#i mean animals should have a decent quality of life in return for being eaten in the end

[waterbottlegrey-blog]

Hate to be that guy. but. there's a weird amount of aggression on both the OP and replies, that kind of proves both sides right.

sometimes it's good to remember this is a place for rants...

but about OP's comment -

weirdly enough, anti-veganism and toxic masculinity are also often connected- remember all those red-pilled fellows on all-meat diets? it's those same old gender stereotypes, turned sideways to fit dietary choices. the hunter and the gatherer. men shouldn't eat soy, it'll turn them feminine. women shouldn't eat meat, they might get fat.

and somewhere in the world, someone is dying of hunger.

Animal Rights Activism 🤝 Radical Feminism

inherently conservative, colonialist, overall extremely harmful ideologies that are dressed up in a “progressive” package to make people buy into them

[raleighliving]

Budget Living Raleigh

Living in any city you’re gonna look at higher costs of living.  Rent, utilities, and insurance all add up before you even factor in groceries.  But just because you’re living in the city doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have nice things.

If you find all your money is being eaten by rent, and your bed is supported by the ground itself, then this article is for you; cause we’re going to talk today about bargain hunting in Raleigh and what to look for when you want a good deal on good furniture.  Maybe I’ll do this again for groceries or other such things but for now we’re just focused on general niceties.

Best part of this is it’s gonna be fairly general too.  Anything I mention here you could probably find or do in any American city or small town since the institutions are fairly ubiquitous.  

If you find yourself lacking furniture, decorations, or just general quality of life enhancers my answer boils down to two main points:  Thrifting and Resale stores.  At times they can seem similar enough but there are fine differences that separate the two using fairly recognizable criteria.

“RL,” I hear you say between fistfuls of knockoff Cheetos and self-loathing, “Of course if you want bargains  you go thrifting! Did you JUST hear about Goodwill recently?”  

Yes, in terms of hot takes this is especially dull but what I can lend to the conversation isn’t about how prices at thrift organizations are cheaper than retailers, how you should support your local thrift organizations, or even the general good they provide to low-income communities; what I’m looking at is knowing what you have and what you can expect to find when visiting.  

Take Goodwill, for instance, since everyone has seen at least one in their life. Outside of their larger outlets where you’ll find more furniture, walk into any Raleigh Goodwill and you’ll have seen all of them.  90% of the floorspace is dedicated to cheap clothes with a backwall full of knickknacks and a small bookshelf.  If you’re lucky, there may even be a sofa or two and some paintings along the wall but most of what you’ll find is cheap clothes.

Now, if that’s what you’re looking for that’s great! However, I’ve grown to have a deep distaste for the homogeneity of local GCF stores.  Customers can donate their clothes, toys, and other items to GCF at any store locations; but those items are shipped to processing and then distributed to other GCFs across the country based on inventory need and sales patterns.  What you see in one donation center/store you’ll likely see in every other with maybe the odd rare find if you’re lucky. 

GCF aside your options for Raleigh include org thrifts, mom and pop stores, and discount thrifts to provide some much needed variety in your day-to-day shopping. Each with their pros and cons, yet all sharing the glorious benefit of providing furniture and clothing for a fraction of the price of bigger brand stores.

Org thrifts (short for organization thrift stores, creative I know) are exactly what they sound like.  Thrifts run by an organization or charity, similar to Goodwill's, with a stated goal of helping others and supporting the organization financially over seeking a profit margin. 

Cause 4 Paws, Raleigh/Durham Rescue mission, and Dorcas thrift stores all provide a wide variety of products while using the store proceeds to help the less fortunate; but with phenomenal prices.  It’s not uncommon for a thrift store run by one of these organizations to have fifty cent books, clothing sold by the pound, and furniture/power tools under the $40 price tag if you’re lucky.  Plus, not to sound like a broken record but, your proceeds go towards good causes like animal adoption and feeding the homeless.  

Most thrifts of this nature are run by religious organizations, so if you’re at odds with supporting that sort of thing you might be more interested in the other two options; but otherwise this type of thrift store typically comes with very few downsides. 

|Image Credit:  Dorcas Thrift on Nextdoor

Of course, one of those other options is the standard mom and pop operation.  Not linked to any specific organization or franchise, these tend to be small businesses run by local families serving a smaller radius.  

Prices as a result tend to be a little higher than your average thrift store since it’s, y’know, a business; and the selection can be a little below average, usually consisting largely of estate sale leftovers, but this also works to their favor.

There’s no central distribution center for these businesses, so what people sell/donate to these stores comes from nearby communities typically.  So if you find one near an upper class area like Honeycutt Rd or Ebeneezer Church Rd, they’ll typically have nice furniture, art, and electronics for thrift store prices. 

There’s not too many of these, but my personal favorite is Fabulous Affordable Treasures in Southwest Raleigh.  A decent assortment of clothes and decorative pieces (and a very relaxing general environment) makes it a positive visit even when I’m just browsing. 

|Image credit:  Affordable Treasures Facebook

Finally there’s Discount thrifts.  They’re not too common, and are usually supported by an organization additionally although not all are, but if you find one check back with them regularly because it’s almost guaranteed to be worth it.

These thrift stores operate by having a degrading price scale; setting prices when the object comes into inventory, and then lowering them based on how long its been with them or the condition it was received in.  

Stores like Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Petersons Consigning Design use this, and typically offer discounts upwards of 60% if you wait long enough.  On top of having equally large selections of product from org thrifts, they offer plenty for the savvy shopper. 

The downside is, the best possible price you can receive for any given product is a gamble.  That sweet leather armchair you have your eye on might be dropped from 40% to 50% in the next two days, but if someone finds the price acceptable where it is then that products gone forever (or at least until something similar winds up in inventory).

|Image Credit:  Petersons Consigning Design website

Regardless of which thrift store you choose though, you’re bound to find a bargain in one eventually if you check back every once in awhile.  I’ve only mentioned a fraction of the stores available in Raleigh, if you find a few favorites of your own and check back regularly, you’re bound to find something you’ll love at a price you couldn’t find anywhere else.

Of course, if you’re looking for more niche deals you could always use programs like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for people just looking to get rid of their junk.  They’re easy to use and both are incredibly active for the Raleigh area; but if you’re looking for something a little more...interesting then I’d recommend checking out liquidation stores.

There’s not many of them in Raleigh, but recently this past week a store by the name of Treasure Hunt Liquidation opened up with an interesting premise.  They buy tons of returned and opened merchandise from places like Amazon and sell them to other people on a degrading price scale similar to the thrift stores we mentioned above. 

Fridays the price-per-item is $10, and then day by day it drops till it hits $1 per item on the following Wednesdays (and they close Thursdays for inventory).  large bins full of boxed or repackaged goods line the floor with everything from car parts to 3D printing filaments depending on when you can get there. 

Additionally, you can purchase pallets of goods as well; with some of the more high ticket items ranging from $300 up to $1500; but generally containing some of the more desirable items like bikes and kitchen equipment.  

Overall, the whole experience is like a giant rotating lootbox; you’re never quite sure what you’re gonna get when you go but you’re likely to find something that at least catches your eye, even if it doesn’t come home with you.

|Image Credit:  Treasure Hunt Liquidation facebook group

You can’t find everything you’ll ever need at stores like these, but you’ll definitely be able to find affordable furniture and clothes even on a college student’s budget. Even a few dollars saved can make a huge difference though, so if you get the chance or see a store on the side of the road that catches your eye, be sure to at least stop in and see what they have for sale. 

Or, if you’ve read this and have some books/clothes/toys to donate please consider donating or selling them to your local thrift location.  These secondhand finds can make all the difference in the world to a kid who wouldn’t be able to get them otherwise.   Regardless, hopefully at the very least this article kept you entertained, and I hope everyone reading has a great day!

[scrollingkingfisher]

Be Sure to Check the Price Tag Before You Accept an Offering

For the November prompt of the Gabriel monthly challenge! 'Too many impostors claiming the title of Trickster these days. Some of us had to work for that name. Some of us created it. Our names only spoken in hushed whispers for fear of us hearing'

Tagging; @lacqueluster, @revwinchester, @archangel-with-a-shotgun, @ashiewesker and @gabriel-monthly-challenge

(ps. i’m thinking of starting a tagging list, if you want me to tag you in my stuff in the future, hit me up!)

Thanks again to @theriverscribe, you’re the best!

Rating; T

Words; 1951

Tags; Tricksters, Attempted human sacrifice

AO3

A trickster attends a human sacrifice. A trickster decides to accept a certain pair of hunters.

A trickster makes a Very Big Mistake.

The trickster felt a call.

It hadn't been a trickster for very long. It didn’t even have a proper name yet. It had been many things in its (admittedly quite short) lifetime, but so far being a trickster was its favourite; sun, sex and all the virgins you could eat. There was barely any work to it, everyone seemed terrified of tricksters for some reason, but that was working out to its advantage. It just came when it was called.

Why shouldn’t the humans worship them? Tricksters were gods. It was right that they acknowledged something superior to themselves.

So when it felt the twinge of a summoning, it responded eagerly, teleporting itself to a small clearing in a forest in Wyoming. It hoped that there were at least some decent human sacrifices. None of that ‘food gifts’ business, either; it had eaten the group of worshippers who had tried to summon it with a roast dinner.

It peeked in without manifesting first, making sure that there was nothing bigger and scarier responding to the summoning. There was a little stream running through the clearing, and a quaint little cottage on one side. It would have been very pleasant if not for the two naked men chained to the bloody altars.

The trickster relaxed, fully manifesting and letting a savage smile spread across its face. Now this was it’s kind of party.

The pagans, stupid greedy little things, turned as they saw him appear. They bowed in front of him. Grovelling like they should be.

“My lord! We bring you gifts.”

The trickster made a show of walking over and inspecting the sacrifices, bound tightly but still struggling. No virginity left in those two unfortunately, but they hummed with supernatural power. Especially the taller one. Mmm, it was going to enjoy this meal.

The trickster put on its most regal-sounding voice. “You want a boon?” It made sure not to sound too interested in their offerings. It always haggled when it had the option.

The pagans nodded eagerly. The man at the front, who seemed to be the leader of the group, walked forwards with a piece of paper. The trickster took it and inspected the list. Nothing on there that would take more than a trickle of energy. Good.

“I accept,” it said, snapping its fingers and vanishing the list. There were a few ooohs from the crowd. So easily impressed. “I am pleased with your sacrifices; you have done well. You can go.”

They filed out eagerly. Typical humans; always willing to sacrifice one of their own for a few party tricks, never wanting to stick around and watch the blood-letting. They didn't need to know that it had taken a little of each of their life-forces into the bargain. That was what you got for dealing with a trickster.

It turned back to the sacrifices, casually strolling over, revelling in the helpless anger in their eyes. It pulled out its knife, brandishing it a little so that the blade deliberately caught the light. The shorter one grunted behind his gag, trying to escape the bindings. The taller one just watched attentively, not taking his eyes off the blade. He wasn't looking nearly frightened enough. The trickster decide it was going to kill him first.

It raised its arm to strike, then something caught its eye. It paused. There was something… stuck to the man’s soul. Some kind of mark, maybe? The trickster shrugged to itself. It couldn’t be too important.

The man flinched away, and the trickster relished the grimace on his face, the sound of his heart beating hard where he was trapped against the cold stone. It raised the knife.

Out in the forest, a branch cracked.

Instinctively, the trickster turned towards the noise.

Nothing there.

Of course there wasn't anything there. They were in the middle of nowhere. Irritated with itself, the trickster turned back and raised the knife again.

From behind it, a breathless wind stirred the branches. Rustling the leaves.

It suddenly occurred to the trickster that the forest was silent. Disturbingly, unnaturally silent. The hair on the back of its neck rose, prickling. Something wasn't right here. Turning its back to the sacrifices, it stared out into the darkness where the sounds were coming from.

“Don't you know better than to mess with a trickster?” It's voice echoed back, small and pathetic amongst the vastness of the forest.  

The branches rustled again, the leaves lifting and stirring, a ripple running around the clearing like a great forest beast wakening. “A trickster?” He heard a whisper, carried on the wind. “A weak little thing like you calling itself a trickster?”

So there was something out there, hiding in the darkness. Or more than one. It sounded like there was more than one. For the first time in a long time, the trickster felt a flicker of fear. It raised its knife. “What are you? Show yourself!”

There was no reply. Just another hushed rustle.

The trickster snarled, trying to hide the fear behind anger, but the point of its knife was shaking. “These are my sacrifices! Mine! You're not going to scare me away with your cheap tricks!”

The trickster sent a bolt of magic into the rustling darkness, but there wasn't anything to hit. It heard laughter, high snickers echoing around the clearing. Then the voices spoke again.

“Your sacrifices, you say?” they murmured into the trickster’s ear, smooth, amused. Dangerous. “What gave the impression that they’re yours when they're both clearly marked by other people?” It tutted. “You really should check the price tag before you accept sacrifices. If you had, you would have seen that these particular humans are spoken for. And then I wouldn't have to kill you!”

The trickster spun on the spot, but the voice was coming from nowhere. That feeling was back. The feeling of a presence . There was something huge out there, something massive, looming over the clearing, surrounding it...

“ Are you frightened yet?” The disembodied voices hissed next to the trickster’s ear. The trickster flinched, but there was no escaping them. “You should be. Too many impostors claiming the title of Trickster these days. Some of us had to work for that name. Some of us created it. Our names only spoken in hushed whispers for fear of us hearing…”

The rustling was growing, gaining power and volume, the darkness hiding the creature but doing nothing to mask the noises. The trickster’s head flicked back and forth, following the sounds coming from every direction, breath coming fast and panicked. A slithering. Just the hint of an enormous scaled hide as it slid past, rasping against the forest floor, just out of the torches. The scales glimmering dully, strong as tank armour, smooth as glass. Stories of great sea serpents came to mind, thick coils closing in on a helpless vessel, wrapping tighter and tighter until the beast closed in for the kill.

“You should be scared,” the voices hissed again through a hundred mouths, a thousand, “you should be terrified!”

The smell was stronger now, seeping into the trickster’s lungs. Something musky and wild, an animal smell mixed with earth and blood and oncoming thunderstorms. An eye opened between the trees, then another, and another, irises throwing back the torchlight in eerie gold and red. The night outside the clearing stirred, churned, heaving with limbs and bodies. The chitinous clicking grew louder, whispers muttering just out of hearing

The trickster was starting to realise that it was badly outgunned. “I… there seems to have been a mistake,” it stuttered placatingly, backing towards the centre of the clearing. “I'm sure we can come to some agreement-”

“Nope. Sorry, bucko. Out of patience now.”

The trickster kept backing away. But it was too late to run. The clearing was surrounded.

A growl rumbled out of the trees, so deep that the ground shook. The manacles rattled against the altars adding to the cacophony. It could have sworn that it heard laughter, like this thing, whatever it was, was enjoying the trickster’s panic.

“Please! I’m sorry! You can have them! I’m sorry!”

Out of the gloom a face appeared, scarred scales and fur and too many eyes. But the worst part was the mouth. Gums pulled back in a savage smile, exposing sabre teeth as long as the trickster’s arm. Strings of saliva rippled as the growl grew to a roar, a warm wave of fetid breath washing over them. The trickster was paralysed with terror, a deer in the headlights, unable to move as the thing slithered closer. The maw opened, wider and wider, and it lunged forwards and then-

                                                        .o0o.

Dean shrugged into his jacket, grimacing at the holes in it where the worshippers had gotten a little too enthusiastic with the ceremonial knives. “Did you really have to eat him, Gabe?”

“‘Thank you, Gabriel. You saved us from those mean humans and the trickster that was totally going to eat us, we’re forever in your debt!’” Gabriel mimicked in a disturbingly accurate impression before his voice returned to normal. “Although, I'm not sure if I'd even class that cheap knockoff as a trickster. What kind of supernatural being can't recognise an angelic claim when they see it? Kids these days, with their texting and murder.” Gabriel sighed. “Everything out there with more than an iota of power is calling themselves a trickster! The quality’s definitely going down. Just call me sooner next time, yeah? Before they start carving you up like a thanksgiving turkey.”

Sam chuckled at Gabriel’s expression of exasperation. “Don’t worry, we will. Thanks for saving us, Gabe,” Sam said sincerely as Gabriel casually broke the ropes tying him to the altar and snapped him up some clothes, healing the cuts that the worshippers had inflicted as he went.

“Yeah, yeah, thank you for saving our asses, I guess.” Dean’s voice was muffled from where he was bent over lacing up his boots “Just, I dunno, smite it next time. Eating those things is just gross. You don’t know where they’ve been.”

Gabriel laughed. “Five second rule. And look at it this way; I've saved you from having to bury any bodies. And I'm full now, so I won't try and steal any of your pizza later!”  Dean visibly shuddered, making a dramatic gagging noise. Gabriel grinned, turning to Sam. “Is he always this squeamish?”

“Oh yeah,” Sam said, at the same time as Dean objected “am not!” “You should see him every time we have to go into ghoul tunnels.”

Dean harrumphed and flipped them both the bird when they started laughing. “Are you two done? ‘Cos I want to get out of this creepy forest sometime tonight.”

“What was that thing, by the way?” Sam asked.

“What thing?” Gabriel asked, busy dismantling the altars.

“You know, the massive thing you conjured up with all the teeth and scales. Pretty badass.”

Gabriel paused before admitting, “That was me.” Sam and Dean looked at him in confusion, so Gabriel rolled his eyes and elaborated. “Loki wasn't just a disguise, numbnuts. I really was him. That was a hundred percent genuine Norse god true form you got an eyeful of!”

There was a momentary silence while they digested that and Gabriel finished cleaning up the clearing.

Dean turned to his brother. “Well, you sure know how to pick ‘em, Sam. Gotta say, he’s not much of a looker.”

Sam punched him in the arm.

Gabriel laughed. “Do you want to wake up with your bed full of snakes, Deano? Because you’re asking for a bed full of snakes.”

“Try shifter slime, that’s be much more effective,” Sam suggested.

“Sam! Don’t give him ideas!”