#mood area 52

[gesamkuns-twerk]

I think I found the quintessential “Bone Song”

This whole album is completely skeleton-core

[out-there-tmblr]

Young zaundads wip (52)

***

Silco gets word through the kitchen long before anything official is announced. They've been told to toss the bread out, which is pretty standard, but they've also been given recipes for fancy little Piltover pastries and tiny sweets made of sugar and egg whites. A topsider inspector wouldn't get that kind of food so there's someone much more important visiting next week.

"Does it matter who it is?" Vander asks, following Silco's careful steps up the slope to riverside.

"Of course not. It's not about which house they belong to. It's that they're coming to see the outcome of a project that directly impacts our plans." Silco tilts his head sideways to look up at Vander, mouth curved in a satisfied smirk. "They're celebrating something. Announcing something. They've got the ventilation shafts working."

Explained like that, it seems obvious. It also explains Silco's sudden good mood: sheer relief. It's month end tomorrow and they've both been haunted by the risk their plan is doomed before it even starts.

It would be nice if it made tonight's labour unnecessary, but it only makes it more important. A trading ship had fair winds and arrived two nights early, so they need to pay for the steel and move it down to the crevasse.

They need a better name for the area. Calling it the crevasse makes it sound like the fissures, like an area too inhospitable to have a proper name. Vander keeps thinking of it as their land, but that's going to change once other miners start building and living there. Silco keeps calling it Zaun because he's amused by the idea of their own little kingdom.

Silco smiles and pays for the materials, and commits to ordering more. Vander does his best to keep his own face friendly, even as he knows they don't have the money to buy more. He doubts they have more than thirty bronze in the safe right now. But Silco acts as if everything is under control, at least until they start moving the steel struts.

"The ship won't be back for another three weeks," Silco says through gritted teeth. He's really not built for the heavy labour his bright ideas involve. "We'll have more coin by then."

"Enough to pay for that much?"

"We'll each withdraw as much as we can tomorrow and we'll have enough."

"Even if tomorrow night's a disaster?" Vander doesn't think it will be. He certainly hopes it goes well but it's a big risk. A bigger risk than he's honestly comfortable with.

Silco shoots him a dirty look. "As long as we have three miners agree to pay for materials, we'll be fine."

"And if it's less than that?"

"I don't know, Vander," Silco snarls back, lifting the metal strut higher. "We'll talk to Babette about fleecing another one of her clients. Start robbing topsiders. I don't have a plan for this failing."

They stop talking. Quietly, they carry the strut down to the market only to find the door already unlocked and Felicia inside, swaying to the soft music. Connol and Benzo have their heads bent over some metal contraption, gears spread out on the low table between them.

Half of the room is currently piles of building materials – too big and too heavy to stack in the store room upstairs. The strut gets piled with the other steel supports.

"Hey, Benzo," Vander calls out, watching Silco shake out his hands, "I'll pay you in whiskey if you help me move the rest of these."

He looks over at Silco for permission, since it's Silco's personal stash he's offering, and Silco nods. "There's half a bottle of Noxian whiskey upstairs."

Benzo looks from one to the other, and then shrugs. "Sure."

"I'm going to check inventory," Silco announces. He's not the type to apologise for snapping in anger, but neither is Vander. They've got work to do. "Make sure we know exactly what we have on hand."

***

Vander's not sure what he was expecting. He knew there were a few miners interested. He was sure they'd have a few groups show up. What they actually get is the downstairs room of their market packed with people, chatter bouncing off the walls and growing louder. Vander grins. There's a buzz of excitement like goosebumps on his skin.

Silco clearly doesn't feel the same way. His face is ashen and his eyes keep darting around, like he's searching for an exit. (Impossible with so many people crammed so close together.) The plan had been for Silco to explain the terms to them, to talk them through the planned street and gauge interest.

Clearly, they don't need to worry about the level of interest.

Vander leans sideways, ducking his head down to speak softly. "Do you want me to talk to them?"

Silco swallows, eyes wide and still looking panicked. The last time he looked this scared, they were trapped in a cave in, digging for their lives. "I can do it," he says unsteadily.

"Yeah," Vander agrees because he knows Silco has enough determination to make himself do anything, "but do you want me to?"

After a considered moment, Silco gives a short nod. Vander rests a hand on his shoulder, but Silco's narrow shoulders are tensed and tight beneath his hand.

"Oi!" Vander yells out at the top of his lungs and for a stunned moment, the chatter pauses. "Listen up! I'm going through this once, and then I'll answer any questions, and then we're drawing lots and allocating space for anyone who's interested."

There's a low murmur of people whispering to whoever they came with. Vander gives it a moment to quiet down and then he starts explaining their idea. Most of the miners have already heard it, or heard it through a friend of a friend, but they all listen.

They've marked out plots of land. Every miner will pay ten bronze per week for as long as they live there. Each miner will have to build their own home and pay for materials, but there are three simple plans they can provide with instructions and a list of what's needed.

"I've talked to most of you before," Vander says, grinning at the whole roomful of miners listening to him. "Working together is going to get this done faster. It won't be easy – hell, we're still working on getting power and water here – but it'll be ours. Together, we're going to make this work."

There's a roar of applause, boots stomping on the rock floor. Vander feels Silco flinch at the wave of noise but he covers it quickly, chin high to stare his fear down.

When the crowd goes quiet, Vander explains how they're going to draw lots. There are small squares of paper, sliced out of Silco's precious notebook, for everyone who wants a piece of land. They just need to come forward and give their name. When everyone's done, they'll draw names out and everyone can pick ere they want to be.

"And before you ask," Vander says, standing at the map drawn onto a white sheet pinned to the wall, "this blue mark is where we are, the red mark will be Babette's and the dark blue mark will be a bar, eventually. The rest is up for grabs."

It takes longer than Vander expects to get everyone's names, probably because half of the miners need Silco to write it out for them. But eventually it's ready to draw names and it becomes a celebration. People cheer when someone raises their hand and steps forward to the map. Some squint and take their time choosing a plot, others seem to point at random, selecting any empty spot. Dutifully, Silco writes each name on the map and writes a second record in his notebook, plot numbers and names. There's usually a second cheer as the person melts back into the crowd and they draw the next name.

***

It's a relief when curfew draws near. It's a joyous night but Vander is tired of talking to people and taking payments and organising orders. Thankfully, Silco has stayed by his side the entire night, noting everything down and quickly tallying how much can be bought with sixty-five bronze and which supports are needed first.

Vander had almost offered to deliver it to the plots, but Sico had quickly interrupted. "Vander can help, but you'll need to come tomorrow to collect the materials after shift end. You don't have to collect them all at once."

"What was that about?" Vander asks when they have a moment to talk.

"You'd be exhausted if you moved that for everyone," Silco says reasonably. "We have enough space here to store things and it might prevent petty squabbles."

It's only a few hours but it feels like a lifetime later when everyone starts leaving, heading back to the mine before curfew. Vander offers the room upstairs to their friends, but Benzo shrugs and says he'd prefer sleeping on a mattress. Felicia laughs and says, "Maybe some other night," with a meaningful glance at Connol, and Connol goes bright red.

Soon it's just him and Silco left, and the sudden silence almost echoes in the room. Silco's glancing from his notebook to the pikes of wood and steel like he's considering counting it all out tonight. Tomorrow will do fine, Vander decides, stepping up behind Silco and wrapping his arms around Silco's chest. "Should we go home?"

"I brought gas masks," Silco says over his shoulder, "if you want to stay later."

If they want to test if the ventilation has been turned on yet, if they want to see how much of the Grey slithers out of the mine at night.

"Not tonight." Vander drops a kiss to the crown of Silco's head. "Tonight went well."

Silco stares at the wall, their fabric map and the names scribbled across it. "Twenty-three plots claimed. I would have been happy with five."

"They won't all build at once." Already people are grouping together, deciding to build one home at a time.

"Fortunately," Silco replies drily. He curls a hand around the back of Vander's arm. "We wouldn't have enough if they all wanted to start building."

Vander hums in agreement. "You could feel it, you know? How much they all want this. How much it means to them."

"How much they trusted you when you promised them they could do this."

"They can," Vander insists. "We can. We're going to build this into a town, into a home. Our home. Someday we are going to leave that mine behind and live a life, right here."

"Maybe not right here," Silco says, leaning his weight back into Vander, hands tight on Vander's arms. "You did say you wanted to run a bar."

He can almost picture it. Somewhere warm and open, full of their friends and neighbours. Music playing on the jukebox and the two of them behind the bar, pouring drinks and stepping around each other. A room upstairs, big enough for the fancy bed Silco loves.

"Sounds good to me," Vande says, stealing one more kiss before they lock up for the night and head down to the fissures, back to their bed.

***

[ms-m-astrologer]

The Week Ahead: July 8-14, 2024

Lunar Phases

Tuesday, July 9, 19:54 UT - Crescent Moon, 3°04’ Virgo

The key phrase for the Crescent lunar phase is “gather and mobilize resources needed for our intentions.” Make a list and check it twice.

Saturday, July 13, 22:49 UT - First Quarter Moon, 22°01’ Libra

The key phrases for the First Quarter lunar phase are “take action,” and “build new structures to support our intentions.” We’re probably trying to balance something out - if everything has been going one way, we go the other way.

Void of Course Moon

Tuesday, July 9, 06:04 UT (Leo) - 13:48 UT (Virgo)

Friday, July 12, 01:54 UT (Virgo) - 02:06 UT (Libra)

Saturday, July 13, 22:49 UT (Libra) - Sunday, July 14, 14:53 UT (Scorpio)

Retrograde/Direct/Etc.

Pre-retrograde shadow: nothing until July 15

Retrograde: Ceres/Capricorn, Pallas/Scorpio (until Wednesday the 10th), Saturn/Pisces, Neptune/Pisces, Pluto/Aquarius

Post-retrograde shadow: Pallas/Scorpio (starting Wednesday the 10th), Juno/Virgo (until Monday the 15th)

Pallas/Scorpio stations direct on Wednesday, July 10, 04:46 UT, at 19°46’ Scorpio.

Juno/Virgo exits her post-retrograde shadow on Monday, July 15, 03:26 UT, at 21°52’ Virgo.

Ingress

Thursday, July 11, 16:19 UT - transiting Venus enters Leo

Hot girl summer? We’re in the mood, all right, wanting to shine in all Venus’ areas.

Et Cetera

There is one Opportunity Period this week: from Friday, July 12, 02:06 UT to Saturday, July 12, 22:49 UT. “Long waxing Moon OP that requires an extra effort but will give good results for projects related to beauty, arts, networking, and more.”

If there seems to be an undertone to this week, it’s probably because transiting Mars is closing in on transiting Jupiter. Their conjunction matures on Monday, July 15 - the same day the US RepubliKKKan party starts its quadrennial convention. (¡Qué apropriado!) Next week also sees Jupiter and Mercury enter their retrograde zones, and ends with our second Capricorn Full Moon.

This week, then, is a good time to get as much of our lives in order, as we possibly can. What we can control, we should work hard on.

[sensualnoiree]

astro notes: daily transits 7/25

Thursday, 7/25, the astrological influences highlight a journey from heightened sensitivity and potential vulnerability to a more assertive and confident energy. The day begins with a delicate Mercury-Neptune quincunx and a Moon-Neptune conjunction, shifting quickly as the Moon enters independent Aries and the Sun sextiles Mars. Mercury's ingress into Virgo adds a pragmatic touch, helping to temper impulsiveness.

Key Influences

Mercury Quincunx Neptune (29°47' Leo–Pisces): Heightened Sensitivity: This aspect can make us overly sensitive to the moods and opinions of others, blurring boundaries and creating potential confusion. Intuition is strong, but clarity may be lacking.

Moon Conjunct Neptune (7:31 a.m.): Emotional Vulnerability: The monthly rendezvous between the Moon and Neptune can amplify emotional sensitivity and heighten our susceptibility to external influences. This can create a dreamy, intuitive, but also potentially confusing atmosphere.

Moon Enters Aries (7:52 a.m.): Independence and Assertiveness: The Moon's ingress into Aries shifts the emotional tone towards independence and assertiveness. There's a focus on taking action and pursuing personal desires with enthusiasm.

Sun Sextile Mars (3°36' Leo–Gemini): Confidence and Energy: This aspect brings a boost of self-confidence and energy, encouraging us to take initiative and assert ourselves in a bold, dynamic manner. It supports courageous actions and enhances vitality.

Moon Sextile Pluto (9:13 a.m.): Passionate Intensity: This aspect adds depth and intensity to emotions, encouraging transformative actions and powerful connections.

Moon Trine Sun (1:28 p.m.): Harmony and Enthusiasm: The harmonious trine between the Moon and Sun enhances our ability to express ourselves with confidence and enthusiasm. It's a supportive aspect for creative and personal endeavors.

Moon Sextile Mars (1:35 p.m.): Energizing Action: This aspect provides a boost of energy and motivation, making it easier to take decisive actions and pursue our goals with vigor.

Mercury Enters Virgo (3:41 p.m.): Pragmatic Mindset: Mercury's ingress into Virgo introduces a more cautious and practical approach to communication and decision-making. This influence will be felt for the next three weeks, promoting attention to detail and analytical thinking.

Integrating the Influences

Managing Sensitivity and Boundaries: Morning Sensitivity: Acknowledge the heightened sensitivity in the morning and be mindful of maintaining boundaries to avoid confusion or emotional overwhelm.

Independent Action: As the Moon enters Aries, shift focus towards personal goals and assertive actions, moving away from any feelings of vulnerability.

Harnessing Confidence and Energy: Boost of Confidence: Utilize the Sun-Mars sextile to boost your self-confidence and take initiative in areas requiring bold action.

Expressive Harmony: The Moon's trine to the Sun supports harmonious self-expression and creative endeavors, making it a good time to pursue personal projects.

Pragmatic Approach: Practical Communication: With Mercury entering Virgo, adopt a more analytical and detail-oriented approach to communication and decision-making, ensuring thoroughness and precision.

Practical Applications

Morning Routine: Set Boundaries: Start the day with practices that help maintain emotional boundaries, such as meditation or journaling, to navigate the sensitive Mercury-Neptune and Moon-Neptune influences.

Plan for Action: Prepare to shift into a more action-oriented mindset as the Moon enters Aries, setting clear intentions for the day.

Daytime Activities: Take Initiative: Use the confidence and energy from the Sun-Mars sextile to tackle tasks that require assertiveness and boldness.

Creative Pursuits: Engage in creative and personal projects during the harmonious Moon-Sun trine, channeling the supportive energy into productive outlets.

Afternoon Focus: Analytical Thinking: As Mercury enters Virgo, focus on tasks that require attention to detail and a pragmatic approach. This is a good time for organizing, planning, and analyzing information.

Evening Reflection: Evaluate Actions: Reflect on the day's actions and decisions, using the pragmatic mindset of Mercury in Virgo to assess progress and plan for the days ahead.

follow for more astro insights like this and head on over to @quenysefields or instagram sensualnoiree to book a session with me :)

[nonagesimus]

20 Questions for Fanfiction Writers

Tagged by @saltyowlets and @hightowerqueen

Tagging: @no1lucanispegger @lucaniseyebrowlicker

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

My current account has 52! I do have an older account but I haven't used it in years so we're not acknowledging it here.

2. What's your total AO3 word Count?

587,325. I don't want to ralk about it.

3. What are you top 5 fics by kudos?

1. bloodstained with 739. It's a Dick & Jason batfam fic from 2023 Whumptober

2. dead boy walking with 637 kudos. Jason gets physically de-aged to 15 at the start of the under the hood arc

3. cast on/cast off with 594 kudos. Dick & Jason time loop fic.

4. turncoat with 593 kudos. Sypral-era Dick gets sent to run a job in Gotham as Agent 37 and his brothers end up getting involved.

5. a hero with 560 kudos. The first in my alternate red hood series, has Red Hood Dick.

These numbers are all absolutely fucking bonkers to me. Like what do you fucking mean.

4. What fandoms do you write for?

Currently Dragon Age and Batfam (I swear the batfam fics are still being worked on, they just take a long time).

5. Do respond to comments? Why or why not?

Almost always! Exclusions are generally when a comment seems like. Made in bad faith. But if you're saying nice things I will respond.

6. What's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

I think batman, the Red Hood Bruce story that's the last in my alternate red hoods series. Which kind of feels odd, because everything in that series has basically the same ending, since they're all modeled after the ending of the UTRH comic, but it feels more final with bruce as red hood? Most of my fics, even if the ending is sad, have a little bit of hope or the prospect of reconciliation in the future, and i don't know that that one does. Like it feels sadder than the TLOU au to me, and that one's grim.

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

i don't write many happy endings so gotta go with a wild and an untamed thing. literally ignoring all canon plot so sam winchester can be in a throuple instead of getting pulled back into hunting.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

I've never gotten outright hate, but I do occasionally get people Upset particularly with my bruce wayne characterisation. I lean into the way he acts and treats his kids in canon which is not necessarily super common in fandom. But I mostly just ignore it, if something is really egregious I'll delete the comment, there's not much point in engaging.

9. Do you write smut?

Yes, and I have been writing significantly more of it in the last few months lmao dragon age got me GOOD with the smut bug.

10. Do you write crossovers?

I don't do full crossovers, but I do write setting AUs on occasion.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I'm aware of!

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

No, but I'd be v open to it!

13. Have you ever cowritten a fic before?

Not outside of like, tumblr round robins back in the day. I definitely have some WIPs that are following up some friends DA fics tho.

14. Whats your all-time favorite ship?

honestly my favourite relationships to dig into are usually. familial relationships, not ships. I guess stucky has been my longest running?

15 What’s the WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

oh I have spn fics I still think of going back to. most prominently finishing outs in free and it's sequels (the hunter jess fic) but also I had a case fic where dean got sam to help on a case in the summer after sam's freshman year in college that was half done, and I had a sam/patrick the poker witch WIP to round out the sam/brady and sam/paul tings I already had written.

16 What are your writing strengths?

Character voice and mood. I work really, really hard to ape canon feel, and to write extremely ic dialogue. That's what's interesting to me in fic, that's the area I like playing in.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

y'all I am SO bad at editing and proof-reading. i'm also not very good at descriptive language and setting, i'm not a visual person which makes describing what things look like complicated.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in a fic?

it's very much situational for me. i'm not conversational in any languages except english, so i'm not going to throw things in all over the place. if i need something complicated and I know someone who speaks the language, i'll seek help. the most i'd put in without that would be pet names and swearing and i will do a Lot of research on how they work.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

yu-gi-oh, it is no longer on the internet, you'll never find it.

20. Favorite fic you've ever written?

it's v difficult to choose so many are my darlings, but honestly for reasons I cannot explain without spoiling a central conceit of the fic, code of conduct. stephanie brown is my girl. bring her back to me dc. or let me write a book for her, i have so many ideas.

[demi-shoggoth]

2023 Reading Log, pt. 11

51. The Book of Fun by Russ Frushtick. This is a collection of anecdotes about and descriptions of various ways that people have fun, such as toys, games, festivals and theme parks. Each page has a paragraph or two of text and a painting to accompany it, and the book covers everything from the history of Coney Island to the time World of Warcraft had a plague. It’s a fun little miscellany, a good bathroom reader type of book, but not very substantial.

52. Queer Ducks (And Other Animals) by Eliot Schrefer. This book is aimed at young adult audiences (think high school students) and is about animal sexuality. It summarizes quite a bit of research, including pretty new material, covering homosexual behavior in animals. The thesis, of course, is that animals have a wide range of sexual behaviors, so these existing in humans as well is perfectly natural. The book also has interviews with a number of queer biologists about their research and their experiences with representation, intersectionality and other topics. Plus, there’s cartoons! Honestly, the cartoons are probably my least favorite part; they’re cute and have a funny premise (a QSA meeting at a high school for animals), but the animals are all mean and judgy with each other. This feels like it misses the point, even if it might be more accurate to the high school experience. Still, the writing is good, and it covers some stuff I had never heard of, like velvet bucks and other mammals that have common intersex members.  

53. Sentient by Jackie Higgins. This book is about senses, using examples from the animal kingdom as a launching point to discuss how the sense works in humans. The book starts with vision, covering the many (tumblr famous) cones of the mantis shrimp, but how recent evidence suggests their color vision isn’t actually particularly good. I was familiar with most of the animal examples discussed, but a lot of the content on human health and senses was new to me. The material that wasn’t new to me, like the controversy over whether humans have pheromones are not, is told very well. And the coverage of the different kinds of touch, and how humans have touch receptors that seem to be linked to areas that are commonly groomed in other primates that are connected to things like mood and mental health… well, that helped put my touch starvation into context.

54. The Devil’s Atlas by Edward Brooke-Hitching. I usually quite like Edward Brooke-Hitching books, so this one was something of a surprise disappointment. The book talks about how different religions and cultures have conceptualized heavens, hells and other afterlives, with copious illustrations. My first complaint is the sorting into heavens and hells, when a lot of the afterlives discussed don’t really fit into the model of paradise or torment. The coverage of each is pretty superficial—there’s a post-script about utopias (including More’s Utopia) that I feel could have been cut in place of more thorough takes on the religions. My biggest complaint, though, is an editing one. No fewer than eight chapters are cut off, so that the last sentence (or even paragraph) is incomplete. It’s remarkably frustrating, and it took me right out of the book.

55. Snakes of the World by Mark O’Shea. Another in the X of the World series put out by Princeton University Press, this is pretty similar in content to the other books in the series. The first quarter or so of the pages are devoted to an overview of the biology of the group, and the rest of it is surveys of its biodiversity, organized by subfamilies and geographic regions. Mark O’Shea also wrote Lizards of the World, and this book seems in many ways to be a direct sequel to it. The main draw, of course, are the species accounts, which include gorgeous photography of a wide variety of species, including some very obscure taxa.

[horizon-series-details]

“A Steady Breath” is the track that plays when exploring near Legacy’s Landfall. It’s a rather soft track, and it’s not cluttered in the slightest. Of course, the other tracks being cluttered is far from a bad thing, there’s a lot going on, and it helps convey mood properly. However with this track, there isn’t much going on, as it’s an ambient track, and one for exploring a diffusely populated location at that.

We start off with some synth, which is admittedly the most intense part of this track. Around (0:11) we start to hear a little more of both percussion and some soft strings starting, though brief. At (0:28) we do have what I’m assuming is piano, accompanied by more synth (though it kinda sounds like wind chimes in a way). At (0:34) we start with woodwinds, though still incredibly quiet. They become more noticeable at (0:48), and by (1:02), it’s clear they’re a major part of the main melody for this piece.

Around (1:19) they’re the loudest part of the track. This is the most noticeable part of the melody until (1:38) when the synth comes back and temporarily overtakes them. We hear the woodwind come back in a higher octave starting at (1:43) though it fades out at (1:52). Of course, it comes back surprisingly quick at (1:57), with the strings now the main part of the melody. The woodwinds and the strings compliment each other quite well here.

At this point, while synth can be heard at some points, it really is primarily woodwinds and strings. It’s a calm track, meant to keep players at ease while exploring an unfamiliar area, so minimal synth makes a lot of sense. Despite that, while the track begins to fade out at (2:48), the last thing heard is a bit of synth at (2:57), before the track ends at (3:02).

[sleekervae]

Past Lives [1.4]

Masterlist

A/N: Two stories updated in one day? Something's in the air, clearly.

Warnings: messily messy messy smut, purely indulgent and whatever lol. Mentions of the W word, self conflicting emotions

--

It was mid evening when they finally left the restaurant. Christmas lights were twinkling in barren trees and flashy neon signs casted bright colours across the pavement. Austin had his hood pulled up and his jacket zipped despite the kinder temperature. Jade always found it funny how Californians called this weather their winter; 52 Fahrenheit was a lovely spring day in Toronto after all. Austin couldn't help but roll his eyes every time she teased him about it.

"What're you gonna do when you go to South Carolina and it might even grace thirty degrees?" she gaped at him, "Have to pack your parka!"

He shook his head, "Yeah, yeah. Meanwhile you're over here melting in mid-July," he shot back.

"We don't have it so easy up North. Toronto gets too muggy in summer," she replied.

"And you also get ten feet of snow in winter, there's no contest --" he stopped suddenly when he spotted a grey car across the street, a hunched figure was setting up his camera in the front seat, just waiting for them to walk by. He had gotten pretty good at spotting the pap cars in the past few months: neutral colour, tinted windows, always picking the spot with renewable paid parking, "Shit,"

"What is it?" Jade asked as he pulled her aside, just out of view from the car.

"We're being watched," he pointed out the car around the corner, "I told you; they've been following me all day,"

"Yeah, because they all want their piece of the King," she joked, peeking out at the idling car. She didn't have so much of a problem being papped, but after London she was especially conscious of being caught out with Austin. She wasn't in the mood to deal with the rumour mill.

She sighed, "Damn,"

"You okay to walk past?" he asked her, "Otherwise we can double back and go the long way?"

Jade looked around at their surroundings, they were only a fifteen minute ride from her house but she didn't want to wait around for an Uber so the camera man could get his snapshots. Luckily for her, Downtown Los Angeles was a winding maze of backstreets, any of which they could slip through to go unnoticed.

"We don't have to, come on," she took his hand in hers and pulled him back in the opposite direction. Austin was curious, choosing however to trust her process as she lead him down a back lane.

Downtown was a metropolitan business area full of fortune five hundred companies and affluent restaurants, as well as a seedy skid row. While they weren't in the rougher part of downtown, the lane still had a couple stragglers hanging around, sitting to avoid the sun or rummaging through dumpsters. And the smell was vile, steam and garbage with stewing together and irritating their noses.

Austin stayed close to Jade as she seemed to have a better idea of where she was going, winding in and out of grid-locked streets and alleys. There was a little zing of excitement, as ridiculous as it sounded he felt like he was in a high-stakes show evading the enemy. She continued to keep a tight grip on his hand, looking up at him now and again to make sure he was okay. From how quiet he was being it was clear he didn't come down this way often, but Jade had become more of a pro at traveling down nooks and crannies for quick escapes.

Soon enough they came to the edge of Little Tokyo, and they looked up and down the street to assure that they were safe from prying eyes.

"I think we're in the clear," she decided.

"I take it you've done this before?" he noted as she opened the ride share app on her phone.

"Spend enough time dodging the paparazzi, you pick up a few tricks," she replied.

He smiled, "And that's how you can go around without a big security team, right?"

"Exactly!" she beamed up at him, "I can give you all my escape routes, if you want,"

"I ever tell you how cool you are?" he asked.

"What other reason would you keep me around for?" she replied.

"... I've got a few reasons..."

Needless to say, Austin indeed had a myriad of reasons...

Jade was suddenly flat on her back on the bed, Austin heavy on top of her. His hands were on her neck and he was kissing her, and no one in the entire fucking world kissed her like he did.

“Clothes,” she mumbled between kisses.

A sharp flap – that was his shirt, nicely out of the way. Austin pulled at Jade’s tank top and off it flew across the room. No bra. Her skin was warm beneath his hands and he could feel her panting.

He fell back onto her, too eager to have any energy left to expend on pants. Jade tried to reach for Austin’s belt but he was too close, his stomach pressed against her's. She laughed, “Honey, we have all night. Slow down,”

“Fine, fine,” he said, his voice sounded a little strange and trembling and this was Austin: who never lost his cool, who’d had the self-control of a fucking monk and his voice was shaking and it was because of her. Jade pulled her hand from beneath his stomach and dragged him into another kiss.

Austin’s legs slid open, knees on either side of her thighs, and he pulled at her belt, “This – this would be a lot easier if we just got up for a second,” Jade huffed.

“I know,” Austin said, but he stayed exactly where he was and so did she, because no way in hell was she letting go of him right now, “Up,” he snapped, tugging at her waistband. Jade raised her hips from the bed and Austin tugged her jeans off. It was a good thing Jade could multitask, toeing her shoes off and unbuttoning his pants at the same time.

And then finally, fucking finally, they were both naked.

It was a week since they'd last done this. It might have seemed like an eternity but right now it was nothing. Nowhere long enough to erase the familiarity of his ribcage in her palms, the movement of her hips, the taste of his mouth. He felt like he hadn’t been away for more than a day, or like he never even left the bed. Everything that wasn’t Jade against him distant and unreal.

Would she be feeling it as well? This bone-deep, perfect fiery need?

She got on top of Austin and pinned his arms to the bed.  His legs fell open and she leaned down, pressed up against him. He arched up for a kiss and she pulled away at the very last moment, her lips hovering less than an inch from his.

“Tease,” Austin growled.

“Hypocrite,”  she smashed her lips against his and he made a surprised noise.  She let go of Austin’s arms and he put his hands on Jade’s neck, fingers digging in hard. Damn right she was feeling it too.

She crawled down, his eyes slipped shut. Nothing mattered much more than this -- Austin’s cock heavy against her tongue and the taste of his pre-come in her mouth. His hands weaved through her hair and he threw his head back, baring his throat, mouth open, needy. He never said Jade’s name, but then again he didn’t really need to; that open unguarded expression on his face said enough.

He was careful to not drive his hips into her mouth too hard as he savoured the warmth that’s wrapped around him. She teased his crown with swirling licks and preened as his jaw went slack.

“Fuck,”

His teeth clenched when Jade doubled her efforts, milking him with care, “I can’t-” his breath hitched, voice straining as he was just on the edge.

Her eyes fluttered shut when she felt him swell, staining her tongue with his musk. His sack was heavy and warm as she softly rolled his balls and felt him growl from the sensation.

And she stopped, Austin pushed at her shoulder, a silent plea for her to grant him mercy. As much as it pained him, he knew they had plenty of time. We have all night.

He got one elbow on the mattress and pushed up, rolling around. He ended up on top again but instead of going down he leaned sideways, making a dive for the bedside table.

He dropped back, lube in hand, “C'mere,” Austin latched onto Jade’s mouth and he pulled her thigh up, found her pussy.

He stroked two fingers around and around and Jade gritted her teeth, her face going tight in an attempt not to fight back. Austin stroked her side with his free hand, splaying his fingers over Jade’s too-visible ribs. Being this close meant he could feel each twitch and intake of breath and shudder going through her body and it was intoxicating.

Austin fingered her clit with his thumb and Jade moaned, loud and salacious. She hooked her free hand around his neck and pulled him down, and he could feel, taste every noise Jade made at every push of his fingers.

“That’s – ” Jade started, but Austin pushed her back down, kissed her and bit down on her lip. She moaned again, hands tightening in his hair. She had to push Austin off forcefully and he went for her neck, licking the first drops of sweat off.

“Stop teasing,” she gasped.

Austin pulled his fingers back. He grabbed Jade’s shoulder and pulled, rolling them over, ending up beneath her. Jade leaned down on her elbows and kissed him.

And then he sat up, holding her as she adjusted her sitting position and he had her in his lap. One arm was locked, holding him up as he caught his breath, the other wound around her neck, his thumb stroked at her chin. Her arms wound around his neck as his touch became gentle.

They were such a fucking sight to behold. If anybody had told them at the beginning of the year that this was where they would end up, both of them would've laughed in pure disbelief. And yet, everything about this felt so comfortable, so safe.

"You okay?" she panted.

Was he? The short answer was no, but he had needed her more than he was willing to admit, "I'm taking it all in," he answered, his voice heavy and smooth, sounding as if it was slathered in honey.

"And your shoulder?"

Still stiff, still sore, but the pain was eclipsed by the adrenaline, "I'm okay,"

She raked his back; he felt the scrape of brittle nails, and thought dimly that was good -- she trusted him. Her lips curled into a smile, reminiscent of the Cheshire grin as she brushed her nose against his.

"Good. Now fuck me,"

He pulled her down, knee slotted between her legs, lips painting across her chest and wrapping around her nipple. Biting, licking, sucking, elevating and soothing. His other hand reached up to play with her other nipple, getting it hard between his fingers, tugging and pulling at it lightly before switching sides and taking it into his mouth, sucking and leaving hickey's along her breast as he grabbed at the other one.

Jade's hips kept bumping into his, her nails scratching through his scalp and her breathing grew heavy as he slipped down, further and further. Her moans were just encouragement as his tongue dove between her legs.

Shivers raced down her spine as his hands kept her thighs open for him and he buried his face into her pussy. Her breath hitched when his lips wrapped around her clit, a sinful whine spilling from her mouth and she reached up for the headboard, pulling at the metal bars to keep her grounded.

It wasn't good enough. Austin's momentary pause was quickly relieved as he reached to grab her hand and her fingers found his hair without a second beat.

Jade wriggled and he threw his leg over hers, keeping her down. Her body was surrendering quickly -- she always had a thing for being held down --  and Austin caught her other hand, enlaced his fingers with hers and put them back on the mattress. His eyes flitted up, watching her writhe, warm and slightly sweaty and so unbelievably fucking real. He could see Jade’s face, eyes squeezed shut, teeth buried in her bottom lip. God, I want to devour you...

"So go ahead," she began to laugh, coaxing him, and Austin was surprised. Shit, had he said that out loud?

He chuckled, "Sorry,"

"Why?" she caught his eye, her Bambi stare rapacious, insatiable, and he grounded his erection into the bed, a weak form of relief.

Austin couldn't stop himself even if he wanted to, before he knew it he was barraging her clit again. He could never get enough of her, wondered how long he could bury himself between her legs and eat her out until they both burned out.

Jade's eyes clamped shut, her head falling back onto the pillow as her back arched, Austin lapped at her throbbing, pulsing clit with little mercy. Her moans echoed throughout her bedroom as his tongue manipulated her, all thoughts went blank and the only thing she could focus on was the carnal desire, being claimed, marked, needed.

“Fuck!” she moaned, his fingers pinched her clit and she was teetering. He knew, he always knew. Austin had grown to know her body better than anything, he knew night after night Jade could only take so much before her moans turned into pants and she was surrendering to the tension trying to regain her strength. He wanted that just as much she did, he loved to watch her going through the motions of her orgasm.

She tasted like a dream, pure ecstasy on the tip of his tongue, pushing so hard against her slit a small yelp tore itself from her throat. He growled in response, guttural and lecherous, so fucking hot.

And then he stopped.

Her frustrated sob was almost as entertaining as her pleasure, and Austin couldn't lie he revelled in the sadism of it. Jade smacked at his shoulder, much to his amusement.

"You're the worst," she huffed.

He crawled on top of her, silencing her protests with his lips, messy and blissful. Her hands went around his neck, she moaned helplessly as he rocked against her.

"Didn't you tell me to slow down?" he mocked, laughing when she thumped the back of his head.

"Yeah, but your horoscope also said you aim to please, so..." she reached down between them and took his length in her hand, squeezing and sliding over him. She couldn't bite back her smirk as he jolted, revelled as she dragged him across her slit.

'Relax sweetheart," he kissed her jaw, "I'll give you what you want," and he pushed slowly inside. Jade’s head dropped back and she tilted her hips back, taking him inside, biting hard on her tongue.

Austin pulled his hips back a little and pushed in, fucking her just like he knew she liked. Jade’s moans matched his. God, this felt – felt like more than just sex, like… he couldn’t even put it in words, how right it felt to have her this close. No fucking poetry could do this justice.

He laughed, softly.

“What?” Jade growled.

“Nothing. I'm just -- you feel amazing,”

She didn’t reply – which was an answer all of its own, of course.

Austin pushed in again, slowly. Slow meant he got to relish each and every one of Jade’s reactions, all those little noises she tried so hard to keep quiet, the shivers and jerks and her fingers curling against his skin.

And because they were so riled up, it didn’t take that much before his hard, calculated thrusts sped up. Touch, feel, pleasure, that was all that was important, Jade’s pussy squeezing around him, holding her down like he fucking owned her, consumed the air around her. Everything in her room was becoming infested with Austin.

His free hand came up to her jaw, pulling her in for a kiss, fingers digging into her cheeks. She clutched at his shoulders as his touch became rougher again, his teeth scraping briefly over her bottom lip. Her hips started rocking again, erratic, desperate, please, don’t let him stop, not now, not this time –

And he didn't.

The world felt like it skidded to a halt. Jade couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think, could do nothing but arch forward, fingers clutching at the sheets and his shoulder, as her orgasm ripped through her. She was only vaguely aware of Austin's grunt when he came, too lost in her own body and the sheer intense pleasure of it all.

She fell back, exhausted, shivering.

Consciousness trickled back slowly. The first thing she was aware of was the sound of heavy breathing. She opened her eyes, blinked. He was still leaning above her, sweat sticking to his brow, eyes closed. His forearms were trembling.

The tension in him released as her hands slid up his arms, soothing him, luring him into her safety. He collapsed on top of her, panting heavily in the crook of her neck. He was still snug inside of her.

The interior of Jade's home was exactly what Austin had expected. Bright, sleek, pale yellow walls encompassed the living room in comfort. Mirrors on the walls opened the space and rustic wood finishings and mouldings. Above the gas fireplace sat a shadowbox holding the platinum edition of her most recent record, Words & Things. She had a large bookcase holding titles there were both notable and not so, knick knacks of cutesy ceramics and wax bust candles were peppered in.

Off in the corner of the living room was a baby grand piano, papers were sat and scattered across the top, fingerprints were smudged across the once polished black exterior. He hadn't played the piano since the Elvis set; he had spent hours a day, day after day rehearsing the ballads he'd perform on set, was so committed to bringing as much authenticity and emotion to the music as he could.

His gaze focused on the papers on the stand, Jade's chicken scratch evident in the notes she'd written, crossed out, re-written and crossed out again. Tiny words were penciled in underneath the chords, and from he could remember it was the same song she had played for him on their video call. A multitude of titles were etched and crossed out at the top of the page, nothing solid had been picked. It may have been so mundane to the naked eye, but this was Jade's process; messy and disorganized, fragments of her story that were sowed together to appeal to the greater masses. He had to commend her for that sort of bravery.

Austin couldn't help but run his fingers across the ivory keys, he pressed down and fidgeted at the sharp droll of the D note he'd hit on accident. It was then that Jade returned from the kitchen, a plate of chopped fruit in her hand. She leaned against the wall, biting back her smile as she watched him finger at the keys with timid curiosity.

He soon spotted her in the corner of his eye, drawing back from the piano and smiling sheepishly, "Oh, hey,"

"Hi," she walked toward him, glancing at her piano, "Don't be shy. You wanna' play something?"

"No, it's cool. I don't wanna' mess up what you got going on here," he gestured to her papers.

"Oh, don't worry. Believe it or not, this is way cleaner than what it was," she offered up the plate, sliced oranges and apples.

"Thanks," he took an apple slice, "That's the song you played for me, right?"

She nodded, "Yeah,"

"Is it finished?"

"Just about," she placed the plate down, staring quizzically at the piano, "I'm not even sure if I'm gonna' release it,"

"How come?"

Jade sat at the bench, sitting opposite to the keys, "I just -- it feels too personal. I'm talking about trauma and sex and I'm dissecting every little misery in my life," she tailed off in a chuckle.

He glowered, "You're scared?"

"Basically," she stared up at him, "I don't want to sound like I'm deflecting about what I did,"

Austin sat beside her, sitting in front of the keys however as he skimmed the words of her song. Even now, he could just grasp the memory of her voice filtering through his phone, picking off every hitching breath and octave change in the lyrics. He looked to Jade now, her teeth were biting into her inner lip, she was picking at the frayed threads of her shirt to keep her hands occupied.

"Can I hear it?" he asked tentatively. A bout of fret flashed through her eyes, her gaze switched from his own to the papers, "I don't mind it's not finished, if that helps or... hinders...?"

Jade shook her head, "No, no, it's cool," though on the inside she felt her stomach begin to flutter. It was ridiculous in hindsight: she had played to arenas filled with well over three thousand people, spilling her guts and bruising herself up for the show. But here, cloistered in a house that didn't quite feel like a home yet, being so close to Austin, it felt like a weight to perform had been dropped over her shoulders.

Nonetheless, she stroked the keys softly.

"Don't judge much, it's still a work in progress," she simpered meekly.

Austin smiled back, "No worries,"

The piano was a quiet delight, the melody soft but held a simmering promise, like wind whipping across fields with the promise of a violent storm ahead. Austin couldn't help but watch, listen, become hypnotized in her skillful playing, her fingers jumped from key to key so swiftly, her head bounced forward with every hard punch of a note.

"I haven't done a cartwheel since I was nine I haven't seen my mother in a long, long time I mean, look at me Look at the length of my hair, and my face, the shape of my body Do you really think I give a damn What I do after years of just hearing them talking?"

And her voice was incomparable, fluttering in resonant pitch, almost whispering as if she feared raising her voice would break the trance.

"I say I live in Rosemead, really, I'm at the Ramada It doesn't really matter, doesn't really, really matter"

She paused suddenly as she came to the next verse, biting her tongue in an internal debate. Jade glanced at him from the corner of her eye. Austin was none the wiser to her skepticism; his elbow sat on the music stand, his hand cradled his chin, seemingly hyper fixed on her music.

"... Lead him up, "Come into my bedroom" Ended up, we fuck on the hotel floor It's not about havin' someone to love me anymorе This is the experiеnce of bein' an American whore"

Her playing continued, seemingly the only thing keeping Jade grounded as she tried to read Austin's face. It clicked for him near-immediately as soon as he heard the chorus, mixed feelings churned in his gut as he realized she had put him into the song. Just that part alone was too visceral, too clear and precise to be about just anyone.

Nevertheless, he was blown away equally by this caliber of music she'd written, but he was also quite taken aback. He remembered her utter fear after their first night together; the shame in being photographed in such a position, how she was more scared for him than she was for herself. Jade had such a low opinion of her own self worth and it showed. In a way, she had accepted that she was always going to be the quote-on-quote 'whore'.

Austin placed his hand over hers, bringing the music to a still. His thumb stroked over her knuckle, filtering for the right words, never truly finding the phrase that encompassed just how incredible he thought she was. Jade meanwhile was shaking -- on the inside, anyway. She cursed herself for not putting her sheets away because now Austin knew that she had been writing about him. Embarrassing? Maybe not so much. But the dazed look on his face said it all.

Her eyes flitted to the wounds on his knuckles, red, swollen, pulsating thick and quick, ready to rip open with the right action.

"Wow..." he finally spoke. Jade wasn't sure whether to let the relief wash over her or stay on her fence, ready to concede if she needed to.

"Yeah, it's okay," she reached to switch the sheets out, "Anyway, it's not finished so --"

"Was that part... about me?" he felt sheepish asking, because of course it was.

Jade inhaled sharply, looking to the ceiling as though praying for some suitable answer to bonk her on the head. So instead she settled for her good old friend, denial, "No," she shook her head.

Austin thought he might feel a little relief, but instead her answer annoyed him. She was lying, it was clear enough, and why she felt she had to lie to him was a little insulting. He didn't want to upset her at the same time, though.

"Really?" he popped a brow.

"Yeah," Jade nodded then, her gaze locking just below his eyes.

He sighed, "So... you've been sleeping with someone else?"

"What? No --" she then looked to the ceiling. She had spent too long tangling herself into her own web of bullshit, just to make herself feel better. But Austin deserved better than that, and she was exhausted.

"Okay, yeah. Fine," she shook her head in defeat, "This part's about you. T-The rest isn't," she quickly assured.

Okay, so he got his answer, but he was still a little irritated, "Why'd you lie?"

She scoffed, "Because you don't need to be dragged into my personal bullshit. Don't worry, I'll rewrite it,"

"... But... why? You don't need to," he replied, "Besides, even if you decide to release it, there's no telling that this person is actually me,"

"C'mon, Austin. You know how savvy the internet is. Shit, everyone on TikTok is a private investigator now," she replied, "You've got so much going on, I don't want this to taint your reputation,"

Austin shook his head, "Jade, if we were both in committed relationships, I get it. You don't have to protect me from anything -- including yourself,"

Her elbow fell onto the keys, releasing a squealing cacophony of random notes clashing together in a sharp burst. She jumped back and put her face in her hands, not so bashfully this time. She wasn't sure why she was making this so difficult for herself, she wasn't even sure if she was going to release the song. Austin was so logical and so reassuring, but what he'd failed to realize was the way he saw her was different from how she saw herself. How she worded her songs would go a long way; lyrics would be picked apart by critics until they wanted to trample over that border, rip open more of herself than she was willing to give with this snippet. It was hard for Jade to have things just for herself, and having Austin in her life again was something she wanted to fiercely protect. It was so much more than just sex or a feeling of being wanted, he had become her safe space all over again and if she had to lose him again, she wasn't sure she could cope.

"But that's the point. We're not dating," she finally met his eyes, shrouded in grief and defeat, "And as progressive as society has become, there's still a stigma around what we're doing,"

"You mean about the fuck-buddy thing,"

"Yes. If I was writing about having coffee with you, that's one thing,"

He cracked a smile then, "Well, according to our horoscopes, maybe we should be dating? We take the air out of a room," his coy smirk was charming, he was joking with her; but even that could only get him so far. Nevertheless, Jade tried to relax. After all, they were supposed to be having a good time with each other, she wasn't supposed to be depressing him.

If only she knew he didn't see it that way.

She simpered back, "You couldn't handle me," he couldn't decipher whether it was a joke or an empty promise, but he felt if given the chance he would challenge her on that without hesitation.

"That's your opinion," he relented, "What's it called?"

"Compatibility readings,"

"No," he chuckled, "The song. What's it called?"

"Oh," she blushed, staring keenly at her paper, "It's -- I -- mm. American Whore," she looked to him again.

It broke his heart knowing that's how she thought of herself, though he was amused by the title nonetheless, "Well, you're definitely going to have to change the title for a radio release,"

"Ugh. So boring," she groaned.

"I like it, though," he told her, "You're not a... to answer before, I don't think you're deflecting, Jade. This is your truth, after all,"

"Thanks," she took the pages and threw them atop the piano, shaking her head of whatever deprecation was knocking away to creep in. She reached for an orange slice, "Anyway. You wanna' play something?"

He was taken aback, it had been a while since he'd last played anything on the piano. His curiosity was still peaked, "Like what?"

"Whatever you want," she shrugged, "You still play, right?"

"I do," Austin simpered as he thought it over. He pressed down on a C note, testing himself, the soft drone of the key fading quickly. Jade's own fingers were still resting just below the keys, her nails scratching at the vinyl coating. The perfect song then popped into his head.

He played the G note delicately, the build up was slow but once he got going he was on a role. Jade was no expert, but she knew enough discography to recognize Suspicious Minds when she heard it, be it radio or schmaltzy piano cover. She began to laugh.

"We need to get you help," she chuckled.

He shrugged back, "You said I could play whatever I want, so..." he continued to play.

"I'm not eating those words," she muttered, shifting over so he had more room.

Jade was surprised, thinking by now Austin would probably be sick of anything Elvis related. But he embodied him so well, his playing was immaculate, only pausing here and there to ensure that he got the right key. Anyone else would be melting, killing for this experience, seeing the spirit of the King flowing through him, but to Jade he was still Austin, movie roles and manifestdestiny by damned. He was always going to be that same sweet boy who -- for some reason -- put up with her.

"Oh, let our love survive I'll dry the tears from your eyes Let's don't let a good thing die When honey, you know I've never lied to you"

Austin was surprised that he wasn't the one to sing first. It sounded so strange at first to hear those molten words leave Jade's lips, her pitch was delicate, soft, relaxed in a sophisticated acoustic tone, and by God he would swear he could listen to her sing all day.

"We're caught in a trap I can't walk out Because I love you too much, baby"

Tentatively, he joined her.

"Why can't you see What you're doing to me When you don't believe a word I say?""

If her heart could leap out of her chest it would've, his voice was buttery smooth in conjunction with her higher tone, blending together beautifully. Hearing him sing was a one off -- she had always known how damn talented he was. However, Jade was giddy, her face flushing red and she covered her mouth with her hand, trying not to laugh.

Austin laughed anyway, "Keep going!" he encouraged.

"I'm good," she was bashful for an entirely different reason, now.

He stopped playing, picking off how her shoulders bounced, her hair swaying softly with every move she made, the dimples poking into her cheeks at her beaming grin. And those lips of hers were so damn kissable, they had the power to draw him in and bring him to his knees if she so desired. And yet the most beautiful voice he'd ever heard came from beyond those lips, he wanted to hear her stories and her corny jokes, listen to her whims and worries about the world. And he loved when he could make her laugh because he knew by the sound of her tinker bell giggle how happy she was. How happy he could make her.

Jade had caught him staring, averted her eyes back to the keys. Austin nudged her gently with his elbow.

"What's on your mind?" he asked.

If only she could put so eloquently, so simply his answer. She looked to her papers, then, "Can I put you in my song?"

He scoffed, "You already have,"

"But if I decide to release it?"

She had started switching subjects more frequently; the more he tried to pry in, the more she would clam up. It was her way of protecting herself, he supposed, and while Austin understood why she felt she had to, he wished she didn't feel that way about him.

"Yes..." he answered, "You can put me in your song. Are you sure about the title, though?"

She simpered, "You don't like it?"

"It's not that I don't like it, I just disagree with it," he replied, "You're not a..." he didn't like saying it, "You're not a whore, Jade,"

Jade gave a little smirk as she stood up, "Really? I kinda sounded like one thirty minutes ago," she teased back.

Austin rolled his eyes, "Oh, please,"

[nursingwriter]

Cancer Care KNOWING MORE ABOUT CANCER Approach to the Care of Cancer The integrative approach to cancer treatment is the most widely used by cancer patients today as it is the most comprehensive (Nelson, 2011). It is the method used by integrative oncology, which combines complementary therapeutic approaches and conventional therapies. As a combination, the integrated approach covers natural and botanical products, nutrition, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine and mind-body therapies. It fits together the best conventional therapies with the wide range of effective complementary modes. Its approach to personalized care in cancer treatment seeks out the unique and total requirements of every patient while targeting the tumor (Nelson). A 2008 report said that 40% of adults and 12% of children with cancer in the U.S. use complementary medicine and spend $34 for it (Nelson, 2011). It said that cancer survivors are also more likely to use complementary therapies than the general population at 43% and 65% in their life time. They do so to improve their sense of overall wellness, for greater immune function, energy, pain, psychological distress and insomnia. Cancer survivors turn to these therapies because they are not satisfied with their medical treatments, which have not helped them. Yet this is not known to their provider. A recent study revealed that 52% of cancer patients actually use some type of complementary therapy but less than half of them inform their providers about it (Nelson). This new approach seeks to provide evidence on the effectiveness, benefits and harms of different therapeutic options for many decades now without giving it this name (Nelson, 2011). It sparks excitement about identifying the cause of disease, particularly cancer, at the molecular level and the therapies for new discoveries. Natural remedies are a great source of hope for their use as the new-generation breakthroughs (Nelson). Diagnosing and Staging Cancer Diagnosing cancer requires a biopsy, or the removal of a small piece of tissue from the tumor (CWA, 2012). It is by endoscopy, needle biopsy or surgical biopsy. The doctor performs a microscopic examination of the tissue to determine if it is benign or malignant. The result also says what type of cancer it is and if the tumor is aggressive or not (CWA). Staging describes the severity of the cancer according to its extent (NCI, 2012). It helps the doctor plan the appropriate treatment, estimate the prognosis, determine the clinical trials, and provide the basis for evaluation and information for providers. It establishes the site of the primary tumor, size and number, involvement of lymph nodes, cell type and grade of the tumor and metastasis. The stages are in situ, local, regional, and distant. The higher numbers mean that the disease has spread from its original site to other organs (NCI). Complications of Cancer These can be painful, inconvenient, discouraging, embarrassing or even fatal. Mentally, cancer can increase the risk of mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression (Info, 2012). They also run the risk of suicide at 2-10 times more than the general population, as some studies suggest. On the physical level, the main complication is pain. When the tumor spreads far enough, it places pressure on the nerve of surrounding tissues. The pain may be visceral, somatic or neuropathic. Visceral pain may indicate damaged organ tissue. Somatic pain can mean that a specific muscle, bone or skin in a specific area has been affected. And neuropathic pain can mean injury to the central nervous system. Other physical complications are fever, nausea and vomiting, itchiness, lymphedema, malignant pleural effusion, sexual problems, and high calcium levels in the blood (Info). Complications of Cancer Treatment Not all cancer patients are able to adapt to the reality of their condition and develop some form of psychological disorder (Moffitt, 1999). This was the finding of the study conducted by the Psychosocial Collaborative Oncology Group on 215 randomly selected ambulatory cancer patients in three cancer centers. It found that 53% were able to adjust to the stress of the diagnosis, while 47% were not. Two-thirds of the 47% underwent adjustment disorders with depression and anxiety while one-third had major depression, delirium, anxiety disorders, personality disorders and major mental illness. Almost all these at 90% were reactions to or manifestations of the disease or treatment. The three most common types of psychiatric disorders were anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and delirium (Moffitt). Side Effects of Cancer Treatment Each conventional mode of cancer treatment can produce side effects (ABCT, 2010). Radical cancer surgery can result in disfigurement, loss of an organ or limb or require reconstructive surgery or extensive rehabilitation. Chemotherapy can cause bone marrow suppression and its consequences, hair loss, and damage to heart, lung and kidneys. It can also produce nausea, numbness and fatigue. Radiation therapy can injure the skin or adjacent organs (ABCT). Physical Interventions to Cancer Treatment These are fatigue, pain, nausea and vomiting, constipation and diarrhea, nutrition and eating problems, anemia and bleeding, fever and infection, hair loss, skin changes, and lymphedema (NIC, 2012). Most the time, these are side effects of chemotherapy. The patient is advised to be as active as possible but should rest or sleep when really tired. It is always important to treat pain and the patient should not just endure it. He or she should immediately inform the doctor about it. He may prescribe medicine or recommend massage or acupuncture. In case of nausea or vomiting, the patient should avoid certain foods or take anti-nausea medicines. In case of constipation, the patient is encouraged to be active or exercise an eat high-fiber foods regularly. If he has diarrhea, he should drink more liquids, eat only small and easily digestible foods and limit or avoid foods and drinks that can make the diarrhea worse. In case of anemia, the patient is advised to balance rest with activity, eat and drink well, save his energy and consult his doctor. When there is bleeding, he should protect himself, avoid the activity that caused the bleeding and report the condition to the doctor or nurse. When with fever, the underlying cause is determined and then comfort measures are provided. A patient with an infection should be observe strict hygiene and avoid cuts. The patient who is experiencing hair loss is encouraged to keep his or her hair clean, treat their hair gently and wear a wig or scarf. Swelling should be immediately reported to the nurse or doctor. The patient should avoid salt and salty foods. Skin changes should be promptly reported. The patient should keep his nails short and skin clean at all times (NIC). Behavioral Interventions to Cancer Treatment These are education, behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and group support (ABCT, 2010). Education strategies are meant to make cancer patients more knowledgeable about the medical system, the disease, treatment options, their side effects, coping with death and dying, and important behavioral skills suitable to their case. These are stress management and relaxation training aimed at reducing the adverse side effects of cancer treatments. Behavior therapy mainly uses relaxation training to achieve this objective by learning how to relax certain muscle groups or biofeedback. This training has been shown to be effective in reducing stress and also helps reduce anxiety as well as increase the level of compliance to the doctor's treatment. Behavior therapy is aimed at helping the cancer patient learn to solve problems with the disease, the treatment and side effects and to increase feelings of control over the disease. It is also aimed at addressing specific problems, which result from the treatment. And it also deals with compliance problems, which affect the success of the treatment. Cognitive behavior therapy deals with the fears and misconceptions of the disease, its outcome, treatments, and the patient's ability to cope. The therapy can help him recognize his negative beliefs, which hamper his ability to accept the diagnosis and cope with the disease. When these are identified, he can challenge his own negative thoughts about them and develop a more rational response to them, thus enabling a more positive response and adjustment. This therapy is also able to help the terminally ill cancer patient to accept or reduce his fear of death and dying. Imagery may be infused into the relaxation training feature of the therapy. And group support facilitates the patient's adjustment to cancer. Support groups may be the patient's family, friends, the American Cancer Society, the local hospitals, cancer treatment agencies and mental health agencies. These groups help create in the patient a sense of community. They assist him in the realization that he is not alone in his condition. They do this by exposing him to positive role models like cancer survivors who manage to overcome the external and internal threats of cancer (ABCT). # BIBLIOGRAPHY ABCT (2010). Coping with cancer. Fact Sheets. Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. Retrieved on June 2, 2012 from http://www.abct.org/doc/Members/FactSheets/CopingWithCancerldoc CWA (2012). Cancer diagnosis and staging. Lesson 3 Cancer 101. Cambodian Women's Association. Retrieved on June 2, 2012 from http://www.ethnomed.org/patient-education/cancer.general-cancer/lesson-three.eng.ppt Info (2012). Cancer complications. Info.com. Retrieved on June 2, 2012 from http://www.topics.info/Cancer-Complications_3416 Moffitt (2012). Complications of cancer. Moffitt Cancer Center: Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute. Retrieved on June 2, 2012 from http://www.moffitt.org/moffittapps/ccj/v6n5/dept6.htm NCI (2012). Cancer staging. Fact Sheet. National Cancer Institute. Retrieved on June 2, 2012 from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/detection/staging -. Managing physical effects. Retrieved on June 2, 2012 from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/physicaleffects Nelson, R. (2011). Integrative approach important in cancer. 8th International Conference of the Society of Integrative Oncology. Medscape Medical News: WebMD LLC. Retrieved on June 2, 2012 from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/753544 Read the full article

[newstfionline]

Sunday, January 19, 2025

How Biden’s Inner Circle Protected a Faltering President (NYT) The people closest to President Biden were well aware that he had changed. He talked more slowly than he had just a few years before, needed to hoist himself out of his seat in the presidential limousine and walked with a halting gait. “Your biggest issue is the perception of age,” Mike Donilon, the president’s longtime strategist, told him in mid-2022, according to three close aides who heard it. Mr. Biden acknowledged the concerns, but the warnings only ignited his defiant, competitive streak. In April 2023, without convening his family or having long deliberations with aides, he announced he was running again. Now, as President-elect Donald J. Trump heads back to the White House, demoralized Democrats debate what might have been had the president bowed out in time to let a younger generation run. Mr. Biden, 82, has at the same time made the extraordinary admission that he might not have made it through a second term. “Who knows what I’m going to be when I’m 86 years old?” he said in an interview with USA Today on Jan. 5. The president’s acknowledgment has put a new spotlight on his family and inner circle, all of whom dismissed concerns from voters and Mr. Biden’s own party that he was too old for the job. And yet they recognized his physical frailty to a greater degree than they have publicly acknowledged. Then they cooperated, according to interviews with more than two dozen aides, allies, lawmakers and donors, to manage his decline. They rearranged meetings to make sure Mr. Biden was in a better mood—a strategy one person close to him described as how aides should handle any president. At times, they delayed sharing information with him, including negative polling data, as they debated the best way to frame it. They surrounded him with aides when he walked from the White House to the waiting presidential helicopter on the South Lawn so that news cameras could not capture his awkward bearing.

National debt races toward record level as Trump takes office (Washington Post) As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, the U.S. government’s fiscal health is bleak, Congress’s nonpartisan bookkeeper reported Friday, with debt and deficits set to reach record levels. By 2035, the federal government will spend $2.7 trillion more than it collects in revenue, an all-time high for annual deficits, the Congressional Budget Office projected. That level of borrowing will mean the total debt held by the public will hit $52 trillion, or 118.5 percent of the nation’s annual economic output. That would far surpass the previous record set in the aftermath of World War II.

More Than a Week After the Fires, Los Angeles Evacuees Remain in Limbo (NYT) Ivy Spruell was looking forward to celebrating her 17th birthday last week with friends. Her grandfather mailed her a card, which she tucked away to open the morning of her birthday, Jan. 10. And her boyfriend planned to come over to her Altadena home for a low-key party that evening. Instead, Ms. Spruell’s life was turned upside down by the Eaton fire that swept through her neighborhood on Jan. 7. Among blocks of devastation, her home still stands, but she and her mother cannot get to it. The one time they made it into the evacuated zone last week, before law enforcement cut off access, they piled some clothes and other necessities into trash bags. Since then, they have moved from place to place, staying with friends or at hotels, the smell of smoke seeping from Ms. Spruell’s rescued belongings, an unsettling reminder of the disaster. More than a week after two major wildfires displaced tens of thousands of Los Angeles residents and leveled thousands of homes, evacuees said they felt stuck in a sort of post-disaster purgatory, shuttling among friends’ couches, shelters and hotel rooms, and getting turned away at cordoned-off areas. Those with homes still standing have been desperate to get back to check on pets, retrieve documents and medication, and assess whether their properties are still livable. And people whose houses burned want a sense of closure and a chance to sift through the rubble.

U.S. Reveals Once-Secret Support for Ukraine’s Drone Industry (NYT) The Biden administration declassified one last piece of information about how it has helped Ukraine: an account of its once-secret support for the country’s military drone industry. U.S. officials said on Thursday that they had made big investments that helped Ukraine start and expand its production of drones as it battled Russia’s larger and better-equipped army. Much of the U.S. assistance to the Ukrainian military, including billions of dollars in missiles, air defense systems, tanks, artillery and training, has been announced to the public. But other support has largely gone on in the shadows. That included helping Ukraine develop a new generation of drones and revolutionize how wars are fought, according to U.S. officials. In addition to technical support, the U.S. has spent significant money, including $1.5 billion sent last September, to boost Ukraine’s drone production, officials said. Jake Sullivan, the U.S. national security adviser, said the support had “a real strategic impact” on the war.

Trump vowed to end the war in Ukraine quickly but Moscow and Kyiv are digging in before any talks (AP) President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to broker a peace deal in Ukraine, but as he prepares to take office, peace seems as elusive as ever. Moscow and Kyiv are seeking battlefield gains to strengthen their negotiating positions ahead of any prospective talks to end the 3-year-old war. In the past year, Russian troops have slowly but steadily advancing through Ukrainian defenses, seeking to establish full control of the four regions in the east and south that Moscow illegally annexed early in the war but never completely captured. It’s also launching waves of missiles and drones to try to cripple Ukraine’s energy network and other vital infrastructure. Ukraine, in turn, has tried to secure and extend its incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. Kyiv’s missiles and drones also have struck Russian oil facilities and other key targets important for Moscow’s war machine.

Tropical Thailand takes a break from the heat as it experiences a run of cool weather (AP) Tropical Thailand is experiencing an unusually cool stretch of weather that forecasters say could last until mid-February, leading many residents to dig out their sweaters and cardigans. The past few weeks have been particularly enjoyable for many people in Bangkok, where high temperatures in the summer can rise to 35-40 degrees Celsius. Thursday saw a slight rise in temperatures in the city, but the lows were still measured at 19-21 degrees Celsius. At a park in central Bangkok, many joggers were out early in the morning to enjoy the cooler temperatures and sweat-free exercise.

China’s Population Declines for 3rd Straight Year (NYT) To get its citizens to have more children and stop its population from shrinking, China has tried it all, even declaring having babies an act of patriotism. And yet, for the third year in a row, its population got smaller. Not even a surprise uptick in the number of babies born, a first in seven years, could reverse the course of an aging and declining population. China is staring down a longer term baby bust that is rippling through the economy. Hospitals are shutting their obstetrics units, and companies that sold baby formula are idling factories. Thousands of kindergartens have closed and more than 170,000 preschool teachers lost their jobs in 2023. The country’s birthrate, as one former kindergarten in the southern city of Chongqing put it, “is falling off a cliff.” Enrollments in China’s kindergartens plummeted by more than five million in 2023, according to the most recently available data.

Syrian Christians want their identity and freedoms protected in any new constitution, envoy says (AP) As Syria begins recovering from 50 years of autocratic rule by the Assad family, an international envoy says Christians and other religious groups expect their rights and freedoms to be preserved under a new constitutional settlement. Salina Shambos, a senior Cypriot diplomat and the newly appointed special envoy for religious freedom and protection of minorities in the Middle East, said on Friday that religious leaders in Syria expressed a “strong sense of patriotism” and are now “free to hope” that their country will be more inclusive and a respected member of the international community. Many Syrian Christians, who made up 10% of the population before Syria’s civil war began in 2011, either fled the country or supported ousted president Bashar Assad out of fear of Islamist insurgents. The interim government has urged reconciliation among the country’s different ethnic factions and mutual respect among its religious groups. Three-quarters of Syria’s 23 million citizens are Sunnis, one-tenth are Alawites, and the rest are a mix of Christians, Ismaili Shiites and Druze.

Israeli Government Approves Cease-Fire Deal for Gaza (NYT) The Israeli government approved a cease-fire deal with Hamas early Saturday that calls for the release of dozens of hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners after hours of deliberations, setting up a reprieve in the 15-month, devastating war in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli prime minister’s office, which announced the agreement after the full cabinet voted, said the deal would go into effect on Sunday. The vote on Saturday was the second and final one required to approve the cease-fire and hostage release agreement. Hours earlier on Friday, the security cabinet voted to approve it.

Sudan’s Military Has Used Chemical Weapons Twice, U.S. Officials Say (NYT) Sudan’s military has used chemical weapons on at least two occasions against the paramilitary group it is battling for control of the country, four senior United States officials said on Thursday. The weapons were deployed recently in remote areas of Sudan, and targeted members of the Rapid Support Forces paramilitaries that the army has been fighting since April 2023. But U.S. officials worry the weapons could soon be used in densely populated parts of the capital, Khartoum. The revelations about chemical weapons came as the United States announced sanctions on Thursday against the Sudanese military chief, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, for documented atrocities by his troops, including indiscriminate bombing of civilians and the use of starvation as a weapon of war. The use of chemical weapons crosses yet another boundary in the war between the Sudanese military and the R.S.F., its former ally. By many measures, the conflict in Sudan has created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with as many as 150,000 people killed, over 11 million displaced and now the world’s worst famine in decades.

[head-post]

Crisis in Damascus: IDF continues to destroy Syria’s infrastructure

The Israeli Air Force again carried out a massive bombardment of Syrian territory on Monday. The targets were barracks, research centres and weapons depots in several provinces at once. Local media reported that the strikes were so powerful that they even caused a 3-magnitude earthquake.

In southern Syria, the Israel Defence Force (IDF) continues to push into Syrian territory. On Sunday, the Israelis reached Damascus province, captured Beit Jann farm and entered the town of Khan Arnba.

That night, Israeli F-15s and F-16s carried out several strikes on the outskirts of Damascus, Hama, Homs, as well as ammunition depots in Tartus. The mushroom from the explosion was so large that apparently the hit was on missile weapons.

The new Syrian authorities, led by the head of the HST, Abu Mohammed al-Joulani, have been skirting Israel’s activities, saying only that Syria’s sovereignty must be respected. Obviously, al-Joulani’s initial words that the Syrian authorities would return the Golan Heights were motivated by the victorious mood following the overthrow of Assad. Now, after the IDF air force has literally destroyed Syria’s combat capability, the country’s leadership has stopped mentioning it in the press.

️Now Israeli troops have already occupied 20 Syrian towns and villages. They have also advanced for the first time into the southern Quneitra province, cutting the road between al-Mallaqa and Saida in the Golan Heights.

️Druze from the village of Khader in southern Syria near the Israeli border called on the Jewish state to annex the territories, according to published videos.

Strengthening Golan Heights settlements

️The Israeli government has approved a plan to develop the Golan Heights on the border with Syria. According to the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the plan involves strengthening Golan Heights settlements and doubling the number of local residents.

In the north, US troops are stationed at the Karakozak Bridge to monitor the line of demarcation between pro-Turkish SNA and SDF formations. Meanwhile, Turkish planes and drones continue to bomb Kurdish-controlled population centres. SDF-affiliated forces showed an operation to clear the Tishrin Dam and its surroundings of the SNA terrorists.

️The Turkish Defence Ministry said it has conveyed to the US the goal of eliminating the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in Syria. Bloomberg reports the words of Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler that Ankara is ready to provide the new Syrian government with military support in terms of disarming the Kurdish People’s Defence Units (YPG), which are the main component of the PKK.

Meanwhile, the banned terrorist ISIS, taking advantage of the powerlessness in Syria’s desert areas, continues to increase its activity. Over the past week, the terrorists carried out six attacks in the Syrian desert, resulting in the execution of 52 Syrian soldiers and 18 civilians.

In addition, there was information about the transfer of Russian soldiers in Syria. Representatives of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group claim that Russia, in coordination with the Syrian authorities, transferred at least 400 of its servicemen to Syria , who were stationed at the Hmeimim airbase.

Read more HERE

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Vesta retrogrades back into Gemini

Timeline (current events in bold)

Friday, August 18, 2023, 02:04 UT - transiting Vesta enters pre-retrograde shadow, 21°45’ Gemini

Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 23:22 UT - transiting Vesta enters Cancer

Friday, November 3, 2023, 01:52 UT - transiting Vesta stations retrograde, 7°30’ Cancer

Wednesday, December 20, 2023, 10:08 UT - transiting Vesta retrogrades back into Gemini

Thursday, February 8, 2024, 09:44 UT - transiting Vesta stations direct, 21°45’ Gemini

Sunday, March 31, 2024, 10:56 UT - transiting Vesta re-enters Cancer

Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 03:07 UT - transiting Vesta exits post-retrograde shadow, 7°30’ Cancer

-=-=-+++++-=-=-

Caveat: unless Vesta is prominent in your birth chart (closely in aspect to the Sun, the Moon, &/or an angle), this probably won’t have too much of an impact on you.

Let’s remind ourselves of Vesta’s four main areas:

Personal integration

Devotional/religious activities

Scholastic interests

One’s work or path of service

And we’ve been dealing mainly with issues of integrity and self-respect - as Martin Bulgerin put it, “Situations come up that force you to decide how much integrity really means to you and how much you’d rather ‘slide through life.’”

In Gemini, this is liable to play out as spending too much time inside your own head, and alienation from other people through an overemphasis on intellectualism and rationalization. We may not have completely wanted to completely commit to something, and that lack of 100% focused dedication hurts us - as the great soul artist Wilson Pickett sang, “Ninety nine and a half won’t do.”

Specifics, as seen via aspects:

Thursday, December 21 - Saturday, December 23:

Vesta Rx/Gemini opposite Sun/Sagittarius, 29°38’

Vesta Rx/Gemini opposite Mercury Rx/Sagittarius, 29°04’

This is likely to be a time when we’re made aware (opposition) of how exactly we messed up, late last summer (between August 18 and September 13), when Vesta originally went over this stretch of the Zodiac.

Wednesday, December 27 - Sunday, December 31:

Vesta Rx/Gemini inconjunct Venus/Scorpio, 27°57’

Vesta Rx/Gemini opposite Mars/Sagittarius, 27°04’

More opposition-awareness here, with a sulky inconjunct to sour our mood. Overcompensation.

Monday, January 8:

Vesta Rx/Gemini square Neptune/Pisces, 25°13’

Vesta Rx/Gemini opposite Mercury/Sagittarius, 25°08’

This can be highly visionary, except we lack the skills to articulate it (much less to do anything about it). Mercury is direct now and exits its Storm on this day; it’s another possibility for realizing exactly how and where we messed up.

Saturday, January 13 - Sunday, January 14

Vesta Rx/Gemini sextile Eris/Aries, 24°09’

Vesta Rx/Gemini inconjunct Sun/Capricorn, 24°00’

Alienation, dissociation - lacking in maturity and direction - and we’re pissed off about it. Hopefully we can get over our ego bruises and make plans to do better going forward.

Wednesday, January 17:

Vesta Rx/Gemini inconjunct Pallas Athene/Scorpio, 23°33’

Vesta Rx/Gemini opposite Venus/Sagittarius, 23°26’

Problems and adjustments dealing with creativity or intimacy; this is another place/time where the perils of commitment-phobia show up.

Friday, January 19 - Vesta Rx/Gemini opposite Ceres/Sagittarius, 23°07’. Can manifest as family-vs-job tension, or fertility issues.

Monday, January 29 - Friday, February 2:

Vesta Rx/Gemini (22°04’) semi-square Jupiter/Taurus (7°04’)

Vesta Rx/Gemini inconjunct Mercury/Capricorn, 22°01’

Vesta Rx/Gemini inconjunct Mars/Capricorn, 21°52’

A semi-square and a pair of inconjuncts to finish the retrograde portion of our program. We learn how important it is to have clarity of intention - and to follow through on our commitments.

[ajepicbusrentals]

Unleashing Fun: Your Guide to Luxurious Party Bus Rentals in Dubai

Why Choose a Party Bus?

Comfort and Luxury: Party buses are designed for ultimate comfort, featuring plush seating, ambient lighting, and state-of-the-art sound systems. You and your guests can enjoy the luxury of a nightclub on wheels!

Spaciousness: Unlike traditional vehicles, a party bus provides ample space for dancing, mingling, and socializing. You won’t have to worry about fitting everyone in; a party bus can accommodate a large group comfortably.

Convenience: Renting a party bus means you don’t have to worry about parking, traffic, or designated drivers. The experienced driver will take care of navigation, allowing you to focus on having fun.

Unique Experience: Traveling in a party bus adds an element of excitement to your event. It sets the tone for an unforgettable night filled with laughter and joy.

What to Expect from a Party Bus Rental

When you rent a luxurious party bus in Dubai, you can expect various features and amenities to enhance your experience:

Entertainment Systems: Most party buses come equipped with high-quality audio and visual systems, including flat-screen TVs, LED lighting, and surround sound. Bring your favorite playlists or request a DJ for an extra special touch!

Bar Area: Many party buses include a bar area stocked with ice, glassware, and sometimes even complimentary beverages. Be sure to check with your rental company regarding their policies on alcohol.

Mood Lighting: The interior ambiance can be customized with mood lighting, creating the perfect atmosphere for your celebration.

Dance Floor: Some larger party buses even have a dedicated dance floor, complete with a pole for those who want to show off their moves!

Booking Your Luxurious Party Bus

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, keep these tips in mind when booking your party bus rental:

Plan Ahead: Book your party bus well in advance, especially if you’re planning an event during peak seasons like holidays or weekends. This will ensure you secure the best vehicle for your needs.

Check Reviews: Research different rental companies, read customer reviews, and compare prices. Look for a company known for providing excellent customer service and well-maintained vehicles.

Inspect the Bus: If possible, visit the rental company to inspect the party bus before making a reservation. Ensure it meets your expectations in terms of size, cleanliness, and amenities.

Know the Policies: Familiarize yourself with the rental policies, including cancellation fees, deposit requirements, and any restrictions on alcohol or decorations.

AJ EPIC: Your Party Bus Experts

At AJ EPIC, we specialize in providing luxurious party bus rentals tailored to your needs. Our modern fleet features spacious buses equipped with top-notch amenities, ensuring your celebration is memorable. We prioritize customer satisfaction, helping you plan the perfect event from start to finish.

For inquiries and bookings, Contact us or reach out via WhatsApp at +971 52 889 5684. Let us help you create unforgettable memories with our luxurious party bus rental service in Dubai!

Conclusion

A luxurious party bus rental in Dubai is the perfect way to elevate your celebrations and create lasting memories with friends and loved ones. With comfort, convenience, and entertainment at your fingertips, you’ll be ready to party in style. So gather your crew, book your party bus, and get ready for an adventure like no other!

[jainhospitalkhanna]

In our fast-paced modern world, stress is an almost constant companion. Whether it stems from work pressures, financial concerns, or personal relationships, stress can significantly impact both our mental and physical well-being. One critical area where stress can have a profound effect is on heart health. Understanding the connection between stress and heart health is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

How Stress Affects the Heart

When we encounter stressful situations, our bodies react with a "fight or flight" response. This involves the release of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which equip the body to manage perceived threats by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy supplies. While this response is beneficial in short bursts, chronic stress can keep the body in a prolonged state of high alert, leading to various health issues.

Key Effects of Chronic Stress on the Heart:

Raised Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Persistent stress can cause long-term increases in heart rate and blood pressure. With time, this can impair blood vessels and promote the onset of hypertension.

Inflammation: Chronic stress is linked to increased levels of inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a key player in the development of atherosclerosis, where arteries become clogged with fatty deposits, potentially leading to heart disease.

Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices: Stress often drives people to adopt unhealthy behaviours such as smoking, overeating, and leading a sedentary lifestyle. These behaviours further elevate the risk of heart disease.

Abnormal Blood Clotting: Stress can influence the blood's clotting mechanism, increasing the risk of heart attacks.

The Psychological Dimension: Stress and Mental Health

Stress impacts not only the physical but also the mental aspects of heart health. Conditions such as anxiety and depression are common in individuals experiencing chronic stress, and these mental health issues are also associated with an increased risk of heart disease. For instance, depression can lead to poor lifestyle choices, neglect of medical care, and biological changes that heighten the risk of cardiovascular issues.

Research Evidence: Stress and Heart Disease

Several studies have confirmed the link between stress and heart disease. The INTERHEART study, which analysed data from over 27,000 participants across 52 countries, identified stress as a significant risk factor for heart attacks, comparable to traditional risks like high blood pressure and smoking.

Another study published in "Circulation" reported that individuals experiencing high levels of work-related stress had a 40% higher risk of developing heart disease compared to those with lower stress levels.

Strategies for Managing Stress and Protecting Heart Health

While it's impossible to completely eliminate stress, there are effective strategies to manage it and protect heart health:

Regular Physical Activity: Exercise serves as a potent solution for stress relief. It reduces stress hormones and triggers the release of endorphins, natural mood enhancers. Plan to do 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days throughout the week.

Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins support both heart health and stress management. Reducing the consumption of caffeine, sugar, and alcohol is advantageous.

Relaxation Techniques: Incorporating practices such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation into your routine can help calm the mind and reduce stress levels.

Adequate Sleep: Proper sleep is fundamental for managing stress effectively and maintaining a healthy heart. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night.

Social Connections: Strong social support systems can provide emotional support and help reduce stress. Spend time with family and friends, and consider joining support groups.

Time Management: Prioritising tasks, delegating responsibilities, and setting realistic goals can help manage workloads and reduce stress.

Professional Support: If stress becomes overwhelming, seeking help from a mental health professional can be beneficial. Therapy and counselling can provide effective strategies for coping with stress.

Conclusion

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but its impact on heart health is profound and should not be underestimated. By understanding the relationship between stress and heart disease and adopting effective stress management strategies, we can significantly improve our heart health and overall well-being. Taking proactive steps to manage stress today can lead to a healthier heart and a happier life tomorrow.

At Jain Multispeciality Hospital, we prioritise your heart health and offer complete care to help you manage stress and its effects on your cardiovascular system. Our team of experts is here to support you on your journey to a healthier heart. Schedule a consultation with our specialists today and take the first step towards better stress management and heart health.

[kcenvs3000w24]

Blog 07: Nature Interpretation through Music

Hi everyone, and welcome back to another blog post! This week we are exploring the relationship between nature and music. As an enjoyer of both music and nature, I find this week’s topic to be quite interesting. 

Music has the unique ability to connect people around the world. It’s remarkable to me that every known human culture has their own form of music (Hooykaas, 2024). For example, the Sami Indigenous people of the northern Scandinavian Peninsula are able to sing yoiks, vocal songs of short repeated melodies (Gray et al., 2001). Along with music being present within human civilization, it can be found easily in nature as well. 

The gentle rustle of leaves in the wind, the melodic chirping of birds, and the crashing of waves on an ocean shore. All of these sounds are nature’s music. Some animals such as humpback whales have the ability to be composers, and use rhythmic repetition to communicate. Compared to some of us who live in industrialized cities, those who live in rural areas are fortunate enough to often experience the music of nature (Gray et al., 2001). 

As for where nature can be found in music, I would like to share some classical examples. Beethoven’s Symphony 6, or the Pastoral Symphony intertwines both nature and music. In this symphony, Beethoven drew inspiration from nature, specifically rolling hills of the countryside. One of Beethoven’s most popular works, Moonlight Sonata, transports me to a serene place surrounded by nature. It was composed in 1801 and its original name is Piano Sonata 14. It is said that the nickname Moonlight Sonata was given by the German poet Ludwig Rellstab. He stated that the sonata’s first movement reminded him of a boat floating across Lake Lucerne in Switzerland, under the shining moonlight. The melodic and dreamy feel of the sonata makes it my absolute favorite work by a classical composer. 

This is the imagery I imagine when listening to Moonlight Sonata.

As for more modern music, the use of nature can be found in songs such as “Good Days” by SZA and “Sunsetz” by Cigarettes after Sex. In “Good Days”, SZA incorporates the chirping of birds in the first few seconds. The song has a relaxing vibe, which reminds me of the peace that nature brings. In “Sunsetz” the artist longs for a past lover. Though the song is not necessarily about nature, they associate the beauty of sunlight and sunsets with someone they love. 

Both music and nature have the power to evoke emotion, and influence our mood. As interpreters, we should use elements of both nature and music in order to better engage and interact with our audience. 

References:

Gray, P. M., Krause, B., Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C., & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science, 291(5501), 52–52. https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=AONE&sw=w&issn=00368075&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA69270354&sid=googleScholar&linkaccess=abs

Hooykaas, A. (2024). ENVS*3000 Nature Interpretation Course Notes. Retrieved March 3, 2024, from https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/858004/viewContent/3640021/View

[horizon-series-details]

The track “Shelter from the Storm” is a track that players will become rather used to hearing as they progress through the game, as it’s the main track that plays in The Base. Of course, players can’t get too used to one specific version of the track, as a little more gets added to it upon completion of main chapters. The addition in question changes depending on what chapter is completed, however it’s usually a motif of a track heard during that chapter. The only exception to this would be how after completing Cauldron: GEMINI, the track feels emptier than it did, even at the start. However, due to how many versions of this track there actually are, I’ll just be talking about the default version, or what plays when you’re first able to access The Base.

It starts off gentle, yet still somewhat harsh, especially for a track for a peaceful area. Starting at (0:14), you can start to hear a melody that will be a major part of the background for this track.

At (0:30), a soft guitar kicks in. It’s pretty noticeable compared to everything else in this track, but it helps to set the general mood for everything else. And at (0:32), you can hear the main melody begin to kick in. It’s a lovely part of the track really, the strings (which I believe could be a cello, if not something similar). It blends in rather nicely with everything else going on in the background as well.

At (1:22) we can hear some higher notes being added in as well. They’re incredibly subtle, but that’s good, as in a way, they’re just introducing the player to the general, warm atmosphere that The Base slowly gets over the course of the game. They’re certainly more noticeable by (1:55), and make it easy to notice the strings from the last paragraph slowly fading into the background.

By (2:50) most instruments in the track are being played at a higher octave now. This doesn’t include the strings, which come back in at (3:00) as part of the background.

At (3:54) the track seems to have gone back to how it was closer to the 1 minute mark, but with more elements from the start. It’s interesting but it sounds like it’s almost building on itself from previous parts of the track.

At (4:52) though, it begins to get almost strained, in a sense, and it starts to fade out by (4:57). We hear the last major note at (5:02), which is a surprisingly heavy note, before it fades, with nothing else playing by (5:15)