#just $35 for a rabies shot

[lostryu]

hey, unfriendly reminder to always vaccinate your pets for rabies bare fucking minimum. i don’t care about what you say otherwise. go to a shelter or a low cost vaccine clinic. if you can’t afford vaccines, don’t have a pet. i am begging you, please just fucking vaccinate your pets BARE MINIMUM for rabies. i don’t care if your dog or cat is indoor only. things happen, and when they do, your pet gets decapitated and you cannot get the body back. you don’t get the ashes back. trust me, just get a rabies shot for your pet.

[son-of-spiders]

The rabies vaccine is also one of the most convenient timeline- and cost-wise? The first dose covers for 1 year, and after that, all subsequent shots cover for 3 years. 3 years! That's pretty damn good for a $20-40 shot!

We have clients who insist on doing rabies titers (which easily cost $120+) instead of vaccinating on the recommended schedule. If your dog bites someone, a rabies titer means nothing in court -- at least in my state, and many others. If their rabies vaccine isn't up to date, the dog can be euthanized for testing. The titer will not protect them.

Further, rabies is ugly and 100% fatal. You are not saving your dog if they contract rabies. They will either be humanely euthanized or suffer a slow, agonizing death. Rabies cannot be treated -- but it can be prevented.

Istg, if I ever get rabies because some dumb ass antivaxxer refused to vaccinate their dog, I’ll probably be doing the rest of my blogging from prison because I promise you, Imma curbstomp the shit out of the owner

[drawing-prompt-s]

GoFundMe: Getting the kitten to the vet...

for a rabies shot, FIV testing, and a possible upper respiratory infection!

So someone sent in the last $305 I needed while I was asleep. I'm transferring it to my account now which means I'm a) shutting off the GFM as soon as the transfers process and b) taking in the kitten as soon as the money becomes available to me - so likely by Friday I'll take her in, or Saturday or Monday (they do half days Saturday, and are closed Monday).

GoFundMe Link Paypal Link

Venmo Link Cashapp Link

Multiple payment options available because I am typically asked for alternatives to GFM and PP.

$350 / $350

-------------

INFORMATION + VIDEO UNDER THE CUT!

From the GoFundMe description:

Hello!

So, unplanned, there is a new kitten in the house as of Feb. 22, 2024. (Not Jolene's, she is fixed). When at my friend's house - where I will be moving in a few months - we found out that a cat that comes to visit often is not only owned, but a mom. However, the neighbor doesn't want the kittens, so he always puts them outside and leaves them there. I could no, in my right mind, leave the kitten outside by a trashcan and under a tire in February of all months, so I brought her home.

So far I have treated her for hookworms, given her the vaccines I can do myself, and looked into getting a spay voucher from one of the local shelters. The kitten is roughly 3 months old.

However, current concerns are that she may have an upper respiratory infection (and there is always the concern that she could be FIV+). She has an inflamed eye with a regular and concerning amount of discharge and has for a few days. I have also caught her sneezing and she has started coughing on more than a few occasions. She also has a few other signs of sickness - anemia, the runs, and some blood spotted in it. If it is a URI, I need to catch it as fast as possible because I also have Jolene, my 3 year old cat. She absolutely also needs FIV testing and a rabies shot because of that, and because where we are moving there are other cats.

Jolene and the kitten have both been getting along well. The kitten loves to follow her around and Jolene acts more like the disgruntled big sister (don't let her fool you, I have caught them playing regularly - she just needs her alone adult time too).

I have already altered a bit of my projected finances and removed money from my savings to care for the kitten and help her. But there is only so far that can go as I also need to be able to afford gas, food, and furniture for the upcoming move (I'm going to start buying things soon so I can put it together and move my stuff prior to the official move date). I was trying to put off a full vet visit until sending the kitten in for a spay, but with her eye and the possibility of infection spreading to other cats, it can no longer wait.

I am shutting off this GFM as soon as I reach the goal. The vet said to budget for a little more than $300, between the base cost of a visit, FIV testing, rabies, and potential treatment for an Upper Respiratory Infection- assuming it's nothing too major. And I added a little more to what I am expecting because GFM does take a fee from donations.

If the kitten does end up being FIV+ we do have rehoming options available or I will find someone better suited to handle an FIV+ cat (either already having one of their own or a home with no pets).

I tried to take a video of the eye, but as you can imagine, a 3 month old kitten isn't the most keen on staying still, haha.

-------------

Let me add in the breakdown as well, now that I think about it:

Base cost for my vet to see a new cat (even as a pre-established client with other cats treated there): $100

FIV testing: $40

Rabies (and other vaccines I may be missing I was unable to do myself): $35 - $45

And the vet recommended budgeting about $100 for medications depending on what they find (if she still has worms, if she has other parasites due to being outside untreated, if she has a URI like the current concern is): $100

The rest is tax, the % upcharge for using a card, and to negate the fees that GFM with-drawls from each donation.

[manicplank]

Ways The Noise Has Died

I have a headcanon that The Noise can die and respawn. (He's cursed, but sometimes he takes advantage of it.) These are just some of the ways he's died. He does a lot of stupid shit.

Hit by car: 3

Lung cancer: 2

Throat cancer: 1

Fallen from building/height: 2

Shot by police: 7

Drowned: 1

Execution by electric chair: 1

Eaten by alligators: 2

Smashed by piano: 2

Killed by Peppino: 15

Heart attack: 3

Diabetes: 3

Fire/burns: 5

Explosion: 22

Spontaneous combustion: 4

Eaten by shark: 1

Poisoned: 1

Internal bleeding: 2

Septic shock: 2

Execution by guillotine: 2

Bleeding out: 4

Head trauma: 5

Forgot to breathe: 18

Killed by Toppin Monster: 3

Mauled by bear: 1

Ate something inedible: 6

Forgot to eat (starved): 3

Alcohol poisoning: 6

Dehydration: 3

Eaten by tigers: 1

Strangled by Pizzahead: 2

Stung by bees: 1

Run over by boulder: 1

Struck by lightning: 2

Led poisoning: 2

Ate paint: 3

EDIT from replies:

Killed by Noisette: 1

Radiation exposure: 2

Choke on food: 12

Organ failure: 7

Froze to death: 1

Allergies: 3

Land mine testing: 2

Food poisoning: 28

Jetpack failure: 6

Sucked into black hole: 1

Inhaling carcinogenic gaz: 7

Talking back to his mama: 1

Banished into the shadow realm: 2

Dark magic spell failure: 4

Touching electric plug with a fork: 5

Stunt failure: 35

Edit from replies 2:

Got skewered in a magic trick gone wrong: 11

Got caught in a mousetrap: 6

Rat poison: 25

Burned alive: 4

(Feel free to suggest ways he's died. Silly little bastard is always up to no good.)

Hit by a train: 2

EDIT by replies 3:

Washed out to sea: 4

Battle with Doise: 1

Fallen into volcano: 7

Mocked Pepperman’s art: 3

Sucked into tornado: 3

Kicked by cow: 1

Crushed by his crusher: 4

Ate Fake Peppino’s food: 2

Slipped on banana peel: 18

Rabies: 4

Pissed off Dougie Jones: 1

Shot by alien raygun: 3

Crushed by tree: 1

Buried alive: 3

Shot by Vigilante: 2

Knife juggling: 4

challenged God to smite him: 1

Fallen into bottomless pit: 7

Eaten by piranhas: 3

Bitten by zombie: 1

Air balloon crash: 5

Tried to light his fart on fire (gone wrong): 1

[bisexual-in-every-gender]

Survey

New tats in your near future?

Got a full sleeve planned in November (flowers all over my arm in rainbow colours growing out of blood stains with the Billy Talent lyrics "These flowers have grown from bloodstains on the ground", incorporating my queerness and the struggle with it over years with my love for Billy Talent), plus a small tattoo of a chest burster (the one from Alien) being hugged by his host to emphasise my love of horror and sci fi

How about piercings or re-piercings?

*sigh* I tried to have my ears pierced twice and both times had a severe allergic reaction and my lip ring I had to have taken out because of an infection, so sadly, I don't think piercings are for me :(

Are there any rooms in your house that you don't go into every day?

Several. We got three spare rooms, one that had been meant for a baby's arrival, but sadly the IVF failed, so it's now a storage room, as well as another storage room in lieu of a cellar and a guest room. Also the second bath room which the cat uses.

Who else do you know who has the same favourite colour that you do?

My sister Ami, I think, likes blue as much as I do.

Have you ever covered a tattoo up or added to?

Yeah, I made my tattooed pug a vampire with a swirling glass of blood.

Have you ever kissed someone who previously kissed someone you hated?

I guess? I only hate Izzy's ex for the way she treated her though.

Do you have any relatives with red hair?

No.

What is tomorrow's weather forecasted to be like?

33 degrees Celsius and sunny

Have you ever known someone who committed suicide?

I never had the chance of meeting him, but Izzy's friend Neil did.

What's some of the worst pain you ever felt?

Each failed IVF cycle, a miscarriage and the loss of my grandmother and my first cat. Physically, a bad ear infection and a snapped tendon in my ankle.

What's your favourite kind of pasta?

Spaghetti

Would you rather a friend come over to your house or you go to theirs?

I'm weird about people coming to my place. It always looks dirty and untidy to me. So I'd rather go to theirs, even though it might be untidier there.

Have you ever had rabies?

No.

Do you know anyone who ever had to get a rabies shot?

Me and my wife (it's mandatory when travelling to China for an extended period of time), my cat

Ever eaten deer? Duck? Squirrel? How about lamb?

Yes to all but the squirrel.

What is your favourite parody movie?

Shaun of the Dead, Redfield

What is your least favourite ice cream flavour?

Peppermint. Don't get the appeal.

Does your car have heated seats?

"Ich habe doch gar keine Auto!"

Have you ever been tempted to steal?

Yes, but I resisted.

Would you rather travel to Ireland or Japan?

Japan. Already been to Ireland.

Does tickling turn you on?

No. It's just annoying.

If you could go over to someone's house right now, to whose and why?

Toni's to give them a hug and say hi to Kasi.

What is the age gap between you and your parents?

28 and 35 respectively

How many bathrooms does your house have and is it enough?

Two and yes.

Have you ever videochatted with someone you met online?

Loads of people.

Do you collect anything or have you ever?

Funkos, books and fridge magnets

How many siblings does your best friend have?

One sister.

Have you ever dated someone who was emotionally or mentally unstable?

Oh, have I ever.

Be honest: Are you clingy?

Not as much as I used to be.

Have you ever had bronchitis?

Multiple times.

Have you ever had a reptile for a pet?

No.

Are you afraid of the dentist?

Yes. I suffer severe dentophobia. I literally shake and shiver on the chair and once started crying so hard they had to stop treatment. But I still endure, as I don't want my teeth to fall out.

Did you attend Sunday School as a kid?

No.

Who was the last person you cuddled with?

My wife Izzy.

Your boyfriend/girlfriend isn't around, but their phone is. Do you look?

No. Can't unlock it anyway and wouldn't try to.

Do you think you will be in a relationship 3 months from now?

Yep.

Have you ever liked someone who was in a relationship with someone else?

Once, but it was in year 6, so hardly counts.

Do people ever compliment your eyes?

Rarely.

Have any of your exes ever given you roses?

No, but my wife has.

Do you think your last ex ever thinks about you?

If he does, I don't care.

Would you rather have a salad or french fries as a side dish?

Chips please.

Which one of your relationships was the shortest?

5 months and two weeks with my ex.

Which was the longest?

Six years and counting

Have any of your exes told you they regret breaking up with you?

Yes.

Are you going to be getting any new pets soon?

We were thinking of getting another cat, but after a test run with a friend's cats Bertha made it clear she's happier as an only pet.

Do you like BBQ sauce?

No, I hate it.

What do you like to do when you're home alone?

Watch Star Trek, play video games

Do you know anyone who has autism?

I do, my friend Toni probably does and my friend Ronja is also on the spectrum

What is your favourite way to eat eggs?

Boiled.

Do you like Frozen?

No, I find it super annoying. Olaf should be shot.

Do you enjoy hot chocolate?

Sure.

Do you use Instagram often?

No, no account.

If you got a kitten, what would you name it?

Pippin for a boy, Hilda for a girl

Who is someone you know who's talkative?

My wife. She can talk for England. And my mum.

When was the last time you met any of your uncles?

I never met any of my uncles and now they're both dead.

Do you know anyone who plays the violin?

Not to my knowledge.

Do your parents enjoy any of the things you enjoy? Do you bond over it?

My mum likes Star Trek (infact, she introduced me to it) and theatre. My dad watches horror films and likes rock music. Yeah, we sometimes bond over it.

[theorist-influencer-untitled]

5.25.24 Saturday

1:10 am

Still,have windblow... I feel bitterish... I wanna travel and get a breast implants if I can.... I'm having mental disorder...I feel ugly,fat and old for nothing... I feel bitterish...I'm self-pitying for 17 years...

That fake Uncle DD will never give assistance and having weird behaviour...

My 2 Uncle's are not thinking at all... We need to have a wifi...

Anyways, I need money and job... I want Pilot Garret... Will he save me? Will he trust people from here? Did I warn him about don't make a move without me beside him? Did he figure out that people from here are mostly not fair?

They just damage my entire future, since 2007???

I feel bitter, I want a FIGHT in this world! My own FIGHT!

I'm being injured for 17 years....They keep on stabbing me for 17 years...

1:35 am

Should I say "Sorry, Pilot Garret"...

Should I feel guilty???

2:08 am

Can't sleep...Still,have windblow... Sometimes I need a sleeping pills...

I feel bullshit and panicking...

8:19 am

Still,have windblow... Good Morning world!

Uncle Jun didn't care if we have wifi or not... He called me and he said that he will bring Neko in the court today coz there will be a free shots for anti-rabies... Good thing, I have data today...

I told him I will just clean Neko, but basically I always remove her morning star...

8:29 am

The faker Uncle DD is here already... The faker Uncle is entering our vicinity... They didn't give me assistance these days... Their workers are already here... The faker gangers!

One of their workers got a sunglasses... I said wow! Kuya the sun is so high here but nice eyeglasses... A medium sized worker that has a tattoo on his right upper chest.

Angels, we need a wifi here...

Thsi is true a pattern of behaviour...

8:35 am

I'm thinking of job next month.... I need money angels... I'm panicking angels...I want my FUTURE...

8:48 am

It is so good with data...

It is important to have wifi angels...

Who will be twisted???

Still, having self-pity....Thinking of money...

8:57 am

I wanna leave Cavite,I know after 3 years??? I really wanna have a vanity progress...

3:19 pm

LDR to continue or end???

Make me famous angels somehow, to have my Prince! Wow!

Pilot Garret???

[animals-and-their-brilliance]

A Man's Best Friend

Today, we are talking about one of our favourite furry friends. They are one of the most adorable animals on earth, and John Wick literally risked his life to save one of them!

Honestly? I would also risk my life after looking at them. Did you know that dogs are one of the most beloved animals in India? They are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and friendly nature.

India is home to over 30 million stray dogs (what?!?). In addition to these, there are several breeds of dogs that are native to India. Some of the most popular Indian dog breeds include the Indian Spitz, Gaddi Kutta, Bully Kutta, Mudhol Hound, Pariah dog, Kaikadi, Taji, Rajapalayam, Pandikona, Jonangi, Bakharwal, Tangkhul, Kombai, Rampur Greyhound, Chippiparai, Vikhan Sheepdog, Mahratta, Sinhala Hound, Kumaon Mastiff, Gull Dong, and the Gull Terrier. Even I didn't know we had so many species. Guess we really learn something new everyday.

Did you know that dogs are omnivores? So don't give them rotis and rice, alright? Give them some meat to keep that animal instinct alive. Just don't forget to not give them chocolate or grapes, it is very toxic for them.

While we know dogs are generally friendly and harmless, they can be dangerous if not trained properly. Dogs can be harmful if they are not vaccinated against rabies. Rabies is a viral disease that can be transmitted to humans through the saliva of an infected animal. In India, dogs are the main vectors of the rabies virus, and the country accounts for 35% of the world’s rabies deaths. In addition to this, dogs can also be harmful if they are not spayed or neutered. Stray dogs can breed rapidly, leading to an increase in the number of stray dogs on the streets. So please don't forget to give your pets some necessary shots and protect them as well as yourselves from harm.

While we have taken care of our safety, don't forget about the dog's safety. Dogs in India are often subjected to cruelty and neglect. Many dogs are abandoned by their owners and left to fend for themselves on the streets. Stray dogs are often subjected to violence and abuse by people who view them as a nuisance. In addition to this, many dogs are not vaccinated against rabies, which puts both the dogs and humans at risk.

There are several ways in which we can help dogs in India. One of the most effective ways is to adopt a dog from a shelter instead of buying one from a breeder. This helps to reduce the number of stray dogs on the streets. Another way to help is to volunteer at an animal shelter or donate money to an animal welfare organization. It is also important to vaccinate dogs against rabies and to spay or neuter them to prevent overpopulation. Below are some NGOs and animal shelters through which you can make a real change in the lives of these animals who are desperate to be rescued:

People for Animals India.

Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre (SGACC)

Peta India.

Visakha Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (VSPCA)

Wildlife Trust of India (WTI)

Friendicoes.

Stray Relief and Animal Welfare (STRAW)

Animal Rahat.

Sources: 1. bbc.com 2. autospyders.com 3. dogwise.in

[yo-snap]

Typed out under the cut.

This one goes RAPID-FIRE, so really study the times for any specific triggers that you have. This movie has a lot of places where there are minor flashing and also bright colors, and might be a little hard to watch if you’re in a dark room, so please be careful! ● 0:01:14 loud noise ● 0:0:01:23 robot death ● 0:02:01 flashing �� 0:03:14 being laughed at/humiliated ● 0:04:44 trap/animal attack ● 0:04:50 daddy issues (this is the mark for tension w the dad) ● 0:06:03 loud noise ● 0:08:06 daddy issues/technophobia (as in how a parent would have it) ● 0:9:20 flashing ● 0:09:57 fighting ● 0:10:03 breaking electronics ● 0:14:48 sudden unexpected change of plans ● 0:17:34 flies/food poisoning/vomiting ● 0:19:26 bright light/loud sound ● 0:20:52 public rejection/throwing electronics ● 0:21:05 loud noise ● 0:21:31 knives/cooking ● 0:21:36 betrayal ● 0:21:43 choking on food ● 0:21:54 flashing ● 0:22:17 flashing ● 0:22:32 bright light ● 0:22:54 beam/throwing car/bright light/flashing ● 0:23:10 alarm/siren/flashing ● 0:23:22 bright light ● 0:25:25 technophobia ● 0:26:02 meeting someone unexpectedly ● 0:26:32 bright light ● 0:26:46 anxiety/bright light ● 0:27:44 explosion/bright light ● 0:28:36 bright light ● 0:28:54 beam (if you see “beam,” it means “bright light”) ● 0:30:21 beam/explosion ● 0:30:47 beam ● 0:31:09 explosion/falling ● 0:31:15 charging/beam ● 0:31:28 crushing ● 0:31:56 loud noise/flashing/robot terrorism (that’s just what it is) ● 0:32:19 bright and dark screen/flashing ● 0:32:42 bright light ● 0:32:59 betrayal ● 0:33:23 “mommy” issues ● 0:33:41 bullying ● 0:34:10 rejection/betrayal/scolding ● 0:35:13 bright light/sirens ● 0:35:49 bright light ● 0:37:22 breaking electronics/technophobia ● 0:39:01 sneaking/dead robots/sparking ● 0:39:53 daddy issues ● 0:40:48 sparking/broken and glitchy robots ● 0:41:25 beam ● 0:41:51 lying/sparking/flashing ● 0:42:00 panic ● 0:43:12 hologram (flashing) ● 0:43:59 wild animal/rabies and immunization ● 0:44:13 mountain hiking/going off-trail/getting lost ● 0:45:46 flashing/loud sounds ● 0:46:38 anxiety ● 0:47:41 peril/shooting/flashing ● 0:47:55 bright light ● 0:48:07 bright light ● 0:48:58 robot death (spear) ● 0:51:42 flashing ● 0:52:42 glitching/sparking/loud noise ● 0:53:41 bright light/slashing tires ● 0:54:36 trap ● 0:55:11 shooting ● 0:55:54 swinging weapon ● 0:56:10 fishing/catching/throwing/microwave/explosion ● 0:56:59 shot w arrow/robot death ● 0:57:31 shooting w arrows ● 0:57:37 lasers/bright lights/destruction ● 0:57:48 crushing ● 0:58:20 tying/traps/animal attack

Some timing may be a bit off, but here are some content and trigger warnings for

The Mitchells VS The Machines

(Can you tell that i had a problem with this movie???)

[arborescentarecaceae]

Ranking the looks of Rocket Raccoon, Part 3: The Good

#40

What If? Infinity Guardians of the Galaxy (2015), (Jason Copland, Dono Sánchez-Almara)

It’s good. Not much to say about it.

#39

Guardians of the Galaxy (2008), #25 (Brad Walker, Andrew Hennessy, Wil Quintana)

So it turns out the 2008 GOTG run does get better art eventually.

#38

Ultimates 2 (2016), #7 (Aud Koch, Dan Brown)

I really like the style of this one. They did a good job with his teeth.

#37

Silver Surfer (2014), #4 (Michael Allred, Laura Allred)

This perfectly captures my mood at all times. Just floating in space, shrugging indifferently.

#36

Shuri (2018), #3 (Leonardo Romero, Jordie Bellaire)

His eyes look a little weird here but overall it’s good.

#35

Howard the Duck (2015), #2 (Veronica Fish)

They forgot the white on his brows and the style is a little simple but I like it.

#34

Star-Lord (2017), #6 (Kris Anka, Walden Wong, Matthew Wilson)

This appearance wasn’t much more than a cameo, so this was the best picture I could get.

#33

Mighty Captain Marvel (2016), #5 (Michele Bandini, Michael Garland, Erick Arciniega)

Now we’re getting to the actually good ones.

#32

I Am Groot (2017), #1 (Flaviano Armentaro, Marcio Menyz)

It’s confusing how the shape of his feet changes between artists. Here his feet are bent like most mammals, but in #33 they’re flat like a human’s.

#31

Avengers: No Road Home (2019), #9 (Paco Medina, Jesus Aburtov)

It’s interesting that they made the white fur above his eyes into eyebrows. I like it.

#30

All-New X-Men (2015), #23 (Stuart Immonen, Wade Von Grawbadger, Marte Gracia)

His face seems disproportionately large for his mouth but it’s good.

#29

Guardians of Infinity (2016), #8 (Carlo Barberi, Tom Palmer, José Marzan Jr., Israel Silva)

Not sure how I feel about the way the fur on his head is styled but overall it’s pretty good.

#28

Star-Lord (2016), #6 (Javier Garrón, Antonio Fabela)

I feel like his forehead is too big.

#27

Deadpool the Duck (2017), #4 (Jacopo Camagni, Israel Silva)

Always get a rabies shot if you might have been bitten by an animal; by the time symptoms start to show it’s too late to do anything. Fortunately that’s not the case for space rabies.

#26

Rocket Raccoon (2014), #2 (Skottie Young, Jean-Francois Beaulieu)

I do!

#25

Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout (2017), (Edgar Salazar, Allen Martinez, Andrew Crossley)

His tail is too thin but I like his face here. Apparently this comic was made to tie in with the ride at disneyland/world. There’s an animatronic Rocket and and from the videos I’ve seen he looks really good.

#24

Guardians of the Galaxy: Best Story Ever (2015), (Jacopo Camagni, Iban Coello)

He’s not quite giving me “raccoon” here but I’m still into it.

#23

Monsters Unleashed (2017), #3 (Leinil Francis Yu, Gerry Alanguilan, Michael Jason Paz, David Curiel)

Aww he’s sad.

#22

Rocket Raccoon (1985), #4 (Mike Mignola, Al Gordon, Christie Scheele)

The classic! I was surprised at how high this ended up. Too bad all the current artists are too cowardly to give him thighs like this.

#21

Rocket Raccoon and Groot (2016), #4 (Aaron Conley, Jean-Francois Beaulieu)

This maybe isn’t the best picture to capture it, but I love how much of a horrible little gremlin he is in this issue. This is also the issue that gave us the iconic picture of Rocket in a wizard robe and hat.

[surly01]

This Week in Collapse April 11, 2021

"Give me bacon, or give me death!" ~Shaneka Torres, February 9, 2014

If you believe, as we do, that environmental and social collapse is already well underway, the news of the week provided a cornucopia of data points in confirmation. Next week will mark the sixth anniversary of the conviction and sentencing of Shaneka Torres for storming a Michigan McDonald's upon discovering her baconless burger. The frustration Torres felt is now mirrored in all of us as we consume each day's headlines in similar frustration.

But hostility, like violence, is as American as cherry pie. Did you know that members of the starving Donner party were offered assistance by local natives, only to be shot at for their troubles?

Washoe scouts brought the stranded migrants food — including a deer carcass, fish, and wild potatoes — but were met with hostility. On one occasion, an offering of fish was refused. On at least three others, the Washoe approached the Donner camps with food only to be met by gunshots, leaving one man dead…

When a scout saw the white people cannibalizing their dead, the tribe was said to retreat, afraid they too might be killed and eaten. From then on, the Washoe referred to the migrants as “not people.”

Today this hostility toward others, even those trying to help you, pervades most of American society. Many look back upon their high school years as an American version of "Lord of the Flies." Similar put-downs, one-upsmanship, and attack behavior can also be seen in our popular entertainments. This framing our headlong retreat from the natural world and from one another as we immerse ourselves in our phones. To say nothing of our political divisions, best characterized by objectification (of the other, making them “not people”) and derision, and where any attempt to find common ground is met by the back of the hand of friendship. Little wonder that the rising generations find our current set of arrangements hopeless.

But this week's headlines suggest that for a variety of reasons, that set of arrangements won't last indefinitely.

Who could forget the recent Suez Canal flap with the large container ship stuck like a throat lozenge? Not Egypt, who has said to Ever Given’s Owners: Pay Us $1 Billion Or You Aren't Getting Your Big Boat Back. If you thought the Egyptian government would be thrilled to see it go, think again. Nice boat you have here… be a shame if anything happened to it…

“The vessel will remain here until investigations are complete and compensation is paid,” Osama Rabie, chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, told state television in Egypt on Thursday.

“We hope for a speedy agreement,” he said. “The minute they agree to compensation, the vessel will be allowed to move.”

A country filled with people traumatized by the Great Toilet Paper Shortage of 2020 paid full attention to the threat of supply chain collapse. Why you should expect more Suez-like supply chain disruptions and shortages at your local grocery store  In one short week, the price of oil went up, and companies fretted as hundreds of ships carrying everything from coffee and cattle to toys and furniture were delayed. Just-in-time delivery means low to nonexistent inventories. Experts estimated that every hour traffic remained stuck cost the global economy over US$400 million in lost trade.

The pandemic revealed that even simple supply chains, such as that of toilet paper and hand sanitizer, can easily break in the face of disruptions. The same was true with food, personal protective equipment, pharmaceuticals and ordinary household items, which all suffered from severe shortages that lasted for months into the pandemic.

Pandemic-strained supply chains are now creating a global shortage of semiconductors, a component used in a wide variety of consumer goods, from Samsung smartphones and Apple laptops to Ford Explorers and Sony PlayStations. Virtually every piece of electronics needs a chip, and the supply chain is much more complex than for toilet paper.

All coming to a supply-chain chokepoint near you. Read more in The Conversation.

The weekly economic news is not good, but economic news is never good.  How does a country deal with climate disasters when it’s drowning in debt? Not very well, it turns out. Especially not when a global pandemic clobbers its economy.

Today, the debt that Belize owes its foreign creditors is equal to 85 percent of its entire national economy. The private credit ratings agency Standard & Poor’s has downgraded its creditworthiness, making it tougher to get loans on the private market. The International Monetary Fund calls its debt levels “unsustainable.”  Many other smaller countries are in a similar bind. It's a house of cards.

Government Admits Zimbabwe Dollar Collapse, Pegs Passport Fees In US$. Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the senior government officials had acknowledged Zimbabwean currency was no longer a viable option for offshore purchases. That's weaselspeak for “our money is officially toilet paper.”

“Foreign currency is required for the off-shore procurement of consumables. However, the current fees payable in the local currency are no longer viable…”

And that is just one domino. Africa offers others.

Collapse often follows insurgencies. Hunger spreads as Mozambique crisis reaches tipping point.

Insurgents from a group known as Al Shebab attacked Palma, a town in Mozambique’s far northern Cabo Delgado province. They launched an attack on the coastal town, firing indiscriminately, setting fire to buildings and killing dozens, according to local officials. Residents there did what people do: scattering in a desperate attempt to reach safety by whatever means possible: on foot, by road and boat fleeing with the clothes they were wearing and a few things for their children. To hide in the bush for the smoke to clear.

Townspeople joined thousands of others sheltering in displacement camps with limited food supplies across Cabo Delgado.

Much of the strife in the Global South stems from the stresses unleashed by climate change. The climate news this week was as ugly as the economic news.

Despite pandemic shutdowns, carbon dioxide and methane surged in 2020

NOAA announced last week that levels of the two most important anthropogenic greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide and methane, continued their unrelenting rise in 2020 despite the Covid-driven economic slowdown. Carbon dioxide levels are now higher than at anytime in the past 3.6 million years. The last time atmospheric CO2 was this high, sea level was about 78 feet higher than today, the average temperature was 7 degrees F higher than in pre-industrial times, and forests occupied areas of the Arctic that are now tundra.

Methane Has Never Risen This Fast in the Atmosphere

There’s more methane in the atmosphere than any other time since record keeping began. Levels really spiked last year, despite the fact that we were all inside for most of the time. Methane shattering records is one of those things that seems to happen every year. But what’s really troubling is that last year’s rise in methane levels was the biggest rise in a single year since record-keeping began. Methane is over 80 times more potent as a warming agent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.

Short takes and highlights from the week:

'A biological Fukushima': Brazil COVID-19 deaths on track to pass worst of U.S. wave

Brazil’s coronavirus death toll passes 4,000 a day for first time

Bolsonaro a 'Threat to the Planet,' Says Lula as Brazil's Daily Covid Death Toll Hits All-Time High

New 'Double Mutant' Coronavirus Variant Found In California

Americans' Worry About Catching COVID-19 Drops to Record Low

A record-low 35% of Americans worry about catching COVID-19. At the same time, 77% say the coronavirus situation is improving.

Ecocide: Should Destruction of the Planet Be a Crime?

Atmospheric CO2 Passes 420 PPM for First Time Ever

Scientists: Mass Extinction Is Coming as Organisms Flee the Equator-- Oceanic life is fleeing the increasingly-hot equator for more hospitable water, and a mass extinction event is likely to follow.

The Coming Antibiotic-Resistance Pandemic that Could Make COVID Look Like the Flu

America Never Wanted the Tired, Poor, Huddled Masses

Another Day, Another Far-Right Fantast: Texas Man Tried to Blow Up the Internet-- Federal Investigators allege that a Texas man wanted to use C-4 to blow up around 70% of the internet.

So it’s been a week of extortion for supply chain disruption, CO2 and methane-based catastrophe, immanent ecosystem collapse, unsustainable debt, and worthless currencies. Another week of downward spin as the American Empire unwinds along with late stage capitalism..

[bassdaily]

100 followers!

Somehow? I wanted to do something special for this landmark, but I can't draw and sprites go over like a fart in church. So instead, let's have some fun stats! 

(And maybe a playlist. Tomorrow. Or next week. Maybe.)

The most impressive one, of course, would have to be you yourselves. Thanks for being here! Astonishingly... I can hardly believe it... it looks like each and every one of you is a real person. (That might not sound like much, but like 70% of my followers over on my personal blog are actually bots of ill repute. 😜) If you're an artist with Bass or Forte content, I've tried to get you onto the schedule. If I missed your work, my apologies.

General

These stats are as of 12/1/20, with a nice even 500 posts. Of those 500: 8 I'm supposed to delete and haven't yet, 3 are meta but not slated for deletion, and 3 are "not about that bass" (two of Treble, one of Piano). There are 82 of Forte.exe. I need to start posting more Forte.exe, he's only getting a whopping 16% total exposure here.

The most frequently used silly tag is for all music-based puns, with 19 posts. As you may guess, most of them are involve dubstep: "drop the bass". Meanwhile, the f-bomb has only been dropped 18 times: "only I didn't say 'fudge'".

Hair

There are 42 posts tagged "hairstyles", and 15 as "human au". There's some overlap between them... I'm inconsistent about the human au tag. Excluding duplicates, they break down like this:

16 are blond

21 are black or brunet

9 are purple

5 unknown

If it was lineart but the artist always uses a certain hair color, I went with that. If it was multi-color, I went with the largest portion (or the mohawk itself, for mohawks). Speaking of styles, there were 11 with long hair, 5 with curly hair, 4 with mohawks, 2 with braids, 1 bald. Most of the short haired Basses have the semi-canonical swept-back style... but not all. For those that are, half have bangs, and half don't.

Friends and Family

We have Mega Man: 115, Proto Man: 90, Roll: 54, which sounds about right. Mega Man is a little artificially inflated, since his tag is also used for the series itself (on the rare occasions I post New Content™). Treble: only 72? Dang. I should reblog more Treble, too.

Out of Zero's 41 posts, 36% are positive interactions, 24% are negative interactions, the rest neutral.

Out of Wily's 39 posts, 28% are positive interactions, 49% are negative interactions, the rest neutral.

A nice trend of happy Wily Bros art (...I don’t think I’ve posted any “cataclysm theory” stuff yet 🤔). And a disturbing trend for Bass and Wily’s dysfunctional father-son relationship. There might be some moderator bias there, but I think it reflects the fan art that’s out there.

Shipping

43 posts are tagged "shippy", which is a modest 8.6% of all posts. I kind of feel like I should post more ship content just because... well... there's so much of it. But I like keeping it restricted to once a month or less for the big three outside of ship weeks. Shipping posts breakdown as such:

“BassBlues” 39% [17 posts]

“BassRock” 35% [15 posts]

“Rollass” 32% [14 posts]

“Forte/Serenade” 7% [3 posts]

That gulf will get wider with time, as I've got about 200 each of BassBlues and BassRock on my spreadsheet, but only ~80 of Rollass. (Rollass shippers get on top of this! Chop chop!) I’ve yet to do any really minor ships yet, partially because I didn’t get to do an “other ships” week, which will be happening next year.

In closing

Is there anything you guys would like to see more of? Less of? Ideas for theme weeks? Asks are always open and I don’t bite.

Just kidding. But don’t worry— I’ve had my rabies shots.

Flash fact! The “only I didn’t say ‘fudge’” tag is actually there so it can be blocked to make this blog SFW or PG-13. I’ll never reblog stronger curse words than that, and I figured lesser ones would be too much work to tag are still mild enough to get by with a PG-13 rating.

[greatworldwar2]

• Battle of Milne Bay

The Battle of Milne Bay, also known as the Battle of Rabi by the Japanese, was a battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II.

Milne Bay is a sheltered 97-square-mile (250 km2) bay at the eastern tip of the Territory of Papua (now part of Papua New Guinea). It is 22 miles (35 km) long and 10 miles (16 km) wide, and is deep enough for large ships to enter. The coastal area is flat with good aerial approaches, and therefore suitable for airstrips, although it is intercut by many tributaries of rivers and mangrove swamps. The first troops arrived at Milne Bay from Port Moresby in the Dutch KPM ships Karsik and Bontekoe, escorted by the sloop HMAS Warrego and the corvette HMAS Ballarat on June 25th. The troops included two and a half companies and a machine gun platoon from the 55th Infantry Battalion of the 14th Infantry Brigade, the 9th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery with eight Bofors 40 mm guns, a platoon of the US 101st Coast Artillery Battalion. On July 11th, troops of the 7th Infantry Brigade, under the command of Brigadier John Field, began arriving to bolster the garrison. The brigade consisted of three Militia battalions from Queensland, the 9th, 25th and 61st Infantry Battalions.

Japanese aircraft soon discovered the Allied presence at Milne Bay, which was appreciated as a clear threat to Japanese plans for another seaborne advance on Port Moresby, which was to start with a landing at Samarai Island in the China Strait, not far from Milne Bay. On July 31st the commander of the Japanese XVII Army, Lieutenant General Harukichi Hyakutake, requested that Vice Admiral Gunichi Mikawa's 8th Fleet capture the new Allied base at Milne Bay instead. Under the misconception that the airfields were defended by only two or three companies of Australian infantry (300–600 men), the initial Japanese assault force consisted of only about 1,250 personnel. The Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) was unwilling to conduct the operation as it feared that landing barges sent to the area would be attacked by Allied aircraft. As a result, the assault force was drawn from the Japanese naval infantry, known as Kaigun Rikusentai (Special Naval Landing Forces). led by Commander Masajiro Hayashi, were scheduled to land on the east coast near a point identified by the Japanese as "Rabi", along with 197 men from the 5th Sasebo SNLF, led by Lieutenant Fujikawa.

Following the battle, the chief of staff of the Japanese Combined Fleet, Vice Admiral Matome Ugaki, assessed that the landing force was not of a high calibre as it contained many 30- to 35-year-old soldiers who were not fully fit and had "inferior fighting spirit". The Japanese enjoyed some initial advantage in the form of possessing two Type-95 light tanks. After an initial attack, however, these tanks became marooned in the mud and abandoned. They also had control of the sea during the night, allowing reinforcement and later evacuation. Over the course of the 23th and 24th of August, aircraft carried out preparatory bombing around the airfield at Rabi. The main Japanese invasion force left Rabaul on August 24th, under Matsuyama's command.

on August 24th, reports of the second Japanese convoy, consisting of seven barges, which had sailed from Buna carrying the force that would land at Taupota were also received at this time. In response to this sighting, after the initially poor weather had cleared, 12 RAAF Kittyhawks were scrambled at midday. The barges were spotted beached near Goodenough Island where the 350 troops of the 5th Sasebo SNLF, led by Commander Tsukioka, had gone ashore to rest. The Australian pilots then proceeded to strafe the barges and, over the course of two hours, destroyed them all. After the initial sighting, the main invasion force, consisting of the heavy naval screening force and the two transports, remained elusive until the morning of August 25th. In an effort to intercept it, US B-17s were dispatched, although they were unable to complete their mission as bad weather closed in. By dawn of August 26th, advancing west along the coast with armoured support, the Japanese had reached the main inland. Japanese force moved through the jungle at the edge of the coastal track, and was headed by two light tanks. Although they lacked anti-armour weapons, the Australians were able to turn back the Japanese attack.At this stage, the Japanese suffered a serious setback when their base area was heavily attacked at daylight by RAAF Kittyhawks and other Allied aircraft.

As a result of the attack, a number of Japanese troops were killed, while a large quantity of supplies was destroyed, as were a number of the landing barges which were beached. The Japanese did not have any air cover as the fighters, which were to patrol over Milne Bay were shot down by Allied fighters shortly after they took off and other aircraft were halted by poor weather. Nevertheless, the Japanese were still pressing on the Australian Battalion's positions throughout the day. The muddy ground meant that the Australians were unable to move anti-tank guns into position; however, as a stop-gap measure quantities of sticky bombs and anti-tank mines were moved up to the forward units. Australians launched a minor attack upon the Japanese forward positions which were located about 600 yards (550 m) away, pushing the Japanese back a further 200 yards (180 m).

Following continued fighting on the 25th, for the next two days there was a lull in the fighting. During this time, the Australians consolidated their defences. The 61st Infantry Battalion, despite being seriously depleted from the previous fighting, were ordered back to the airfield. Later that night the Japanese began forming up along the track at the eastern end of the airstrip by the sea, and at 3:00 am on August 31st they launched their attack. The first Japanese attack was repelled by heavy machine gun and mortar fire from Australian and American troops. A further two banzai charges were attempted only to meet the same fate, with heavy Japanese casualties, including the Japanese commander. after the survivors of the attack had reformed, he led them north of the airstrip in an attempt to outflank the Allied positions on Stephen's Ridge near the airfield. After running into a platoon of Australians who engaged them with Bren light machine guns, the Japanese withdrew just before dawn. Japanese troops who survived this attack were shocked by the heavy firepower the Allied forces had been able to deploy, and the assault force was left in a state of disarray.

On the morning September 1st, the Allied Infantry Battalions went on the offensive, while a force of seven Kittyhawks attacked the Japanese headquarters. By this time, the Japanese had abandoned the objective of reaching the airfields and instead sought only to hold off the Australians long enough to be evacuated. This information was not known by the Allies, however, who were in fact expecting the Japanese to undertake further offensive action. With the Japanese position at Milne Bay close to collapse, on September 2nd, a sent a radio message was sent to the headquarters of the 8th Fleet, "We shall defend our position to our deaths." After further fighting between remaining Japanese forces and Allied forces advancing on their position, The remaining Japanese troops were evacuated by two barges and the light cruiser Tenryū rescued them two days later. Finding themselves heavily outnumbered, lacking supplies and suffering heavy casualties, the Japanese withdrew their forces, with fighting coming to an end on September 7th, 1942. The battle is often described as the first major battle of the war in the Pacific in which Allied troops decisively defeated Japanese land forces.

[hgfstreamchats]

Elf

thenightetc 09:12 PM Hello!

thenightetc 09:13 PM I see we're getting in that holiday spirit this evening. :)

highglossfinish 09:13 PM Naturally!

highglossfinish 09:13 PM We've got to celebrate the rapid death of this horrible, horrible year.

thenightetc 09:13 PM Yes.

highglossfinish 09:16 PM How's the audio?

thenightetc 09:16 PM Hmmm, not hearing anything

thenightetc 09:16 PM there we go!

Starscreamillar joined the party.

highglossfinish 09:16 PM Evening!

Starscreamillar 09:17 PM Greetings.

thenightetc 09:17 PM Hello!

highglossfinish 09:17 PM Tersday.

thenightetc 09:19 PM Forty minutes in the microwave.

Starscreamillar 09:22 PM It just keeps happening.

highglossfinish 09:22 PM And we just keep letting it happen.

Starscreamillar 09:22 PM Truly, we are the monsters here. Message deleted

highglossfinish 09:26 PM Here we go.

Starscreamillar 09:26 PM Those are upsetting tights.

highglossfinish 09:26 PM They really did open with those tights.

thenightetc 09:26 PM The burning eyeholes.

Starscreamillar 09:29 PM Child cage.

highglossfinish 09:29 PM For the most dangerous, unstable infants.

thenightetc 09:30 PM I sense a kidnapping about to happen.

Starscreamillar 09:31 PM Is it a kidnapping, if the child takes themselves?

thenightetc 09:31 PM Fair.

Starscreamillar 09:33 PM How small is the Santa creature, if nothing is to human scale?

highglossfinish 09:34 PM It's a lawless place devoid of physics.

thenightetc 09:34 PM Well, they did say no human had set foot there until etc., so presumably Santa is also an elf or something

thenightetc 09:36 PM "can't think of any but I'm sure they're there"

highglossfinish 09:36 PM "You're talented at clogging all the elf waste units."

Starscreamillar 09:36 PM Ha!

thenightetc 09:38 PM It's almost like they should have just returned him to the orphanage!

Starscreamillar 09:39 PM Instead of keeping him like a strange pet.

thenightetc 09:39 PM Yes.

highglossfinish 09:39 PM That's now incapable of surviving in the wild.

Starscreamillar 09:40 PM He'll have to be humanely euthanized.

thenightetc 09:40 PM And we're defining "the wild" REALLY broadly here.

highglossfinish 09:40 PM As is the sad fate of all domesticated problem humans.

thenightetc 09:41 PM '...right'

thenightetc 09:43 PM So he's, uh.  Not going to take any food or water or warmer clothing.

highglossfinish 09:43 PM 12 minutes later, he's dead.

thenightetc 09:43 PM "hope you find your dad" Oh, I mean, how many people can there possibly be in New York, anyway

Starscreamillar 09:44 PM Whatever they feed elves must have given him some protections against dying of hypothermia.

highglossfinish 09:44 PM Or rabies.

thenightetc 09:44 PM Several days later, he dies of rabies.

highglossfinish 09:44 PM He'll die of so many things before the credits roll.

Starscreamillar 09:45 PM It's a shame that he died out there on the ice, and this is his dying hallucination.

highglossfinish 09:45 PM Truly tragic.

thenightetc 09:45 PM oh my god

thenightetc 09:46 PM D:

Starscreamillar 09:46 PM Eugh.

thenightetc 09:47 PM Did they even tell him who his father is or what he looks like?

highglossfinish 09:48 PM They never expected him to survive an hour on the water.

thenightetc 09:48 PM Hmmm, I guess they did

thenightetc 09:49 PM "so are you a stripper, or"

thenightetc 09:49 PM (Sorry)

thenightetc 09:49 PM all crowding around

Starscreamillar 09:50 PM This pains me.

thenightetc 09:50 PM oh wow

Starscreamillar 09:51 PM See, there is no way he is alive right now.

thenightetc 09:51 PM Oh wow

highglossfinish 09:52 PM He's adrift on that ice floe, the gulls amassing.

Starscreamillar 09:52 PM Merry Christmas, well fed birds.

thenightetc 09:52 PM Dear god

thenightetc 09:52 PM buddy NO

thenightetc 09:53 PM You'd think he'd notice he's not in the uniform

Starscreamillar 09:54 PM All elves look the same to humans?

thenightetc 09:54 PM Oh no

thenightetc 09:54 PM Is there... a... romantic sideplot...

thenightetc 09:54 PM :(

thenightetc 09:54 PM "do you even fucking work here"

highglossfinish 09:55 PM Because that's what we need, Buddy as a sexual being.

Starscreamillar 09:55 PM She should stab him. This is New York, is it not?

thenightetc 09:55 PM make your escape, lady

thenightetc 09:56 PM oh my god

thenightetc 09:58 PM Oh no

thenightetc 09:58 PM buddy that is CREEPY

highglossfinish 09:58 PM Incredibly!

highglossfinish 09:58 PM And this was a creepy song to begin with.

thenightetc 09:58 PM is this okay in elf culture??

thenightetc 10:00 PM oh god is that the lingerie in the box

Starscreamillar 10:00 PM I hope so.

highglossfinish 10:01 PM "I'm going to indulge your antics, unwashed manchild with his bulge on display."

thenightetc 10:01 PM pfffff

thenightetc 10:02 PM oh my god

highglossfinish 10:03 PM That's a massive four year old.

thenightetc 10:03 PM IMPOSTER

thenightetc 10:03 PM Yeet him off the ship!

thenightetc 10:04 PM where did he get that photo

highglossfinish 10:04 PM I was wondering the same thing.

highglossfinish 10:05 PM Oh.

thenightetc 10:05 PM Ah.

thenightetc 10:05 PM ...Where did papa elf get it, though

Starscreamillar 10:06 PM Magic?

Starscreamillar 10:07 PM I really wish that the other humans would insist that he wear real pants.

highglossfinish 10:07 PM If only.

thenightetc 10:08 PM What is the deal with him eating the cotton, though

Starscreamillar 10:08 PM He's a madman.

highglossfinish 10:08 PM She's taking this well.

thenightetc 10:08 PM Amazingly so

highglossfinish 10:09 PM *Exceedingly* well.

thenightetc 10:10 PM No wonder he's so fucked up.

Starscreamillar 10:10 PM Dying fever dream. It is the only explanation.

highglossfinish 10:10 PM Nobody should be tolerating any of this.

thenightetc 10:12 PM "Okay"

highglossfinish 10:12 PM That was the correct response.

thenightetc 10:12 PM "wow what an uh unusual taste"

thenightetc 10:12 PM oh my god

Starscreamillar 10:13 PM They are treating him like an enthusiastic thirteen year old. Instead of the grown human creature he should be.

thenightetc 10:13 PM Phew.

thenightetc 10:14 PM ...

highglossfinish 10:14 PM This just keeps getting worse.

Starscreamillar 10:15 PM Knockout, why have you subjected us to this?

highglossfinish 10:15 PM Because.

Starscreamillar 10:17 PM You're truly an evil mech. I almost  would rather you stole organs instead.

highglossfinish 10:18 PM Why in the world would I steal organs when I can subject you to this human's bright yellow genital outline?

Starscreamillar 10:19 PM Why indeed....

thenightetc 10:20 PM "This movie sponsored by Nike"

thenightetc 10:20 PM "you know you're fired, right"

highglossfinish 10:21 PM STOP.

thenightetc 10:21 PM :( :( :(

Starscreamillar 10:21 PM Please stop.

highglossfinish 10:22 PM This is not something to be okay with.

thenightetc 10:23 PM lol I wonder if mr. christmas can help with his children's books

highglossfinish 10:23 PM Does she not grasp the meaning of "Nothing can go wrong at my job?"

Starscreamillar 10:24 PM That will be the horrible solution to this horrible movie.

thenightetc 10:24 PM yeah that is TOTALLY the kind of compliment women love getting from random strangers sitting in a corner

highglossfinish 10:24 PM Hah!

thenightetc 10:25 PM gj buddy

highglossfinish 10:26 PM Buddy makes everyone's jobs and lives harder and worse.

thenightetc 10:26 PM this is gonna go WELL

thenightetc 10:27 PM "so are you resigning, or what"

thenightetc 10:28 PM OH BOY

thenightetc 10:28 PM Did he not notice that the taste was--you know what, never mind

highglossfinish 10:29 PM "26 years old."

highglossfinish 10:29 PM Of course you are.

Starscreamillar 10:29 PM Suuuure.

thenightetc 10:30 PM f

thenightetc 10:31 PM "wow, you're wearing pants!"

thenightetc 10:31 PM wow

Starscreamillar 10:31 PM She is trusting him an awful lot, considering what he is.

highglossfinish 10:32 PM "You're the kind of person I'm willing to allow inside me."

thenightetc 10:32 PM ...

Starscreamillar 10:32 PM Eeeugh.

thenightetc 10:33 PM well, that just happened!

highglossfinish 10:33 PM Nothing more attractive than someone with the mind of an infant.

thenightetc 10:34 PM wut

thenightetc 10:34 PM oh boy

thenightetc 10:35 PM oh my god

thenightetc 10:37 PM Guys.  No.

thenightetc 10:37 PM He's going to find out.

Starscreamillar 10:37 PM I hear stealing ideas works out well.

thenightetc 10:37 PM Don't y'all have ethics training

Starscreamillar 10:39 PM Because surely the money he is making does not keep them in their nice home, with good food.

thenightetc 10:39 PM Welp

thenightetc 10:40 PM Also couldn't one of those writer guys have done the pitch

Starscreamillar 10:40 PM And that Christmas, they lost the home, and had to eat scraps from the garbage.

highglossfinish 10:40 PM Thanks for that, Buddy.

thenightetc 10:42 PM Wow, how lucky that he coincidentally ran out of fuel right next to Buddy!

Starscreamillar 10:42 PM How convenient.

thenightetc 10:42 PM "also you are literally the only option right now"

Starscreamillar 10:44 PM There is absolutely no reason he should not want him to leave.

highglossfinish 10:44 PM He's done nothing to justify his being there.

Starscreamillar 10:45 PM All he has done is eat their food and destroy their property.

thenightetc 10:45 PM Why, uh... why exactly are they calling in horse cops

Starscreamillar 10:45 PM It is impolite to drive motor vehicles in the park?

thenightetc 10:47 PM Logic!

thenightetc 10:48 PM He's going to get shot

thenightetc 10:48 PM And then trampled by horses.

Starscreamillar 10:50 PM How did she get down there so quickly?

thenightetc 10:51 PM oh no, poor her

highglossfinish 10:52 PM It would be hilarious if nobody joined in.

Starscreamillar 10:52 PM It really would have been.

thenightetc 10:54 PM Right, this one guy is going to make the difference

Starscreamillar 10:54 PM Awful movie logic.

highglossfinish 10:54 PM Terrible.

thenightetc 10:54 PM So are uh those cops going to uh 'disperse' the crowd now

Starscreamillar 10:55 PM With rubber bullets and festive tear gas?

highglossfinish 10:55 PM Oh, someone's absolutely losing an eye to a rubber bullet.

highglossfinish 10:55 PM Merry Christmas.

highglossfinish 10:55 PM Because those always pay the bills.

thenightetc 10:56 PM yyyyyeah

thenightetc 10:56 PM 'and this story is CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED, hint hint'

thenightetc 10:56 PM Is there a... reason she's in costume now

highglossfinish 10:57 PM She let him flop around on top of her, they made offspring, now her purpose is complete and she wears pink.

thenightetc 10:58 PM Pizza!

Starscreamillar 10:58 PM 'Very sane and normal way'

thenightetc 10:59 PM On the... floor?

thenightetc 11:01 PM Looks, uh, great.  Very edible!

highglossfinish 11:01 PM Exactly like food!

thenightetc 11:02 PM Hmmmm!!!

thenightetc 11:04 PM Yes, *I'd* certainly be pleased to receive that... object.

Starscreamillar 11:04 PM You are forced to consume it at gunpoint.

thenightetc 11:05 PM Nothing about this is arousing.

highglossfinish 11:05 PM Or is it?

thenightetc 11:06 PM Dear lord

Starscreamillar 11:07 PM Perfect.

thenightetc 11:08 PM Ironically I do kind of want some pizza, now.

thenightetc 11:09 PM Love that physics engine!

highglossfinish 11:10 PM Dear Unicron.

Starscreamillar 11:10 PM An all American pizza.

thenightetc 11:11 PM Hm.  Hmmm!

thenightetc 11:13 PM "Healthy"

thenightetc 11:14 PM Not his fault at all.

highglossfinish 11:15 PM Everyone's fault but his.

Starscreamillar 11:15 PM It cannot be allowed.

highglossfinish 11:16 PM There they go.

thenightetc 11:16 PM Amazing.

Starscreamillar 11:16 PM Still less of a nightmare than the horrible elf man.

highglossfinish 11:16 PM Much less.

thenightetc 11:16 PM Much less.

highglossfinish 11:17 PM I'm open to suggestions if anyone's got them.

thenightetc 11:17 PM Hmmmm... Continuing a theme... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLHRjaUBb3o

thenightetc 11:18 PM So is she trying to poison her family--

highglossfinish 11:19 PM Amazing.

Starscreamillar 11:19 PM A good food item should shatter when it hits the floor.

highglossfinish 11:19 PM And then come to what may or may not be life.

thenightetc 11:20 PM It's almost life!

Starscreamillar 11:20 PM But they did not have to wait an hour and a half for it to cook. So win-win.

thenightetc 11:20 PM True, true.

highglossfinish 11:20 PM Can't imagine why anyone would have a problem with it.

thenightetc 11:21 PM Dynamite.

Starscreamillar 11:22 PM Ah, humans. Always picking the least good idea available.

thenightetc 11:23 PM Blasted blubber beyond all believable bounds.

Starscreamillar 11:25 PM Perfect.

thenightetc 11:25 PM Pro tip: dynamite doesn't actually make things disappear.

Starscreamillar 11:25 PM In fact in most cases, applying explosives only makes a problem worse.

thenightetc 11:25 PM oh, that special christmas tradition!

thenightetc 11:26 PM Wait, what was that one about the loophole

highglossfinish 11:26 PM Got to stick to tradition!

thenightetc 11:26 PM I'm terrified of what this is going to be

thenightetc 11:26 PM Oh my god

thenightetc 11:27 PM Well

Starscreamillar 11:27 PM . . .

Starscreamillar 11:27 PM It just keeps going.

highglossfinish 11:27 PM And going, and going.

thenightetc 11:28 PM I promise I had not heard that ahead of time.

highglossfinish 11:28 PM I believe you.

highglossfinish 11:30 PM And that's all I've got!

thenightetc 11:30 PM And what an all it was!

Starscreamillar 11:30 PM Well, thank you streaming this nonsense, Knockout. It's been a... time.

thenightetc 11:31 PM Yes, thank you for hosting!

highglossfinish 11:31 PM It has. It certainly has been some sort of a time.

Starscreamillar 11:31 PM I appreciate your hosting, even if the content makes me feel less sane.

Starscreamillar 11:31 PM Until the next one!

thenightetc 11:31 PM It's what christmas is all about.

highglossfinish 11:31 PM Buddy the elf's protruding organic spike is a load that needs to be shared.

Starscreamillar 11:32 PM No, no I could have lived the rest of  my life having never seen that.

highglossfinish 11:32 PM And yet, here we are.

thenightetc 11:33 PM Indeed.

thenightetc 11:33 PM Well--goodnight!

highglossfinish 11:33 PM Good night!

highglossfinish 11:33 PM Thank you for coming!

[dreamingincerulean]

Feeelingssss

Ok. Sooooo....I am feeling angry. Because we had to walk to the vet, yesterday. It took soooooo long. We left the house at 3-something, got there at like 4:45 or something, got home at 7,  carrying a dog that weighs a mere 17.40 lbs but those pounds feels like 30 lbs....and it’s a five minute drive. The cars were either dead or not around (although they came back, but went an hour in the opposite direction to pick up someone else who was higher on the priority list of my bf’s parents) 

My dogs got in a fight, and one of them (Bandit) had a broken nail. The vet says it’s not gonna be painful (it is, if him holding it up off the ground is any indication...oh and he snarls if the others get near him...so he’s gotta be caged until he’s feeling better)....With the rabies shot and all other things considered, it came out to a lil over $100. 

I got a super bad headache, midway through the way back home and let me just say....exerting yourself whilst a headache forms is not the best way to spend an afternoon. By the time I got back home, I was in no mood to do any work whatsoever. I crashed, on arrival. For an hour. Then took lots of pain reliever and it had caffeine in it, so I haven’t slept. Today’s catch-up day for work....which means like six hours. Which I usually do like two each day. But today I have to do it on no sleep. Or go to sleep, and hope I don’t wake up to a barrage of texts from my sister demanding where I’m at or telling me in no uncertain terms that I fucked up royally on the work I did manage to get done, last week. I’m gonna take option number two...because it’s turning out to be a shit week, anyway. 

Oh...and a distant relative that I’ve never met has Covid. And it managed to infect his spine or something? So now I have that to worry about. 

Speaking of.....Indiana’s been increasingly bad, except everyone that lives here that I talk to or know about thinks it’s perfectly ok and fine and decided to forego social distancing and masking up...and there’s going to be a giant brewery fest (fifteen breweries, one lil town, one afternoon) this week....and do you know what it’s gonna do to the numbers in this town? Yeah.....they don’t seem to be learning at all. I guess they won’t relent unless they know someone in their household who’s died of it? I don’t know man. It’s really pissing me off. 

When you drink alcoholic beverages, your inhibitions lower. You get sloppy. You walk funny. 

It just spells stupid, to me. 

But then again...I’ve been quarantining since I left high school, and I’ll be 35 in January.  Maybe I’m just Chicken Little? 

[purplesurveys]

916

What Rhymes With “AIR”?

1. Are the walls of your room bare or do you have things hanging up there? I have some things on the wall, yes. A few paintings, Audrey Hepburn wall decors, and a poster of Nam Joo Hyuk. I used to have wrestling posters but my mom, ever the control freak, removed them because she didn’t like them. Sigh.

2. When’s the last time you went outside to enjoy the fresh air? I went out this morning to take Cooper to the vet for his anti-rabies shot. I didn’t necessarily do it to enjoy the fresh air, but that came along with the experience as well anyway.

3. Do you watch the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air? I started watching it this month actually! It’s super fun and Will Smith’s physical comedy is hilarious, but it isn’t really the type of show I’d binge-watch given how old the jokes and some of the tropes already are. I definitely don’t dislike it, but I just take longer to watch the episodes.

4. When’s the last time it felt like you were walking on air? Sunday, when I had my virtual grad and found out my parents and aunt and uncle got all my favorite food delivered to the house :) We had baked sushi, baked samgyeopsal, Pancit Malabon, and pichi-pichi that day, aaaaahhhhhh.

5. Have you ever been on air, on a radio station? Very briefly. One of our field trips in high school was a visit to a major broadcasting network, and we we were brought to their AM radio studio. The broadcaster on air at the time – one of my favorites of all time – welcomed us and gave us a chance to say hi on air.

6. Have you ever felt like all of the air was coming out of your lungs? Sure, but I guess it’s more accurate to say that I’ve occasionally felt the sensation of my chest increasingly tightening.

7. Has it seemed as though anything has ever disappeared into thin air? Have you ever pulled an idea out of thin air? The first one, yes. I have this stupid ability to drop a certain thing and have it disappear forever; I hate that it happens to me all the time lol. 

I can relate with the second situation as well; when I was still in school and had to write essays, reaction papers, anything of the sort, I’d wait till the last possible minute to start working on it since it’s by then that the good ideas start pouring in.

8. Have you ever wanted to be on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”? Sure. I’ve enjoyed trivia for as long as I can remember, so the show has always been right up my alley.

9. Do you know a billionaire in real life? No. I know a loooot of CEO kids, kids of MNC owners/executives, and kids of political dynasties though...comes with the environment I grew up in and the schools I went to.

10. Would you like to be an heir or heiress to a fortune? I wouldn’t say no to that.

11. Would you be able to successfully get away if you ever came across a bear? The one thing I keep hearing is to stay very still, so I’d be doing my best to do just that. I got no other survival skills though and if there’s apparently anything more that needs to be done during a bear encounter, then I don’t know of them.

12. Where’s your favorite place to go? How long does it take to get there? Hmm I’ve loved going to many places. My favorite vacation spots so far have been Sagada - that’s a 15, 16-hour road trip from Manila; Vigan - 8-hour road trip; and Palawan - an hour or so plane ride from Manila. If we’re taking nearby places, I like going to coffee shops to unwind and have a pastry or two. I don’t have a favorite one; I just go to whichever one’s the nearest to me at the moment.

13. How often do you err on the side of caution? I keep it at a healthy 50/50. There are times I’m okay with taking a big leap, but if I’m not super invested in something anyway and/or if there’s not a lot in it for me, I play it safe.

14. How often do people say they’re angry with you? My life revolves around being a (very cautious) people pleaser and making sure I don’t piss off people. The only people who have told me they’re angry with me are my mom and girlfriend.

15. Do you own any long underwear? I have never heard of these until today. I’d love to live somewhere so cold I need to wear clothes specifically meant to be worn underneath my actual outfit lol

16. How much Tupperware do you own? I’m Filipino, man. Filipino moms practically make it their life’s mission to collect as many Tupperware containers as they can. I’m pretty sure we have a bunch that we didn’t even own to begin with - just magically ended up in our cupboard after all the parties and gatherings we’ve had hahaha.

17. What color is your underwear right now? Green.

18. Do you still sleep with a teddy bear? I never slept with stuffed animals; I preferred pillows.

19. What pair of your shoes has the most wear and tear? In my first year of college the only shoes I owned was a pair of Keds. Used it for everything and it unsurprisingly ended up being super worn out - soles got detached from the shoe and all that. I think we still have it here at home – still destroyed – but it’s been untouched for a while.

20. Do you like to play Solitaire? It was a great boredom buster game for me for a time, especially when phone apps weren’t all that expansive yet. I haven’t played it in many months though.

21. Do you or your family own a full set of silverware? We do.

22. What do you have to take everywhere with you? Phone, wallet, car and house keys. Because of school I’ve also developed a habit of accidentally bringing my laptop nearly everywhere I go – I brought it to the vet once, lol

23. Would you like to visit Delaware? Yes. Delaware actually stands out in my memory because I remember reading in a kids’ almanac many years ago that it was the first to become a US state. Ever since then I’ve kinda bookmarked the place in my head.

24. Last time you received dental care? December. My tooth had been hurting for a couple of months but it became absolutely unbearable by that month so I had to book an emergency appointment days before Christmas. I felt super bad for the hassled dentist (who doubles as a family friend, which made it more embarrassing)... but at that point I was crying myself to sleep every night and would wake up at 3 AM crying in pain, and I would’ve done anything for the toothache to go away. 

25. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? Somewhere brutally cold.

26. Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego? I’ve never been able to relate to this question, lol soz.

27. Are you satisfied sitting here, taking this survey, or would you rather be elsewhere? I’m satisfied for now. I found more potential leads when it came to job-hunting and I’m not feeling too anxious anymore. I’ve been so focused on looking for corporate communications/PR jobs in the private sector that I forgot about the possibility of applying my skills in something I’m even more passionate about - museums! We have a few government agencies focused on museums, culture, and the arts and I definitely see myself performing in the jobs they offer. It’s even better because it’ll help me get my foot in the door in government positions, and as someone who’s indecisive about law it’ll be a great bridge to start with. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

28. Last time you sat in a barber’s chair? Early March.

29. Do you own any cans of compressed air? I’m not sure...had to look that up. Maybe we do? Idk. Dad will sometimes hoard random grownup stuff from the hardware store so I’m not ruling this one out.

30. Do you have a swivel chair at your desk? Nope.

31. Do you prefer an armchair or a rocking chair? Rocking chair.

32. Would you rather have a beanbag chair or a hanging swing chair in your room? Hanging swing chair sounds so hipster and awesome lol. I’ve had my time with a beanbag chair anyway.

33. What’s the last non-survey related questionnaire that you had to fill out? SSS form.

34. Are there any crimes that you feel make someone deserving of the electric chair? Not really a death penalty kinda gal, but if anyone had to sit in the electronic chair it’ll be people torturing and abusing animals for fun.

35. Do you know anyone who uses a wheelchair? Yes.

36. Do you know anyone who is on welfare? I probably do.

37. Do you play Modern Warfare? Nopes.

38.   Do you ever feel like life is unfair? It is, objectively. I’m a little pessimistic when it comes to this.

39.   Have you ever visited Times Square? No. I dunno if I wanna go there...it seems so crowded and claustrophobic, not to mention super tourist-y haha. I’d love to visit once just to see the bright lights and the giant ads, but I’d much rather be at museums and historical sites.

40.   Do you tell people to “take care” at the end of a conversation with them? Sometimes. I’ve been saying it a lot more often these days, for obvious reasons.

41.   Where is somewhere that you would like to move to? Canada. But I also feel like if I moved there immediately it would be such a culture shock in terms of the weather, culture, how far away I am from family, etc. and I doubt I would cope well. I suppose I can move to either Vietnam or Singapore first, as kind of like a baby step.

42.   What is something in your home that needs to be repaired? One of the stovetop burners stopped working last night and my dad’s determined to fix that.

43.   What kind of sleepwear do you own? I go to bed in just my normal home clothes; I don’t change to anything else.

44.   What skin care products do you use? Water. ;) I’m one of the lucky ones lol.

45.   Do you have any spyware on your computer? Nope.

46.   Do you own any sportswear? What sports? I have athletic shorts from when I played table tennis.

47.   Do you like Fred Astaire? Sure. I’ve only seen one movie of his (Funny Face) and he was a delight in that.

48.   How long does it take you to prepare a meal? I only ever make instant meals, oops.

49.   Do you know anyone named Pierre? Yes, Eva’s youngest sister is a Pierre. I’m just not sure if it’s also the same spelling.

50.   Are you going nowhere fast? I hope not. I’m giving myself a quick break for now after studying for 18 years straight but like I’m not out of ambition or anything like that at all.

51.   How often do you have a nightmare? Not very. They only show up when I’m going through a depression. My last nightmare was two or so years ago.

52.   How often are you able to catch something in mid-air? It’s unpredictable with me. Some days my reflexes are great but sometimes I’ll just be so clumsy.

53.   What do your lawn chairs look like? Brown and wooden.

54.   How many chairs are at your dining/kitchen table? Six; just right for our family of five.

55.   Favorite type of footwear? Sneakersssssss.

56.   When’s the last time one of your senses were impaired? From what? My left eye still gets irritated from time to time. We never really found out what’s wrong with it; my first checkup happened on the day before lockdown, so we never got to go back. When it starts to act up, I usually have no choice but to wait for it to go away.

57.   Have you ever been in a hot air balloon before? No. I’ve been to hot air balloon festivals though. That’s enough for me haha; I’m not desiring to be in one and be up in the sky.

58.   Do you have a good health care plan? My parents do for us kids.

59.   Last time you went to the hardware store? Months ago.

60.   Have you ever played foursquare before? No. I thought that was just a website. Oops.

61.   Do you own any types of eyewear? I’ve worn a pair of glasses since I was 11. I had needed them much earlier but my mom always thought I was being a sissy and just ‘wanted’ glasses to fit in with other kids. It was such a stupid mindset, and it was so stupid of her to not believe her kid WHO WAS STARTING TO NOT SEE. It was only when I took an eye exam at the school clinic and the school wrote her a letter that she finally believed me, but I had been suffering for a while and could barely read the chalkboard for like two years, which definitely affected my grades. 

62.   What brand of cookware do you have a lot of? Not sure about brands.

63.   Nothing can compare to: Having a complete, loving, and supportive family.

64.   Have you ever worked in a childcare center? I haven’t.

65.   Do you have a “beware of dog” sign on your gate? Nah. I usually say it myself. Kimi never got used to strangers.

66.   Have you ever attended daycare as a child? I guess you can say that? It wasn’t daycare per se but some malls used to have play areas/centers and my mom used to drop me off in those while she ran errands for a few hours. Those aren’t too common nowadays because I guess it’s more dangerous to leave your kids now, even with attendants, but they were a fun part of my childhood.

67.   Are you very aware of your surroundings? I’m honestly a little ditzy so no. I always need a more responsible, more street smart friend by my side especially when I’m going somewhere unfamiliar.

68. Have you ever had an au pair or a nanny before? We used to have househelp, but we never saw them as nannies. A vast majority of them never met my mom’s (extremely high) expectations and quit in a few weeks or months, sometimes even days; the few ones who did eventually wanted better lives for themselves and resigned after a few years, which we didn’t stop them from doing. At some point my mom gave up having help around and realized that ultimately, she’d rather clean up and do chores her way.

69. Do you know anyone who has had an affair? Yes.

70. How much are you willing to spend on airfare? I’ve never bought my own ticket so I don’t know how much they’re supposed to be on average...but I imagine I’m willing to pay a lot of money if it means going to the destinations of my dreams.

71. Who do you care about the most? The friends that I count as family.

72. Are you more likely to choose truth or dare? Truth. I’m too shy to do dares and I’ve never had a problem telling the truth anyway.

73. Have you ever seen the Blair Witch Project before? Yes, a few times.

74. Do you like the name Claire? Would you spell it with or without the I? I love it, it sounds elegant and graceful and it’s one of my favorite names. I prefer it with an I – I don’t know any Clares, actually.

75. Last time you went to a fair? Last week of January.

76. What can be done to make life more fair? Ending world hunger and poverty and making education accessible for all. 

77. How much are you willing to spend on cab fare? Not much. Cab fares should be fair after all.

78. Do you have a lot of flair? To some extent, I guess. I’m certainly not dragging myself down haha.

79. Do you own flare jeans? Nopes.

80. Is there a glare on your computer screen right now? There isn’t.

81. When’s the last time someone glared at you? Sometime in the last week would be a safe guess. My mom will sometimes communicate through glares and I’ve picked up the habit from her as well.

82. What type of hair do you have? (color, length, texture, etc) How often do you wash it? It’s black, quite thick, a bit on the wavy side, and has a tendency to get frizzy when it’s humid. Length-wise, it currently reaches just my collarbones. After a rebonding disaster around a decade ago my hair got a bit dry and it never really recovered from that, so I need to wash my hair with a giant blob of conditioner every time I take a shower otherwise it would get dry and hard.

83. Do you know the difference between a rabbit and a hare? I know hares are larger, but that’s about it.

84. Do you like to eat eclairs? LOVE them.

85. What do you consider to be your lair? My car has served as my safety bubble for so many depressing days in college. That’s why I got a little heartbroken when my dad told me he might have plans to sell it to my aunt (his sister).

86. A female horse is called a mare. What is a male horse called? A baby horse? Stallion; foal. Thank you, kid’s almanacs haha.

87. Have you ever used Nair before? Did it work? I used Veet in middle school when razors still scared me. It worked, but it took a whiiiiile and sometimes it wouldn’t even take all the hair off, so eventually I just started shaving. 

88. Has anyone ever told you to “grow a pair”? No, and no thanks.

89. What is something that you own a pair of? Dogs. 

90. What is a rare quality that you have? Other people will have to answer that. They’re the ones who see me and get to decide what’s rare about me.

91. Last food you pared? I don’t think I’ve done that.

92. Do you know someone who is a debonair? Sure.

93. Do you like to scare others for fun? No.

94. What is something that scares you? The idea of being in a plane crash, for one.

95. Do you like Sonny and Cher? Can’t say I’m a fan or that I’ve listened to anything of theirs.

96. Do you know how to share? Do you like to share? Sure. The only thing I’m a little selfish about is my food lol.

97. Have you ever played a snare drum before? A few times before, yes.

98. What do you do with your spare change? I give them to the tambays who help me get out of parking spots. That or I use it to buy food in school, since everything in UP’s cheap enough to pay with coins.

99. Do you know how to put on a spare tire? No. I’m interested to learn though.

100. Have you ever gotten a spare while bowling before? Yep, it’s happened a few times.

101. When’s the last time you wished someone would spare you the details? A week ago.

102. Do you win games fair and square? Sure. I’ve only cheated once and that was on an exam.

103. Do you know how to find the square root of something? Not anymore. I do have a bunch of perfect squares still memorized, though.

104. What are the characteristics of a square shape? Four equal sides that are also right angles.

105. Have you ever been called a square before? No. I don’t know what that means either, so if I got called that I wouldn’t know how to react.

106. Do you prefer the elevator or the stairs? Elevator.

107. Do you ever stare at other people? Only if it’s a bizarre situation. Once when this drunk guy got arrested in BGC and was being physical with the police, I stared and watched the whole thing. I do try to look away for most scenarios though.

108. How often do you swear? A few times a day.

109. Do you ever “swear on your life”? It’s not a saying that I commonly use, no.

110. What do you like to “tear up”? Eh, I don’t really like tearing up things.

111. What type of wares would you sell? Not interested in sales or business, so that’s a pass for me haha.

112. What kinds of clothing do you like to wear? I like wearing whatever’s trendy, as long as I genuinely like the look.

113. Have you ever had a pregnancy scare before? Never. [a-zebra-is-a-striped-horse]

[porchwood]

Okay, here goes. The incredible @everlarkedalways created a GoFundMe to help me out through present circumstances, but before I share that link, I wanted to explain a bit of what’s been going on. I feel awful accepting financial help, in part because I’ve been such a dry well for the past 18 months (I have nothing creative to give back/say “thank you” with) and also because so many of you have previously contributed monies to help me through other crisis points over the past five years (yes, it’s been that long and no, it doesn’t seem to be getting any better). But things are maybe the most desperate they’ve ever been and I really can’t say no to badly needed help.

Because I’m long-winded, I’m going to try to condense this into a simple chronological order. Things have been relentlessly bad since my car accident on December 26, 2013, but this is where the current run really started: 

December 2017: The day after Christmas, I went to the ER at 3am with excruciating chest and upper back pain, a bad experience all around (terrible staff, indifferent care). Their best guess was that I’d had an acid reflux attack, something I’d never had before (but have had since, alas :/).

January 2018: The ER bill saga began, and after loads of paperwork/headaches applying for any kind of aid/bill forgiveness, they put me on a payment plan for the $1,343 balance (and yes, that was "after” insurance - Marketplace policies are crap and all they did was “adjust” the total; nothing was covered). Meanwhile, I started taking Lucky to an acupuncturist over an hour’s drive away, desperate to find something to ease her severe separation anxiety (nonstop barking and howling when I was gone, which we have been struggling to treat, with varying degrees of success, for over two years). The sessions were very expensive (around $400 for one month - I had to put them on a credit card that I’m still chipping away at) and actually made her WORSE.

February 2018: The downstairs neighbors left a mildly threatening note about Lucky’s howling - the day before my birthday. In a ridiculous twist of luck, I managed to find a great sitter who only takes little dogs and was (and still is) able to watch Lucky for me as needed, but it cost me $25/day. (At most I would use her two days a week, but you can see how quickly that would add up.) At the same time, I also started administering CBD drops (suggested by our new vet) to Lucks when I had to leave her at home.

July 2018: After increasing the dosage multiple times, I finally started seeing improvement in Lucky’s behavior from a combination of the CBD drops and SAMe, which was huge (note the timespan), but these therapies cost about $100 month. I resolved to make it work somehow.

September 2018: I found out that my workplace had been bought out by an area salon and would be changing hands soon. Shortly thereafter the new owner sent us the employee handbook, which stated that we could not have another job in the same field (many massage therapists in this part of the country work at multiple places as there simply isn’t enough work to go around, especially in the off-season). The new owner was originally okay with me keeping my second job (on-call work at a yoga studio), and then I learned that that position was switching from a subcontractor to an outright rental (I would have to pay up front for the use of the room and possibly make none of it back while having to promote myself as a business), so for several reasons I decided I would leave that second job at the end of October and try to pick up more hours at my “main” job. One bright spot in all this: the downstairs neighbors moved out at the end of the month, but...

October 2018: ...the day after the neighbors moved out, the landlord informed my roommate (a THG fandom friend and content creator) that the owner of our building had sold the property and that we had 30 days to vacate. I can’t even begin to articulate how stressful, expensive, frightening, and exhausting that time was. By the end of October our only real option was a little house approximately 10 miles from town, and miraculously we got ourselves moved out there - to the tune of lots of $$$ and insane energy expenditure.

November 2018: Because I now lived about 20 mins from work and I have to come home at lunchtime to take Lucky out (and give her a booster of anxiety drops), I had to switch to split shifts. If you’ve ever worked split shifts, you will understand why this sucks (you’re never home, you’re always tired, and you never see or spend time with the people you live with). My new boss put me on the schedule for two additional days a week (I initially had just two days a week, period, hence the second job), which initially seemed very promising, but neither myself nor the rest of the staff realized that the new management had an either/or policy when it comes to pay. (This is messy and frustrating to explain, but in a nutshell: instead of getting paid commission for massages and hourly for the rest of your clocked-in time - laundry, desk help, etc - you get paid ONLY commission, i.e., nothing for all the extra things you do, unless the commission divided by hours amounts to less than minimum wage, in which case they pay you minimum wage for the week instead, including for your massage hours. Which is not cool but is, apparently, legal.) So I was driving about an hour a day (20 mins each way, twice, to the tune of about 300 miles/week) just to make minimum wage (we were entering the dead season for massage and I’m the perpetual “second string” therapist anyway, so some weeks I had just four clients in four days :/), which was exhausting and disheartening.

December 2018: Daylight glimmered: my sister (with whom I am extremely close and who I hadn’t seen in a year and a half) flew out to see me after Christmas. A coworker agreed to cover the whole week and a half of her visit for me, and I was a little nervous about taking the time off (unpaid, of course) at such a rotten financial time, but I hadn’t had a vacation of any kind since moving to Maine nor a weekend off since August of 2017. I resolved to be extra frugal during her visit and my work schedule was going to be almost full after she left, so I was pretty sure I could squeak through somehow.

I saw her off on her return trip, and that night I was carrying some dishes down from our living room when I took a very bad fall down the stairs. These are awful, steep “Maine stairs,” and in my fall my left leg shot out through the open side of the staircase and wedged the knee against the bookcase in the dining room below. When I tried to get up I realized that something was very wrong with my knee, and my roommate helped me to bed with ice, a brace, ibuprofen, etc. The following morning I went to the hospital and was directed to the same stupid ER (the last place I ever wanted to go again, but they don’t have urgent care out here and wouldn’t let me just see a GP, so I broke down and cried in admissions). The care I received was middling, if not as bad as on my previous visit, and the nurse-practitioner ordered no weight-bearing for three days, which meant losing the rest of that (desperately needed) work week, and advised following up with orthopedics the next week if the knee wasn’t better.

My wonderful roommate made all kinds of accommodations for my comfort for those three days, and I implemented all the extra therapies I could think of (turmeric, arnica, l-glutamine, Epsom salt soaks, etc). I asked my employers about the possibility of picking up non-massage hours (covering the desk, laundry, etc) but was given the impression that there was nothing for me to do till I could return to massage again. I went to the orthopedic doctor last Thursday and his diagnosis was an MCL (least concerning of the knee ligaments) sprain or tear. I was already strides ahead on his self-care recommendations (getting myself off the crutches, constantly wearing a good brace) and he was supposed to refer me for some PT, but I haven’t heard a peep on that front, and I’m not particularly concerned because, Lord knows, my insurance probably wouldn’t pay for that anyway. He estimated 4 weeks to full recovery but I’m determined to get back to work before that.

So, here’s where we’re at: I’m out of work at the worst time of year, and at the very least, I’ll lose 2.5 weeks of pay (on top of the planned week I took off, plus Christmas and New Year’s were unpaid holidays). Because we live in Maine where everyone has beastly heating fuel, even in a decently insulated house (as I believe this one to be), it costs us around $350 a month to keep the place at 58 degrees through the winter months. (Yes, 58 degrees. 60 if we’re splurging.)

My credit cards are maxed out from car repairs and copious Lucky expenses (including an emergency vet visit - she ended up being fine but it was one of those things that happens after hours/over a weekend and you really shouldn’t wait several days to have checked out).

Oh, and just for fun, our January rent payment got lost in the mail. The landlord was very nice about it and we promptly sent out a replacement, but this meant paying $35 for a stop-payment on the missing check (did I mention that I had to buy checks, to the tune of almost $30, just for paying rent?).

Those of you who have already donated: you are quite literally keeping me going right now. You covered Lucky’s rabies booster yesterday and refills of her food and supplements (all of which, naturally, were running out at the same time), and Lucky is absolutely the reason I’m still alive, so her care honestly means more to me than my own.

I have no idea what my medical bills will look like at this point. I’m assuming the ER visit will be around $1000, and I’m sure the orthopedic visit will be up there somewhere too. As soon as bills start coming in I’ll apply for aid (or, likelier than not, a payment plan), but in order to do that they’re going to want my new tax returns, which means I’m going to have to get my taxes done (probably in Feb) just to find out what my ultimate medical expenses will be. (I used to do my own taxes cheaply through TaxAct, but I was a subcontractor for part of the year, which complicates things and means having to pay someone $$$ to do them this round. I may actually owe on my taxes this year, which is terrifying.)

The healing has been going well overall and I’m hoping to be able to go back to work next week, but I don’t want to assume my knee will oblige. To add insult to injury, I just got hammered with a terrible cold (the kind that levels you in bed), so my body is triaging itself and I’m not sure which is going to get the care first. Surprisingly enough, Lucky’s being a great little nurse, but recovery is a difficult and very lonely process, especially when you get saddled with illness on top of injury.

Anyway, sorry for the ramble. I’ve been reluctant to talk about the miserable past year, but in light of the fact that I’m receiving (and, I guess, asking for :/ ) help, I thought you should know what’s been going on. Thanks for listening and blessings on your day. <3