed him in the ribs and winced in slight pain before doing my famous manoeuvre and making it impossible for him to get the ball even with his fast reflexes and the fact the jab did nothing to him at all. I quickly scored before I felt my body weight being lifted off the ground and I watched as Embry shook his head. Seth had me up on his shoulder and the boys were cheering me on and chanting my name.

“I can’t believe I fucking forgot about that move. You’re a cheater Skylah!” Embry yelled at me.

“You’re just a sore loser, you always have been.” I told him and tapped Seth’s hand to get him to let me down. The boys all came over to me and all told me how great of a player I was.

“You should play for the school here.” Jake said when he came up to me, bringing Seth with him.

“And I could come and watch you play and be so proud of my amazing girlfriend. Not that I'm not always.” He pulled me into him and placed a kiss on my temple.

“Food Kids!” Sue called us all over where every dug straight in. Even I was famished. Nothing like a good soccer match to make me as hungry as these boys around me. The night went on much like that. We pulled out the marshmallows when it got dark and started to tell scary stories. I just hoped Seth had a great birthday, he was all the mattered.

After the night ended Seth and I got comfortable in his king-sized bed, he cuddled up close to me and I started to play with his ever-growing hair.

“Did you enjoy tonight?” I asked him. He hummed and lifted his head from where he had it resting on my stomach.

“Of course I did. It was the best birthday I could ever ask for. I cant wait to see what you have in store for my 18th and 21st.” I laughed at him and caressed his cheek gently.

“Whatever you truly desire will be my wish.” I told him. He laughed at me and kissed me gently.

“These past couple of months have been a dream come true Skylah, and I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way, I'm so glad I imprinted on you, and I'm so glad you didn’t go back to Arizona-.”

“Mom and Phil are in Florida now.” I interrupted him, he waved me off and continued.

“Either way, I'm so glad you stayed, I didn’t know how long I would have been able to live without you, and I'm so glad you accepted the bond. But this is about more than just the bond. I love you Skylah. And I'm so glad to call you mine.” He pulled my face closer to his with each word until I could feel his breath n my lips. So close but I waited for him to finish. I was almost in tears by the time he finished and when he finally placed his lips on mine a tear slid down my cheek. I kissed him back with as much passion and love as he did me, I really hoped he felt it all. I could feel my heart leaving my body and finding its forever home in Seth, Seth was my everything, and I was his. He now had the power now to break my heart, but I had faith that he wouldn’t do that.

 The next unfortunately Seth and I had school. Now because I had transferred mid-year, I wasn’t the most sought-after friend for people. In fact I wasn’t very liked at all. Seth and I had decided to keep things from school grounds and just live life as if we didn’t know each other at school. And for the most part; it worked, but we had a free period together and we couldn’t keep away for too long without causing one of us to be sick. We were still discreet in doing so though and just sat closer to each other in the classes we had together. He was my lab partner in Biology and Chemistry, only because the teacher thought I needed the help and Seth was amazing with both subjects. He struggled in English, but I have been helping him with that, and math.

In my free period today though I decided I needed to go to the library and return my books so I could get new ones. On my way there however a hand closed itself around my mouth and dragged me backwards into a dark corner of the school.

“Thought you could get rid me did you Skylah?” a menacing voice growled in my ear. My eyes widened and I tried hard to get his hand away from my mouth, I didn’t want him to touch me ever again yet here he was, in La Push Washington, halfway across the country just to find me. My hands started to tremble as he brought his hand down away from my mouth and placed it around my neck. “What are you going to do this time? Run away again? It will only make it worse for you.” He dragged me away from the corner and towards a large truck parked in the car park. “Now be a good little girl and stay quiet.” He slammed the door in my face after throwing me in and then started the truck and took off.