#granted this is a relatively small percentage!

[pandoratheprocrasticreator]

At this point like 40% of what i like about the owl house is just shit i made up in my head lmao

[ginnsbaker]

In Flames I Sleep Soundly (1/2)

Summary: What do you do when you find out that person you trust the most is a liar? Or the Unfaithful AU that I've been wanting to read for a while.

Word Count: 9k+

Warnings: Angst, Smut (18+), Cheating/Adultery, Implied Het Sexual Content

Author’s Note: I was thinking about making a separate tumblr for fics (since I primarily post fanarts), but I’m too scatterbrained two maintain more than one account. I recently saw Unfaithful (2002) again and thought about doing an AU based on that movie. The title of this fic are lyrics from "Wedding Song" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs. No betas. And I won't apologize for how imperfect this monster is. I haven't written in more than a decade, so let's all suck it up.  

AO3 / Part Two / Masterlist

--

Part One

Summer arrives in Westview, New Jersey in a fairly conspicuous manner. Its parks have been repainted with various shades of green, and the oversized trench coats on the streets that its residents are so fond of during the cold months are nowhere to be found.

Despite these observations, Westview remains a sleepy town. At least it is to you, but that's probably because you’ve spent half of your life in Manhattan. You and Wanda moved to New Jersey a few months ago after you were promoted to branch manager. The salary that came with it was enough to pay off your student loans including Wanda's, so it was easy to accept the offer despite the trade-off of having to move to a relatively unknown and rural town.

"It's only temporary," you told Wanda when you broke the news. "My supervisor said that if I can prove myself there, I can come back as a regional manager."

Wanda had assured you that you had her full support. At the time, she was working part-time at a small gallery for up-and-coming artists in the state, and while she needed to start somewhere to realize her dream of becoming an art dealer, she figured it wouldn't derail her career so much if she could learn art trading online.

Everything happened in a blur after that. In two weeks, you were driving to Westview with nothing but two suitcases and your dog, Sparky, on Wanda's lap. You held her hand while she slept throughout the entire trip and you faced the unknown roads that led to your new life.

The house they picked for you and your family exceeded your expectations. Granted, you had to subsidize a percentage of the move-in fee, it was a small price to pay to have so much space. The bathroom alone is larger than the guestroom of your previous two-bedroom apartment in Yorkville. On the first day, Wanda had explored the house with a childlike wonder, while Sparky tried to cover every inch of its ostensibly boundless backyard. That night, with only a blanket laid out on the floor, you made love to Wanda and then some more on the kitchen counter and the bathtub upstairs, inside the master's bedroom.

You've been married to her for five years, but a fresh start gave you two the sexual appetite of newly weds. It didn’t take 48 hours to christen every room in the house.

By now, a routine has been established: you wake up at five in the morning to go out for a run, back at home by six, and then showered and dressed for work before seven. Wanda, on the other hand, would try to get up before you're done with your ceremonies to prepare breakfast. She's not always successful–sometimes waking up long after you've gone to work.

"You want some coffee?" Wanda wakes you out of your stupor. She's still in her nightgown, holding two cups of freshly brewed coffee. Her auburn hair is up in a messy bun and she is, after all these years, a sight to behold.

You look at her and then at your left wrist to check the time on the Rolex she gave you as a wedding gift. You still have a few minutes, but there's an urgent staff meeting that you're a little anxious about.

"And maybe some omelet?" Wanda suggests when you don't answer, already cracking some eggs in a bowl.

"Sorry, babe, got to run." You shake your head apologetically before walking over to her and kissing the back of her head. Wanda merely continues whisking the eggs for a while before commenting, "Until when are you going to have these early meetings?"

"I don't know. Maybe the end of the month?"

"You're the boss. Can't you just call them off? Maybe schedule them during actual office hours?"

You shrug and say nothing, unwilling to engage in an argument so early in the day. Wanda exhales heavily at your lack of reaction, which compels you to reach for her hand and stroke it. Seeing how she’s not pulling away from your touch, you move to hug her from behind.

"I'll try to be home early tonight, okay? I miss you too." You say softly and kiss her cheek.

"I didn't say I miss you." Wanda deadpans, but she's already turning around in your arms for a proper embrace. You kiss her forehead and let her hold you for a few beats. She buries her nose in your neck and inhales deeply. “I told you to stop wearing this perfume. It makes you unbearably enticing.” Wanda admonishes you with a hungry look.

It’s embarrassing how easily your wife can turn you into a bashful teenager with a little flirting.

“Well, maybe you should do something about it.” You playfully taunt her.

“Maybe I will.” Wanda says in a low voice, and she’s close enough for you to notice the total lack of green in her eyes.

As much as you want to rip her silky lingerie and take her right then and there, the fact is you are already going to miss the first few minutes of the meeting–and then maybe a quarter of it if you don’t leave soon.

"I really have to go. But first things first," You grab one of the two cups of joe and Wanda starts giggling when you drink from it in one go. "Best coffee in the world. Maybe you should start a cafe business."

"Idiot." Wanda taps your nose affectionately, before shoving you towards the door.

Later, you arrive home just a few minutes shy of midnight. The house is deathly silent, even your dog could not be bothered greeting you at the door. You go straight to the bedroom, making as little sound as possible, to find Wanda asleep on her side, facing away from you. You get rid of your clothes and climb into bed. You carefully inch towards her and press your front against her back, spooning her. You hear her breath hitch, but before you can start thinking of an apology, you fall fast into a dreamless sleep.

***

It’s two months later and on a lazy Sunday afternoon, when Wanda breaks the news that she’s been offered a temporary position at Westview Institute of Arts and Sciences. You’ve watched your wife gradually grow restless each week, having a difficult time adjusting to life in the suburbs. Wanda interviewing for a job wasn’t as forthcoming as her asking you to move back to the city. Taking the job would mean integrating with the community in a semi-permanent way. So it’s a surprise that Wanda would even consider it.

"Assistant professor?" you ask distractedly, not looking up from the Jonathan Tropper novel on your lap. Wanda’s perched on one of the barstools of the breakfast counter, waiting for her banana bread to be done in the oven. Sparky lays at her feet, also waiting for the banana bread.

"What do you think?" Wanda muses and drums her fingers on the table.

You regard your restless wife for a moment, before closing the book and tapping the spot next to you on the couch. “C’mere.”

Wanda does as she’s told and Sparky follows after her.

"I think it’s a great opportunity and experience to have. But I thought you're getting a lot of projects from Upwork."

You try not to sound too partial to the idea of her working in the university. However, if you’re being totally honest, it would essentially solve the problem of your wife’s mild existential crisis– and your guilt of probably causing it.

"It’s just a side-hustle,” Wanda argues. “Besides, they’re going to need me only three times a week and they offered me a full-time pay.”

“Sounds too perfect to be true.”

Wanda shakes her head. “I don’t think so. It’s not unheard of that there’s a huge demand for educators in small-town institutions.”

“So you’ll take it?”

Wanda nods with a smile and then says, “Only if you’ll drive me in the morning.”

“Of course, baby.” You say almost instantly and give her a quick peck on the lips. It doesn’t even matter that Wanda has her own car since she hates driving with a passion.

"Professor Maximoff." Her potential designation rolls off your tongue coolly. You’ve never really pictured Wanda in academe before, and now you can’t get rid of the image of her in a perfectly tailored suit.

The corners of Wanda’s mouth quirk up in a dreamy smile. "Kinda has a ring to it, huh?"

"A very sexy ring to it, professor."

Wanda giggles as you go ahead and think of ways to sneak into one of her classes some time in the near future.

"I'd tell you I've gotten a job at Baskin' Robbins and you'd say I look hot in their uniform." she points out.

"I bet you're hotter with all your clothes off."

Suddenly, the oven dings and Sparky starts barking at Wanda.

“And you’ve got a one-track mind,” she mutters with an undercurrent of mirth, before getting up to return to her baking. “Ten points from Hufflepuff!”

You burst into a fit of laughter. “Can’t blame me for having a hot wife. Also, I’m a Gryffindor you vexing Slytherin!”

Wanda can be the biggest dork at times, and it only makes you fall for her a little harder in these moments.

She sticks her tongue out at you. “Dream on, Badger Queen.”

***

It’s some kind of Hollywood domestic bliss.

You still wake up at five to go out for a run, but now Wanda’s your running buddy and you’re always trying to catch up with her pace.

“I can’t believe this gives you more energy than coffee.” she said the first time she laced up and she finished her run a minute faster than you. You thought it’s ludicrous that Wanda was a natural athlete on top of her good looks, but you figured it was an organic truth given that her brother played professional soccer for a couple of years before he got into the business side of sports.

Most days, you’d let Wanda clean up first while you cook breakfast. On one occasion that you joined her in the shower, Wanda turned up so late in class some of the students were already preparing to leave.

“That can’t happen again.” Wanda told you.

“Whatever you say, babe.”

You’d been married to her long enough to know that Wanda often broke her own rules. Historically, you’d watch her do so with satisfaction just because it’s usually an unspoken challenge between married people. And maybe because it reminded you that she’s human. Imperfect as much as you were.

“Just be careful, Y/N,” your best friend, Natasha, told you a month into dating Wanda Maximoff. “Mistakes and disappointments are inevitable. Hell, even I will let you down at some point in the future.”

“You have. Many times.” you said jokingly.

“Is that right? Look, all I’m saying is it’s also not fair to Wanda if you put her on such a high pedestal.”

Natasha was right. However, it wasn’t like you could change who you were and how you loved. The night you met Wanda at freshman orientation, you knew she was the one. You loved her through college as her closest friend as much as you did when she began to see you in a new light thereafter.

And even now, as you stare at her sneaking a nap on the drive to her workplace, nothing has changed. It’s a cherished moment, no matter how mundane.

Your hopeless crush on Wanda never really went away.

You feel very lucky that she feels the same way.

***

You’re about ten feet from the door of your house when you hear scratches from behind it, followed by Sparky’s incessant barking. Quickly, you fish out your keys from your backpack and open the door.

Sparky jumps at you as soon as the door swings open, and then starts licking at your pants.

“What’s up?” you say, scratching behind his ears until he calms down.

You look around the empty living room and notice for the first time that Wanda’s not home.

You send a text to her asking where she is. Sparky is making whiny noises, while pushing his empty bowl towards you with his tiny paw.

“Sorry, bud. Let’s get you your dinner.” You say, picking up the bowl and bringing it to where you store his food. You open the cupboard to find a mostly empty bag of Merrick. Sparky patiently waits for you, wagging his tail. Wanda was supposed to get some groceries this afternoon.

You check your phone and find no new messages.

“Looks like you’re coming with me for a quick run to the grocery store.” You tell Sparky with a sigh.

Sparky tilts his head at you in confusion. You send another text to Wanda telling her you went out and ask if she’s already eaten, before heading out to your car once again.  

You don’t hear back from Wanda long after you’ve had dinner by yourself and it’s almost midnight. Your anxiety levels are at an all-time high, and you’re about to call the cops when you hear her car approaching the garage.

You’re waiting by the door, so at the very second she slips inside the house, you hoist her into a desperate embrace like a mad woman.

“Where were you?” You exclaim as you pull away and clasp her shoulder blades hard. “I’ve been worried sick and you went dark on me.”

Wanda winces at you, gently prying your fingers from her. “My phone died and I forgot to bring my charger. I was writing the final exam that I have to turn in by tomorrow, and got carried away. I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t do that again. You couldn’t have borrowed someone’s cell or call from the school?”

“Like I said, I was working,” Wanda rolls her eyes, just a tad snidely. “It’s Westview. What’s the worst that could happen to me? Please let it go, I’m so fucking exhausted.”

It’s not that you’ve never heard your wife curse before, but you can’t help but flinch given the context at which she’s said it.

“Fine,” You clench your jaw, stepping out of her way. “We’ll talk about this in the morning.”

“Sure.” Wanda says stoically.

You don't talk about it in the morning. Or at all.

***

The forecast is you’re not going to hit this quarter’s targets. You’ll be two to three percent short, and everyone is telling you there’s not enough time to pull off a new campaign and drum up enough business to meet the numbers.

Your stubborn nature beseeches you to try anyway. It is, of course, at the cost of being stuck in front of your laptop in the dead of night.

Wanda approaches you to see if you need anything before she goes to bed without you. You smile at the sweet gesture but shake your head no.

“I’m good,” you say.

“Are you sure? I’ve got us fresh tea bags.”

“Positive.”

“Okay, good night.” she offers you a faint smile and starts to leave the room.

“Wands?” you utter abruptly.

She pauses and leans against the door frame. “Yeah?”

“Do you love me?”

“Of course, I love you,” Wanda drags her feet back to you. “What a silly question.”

“I guess I’m just feeling silly. We’ve been working hard, and when we’re together,” You let out a mirthless laugh. “We’re still working.”

Wanda nods solemnly but doesn’t speak. You can’t see her eyes with just a lamp lit on your desk and you're oddly grateful for that.

“I just miss you.”

“Me too.”

“Okay, uhm,” you fidget, suddenly feeling self-conscious. “Good night.”

“Good night.”

***

You wake up to wet kisses all over your face, only to be sorely disappointed to find out it's just Sparky, while Wanda looks at you softly as she waits for you to shake off the residues of sleep.

“Baby, I need a favor.” Wanda says.

"Good morning to you too." You reply good-naturedly.

Wanda ducks her head sheepishly. "Sorry, I've been waiting for you to wake up. I've said ‘good morning’ in my head, like, a hundred times." she tells you.

You silently brush a lock of hair from her face, before scooting closer to her and pressing a small kiss on her forehead.

"How can I be of service, m'lady?" you ask.

Wanda gets to it immediately. “There’s this painting I need from where I used to work. I need to bring it tomorrow, but I can’t take the day off. There’s no substitute because, well, I’m supposedly the substitute.”

“Sure, I’ll drop by there after work.”

Wanda makes a bashful noise of disapproval. “They’re only open until three-thirty.”

It’s a bad time to be missing work these days, but Wanda rarely asks for your help with anything. She’d sooner ask a stranger than her partner. There's one ex-boyfriend of hers you actually got to talk to in the past long before you and Wanda happened. The conversation was short, with mostly him talking–or rather ranting about how Wanda never made him feel needed. He went as far as claiming that she emasculated him in many ways. You never agreed with his insinuations of it being Wanda's flaw, and that it contributed to the downfall of their relationship. You like that Wanda is not a damsel in distress and that she carries herself with an air of confidence that only a truly independent woman can exude.

Although it does feel good to be needed sometimes.

“I’ll take care of it.” You assure her.

“Thank you,” Wanda says, and then proceeds to give you a tight but fleeting hug. "Alright, I'm gonna go get ready."  

You plop back on the bed with a huff. You haven't gone out on a proper date with Wanda for months, and you don't know how much longer you can survive this routine of late nights and rush hours. Maybe a vacation isn't too improbable by the end of August. Wanda's always wanted to visit Maui and, but you've kept deferring it until next year. A year has turned into two, three, and you don't realize it until just now that she's stopped mentioning it to you.

You make a mental note to search for discount flights later. Or maybe you can start with something more feasible like, say, lunch?

"Wands?"

The noise of the running shower drowns out your call, so you lumber from the bed and towards the bathroom.

Your mouth goes dry at the view of Wanda's soaked body, nostrils flaring at her stupid rule of no sex before work.

Wanda turns around and your eyes drop lower.

"Jesus, Y/N!" she gasps, then lets out a breathy laugh.

"Sorry," you lie, smirking at her nakedness. "Should we go out for lunch later?"

"I'd love to," Wanda says. "But I've got a lunch meeting with the dean."

"I see." you say and linger by the door. The crestfallen look on your face doesn't go unnoticed by your wife.

"We can have dinner," Wanda proposes tentatively. "Maybe drive to the city for some steaks and a dive bar after?"

Your eyes light up at her suggestion, heart brimming with repose.

"I'll pick you up at seven," you say. "It's a date."

Wanda throws a wink in your direction before turning back around to lather herself with your favorite soap.

-

Finding a parking space in Soho is almost next to impossible. You've only been living out of Manhattan for a couple of months, but it already feels like the population has doubled since. You're thinking about just leaving the car somewhere near the island and using the subway, when a woman enters your view and you step on the break as fast as you could. There's a loud screeching sound to be heard before the woman is rushing to your door with every intent to pulverize you on the spot.

As soon as you roll your window half-way through, a string of profanities welcome your ears like a gunshot. What you don't count on is hearing them from a spectacularly familiar voice.

"You almost got me killed you fucking asshole –"

You tilt your head towards your assailant. There's no mistaking that pair of green eyes.

“Yelena?"

Natasha's younger sister stares at you wide-eyed before her face breaks into the brightest smile.

"Y/N?"

"I almost didn't recognize you. I'm glad you still remember my name." you say. The last time you saw each other was right before Yelena went to an English university that you’ve forgotten the name of(it rhymes with ‘weed’) and you were a freshman in college. Yelena was a brunette then; she used to wear thick-rimmed glasses and her hair was always up in a low ponytail. The Yelena in front of you has blonde hair, a nose-piercing, and a cherry blossom tattoo on her chest that trails down and disappears into the collar of her blouse.

"How could I forget the only friend of my sister who was ever nice to me?" she quips with a toothy grin.

You blush at the fond memory of tutoring Yelena and treating her often to street shawarma.

"That's not true. Bruce was friendly with you as well."

"That's because he was dating my sister and wanted to get on my good side. What are you doing here anyway?"

"Looking for somewhere to park. Do you happen to know any in the area?"

"I've got one if you want. It's just down the street, second corner to your right."

"You're renting a parking space in Manhattan? I'm absolutely impressed."

“Oh, no!” she exclaims. Then adds, "It's my roommate, Kate's. She's loaded."

"Are you sure it's okay?"

Yelena nods and you thank her as she lets herself in your car.

The parking turns out to be too narrow, and so Yelena has to get out before you slot your car in the spot securely. Afterwards, she asks you where you’re off to, and you tell her that you’re picking up a painting for your wife. You ask her to come with you when she expresses an interest in the gallery.

You reacquaint yourselves with each other on the long walk to Wanda’s previous workplace. The conversation is, for lack of a better term, enjoyable. Yelena has always been an easy person to talk to–a remarkable contrast to Wanda who is often a challenge.

“When did you come home?” you ask suddenly after a while of talking about your work and recent settlement at Westview.

“Two years ago.”

You’re taken aback by her answer, feeling a bit hurt as you process the new information. Yelena’s been here all this time. Why didn’t she try to contact you?

“My cell didn’t ring either, you know.” Yelena tells you as if she can read your mind.

“Nat didn’t mention anything. I assumed you were still in London.”

“Leeds. The British are right about us not knowing any other city in the UK.” Yelena chuckles. “I told Nat to keep her mouth shut about my affairs.”

Before you could reply, Wanda’s ex-colleague, Agatha, comes out with the painting in hand. Yelena saunters off to observe the artworks on display.

“Thank you, Ms. Harkness.” you say, accepting the piece that was about the size of Mona Lisa.

“Welcome, dear. Whoever bought this must be made with money.”

The painting is wrapped in manila paper and it makes you curious who it is for. It must be someone who held a high position at Wanda’s university.

You excuse yourself with a polite nod, unaware of the look of suspicion she directs at Yelena, as your companion trails behind you on the way outside.

“Someone’s got a crush on you.” Yelena bumps your shoulder with hers.

“Wanda seems to think so too. Though I bet she’s just a nice old lady.”

Yelena laughs and slaps your arm this time. “Dude, she’s not old, old !”

“Someone’s got a crush,” you tease her back. Then, as if on cue, a reckless motorist speeds through a puddle, causing a wave of wastewater to splash all over your shirt.

“Shit,” you hiss, frowning at the ruined fabric of your white button-down. Yelena takes out her handkerchief and proceeds to wipe the specks of grease from your neck and face.

“Come on, we have a washer in the apartment.”

-

"Sorry I couldn't come to your wedding."

The hot coffee you just sipped refuses to come down your throat.

Yelena snickers at the dumb look on your face and says, "I'm just messing with you."

Your veins pulse in your temple as you force yourself to swallow. Yelena’s having a field day with you, poking fun at you on every opportunity.

"I'm so sorry for not extending an invite. It happened pretty quick. It was just your sister and Clint, and then Wanda's brother, Pietro. Our reception was at a pub in Brooklyn, and just getting absolutely shitfaced." you rush out, toying with the sleeves of Yelena’s sweater you borrowed. It’s cozy despite the hot weather. And undeniably smells like her.

"I know, Nat told me. Hey, I'm not offended. Besides, getting a wedding invitation from you would've been weird because,” Yelena pauses, and then sadly says, “We haven't connected in a long time."

"Yeah," you agree with a rueful smile. You haven't spoken to or thought about Yelena since you met Wanda.

“What’s she like?”

“Wanda? She’s…” It dawns on you that it’s not easy to translate your regular daydreams of her into a description you’d share with someone else.

“Exquisite,” you say, after going over various adjectives in your head. “And driven and smart. A glass half-empty to my glass half-full.”  

“I’m happy for you,” Yelena mutters over her glass of Merlot.

“And Kate? How did you meet her?”

“We’re just friends.”

“Who are living together,” you point out.

“Best friends then.” Yelena says, unperturbed.

You smirk. “If you say so.”

“I’ve dated around, but I never really found someone who could replace–” Yelena bites her lower lip to stop herself.

Except, she didn’t have to because you know.

You’re both quiet for a while, before you break the silence with, “Anyway, thanks for the parking and saving my shirt.”

"You did take my virginity. That's something I can never repay you for."

You’re too shocked to react–she is too, at her brazenness–that for a while you just stare at her with your mouth agape.

Placing the coffee mug on the table, you get up on shaky feet.

“Sorry, that was a bad joke. I–”

“You know what, I should go."

"Oh," Yelena gets on her feet as well. "But your shirt?” she asks weakly.  

"I'll just continue drying it at home. And then," you look down at the sweater you borrowed from her. "I'll mail this to you."

"Don't worry about that, I haven't worn that in ages."

"I promise to return it."

"Okay."

"Alright, so," Not quite knowing how to say good-bye, you jerk your thumb towards the door. "I'm gonna head out now."  

Yelena closes the distance to give you a hug, which she keeps short when you go rigid at the proximity of her body and yours.

"Bye, Y/N."

***

Wanda cancels dinner at the last minute. You’re surprisingly amenable and just text her when she’ll be home. You decide to cook for Wanda and try to convince yourself it’s not because you just need to keep busy and not think about what happened earlier with Yelena.

***

It’s Wanda’s day-off and she’s overslept. You watch your wife sleep soundly on her stomach, without a care in the world. Like this, the years fall away from her face and she looks like the girl you strongly want to protect for the rest of your days. Your eyes scan the room, until they fall onto the chair beside the bed. Hanging over it is a newly-bought lingerie with its tags still attached to it.

“Can you stop being a morning person just for today?”

You avert your gaze from the piece of clothing upon hearing Wanda’s voice still thick with sleep.

“Hi,” you greet your wife, twisting your wedding ring on your finger.

“Hi.” Wanda greets back, peeking at you from the comforter.

“I made breakfast, who’d you like to join me?”

“Sure, just give me a minute.”

You think about telling her you’ll wait until she’s ready and you can go together, but there’s an air of unfamiliarity and awkwardness hanging over your head–even worse is you don’t know where these feelings are coming from.

You don’t mean to count but it takes Wanda roughly twenty minutes to meet you at the breakfast table. It’s easy to force down your irritation when she looks immaculate and very put together.

Together, you eat in silence. You try to make conversation but in the end, Wanda’s responses are clipped and unfocused, so you just concentrate on finishing your oatmeal.

"You and I had a pretty crazy schedule recently, so I thought I'd take the day off and do something together." you say after waiting for Wanda to finish her meal.

"That's great, baby," Wanda smiles at you, before getting up to take the dishes to the sink.

Sneaking up behind her, you gently place your hands on the curve of her waist, and your lips just beside her left ear. For a while, you massage the flesh beneath your palms, feeling firm muscles instead of softness you're used to. Wanda's body has transformed right under your nose, and while you appreciate her more toned figure, you hope she's not being too restrictive with her diet.

"Leave them, baby. I'll do the dishes later..." You press an open-mouthed kiss to the skin just beneath her lobe. "...after I do you."

She squirms in your embrace, and you interpret it as a sign that she's getting turned on from your advances.

"Y/N–" Wanda doesn't get to finish her sentence as you twist her around and gently capture her lips. While she kisses you back with her hand coming up to wrap around your neck, she doesn't make a move to deepen it, seemingly satisfied with lazy pecks that end sooner than you'd like.

"Can I take you back to bed?" You inhale her scent soundly as you nose the length of her stupidly perfect jawline.

"I actually have to uhm–the laundry won't take care of itself." Wanda reasons, but doesn't really pull away from your hold. You take this opportunity to slide your hands up her back, beneath her shirt, and you can feel her goosebumps from your eager ministrations. Only now, being this close to her, have you realized how much you missed your wife.

Ignoring her excuses to thwart your affections, your fingers find the hook of her bra with ease. You snap it free and hastily move to grab both of her breasts, squeezing them tightly. "God, the things they do to me." You groan. She gasps at that, and by now, she should be pushing her chest towards you for more, but she remains slack as ever, like an obedient ragdoll under your whims.

Something's not right, you thought to yourself. You pull back just enough to check, and what you find has you swiftly stepping back to give her some space.

The expression alone on your wife's face could send you to jail.

"Shit, are you alright?" You rasp, overwhelmed with self-disgust at the thought of causing Wanda the slightest discomfort. Were you just about to take advantage of your wife without her consent?

Wanda looks at you with regret that you couldn't quite understand.

"D-Did I hurt you?" You dread the possible answer, tears pooling at the corners of your eyes.

Wanda quickly closes the distance between the two of you and envelops you into a hug.

"Oh, baby, no you didn't. I'm so sorry I made you think that." She coos, rubbing your back in soothing circles. You sigh against her shoulder, carefully keeping your hold on her hips loose.

"I just missed you so bad these past few weeks, and I thought you wanted to… it's okay if you don’t. I'm sorry."

It breaks Wanda's heart that you're taking the blame for this. She feels annoyed and guilty at the same time, at how apologetic and sensitive you are to her feelings, as if they matter more than yours do.

"It's not your fault. There's just so much to do and I can't get in the mood until I tick off everything on my to-do list."

"I know. I’m sorry."

"Stop apologizing," Wanda chastises and it comes out harsher than she intended. "You're perfect. I'm sorry. I miss you too. So bad."

"I love you." You tell her, burying your face into her hair to seek more of the lavender scent of her shampoo. It used to frighten you how much the little details about Wanda affects you in big ways. But that fear has turned into comfort, and you've grown to trust her enough to be happily vulnerable around her.

It doesn't worry you at all when she says she loves you back after a long, mysterious pause.

***

Wanda starts driving herself to work and attributes it to her inconsistent hours at the university for the rest of the term. Sparky’s in the dog daycare now more frequently than he is at home.

***

Wanda has gone up to take a shower before bedtime.

You just finished scrubbing the kitchen clean after having dinner together, and you're buzzing with the prospect of getting laid tonight. Your tactic to get your wife to sleep with you is to offer her a massage after witnessing firsthand how hard she's been working lately. In a way, you also want to show your appreciation for everything she still continues to do in the household. And although she accidentally burned the lasagna, she outdone herself with the roasted chicken.

It still amazes you to this day that you’re married to Wanda Maximoff.

Making as little sound as possible, you climb the stairs and towards the bathroom. You can hear the sound of water hitting the floor, and you can't help but imagine Wanda's naked body, lathered in soap, her brunette hair sticking to her clavicle. Your mouth waters at the prospect of taking her, pressing her against the wall and reminding her what you've both been missing for weeks. And just like that, your earlier tactic is out the window.

With practiced ease, you wrap your hand around the doorknob and twist it as gently as you can.

But something unexpected happens.

Wanda's locked the door. "That's odd." You mumble to yourself.

You decide to knock instead. "Baby?" You call out.

No reply comes for several seconds, and as you were going to leave, thinking she didn't hear you, Wanda's breathless response echoes through, "I'll just be a minute! Did you need something?"

"Hey! Uh, no. I was just going to–" You suddenly feel like an idiot wanting to sneak in for some surprise sex. "Never mind. You locked the door?"

"Oh, did I?"

"Yeah! It's fine, I'll just use the toilet downstairs."

She doesn't say anything else to that and you awkwardly turn on your heel to actually use the toilet downstairs.

***

You google ‘ how busy are part-time assistant professors’ on the second straight-week Wanda’s been going home later than The Late Night Show with Jimmy Fallon.

***

Your best friend finally comes around and visits you in Westview. Although you wish it weren't on pitiful circumstances that warranted her special skills of exposing people and their secrets. Even to this second, you're still unsure if you really want her help. You can't even be sure of your own sanity. The only thing you know is that you feel more like yourself now that Natasha's here with you. You've made new friends in your new neighborhood and at work, been invited to weekend barbeques and the local cycling community. But the sense of being alone has never been this strong as when you were living in the city, barely keeping any sort of acquaintanceship and let alone a meaningful friendship.

“You know I don’t do this anymore.” Natasha claims with a huff. "And typically, consultation alone will cost you a grand."

“And I never thought I’d ever ask you to do this.” You shake your head apologetically as you help her deposit her luggage in the trunk of your old Mercedes Coupe.

“I still think you’re just overreacting.” Natasha says as she settles in the passenger seat. It's what you want to hear, but instead of pacifying you, they urge you more to dig for the truth of it all.

"Weren't you always telling me in college that Wanda's too boy-crazy to really be with me?"

Natasha rolls her eyes. "Yup. But then she married you, and I lost ten bucks to a wager with Clint."

"You wagered on the most important event of my life?" It's the first time you're hearing that two of your closest friends gambled on your critical life choices. You're not exactly surprised per se, but it makes you curious about what made them choose which side of the coin.

"Well, no," she answers nonchalantly. "We wagered on almost everything. Like who would you lose your virginity to: Carol or Maria. Two beautiful women who had been throwing themselves at you for a whole semester."

"Who won that bet then?"

"Nobody. Remember when we bought you drinks after you finally slept with Wanda? That's where all the stakes went. We both lost."

"So after my marriage, what else did you put your money on?"

Natasha smiles. "None. That was the last of it. It's not right to give odds beyond a happy ever-after."

If she notices your deathly grip on the steering wheel, she doesn't comment on it.

***

Wanda's serving you the cold-shoulder for not giving her a heads-up about Natasha. You try to ask her why it's such a big deal, and she begins ranting about dinner portions and the “chaos” in the living room: some skewed pillows and a bundle of her students' reaction papers on the center table. Natasha is outside, waiting, so you try to help Wanda straighten the room but she merely dismisses you and asks you to drive for take-out.

"If it's too much trouble for you, we'll just get dinner somewhere." you say.

Wanda narrows her eyes at you murderously, as if you've just made things much worse.

"Fine," Wanda says with finality as she walks up the stairs. "Give my regards to Nat."

And then she's gone, but not before slamming the door of the guest bedroom shut.

You're absolutely fuming when you go back to the car and Natasha peers at you questioningly from the passenger’s seat.

"You in the mood for pizza?" you ask instead of explaining why you can’t still invite her in.

Natasha scrunches her nose in disgust. "Pizza in New Jersey? No, thanks. How about Chinese?"

"Sure." you nod in agreement, having already lost your appetite anyway. You toss the car keys at her. "You drive."

-

You're laying on your back, staring at the ceiling. Wanda hasn't uttered a single word to you ever since you got home from dinner with Natasha.

"She used to spend the night every week at our apartment." you whisper in the darkness.

"What?" Wanda mumbles and shifts onto her back as well with an arm draped over her eyes.

"Natasha," You clarify. "So it didn't cross my mind to inform you that she's visiting. It's just how it's always been."

Beside you, Wanda is mute as a statue. She does this sometimes–tune you out. Wanda claims it's her way of circumventing her anger and saying something she might regret.

For all you know, she could be telling the truth. But to you, it just feels like you're being punished.  

"Wands?" you try. She rolls to her side with her back to you.

You're in hell every time you fight with Wanda. Returning to normal is not an option unless you fix it. You wonder if it's the same for her, or if it's something as trivial as running out of toilet paper or an expired carton of milk left in the fridge.

"Baby?" you try again. It seems like it's all you ever do these days. "Please?"

You hear Wanda release a ragged sigh.

"We're fine, Y/N. Let's just go to sleep."

You nod to yourself and finally let go of the tears you've been holding back. Subsequently, Wanda's cold hand reaches for yours and locks your fingers together. It makes you cry harder, but you can't let her know.

***

Natasha is still radio silent a week after you’ve asked her to spy on your wife.

It's not like her to be slow with the results. You take the lack of news as good news.

***

You wake up in the middle of the night to find Wanda's side of the bed empty.

"Wanda?"

"Hey, baby."

You rub the sleepiness off your eyes at the sight of Wanda’s puffy eyes.

“Are you crying?"

Wanda chuckles, shaking her head. "Sorry, I was watching this movie. You know how I get."

You grin at that. "My big crybaby." You sit beside her on the couch and she snuggles to you.

For a while you stay that way, your fingers playing with her hair, and Wanda, palming your cheek affectionately. It brings you back to years before, when she was merely a close friend who would lay her head on your shoulder while she cried about some guy who didn’t deserve her. Like this, Wanda seems so small and vulnerable. You’ve come to realize a long time ago that whatever she’s done, or is to do, you will always feel the need to protect her at all cost. That was the last strip of armor you had given up when you decided to love her until the end.

Then all of a sudden, you see a flash of brown and you end up on your back as Wanda straddles your hips, her eyes darker than you've ever seen them.

"Take off your shorts." She commands in a rush, her own hips already starting a rhythm. You do as she says, but you only manage to move down your shorts and underwear past your ass, when you feel a finger swipe at your wet slit.

"Fuck. Patience, baby." you moan, feeling yourself get slicker.

"Don't have any," Wanda rasps and she sucks the very same finger into her mouth before taking over your undergarments and sliding them all the way down to your ankles. You've barely kicked them off before she spreads your legs and doesn't waste any time tracing your intimacy with her tongue. Her patience comes back eventually, but you're about to lose yours when she doesn't do anything else other than softly brush the tip of her tongue from your tight hole to the underside of your clit. She does this over and over and over, until your legs begin to tremble from being spread out like an eagle for what seems like an eternity.

You clench your core and try to come just from what she's doing, but it's not enough.

"Please, I need more." You manage a whisper although you're unsure if Wanda heard you.

"I've missed you so much, Y/N." You feel her say against your pussy. "I've missed making you feel good. Missed feeling this way with you..."

What way? You want to ask, but your brain is too muddled with lust to care.

You could only grunt in reply, before Wanda is pulling away in order to arrange your position on the sofa. You've almost forgotten how physically strong she is, and it turns you on so much, you nearly peak. Wanda grabs both of your ankles and pushes them back, until they're on either side of your head, near your ears. Heat spreads across your face and down to your neck for being exposed like this. Wanda takes a moment to appreciate the mess she's made between your legs, her teeth digging at her lower lip. You can't bring yourself to watch her watch you, and you stare at the same spot before you feel her lift your chin to kiss you in the most delicate way.

"I love you." She murmurs against your lips. Every fiber of your being is ablaze as you take in the smallest details of this moment: your taste that you two shared in a kiss, the mingling scent of your arousal and hers, the endearing sweat on Wanda's brow that's making her more desirable than any lingerie could ever. You'd never admit it to Wanda, but sex was something you only learned to want and need when you fell in love with her.

You smile up at her. "I love you. More than you could ever know."

Her face crumples in an aching manner, but before you can register what that means, Wanda has crawled back to the source of your pleasure and takes your clit in between her lips. She starts sucking at it gently, while her hands work their way to your buttocks and then spread your ass cheeks. In this way, both of your holes are exposed to the air, sending a chill down your spine and threatening to make you come any time soon.

A finger experimentally prods at your other entrance, making you whimper as your slick continues to brim in your cunt hole.

"Wands, gonna cum," you moan as you hold onto the edge of the sofa for dear life. Wanda ignores your warning and continues rubbing at your crimp hole, while her tongue quickens its laps against your clit. It doesn't take a few more seconds before you're bursting, and Wanda plunges her tongue into your pussy at precisely the second you start to come so you don't clench around nothing.

Soon enough, the tremors subside and Wanda wipes her mouth before she gives you a searing kiss.

You're still catching your breath when Wanda lays her head on your chest so innocently, as if she hasn't just given you the best orgasm of your life. You wait a few more seconds for your heart rate to go back to normal, and once they do, it’s only then that you notice that Wanda's still in her pajamas, fully clothed.

That needs to be rectified. Immediately.

Without a word, you get up with Wanda still on top of you. You make her wrap her arms tighter around your shoulders as you bring yourself into a standing position while she clings to you like a koala. Wanda laughs at your attempt to hold her up steadily, simultaneously impressed that you actually can.

"I've been going to the gym whenever my lovely wife's stuck at professoring ." You snicker at your own terrible wordplay, as you plant your feet firmly on the floor.

You miss the shadow of guilt that passes over her fleetingly. "I can see that," she says, biting her lip as she feels your straining biceps. You grin up at her, before carrying her upstairs as steadily as you can while she distracts you with kittenish nibs at your earlobe.

Once in the bedroom, you lay Wanda gently on the bed, your movements slow and delicate as if one wrong move could ruin everything. You start to undo the buttons of her silky top, holding her gaze with a look of adoration typically reserved to deities. It's only fitting because Wanda Maximoff is your religion.

"Wait, can you–" she glances at the night table to your right, and you understand right away what she wants. You quickly retrieve the flesh-colored strap-on at the bottom most drawer. And as you start putting on the harness, Wanda leans forward to capture a dusky nipple, effectively sidetracking you from the task at hand.

"Baby, just a sec..." You chuckle at her apparent neediness. Between the two of you, it's Wanda that's been more in-touch and expressive with her carnal needs. More exciting. More daring. More adventurous. She's always been more in everything, and you sometimes wonder if she's weary of leading the wallflower to the dancefloor all these years.

"Hurry." Wanda whines, her teeth nipping hard enough to play the line between pain and pleasure.

As soon as the harness is secured around your hips, you push Wanda back onto the mattress. You hook one of her creamy thighs over your shoulder, holding it firmly while your other hand aligns the tip of the toy to her slit. Pressing a languid kiss to her knee, you start moving your hips to brush your cock along the length of her drenched sex. Wanda moans lowly and unabashedly, and you feel yourself getting wet again.

"Fuck, baby, inside..." Wanda mewls, her hands traveling downwards to massage her own clit. You grunt in protest and seize her hand, interlacing your fingers together to prevent her from touching herself. Increasing the rhythm of your hips but still not entering her, you give her a warning, “ I make you cum.” It’s not like you to engage in any sort of powerplay in the bedroom, and yet you couldn’t help but let out some of the resentment that has built over the last few weeks through the sex you’re having with her now.

Besides, Wanda seems to love it. You look down just in time to see her wetness trickle down to the sheets. You groan loudly from the visual and roughly position her to lie sideways. You keep the thigh over your shoulder secured, while you straddle the other one. Moisture begins to form at the back of your neck, muscles straining to hold this position. Wanda’s face reddens as you stare at her weeping cunt, before her eyes roll to the back of her head as you unceremoniously enter her in one, powerful thrust.

“Fuck!” Wanda cries through gritted teeth, her French-manicured nails digging painfully between your knuckles. Unlacing your bruised fingers from her, you then wrap them around her throat. You’ve never done anything like this in bed before, and you watch in twisted satisfaction as Wanda’s lust-filled eyes widen in shock and slight panic. The way you're grinding into her is viciously savage, callously chasing your own high. Wanda tips her head back as far as she could, her chin pointing to the heavens as she experiences an other-worldly kind of pleasure.  Your thighs grow slicker from your shared arousal, the stench from it filling your nostrils. Her hips try to match your tempo and an animalistic sound rips from your throat as your movements become more and more frantic.

"Shit, baby, I think I'm gonna–"

"No." You lightly squeeze around her neck.

"Please," Wanda sobs in frustration, staving off her impending release. You pay no heed to her request as you slow down your motion to keep her on the edge.

"Say it again." You demand.

"W-what?"

"Say you love me."

"L-love you..." The length of your spine curves as you bend forwards, pushing Wanda's thigh back in the process and opening her up even further.

Wanda whimpers at the new angle you're fucking her with wild abandon. "Jesus, Y/N. I can't-"

"One more time. Say it." You plead against her mouth, increasing the speed of your thrusts again, but this time you’re determined to finish her off.

With a sharp cry, Wanda clenches around your cock and comes, screaming those three fated words that are simultaneously your salvation and your undoing. You try to prolong her orgasm, alternately pausing and then jogging your hips, studiously watching her facial reactions and loving the subtle twitch of muscle in her jaw. A couple of tears run down her cheeks, and you lick them gently from her face. Letting go of her delicate neck, you run a free hand across her back, gathering beads of sweat along the way. Without pulling out of her, you drop her thigh on your shoulder with great care, before pressing your lower body down so that your pelvis is snug against hers. Wanda grabs your face with both hands and pulls you down for a searing kiss.

You release her lower lip with a wet pop and then like an eager puppy, starts peppering her face with featherlight kisses, making Wanda laugh and squirm in your arms. "You're cute," You tell her. "And so damn hot. How is that possible?"

Wanda blushes, overwhelmed by the ferocity in your words and in your eyes. She starts jogging her hips as your kisses become more insistent, but then an idea hits you. Embarrassingly, you've never done this with Wanda before, but this time feels as good as any to finally try it. Wanda shivers as you unsheathe your cock from her pussy, leaving a thread of wetness across her inner thighs. Afterwards, you remove the harness and place the drenched toy somewhere on the floor. Wanda pulls you back on top of her, a sleepy and satisfied grin on her face. She's prepared to call it a night when she feels your hand wandering back to the still feverish spot between her legs.

"What are you doing?" She asks coyly.

Instead of replying, you merely continue to trail south until your fingers find her slippery nub. Wanda gasps, back arching and eager for more. "Lie on your stomach and stick your ass up in the air for me." You whisper in her ear, and she obeys without a second thought. Abandoning her clit for a second, you crawl towards the foot of the bed, until your nose is a trifling inch from your wife's firm buttocks.

"Are you ready?" You husk, planting your chin at the base of her spine.

Wanda is almost convulsing in anticipation, and barely manages a nod. Heart beating wildly in your chest, you spread Wanda's cheeks with your thumb to reveal her puckered entrance. When Wanda finally understands what you’re about to do, her head whips over to look at you, but she doesn’t quite meet your eyes.

“Y/N?” Her voice is muffled by the pillow, small and unsure. You massage the back of her thighs to calm her down.

“I want to if you do.” You tell her sincerely. Wanda appreciates your touches staying in safe zones, making her feel safe and secured.

“It’s just… it’s been hours ago since I showered, it's dirty and I don't want to gross you out-”

“That’ll never happen,” You promise. “Whenever you were snotty from crying over your exes, all I could think about then was kissing you. I'd never not want you, Wanda.”

“Okay.” Wanda murmurs softly, shifting back closer to you. “I’m ready.”

“Good girl.”

You place a pillow beneath her stomach so she can comfortably prop herself up. Wanda’s breathing picks up when you part her cheeks again. This time, there’s no hesitation or wasted second as you lick a stripe from the entrance of her cunt to the rim of her backdoor.

“Да, да, детка!” Wanda yelps in her native language, impossibly turning you on even more. You could count on one hand the few occasions you’d been able to reduce her to a Sokovian mess, making her feel so good she forgets her English. Wanda's flavor there is different, more pungent and oh-so delectable.

"детка, I need-"

Wanda doesn't get to finish her sentence. Knowing exactly what she needs, you plunge your middle and ring fingers inside her wet heat. You feel her anus contract against your tongue, and you take it as a cue to enter her with it. Wanda thrashes violently on the bed and tries to move away from the intense pleasure that's bordering on pain. Eventually, you find the perfect cadence of plunging your tongue into her tight crevice every time you withdraw your finger from her pussy and vice-versa. Wanda, on the other hand, finds herself wantonly humping the pillow, practically grazing her tumescent nub.

All of it lasts a few more seconds before you feel Wanda's imminent little death. You stop moving your fingers to allow her to take over her own release, until finally, Wanda collapses on her stomach. You lick your fingers clean before wiping your mouth with the back of your hand. You pull the blankets up to cover both of your aching bodies, before settling beside your wife. Wanda automatically lays her head on your breast and throws an arm over your stomach. You kiss her sweaty forehead, and right before you are about to close your eyes, something wet hits your flushed skin.

"Wanda, hey," You search her face, your eyebrows creasing in worry. "Are you alright?"

She smiles through her tears, nodding. “I am now.”

Your own eyes glisten, a wave of relief passing over you. Right now, with the way Wanda's looking at you, it's like you're finally waking up from a long, terrible dream.

***

When Natasha finally calls, you’ve practically forgotten about hiring her to investigate Wanda.

You’ve had a perfect week with your wife. Things weren’t just back to normal, they were even better not only in the sexual aspect of things (though insatiable doesn’t even begin to describe Wanda nowadays), but you’ve been talking and doing things together more than ever.

“Hey, Y/N,” Natasha’s rough voice comes through.

“New phone, who’s this?” You try to joke.

“Hilarious, Y/N,” you hear her try to lighten up her tone, but for someone who used to work for the secret service, she’s terrible at hiding her emotions from you. “Listen, I’ve been meaning to call you since early this week. I just didn’t have the time…”

You’ve known Natasha longer than anyone in your life who’s not your parents. Wanda’s the love of your life, but Natasha’s your person. You understand each other beyond words and actions.

“Nat, what’s going on?” you ask.

“I saw them, Y/N. T-Two days after you asked me to… they went for a movie at a worn-down theater 3 miles from the university. I waited for them to leave and when they did–” Natasha hesitates to tell you how she’s seen them together. “I can’t tell if there’s–if she’s… I can just show you the photos.”

You don’t say anything for almost a minute, and Natasha waits for you quietly.

And then, “Is that all?”

Natasha draws in a long breath. “No.”

You pinch the bridge of your nose, feeling a headache coming. And then, like a man on trial waiting for their verdict, you nod to yourself and square your shoulders.

“Alright. Tell me everything.”

[theculturedmarxist]

Contrary to the myth that socialists have always ignored gender oppression, full women’s suffrage was first won by socialist feminists — and working-class revolt.

There are a lot of different ways to discredit working-class politics. As the continued promotion of the “Bernie Bro” myth illustrates, one of the most popular today is to claim that socialists ignore women’s oppression. Elaborate versions of this argument fill the news-media, Twitter, and academia. By focusing only on economic issues and class, we are told, the socialist movement has always marginalized women and their specific demands for equality.

Like all good liberal myths, these arguments rely on bad history. Working-class feminism has a long and rich legacy. For over a century working women fought for their own liberation through the socialist movement.

Few cases better illustrate this point (or have been more buried by history) than that of turn-of-the-century Finland. In 1906, through a mass general strike and working-class insurgency against the Russian Empire, it became the first nation in the world to grant full universal suffrage — i.e. the right to vote and run for office. Socialists were at the forefront.

The Finnish Buildup

Of all the lands of the tsarist empire, Finland had throughout the nineteenth century been allowed the most self-government and political freedom. Annexing Finland from Sweden in 1809, the Tsar granted its new dominion extensive autonomy, though the Russian regime maintained ultimate authority. Finland preserved its own constitution and most state functions were governed by Finns through their autonomous Senate. In 1863, a new Finnish parliament was established, though only a small percentage of the population was allowed to participate in its election.

A crucial turning point in Finnish history came in 1899. In February, the Tsar began to eliminate Finland’s special autonomous status, attempting to bring it under the same forms of administration as the rest of the empire. Soon a major Finnish national protest movement emerged against this “Russification.”

1899 also marked the emergence of the Finnish labor movement as an independent political force. After a string of labor strikes, the Finnish Workers Party was founded in July 1899. Whereas socialist parties across the Russian empire were banned and forced underground, the relative political freedom prevailing in Finland allowed the Workers Party to exist as a legal organization.

Though virtually all labor leaders in Finland supported the reestablishment of Finnish autonomy, the question of whether to collaborate, and on what basis, with the Finnish liberal “constitutionalists” against Russification became a major debate. While the constitutionalists essentially fought for a return to the pre-1899 status quo, the labor movement tied the national struggle to popular demands, such as improved conditions for urban and rural workers, the prohibition of alcohol, and the expansion of the vote.

One of the central points of contention between workers and constitutionalists was the issue of suffrage, from which all working people — both men and women — were excluded at that time. Constitutionalists refused to support universal suffrage. The conservative Association of Finnish Women led by women’s rights activist Alexandra Gripenberg, for example, argued that lower-class women were ignorant and prone to vice, therefore they had to be guided by their morally superior upper-class sisters.

In contrast, the Workers Party from its inception demanded suffrage for all: the right to vote and to run for office irrespective of wealth, gender, or nationality. In 1900, it helped found the socialist-led League of Working Women to involve working-class women in the labor movement, to develop their leadership capacity, and to help raise their demands.

Socialist leader Hilja Pärssinen, the working-women movement’s main theoretician, advocated a strict class-against-class perspective along the lines set out by the German Marxists August Bebel and Clara Zetkin. Pärssinen’s 1903 pamphlet on women and the vote made the case for irreconcilable class conflict: bourgeois women wanted only equality with upper-class men, while women workers wanted the vote to pass laws to improve their material conditions.

That same year, the Workers Party adopted a Marxist program, renamed itself the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and announced that if its suffrage demands were not met, it would resort to a general strike to win them.

The Great Strike of 1905

The Bloody Sunday massacre of unarmed protestors in St Petersburg on January 9, 1905 sparked revolt across the entire empire. This upheaval, more often than not under socialist leadership or influence, demanded better working conditions, political freedom, and a democratic republic — and it came close to toppling the increasingly discredited tsarist regime.

The revolution arrived relatively late in Finland. Inspired by the general strike in central Russia, Finnish railway workers walked off the job on October 29, 1905, setting into motion the “Great Strike.” By October 30, all of Finland was on strike, and effective power passed into the hands of strike committees and armed guards. The event radically transformed the consciousness of urban and rural working people. And perhaps nowhere was this transformation more pronounced than among women workers.

Palvelijatarlehti (The Maids’ Paper) noted:

The strike week was a wake-up week for the rights of women. … As soon as the strike began, women started to hold special meetings in which they debated their economic position, and these meetings were flooded by people. It was as if it took the breakout of the general strike to make women realize that it would depend on themselves whether the status of women improved or not.

Miina Sillanpää, the influential socialist leader of the maids’ association, noted that the week of the general strike accomplished among the maids “more than what could have been promoted in ten years of peaceful conditions.” Bourgeois society was particularly scandalized by the participation of their servants in the action, which shattered paternalistic notions of maids as members of the host family and represented the direct intrusion of the labor movement into their homes. In daily mass meetings in a Helsinki elementary school courtyard, thousands of servants came together to formulate their demands.

The call for full suffrage was legitimized by this mass female participation in all arenas of the strike, including in its top leadership; the Tampere Strike Committee, initially composed only of men, was quickly reorganized to include ten women and twelve men.

“We live in a wonderful period of time,” wrote Alma Malander in the SDP newspaper Kansan Lehti (The People’s Paper) in December 1905:

Peoples who were humble and satisfied to bear the burden of slavery have suddenly thrown off their yoke. Groups who until now have been eating pine bark, now demand bread. The oppressed demand justice! … Women, who have always been subordinate, suddenly get the idea that they really are equal with the other sex.

Faced with the imminent overthrow of the regime by a paralyzing labor strike, peasant rebellions, and army mutinies, the Tsar was forced on October 30 to promise civil liberties and a parliament for the whole empire. On November 4, the Tsar’s “November Manifesto” repealed the Russification of Finland, reestablishing the pre-1899 status quo — without guaranteeing that the new Finnish Parliament would be elected by the whole population.

Though constitutionalists and socialists had closely collaborated during the first days of the November Great Strike, this tenuous alliance quickly broke down into open conflict. After the Tsar’s “November Manifesto,” the constitutionalists pushed for an end to the strike, as their main demand — the restoration of pre-1899 “constitutional legality” — had been achieved. In contrast, the workers’ movement continued to demand universal suffrage and a unicameral parliament.

Having felt their power to shut down society, Finnish workers were determined to continue mobilizing. Immediately following the strike, the SDP began organizing mass demonstrations and building for a new general strike to ensure their political demands. The next half-year witnessed an unprecedented number of strikes, the rapid spread of socialist influence among tenant farmers and workers in the countryside, the creation of a workers’ Red Guard, and closer Finnish socialist collaboration with Russian Marxists. It was during this upsurge that the campaign for women’s suffrage reached its highest peak.

The Suffrage Struggle

Following the Great Strike, there was considerable and justifiable concern that women would be excluded in the upcoming elections. During the April 1905 suffrage reform bill discussions in the Finnish parliament, only the Peasants Estate had supported women’s suffrage, while other estates and the various constitutionalist parties all favored giving the vote only to men. The chair of the Parliamentary Reform Committee chosen in November 1905 to draft the new suffrage rules was liberal leader Robert Hermanson, an outspoken opponent of women’s suffrage. Women, he felt, were by nature emotional creatures prone to extremism and ill-suited for politics.

In this context, League of Working Women leaders argued that working-class women had to take the initiative to ensure that their demands were met:

We [working women] have to shout to the world that we are demanding the right to vote and to stand for election, and that we are not going to settle for anything less. Now is not the time for compromises, because if we are excluded now, we can be sure that it will remain that way for a long time.

By the end of 1905, the League, with the support of the whole Finnish Social Democracy, had organized 231 suffrage meetings across the nation with 41,333 participants. It called for a new general strike in the case that women were excluded from the vote, and it established a special women’s committee to start preparations.

It was announced that any male party members who opposed women’s suffrage would be denounced as collaborators of the bourgeoisie. Some female workers threatened to go on a cooking strike at home to force skeptical husbands to support their struggle. And there were even public statements made that if women were left out of the vote, women workers would, if necessary, strike on their own, even against the opposition of the other party members.

The influx of women into political life challenged traditional gender roles. Miina Sillanpää called on men to stay at home and watch the children to enable their wives’ participation in political meetings.

Perhaps the most powerful actions of the suffrage campaign were its mass demonstrations. On December 17, 1905, the League organized protests for women’s suffrage in sixty-three towns across the nation, bringing together over 22,000 demonstrators. A “National Women’s Declaration” written by the League’s leadership was sent out to be adopted by each rally.

The fate [of Finland] concerns us just as much as men. Is it any wonder that tens of thousands of us rise up to call for our rights, to demand for ourselves equality with men. A powerful cry is echoing across our country at this moment, from the large cities to the villages, showing that the majority of citizens support the heartfelt wishes of women. The demand of women for the vote and to run in elections will be silenced only when it is granted. The right to vote is a means for us to shut off the flow of alcohol, to raise the proletariat from material and psychological distress, to prepare the way for light and freedom.

The rallies continued into 1906 and the Finnish Social Democratic Party did not waver on demanding suffrage for all. But a new general strike did not ultimately prove necessary to win this demand, as the Parliamentary Reform Committee eventually announced that all women would be allowed to vote and run for office, despite considerable controversy within the Committee over the latter point in particular.

How can we explain this decision by a Finnish political elite that until then had consistently opposed universal suffrage? Put simply, they were forced into it. The pressure of the workers’ upsurge during and following the Great Strike of 1905, and the real threat of a new general strike, proved greater than elite opposition to universal suffrage.

That the suffrage decision had been imposed from below was openly admitted at the time. The influential banker and politician Emil Schybergson told the Parliamentary Reform Committee that the revolution had forced them to rush through a decision that might otherwise have waited another fifty years. Indeed, it took many more decades for other countries to grant full suffrage, including France (1944), Italy (1946), and Switzerland (1971).

The Tsar’s acceptance of the Finnish suffrage proposal on July 20, 1906 was similarly a victory imposed by revolutionary struggle. Such an act would have been inconceivable without ongoing mass rebellion across Russia, which flared up again that summer in a new wave of peasant revolts and army mutinies. Through this concession, the embattled tsarist regime hoped to quell unrest in Finland in order to concentrate its forces on putting down the revolution in the rest of the empire.

The suffrage campaign lasted all the way through 1907. In January, the League sent out a memorandum to its local branches, calling on them to ensure that the SDP electoral slates include a sufficient number of women candidates. By this time, over 18,000 women had joined the party, close to a quarter of the total membership.

The 1907 elections were swept by the Finnish Social Democracy. It won 37 percent of the vote — the highest of any party — and of the nineteen women in the new Parliament, nine were socialists. The latter were a remarkable group, all leaders of the League and most from humble backgrounds. Anni Huotari, Maria Laine, Maria Raunio, and Sandra Reinholdsson were seamstresses; Jenny Kilpianen was a weaver; Mimmi Kanervo was a maid, as had been Miina Sillanpää; Ida Ahlstedt was a baker and boarding-house operator; and Hilja Pärssinen was a school teacher.

Prominent feminists were, at best, ambivalent about the suffrage victory. The Finnish Women’s Association’s top leaders still stressed that Finnish working-class women were too backwards and unprepared for full suffrage. Alexandra Gripenberg declared to a 1907 women’s congress in Vienna that the entry of uneducated, plebeian women into Parliament was a “horrible” embarrassment. Most of the socialist MPs, Gripenberg lamented, were “formerly servants, factory hands, or seamstresses. … It was a mistake that so few really able and suitable women for the work in the Diet [Parliament] were elected. … If we had women lawyers, merchants, physicians, scientists, and so on, women’s words would have weighed more.”

Hilja Pärssinen, in contrast, traveled abroad to present the Finnish struggle as an unqualified victory and a vindication of a strict class-versus-class political perspective. She argued in the British newspaper Justice that “women who have to fight together with their men comrades for the abolition of the present capitalist system and the private ownership of the means of production cannot work together with women who support this very system.” In an interview with the Christian Science Monitor, she declared:

I should very much like through your paper to send a message to the American people, and to ask them why they have not yet granted the suffrage to women, and to urge upon them, out of a considerable practical experience of its value, the importance of making this great, and ultimately necessary, political change.

Pärssinen’s perspective was shared by the workers’ movement in Russia and beyond. For August Bebel, the German SPD leader and author of the influential work Women and Socialism, the events in Finland represented “the triumph of international socialism.” Similarly, Alexandra Kollontai at the 1908 First All-Russian Women’s Congress pointed to Finland to show that “in those countries where unlimited political rights for women have been achieved, this has been done only with the help of the social-democrats.”

[sorcerous-caress]

Had a weird lucid dream again, don't remember it bc I was busy writing down the story idea that came after it from the song I use as my alarm.

Anyway, you guys ever think about how a percentage of the world has died since you were born? Like if you're in your 20s then 15-25% of the world population has died already.

30 - 25-35%

60 - 55-65%

Imagine that, half the world you were born with just perished. Disappeared and you're still here. People you knew like your elementary and high school teachers, your doctors and therapists. The servive offices and the elder workers you've encountered in your youth and took for granted are now serving retirement and approaching their death bed.

By the time you're 80. 90% of the world population has died since you were born. 90% of the whole world got replaced.

The internet is still relatively new. It's rare to find abandon blogs, not impossible but rare.

Most people here go from young adults to middle aged, all those accounts will eventually have their owners die. I mean it is a real problem that social media apps aren't considering, what do you do when your app outlives your consumer's lifespan? Will the Internet just be a graveyard for all those accounts filled with opinions, art, writing and online arguments of people who have long passed away.

Or would they erease it. To not make the new generations uncomfortable by living next to the ghost town. They tear down the support beams and let the buildings crumble the town, ereasing the whole accounts with all the memories left in them.

Art is immortlisation yes, everything you have ever created is guaranteed to outlive you. It will be a part of your legacy no matter how big or small, fanfic or original work. But that's only if you post them on the right site that seeks to preserve them.

Social media doesn't seek to do that. Deleted accounts remove acess to browsing them. Deleted accounts works do not show up in the search. Sadly, I don't think a lot of our works will live on, I fear they'll be buried to pave the way for the newer trend amongst the living.

[bardicbeetle]

(content warnings for mention of death, gun violence, transphobia, and suicide)

This is something I wrote for my own personal socials + also to email to some relatives who do not use them. It's for tomorrow, so mind the dating.

I.

If you are part of the queer community, if you feel like reading then take a breathe, take care of your heart. I am writing this not to be unkind to my own blood, but to remind them where we stand. Apart or otherwise.

Today is March 31st.

Transgender day of Visibility.

My name is Larkspur.

My pronouns are they/them/theirs.

I am transgender and nonbinary.

Happy is not a word I would use to describe transgender day of visibility. It’s not one I would have used even before now, but this year has an especially sharp edge to that. We are not visible by choice, it is so often not being open as an act of self expression, or as pride. It is a scrutiny inescapable. We are told to either stay down and shut up, or die—we are vilified for simply existing. We have escalated now to hearing cries for our extermination, to being branded as child abusers, pedophiles, and now *terrorists*. To people being allowed and even encouraged to call CPS on the parents of transgender children citing transition itself as abuse, and states threatening to forcibly remove cisgender children from their families if they have transgender parents or siblings, even if they cross state lines to do so.

I cannot pretend to be hopeful.

My heart is heavy with the ongoing attempted genocide of my community. With the 41% jokes. With the people saying “It’s not *that* bad”. Wake the fuck up. It is that bad. As of today, nearly 500 bills have been introduced in 2023 alone that aim to legislate trans people out of public existence. I say public existence because regardless of what is done to hold us to the ground, we are NOT going away. The shooting in Nashville has spawned an outcry amongst Republican officials and news sources NOT over this country’s long and bright red history of gun violence, but a whipped up violent hysteria that claims transgender people are coming to kill your children and destroy your religion. I would love to say that is a surprising outcome to this newest tragedy, but that would be a lie in the extreme.

The things we do to make our bodies feel more our own are policed at every turn. When you are young you are “too young to think about that”, when you are an adult then “why bother starting now”. For the small percentage of us who seek medical transition, the procedures we seek are often trivialized and barred from us, but easy to access for cisgender people (Hormone Therapy, Breast augmentation, hairline reconstruction, etc). We are told that puberty blockers are poisoning children who “don’t know any better” when they have been prescribed to cisgender children since the 1980s. We are vilified for surgeries that are both cost prohibitive and never granted to anyone under the age of 16.

I want to make one thing very clear, if nothing else. This is MY community. I am transgender. I am no different from the rest. I am not an outlier. I am not special. The false beliefs weaponized against my community are weaponized against me. If you believe transgender people are inherently wrong, you believe I am inherently wrong. If you believe we are sick, you believe I am sick. If you believe we are against God, you believe I am against God. If you believe we are violent, you believe I am violent. If you believe we are a danger to children, you believe I am a danger to children. If you believe our existence is a threat to you, then you believe I am a threat to you. If you think because you know me that means I am different, that your beliefs and prejudices will not fall on me? You could not be more wrong. I will carry the weight like everyone in my community, I will hold each one in my chest like a stone.

I say none of this to be a thorn. I say it because I am hurting, and afraid, and *angry* and so SO tired.

I am tired of being brave. I am tired of being special. I am tired of the burden of being some people’s only mark on the board for knowing a queer person well enough to consider them “good”. I am tired of watching the people I love carry disgust and disdain in their hearts for people like me, who aren’t me. I am tired of watching the country I am supposed to call home close walls around me until the place I was born is one of the only states left that counts me as a human being and not a disease to be eradicated. I am tired of the world putting a target on the backs of my siblings just for being themselves. I am tired and heartbroken from adding more names to the list of those who have died for being themselves, either because someone decided they deserved it, or because it was their only perceived escape. I am so tired of losing people to the tide of hatred and vitriol that is spewed like a burst pipe from the heart of the world.

That is not all to say I am hopeless. I have faith in my community to fight for change even if I do not have faith in those who control how fast and how far that change goes. We are tired, but we are not backing down. We have been here the whole time, and we will continue to be here until time runs humanity into the ground. Gender diverse individuals can be traced back as far as 4500 BCE. We are not going to lie down and die over this. We are not going to stand by and be erased.

Today is transgender day of visibility.

For better or for worse, I am making sure that you see ALL of me.

[internet-society]

Should Israel roll over and die for you? Would that make you happy? 7 million Jews and 2 million free Arabs just roll over and die?

You know there are Arabs in the IDF that are busy deleting Hamas as we speak?

I'm gonna answer this only because you think you have me in a "gotcha" & you don't think I'm capable of explaining my feelings & posts.

I am an American. I've lived in the United States all my life, but my family is from Mexico. I myself am afro-latina. What that means is, when most people see me, they see a black person. Most don't realize I speak Spanish so I'm constantly subject to discrimination in my face in two languages & two countries.

I try to stay out of protests for the aforementioned reason. Anywhere I go, I am asked to speak up for the actions of other black Americans & other black people in general. The more bigoted the crowd, the more ridiculous questions I get. It's hard for me to blend in. So I get pinpointed, bothered, assaulted, inappropriately touched in different areas of my body just because I was born in "this" skin.

I often reflected on what I learned about black slavery, the Holocaust, bombings, the fact that, because generations of my family had fled persecution from multiple imperialists, I was now able to live in relative ignorance of this harsh reality of life. I saw beheaded people on magazine covers, several of my family & their friends were brutally tortured & murdered by gangs, within America & in Mexico, I myself was shot as a kid, but my family told me to cover my eyes & ears & live a better life.

We're all sick of the bloodshed. The death. The outright murder. The laughing over corpses. We have commodities like fucking iPhones & hoverboards at the cost of human genocide, mutilation, & defilement. This is the same war that has been fought, over & over again. To me, it's not about what group is inherently evil & which group is inherently right. How can you justify holiness through bloodshed? How can anything be sacred when it prefers desecration over assistance?

You know as well as I do we live in an unjust world. I am ignorant because of this privilege, I grant you that. But I am tired & sore of screaming for change. We have all the tools at our disposal, we've had enough celebrities sing about it, we've done the calculations for the costs of global renewal energy, the end of world hunger, & free healthcare & education. We even have charities, large groups of people, entire nations already pushing & begging to make these policies an intrinsic part of reality.

And if this behavior of war, which has been condemned by the United Nations, by several countries, & by a large percentage of the world itself, is not brought to justice, what hope do any of us have? What reason to move forward? What reason to propagate humanity?

I am not pushing for a ceasefire. I am not pushing for the death of Isrealis. I am not pushing for an overthrow by Hamas. I am not pushing for any kind of racial distinction in promotion of either small or full-scale war. I am asking for us to end it. Forever. End this war, end these genocides, end this blatant slaughter, end fighting within this modern twilight zone that has the CAPACITY & the POWER to effect beneficial change for THE GLOBE, but refuses to because they weren't raised well by their own upbringers.

My anger may sound laughable & even silly, but it is the fact that I still have blood coursing through my veins that I continue to scream & yell, albeit on a platform which is probably getting relatively few views. Because I carry the blood of the colonized. Because I am the child of the massacred, the raped, the beaten. Because you are angry enough to send these silly asks on anon because you are either a coward wrapped in your own head or someone who doesn't have the skills necessary to articulate their feelings for the other side.

I don't hate you. I don't even feel sorry for you. You feel alone & cold in this world, as the rest of us do, but you don't have anything to believe in. You don't even believe in yourself. That's why you sent propaganda on anon. Because you like being told what to do.

[donhlg]

Starting a Business in Saudi Arabia: Key Differences for Locals vs. Foreigners

Introduction

Starting a business in Saudi Arabia offers exciting opportunities for both locals and foreigners. However, the process and requirements differ depending on whether you are a Saudi national or a foreigner. This article explores these differences, covering aspects like ownership regulations, funding options, and legal requirements. Understanding these distinctions is essential for entrepreneurs to navigate the Saudi business landscape effectively.

How Business Setup Requirements Differ for Saudis and Foreigners

Ownership and Business Structure

Locals: Saudi nationals have a variety of options when it comes to business structures. They can operate as sole proprietors or form limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, or corporations without needing a local partner. This flexibility allows locals to maintain full ownership of their businesses, whether they operate on a small or large scale.

Foreigners: For foreign entrepreneurs, full ownership is possible under certain conditions, but it typically applies to specific sectors and requires approval from the Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia(MISA). Foreigners can set up wholly foreign-owned entities in industries like manufacturing, IT, and technical consulting, but retail and other sectors might still require a local Saudi partner. Additionally, the setup process often involves more documentation and capital requirements than it does for locals.

Capital Requirements

Locals: Saudi nationals generally face lower capital requirements than their foreign counterparts. For example, setting up an LLC may not require significant upfront capital for locals, making it more accessible for small and medium-sized businesses.

Foreigners: Foreign investors typically need to meet higher minimum capital requirements, which can vary based on the type of business and industry. For example, establishing a wholly foreign-owned company might require capital ranging from SR 500,000 to SR 1 million or more, depending on the nature of the business. These financial requirements are a regulatory measure to ensure that foreign investments align with the country's economic goals.

Licensing and Regulatory Approvals

Locals: Saudi nationals usually have a straightforward path to obtaining licenses and regulatory approvals. They can easily register their businesses through the Ministry of Commerce's online portal, often receiving approval within days. For Saudis, the process is relatively quick, with fewer documentation requirements.

Foreigners: Foreign entrepreneurs must obtain a foreign investment license from MISA, which can involve multiple steps and documentation, such as proof of financial stability, background checks, and a detailed business plan. Additionally, they may need sector-specific approvals if their business involves healthcare, finance, or engineering activities. The process can take longer, as it involves vetting from various regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with local laws.

Hiring Requirements and Quotas

Locals: Saudi entrepreneurs are encouraged to hire Saudi nationals, especially for larger businesses, but they have fewer specific requirements. Small businesses owned by locals have more flexibility when it comes to staffing.

Foreigners: Foreign-owned companies in Saudi Arabia are subject to Saudization (Nitaqat) requirements, which mandate hiring a certain percentage of Saudi nationals. These quotas can vary based on the size of the company and the sector, and failure to meet Saudization requirements can result in penalties or restrictions on the business.

Access to Funding and Incentives

Locals: Saudi nationals can access various government funding programs and incentives, such as the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) and the Saudi Credit and Savings Bank. These programs provide low-interest loans and grants to support local entrepreneurs, particularly those in sectors aligned with Vision 2030 objectives.

Foreigners: Foreign entrepreneurs may find it challenging to access local funding sources, as many are restricted to Saudi nationals. However, foreign investors can still explore funding through international banks, venture capital, and other private investors. Foreign-owned companies may also qualify for incentives if they align with national economic goals and contribute to the diversification of the economy.

Conclusion

The differences between starting a business in Saudi Arabia as a local versus a foreigner are substantial, impacting everything from ownership rights to access to funding. For Saudi nationals, the process is generally more straightforward, with fewer regulatory hurdles and more accessible funding opportunities. In contrast, foreign entrepreneurs face a more complex process involving higher capital requirements, Saudization quotas, and additional licensing steps. This complexity underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of the Saudi business landscape. For those seeking expert assistance in navigating the complexities of starting a business in Saudi Arabia, the Helpline Group provides invaluable support. With over 25 years of experience, they help entrepreneurs overcome regulatory challenges and ensure a smooth business setup process.

[klubwork]

The best approaches to funding for business start up in 2024

In the dynamic landscape of 2024, securing funding for start up businesses remains a critical challenge and opportunity for entrepreneurs. As the market evolves, so do the strategies and resources available to nascent businesses seeking financial support. This article explores the best approaches to funding for business start up, with a particular focus on the utilisation of startup funding website, diverse funding sources, and strategic planning to get fund for startup ventures.

Exploring traditional funding methods

Traditional methods of funding for start up businesses continue to be relevant in 2024. Bank loans, for instance, are a conventional but viable option for entrepreneurs with solid business plans and credit histories. These loans typically require a detailed business proposal and collateral, which can be a barrier for some start-ups. However, for those who can meet these requirements, bank loans offer substantial funding with relatively stable interest rates.

Leveraging startup funding website

One of the most transformative developments in recent years is the rise of the startup funding website. These platforms have democratised access to capital, allowing entrepreneurs to connect with a wide range of investors, from venture capitalists to angel investors and crowdfunding participants.

Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo enable start-ups to raise small amounts of money from a large number of people, often in exchange for early access to products or other rewards. This approach not only provides funding but also validates the business idea and builds a customer base. Equity crowdfunding platforms, such as SeedInvest and Crowdcube, allow businesses to offer shares to the public in return for investment. This can be particularly appealing for businesses with a strong community appeal or innovative products.

Angel investment networks available on startup funding website like AngelList provide another avenue. These investors often bring not only capital but also mentorship and valuable industry connections, which can be critical for early-stage start-ups. Additionally, platforms like Klub offer revenue-based financing, allowing businesses to raise funds without diluting equity by repaying investors with a percentage of future revenue.

Government and non-profit grants

Government and non-profit grants are another vital source of funding for business start up, especially those with a focus on innovation, technology, or social impact. In 2024, numerous programs are available at the federal, state, and local levels. For instance, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program in the United States provides grants to small businesses engaged in research and development projects with commercialization potential.

Conclusion

Securing funding for start up businesses in 2024 requires a multifaceted approach. Entrepreneurs should explore traditional funding methods, leverage modern startup funding website, seek government and non-profit grants, and consider strategic bootstrapping. By combining these strategies, start-ups can increase their chances of securing the necessary capital to launch and grow their businesses successfully.

The evolving financial landscape offers a variety of options, each with its own set of advantages and challenges. By staying informed and adaptable, entrepreneurs can navigate the complexities of funding for business start up and position their ventures for long-term success. Platforms like Klub exemplify innovative funding solutions, providing flexibility and access to capital without equity dilution, which can be especially beneficial for growth-oriented start-ups.

[digitamizer]

E-commerce Marketplaces: The Impact on Small E-commerce Businesses

What is the impact of E-commerce Marketplaces on small e-commerce businesses?

In the ever-evolving panorama of e-commerce, the role of E-commerce Marketplaces cannot be overstated. These digital structures have not best changed how customers save however have additionally had a profound effect on small e-commerce businesses. This article delves into the multifaceted effect of marketplaces on small e-commerce firms, inspecting the benefits, challenges, and techniques vital for thriving on this aggressive atmosphere.

Introduction – E-commerce Marketplaces

The e-commerce industry has experienced a tremendous evolution when you consider its inception in the overdue twentieth century. It has transitioned from rudimentary online shops to a complex and interconnected ecosystem in which E-commerce Marketplaces play a critical role. These marketplaces, exemplified via enterprise giants like Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba, have revolutionized the way clients find out and buy products. This transformation has drastically affected small e-commerce groups, redefining their possibilities and demanding situations.

The Rise of E-commerce Marketplaces

E-commerce Marketplaces have become synonymous with e-commerce, providing purchasers with a comprehensive and handy buying enjoy. Among those, Amazon sticks out as an iconic example of a marketplace’s transformative strength. Originating as a web book shop in 1994, Amazon has grown right into a global e-commerce juggernaut that offers a mind-blowing array of merchandise, from books to electronics to groceries.

The appeal of marketplaces for consumers is clear they provide a one-prevent destination for absolutely any product, often followed by means of speedy shipping alternatives and reliable customer support. This unheard-of comfort has led many customers to prefer E-commerce Marketplaces over traditional brick-and-mortar stores and individual e-commerce websites.

Advantages of Selling on E-commerce Marketplaces for Small Businesses

For small e-commerce businesses, promoting on E-commerce Marketplacesnline marketplaces gives several compelling advantages

Instant Access to a Vast Customer Base

Marketplaces boast millions of lively users, granting small agencies on-the-spot exposure to a massive and diverse client base that could be hard to reach independently.

Credibility and Trust

Associating with famous E-Commerce marketplaces imparts credibility and belief to small corporations. Customers are extra inclined to make purchases through mounted structures.

Infrastructure and Resources

E-Commerce marketplaces regularly provide a collection of equipment and sources for organizations, which include price processing, order achievement, or even advertising and marketing offerings. These sources can appreciably lessen the operational burdens for small corporations.

Global Reach

Small companies can tap into global markets with relative ease, as marketplaces handle complexities like worldwide transport and charge processing.

Data and Analytics

E-Commerce marketplaces provide treasured statistics and analytics insights that could assist small organizations in refining their advertising marketing and product techniques. This statistics-pushed method can decorate choice-making and lead to a successful outcome.

Challenges Faced by Using Small E-commerce Businesses on E-Commerce Marketplaces

Despite the benefits, promoting on online marketplaces affords its personal set of challenges for small organizations

Increased Competition

The sheer extent of sellers on marketplaces can cause extreme opposition. Small businesses often find it tough to face out amid this crowded market.

Fee Structures

Marketplaces generally charge fees for listing merchandise and take a percentage of each sale. These prices can consume into earnings margins, necessitating cautious financial planning.

Limited Brand Control

Small organizations may additionally have constrained management over their emblem’s presentation on marketplaces, as they must adhere to the platform’s pointers and format. This could make it tough to distinguish and set up a unique logo identification.

Dependency

Relying completely on a marketplace for income may be unstable, as modifications in marketplace rules, algorithms, or prices can extensively affect a commercial enterprise’s visibility and profitability. Businesses might also emerge as susceptible to the decisions and whims of the market operator.

Customer Relationship Ownership

Marketplaces often keep manipulating purchaser records, proscribing small agencies’ potential to build direct relationships with their clients. This makes it hard to interact in customized advertising and remarketing efforts.

Strategies for Small E-commerce Businesses to Thrive on E-Commerce Marketplaces

Despite the demanding situations posed by way of online marketplaces, many small e-commerce businesses have thrived on those platforms. Here are a few techniques for accomplishing success

Differentiation

Find modern approaches to distinguish your products from the competition. This ought to involve presenting specific capabilities, bundling objects, or presenting remarkable customer service. Stand out by way of supplying fees that competitors cannot mirror without difficulty.

Optimize Product Listings

Invest time and effort in growing compelling product listings. High-exceptional pictures, designated descriptions, and persuasive replicas can enhance visibility and conversion rates.

Pricing Strategies

Carefully manipulate your pricing strategy to stay aggressive whilst preserving wholesome profit margins. Monitor competitors and adapt pricing as important.

Diversify Sales Channels

Do not rely entirely on one marketplace. Consider promoting on multiple platforms to unfold hazards and attain distinct purchaser segments. Each marketplace may additionally have its target market and advantages.

Build Your Brand

While you are in the marketplace, do not forget your brand identity. Create a strong internet site and establish a presence on social media platforms to build logo loyalty and cognizance.

Customer Service Excellence

Offer top-notch customer service to build wonderful evaluations and preserve robust popularity. Excellent customer service can be a big competitive benefit.

Leverage Data

Use data analytics to recognize purchaser conduct, monitor sales trends, and make knowledgeable selections about inventory, pricing, and advertising techniques. Data-driven insights can pressure commercial enterprises to increase.

Marketing Efforts

Invest in marketing both on and stale the marketplace platform to force visitors and income. Utilize advertising and marketing alternatives offered by way of the market and explore different advertising channels like social media and electronic mail advertising.

Explore Fulfillment Services

Consider the use of marketplace success services or partnering with  logistics companies to streamline order success and make sure of green transport and shipping processes.

Conclusion

Online marketplaces have undeniably reshaped the e-commerce landscape. For small e-commerce groups, they represent a potent opportunity to reach an international target audience and leverage the infrastructure and customer base of set-up systems. However, the market environment isn’t without its demanding situations, along with extended opposition, charge systems, restricted logo manipulation, dependency, and consumer relationship possession.

The route to achievement for small organizations on marketplaces requires a strategic technique that encompasses differentiation, optimization, and a sturdy consciousness of customer support. By carefully navigating those demanding situations and opportunities, small e-commerce agencies cannot most effectively live to tell the tale however thrive within the age of online marketplaces. While marketplaces have altered the dynamics of the e-commerce enterprise, they have additionally created new avenues for increase and success for corporations of all sizes inclined to evolve and innovate.

Digital Marketing Services , SEO and E-Commerce Solutions in Delhi, India

Author – Farhanul Haque

This article is written by the Founder of Digitamizer who has been working in the e-Commerce Sector Since 2006 and is also a certified Digital Marketing Professional from IIT, Delhi, India.

[thorntonkrell-blog-blog]

I wish professors were teachers and high school teachers were less professorial. professors in higher education focus more on research and specialized knowledge in their fields. Their primary responsibility is to contribute to their field through research, while teaching is often a secondary responsibility. High school teachers often have a more holistic approach to education, focusing on a variety of skills and knowledge areas that students need.

Many professors are hired, promoted, and tenured based on their research contributions. Universities often prioritize academic publications, grants, and research advancements. High school teachers often have a broader curriculum to cover, ensuring that students are exposed to various subjects, from sciences and mathematics to humanities and arts.

In many universities, a professor's success is measured by their research output. This can include the number of publications in prestigious journals, citations, books authored, and the ability to secure research grants. It's worth noting that not all universities prioritize research equally. Some institutions, often referred to as "teaching universities" or "liberal arts colleges," place a greater emphasis on teaching quality and student engagement over research output. High school curricula often incorporate interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to see connections between different subjects. For example, a history lesson might integrate elements of literature, geography, and even science to provide a holistic understanding of a particular time period or event. Beyond academic subjects, high schools also focus on developing essential life skills, such as critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and interpersonal communication. They aim to prepare students for higher education, careers, and active citizenship in society.

Beyond academic subjects, high schools also focus on developing essential life skills, such as critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and interpersonal communication. They aim to prepare students for higher education, careers, and active citizenship in society. High schools aim to prepare students for diverse pathways, whether it's entering higher education, joining the workforce, or pursuing vocational training. The goal is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

By exploring ethical dilemmas, discussing moral principles, and reflecting on societal values, high schools help students develop a strong ethical foundation. This prepares them to navigate complex moral issues and make principled choices in various contexts. Furthermore, it prepares them for college and plays a significant role in the competition that determines who will go to what college and at what cost.

The college admissions process is highly competitive, with many factors influencing admission decisions, including grades, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews. A strong ethical foundation can set students apart, demonstrating their readiness to contribute positively to the campus community and society at large

College is not just about academic rigor; it's also about community engagement, collaboration, and personal growth. Students with a strong ethical foundation are better equipped to navigate the complexities of college life, build meaningful relationships, and contribute positively to the campus and broader society.

Public high schools serve diverse student populations, encompassing students with varying academic abilities, interests, and needs. They strive to create inclusive and supportive learning environments that cater to the diverse needs and aspirations of all students. Colleges eceive a large number of applications and admit a relatively small percentage of applicants based on various criteria, including academic performance, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, interviews, and other factors.

Public high schools focus on providing equitable access to education and creating inclusive learning environments for diverse student populations, while colleges emphasize academic excellence, selective admissions, and creating diverse and vibrant academic communities.

In an ideal educational ecosystem, there would be a seamless transition and collaboration between these two settings. High schools would prepare students not just academically but also ethically and personally for the challenges and opportunities of higher education. Conversely, colleges would recognize the holistic skills and foundational knowledge imparted by high schools, valuing both the breadth and depth of a student's educational journey.

However, as with any system involving human elements, challenges arise. Differences in priorities, evaluation metrics, and even philosophies can create gaps between the two settings. Addressing these challenges requires ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and a shared commitment to prioritizing student success and well-being.

ChatGPT

Your sentiment highlights a common perception about the differences between professors and high school teachers. Let's break down some of the distinctions and what might be behind your statement:

Educational Philosophy:

Professors: Generally, professors in higher education focus more on research and specialized knowledge in their fields. Their primary responsibility is to contribute to their field through research, while teaching is often a secondary responsibility.

High School Teachers: Their primary role is to teach and guide students in a wide range of subjects. They often have a more holistic approach to education, focusing on a variety of skills and knowledge areas that students need.

Depth vs. Breadth:

Professors: Their instruction can be more specialized and deep, diving into intricate details of a particular subject matter.

High School Teachers: They typically provide a broader overview of subjects, aiming to give students a foundational understanding that can be built upon in higher education or specialized training.

Class Size and Interaction:

Professors: Often teach larger classes, especially in universities, which can limit individual interaction with students.

High School Teachers: Typically have smaller class sizes, allowing for more personalized attention and interaction with students.

Pedagogical Approach:

Professors: In higher education, there is often an expectation that students will take more responsibility for their learning. This can involve independent research, critical thinking, and self-directed study.

High School Teachers: They usually play a more guiding and directive role, providing structured lessons, assignments, and assessments to ensure students meet educational standards.

Your statement might reflect a desire for a more engaging and interactive educational experience at the high school level, similar to what one might expect from professors. It could also suggest a wish for professors to be more accessible and focused on teaching, rather than being primarily driven by research.

Ultimately, the ideal educational experience balances depth and breadth of knowledge, fosters critical thinking and independent learning, and provides students with the tools they need to succeed in higher education and beyond.

You

professors in higher education focus more on research and specialized knowledge in their fields. Their primary responsibility is to contribute to their field through research, while teaching is often a secondary responsibility. High school teachers often have a more holistic approach to education, focusing on a variety of skills and knowledge areas that students need.ChatGPT

ChatGPT

Absolutely, you've captured the essence of the different roles and responsibilities of professors in higher education versus high school teachers. Let's delve a bit deeper into these distinctions:

Professors in Higher Education:

Research Focus: Many professors are hired, promoted, and tenured based on their research contributions. Universities often prioritize academic publications, grants, and research advancements.

Specialized Knowledge: Due to their expertise, professors can offer deep insights into specific subjects. This expertise often shapes the curriculum at the university level, ensuring that students receive advanced and up-to-date information.

Professional Development: Professors are expected to stay current in their fields, attend conferences, and collaborate with other experts, both nationally and internationally.

Teaching Load: While teaching is essential in higher education, the time professors dedicate to teaching can vary widely. Some might teach multiple courses each semester, while others, especially those in research-intensive positions, might teach less frequently.

High School Teachers:

Holistic Education: High school teachers often have a broader curriculum to cover, ensuring that students are exposed to various subjects, from sciences and mathematics to humanities and arts.

Skill Development: Beyond subject-specific knowledge, high school teachers play a pivotal role in fostering skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Personalized Interaction: With smaller class sizes in many high schools, teachers can often provide more personalized attention, understanding each student's strengths, challenges, and learning styles.

Continual Assessment: High school teachers regularly assess student performance, providing feedback and guidance to help students achieve academic success.

Both professors and high school teachers play crucial roles in the education system, each with its unique set of challenges and rewards. While professors delve deep into specialized knowledge and research, shaping the future of their fields, high school teachers lay the foundation, molding young minds and preparing them for further academic pursuits or the workforce.

You

Many professors are hired, promoted, and tenured based on their research contributions. Universities often prioritize academic publications, grants, and research advancements. High school teachers often have a broader curriculum to cover, ensuring that students are exposed to various subjects, from sciences and mathematics to humanities and arts.ChatGPT

ChatGPT

You've highlighted two significant aspects of the academic world: the research-oriented nature of higher education and the comprehensive educational approach of high schools. Let's explore these dynamics further:

Professors in Higher Education:

Research Metrics: In many universities, a professor's success is measured by their research output. This can include the number of publications in prestigious journals, citations, books authored, and the ability to secure research grants.

Tenure Track: Tenure, a permanent position awarded to professors after a probationary period, is often contingent upon a candidate's research accomplishments. This system aims to protect academic freedom, ensuring that professors can pursue research without fear of reprisal.

Research Universities vs. Teaching Universities: It's worth noting that not all universities prioritize research equally. Some institutions, often referred to as "teaching universities" or "liberal arts colleges," place a greater emphasis on teaching quality and student engagement over research output.

High School Teachers:

Comprehensive Curriculum: High school teachers are responsible for delivering a wide array of subjects to provide students with a well-rounded education. This can range from core subjects like mathematics, science, and language arts to elective courses in the arts, social sciences, and vocational training.

Interdisciplinary Approach: High school curricula often incorporate interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to see connections between different subjects. For example, a history lesson might integrate elements of literature, geography, and even science to provide a holistic understanding of a particular time period or event.

Preparation for Higher Education and Life: Beyond academic subjects, high schools also focus on developing essential life skills, such as critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and interpersonal communication. They aim to prepare students for higher education, careers, and active citizenship in society.

In summary, while professors in higher education are often incentivized to prioritize research and specialized knowledge, high school teachers have the vital role of offering a comprehensive education that prepares students for various paths in life. Both play essential roles in shaping the future generation, albeit with different focuses and methodologies.

You

In many universities, a professor's success is measured by their research output. This can include the number of publications in prestigious journals, citations, books authored, and the ability to secure research grants. It's worth noting that not all universities prioritize research equally. Some institutions, often referred to as "teaching universities" or "liberal arts colleges," place a greater emphasis on teaching quality and student engagement over research output. High school curricula often incorporate interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to see connections between different subjects. For example, a history lesson might integrate elements of literature, geography, and even science to provide a holistic understanding of a particular time period or event. Beyond academic subjects, high schools also focus on developing essential life skills, such as critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and interpersonal communication. They aim to prepare students for higher education, careers, and active citizenship in society.ChatGPT

ChatGPT

You've synthesized the core distinctions between the priorities and approaches of higher education institutions and high schools. These distinctions highlight the multifaceted nature of the education system and its goals. Let's delve a bit deeper into each of these points:

Universities and Professorial Success:

Research Metrics: The emphasis on research output in many universities stems from a desire to advance knowledge, attract funding, and enhance the institution's reputation. Metrics like publications, citations, and grants serve as tangible indicators of a professor's contributions to their field.

Diversity of Priorities: While research-focused universities aim to push the boundaries of knowledge, teaching-centric institutions prioritize student learning experiences. The distinction is not always binary, as many universities strive to strike a balance between research and teaching.

Impact of Priorities: The institutional emphasis on either research or teaching can influence faculty hiring, promotions, and tenure decisions. For instance, a research-intensive university might value a candidate's groundbreaking research more heavily, while a teaching-focused institution might prioritize pedagogical skills and student feedback.

High School Education:

Interdisciplinary Learning: High schools often adopt an interdisciplinary approach to education, recognizing that real-world challenges and topics do not exist in isolation. By integrating subjects, educators can provide students with a richer, more interconnected understanding of the world.

Life Skills Development: Beyond academic knowledge, high schools play a crucial role in nurturing essential life skills. These skills, including critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and communication, are fundamental for personal growth, civic engagement, and professional success.

Holistic Preparation: High schools aim to prepare students for diverse pathways, whether it's entering higher education, joining the workforce, or pursuing vocational training. The goal is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

In essence, while universities and high schools operate within the broader framework of the education system, their priorities, methodologies, and goals can vary significantly. Both institutions, however, share a common mission: to foster learning, promote growth, and prepare students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

You

Beyond academic subjects, high schools also focus on developing essential life skills, such as critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and interpersonal communication. They aim to prepare students for higher education, careers, and active citizenship in society. High schools aim to prepare students for diverse pathways, whether it's entering higher education, joining the workforce, or pursuing vocational training. The goal is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.ChatGPT

ChatGPT

Absolutely, the holistic development of students in high schools goes beyond mere academic instruction. Let's delve deeper into the multifaceted objectives and outcomes of high school education:

Holistic Development in High Schools:

Critical Thinking: High schools emphasize the importance of critical thinking, enabling students to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions. This skill is invaluable in academic settings, professional environments, and everyday life.

Ethical Reasoning: By exploring ethical dilemmas, discussing moral principles, and reflecting on societal values, high schools help students develop a strong ethical foundation. This prepares them to navigate complex moral issues and make principled choices in various contexts.

Interpersonal Communication: High schools foster effective communication skills, teaching students how to express ideas clearly, listen attentively, and engage in constructive dialogue. These skills are essential for collaboration, leadership, and building meaningful relationships.

Diverse Pathways: Recognizing the unique aspirations and potentials of each student, high schools offer diverse pathways tailored to individual interests and goals. Whether students choose higher education, vocational training, or immediate entry into the workforce, high schools provide the foundational skills and knowledge needed for success.

Preparation for an Ever-Changing World: In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, global interconnectedness, and societal transformations, high schools equip students with adaptable skills, resilience, and a lifelong love for learning. This prepares them to navigate uncertainties, embrace opportunities, and contribute positively to society.

Civic Engagement: High schools cultivate a sense of civic responsibility, encouraging students to understand their roles as active citizens. Through civic education, community service, and democratic participation, students learn the value of democracy, the importance of civic rights and responsibilities, and the power of collective action.

In summary, high schools play a pivotal role in shaping well-rounded individuals, preparing them for multifaceted roles in society. By emphasizing critical thinking, ethical reasoning, interpersonal communication, and diverse pathways, high schools empower students to lead fulfilling lives, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and adapt to the challenges and opportunities of an ever-evolving world.

You

By exploring ethical dilemmas, discussing moral principles, and reflecting on societal values, high schools help students develop a strong ethical foundation. This prepares them to navigate complex moral issues and make principled choices in various contexts. Furthermore, it prepares them for college and plays a significant role in the competition that determines who will go to what college and at what cost.ChatGPT

ChatGPT

You've highlighted an important aspect of high school education that often has long-lasting implications for students: the development of ethical reasoning and its role in college preparation and admissions. Let's delve deeper into this connection:

Ethical Foundation and College Preparation:

Moral Decision-Making: High schools provide students with opportunities to grapple with ethical dilemmas, engage in moral reasoning, and reflect on personal and societal values. This process helps students develop a nuanced understanding of right and wrong, fostering a sense of integrity and responsibility.

College Admissions and Ethical Character: Many colleges and universities value students' character, integrity, and ethical reasoning skills alongside academic achievements. Admissions committees may look for evidence of ethical behavior, leadership, community service, and a commitment to social justice. Essays, recommendation letters, and interviews can provide insights into applicants' ethical foundations and character.

Competitive Nature of College Admissions: The college admissions process is highly competitive, with many factors influencing admission decisions, including grades, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews. A strong ethical foundation can set students apart, demonstrating their readiness to contribute positively to the campus community and society at large.

Holistic Evaluation: Recognizing the multifaceted nature of students' achievements and potential, many colleges employ a holistic approach to admissions, considering both academic and non-academic factors. Ethical character, demonstrated through actions, commitments, and reflections, can enhance students' overall profiles and make them more compelling candidates for admission.

Preparation for College Success: Beyond the admissions process, ethical reasoning and character development prepare students for success in college and beyond. In college, students will encounter diverse perspectives, engage in intellectual debates, and face complex challenges. A strong ethical foundation equips students to navigate these experiences with integrity, empathy, and critical thinking.

In essence, while the development of an ethical foundation is invaluable for personal growth and moral integrity, it also plays a significant role in college preparation and admissions. High schools, colleges, and universities recognize the importance of character and ethical reasoning in shaping responsible, compassionate, and thoughtful leaders for the future.

You

The college admissions process is highly competitive, with many factors influencing admission decisions, including grades, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews. A strong ethical foundation can set students apart, demonstrating their readiness to contribute positively to the campus community and society at large.ChatGPT

ChatGPT

Absolutely, the college admissions process is multifaceted, and each component provides a unique lens through which admissions committees evaluate applicants. Let's explore further how a strong ethical foundation can distinguish students in this competitive landscape:

Role of Ethical Foundation in College Admissions:

Character Assessment: Beyond academic achievements and test scores, colleges seek students who demonstrate integrity, responsibility, and ethical reasoning. A strong ethical foundation is indicative of a student's character and their potential to contribute positively to the college community.

Evidence of Ethical Engagement: Admissions committees value tangible evidence of students' ethical engagement, such as involvement in community service, leadership roles in ethical initiatives, participation in ethical debates or forums, or reflections on ethical dilemmas in essays or interviews.

Alignment with Institutional Values: Colleges and universities have their own missions, values, and cultures. Students who exhibit a strong ethical foundation that aligns with the institution's ethos are more likely to resonate with the college's community and make meaningful contributions.

Holistic Profile Enhancement: While grades and test scores are crucial, a strong ethical foundation can enhance a student's overall profile, providing a more comprehensive view of their capabilities, potential, and fit for the institution.

Preparation for Campus Life: College is not just about academic rigor; it's also about community engagement, collaboration, and personal growth. Students with a strong ethical foundation are better equipped to navigate the complexities of college life, build meaningful relationships, and contribute positively to the campus and broader society.

Long-Term Impact: Colleges recognize that students with a strong ethical foundation are not only prepared for academic success but also for leadership roles, civic engagement, and making a positive impact in their careers and communities after graduation.

In summary, while the college admissions process is undeniably competitive, a strong ethical foundation serves as a distinguishing factor that showcases students' character, values, and potential for positive contributions. Colleges and universities value students who not only excel academically but also embody the principles of integrity, responsibility, and ethical leadership that are essential for success in higher education and beyond.

You

College is not just about academic rigor; it's also about community engagement, collaboration, and personal growth. Students with a strong ethical foundation are better equipped to navigate the complexities of college life, build meaningful relationships, and contribute positively to the campus and broader society.ChatGPT

ChatGPT

Absolutely, you've touched upon key aspects that define the college experience beyond the classroom. Let's delve deeper into these dimensions and the role of an ethical foundation:

College Experience Beyond Academic Rigor:

Community Engagement: Colleges offer a myriad of opportunities for students to engage with their communities through volunteer work, internships, research projects, and extracurricular activities. Students with a strong ethical foundation are more inclined to actively participate in these initiatives, leveraging their skills and knowledge to address societal challenges and promote positive change.

Collaborative Learning: College fosters a collaborative learning environment where students work together on projects, participate in group discussions, and engage in team-based activities. An ethical foundation encourages mutual respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to academic excellence, enhancing the quality of collaborative efforts and fostering a culture of teamwork.

Personal Growth and Development: College is a transformative journey that shapes students' intellectual curiosity, personal values, and professional aspirations. An ethical foundation serves as a guiding compass, helping students navigate academic challenges, make informed decisions, and cultivate a sense of purpose and direction in their lives.

Building Meaningful Relationships: College offers a diverse and vibrant community where students form lasting friendships, mentorships, and professional networks. Students with a strong ethical foundation tend to foster authentic relationships based on trust, mutual respect, and shared values, enriching their college experience and creating a supportive network that extends beyond graduation.

Positive Contribution to Society: College equips students with the knowledge, skills, and resources to make meaningful contributions to society. Students with a strong ethical foundation are empowered to apply their academic insights and personal values to address societal needs, advocate for social justice, and inspire positive change in their communities and the world at large.

In essence, while academic rigor is a fundamental aspect of the college experience, the journey is enriched and elevated by community engagement, collaboration, personal growth, and ethical leadership. Students with a strong ethical foundation are not only better equipped to excel academically but also to thrive socially, emotionally, and morally, making a lasting impact on their college communities and broader society.

You

Colleges are selective where as public high schools are not.ChatGPT

ChatGPT

Indeed, the selectivity of colleges and the accessibility of public high schools reflect different aspects of the educational landscape. Let's explore these distinctions further:

Selectivity of Colleges:

Competitive Admissions: Colleges and universities, especially those considered prestigious or highly-ranked, often have competitive admissions processes. They receive a large number of applications and admit a relatively small percentage of applicants based on various criteria, including academic performance, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, interviews, and other factors.

Holistic Review: Many colleges employ a holistic admissions review, considering multiple aspects of applicants' profiles, including academic achievements, personal qualities, leadership potential, and contributions to their communities. This comprehensive evaluation aims to select students who not only demonstrate academic excellence but also exhibit the potential for meaningful contributions to the college community and society at large.

Diverse Student Body: Selective colleges strive to create diverse and vibrant student communities, encompassing students from diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and talents. This diversity enriches the academic environment, fosters cross-cultural understanding, and prepares students to thrive in a globalized world.

Financial Considerations: While selectivity often correlates with prestige, it's essential to recognize that financial considerations can also influence college admissions. Many selective colleges offer generous financial aid packages, scholarships, and support services to ensure access for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Accessibility of Public High Schools:

Open Enrollment: Public high schools generally have open enrollment policies, welcoming all students residing within their designated districts or regions. They aim to provide accessible and equitable educational opportunities to all students, regardless of their academic abilities, backgrounds, or circumstances.

Inclusive Environment: Public high schools serve diverse student populations, encompassing students with varying academic abilities, interests, and needs. They strive to create inclusive and supportive learning environments that cater to the diverse needs and aspirations of all students.

Community Engagement: Public high schools often play a pivotal role in their communities, fostering connections among students, families, educators, and community members. They offer a range of academic, extracurricular, and support services to meet the diverse needs of their student populations and promote positive youth development.

In summary, while colleges and public high schools operate within different contexts and serve distinct purposes within the educational system, both institutions play essential roles in fostering learning, personal growth, and community engagement. Colleges' selectivity reflects their mission to create diverse and vibrant academic communities, while public high schools' accessibility underscores their commitment to providing equitable educational opportunities for all students.

You

Public high schools serve diverse student populations, encompassing students with varying academic abilities, interests, and needs. They strive to create inclusive and supportive learning environments that cater to the diverse needs and aspirations of all students. Colleges eceive a large number of applications and admit a relatively small percentage of applicants based on various criteria, including academic performance, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, interviews, and other factors.ChatGPT

ChatGPT

Absolutely, you've highlighted the core differences between public high schools and colleges, particularly in terms of student diversity, admissions processes, and institutional missions. Let's further explore these distinctions:

Public High Schools:

Diverse Student Populations: Public high schools are designed to serve all students within a designated district or region, resulting in diverse student populations with a wide range of academic abilities, backgrounds, interests, and needs. This diversity enriches the learning environment, fosters cross-cultural understanding, and prepares students for a multicultural society.

Inclusive and Supportive Environments: Public high schools strive to create inclusive and supportive learning environments where all students feel valued, respected, and empowered to achieve their full potential. They offer a variety of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and support services to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of their student populations.

Equitable Access to Education: Public high schools are committed to providing equitable access to quality education for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status, academic abilities, or other factors. They implement policies and practices that promote fairness, inclusivity, and educational equity.

Colleges:

Selective Admissions: Colleges and universities, especially selective institutions, receive a large volume of applications from highly qualified applicants and admit a relatively small percentage of applicants based on rigorous criteria. The admissions process aims to select students who demonstrate the potential for academic excellence, leadership, and meaningful contributions to the college community.

Holistic Evaluation: Many colleges employ a holistic admissions review, considering multiple aspects of applicants' profiles, including academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, interviews, and other factors. This comprehensive evaluation ensures that admissions decisions reflect applicants' diverse talents, experiences, and potential contributions to the college community.

Diverse and Vibrant Communities: Colleges and universities strive to create diverse and vibrant academic communities that foster intellectual growth, cultural enrichment, and personal development. They value diversity in all its forms and work to create inclusive environments where all students, faculty, and staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

In summary, while public high schools and colleges serve distinct roles within the educational system, both institutions are committed to fostering learning, personal growth, and community engagement. Public high schools focus on providing equitable access to education and creating inclusive learning environments for diverse student populations, while colleges emphasize academic excellence, selective admissions, and creating diverse and vibrant academic communities.

[jcmarchi]

An e-commerce marketplace to spur growth in Latin America

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/an-e-commerce-marketplace-to-spur-growth-in-latin-america/

An e-commerce marketplace to spur growth in Latin America

Today, people in countries like the United States take it for granted that they can press a button on their phone and receive nearly any product at their front door the next day. But people living in rural parts of lower-income countries often must choose between travelling to cities or paying high prices for many products.

Now the online marketplace Pacifiko, founded by Jorge Schippers MBA ’13, is expanding access to low-cost products in Central America.

The company offers tens of thousands of products on its website and uses its own fulfillment centers in Guatemala and Costa Rica to provide fast deliveries to every corner of both countries. The goal is to offer a convenient, more affordable shopping experience, and by pursuing that goal, Pacifiko’s impact in the region has gone far beyond convenience for consumers.

The company launched at the end of 2019 in a world that was soon upended by the Covid-19 pandemic. Many of its early sales were health-related items like masks and hand sanitizer. It also found itself at the center of lifestyle shifts, selling huge amounts of home office and home school supplies in a region where such products were increasingly difficult to find.

“It was stressful because we were getting orders across the country at the same time that we were standing up our operations, but we were adding value, so it was also incredibly rewarding,” Schippers recalls.

More recently, Pacifiko has helped facilitate donations by working with the Mathile Institute for the Advancement of Human Nutrition, which is on a mission to end child malnutrition in Central America. When the nonprofit discovered Pacifiko, it added its micronutrient Chispuditos product to the marketplace and told its donors they could purchase a large amount through Pacifiko, after which the company could distribute it in the rural areas where families need it most.

Schippers, who is from Guatemala, takes great pride in seeing his home country’s economy evolve. In fact, contributing to Central America’s development was one of the reasons he came to MIT’s Sloan School of Management in 2011 for his MBA.

“I was really interested in the ‘mens et manus’ idea,” Schippers recalls, referring to MIT’s motto, which is Latin for “mind and hand.” “MIT exposes you to experiences in which theory and practice go hand in hand. It’s about building something that can have impact on the world. I love that mentality.”

As an MBA candidate, Schippers took classes in operations, systems engineering, entrepreneurship, and management. He also attended a presentation from Jeff Wilke SM ’93, former CEO of Amazon’s Worldwide Consumer business. The experience inspired him to join Amazon after graduation, where he helped the e-commerce giant expand to new markets including Mexico, Australia, and the Middle East.

“The expansion to Mexico and the Middle East really opened my mind to the impact this could have because those were more developing economies,” Schippers recalls.

Schippers saw Amazon’s reluctance to expand into smaller developing countries like those in Latin America, so he decided to start an e-commerce company himself.

“I saw a pocket of countries in the world, relatively small countries, where e-commerce penetration was very low compared to developed economies,” Schippers recalls. “These are places where e-commerce as a percentage of retail spending is less than 10 percent. In most developed economies, it’s 20, 30, or even 40 percent.”

There are a number of ways Pacifiko’s operations specifically cater to the region’s economies. For one thing, it offers cash payments on delivery and bank account transfers, since fewer people have credit cards. Pacifiko also offers one- and two-day motorcycle delivery through a mix of its own services and local logistics companies.

“We don’t discriminate based on where you’re buying from,” Schippers says. “The price is the same for everyone and the accessibility is the same. It’s a big value add: Independent of where you live, you have access to tens of thousands of products in one place.”

The company is also encouraging local artisans and entrepreneurs to sell on Pacifiko to spur more production in local economies.

“We want local products so people can buy things produced in their home countries,” Schippers says. “We have examples like local people writing their first book and selling it on Pacifiko, local businesses producing garments to sell through Pacifiko. It’s an additional sales channel at a very low-entry cost, and it gives them access to the country’s entire population.”

Contributing to the local economy is a central part of Pacifiko’s mission. The vast majority of Latin American businesses are family-owned. Pacifiko, conversely, has raised venture capital, and Schippers sees the company’s success as a way to attract more foreign investment in the region.

“We want to prove technology companies can be successful here,” Schippers says. “By successfully scaling a large technology company, more money should come to this region of the world. As we grow, we expect to start seeing the network effect for money coming here and more entrepreneurs building large, scalable businesses.”

As the company continues to evolve, Schippers says Pacifiko could begin offering credit to suppliers and buyers, which would unlock a new way to grow businesses in developing countries, where traditional financing is harder to come by.

“I worked at a large telecommunications company before coming to MIT, and around 2010 very few people had access to affordable data plans for smartphones,” Schippers says. “Now everyone has a smartphone in these countries. It’s great to see. I tell my team that’s what’s going to happen with e-commerce in the next 15 years.”

[a2aischannel]

It felt like my way out’: why students from India come to the UK to study

It felt like my way out’: why students from India come to the UK to study

The aspiration to travel abroad for university and work has long been ubiquitous across  India In a country of 1.4 billion people, places at India’s top universities are excruciatingly competitive and graduate job prospects at the other end are gloomy. India’s economy is the fifth largest in the world but unemployment topped 8% last month, with graduate unemployment even higher at about 18%.

In 2022, 770,000 Indian students went to study abroad, and that number is growing by about 10% every year. Out of those last year almost 140,000 went to the UK. According to new figures from the Office for   National Statistics, close to a quarter of all visas were granted to Indian nationals in 2022 – the highest of any nationality – and 55% of those were for students.

For those in the middle and upper classes who have the means to send their children abroad for university, it has long been a choice between the US and the UK, both for cultural ease – English is largely the second language of educated Indians – and the quality of academic institutions that are globally recognized.

Because of the high fees and costs involved, it is still only a small percentage overall who study abroad. Many Indian families make huge sacrifices to send their children to foreign universities, often mortgaging their homes or taking on huge personal debt, with the view that it is a worthwhile investment in the long term. There is also a booming and unregulated business of “agents” who help students in India get into British and American universities, often at a heavy cost.

The historical and cultural ties between India and the UK have always made it a particularly favorable choice for Indian students, as well as the large Indian diaspora that live in the UK, meaning many people have relatives already living there. It also has the significant advantage of being far cheaper than the US, and with a less time-consuming and costly application process. UK master’s programmes have long been more popular as they are just one year, so are seen as better value for money: about 70% of the Indian students in the UK are there for postgraduate study.

Trisha Uberoi, 26, who was born in Delhi, chose to do her bachelor’s degree in business at the University of Nottingham in 2015, and then went on to do a master’s at the University of Bath in innovation and technology management. She now lives in London, working for a sustainability software company.

Uberoi’s decision to study abroad came from a desire to break out of the social restrictions of India, particularly for women. She chose the UK over the US because of the lower cost and less competitive application process and the fact it was a little closer to home.

“Living in India I always felt very restricted,” she said. “Even though I come from an extremely relatively open-minded, progressive family, I still really felt the weight of judgment and rules that never felt logical for me. Studying in the UK felt like my way out.”

For years, the number of Indians studying in the UK was in decline. Political pressure under Theresa May’s Conservative government turned foreign students into targets in the game of political football over immigration statistics in a bid to create “net zero student migration”. As the opportunity to work in the UK after graduation was made far more difficult, the number of Indian students coming to the UK decreased.

That all changed after Brexit, however, when the UK pledged to increase its international student intake up to 600,000 by 2030. As recruitment of foreign students increased, Indian students returned to UK universities in their droves and immigration lawyers in Delhi said inquiries about UK student and work visas had rocketed. The number soared further post 2020, when a two-year post-study work visa was reintroduced for graduate students. Indians are now the largest group of foreign students taking up this post-study visa, making up more than 40%.

Last year, an agreement was signed between the UK and India governments to mutually recognise academic qualifications, also making the UK more attractive for Indian students. India has now surpassed China in the number of students at British universities.

For Uberoi, finding a job in the UK after she graduated was her “main goal” for she felt India did not have the job opportunities she aspired to. She did internships in the House of Lords and at companies including Cobra Beer until she eventually landed a job offer after her master’s, where the tech company offered to sponsor her skilled work visa. Nonetheless, she said this was not the trend she saw among of her fellow Indian students. “Most of them went back home,” she said.

Sanam Arora, founder and chair of the National Indian students Association UK, said that the main draw for Indian students studying in the UK was the ability to secure a post-work study visa, so they didn’t have to return home immediately.

“Though there is this entrepreneurial spirit in India, there are also major concerns around unemployment, particularly in securing technical jobs for graduates, so the ability to get a few years work experience abroad after graduating is seen as very important,” she said.

She emphasised that this arrangement was beneficial for the UK, as the majority of Indian students come to the UK to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics, areas in which job vacancies in the UK often go unfulfilled for months.

Arora was among those who warned that any attempts by the current government to return to previous policies of targeting international students as a way to bring down net migration was shortsighted. She called for students to be removed from net-migration statistics and instead be counted as temporary migrants, as happens in the US and Australia.

Critics have warned that it also risks undermining the UK’s crucial ongoing trade deal negotiations with India, where one of the key issues for India is increased access for its skilled workers to UK work visas. Recent agreements between the two countries have in fact aimed to boost legal routes for Indians to come to the UK, including the migration and mobility partnership signed in 2021. This included the creation of an Indian young professionals’ scheme, where 2,400 Indians with a degree are granted, through a ballot system, a visa to work, study and travel in the UK.

India is also the second largest foreign investor in the UK, with Indian companies and projects creating more than 8,600 jobs last year, meaning any crackdown on skilled work visas is likely to prove unpopular with the Indian government and the Indian business community.

“It took a lot of work from the higher education sector to rebuild the UK’s reputation for international students,” said Arora. “There’s a worry with all this flip-flopping that it will again create this distrust among Indian students, who are made to feel like commodities or cash cows.”

[year1fmprvpart2]

Game Research 9 - Resident evil 2 - herbs and healing

The following information is from : https://store.steampowered.com/app/883710/Resident_Evil_2/ The genre-defining masterpiece Resident Evil 2 returns, completely rebuilt from the ground up for a deeper narrative experience. Using Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine, Resident Evil 2 offers a fresh take on the classic survival horror saga with breathtakingly realistic visuals, heart-pounding immersive audio, a new over-the-shoulder camera, and modernized controls on top of game play modes from the original game. Im more interested in the herb/healing side of this game.

The following information is from : https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/477179-resident-evil-2-how-heal-herb-mixtures-recipes-re2-remake

Figuring out how to heal in Resident Evil 2 remake is a bit more involved than most games. There are multiple items that you can use to heal, but due to their limited amount, you’ll want to make sure you wait until the right time to use them. Below we’ll discuss all the Resident Evil 2 remake herb recipes, how much each herb combination heals, and any additional effects they may bestow. We’ll also cover the health system in RE2 remake, as it’s a bit vaguer than the health bars or percentages most games use.

How to Heal in Resident Evil 2 Remake: All Herb Recipes

There are two types of items that you can use to heal in RE2 remake: herbs and First Aid Sprays. First Aid Sprays are simple, they heal you to 100 percent health every single time. Herbs, on the other hand, are more complicated to use and are also much more plentiful than the relatively rare First Aid Sprays.

Herbs come in three varieties:

Green Herb: Heals a small amount of health upon use.

Blue Herb: Cures poison when used.

Red Herb: Cannot be used by itself. Has an enhancing effect when combined with other herbs.

The usefulness of herbs really becomes apparent when you begin mixing them. By themselves, Green and Blue Herbs can help you in a pinch, but when you start combining them together and bring Red Herbs into the mix, you can start producing some powerful healing items.

There are a number of different herb mixes you can make in-game. Some will be familiar to Resident Evil veterans, while others are making their first appearance in the series with Resident Evil 2 remake.

The possible combinations are:

Mixed Herb (G+G): A mix two Green Herbs will heal you by around 50 percent of your total health.

Mixed Herb (G+G+G): Three Green Herbs mixed together will restore 100 percent of your health.

Mixed Herb (G+B): By combining a Green and a Blue Herb you can restore around 25 percent of your health and cure poison

Mixed Herb (G+R): This combination of one Green and one Red Herb will completely restore your health.

Mixed Herb (B+R): This herb mixture is new to the series. By combining a Red and a Blue Herb you’ll cure poison status, gain immunity to poison for a short time, and any damage to the player will be reduced for a short period.

Mixed Herb (G+B+R): By mixing all three varieties of herbs you’ll produce a combination that heals you completely, cures poison, and grants immunity to poison and reduces damage for a short time.

It seems as if there are different colour herbs which you can put together to make healing more efficient. I will say that the amount of mixing you can for only 3 herbs is actually quite alot if you do maths. So i decided to maybe cut down on the amount of plants i have in the game. Which i had originally decided at 10 but i may cut it down to something like 6.

[rogersip]

Income Tax in the UK

Most forms of personal income in the UK are subject to tax. The tax is imposed at different rates depending on the nature of the income. This includes wages, employment income, savings, investments and pensions. Some forms of income are tax free, including state benefits such as maternity grants.

The amount of tax you pay depends on a number of factors, such as your income and your personal allowance. You are allowed to claim a tax-free personal allowance of PS11,500 if you are a low earner. However, if you are a high earner, you will pay a higher rate of tax.

In the past decade, the UK has seen a major change in the proportion of taxpayers. While most people are entitled to a personal allowance, a relatively small proportion are still required to complete tax returns. These include high earners and those with significant savings. A recent survey by UHY Hack Young compared the tax systems in 579 towns in the UK. It found that the highest income tax in the country was in "Stockbroker Belt" towns such as Esher and Walton.

Income tax is also a source of funding for the government. The top 1% of taxpayers contribute a rising share of revenue. They have contributed about two-thirds of all income tax revenue. Their share has risen from 11% in 1978-79 to 29 percent in 2020-21.

In April 2023, the government announced that it would cut the top rate from 45% to 40%. Previously, the top rate was 60%. This change will mean millions of people will pay more in income tax. Currently, the highest earner's threshold is PS150,000, which is set to fall to PS125,140 in April 2023.

The top 1% of taxpayers, however, receive a large amount of income that is not subject to income tax. Historically, they have received a tax credit of 10 percent. The amount of money you save from your dividends is subject to a lower rate of tax.

According to HM Revenue & Customs, the majority of UK citizens are taxed at the basic rate. The rate is calculated as a percentage of taxable pay. However, there are also three additional rates. Each of the rates, which are taxed at a different rate, contributes a third of the total revenue.

The Office of Budget Responsibility has estimated that the freezing of the personal allowance until 2028 will increase the amount of income tax paid by 3.2 million people. The new tax will be 1.25% on earnings and will be payable beyond the State Pension Age. Among the other changes, the upper earnings limit will remain aligned with the tax threshold for higher rate taxpayers.

Other important changes include a temporary increase in NICs that will apply from April 2022 to March 2023. This will be reversed in November 2022. For most people, this will not affect their income. But a minority of taxpayers will have to fill in a tax return at the end of the year.

[buzzdixonwriter]

Qui Reponendi Sunt Te Salutant - Part One

“Those who are about to be replaced salute you.”

Let’s discuss the economics of scale and the looming global population implosion (if we’re lucky) / genocide (if we’re not).

Manufacturing centers, factories, and production lines stretch far back in human history, much farther than the Industrial Revolution’s start date.

While nowhere near the scale of the huge factory complexes and supporting infrastructures of 1760 onward, ancient and medieval merchants clearly saw the economy of buying and shipping goods in bulk:  The more one bought / made / shipped at one time, the lower the individual unit price./

Why is that? 

Well, the human factor, of course.  At every stage of production / distribution / retail the costs are related solely to the human labor involved.

Gold is more valuable than lead because it’s rarer and thus harder to find.  If the ratios were reversed, we’d wear lead jewelry and use gold as ballast.

The human effort to acquire the gold is what gives it its supposed value.

The Industrial Revolution created an enormous change in how humans made things, and thus an enormous change in the economy surrounding manufacturing.

Artisans -- blacksmiths / weavers / glass blowers / whatever -- used to make the majority of common everyday items used by the bulk of humanity, either for direct immediate use by their family or tribal band, or for sale to merchants for resale or directly to customers.

While their goods typically fit in broad general specifics for each class of item they made, be it bread or bricks, there was a lack of universal design specifics and quality control.

While we can’t call each item a work of art, we can certainly acknowledge some artistic skill in their making (and here we define “artistic” by a range of mastered skills, not an individual expression of some idea; by this definition a band that writes its own music would be artists, while a band that only covers oldies would be artisans).

When the Industrial Revolution hit, artisans as a class were virtually wiped out.  The farmwife who wove cloth on the side for her own family’s use or for trade with her neighbors might continue through sheer momentum and because their livelihood didn’t depend solely on weaving.

The professional weaver, whose daily bread derived solely from their work at a loom, quickly found themselves priced out of the market by factory looms that could crank out far more cloth at far faster rates and of a far higher standard quality.

To add insult to injury, the artisans typically found themselves outpriced on the labor market by relatively unskilled labor who could be quickly taught how to operate a machine instead of spending years in an apprenticeship to learn the basics of their profession.

And there was a lot of unskilled labor thanks to the Industrial Revolution making machines that made farming and harvesting far more efficient.

A thresher pulled by a team of horses could harvest a field of wheat in less time than a dozen farm hands using scythes.

Those farm hands and day laborers needed something to survive, so they migrated to mines and manufacturing centers to be trained in the rudimentary basics of how to operate specialized machinery.

You know who didn’t lose their jobs?

Artists. 

True artists have always been in short supply throughout history.

Even in times and places crowded with artistic expression such as Renaissance Italy, only a small percentage could be considered genuine artists, masters of their craft who added something noticeably new to their respective fields.

The vast majority of painters and sculptors either worked in the studios of more popular artists, doing the grunt work while their bosses schmoozed clients and did the conceptual design and finishing touches, or as itinerant artisans who could produce a technically adequate portrait for a wealthy patron.

The genuine artists -- and granted, among this number are many who starved in garrets, being too far ahead of their time to find a steady flow of patrons -- offered something the artisans didn’t:  A unique vision.

Before proceeding, let’s stipulate there is no sharp line separating artists from artisans.

More than one innovative jazz genius knocked out a kids’ music record on the side to pay the bills.

More than one potter enjoyed a flash of inspiration and created something truly memorable and unique among all the mundane kitchenware they cranked out.

Nonetheless, there’s a clearly identifiable group of individuals doing truly individualistic work, and there’s another, noticeably larger group doing similar work that isn’t terribly individualistic.

The Industrial Revolution and subsequent advances in technology dug deep into that group while leaving the genuine artists relatively unmolested.

As the glider pilot told Bill Danch when Danch asked why the pilot had a parachute and he didn’t: “They need me.”

© Buzz Dixon

[Part Two] [Part Three] [Part Four] [Part Five]

[mysteryfleshpit]

Q&A 003

@evasive-breakdancing asks:

In the Incident Report, you mention extremities surfacing near the orifice. Can you elaborate on what the limbs looked like?

The event was very traumatic to the people living in and around central west Texas and was documented in a variety of ways. Of particular merit is the painting entitled “Limb Rising Near Midland” from 2015, which depicts a striking portrayal of one of the limb extremities of the superorganism emerging during the early morning of July 5th, 2007. While the event happened at night, the scale and destruction captured in the painting is reflective of the tragedy as felt by those who lived through it.  

@joysweeper asks:

Is it true that the restaurants in the Lower Visitor Center served meat carved from the living flesh of the Pit itself and cooked in its juices, or was that a marketing gimmick?

While there are hundreds of urban legends circulating around about the park serving flesh from either the Superorganism or any of the myriad of wildlife within it, these rumors are completely untrue. No restaurant within the Mystery Flesh Pit National Park ever served these items, for two main reasons: 1) Pit Flesh, as well as flesh from virtually every species found within the park, was and is notorious for its very tough and oily texture which is quite unpleasant. Even when cooked with a generous amount of seasoning, the mineral-like flavor of the fleshpit meat was a very tough sell to even the most adventurous foodies. And 2) After 1980, intentional, unauthorized damage to either the superorganism or wildlife within the superorganism constituted felony trespass and destruction of government property. No vendor granted an operating license within the park would dream of invoking such a severe sanction for such a relatively worthless prize.

@cumaeansibyl asks:

What kind of information do we have about pre-Columbian ritual practices centered around the MFP? Was any of that research able to continue post-containment?

The extent of our knowledge of pre-Columbian cultures relation to the Pit is heavily based on the few (publicly available) records of the ruins adjacent to the Entry Orifice. From what we know, there was definitely an advanced awareness of the Superorganism among local and/or ancient cultures. How this awareness manifested is unknown. Some scholars speculate that the pit may have been a focus of worship, possibly involving sacrificial offerings. No evidence of ancient cultures descending into the pit has ever been found, but this doesn't definitively rule out pre-Columbian expeditions. The controversial discovery of early colonial Spanish armor within the sand gullet seems to dispel the common notion that complex technology is required to descend at least that far into the pit.

@brainy-twilight asks: 

You said that some people were recovered from compound surface fauna. How many were 'successfully' removed? Are any still alive today?

While HIPAA and similar regulations prevent me from finding out exactly how many people even suffered amalgamation, It's estimated that fewer than half a dozen ever survived the treatment process to recovery. “Recovery”, though, is a loaded word here. The “treatment” co-developed by Baylor Medical Center & the Anodyne Corporation was highly dependent on the nature of the amalgamation, and seems to have been most successful with combined masses containing only human tissue.  

The procedure for treatment involved removing the brain and as much of the spinal cord as possible from the amalgamation. When possible, extraction of other organs such as eyes, cochlear tissues, tongues, and larynx would later enable the “recovered” patient a sensory experience much closer to that which they had previously enjoyed, since medical technology is even still unable to replicate the organic sensory quality of human sensory tissues. However, the difficulty and cost of this additional procedure all but ensured that this rarely took place.

Once extracted, the brain of the individual patient would be placed in a nutrient salve and connected to a proprietary interface and life-support system developed by the Anodyne company. A rudimentary computer-based system could be used to communicate with the recovered patient after several months of therapy, and in some cases individuals were reportedly able to use vocorders to synthesize speech. It is unknown how many (if any) of these individuals are still living today.

Anonymous asks: 

Is Anodyne still operational? (the company)

Anodyne was formally dissolved in 2009 following its bankruptcy filings, with its remaining debts and liquidation being managed by the reorganized Permian Basin Recovery Corporation. Through nebulous political machinations, the Permian Basin Recovery Corporation was awarded an exclusive and indefinite contract to oversee the management of the Superorganism Containment Project. Today, the PBRC continues many of the same extraction operations that the Anodyne Corporation did before 2007...

@lost-forest-heart asks: 

What exactly is a gasp owl?

Gasp Owls / Suckling Sprites / Bugguns are all names given to the same peculiar type of animal found in deeper portions of the Mystery Flesh Pit's anatomy. They are very elusive and are one of the least-studied fauna within the Park, with very few living examples surviving in captivity long enough to study.

They are believed to be descended from an avian ancestor, though this is speculation at best. The name “Gasp Owl” is a reference to the characteristic labored breathing which plagues these small and curious creatures.

Many tourists and park staff would erroneously report having spotted the fabled “Marrow Folk”, when in reality they had stumbled upon a small brood of frightened Gasp Owls.

Anonymous asks: 

After the disaster were the emergency phones still working? If so could they be called or called from still?

Yes, after the 2007 catastrophe, efforts were made to re-establish a communications network within the Mystery Flesh Pit which included the many trail emergency phones, though the greater percentage of them have remained unused since 2007 and have likely been overtaken by growth.

@pretty-art-i-really-like asks: 

what are the stories behind some of the memorial sites found in the park, such as the Gatti Circus Tragedy memorial, and the Fred J. Agnich memorial dam?

The Circus Gatti Tragedy Memorial commemorates the 1976 tragedy in which the traveling entertainment group Circus Gatti was scheduled to perform a daring high-wire stunt show directly above the then under-reinforced entry orifice as part of a publicity stunt. During the performance, several chimpanzees, which had been scheduled to perform, became panicked to the point of disrupting an ongoing routine by a troupe of clown stunts-people.

While the soft flesh of the pit throat cushioned the performers fall, an unexpected stretching of the moisture crops allowed them to slide down into a then-unreinforced area of the pit.

Rescue personnel were able to locate the performers inside a digestive sac a few hours later, but by that time, all 50 stunts-people had already begun being digested by the pit. Rescue personnel cut them out, correctly guessing that many were still alive. An experimental antacid spray was discharged on top of the gooey, shrieking mound, but it was too late.

Instead of reducing the acidic effects on the partially-digested bodies of the performers, the experimental compound flash-calcified into the “Circus Clown Chymus” formation that appears on the trail today. The Memorial was constructed in 1986 to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of their deaths.

The Fred J. Agnich memorial dam was so named to commemorate the legacy of Texas Statesman Fred J. Agnich, a vocal proponent of the Texas State Parks.