#it's not human nature. it's the selfish actions of the few working for their own gain. and the selfish few have been taught to believe

[unearthlydream]

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i work with a lot of older white people, so when certain topics come up i'll take the chance to sort of explain my point of view on things (ie push my leftist agenda), and regardless of the topic we tend to get to this point where they look at me and say, "and this is why you're a good person! you're so optimistic" and that shit makes my tummy hurt lol

like... first, you're mistaking basic empathy for optimism half the time, which is a whole other convo lol but this comment always comes after moments where i express empathy and belief that humans by nature are not bad, and that we can create a better and just society if we tried. we're not inherently greedy or distrustful or mean. these are behaviors we tend to acquire because we /live in a society./ but hey, let's take that shit seriously for a sec, there is still a flaw in this logic of human nature skewing toward bad i think. if you take the time to observe how young children (who have been untouched by /the society/) interact with nature and those around them... how could you believe that humans are inherently evil? the compassion children are able to show, the unprompted selflessness even as they're learning what "the self" is, and the kindness they show is in direct conflict with the believe that we're born greedy and evil, is it not???

and second... i always wanna look at them and be like "what's stopping you from being optimistic? from caring?" people act like once you hit a certain age you can learn or shift or grow and it's maddening. don't sit there and say that you "commend my empathy" or "envy my optimism" like it's not a badge of honor or a car. you can /also/ be empathetic and believe in a better world. i don't think i'm a good person because i believe in inherent empathy and kindness LOL like wtf even is that??? it makes me a /person/ there is no moral purity involved.

but i can't really explain that well in the moment. either that or they just don't wanna listen. so i end up just wanting to shake them until they're dizzy :,)

[skeletoninthemelonland]

Sorry for sending another ask so soon, but-

Don't be shy, spit the frog (italian way to say spill the tea)

I WANNA KNOWWWNWNFNGNG

okay i'm spilling some of the frogs, the tea, I WILL DESEMBUCHAR (word for spilling the truth in portuguese)

springtrap and bell (ballora) do know each other but from a certain distance (he's with the phantoms, and she belongs in the funtime crew). there's never this 'strange feeling' that they've met before because, literally... they never met!

the reason for them to be arguing a lot is due to remnant usage, whose importance is constantly brought up in the universe of BTC. springtrap uses them for his own selfish purposes, while bell is searching for more to help a friend stay active, amongst other reasons that involve the safety and entertainment of backstage residents.

bell is one of the very few bots that has directly confronted springtrap for his actions and usual mean behavior (sometimes on the same level of aggressiveness, other times a single glare is enough). she refuses to stay silent and reality downs on him that the stuff he's saying and doing is harming people.

they are basically the closest thing to human adults in this digitalized city of ghost children, with bell sacrificing a lot more of her time protecting those around her than springtrap (especially before they met)

bell is a chaotic, stubborn altruistic type paired up with self-destructive tendencies as a defense mechanism, considering she is painfully aware of her purpose as a child killing, remnant harvester robot. springtrap contrasts that part of her personality by being aloof, cautious and egocentric, and by pushing others away, acting as if the world revolves around his success in escaping UCN and becoming one with the entity. these contrasting traits often generate conflict, especially later on, when more secrets are revealed.

i like to think they help each other learn from their mistakes with this dumb, tom and jerry beef they have going on, but saying there's any hint of romantic love between them in the beginning feels objectively wrong (considering the amount of times springtrap has said hurtful and otherwise mean things to her).

both are competitive by nature. expect them to be counting how many remnants they caught in a single night.

the more they get to know each other the more they display their true selves, ofc. springtrap has a quieter, observant, genuinely concerned side where he listens instead of talking over people in that loud, cheeky and arrogant tone. bell seems to be a lot more of an anxious and impatient person, thoughts racing at all times and sometimes causing her to shut everyone out. black cat and orange cat behavior, respectively.

they often debate about human nature and the limits of artificial intelligence, and how they, two self-aware small pieces of a larger puzzle stuck in a digital dimension, fit inside these two labels. both are detached from either concepts, meanings losing importance the further they investigate. still, that doesn't stop them from displaying unwavering support whenever one is lost and afraid (works for both).

hand on shoulder, "are you alright?" glances, lending his cape, handmade gifts and favors. springtrap doesn't know how to be comforting, but he makes an effort.

he's more comfortable being secretive and working behind the curtains. events like claw machines suddenly functioning again, entire stages being repaired in a single night, random input of remnants in the electrical system, abandoned areas appearing tidy and organized... (they still wonder who's behind it all...)

when bell first showed up at the workshop for a simple repairs session, he took off her illusion disks and disabled the part of her programming that submitted to William Afton's orders. with that, the entity lost influence over her actions, and as a consequential effect, her eyes glow a bright yellow color, instead of the usual pink/purple hue.

compliments (lots of them), getting excited over the other's achievements, eagerly asking about their favorite topics. bell is that "saw this meme and thought of you" type of person.

scolding. both scold each other all the time. scolding as in "WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING" and "oh wow that's the greatest idea you've ever had. i'm surprised we aren't dead because of your absolute GENIUS of a plan (/loudly sarcastic)"

[malereadermaniac]

Bloodbender ~ Male Reader

Story driven fic with a small amount of avatar Wan x Gn Reader Image from @/jde.aep on tiktok!

Cw: war, death, blood bending, graphic detail of injury? word count: 2.3k

War is hard on everyone. After the closing of the spirit portals, Avatar Wan was trying his best to bring all people together - no matter their bending types. Inevitably, those who were benders of air banded together, those of fire had done the same, and the pattern carried on with water and earth. And while peace did last for a while - Avatar Wan's guidance helping everyone settle into their own nations and tribes in certain areas - the selfish and gluttonous nature of humans rid the world of peace very quickly.

You had met Wan during his early days as "The Avatar" as he is now known. He'd met you in the spirit wilds, a lonely water bender that was exiled from their lionturtle. The two of you clicked quickly, relating and sympathising with one another about your respective exiles - and so, you both decided to venture together. You had no goal in your life, wandering the wilds and befriending the spirits was as far as your achievements in life had ever gone, so you were happy to join the Avatar in his quest to defeat Vaatu. Spending many nights together, along with the few spirits which had either resisted corruption or had been saved by you and your spiritual water bending, allowed Wan and you to bond more and more. You two sympathised with one another over hard times and took care of one another after particularly difficult fights, your healing water bending skills coming in handy after hard battles. Of course, it was inevitable for Wan to find out about the reasoning for your exile due to your frowned upon skills; however, the Avatar felt anything but judgment towards you. He claimed that with how dangerous the world was, we as benders have to develop our skills in as many ways as we can, so who was he to judge you for simply mastering your craft. Your mastery of skills in waterbending had also helped Wan many a time - whether that be via your artfully created attacks and new skills, your healing or spirit bending, and of course, your affinity for bloodbending on a full moon. After spending many nights and days together, your relationship with Wan had even prospered further than a friendship; the two of you never being so in sync.

So, it made sense that you became Wan's right-hand after his successful sealing of Vaatu. For the first few years, you and the Avatar helped guide and create a new world of benders and non-benders without many bumps in the road - your relationship with Wan strengthening with every village you visited and helped build up and with every battle the two of you shared. However, as the two of you grew into fine leaders, the greed and feelings of superiority grew within certain people in their respective nations. You don't even know how it started, not a single clue on which nation or tribe attacked first, but within a few weeks, war ravished and desecrated lands. The Avatar did his best to help settle disputes and fights with your help, some being harder than others; the battle scars covering Wan's body being proof of that - but while the two of you may have been successful in some areas, war was still thriving in other areas of the world you both worked hard to build. After many years of small wars taking place, and land being stolen from one nation and then taken by another, certain benders of different elements banded together at one point, growing in numbers and building an army; and said group began invading and taking over neighbouring nations. Wan and you had sprang into action almost immediately, helping nearby nations that had weaker or smaller defences - however, you both could only do so much.

The Avatar and you, as well as some other of your appointed leaders, had tried to predict where this newly founded nation would attack next. And so, you all made your way to the early fire nation. Wan explained his plan to predict and outsmart the oncoming army to the firelord, who understood immediately and gave his army to you to lead. Luckily, just as predicted, a massive army had turned up at the fire nation's docks; but you were prepared, even if your army was almost half the size of theirs... As the sun was shining above both armies tension grew thicker with anxiety trickling through, as while Wan and you were confident in your makeshift army of mainly firebenders, you were most certainly outnumbered - but you had the sun to strengthen the firebenders, you'd be fine, right?

The sun was making its way across the sky, near to setting, the sky turning a stunning shade of pink. Contrastingly, the ground below the celestial body was starting to turn into darkening shades of crimson and maroon. While your army was certainly holding its ground, benders skillfully wielding the elements and non-benders well trained in using swords and bow n' arrows, you were no match for the opposing army. For every troop of the opposing army that was shot down on sliced to the ground, 3 of yours were brutally killed. Wan had been mainly holding down the Fort, masterfully bending earth to protect other warriors and firebending on the attack; you were also doing your best to protect Wan and as many troops as you could whilst fighting. Luckily, not only was the battle somewhat near the docks that were full of water, but the field of battle was full of grass and flowers and trees - so you had plenty of water at your disposal to shield yourself and others while using your own techniques to attack. You had drawn the water out of the grass below ten opposing soldiers and trapped them in a solid block of ice. You'd created slopes for Wan to slide off of to get the high ground. You desperately healed injured soldiers in while getting fired at, creating a cloud of steam in aims to hide yourself and the injured warriors. But unfortunately, while your efforts and Wan's were definitely notable, bodies were dropping like flies - good men and women gruesomely killed while the opposition had barely felt the effects of your attacks.

The sun was now setting, the light of the sky fading, as so was the power of your remaining firebenders. Bodies of soldiers from both armies littered the ground, your numbers dwindling even further as the few members of your army left fought desperately alongside Wan and you. Desperately clinging towards any hope he could, Wan ordered you all to split up into groups - each group containing a water or earth bender to help protect the remaining soldiers. And, while his plan mainly worked, the attacks from the invading nation were ruthless, more and more people were dying - the attackers not even thinking of the invasion anymore, simply driven by bloodlust. With almost all of your group left lifeless, you desperately hide around the docks with the two other troops left in your section. The screams of your army either falling on deaf ears or further traumatising you and your troops - you couldn't exactly tell which one of those it quite was.

'Just half an hour more... I just need half an hour, and then the full moon will be up' you think to yourself, desperately racking your brain to think up a plan to not even defeat but to merely ward off the invaders. As time passes, the field becomes more and more quiet; that is, until Wan's voice shatters the depressing silence. It wasn't a battle cry or some sort of declaration from the Avatar, but rather a pained scream - such a blood curdling scream that you couldn't sit still. Standing up, you let instinct take over your body - a mix of adrenaline and dopamine driving your body to work mindlessly. Before you knew it, you had leapt into the sea by the docks of the fire nation, and with the full moon finally showing its beautiful glowing self, you could feel your bending instantly build up in strength. The commander of the invading army had his attention snapped from crushing Wan's leg with a boulder via his earthbending, his gaze being drawn to you - a simple waterbender, about 70 feet in the air being held up by a violent vortex of water, with the silver shining full moon behind you and one hell of a look on your face. Onslaughts of high-pressure attacks of water rained down on the opposing army, spouts of water with ice shards within shot down some soldiers while others were taken down by their bodies getting inexplicably paralysed - their bodies becoming colder by the second until their turn into human icecubes, a skill you perfected on the last full moon. However, you attacks alone didn't stop the commander and his army, the wretched man earthbending a giant hill and Imprisoning Wan within it; his troops still attacking what was left of your army and shooting arrows up at you. So, you had to take things further. It pained you mock the deaths of your fellow troops, good people who had the bravery to fight for their nation now dead. However, you'd hope that they would understand your desperation. With the power of the full moon shining above you, its celestial and spiritual connection to the waves and its benders allowing for your bending to strengthen wildly, you performed an act of bloodbending you had never even attempted beforehand; Necrobending.

Folklore and tales of horror told to children tell of bodies coming back to life, spirits toying with humans to play with their emotions, and fear being something spirits are fascinated by. However, from the bloody horror screams that erupted from the opposing army, this was no mere folktale. You felt your body extend through your chi as it spreads. You had felt a feeling similar to this when bloodbending. However, never to this extent, it was as if your consciousness had multiplied by hundreds, being able to feel limbs that don't belong to you and being able to control them with such incredible ease. And what elicited such a terrified reaction from the invaders was surely a sight to behold - soldiers, killed by their own hand, people they knew for sure were dead, rising from the ground as if nothing was wrong. Every single fallen soldier had risen up once more, disfigured in their nature with pain evident on their faces - however, their bodies still going. Like some horrific conductor, you move your hands gently in rhythm with the moon, the waves, the pace of a heartbeat, and bend the bodies of the fallen to fight once more. The sight was graphic, fatally injured soldiers attacking with full might - some of them with vital organs hanging out of their unseemed stomachs, others who were crying blood and some with torn off and crushed limbs. However, no matter how many times the opposing soldiers fought back against your undead army, it was no use. Dead men can't die once more. The bodies of your fallen army disfigure further throughout their fighting, their bodies almost liquidating from the continual attacks on their flesh, the wounds not affecting their attacks - it was a sight straight from a nightmare. The sounds of screams adorned the roaring sound of the vortex below you spinning to hold you up, the moon glowing on such a grim sight as the invading army dwindles down to only a mere hundred soldiers. The commander of the army was long dead, six of your bloody puppets having torn into his body live, his screams falling on deaf ears as his well-deserved pain imprinted on his brain for the last few moments of his life.

The dazzling moon was beginning to hide away once more, your overwhelming power very slowly starting to fade - however, the battle had been won. With the commander dead, the rest of the invading army was left tired and with no more will to continue fighting; and so, they gave themselves up. The one earthbender amongst the 20 men and women brought Wan down from his makeshift prison, and one by one, each troop gave themselves up to being taken to prison in the fire nation. Having watched your impeccable display of skill and intelligence, Wan had never been more mesmerised - he couldn't tell if it was terror or infatuation, but he admired what you just did. The Avatar watched as you laid the fallen back down softly, paying what little respect you could to their bodies, whispering an apology as you lowered yourself back down to the ground. With the shining moon almost fully set, the sun was starting to show itself once more, the two bodies displaying their eternal dance in the sky; celebrating the end of the battle in a bittersweet way. The atmosphere was finally calm again, but from what you had just gone through, your mind had gone blank for almost the entire day, but Wan made sure to fill you in. The fire lord appreciated your help, of course remorseful of the many lost lives, but still appreciative; you did just save his nation from being fully invaded and taken over. A mass funeral ceremony had been held for those who had lost their lives and the Avatar and you were commemorated by the fire lord. However, the war isn't over. That fight had only been won due to chance - the full moon doesn't shine every night of the cycle. Many more battles were to come, and we all unfortunately know how they end.

[zodiactalks]

Most CHARITABLE Zodiac Signs Ranked

If you were asked whether you would like the world to be a better place, I am sure your answer would be yes.

None of us wish any harm to others and would gladly do our part to contribute to society (except, of course, the psychopathic or antisocial).

A charitable person is socially conscious, generous, kind, very sensitive, and eager to make a difference in the world.

They are less concerned about their not-so-important personal matters and always keep others in mind when making decisions.

However, some of us seem too wrapped up in our personal affairs and then don't have the slightest time left to do a little charity!

While others seem to devote all their energy and efforts to helping those in need.

Read on and find out which are the most charitable signs of the zodiac.

#1. Pisces

Pisces is the Zodiac’s last sign and can see themselves reflected in everyone else, so empathy is as natural to them as breathing. These signs thrive on helping others. They never look out for their own welfare without taking other people into account.

You can find these generous individuals doing charity work in hospitals, shelters, orphanages, and even prisons.

They also often lead fundraisers for abandoned animals and promote environmentalist habits. They just have a lot of love to give to the world, and they will go to great lengths to share it with those who need it the most.

#2. Cancer

Cancer is a water sign that knows very well how it feels to be vulnerable and search for comfort. That's why they tend to do charity work and help people in need of support.

At first, it is difficult for them to open up, as Cancer is shy around people they don't know and tends to be more reserved.

They usually look for organizations that remind them of their childhood and that are in their hometown.

#3. Aquarius

Aquarius, like Pisces, thinks of the common good before their own. These signs direct their actions towards a fairer humanity and won't rest until the most unfortunate people find peace.

Thus, it is common to find them doing charitable work, living in cooperatives, and working as a team for a common goal. This sign is not selfish and couldn't cares less about surpassing others in fame or profit. They honestly seek a more balanced and just world for all.

#4. Virgo

This earth sign is constantly looking for ways to help others and make things work better.

Although they are usually swamped, they find the time to help those in need in their neighborhood. Virgos make their food, clean where they stay and pass along a few bucks to ensure their well-being.

Virgo is not overtly demonstrative with their emotions, but they are very attentive to those who need help and don't think twice about lending a hand.

#5. Capricorn

Capricorns have often gone through tough challenges in their youth that have turned them into the firm and committed people they are today.

That's why they know all too well what it feels like to be helpless and endure the storms that a lonely and vulnerable home life brings.

So, they try to do charity work from time to time to avoid forgetting where they came from. This keeps them humble despite their current enormous success.

#6. Leo

Although they have a terrible reputation for being self-centered, Leo has a huge and generous heart! These signs can sometimes get lost in their little daily dramas, but that doesn't stop them from considering the less privileged.

The nice thing about Leo is that they don't plan their deeds. When they feel like giving something, they do it spontaneously, which often turns out to be very thoughtful gifts.

Leo has the spirit of a child who does what they feel and does not think too much about the motives. If at that moment, they feel like helping someone, they will unquestionably do it.

#7. Libra

Libra is a friendly and outgoing sign. It often hosts charity and fundraising events, which end up being the talk of the neighborhood.

They don't usually help those in need because they naturally want to, but because it's just another excuse to throw a party and show off their beautiful new outfits.

Even if the motives are not the best, the goal ends up being achieved and helps many people to improve their lives. In addition, Librans have a great sense of justice, and when they find that some people are living in unfavorable conditions for no particular reason, they can't help but pitch in to lend a hand.

#8. Sagittarius

Sagittarius is too busy enjoying thousands of adventures and basking in the blessings of life to think about people who are struggling.

Since these signs are so optimistic, they forget some people are going through tough times and need help to get by.

Of course, when they realize it, they give everything they have to support them, as these individuals are not stingy. They just need a little reminder from time to time to remember that some people are in a bad place.

#9. Scorpio

Scorpios do not like to be too exposed, especially with people they do not know. They prefer to remain in the dark, observing how society functions but avoiding too much involvement.

Besides, most of the time, they're caught up in their own struggles and don't have a very positive view of the world. So, there is not much point in trying to help.

When they decide to do charity work, they do it anonymously and do their best not to be seen.

#10. Taurus

Taurus invests too much in its luxuries and a comfortable lifestyle. They think that hard work is responsible for a good standard of living, and if we give away everything to people in need, they will never try to get back on their feet.

So, they spend their hard-earned money on their comfort and sharing with their loved ones. However, when a fellow friend needs assistance, they won't hesitate to lend a helping hand.

#11. Gemini

Gemini is somewhat oblivious to suffering in the world. They spend their time learning new skills, running all sorts of errands, and meeting new people.

These signs love to have fun, and when they have to face the harsh reality of some people, they don't know how to deal with it. So, they prefer to skip it and occupy their minds with other things to avoid getting depressed.

#12. Aries

Aries has an individualistic and assertive personality. These signs are constantly pursuing new goals, and the faster they can achieve them and move on to the next one, the better.

So, they don't have much time to do charity work, unless it is some kind of competition, they are participating in. If you challenge Aries to spend the most time doing charity work, they will do it just to show off their victory.

[plutosfallenangel]

☆Sun Sign Karma☆ pt.I / IV

• Aries sun •

Karmic lessons involve finding and asserting themselves. The biggest challenge can be distinguishing aggression vs assertion. This is because in the past they may have had to develop a strong will, due to being involved in wars or conquests. Due to involvement in such acts Aries suns have a strong craving for competition.

Because Aries is the first zodiac, the sun in Aries individual is working on becoming centered around the self, but not just the self in this lifetime. They are here to uncover and touch that part of themselves that has been reincarnating again and again. They will learn over time how to develop a strong ego and sense of self. In this process they can find people accuse them of being selfish or egotistical, but working on uncovering a sense of self can be a self-absorbing task, so part of the lesson here is to learn to also compromise... consider both their own needs and that of others.

Aries suns have also been tasked with the action of initiating, and bringing new things into the world. Just be sure to not trample over anyone else in the process.

Born with the bravery and courage of a knight and the midas touch when it comes to lifting things off the ground.

• Taurus sun •

For those who have sun in Taurus, they are here to live comfortably in the physical body and realm, while simultaneously recognizing that there is life beyond just material pleasure and the body itself. Karmic lessons can center around security and values too.. what do you value, what do you want to preserve, what's worth the fight?

Because Taurus is a fixed earth sign, they will gain a sense of who they are from their family, what they own and where they are in the community/world. This comes from the need to work on grounding themselves in the material world, learning to be in the physical body and use all five senses to navigate + interact with their surroundings... while still maintaining that already strong connection to spiritual dimensions. Imo most taurus sun's have had the least experience in the human body, and this is why most reincarnate as one.. to experience more grounded perceptions of the world.

Naturally being ruled by venus, this sun sign is here to shape and make things with their hands, bringing new beauty into the world like sculptures, gardens, art, and food to name a few. They will use resources and earned skills to shape the world around them.

Going back to Taurus being a fixed sign, they were BORN with the power of endurance, they naturally have endurance and know all about perseverance. It's just learning when to let go for them, they are builders so there is a challenge when they are asked to stop such a thing. This can account for the "stubborn" persona they have. They have a strong will and will not allow anyone to throw them off their purpose here. However, sometimes this strong will and determination can leave them stuck in a rut. It's hard to let go, one major karmic lesson here is also learning flexibility. There is a need to learn free will, and that just going with the flow or following a rigid pathway isn't all it's cracked up to be. There is a need to evolve slowly and surely over time, rooting oneself into an unshakable foundation.

• Gemini sun •

This air sign is here with the task of communication, to communicate itself to the world. One with sun in gemini is most interested in everything and will explore many avenues as this is a soul that yearns to understand the world around them.

Since Gemini is the sign that comes after Aries and Taurus, the self and body have already been discovered, now it is time for them to communicate it. They are here to explore a mental world, processing sensory and intellectual input. They are here to learn pieces of information and use their intuition to reach new truths. Gathering information and passing it on to others.

One big karmic issue that relates to sun in Gemini is deciphering truth from deception or being honest and dishonest. They can talk their way into almost anything and have to be careful not to reap bad karma for it. The issue is discovering what truth is most important to them. With Gemini being the sign of the twins this implies there is a great deal of dualities. It can almost feel like two people are inhabiting one body for them at times, this is caused by the natural flexibility they have being a mutable air sign. It is easy for them to adjust to changes and makes it easy to move on.. but having said that there is a need to learn reflection (hence the twins) Slowing down and reflecting on what has been learned so it can be integrated. A challenge can be learning patience to slow down the mind to do said reflections.

Overtime they will have explored many philosophies and views but need to narrow down their own to live by. There is a need to discover their inner truth as they take on many different roles in life.

Since there is always an intake of information, there is also a natural ability to problem solve. Another challenge for them in this life is to find the right outlet for such talent. They will always have a solution for a problem, which allows them to know how to make the world work to their advantage.

[crowlhoard]

Undead Unluck Manga Chapter 183 Spoilers!!!

I know the main wave of discussions for this chapter has already concluded and the new anime episode is already out, but I tend to ruminate for a long time and I'm even slower on properly writing those thoughts out. But now that my thoughts are finally organized, I can put that dead horse to the ground.

Last chapter seemingly seems as an end to Rip's and Latla's character development, quite a disappointing one too (even besides the sister thing, that is just *sign*, Japan...), but I have some reasons to hope it isn't, and here's why:

In the first loop we are introduced to a variety of negators, which can generally be separated into two teams: Union and Under. Under being the antagonists of the story. As the story unfolds, we learn that Under and Union may actually work for the same goal, even if the former is doing it in a pretty twisted way. But there's two exceptions to that rule: Feng and Rip/Latla team.

Feng is pretty straightforward in his desire for strength and his willingness to sacrifice all and everything for it. Loop 101 already addressed his behavior and showed us a hint of change:

Rip and Latla, however, while being a team, aren't on an equal ground. While Latla obviously wants to save her sister too, we constantly see that it's Rip, who is consciously refusing to move on from the loss of Layla and fueling his obsession over his goal. A goal, as we learn in the unfolding of the last loop, that is quite selfish and short-sighted. Not only his current actions utterly betray his dead lover's last wish

But it also doesn't actually gain him anything but a few extra years at most with Layla before a horrifying death of the whole world and all three of them

While in the beginning such motivation could be explained by Rip being introduced to the world of negators through Under and coming to conclusion that all the people with power act purely in their own interest, that delusion repeatedly gets shuttered by his run-ins with the protagonist duo. Yet, despite every such encounter showing us a bit of humanity in Rip, every following encounter, he seems to push towards his selfish wish.

A potential for him to finally make a right choice this loop seems to appear after the culmination of Season's Arc, where it's laid plain to see that Fuuko is the one with the power to reach God and that she is absolutely the kind of person to try and save everyone, and loop is being inevitable by this point with Earth's careening towards Sun. This shows us a hopeful turn for the Rip and Latla duo - with Latla choosing to help Union search for Fuuko and, most importantly, finally separate from Rip

Yet, despite this hopeful turn, Rip once again returns to the original plan - speed the oncoming end of this loop and doom the next one, all for the desire to be Layla's personal hero for a single moment. This culminates in one of the most heartbreaking scenes in the story

Which is made progressively worse, once we learn Latla's negation next loop - Untrust. So for that plan to work, Latla either had to fully believe that Rip can't hit a moving target like Andy (which is doubtful, since she is the most aware of the extent of Rip's skill) or to truly believe that he won't be able to genuinely target her. And despite last chapter claiming that Rip loved both sisters equally, he is clearly capable of sacrificing Latla for Layla.

As heartbreaking as that moment is, it also shines light on the true nature of Rip and Latla's relationship in the loop 100 - they are enablers of the worst traits in each other: self-destructive loyalty, multiplied by infatuation in Latla and the short-sighted selfish goal pursuit in Rip.

Moving onto the next loop, we are introduced to them both once again before the tragedy of Layla's death. Latla doesn't seem to differ from her past loop counterpart. Her life is still built around helping her sister and supporting her relationship with Rip.

Rip is quite a different person, though. With quite the heroic claims

Which would be quite touching to see after this arc's end to show his growth, but here, before Layla is saved, we know those claims are pretty hollow. Unlike the rest of the cast, who sticks to their core values after losing a loved one, we know from the last loop that Rip drops this claim pretty quickly after Layla's death.

Latla does get her drop of a character development, finally standing up to Rip and demanding half the Bladerunner to stop Rip from trying to play a solo hero, in contrast to her quietly following Rip's path of self-destruction last loop

A few words about Layla - despite being alive this loop, she still doesn't have a character. Effectively, she could be replaced with a mannequin in a dress in 99% of her scenes and nothing would change.

So this arc culminates in chapter 183, where we get a brief recap of the events and Rip checking out his "happy end" box with marrying Layla. We also get slapped with a sudden question "Who will Rip chose?" after the narrative up to this point practically beating us with the demonstrations of Rip's first priority over everything (even Latla's life) always being Layla, from the start.

We are given one page in the ENTIRE manga to imply the single case of Rip picking Latla over Layla

And this chapter culminates in the weird kind of progress, or rather, regress: Rip now forcefully dragging Latla into his decisions, disregarding her own choices. Which is supposed to be taken as a positive development now? And in the end, Rip doesn't get any development to show that he is a better person than the last loop and not simply nicer because he didn't have to face hardship this loop.

A mini side rant, unrelated to the analysis - I hate this panel with. every. fiber. of. my. being. Romantizatio of first love as an only true love is one of the worst things to come out of romantic genre. Side rant over

UU isn't nuanced enough story to deal with the complex relationships and getting over infatuations, so I don't expect any developments in that direction. But Rip is supposed to be one of the author's favorites, and seeing such lackluster characterization in UU is really jarring, so I do hope this isn't an actual end to this three's characters development. I propose that at least 2 out of the following 3 options happening could somewhat salvage this mess:

1) Obligatory - Layla finally gets some characterization. Even a single page of her being the one to suggest including Latla into the ceremony, would've considerably improved last chapter.

2) Latla getting to actively disagreeing and opposing Rip, to showcase that she is capable of making her own choices, instead of being dragged around by Rip.

3) Rip facing his faults, which made him of the few true villains of last loop, perhaps through Remember, perhaps through other means.

[coffee-in-veins]

Hey, I'm that new player anon from the other blog who asked about Tardif enjoying baking. Thanks for your detailed answer.

I'd like to ask, why do you feel the DD2 interpretations of the characters feel squeaky clean? I have heard from others that DD2's backstories comes off as trying to make them similar to Dismas' (feeling remorseful for their past and trying to find redemption), is that true? Characters like Sarmenti don't feel like they're particularly different, but I can see where they're coming from with Paracelsus or something

Hello hello! o/ welcome to the fandom and thank you for the ask :}

Sorry for the late reply, i was promptly reminded why i shouldn't type big answers in a browser and had to re-do this answer a few times ^^'

i'm happy that my bits of historical anecdotes were of any interest to you, if you have anything else you'd like to know, ask away, i'll do my best to answer. i researched DD's possible cuisine for my writing, so i'm more than happy to share and have an unhealthy amount of interest in Crimson Curse

Now, regarding your ask…

Oh, the characterization... well, i am working on a huge and detailed answer for another ask regarding Dismas in particular, and it's taking me a while because i have feelings and i need to dig out DD2 barks for factual comparison, but in general, for me this is because of three things:

removal of the character's agency;

removal of moral ambiguity;

re-writing of established facts that contradict 'heroism';

You see, before DD2's shrines, all the fandom had to work with were hero's comics, their barks (lines they say during specific afflictions and/or actions) and descriptions on some of their personal trinkets (namely, Crimson Curse sets). All of those were vague and open to interpretation, but painted quite a dark picture for any given hero. The only more or less 'cinnamon rolls' (aka victims of circumstance but arguably good-aligned) were Baldwin (leper), Misendei (arbalest), William (Houndmaster) and Bigby (Abomination), who were wronged but tried to keep their goodness intact. And even those supposed cinnabuns had some quite questionable lines when stressed enough, revealing that sure, they did their best, but even they weren't spotless.

However, everyone else was either a selfish ass, or a coward, or mass murderer, or someone else equally shitty and their 'key backstory moment' was painting them in a dubious light.

Fresh examples that pop up in my head and have mirrors in DD2 are Paracelsus (Plague Doctor), who was rather obsessed with her work on the human body, and her barks show how she is absolutely determined to keep her notes and research private but in a rather "this is my achievement, only mine!" way. She's arrogant and shoves her way around others whenever she's stressed, feeling them all beneath her.

For example:

(sigh) My time is too valuable for these trivialities!

You halfwits are interrupting my concentration!

Uneducated brutes! The ignorance! The idiocy!

Hmmm... deformed at birth or merely hideous?

So many useful organs... all wasted on you.

Why bother? You are all little more than meat.

Medicine marks a new age, ignorant barbarians!

Sure, her comic shows her hard working, not denying that, but also having the bloodied handkerchief of her professor with her (from the 4th panel onward, it's always with her); which can be interpreted in a multitude of ways, not excluding her poisoning him just to be able to work on his body and further the study. We can't see her shunned and debated as it was shown in DD2, and she isn't portrayed as a singular woman character in the university setting. We can't see her professor dying of natural causes – we just see him dead and her coming to witness that, already with books and clutter at hand. It can be seen as if it was her own scheme. For all we know - yes, she is the mad scientist (tm.) and it wasn't her trauma or making a zombie which pushed her out of university and into Hamlet, but her arrogance, very Victor Frankenstein style.

However, in DD2 a lot, and I mean a LOT was made to make her softer, mellower, less over the top and more sympathetic: how the professor disregards her theories; how she's the sole woman in the class; how she is mocked, debated and considered 'scandalous' (based on Shrine quotes); how she lost her will to pursue medicine; how she was a poor little meow meow after shrine 5 who cannot focus and get the screams out of her head (which contradicts heavily all of her characterization in DD1...); you get the idea. Even her negative barks aren’t as vicious:

You bicker as a child does!

You! Reckless! You threaten us all!

I've had better company in the morgue!

If I bleed out, who will staunch your wounds?

By my calculations, you misjudged that.

Sure, it can be because DD2 is still in the making, but… they have a different attitude, don’t you think?

A lot of work went into making this character as beaten up and sympathetic as possible instead of an over the top, cocky, somewhat mad scientist with absolutely unhinged love and fascination for bodies and bodily fluids (she’s asking her teammates for their piss during camping for god’s sake, that woman has no understanding of social norms, or no use for them) - but in doing so, Para lost what... well, made her Para, in my opinion. Para in DD1 goes through bodies, piss and blood to further her goal of medical enlightenment; Para in DD2 is a tormented soul who went in over her head and got broken, and now atones for... well, making a zombie out of an already dead man and genuinely i fail to see how is that use any worse than a regular autopsy. It's not like her professor felt it, or was trapped in that body or was turned into a zombie by a bite or something. He was already dead. So... dunno, maybe it's just me, but the sudden complete breakdown was... odd. Para I knew would’ve been motivated to push even further, to make that mistake count. Para from DD2 broke and gave up – which, in turn, makes no sense, since the timeline is DD2 backstory -> DD1 -> DD2, so she had to go to Hamlet and continue her experiments there and… alright, the timeline is another beast altogether, and I am not poking it here.

Another example is Audrey, the Grave Robber. In DD1 she was flamboyant and cocky, teasing and taunting enemies and allies alike, concerned about her clothes even in the heat of battle and undeniably selfish, in there for a thrill and money. She still referred to herself as a Lady, and was quite cheeky with everyone. We saw her backstory comic, and all it showed was the poverty of a high class lady, a presumably dead husband (?) and how she turned to grave robbing due to him being buried with his jewellery. Her barks referred to tea, ambergris and other high-end luxuries, so it was an easy timeline to map: a noblewoman (the title of Lady was only reserved for a wife of the currently ruling Lord, and I’d better stop here before I start poking heraldry and title inheritance) who got into debt for some reason (maybe even her own spending) and was facing eviction and social humiliation, and who decided to change her fate. That was it. No domestic abuse (although, I cannot argue that it wouldn’t be setting- and time-appropriate), nothing about her husband sexually assaulting her, nothing. Only her love for baubles and luxuries. For all we knew, she had spent the family fortune on those. I don’t think there’s any indication in DD1 which points to her killing her husband, really. Hell, we weren’t even sure it was her husband, some people headcannoned the guy from the portrait as her father.

But in DD2 she is shown as exclusively a victim – at home, she’s a victim of abuse, then she’s a victim of circumstance, she’s a cornered woman, desperate to get out and get better. It’s not her fault she poisoned her husband – he abused her! It’s not her fault she became a grave digger – she was forced into it! She isn’t a bad person. She was forced into those circumstances! She’s a good person, a hero! She was just in a very bad spot, really, please sympathise with her.

You mentioned Sarmenti, and I want to poke that one a bit, too. He, too, is very different to what was portrayed in DD1 and DD2. In DD1 his backstory was one of revenge for the humiliation he was faced with during his work in the court of the tyrant. However, it was never shown how or why would he come there. Again, for all we know, he worked there, and his barks about serving at children’s birthday parties supported that. We knew he was a jester and he worked as a jester. He was humiliated and took revenge by killing the court. How he summoned spears of dubious origin was never explained or addressed. With all the constant laughing he had in his barks, it sounded almost like he had PBA (pseudobulbar affect). If he actually had it, becoming a jester was really one of the few available options for him.

But in DD2 he is shown to be specifically a musician who became famous enough to become a curio, was tricked into coming to court, caught and kept there, humiliated in ways even Narrator refuses to specify and supposedly driven absolutely insane by the combination of that and some eldritch music magic he got. He wasn't even employed there. He was tricked, lied to, then abused. Again, an absolutely normal, arguably good person, driven up a wall due to horrendous inhumane circumstances to do evil— sounds familiar by the third time, isn’t it?

And this is why I call them squeaky clean. Heroes in DD1 were the agents of their downfall. They were arrogant, they made decisions which ended up in disasters, they were led by their greed, obsession or vices. But they had agency. Sure, they weren’t good people – but they were active forces in their lives, and what they did or didn’t do was just that – their action, their decision, their agency. It was never exclusively circumstances offering only one solution which happened to be a bad one. It’s not that they chose bad action because it was easy or they didn’t care or something else caused by heroes – they were put in circumstances where this was the only course of action they could do, and thus, they cannot be considered morally bankrupt for doing the only available thing. All of the backstories are now there to evoke sympathy and say “wouldn’t you do the same if you were put in the same awful circumstances?”. And this, to me, cheapens and flattens the heroes by a huge margin. Frankly, I’m even a little bit surprised the ‘redemption’ bit is intact, considering how much they distanced the heroes from the actual horrible things they did. Arguably, Alhazred is the only one who still does his backstory completely selfishly, but they don’t really show him as remorseful, too, and because of that it’s not as jarring.

But then again, heroes in DD1 didn't always seek redemption in Hamlet. For some, it was just... money, fame or a job. The high moral horse was a factor only to a selected few (looking at you, Dismas). It wasn't ubiquitous. And frankly, it made the motley lot more believable. People are different. People react to bad things differently. Hell, people cannot even agree on what "bad" is. Damian's favourite pastime for all intents and purposes can be Bigby's nightmare. Having different heroes having different reasons in their backstories helped them stand out against each other more, in my opinion. The way all of the backstories became only focused on redemption, and only pushing hard for sympathy after DD1's diversity is frankly a bit odd for me.

Again, RH are the canon makers and if this is what they wish to do with their property, more power to them. But to me as a writer it is disappointing.

I hope this explains it ^^ but feel free to ask more if you want to

[wondrouswendy]

On Writing and Alan Wake

Talking about my writing is hard. I’m someone who wants to talk about it, but if you asked me to describe my feelings out loud, finding the right words would be difficult.

My current ongoing story, Out of My Hands and Into Your Heart, is finished, and has been for the past few weeks aside from some polishing. I started working on it back in late November. I wrote over half of my 2023 writing goal in one month alone last December. I think a large part of why this happened is because Alan Wake 2 reconfigured my brain and spoke to me on such a deep level as a writer.

With 7 chapters out now, I want to talk about the writing process and what I’m enjoying with my fic so far and why Alan Wake (as a character and as a game) is so meaningful to me.

It’s interesting to write about a writer. Obviously that’s the whole gist of Alan Wake, but I’m writing about a writer discussing the problems of writing and projecting onto his character. The meta layers appeal to me greatly.

First person POV helps me get into Alan’s head so much more (though this is in part due to how often we hear him monologuing in all 3 games). I know for a lot of people first person POV is an immediate turn off when it comes to fic, but more and more I think it deserves a chance with certain characters. To me, it just comes naturally for Alan (and on the flipside, Casey). First person POV is just another tool in the writer's kit.

I knew coming into this idea back in late November I wanted to provide my take on the story prior to the first Alan Wake game and Bright Falls. For Alan to be the man he is, kind of an arrogant asshole who doesn’t treat his wife and others well, I wanted to imagine what could have shaped him. Of course I wanted to have a shipping bent to my story with him and Fictional Alex Casey, so I started crafting my own interpretation of Alan’s narrative arc through the chapters of his life as told through his book publishing. There was one central question on my mind: What led to him wanting to kill off Casey?

...Which meant telling a well-rounded story rooted in canon to a degree. How does his relationship with Alice and Barry evolve over his writing? What highs and lows does Alan experience? How does he go from being a successful author to a shell of himself by the time the writer’s block hits?

So if the spiral is the metaphor for the creative journey of ups and downs, I decided to orient it as the story’s “villain” much earlier in the Alan Wake canon. The enemy in this story is Alan himself.

So I knew going into this Alan would do incredibly selfish and hurtful things—some of which could upset others, such as when Alan goes out on his own and is drugged by a group of so-called fans. No one likes to see their favorite characters doing horribly self-destructive things, but this is the nature of Alan's character and a large part of why I like him. He feels very human and vulnerable.

Amidst all this, the story posed a challenge because I needed to shift between the real and dream worlds so Casey and Alan could interact. The pivotal moment in book four when Casey confronts Alan always served as the signature moment of a character objecting to the whims of their author. On the one hand, I worried about not having Casey appear directly in the story sooner, but on the other hand, I thought it was important to treat the first chapters as a prologue building up to the real action and dynamics of the story: Casey and Alan’s (future romantic) relationship.

Which leads us to what I hope comes across as meaningful, if sad chapter seven. The kiss scene and its followup in Alan’s real world was important to the story, and it was a moment I was looking forward to sharing. Alan’s been carrying feelings for his character since his youth, but after his traumatic experience, he pushes it aside and tries to abide by heternormative ideals.

I chose to go this route based on how Alan behaves in the first Alan Wake game. Some of Alan’s behavior came across as over-inflated machismo, like he’s trying to prove he’s more than just a scrawny, out of shape writer. He gets into fights, he’s aggressive, defensive. I feel like it comes from a very vulnerable place of prior hurt. Alan could have easily been an easy target in his youth for being “too sensitive”, “too emotional”.

Further, Alan’s expectations of the kind of man Casey “should be” and the way Casey has become over the course of being “dimensional” in the context of years of storytelling reflect how sometimes characters take on lives of their own. You subconsciously push a character in one direction without even realizing it. Alan is so close with Casey without realizing the bond goes in the other direction too. A type of codependency where we rely on our fictional fantasies for comfort and support.

For now, that’s all I’ll say about the story. Though there’s only two more published books left, the story is far from over.

If you read this far, thanks for reading this post. I’m really proud of my story and enjoyed writing it. I’m grateful to be able to post something with consistency and reliability for once. I think this story reflects significant growth for me as a writer, breaking new ground with what I’m capable of doing when I’m inspired.

Thanks again to those of you who have read my story, kudos’d, bookmarked, subscribed, commented, reblogged/retweeted my posts. It’s very touching and I appreciate the support! Like Alan, it keeps me out of the Dark Place.

[silvanoir]

Trigun '98 rewatch

I finished rewatching all of the '98 Trigun anime. On DVD this time, because I long ago got rid of the VHS tapes when I got rid of my VCR (but kept the covers), and replaced them with the collector's edition DVD tins. Not the same watching experience, as when I watched and rewatched it over and over on old square tvs on top of bureaus, in the late 90s/early 2000s, y'know?

If you're new to Trigun, I'd say watch the '98 anime first THEN read the manga, the anime is a bit more toned down and has less in it, and the dub has a few spots of awkward translation. The manga has far more details, a better translation, and is more intense.... some real graphic violence at points. Humanity as a whole feels a bit more likeable in the old anime, though, and it feels more hopeful at the end, I'll say that. Plus you'd be less disappointed by the changes from one to another. I have no opinion on the new anime (2023) because I haven't watched it.

spoiler time:

Still want someone to call Knives out on his BS. Not debate him on the nature of humanity/the universe like he wants, but on how he personally f'ed things up for himself and others. Vash is never going to agree with you! ever! You saw over a century of scarring on him and he still hasn't given up on humans, you sent killers after him and killed people he cares about (well he cares about everyone) and it doesn't matter, you can't PUNISH someone into agree with you! And even if you did manage to punish someone into "agreeing" they wouldn't really be agreeing in their heart, just saying whatever you want to hear to get you to stop hurting them and those they care about.

IF you really wanted someone by your side to bitch about how much you hate humanity together, YOU HAD A GUY! You don't have to turn your brother into that guy, you had a guy! Legato would've been over the moon to be officially recognized as a substitute little brother, you could've sat up on some high tower snarking and snarling and snacking, human-haters-only club. Real family not working out for you--- try FOUND family. But no. He was literally dying for your approval (literally literally literally). Now what've you got? nuthin' Vash will only stick by you because again, he doesn't hate anyone and you're brothers, and as DAMAGE CONTROL, but he is never, never, never going to agree with you.

And you wanted to make your own little Eden? Well almost all your actions have made the world more hellish. So you fail in that too. Manga Knives was at least trying to liberate the plants albeit in a messed up selfish way that proved his downfall.... but what are you doing other than making everyone more afraid and angry and full of pain, HMMMMMM? You made entire towns disappear, OK.... and then what? AND THEN WHAT? You want the planet to be just you and Vash? You don't even get along!

I'm not mad at the writing choices or characterization, to be clear, he works just fine as a villain and I don't want any changes, I just want someone to yell at him while he's still incapacitated AFTER the last episode and therefore has no choice but to listen.

The other thing I want to say, without making this TOO long is the anime line "The ticket to the future is open" what a klunky way to translate. The Future Is Wide Open or The Future Is A Blank Ticket would've been far better.

Still one of my favorite animes ever though, that despite it imperfections I somehow feel better after watching it everytime. Something something the world is f'ed up and left us half-crazed and beaten down, let's all keep going and appreciate the blue sky anyway.

[theladyoflore]

A small little book recs for these trying times:

Cleo Wade, Where to begin:

Where to Begin is a collection of the ideas, mantras, and poems I turn to when I feel like I am losing it. I wrote this so that I could put them all in one place when I felt overwhelmed by worry, fear, anxiety, or helplessness.

The words in this book are what stop me from walking away from the problems of the world during tough times. They also help me stay connected to hope during difficult moments and remind me that even on the days that feel the most daunting, I still have the power to show up and do something, somewhere, in some way.

Change-making comes in all sizes. It doesn’t always have to be one big gesture or nothing. As my friend Jenna often says, “The big stuff is the small stuff.” Your big life is made up of a collection of all of your small moments. Our big world is a made up of a collection of all of our small actions. This book is about where to begin.

Rutger Bregman, Humankind A hopeful history:

From the author of Utopia For Realists, a revolutionary argument that the innate goodness and cooperation of human beings has been the greatest factor in our success

If one basic principle has served as the bedrock of bestselling author Rutger Bregman's thinking, it is that every progressive idea -- whether it was the abolition of slavery, the advent of democracy, women's suffrage, or the ratification of marriage equality -- was once considered radical and dangerous by the mainstream opinion of its time. With Humankind, he brings that mentality to bear against one of our most entrenched ideas: namely, that human beings are by nature selfish and self-interested.

By providing a new historical perspective of the last 200,000 years of human history, Bregman sets out to prove that we are in fact evolutionarily wired for cooperation rather than competition, and that our instinct to trust each other has a firm evolutionary basis going back to the beginning of Homo sapiens. Bregman systematically debunks our understanding of the Milgram electrical-shock experiment, the Zimbardo prison experiment, and the Kitty Genovese "bystander effect."

In place of these, he offers little-known true stories: the tale of twin brothers on opposing sides of apartheid in South Africa who came together with Nelson Mandela to create peace; a group of six shipwrecked children who survived for a year and a half on a deserted island by working together; a study done after World War II that found that as few as 15% of American soldiers were actually capable of firing at the enemy.

The ultimate goal of Humankind is to demonstrate that while neither capitalism nor communism has on its own been proven to be a workable social system, there is a third option: giving "citizens and professionals the means (left) to make their own choices (right)." Reorienting our thinking toward positive and high expectations of our fellow man, Bregman argues, will reap lasting success. Bregman presents this idea with his signature wit and frankness, once again making history, social science and economic theory accessible and enjoyable for lay readers.

~~

I've recently read these two books and they both uplifted my spirits. So, I hope that if you give them the chance, they will uplift yours too.

[anangkaaa]

About Denny Ja: Religious Inspiration: Erracting Human Life in the Modern Era

In this modern era, the presence of technology has changed many aspects of human life. We live in a fast -paced age, where information can be accessed easily and everything can be done with only a few clicks. However, in the midst of this progress, many people feel lost direction and meaning in their lives.    Therefore, it is important for us to find inspiration and guidance that can enrich our lives. One source of inspiration that we can make is a religion. In this case, Denny JA is one of the figures who can provide relevant religious inspiration for human life in the modern era.    Denny JA is a religious figure known as an inspirational speaker and writer. In his work, Denny JA not only talks about religion as a rigid doctrine or rules, but also about how religion can provide inspiration and meaning in everyday life.    First of all, Denny Ja talked about the importance of having a clear life purpose. In a world full of distractions and demands, we often lose direction and focus in our lives. Religion can give us a guide for greater life goals and give meaning to each of our actions. By having a clear purpose in life, we can live more meaningfully and enrich our lives in this modern era.    In addition, Denny Ja also talks about the importance of having strong ethical and moral values. In the midst of technological advances, we are often trapped in an individualistic and materialistic world. Religion can teach us to live with higher values, such as affection, honesty, and respect for fellow human beings. By applying these values in our lives, we can create a more harmonious environment and enrich human life in this modern era.    In addition, Denny Ja also talks about the importance of having a balanced spiritual life. In this busy and stressed life, we often forget to care for our souls and hearts. Religion can give us a guide on how to maintain a balance between our physical, mental, and spiritual. By living a balanced life, we can achieve happiness and enrich our lives in this modern era.    Not only that, Denny Ja also teaches about the importance of maintaining good relationships with fellow human beings. In this increasingly individualistic era, often we tend to be selfish and locked in our own world. Religion teaches us to live in harmony with fellow humans and encourage us to care for each other, help, and support each other. By establishing a good relationship with fellow human beings, we can enrich our lives and create a better society in this modern era.    Not only that, Denny Ja also talks about the importance of maintaining good relationships with our nature and environment. In an era that is increasingly threatened by climate change and environmental damage, religion teaches us to be responsible and preserve nature. By living in a sustainable and responsible way of our environment, we can enrich our lives and protect the earth so that they remain livable in this modern era.    In order to enrich human life in this modern era, Denny Ja provides religious inspiration that can be a guide for us all.

Check more: Denny Ja: Religious Inspiration: Enriching Human Life in the Modern Era

[invadsion]

who's the OC you just shared tell me about em >:3

THANK TOU. I LOVE YOU. ok ermfmmfv im very awkward about talking about my characters but uhhhhfnng.

So to help give a bit of background and context, the universe shes in is like a huge orb planet thing that i guess would play the role of the sun and coming out of it are a bunch of giant ribbons and on those ribbons are entire galaxies and planets and all that. The people who live on the orb in the center are considered the ones in charge of all the ribbons and everything on them, and its entire population is one family tree where the primary leadership is passed down generation to generation. When the previous leader retires, she gives her role as the primary leader of literally the entire universe to her eldest child. The eldest child being Elize, the character referred to in the ask. She does have the option to decline the role and give it to either a cousin or a younger sibling, but doing so is considered to be irresponsible and disgraceful to the family name, so she accepts her new role as leader of.. everything. Shes still fairly young, in earth years and maturity shes in her early 20s and quite frankly has no idea how to handle such a huge responsibility. Her strongest quality is her skill in battle, which i guess she just hoped that she could manage solely on those talents and it ended up screwing her over when she realized theres way more to being a leader than just war and fighting.. i wouldnt like to consider her as a bad person or anything, despite her actions and decisions seeming selfish and irresponsible. Shes very young and just bit off way more than she can chew, but she doesnt have any selfish or bad intentions. Shes a sweet person, but is angered really easily, so for her first few years of ruling shes constantly getting on her own nerves and frustrated with everything around her. In the story shes set in, she does eventually mellow out and accept that shes just not capable of ruling yet, so she passes the role down to her younger sibling and choses to separate herself from the whole "royalty" setting.

As far as character details go, elize is not human. On the drawing i have posted of her, theres a weird blob thing taking up a large portion of the page. That blob is her neutral appearance. I imagine it to sort of work like a ball of wax or maybe clay, melting down into whatever shape she needs to be while still keeping the same mass. Shes naturally really cold, but when shes changing shape she gets very warm to, again, melt into whatever shes trying to be. Her "shape shifting" isnt an endless void of possibilities though, it puts a lot of strain on her and she can only hold that shape for so long. Keeping the same mass can also be rather inconvenient, since her usual self is giant. In order to even that out into her human mimick, she ends up being freakishly tall (maybe 8-9 feet) and having room for like, 4 or 5 heads in her hair alone.

ok i think thats more than anyone would want to read so ill stop there. thank you oktorama i love infodumping

[moicabinetdecuriosites]

"Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."

In the first few minutes of the film, we witness Oppenheimer in a complex state of mind, torn between conflicting emotions. He gave potassium cyanide to his own professor due to the professor's behavior, yet he also ran to save his professor's life. This duality illustrates that Oppenheimer, like every other human being, is a mix of both good and flawed aspects.

The film is not solely about the creation of destructive weapons like the hydrogen bomb or atom bomb. Instead, it delves into the depths of our human conscience, challenging us to confront profound moral dilemmas. It compels us to ask ourselves: If we knew that our actions could trigger a devastating chain reaction and potentially destroy the world, what choices would we make?

Oppenheimer's decision-making process showcases the complexities of wielding power. He understood that even a small action, akin to a single drop of water in a lake, can create ripples and waves. While aware of the potential for catastrophic consequences, he still chose to pursue creating the bomb. This underscores the human tendency to grapple with the allure of power and the temptation to wield it, even when it might have grave ramifications.

Albert Einstein's warning to Oppenheimer highlights the selfish nature of the world, which may label him an anti-hero once his services are no longer required. Despite this, Oppenheimer proceeded, giving the world the power of destruction. He became, in a sense, the God of death, exposing the inherent consequences that come with immense power.

Nevertheless, the film serves as a call for self-reflection and restraint. Just like Oppenheimer, we too are both creators and destroyers. The choices we make hold the potential for chain reactions, but if someone takes a stand to halt destructive paths, the chain reaction can cease.

As we enter an AI-driven world, where the relinquishing of power raises uncertainty, it becomes even more crucial to recognize the importance of setting limits. We must acknowledge the lessons of history, where the thirst for power through wars led to destructive outcomes. The next frontier may be AI, but we must exercise caution and pause somewhere along the way.

Ultimately, we possess the capacity to be both destroyers and saviors. Emphasizing our role as protectors and builders, we can shape a future that embraces progress and innovation while being mindful of the potential consequences of unchecked power. By acting responsibly and with consideration for the greater good, we can pave the way for a more constructive and harmonious world.

The original verse in the Bhagavad Gita is spoken by Lord Krishna to the warrior Arjuna during the great Kurukshetra War. In this context, Krishna reveals his universal form to Arjuna, showcasing the divine power and destructive force that he wields as the ultimate force in the universe.

Oppenheimer's choice to quote this line from the Bhagavad Gita upon witnessing the successful test of the atomic bomb reflects the profound impact and ethical weight of the moment. It demonstrates his awareness of the immense destructive potential of the weapon he helped create and the responsibility that came with it.

J. Robert Oppenheimer is called the "American Prometheus" because he led the Manhattan Project, which aimed to build the first atomic bomb during World War II. This nickname highlights the moral dilemmas of his work and the atomic bomb's development, reminding us of humanity's power to achieve great things but also cause destruction. It urges us to use scientific knowledge and technology responsibly.

[rockislandadultreads]

Nonfiction Thursday: New Self-Help Picks

The Portfolio Life by Christina Wallace 

Pouring yourself into a single full-time job is the riskiest move you can make. Your parents’ advice to focus on one career path? It doesn’t work anymore, for reasons ranging from recessions to student loan debt, the gig economy, climate disasters, and a global pandemic (to name a few). We need a dramatically different relationship with work, one that allows us to define ourselves beyond our paid labor.

The answer? A Portfolio Life. An anti-hustle, pro-rest approach to work-life balance, a Portfolio Life is built on three tenets:

1. You are more than any one role or opportunity.

2. Diversification will help you navigate change and mitigate uncertainty.

3. When (not if) your needs change, you can and should rebalance.

In The Portfolio Life, Harvard professor, serial entrepreneur, and self-described "human Venn diagram" Christina Wallace adapts tried-and-true practices from the business sector to help you eschew the cult of ambition and experience the freedom of building the flexible, fulfilling, and sustainable life you want. Drawing on research, case studies, and her own experience, she walks you step-by-step through the process of designing a strategy for the long haul. Because you deserve rest, relationships, and a rewarding career—not someday, but today . After all, you only live once.

Enchantment by Katherine May

Many of us feel trapped in a grind of constant change: rolling news cycles, the chatter of social media, our families split along partisan lines. We feel fearful and tired, on edge in our bodies, not quite knowing what has us perpetually depleted. For Katherine May, this low hum of fatigue and anxiety made her wonder what she was missing. Could there be a different way to relate to the world, one that would allow her to feel more rested and at ease, even as seismic changes unfold on the planet? Might there be a way for all of us to move through life with curiosity and tenderness, sensitized to the subtle magic all around?

In Enchantment, May invites the reader to come with her on a journey to reawaken our innate sense of wonder and awe. With humor, candor, and warmth, she shares stories of her own struggles with work, family, and the aftereffects of pandemic, particularly feelings of overwhelm as the world rushes to reopen. Craving a different way to live, May begins to explore the restorative properties of the natural world, moving through the elements of earth, water, fire, and air and identifying the quiet traces of magic that can be found only when we look for them. Through deliberate attention and ritual, she unearths the potency and nourishment that come from quiet reconnection with our immediate environment. Blending lyricism and storytelling, sensitivity and empathy, Enchantment invites each of us to open the door to human experience in all its sensual complexity, and to find the beauty waiting for us there.

Enough About Baby by Becky Vieira 

Superheroes don’t have babies; real and imperfect non-superhumans do. When we come to terms with this, the result is a happier and less traumatizing start to motherhood. Becky Vieira, the mom behind the popular Instagram account @wittyotter, provides actionable advice for new parents on what to expect after pregnancy and how to successfully navigate the frustrations and challenges that come with having a baby. Vieira draws on her own experiences and interviews with moms and experts to get to the bottom of the toughest and most taboo topics—from managing nosey in-laws and an anxious partner to surviving the first postpartum poop and when to seek out treatment for postpartum depression. This book is filled with hacks, tips, and tricks that only the most seasoned—and enlightened—mom knows. (Ever hear of a condsicle, an ergonomic ice pack for a battered nether region?) Vieira reminds readers that motherhood shouldn’t be martyrdom, and a new mom who puts her needs first often isn’t selfish at all.

Permission to Speak by Samara Bay

Getting heard is a tricky business: It’s what you say and how you show up, filtered through your audience’s assumptions and biases—and maybe even your own. For women, people of color, immigrants, and queer folks, there’s often a dissonance between how you speak and how we collectively think powerful people should speak: like the wealthy white men who’ve historically been in charge. But, fortunately, the sound of power is changing.

Permission to Speak is your tool kit for making that change. In this revolutionary take on how to use your voice to get what you want, sought-after speech coach Samara Bay offers a fresh perspective on public speaking and a new definition of what power sounds namely, you. Blending anecdotes with eye-opening research in leadership, linguistics, and social science, Permission to Speak shows you how to strike the right balance of strength and warmth to land your message; exactly what to do before a high-stakes scenario so that your voice, your mind, and your spirit are ready; and how to turn habits like vocal fry and upspeak into tools. Most important, you’ll discover your voice why you talk the way you do, what’s wonderful about it, and what you’ve outgrown.

[gyangav]

Essay on Science is Blessing or Curse in English for Students

Shakespeare once wrote, “Nothing is good or bad in the world, but thinking makes it so.” This is also true in the case of science. Science is neither a curse nor a blessing. Everything depends on its use. Prof. C.E.M Joad has written, “Science has given us power fit for gods, yet we use them like small children.”

We live in the age of science. It has changed the face of our world. Scientific inventions like computers, satellites, x-rays, radium, plastic surgery, cellular phones, photography, and machines have proved very useful. They have given much comfort, ease, and convincing. There are no spheres of life where science has not helped us.

In today’s era, the innovators of science have created a revolution in the world. Without science, the independent existence of man cannot be imagined. With the help of science, man is constantly conquering nature.

A few years from now, humans used to be surprised by the discussion of the inventions of science, but today those inventions have completely mixed up in the life of man.

Science as a boon

Science has collected many types of resources for the benefit of man today. It is achievable only by science to go from one position to another by airplane, running the places of opponents in a moment. Science has been verified to be a boon for human life, Earlier it was difficult to take long trips.

Long journeys used to take a long time but today rail, motor, and aircraft have made long journeys extremely easy. Not only on earth, today man has set his steps on the moon as well.

Science may be a boon if war can be abolished and democracy and cultural liberty preserved. If this cannot be done, science will precipitate evils greater than any that mankind has ever experienced.

Benefits of science

Through mobile, telephone, telegram, fax, and email, science has shown many miracles in the field of communication. Through these tools, information can be transported from one corner of the country to the other in a moment, radio and television are also doing important work in this field.

Science has also proved to be a boon in the field of medicine. With the help of the modern medical system, the most serious diseases that occur in the body can not only be removed but can also be detected before time. The field of agriculture has been upgraded by scientific measures and instruments. Due to this the yield of crops has increased.

Science as a curse

There is another aspect of science. The second aspect of science is that it has become a curse in front of humans. Science has given a lot of power to the hands of man and has not imposed any restrictions on its use. Facilitator devices make humans lazy. Excessive use of equipment has led to unemployment in the country.

Family members of nuclear weapons have frightened humans. The continuous testing of nuclear weapons has seen a wide impact on our lives. The destruction of cities like Nagasaki and Hiroshima in japan is the result of science.

Today nuclear and hydrogen bombs have become a threat to world peace. Therefore, at any time the whole world can be burnt to ashes with its use. A selfish man is using power for more destructive actions than for his own benefit.

Conclusion

Looking at the benefits and losses of science, it can be said that another science is beneficial for us and on the other hand it is also destructive. To destroy is not the fault of science but it is definitely the fault of the human selfish mind. If a man stops his wrong habits then science is a boon for man otherwise it is a curse.

[thesetu]

What are the Roles of NGO in Indian Context?

The activities of NGOs have a significant impact on society and have led to social change for the betterment and advancement of society. It has been demonstrated that these organisations are active throughout the world and are carrying out their missions to benefit humanity and other noble causes. It is crucial that the organization’s staff employees are knowledgeable, motivated, and enthusiastic about carrying out their duties in a responsible manner. Following are a few of the NGO’s roles: 1.Role of social safety valve

Setu Foundation organises public inconveniences and takes on the role of an advocate for society demands and problems. They significantly contribute to giving the voiceless and needy a voice.

2.Boost Public Sector Performance

One of the roles of NGOs is to make sure that the government responds to the needs of the people and resolves their problems, making the government accountable. By contributing their own research teams and expertise, NGOs are also permitted to make recommendations and support improvement and flexibility in the government’s policymaking. Serving as a role

People who are concerned about any social or economic hardship can respond and offer their helping hands through the non-profit organisation. NGOs foster an atmosphere of trust and confidence and assist in constructive dispute resolution.

3.Increasing Community Involvement

The nonprofit organisation offers an alternative viewpoint that is capable of engaging in meaningful conversation with underserved areas. Numerous NGOs are attempting to preserve and promote India’s rich cultural diversity. They have several groups participating from all around the world to further the goals of the NGO. 4.empowerment of women

The accomplishment of key NGO tasks has advanced significantly in the fight for women’s empowerment. A few examples include educating women, lessening the rate of female feticide, providing employment to women, and combating sati, dowry, cruelty, and other social ills.

They are still making every effort to abolish gender discrimination.

Numerous organisations, including Sewa, the Agrani Foundation, Eklavya, and the Environmental Action Group, among others, are working for these causes.

5.Sustainable Growth

Because no one is sacrificing their immediate needs or destroying natural resources to further their own selfish interests, this area requires the most attention.

As a result, NGO is monitoring everything and developing control mechanisms to stop overusing natural resources, which leads to environmental dangers that later result in health issues and natural disasters.