#now we get to coordinate strikes with the consultants

[bisexualspace]

congrats to junior doctors in the UK once again saying fuck this shit

[mostlysignssomeportents]

In defense of Deliverism

There are many ways to slice up the coalition that is the Democratic Party, but one important axis are the self-styled adults-in-the-room, who declare themselves to be realists, and the party's left wing, who are dismissed as idealists who don't understand politics: neither how to win elections nor how to wield power.

The "realists" are the ones telling us that we can't have nice things. They say that if the Dems promise bold action - protecting abortion, controlling assault weapons, funding infrastructure, raising the minimum wage, providing health care - they will lose elections. When Dems do win elections, they insist that none of these things are possible: the Supreme Court will strike them down, or the GOP will filibuster them, or the business lobby will subvert them.

For these realists, every negotiation is a grand bargain in which all the grownups meet in smoke-filled rooms where they niggle and cajole and flatter their way into tiny, incremental policy changes, "signature achievements" that are so modest that the enemy can't possibly weaponize them as the deeds of radical socialists who will bring the country to ruin.

To do otherwise, the realists say, is to court catastrophe. Wielding power will destroy the "comity" that makes the legislature effective. It will "delegitimize" the institutions whose trustworthiness is key to enacting sound policy. When they go low, we must go high - not out of a sense of decorum, but to preserve the republic itself.

This kind of politics - the "triangulation" politics beloved of the consultant class - took over the Democratic Party in the Bill Clinton years (see also: UK Labour under Tony Blair). But its foremost practitioner - the Triangulation GOAT - was Barack Obama.

Obama's inside/outside game was indeed remarkable. He assembled and steered a massive, grassroots get-out-the-vote campaign that leveraged his skills as a once-in-a-generation orator to inspire huge numbers of historical nonvoters to show up and cast their ballot (recall that nearly every US election is won by "none of the above," so GOTV is a winning strategy, if you can pull it off).

Then, after the election, he switched off that grassroots.

Literally.

At the time, Obama's grassroots was the most successful netroots in history. Talented coders and digital strategists figured out how to leverage the internet to identify, mobilize and coordinate volunteers across the country. And while netroots activists did their work across the whole internet, their home base was a server the Obama campaign controlled. Once Obama won, they switched that server off.

You see, the rabble is useful when you're out there, trying to turn voters out to the polls. But if you plan to spend your term in office playing eleven dimensional chess, you don't want the mob jostling your elbow and shouting in your ear.

If FDR's (possibly apocryphal) motto was "I want to do it, now make me do it"; Obama's was "I want to do it, now go away." Rather than surrounding himself with the great unwashed, Obama created a cabinet of technocrats, grownups from the upper ranks of industry and the consultant class.

Think of Tim Geithner, Obama's Treasury Secretary, who counseled that the banks should be bailed out with no strings attached, not even a requirement that they halt the seizure and liquidation of swathes of Americans' family homes. When Geithner told Obama he had to "foam the runway" for the crashing banks with the roofs over everyday Americans' heads, there were no grassroots organizers foaming at the mouth in outrage. Thus did Obama end the Great Financial Crisis - by creating the Great Foreclosure Crisis:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/03/06/personnel-are-policy/#janice-eberly

But Obama's signature achievement wasn't his economic policy - it was his healthcare policy. The Affordable Care Act was a carefully triangulated compromise, one that guaranteed a massive flow of public cash to America's wildly profitable health insurance monopoly and steered clear of any socialist whiff that Americans would get their care from the government.

The ACA was an technocrat's iron-clad dream policy. It would work! After all, it "aligned the incentives" of healthcare investors and "harnessed markets" to drive efficiency. No one could accuse this policy - which was copypasted from former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney's RomneyCare - of being "socialist." It was invented by a Bain Capital consultant!

Sure, the left would carp about Medicare For All and whine about the unjust enrichment of insurance barons. And sure, the right would try to convince "low information voter" lumpenproles that the individual mandate was an imposition on their Freedumb (TM), but in the end, more of us would get covered, prices would come down, and America would flourish.

That's not how it worked out. Prior to ACA's passage, 85% of Americans had health insurance. Today, it's 90%. That's not nothing! 5% of the US is more than 16m people. But what about the 85% - 282m people - who were insured before the ACA? Their insurance costs have doubled - from an average of $15,609 for a family of four in 2009 to $30,260 today. Obama promised that ACA would lower the average family's insurance bill by $2,500/year - but instead, insurance costs increased by some $15,000.

ACA wasn't just about cost, though: it was supposed to end discrimination, by forcing insurers to take on customers without regard to their "pre-existing conditions." On this score, too, Obamacare has failed: thanks to the ACA's tolerance for high-deductible plans, the number of Americans enrolled in plans that force them to pay for their chronic care out of pocket has skyrocketed from 7% to 32%. Yes, your insurer can't discriminate against you for having diabetes, but they can make you pay an extra $2,000 in deductibles every year before covering any of your diabetes care.

Now, maybe business-as-usual would have been even worse. Perhaps not passing the ACA would have left Americans poorer and sicker. But we're not comparing ACA with doing nothing - we're comparing ACA with more muscular, direct programs, like M4A. What if Obama had enlisted his grassroots, summoning up a left-wing answer to the Tea Party that turned the GOP into the party of no (including no compromises)? What if he'd jettisoned comity, appointed new judges, sent every executive order the Supreme Court rejected back to the court to be struck down again?

What if he'd governed like Lincoln, or FDR:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/09/20/judicial-equilibria/#pack-the-court

There's a name for this kind of politics: it's called deliverism:

https://prospect.org/politics/case-for-deliverism/

Deliverism is the idea that if you promise things to the voters, they will vote for you. It's the idea that if you deliver things to the electorate, that they will re-elect you.

Deliverism is a subject of hot debate in the Democratic Party, because Biden is an empty vessel that gets filled by different party factions, which means that his policy is incoherent, but includes some of the muscular, get-stuff-done politics of the Dems' Warren-Sanders wing, but that agenda is often undermined by the "responsible grownup" do-nothing Schumer wing.

The responsible grownups say that deliverism is dead, because voters mostly respond to hot-button cultural issues, while material improvements in their lives barely move the needle:

https://democracyjournal.org/arguments/the-death-of-deliverism/

In support of this proposition, deliverism's critics point to Obamacare, lauding it as a policy that made Americans better off, but still failed to win enough support for the Dems to defeat Trump at the end of Obama's second term.

In their rebuttal in The American Prospect, David Dayen and Matt Stoller point out that for most Americans, Obamacare didn't produce any improvement to their health care. The ACA made their care far more expensive, and the ensuing concentration across the sector (mergers between insurers, and between insurers and pharmacy benefit managers and pharmacies) made their care worse, too:

https://prospect.org/politics/2023-06-27-moving-past-neoliberalism-policy-project/

The rise in health care costs is no mystery: monopolies have taken over healthcare. In particular, healthcare is now the domain of private equity rollups, where a fund buys and merges dozens or hundreds of small businesses:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/01/18/wages-for-housework/#low-wage-workers-vs-poor-consumers

Every layer of the healthcare stack is has grown steadily more concentrated since the Obama years: "Hospitals, doctor’s practices, health insurance, pharmaceuticals, ambulances, nursing homes, rehab facilities." As Stoller and Dayen put it:

> Every part of our health care world is increasingly controlled by greedy bankers who kill people for money.

The same corporate concentration has eroded wages, meaning that workers are paying for higher healthcare cost out of smaller paychecks.

Stoller and Dayen argue that the polls show that politicians who make material improvement to voters' lives do win popularity. Take the Child Tax Credit, which lifted more American children out of poverty than any initiative in history. The majority of voters who received the credit favored the Democrats. After Joe Manchin killed the credit, that support flipped, and that cohort now supports the GOP by a 15% margin.

Sure, Biden couldn't order Manchin to support the Child Tax Credit. But he could have gone to WV and campaigned for it with Manchin's base. He could have loaded the bill with pork for WV that was linked to the credit, and dared Manchin to vote against it. He could have "fought dirty" (which is what the grownups call "fighting to win").

The grownups say that if Biden had done that, he might have alienated Manchin and lost future votes, or caused Manchin to run as a Republican in his next election - but that presumes that Manchin won't switch sides anyway, and it presumes that failing to deliver the Child Tax Credit wouldn't also jeopardize the Dems' legislative majority.

The grownups in the Democratic party say we can't win by campaigning on economic issues like monopoly, nor on pocketbook issues like M4A. But when Biden slashed the cost of insulin, his approval numbers shot up.

The grownups' claim that they should steer Democratic electoral strategy is grounded in the idea that they can win elections, and without electoral victories, the Dems can't do anything. The grownups' claim that they should steer Democratic governing strategy is that they can win policy victories, and that these will get the Dems re-elected.

But neither of these claims hold water. Far from being pie-in-the-sky idealists with no theory of change, the party's left is incredibly good at getting stuff done. Take the antitrust enforcers Lina Khan and Jonathan Kanter, as well as the recently departed Tim Wu. They aren't mere idealists - they're brilliant tacticians and proceduralists who have figured out how to use their existing authority to do more than decades of their predecessors combined:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/10/18/administrative-competence/#i-know-stuff

By contrast, the grownups in the party - people like Pete Buttigieg - have notably, repeatedly failed to master the procedural technicalities needed to exercise comparable authority. You can't be a technocrat unless you understand the techniques:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/01/10/the-courage-to-govern/#whos-in-charge

As for electoral strategy, the consultant class puts all its focus into eking out these incredibly marginal wins - the name of the game is to guarantee a 50.1% win and then move on to the next fight, which ensures that governing will be impossible. Meanwhile, union organizers like Jane McAlevey seek out 97% majorities for strike votes, in the teeth of voter suppression, gerrymandering, dark money and disinformation campaigns that are far worse than anything we see in a general election. And yet it's the party's labor wing that is smeared as unserious about electoral victories:

https://doctorow.medium.com/a-collective-bargain-a48925f944fe

It's true that the right has been scoring electoral wins with appeals to ideology and identity rather than by promising concrete, material improvements for their supporters' lives. You can win elections that way - but only by demonizing half the country as the enemy and then promising to make their lives miserable.

That doesn't invalidate deliverism as a strategy for winning elections. People may not have the time or interest to follow politics in detail. They may not understand how the ACA's internal technical workings are structured. The ACA has a lot of deficits - for example, it doesn't allow people to discover which insurance companies deny the most claims:

https://www.propublica.org/article/how-often-do-health-insurers-deny-patients-claims

But even if that data were out there, there's only so much attention people can or want to pay to their insurance policies. People want health care that works: that takes care of their illnesses and injuries, without bankrupting them. Something like the VA (at its best). Or Medicare (at its best).

Improving peoples' lives isn't merely good governance - it's also good politics. Playing hardball is hard and can be unpleasant, sure, but most of the risk from taking big swings while in office is that the voters won't stand with you and give you the political capital to score big wins.

"I want to do it, now go away" guarantees that there will be no polity at your side, giving you political capital. The politics of grand bargains only produces unimpressive, incremental change.

For all the failings of the GOP's radical wing (and there are many such failings), there is this one virtue: they get stuff done. The GOP has taken massive swings - seizing the courts, dismantling the administrative states, stacking elections, and siphoning off trillions for its donors:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/06/16/that-boy-aint-right/#dinos-rinos-and-dunnos

The Democrats don't need to copy the GOP's abandonment of material policy for ideological hardlines. Indeed, it shouldn't: when they go low (culture war bullshit), we go high (delivering real benefit to voters). But the Democrats' left wing could sure stand to learn a trick or two from the GOP's right - namely, how to turn "I want to do it, now go away" into "I want to do it, now make me do it."

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this thread to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/10/thanks-obama/#triangulation

The Clarion Science Fiction Writers’ Workshop (I’m a grad, instructor and board member) is having its fundraiser auction to help defray tuition. I’ve donated a “Tuckerization” — the right to name a character in a future novel:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/clarion-sf-fantasy-writers-workshop-23-campaign/#/

[Image ID: An old fashioned tickertape parade. In an open-top convertible, surrounded by security, is a kicking Democratic Party donkey colored red, white and blue.]

[politicalblade]

What the hell did they think was going to happen?

Israel was mere moments away from an airstrike on April 1 that killed several senior Iranian commanders at Iran’s embassy complex in Syria when it told the United States what was about to happen. Israel’s closest ally had just been caught off guard.

Aides quickly alerted Jake Sullivan, President Biden’s national security adviser; Jon Finer, the deputy national security adviser; Brett McGurk, Mr. Biden’s Middle East coordinator; and others, who saw that the strike could have serious consequences, a U.S. official said. Publicly, U.S. officials voiced support for Israel, but privately, they expressed anger that it would take such aggressive action against Iran without consulting Washington. The Israelis had badly miscalculated, thinking that Iran would not react strongly, according to multiple American officials who were involved in high-level discussions after the attack, a view shared by a senior Israeli official. On Saturday, Iran launched a retaliatory barrage of more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel, an unexpectedly large-scale response, if one that did minimal damage. The events made clear that the unwritten rules of engagement in the long-simmering conflict between Israel and Iran have changed drastically in recent months, making it harder than ever for each side to gauge the other’s intentions and reactions. Since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, an Iranian ally, and Israel’s subsequent bombardment of the Gaza Strip, there has been escalation after escalation and miscalculation after miscalculation, raising fears of a retribution cycle that could potentially become an all-out war. Even after it became clear that Iran would retaliate, U.S. and Israeli officials initially thought the scale of the response would be fairly limited, before scrambling to revise their assessment again and again. Now the focus is on what Israel will do next — and how Iran might respond. “We are in a situation where basically everybody can claim victory,” said Ali Vaez, the Iran director of the International Crisis Group. “Iran can say that it took revenge, Israel can say it defeated the Iranian attack and the United States can say it successfully deterred Iran and defended Israel.” But Mr. Vaez said: “If we get into another round of tit for tat, it can easily spiral out of control, not just for Iran and Israel, but for the rest of the region and the entire world.”

This account of these tense weeks is gleaned from interviews with U.S. officials, as well as officials from Israel, Iran and other Middle Eastern states. All of them spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters they were not authorized to reveal publicly. Planning for the Israeli strike in Syria started two months earlier, two Israeli officials said. The target was Mohammad Reza Zahedi, the commander for Syria and Lebanon of Iran’s elite Quds Force, a branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. About a week beforehand, on March 22, the Israeli war cabinet approved the operation, according to internal Israeli defense records that summarized preparations for the strike and were viewed by The New York Times. The Israeli military did not comment on the internal assessment. Those records also outlined the range of responses from Iran that the Israeli government expected, among them small-scale attacks by proxies and a small-scale attack from Iran. None of the assessments predicted the ferocity of the Iranian response that actually occurred. From the day of the strike, Iran vowed retaliation, both publicly and through diplomatic channels. But it also sent messages privately that it did not want outright war with Israel — and even less so with the United States — and it waited 12 days to attack.

American officials found themselves in an odd and uncomfortable position: They had been kept in the dark about an important action by a close ally, Israel, even as Iran, a longtime adversary, telegraphed its intentions well in advance. The United States and its allies have spent weeks engaged in intensive diplomacy, trying to tamp down first the expected Iranian counterattack, and now the temptation for Israel to reply in kind.

When it came this past Saturday night, Iran’s show of force was significant, but Israel, the United States and other allies intercepted nearly all of the missiles and drones. The few that reached their targets had little effect. Iranian officials say the attack was designed to inflict limited damage.  U.S. officials have been telling Israeli leaders to see their successful defense as a victory, suggesting that little or no further reply is needed. But despite international calls for de-escalation, Israeli officials argue that Iran’s attack requires yet another response, which Iran says it would answer with still more force, making the situation more volatile. “The question now is how does Israel respond in a way to prevent Iran from rewriting the rules of the game without provoking a new cycle of state-on-state violence,” said Dana Stroul, a former top Middle East policy official at the Pentagon who is now at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. In fact, Israeli leaders came close to ordering widespread strikes in Iran on the night Iran attacked, according to Israeli officials. Israeli officials say the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, which caught them by surprise, changed the ground rules of regional conflict. To its enemies, it was Israel’s bombing and invasion of Gaza that did that, and it led to increased rocket fire by Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy in Lebanon. That in turn drew heavy fire from Israel.  The Israeli airstrike in Damascus killed seven Iranian officers, three of them generals, including Mr. Zahedi. In the past, Israel had repeatedly killed Iranian fighters, commanders and nuclear scientists, but no single strike had wiped out so much of Iran’s military leadership.

By March, the relationship between the Biden administration and Israel had grown increasingly fraught, as Washington criticized the Israeli assault in Gaza as needlessly deadly and destructive — “over the top,” as President Biden put it. Then came the Israeli strike in Damascus. Not only did the Israelis wait until the last minute to give word of it to the United States, but when they did so, it was a relatively low-level notification, U.S. officials said. Nor was there any indication how sensitive the target would be. The Israelis later acknowledged that they had badly misjudged the consequences of the strike, U.S. officials and an Israeli official said.

Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III complained directly to Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, in a call on April 3, U.S. officials said, confirming an earlier report by The Washington Post. Mr. Austin said that the attack put U.S. forces in the region at risk, and that the lack of warning had left no time to ratchet up their defenses. Mr. Gallant had no immediate comment. The vulnerability of thousands of U.S. troops deployed in the Middle East became all too clear earlier in the Israel-Hamas war, when Iranian-backed militias fired on them repeatedly, killing threeand injuring more than 100. Those attacks stopped in early February only after retaliation by the United States and ominous warnings to Iran. The night of the Damascus strike, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Swiss ambassador in Tehran to convey Iran’s outrage to Washington, along with the message that it viewed the United States, Israel’s primary backer, as accountable for the attack. Using Oman, Turkey and Switzerland as intermediaries — Iran and the United States do not have formal diplomatic relations — the United States made clear to Iran that it had not been involved and that it did not want war.

The Iranian government went on an unusually open and broad diplomatic campaign, spreading the word that it saw the attack as a violation of its sovereignty that required retaliation. The government publicized that it was exchanging messages with the United States and that Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian was speaking with representatives of countries in the region, high-level European officials and leaders of the United Nations. On April 7, Mr. Abdollahian met in Muscat, Oman, with his Omani counterpart, Badr Albusaidi. Oman is one of the main intermediaries between Tehran and the West. The Iranian message at that meeting, according to a diplomat briefed on it, was that Iran had to strike back but that it would keep its attack contained, and that it was not seeking a regional war.

Before and after that meeting there was a whirlwind of phone calls between Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken; Mr. Biden; Mr. Austin; Mr. Sullivan; their counterparts in Israel, China, India and Iraq; NATO allies; and others, officials said.  The Biden administration did not think it could dissuade Iran from attacking at all, a U.S. official said, but hoped to limit the scale. Mr. Blinken talked to senior Israeli cabinet members, assuring them that the United States would help defend against an Iranian attack, and urging them not to mount a rash counterstrike without weighing all considerations. American and Israeli intelligence agencies worked closely together, with help from Jordan and other Middle Eastern countries, to learn what they could about Iran’s intentions. Intermediaries and allies told the United States and Israel that Iran planned to hit military sites and not civilian targets, U.S. and Israeli officials said. Iran’s message was that it would temper its attack so as not to elicit an Israeli counterstrike, Israeli and Iranian officials said. But in reality, the Israelis said, Iran was expanding its attack plans, and wanted at least some of its weapons to penetrate Israel’s defenses.

Initially, Israel’s military and intelligence services expected Iran to launch no more than 10 surface-to-surface missiles at Israel, an attack they code-named “Late Foliage.” By the middle of last week, they realized Iran had something much bigger in mind, and the Israelis increased their estimate to 60 to 70 surface-to-surface missiles. Even that turned out to be too low. On Wednesday, Mr. Biden publicly reinforced what he and his aides had repeatedly said: Despite friction with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the American commitment to defending Israel from attacks was “ironclad.” Still, the Biden administration also redoubled its diplomatic efforts to head off a confrontation, and Iranian officials said their government fielded calls last week urging restraint from countries across Asia, Europe and Africa — an effort they described as frantic. 

Turkey, relaying an Iranian message, told the United States that Iran’s attack would be proportionate to the Damascus strike, according to a Turkish diplomatic source. Mr. Abdollahian, Iran’s foreign minister, told state television the day after the Iranian barrage that Iran had given its neighbors 72 hours’ notice of the attack, though the specifics of that warning are unclear. Israeli officials say that, thanks in part to international cooperation, they had a good idea in advance of Iran’s targets and weapons. The Israel Defense Forces evacuated families from some air bases and moved aircraft out of harm’s way. The U.S. military coordinated aerial defense efforts with Israeli, British and French forces as well as — crucially — those of Jordan, which lies between Iran and Israel. The United States and Israel had been working quietly for years with friendly Arab countries to develop a regional air defense system with shared detection and alerts. The effort picked up steam after several drone attacksagainst Saudi Arabian oil facilities in 2019. 

News of the first wave of the Iranian attack on Saturday, consisting of 185 relatively slow drones, spread worldwide hours before any of them reached Israel. The three dozen cruise missiles Iran launched later were much faster, but the biggest challenge was Iran’s ballistic missiles, which traveled several times as fast as the speed of sound. Iran fired 110 of them, posing the first major test of Israel’s anti-ballistic missile defense system. American, British, French, Israeli and Jordanian warplanes and air defense systems shot down most of the drones and missiles before they reached Israel. Only 75 entered Israeli airspace, where most of those were shot down, too, Israeli officials said. The attack did only minor damage to one air base, and only one serious injury was reported. Throughout the strike, Iran’s Foreign Ministry and the Revolutionary Guards kept open a hotline to Oman’s government, to pass messages back and forth with the United States, Iranian officials said.

At 3 a.m., the Swiss ambassador in Tehran was summoned again — not to the Foreign Ministry, the usual practice, but to a Revolutionary Guards base, according to an Iranian and a U.S. official. She was asked to convey a message that the United States should stay out of the fight, and that if Israel retaliated, Iran would strike again, harder and without warning. Iran cast its barrage against Israel as a measured, justified act that should not lead to escalation. “We carried out a limited operation, at the same level and proportion to the evil actions of the Zionist regime,” Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami, commander in chief of the Revolutionary Guards, said on state television. “These operations could have been a lot larger.” Mr. Biden told Mr. Netanyahu in a call that Israel’s successful defense had demonstrated its technical superiority, according to John F. Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council. “The president urged the prime minister to think about what that success says all by itself to the rest of the region,” Mr. Kirby said on Monday.

But in interviews, Israeli officials described the attack in far more dire terms, in part because of its sheer scale. They emphasized that this was a sovereign nation, from its own soil, attacking Israel directly, and not through proxies abroad.  Israel’s war cabinet had ordered the military to draw up plans for a wide-ranging set of strikes against targets in Iran in the event of a large-scale Iranian attack. After news came of the Iranian launches on Saturday, some leaders argued behind closed doors that Israel should retaliate immediately. Waiting, they said, would allow international pressure for Israeli restraint to build, and could let Iran think that it had set new ground rules for the conflict, which Israel considered unacceptable. Among the leaders making that argument, according to three Israeli officials, were Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, former military chiefs of staff who were in the Parliamentary opposition to Mr. Netanyahu’s right-wing government and are usually considered less hawkish, but who joined the war cabinet last fall. The Israeli Air Force was ready to carry out the order, but it never came. On Saturday night, after Mr. Netanyahu spoke with Mr. Biden, and because the damage was limited, the war cabinet postponed a decision, and more postponements followed.

The world is still waiting to see what Israel will do.

I don't know what Israel was expecting.

They bombed an Iranian Consulate nearby an Iranian Embassy. That's a no-go by international law. It's like they were expecting to get away with this sort of thing.

Israel fucked around, and now they're crying victim now that they're finding out.

[nel-world]

hi

SCENE 1

Anita, dressed in rehearsal clothes, stands at the center of the stage. Nick is nearby, holding a script. They are deep in character, running through a scene.

ANITA (energetically) I just can’t believe you’d make that decision without consulting me first!

NICK (passionately) Because sometimes you have to make tough choices on your own. It’s not always about agreement; it’s about moving forward.

ANITA (frustrated) And what if moving forward means losing everything we’ve worked for?

They finish the scene, both panting and slightly out of breath.

ANITA (sighs) We’ve got to nail this. It’s our big moment.

NICK (nods) We will. Let’s run it again. This time, try to be a bit more… raw.

ANITA (smirks) Raw, huh? Alright, let’s do it.

They reset and start the scene again, with renewed intensity.

INT. STUDIO SPACE - EVENING

The studio is quieter now. The lights are dim, and the mood is more relaxed. Anita and Nick are reviewing their performance from earlier.

SCENE 2

ANITA (looking at the script) I think we need to add more emotion here. It’s like the stakes aren’t high enough.

NICK (rubs his chin thoughtfully) Yeah, I see what you mean. Maybe we should adjust the blocking too. What if we change how we enter the scene?

ANITA (nodding) That could work. Let’s experiment with it tomorrow. For now, let’s take a break.

They sit down on the floor, tired but satisfied. Anita looks at Nick with a smile.

ANITA You know, this is actually starting to feel like something special.

NICK (grinning) Definitely. I can’t wait to see where this goes.

The studio is set up for a musical rehearsal. The stage is decorated with simple props, and a grand piano is at one end. The cast and crew are ready for a musical number.

SCENE 1

Anita and Nick are at the center of the stage. The pianist starts playing a lively, upbeat tune. The ensemble, dressed in bright, coordinated costumes, is positioned around the stage.

ANITA (singing) When the world is spinning round and round,

The ensemble begins with a synchronized dance routine, their movements reflecting the song's energy.

And you're lost in the chaos that you’ve found,

NICK (singing) Hold on tight, don’t let go,

Nick and Anita join in, dancing with the ensemble. The choreography features energetic leaps and spins, capturing the spirit of determination.

You’re stronger than you know.

ANITA AND NICK (singing together) When the road is rough and the skies are gray,

The final dance includes a series of coordinated moves, with the dancers celebrating the theme of overcoming obstacles.

We’ll keep moving forward, come what may,

In this journey, side by side,

The music reaches its peak, and the dancers strike a triumphant pose.

We’ll conquer all, with love as our guide.

ANITA (breathless, smiling) That was amazing. The dance really brought the number to life.

NICK (nodding) Absolutely. It added so much energy and excitement to the whole piece.

// INT. STUDIO SPACE - DAY

The studio is set up for a meeting. Anita and Nick are discussing their progress. Anita is pacing nervously while Nick is seated, reviewing a draft of the script.

ANITA (anxiously) I can’t believe the script is due in two days. It feels like there’s so much left to do.

NICK (looking up from the draft) We’ve made a lot of progress, Anita. It’s going to be okay.

ANITA (frustrated) I know, but it’s just… there are so many details to finalize. I need to make sure it’s perfect before we send it off.

NICK (encouragingly) Let’s break it down. What are the major things left to do?

ANITA (pulling out a checklist) I need to finalize the dialogue, tweak some of the scenes, and make sure the transitions are smooth. And then there’s the formatting.

NICK (nodding) Okay, how about we divide the tasks? I can help with reviewing the dialogue and transitions, and you can focus on the formatting.

ANITA (relieved) That sounds good. I just want to make sure everything is polished and ready.

NICK (smiling) We’ll get it done. We’re a team, remember?

ANITA (smiling back) Right. Thanks, Nick.

//

INT. STUDIO SPACE - EVENING

The studio is now dimly lit, with a more relaxed atmosphere. The piano is surrounded by music sheets, and Anita and Nick are deep in their creative process.

SCENE 2

ANITA (frustrated) I can’t get this verse to flow right. It just feels off.

NICK (encouragingly) Let’s take a step back. What’s the emotion you’re trying to convey here?

ANITA (thinking) I want it to be about hope and determination, but it’s not translating well in the lyrics.

NICK (thinking aloud) How about we focus on a metaphor? Maybe something that conveys rising above challenges?

Anita nods, inspired. She starts jotting down new lyrics as Nick plays a supportive chord progression on the piano.

ANITA (excitedly) What if we use the metaphor of climbing a mountain? Like, “We’re reaching for the peak, no matter how steep”?

NICK (smiling) I love it. That’s perfect. Let’s integrate that into the verse.

They continue to work on the song, incorporating the new lyrics and refining the melody. The scene shows their creative process, including moments of trial and error, and eventual breakthrough.

INT. STUDIO SPACE - NIGHT

The studio is quiet except for the sound of the piano. Anita and Nick are recording a demo of the song. They’re both focused and excited as they hear the song coming together.

SCENE 3

NICK (into the mic) Alright, let’s run through the chorus one more time.

Anita and Nick sing the chorus together, their voices blending harmoniously. They listen to the playback, smiling at the result.

ANITA (satisfied) That sounds amazing. The bridge really adds the energy we were looking for.

NICK (nodding) Definitely. It feels like the song has come to life.

ANITA (grinning) I can’t wait to hear it with the full band. This is going to be incredible.

They high-five each other, sharing a moment of triumph. The scene ends with them listening to the final demo, proud of their work.

INT. STUDIO SPACE - DAY

The studio is set up for a final rehearsal. The song is now fully arranged with the band. Anita and Nick are preparing for a presentation.

SCENE 4

ANITA (to the band) Okay, everyone, let’s go through the song one last time before the big presentation.

The band begins playing, and Anita and Nick sing the song with enthusiasm. The energy in the room is palpable.

NICK (after the rehearsal) That was fantastic. We’ve really nailed it.

ANITA (smiling) I’m so glad we could bring it all together. Thanks for your help.

NICK (grinning) Couldn’t have done it without you. Here’s to a great presentation.

They share a toast with the band, celebrating their hard work and creativity.

////

[gingerlillywomensleepwear]

Lounging in Luxury: Stylish Women's Picks Online

In today's fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquillity is essential, and what better way to indulge yourself than to buy women's loungewear online? Say goodbye to outdated sweatpants and faded tees - we're diving into a realm of plush fabrics, chic designs, and unparalleled comfort. 

Let's embark on a journey through the latest trends in Loungewear Sets For Womens that will have you both looking fabulous and feeling rejuvenated.

Embracing Cozy Couture

When it comes to loungewear, comfort reigns supreme. The beauty of loungewear lies in its ability to provide coziness without sacrificing style. This season's collections offer a myriad of options that are perfect for relaxing at home, running errands, or enjoying a leisurely brunch with friends. Get ready to buy women's loungewear and experience the epitome of relaxation in style:

Luxurious, buttery-soft fabrics that hug you like a gentle embrace.

Effortlessly chic sets that transition seamlessly from day to night.

Playful patterns and soothing hues that cater to your personal aesthetic.

Elevating Your Loungewear Game

Gone are the days when loungewear equated to baggy and uninspiring attire. Modern loungewear is all about striking a balance between laid-back and polished. Here are some captivating picks that can help you easily buy women's loungewear online:

1. The Effortless Jumpsuit

Step into the realm of one-and-done elegance with a stylish jumpsuit. Whether adorned with intricate details or kept minimalistic, jumpsuits offer an instant put-together look while maintaining the utmost comfort.

2. Coordinated Lounge Sets

Matching sets have taken the fashion world by storm, and loungewear is no exception. From snug joggers paired with cozy hoodies to flowy tops matched with tapered bottoms, coordinated sets make lounging a fashion-forward affair.

3. Robes Reimagined

Experience a touch of luxury by slipping into a plush robe that feels like a warm embrace. Choose from a variety of lengths and textures to find your perfect lounging companion.

Navigating Online Loungewear Shopping

The virtual realm has revolutionised the way we shop, and buying women's loungewear online is now a breeze. Here are some handy tips to make your online shopping experience seamless and satisfying:

Size Matters: Be sure to consult the sizing chart provided by the retailer to ensure a perfect fit.

Material Magic: Check product descriptions for fabric details to guarantee maximum comfort.

Reviews Are Your Friends: Read customer reviews for insights into fit, quality, and overall satisfaction.

Mix and Match: Experiment with different pieces to create your unique loungewear ensemble.

Return Policy Awareness: Familiarize yourself with the return policy before making a purchase, just in case.

Embrace Comfort, Embrace You

In a world that's always on the move, taking a moment to embrace comfort is a true act of self-care. Buying women's loungewear online grants you the opportunity to curate a collection that mirrors your personality while also ensuring that you feel pampered every day. 

With a plethora of options available, you can now easily buy women's loungewear online and embrace the perfect blend of relaxation and elegance. Remember, you deserve to look and feel your best, even when you're unwinding in the comfort of your own space. Happy lounging, dear readers!

Source By - https://tinyurl.com/3ynny8c2 

[nursingucgconference]

Child Health Advanced Nursing Practices during Pandemic. Learn it at 12NHPSUCG.

During a pandemic, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, child health advanced nursing practices play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and safety of children. Here are some key areas where advanced nursing practices are important during a pandemic:

Triage and Assessment: Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are trained to conduct comprehensive assessments and triage children based on their symptoms, severity, and risk factors. They help identify children who may require immediate medical attention or testing for COVID-19.

Telehealth and Remote Care: APNs can utilize telehealth technologies to provide virtual care and consultations for children and their families. This includes assessing symptoms, providing guidance on managing common illnesses at home, and monitoring the child's progress through virtual visits.

Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: Advanced practice nurses play a vital role in educating families about infection prevention strategies, such as hand hygiene, mask usage, and social distancing measures. They also provide guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, immunization schedules, and nutrition during a pandemic.

Management of Chronic Conditions: Children with chronic health conditions may face additional challenges during a pandemic. Advanced practice nurses can provide specialized care, monitor their conditions remotely, adjust medications, and coordinate with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal management and prevent complications.

Mental Health Support: The pandemic has had a significant impact on children's mental health. APNs can assess and address mental health concerns, provide counselling, and offer appropriate referrals to mental health professionals if needed. They also support families in managing stress, anxiety, and other emotional difficulties.

Collaboration and Advocacy: Advanced practice nurses collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, social workers, and educators, to develop comprehensive care plans for children. They also advocate for children's health needs, such as access to healthcare services, education, and resources, during a pandemic.

Research and Evidence-Based Practice: APNs actively engage in research to contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines and practices related to child health during a pandemic. They stay updated with the latest research findings and integrate them into their clinical decision-making processes.

It's important to note that the specific role and scope of advanced practice nurses may vary depending on the country, state, or institution. However, their expertise in child health, advanced assessment skills, and ability to provide holistic care make them valuable assets in managing the healthcare needs of children during a pandemic.

Accessible learning from top companies and universities and Get CME/CPD Certifications, career-aligned training programs taught by expert instructors from top healthcare leaders. Register for the 12th International Nursing, Healthcare, and Patient Safety Conference which is going to be held on July 25-27, 2023 in Dubai, UAE. WhatsApp: https://wa.me/442033222718 Register here: https://nursing-healthcare.universeconferences.com/registration/ Visit: https://nursing-healthcare.universeconferences.com/

The Public Health Nurse's Role in a Pandemic

To assist stop the spread of COVID-19, these nurse leaders are actively involved on numerous levels.

Immediately following World War II, President Harry S. Truman referred to public health nurses as "one of the most important groups of health workers in the country."1 The job of these public health professionals is more important than ever right now as we fight a different type of war, one against the coronavirus disease.

"Public health nurses are at the forefront of the global epidemic of COVID-19, which is a public health emergency. They participate in mobile strike teams that look into case contacts, provide information on self-isolation and quarantine through hotlines and house visits, and interpret the CDC's (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) quickly evolving recommendations. In "A Call to Action for Public Health Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic," published in the journal Public Health Nursing, Joyce Edmonds, Shawn Kneipp, and Lisa Campbell write that public health nurses are dependable and experienced responders during infectious disease emergencies, offering safe, effective, and non-discriminatory care to the communities in which they serve.

METHOD Sample and Environment

A convenience sample was used in a descriptive survey design. Through their electronic mailing list for members, the National Association of Paediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) members received the survey electronically. The NAPNAP stated having more than 8,200 members as of the time of writing. All members are automatically added to the NAPNAP member electronic mailing list database unless they specifically choose not to receive emails from the group. Board certified nurse practitioners who devote at least 50% of their clinical time to caring for children were eligible for inclusion. Non-nurse practitioners, healthcare professionals not engaged in clinical practise, and those who devote less than 50% of their clinical time to children were all excluded from the study. Unknown was the total number of eligible participants.

Abstraction of data

After getting a preliminary understanding of the literature during a separate phase of the project (survey development), subheadings were selected for data extraction based on (1) topics and issues that were prominent in the literature, (2) the content we thought to be most appropriate for meaningfully answering our research questions, and (3) feedback from our steering committee. The pertinent information from each article was extracted onto an Excel spreadsheet after the final list of 38 includable articles was determined. A sub-sample of 20 articles was used to pilot the data extraction form to make sure it was simple to use, consistent in its interpretation, and captured all pertinent data.

The two data extractors (GC and DS) created the data extraction categories through an initial iterative procedure; the headings are listed in Table 1. One of two reviewers (GC or DS) extracted the data from each manuscript, while the other extractor independently checked the data for accuracy and quality. Practical decisions, doubts, or conflicts were settled by discussion, first between the independent reviewers and then, if necessary, with the entire project team.

Synthesis

The structure for our synthesis was established by the headings on our data extraction sheet. The retrieved data was individually grouped by two team members (GC and DS) to create the initial themes under each area (such as CYP, parents, etc.). Before agreement was established on the final themes, preliminary groupings were thoroughly discussed (if necessary, also with the larger team) and assessed by a second independent reviewer (SB).

Both Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits are granted for the 12th International Nursing, Healthcare, and Patient Safety Conference. Attend the seminar right away to receive these certifications for the lowest price. On July 25–27, 2023, join us in Dubai, UAE. You can network with colleagues from academia, the healthcare industry, and other stakeholders while also obtaining your CME/CPD certificates.

Email us at nursing@universeconferences.net WhatsApp: https://wa.me/442033222718 Register here: https://nursing-healthcare.universeconferences.com/registration/ Submit your poster/abstract/papers/research work/case studies/past report: https://nursing-healthcare.universeconferences.com/submit-abstract/

[mastermover345]

Why Tesla Stock Is Moving Up Today Tesla Nasdaq:tsla

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[arc-misadventures]

Unconventional War Strategies

Ironwood: I don’t see how this is going to stop… all of this?! I mean, even if this does work, by some sort of miracle! The Grimm are still out there, killing us!

Jaune: Aye, true. Counter point, we would be cutting the head of the viper!

Ironwood: Meaning?

Jaune: Meaning: Instead of dealing with a viper making coordinated surgical strikes at what remains of your casterated pair of testicles. We’d be dealing with the remnants of a rotting corpse thrashing about randomly, trapped within the throes of death!

Ironwood: First off, rude. Secondly, how can you be so sure that this will work?

Jaune: Because the other plan is basically: Keep putting bandaids on a leaking dam, and pray that it doesn’t break!

Ironwood: Can’t we just build a better damn!

Jaune: And how many new dams will we need after that?!

Ironwood: Err… well maybe we could drain the lake?

Jaune: Its a ocean not a lake, and you can’t drain a fucking ocean?!

Ironwood: But, what if we…?!

Jaune: Counter point to your next stupid idea! This is my idea and order you to shut up!

Ironwood: You can’t order me around!

Jaune: Shut up and get lost before I give you an enema with my sword!

Ironwood: How rude!

Jaune: Ughh… I thought he would never leave…

~~~

Jaune: Thank you, Lady and Gentlemen for coming here today! I look forward to whatever progress we can make here today, and out future, Couples Therapy Sessions! Now then, shall we begin our first session?

Salem: This is ridiculous! I fail to see how this will solve anything…

Oscar: Me neither…

Jaune: Now, now, there’s no need to be so hostile. Besides this whole problem started due to a lack of communication and understanding. Here, we are trying to mend… well, rebuild those bridges that once connected you, and fix this problem for the greater good for yourselves, and the world as a whole!

Salem: I fail to see how this could have that great of an impact…

Jaune: The world has been stuck in a shadow war for centuries because of one martial dispute…

Salem: Point taken…

Jaune: Now, then, Oscar, can you ask Ozpin to cone out. Having you as an intermediary rather degrading to any future progress we hope to obtain.

Oscar: Oh, okay…

Jaune: Good!

Oscar: …

Jaune: Ozpin? Ozma…? You with us?

Oscar: He doesn’t want to…

Jaune: He what?

Oscar: He doesn’t want to talk…

Jaune: He’s refusing to talk in a possible world changing therapy session…

Oscar: Yes…

Salem: Typical! Here we are going to talk about our problems and he running off and hiding like a coward! I told you this was pointless!

Jaune: Now now. No need to get upset. I expected this would happen; So I came up with the perfect opening discussion to help us open up to all of this!

Salem: Oh and whats that? Everything is my fault because I asked for my love back?

Jaune: No, everything is the Gods, and Ozma’s fault, because the, Relic of Knowledge, said so!

Oscar: Eh?

Salem: Eh?

Jaune: I’ve consulted with the Relic of Knowledge, and she told me an unbiased, third party objective opinion on the whole matter, which clearly shows, that this was mostly Ozpin’s fault, and the Gods fault.

Oscar: Eh…?!

Salem: Eh…?!

Jaune: Now then, we shall start with the landmine that derail this train and plunged the whole world into a toxic clusterfuck of a rancid fruit smoothie?!!

Salem: That being…?

Jaune: Ozma gets sick, and fucking dies?!!

[ussgallifrey]

(She Moves With) Shameless Wonder | 9

✦ Summary: Your badge clearly said SHIELD consultant, so you weren’t entirely sure where Fury was getting this whole make you an Avenger idea from. But you had a feeling it might have something to do with the recent discovery of an artifact at the bottom of the Arctic Sea.

✦ Pairing: Steve Rogers x Female Reader

✦ Warnings: Dialogue taken directly from Avengers: Endgame, language, mild medical procedures.

✦ Word Count: 2.7k

✦ Playlist: Here

[Master List]

“If it’s all the same to you,” the defeated Asgardian groans, moving to sit up on the steps of the penthouse floor. “I’ll have that drink now.”

Shooting Nat an incredulously unamused look, Stark shakes his head, “All right, get him on his feet. We can all stand around posing up a storm later. By the way, feel free to clean up.”

Thor drags his brother up, placing mechanical cuffs on his wrists to keep him bound while the Hulk looms over the trickster - keeping him from getting any bright ideas. Removing your helm, you wipe your brow - sending your weaponry back to the legendary hall where they belonged with a wave of your hand.

Stark pauses, looking back as the weapons ascend into the air in an aura of golden light before disappearing entirely. He points a warning finger at you, “We’re definitely talking about this later, right?”

You offer him a playful shrug, neither confirming nor denying the request, tossing the helmet onto the back of the rounded couch.

“Who gets the, uh, magic wand?” Natasha ponders, holding the scepter in her hands.

“STRIKE team’s coming to secure it.”

You hum in agreement, leaning against the bar - feeling the exhaustion beginning to sink in, “Fury radioed it over as we were heading up.”

As if right on cue, the elevator dings as Agent Sitwell and the advanced response team arrive on the decimated floor.

“Jesus,” Rumlow mutters, taking in the array of destruction and the, admittedly, strange grouping of individuals.

“We can take that off your hands,” Sitwell says with a playful smirk, holding his hands out towards the scepter.

Nat quirks her brow, “By all means.”

As she moves to join Barton at the bar, she adds over her shoulder, “Careful with that thing.”

“Yeah,” Clint quips, handing her a drink. “Unless you want your mind erased. And not in a fun way.”

While Sitwell seems slightly more cautious with the handling of the scepter, he hums, “We promise to be careful.”

Turning your attention towards the supersoldier, who had moved away from the group to look out of the smashed windows - gazing at the disturbing remains of the cityscape - you push off from the edge of the bar.

“Hey, Cap. Lemme take a look at that for ya.”

He chirps in question, looking down at his own torso - the wound that was still bleeding out from where he had been hit with a direct blast from a Chitauri weapon.

“I need to go down and coordinate search and rescue,” he tries to move around you, but you easily sidestep him.

“Not much use if you bleed out before you can assist anyone. Sutures first, coordinating next.”

Reluctantly, you’re able to direct him over to the couch - just as the first batch of STRIKE team members head for the elevator with Loki and company.

“You know it’ll heal,” he tenses up under the gentle touch of your hands as you examine the bruised area.

Looking up with a pointed expression, you say, “I’d rather not test that theory.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!”

“Hey, hey. Buddy! What do you think? Maximum occupancy has been reached.”

The two of you crane your necks to watch the scene at the elevator as Hulk growls in annoyance.

“Take the stairs,” Thor suggests as the doors begin to close.

“Yeah. Stop. Stop!”

But it’s too late, as Banner throws a fist at the door, growling at them.

“Take the stairs. Hate the stairs,” he groans.

Sparring Steve a look, you call out, “Hulk? Hey, bud. Want some company? Never been much of a fan of stairs myself.”

That makes him turn, looking slightly torn between moving towards you and eyeing the door to the stairwell.

“Back on Olympus,” you continue, trying to keep things level and calm. “The temples all have stairs leading up to them. Everywhere you go, expect to do a workout. It’s honestly awful - even for a god.”

Hulk snorts indignantly, sluggishly stomping his way back over to the rest of the team before plopping down on the floor next to the couch where you and Steve sit - making the marble crack under the sudden weight.

“Feel like there’s a lot you haven’t been telling us, Seven,” Nat perks up from behind you, slowly sipping on her drink.

You snort, ignoring the question entirely.

“See a medkit back there by any chance, Hawk?”

He downs his drink, slamming the glass down on the bar, “Yeah, hold on.”

Hulk nabs your helmet from the end of the couch, running his index finger over the fiery red plumes that cascade over the top of it.

Steve, who looks very reluctant to be in the situation he’s in, leans back against the cushions - crossing his arms with a petulant look on his face. You catch the thrown first aid box, carefully opening the contents on your lap.

“You wanna rip that a bit more for me?”

With a sigh, the supersoldier uncrosses his arms - grabbing ahold of the hole in his uniform to tear it open wider.

“Thank you,” you sing-song, grabbing a sterile cloth from inside to clear the area of blood.

Steve bites back a breath of pain, gripping the back of the couch with his left hand as you dab at the wound. The sutures are easily done, you quickly close the wound as he keeps his eyes trained on the ceiling.

“Do you think he can drink?” you hear Clint whisper to his fellow agent.

“Do you really want to find out what happens after?” she counters as they both stare at the back of Hulk’s head. The creature seems entranced by the gentle touch of the plumes still, maybe he was calming down.

Biting back a grin, you reach into the kit to pull out a large medical bandage, pulling off the backing before carefully pressing it down against Steve’s side until you’re sure it’s secured in place.

“All right, torture’s over.”

Steve looks down at the area, then to you - offering up a sheepish smile, “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it,” you say, standing up and extending your hand out to him - helping him off the couch. “Go coordinate with search and rescue. I think me and Hulk here are gonna take the long way down.”

Banner grunts in approval, heavily moving off the floor while still holding your helmet on his index finger - like a strange kind of ring.

“Hey, Captain. We’re waiting on you for the scepter,” Tony’s voice comes in through the comms.

The group of you share a look.

“What scepter?” Steve asks in confusion.

“Stark, we’re still in the penthouse. STRIKE took it, remember?” Natasha adds.

There’s a beat of silence immediately followed by an, “Oh, oh, shit.”

Steve runs for the elevator, along with Clint and Natasha, as it turns out the idiots over on STRIKE had willingly handed off the scepter to someone - Loki, most likely - impersonating as the supersoldier. So now, they could be anywhere with the highly dangerous brainwashing stick - all your hard work would be for nothing.

You gently nudge Hulk’s arm with your elbow, having apparently been tasked with containing the creature, as the elevator begins to descend, “Come on, big guy. We got some walking to do.”

The two of you only make it a few floors down when another alarming message comes over the comms, “Stark’s in cardiac distress.”

You look towards Hulk, “What the hell?”

He grunts, growing on edge at the news, looking at the direct chute between the staircase and the bottom floor and then to you.

“Oh, no. Now, wait. Just hold on a damn minute - Hulk. Buddy - ” But he’s already got his arm around your waist and he’s leaping over the edge of the stair rail.

“SHIT - ” you scream, tucking yourself in against his chest - trying to make yourself as small as possible - as the floors fly past the two of you - his arms snag on each of the staircases as you fall to the first floor with absurd momentum.

The resulting boom that his body creates from the impact, echoes through the entire concrete stairwell - making the walls seems to shake. He deposits you, roughly, on the ground, as you violently shake your head - legs wobbling.

“No, that was - no. We are not doing that again.”

He grunts, mouth forming a vicious smile that makes even you give a smirk. Pushing open the door to the main lobby, you’re met with another scene of chaos as the STRIKE team and Secretary Pierce - of all people - surrounds Stark and Thor on the floor. Loki stares at the two of you as you approach - rolling his eyes as he’s incapable of making a witty comment with the muzzle on.

Tony gasps, “That worked a treat. Dude, that was so crazy.”

“I had no idea if that was going to work,” Thor admits, pulling the hammer away from the billionaire’s chest.

“Stark, you okay?” you ask, jogging up to the group as Hulk bristles next to you, scaring off several people in the lobby just by existing.

“You know,” he slowly sits up with the aid of the Asgardian. “At any point today, if we could just take a breather - that would be great.”

You huff a broken laugh, finding yourself agreeing with them both.

But then Thor is looking around the lobby, “Where’s the case?”

A panicked search begins, but you find it, hidden just off to the side of the front desk in perfect view, handing it back over to the billionaire, “Think it got kicked back when you collapsed, Tony.”

Pierce immediately reaches for the case, beginning to argue with Stark over who should get the Cube and who should have full custody of Loki.

Feeling a headache incoming after several moments of the men trying to speak over each other, you push through Thor and Tony to address the situation.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Secretary. Remind me again how your highly elite team of experts managed to lose track of the scepter? Clearly, we’re dealing with a spiteful magician over here who’s fully capable of casting different versions of himself and your men thought the first instance of Steve Rogers showing up to take the scepter wasn’t a little bit fishy?”

Pierce blinks, “I’m sorry, who are you? Xena Princess Warrior?”

“You know, she’s got a point,” Stark interrupts, grabbing you by the shoulders as he gently pushes in next to you. “Your guys kinda flubbed it just now. Get this thing out of here and maybe we won’t have an encore.”

As the argument picks back up, you can hear Steve’s voice over the comms.

“I have eyes on Loki. Fourteenth floor.”

Glancing over at the trickster, who seemed to be growing very bored by the state of things, he appears defeated - not as though he’s performing one final show. Something about the situation wreaks, though you can’t put your finger on it.

“Hey, Hulk?” you turn towards the creature who’s begun pacing and growling in annoyance, “Let’s get you somewhere away from the bureaucrats, yeah?”

You weren’t entirely sure how you were going to get Banner back, but he seemed to be at a simmer now - compared to the high-intensity boil from the battle. At most, you knew that you had to remove him from the current situation if anything was to change. More importantly, though, you wanted to run to Steve because whoever he was fighting - you weren’t entirely sure it was Loki.

Steve comes to, laying on his back on the floor, as someone repeats his name over and over again. He groans, blinking against the brightness coming in from the skylights as he tries to sit up.

“Easy, Cap,” Romanoff warns. “Looks like you took a nasty fall.”

Her eyes look up towards the shattered skybridge several floors above - thirteen, to be exact. She helps him sit up.

His head is pounding, probably from the impact of the fall. Near his feet, Barton is securing the case and scepter, speaking to a member from the STRIKE team in quiet tones.

“Don’t know how the hell you did it, but I’m guessing Loki’s double pushed you off the walkway. One last jab at you, maybe.”

Steve stares at the case. Drawing his knee up towards his chest as he leans forward.

He knew what had happened just now. At least, he thought he did. He had been fighting a version of himself. The punches felt real, the kicks and attacks were almost step for step, the shield was nearly identical. But something was off in the illusion.

“Steve!”

He turns as you come running around the corner.

“Cronus, are you okay?” your worried eyes rush over him in an instant as you kneel down to his level, scanning his face. When he meets your gaze, he remembers.

The compass.

“That is strange,” you say softly, catching Steve’s nervous gaze from the chair next to you. The rest of the table is engaged in boisterous conversation as you wait for the food to arrive - Stark had gotten his wish.

“I can only think that it was his attempt at catching you off guard, Steve.”

He nods, though he doesn’t look too convinced by your words. Loki’s illusion had told him that his best friend from childhood was alive. It had to be a purposeful trick to get Steve in a vulnerable position. You had no other explanation for it.

“Okay, what I want to know, is how this little gem’s been masquerading as an agent for so damn long!” Tony’s voice calls out over the group, smirking at you.

Thor, from beside you, scoffs, “Do you not know the god of war when you see her?”

You lean forward, resting your elbows on the tabletop, “Apparently you don’t. Seeing as how that’s my brother, Ares. I just… handle the battleplans.”

“Mhmm, mhmm,” Tony nods. “And that little mystical getup you’re rocking?”

Steve hides a smile behind his hand as you kick his foot under the table with a forced sneer. Immediately feeling the ethereal light of Olympus drape itself over your body as your amour falls way to more appropriate attire - your leather jacket and jeans.

“A gift from various relatives,” you quirk your brow in challenge.

Natasha nods, looking slightly impressed as she raises her glass, “Now, that’s a party trick.”

When the food does arrive, you all devour it at once - having grown an unquenchable hunger after the long events of the day. The silence lingers through the first few bites as the realization of the battle seems to fall over the group. But by the third round of drinks, you and Thor are loudly recalling the events of much earlier encounters.

“And the war on Heaven!”

“Mhmm, a day I shall not soon be forgetting!”

“Is anyone else feeling vastly inferior right now, or is that just me?” Tony questions, licking his fingers of his food.

“Oh,” you look up from your basket of lamb shawarma, “Bruce? Just out of curiosity… were you planning on handing that over anytime soon?”

The scientist at the end of the table looks incredibly sheepish as he pulls your helmet from his lap, “Heh… sorry.”

“No, hey, it’s cool. Seems like the other guy liked it.”

It’s passed from Tony to Thor and finally to you, where you place it on the back of the restaurant counter along with Mjolnir.

“Where the hell do you find those fabulous materials?” Tony ponders, resting his chin in his hands.

“What this?” you gesture at the helm. “Those are from the tail of my great-uncle’s horse, Aethon.”

The billionaire nods for a moment, eyes wide, “Right. And how soon will I be getting a detailed family tree?”

“Ever open a history book?” Clint clucks, loudly slurping his drink.

“Am I the only one genuinely fascinated by this? Sorry, no offense, Fabio.”

Thor tilts his head in consideration before ultimately shrugging. Leaning back in your chair, you watch as a new conversation overtakes the table - something about Barton and his arrows, or maybe it was about Stark’s suits. You weren’t really paying attention anymore.

Steve catches your gaze for a moment, blue eyes radiant in the low lights of the restaurant.

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[musewrangler]

One shot I did a while back in my Empire Reimagined Verse. Commander Fox leads General Veers’ security detail in my work post Jedi. Putting it here in honor of Commander Fox Week.

Prompt: Day 1–Loyalty

“What do you mean ‘nowhere’?” Fox clipped in very frosty tones indeed.

Goolsby visibly gulped as Fox moved the medic’s hand away impatiently while they tried to finish spraying bacta on the head wound.

“Sir, I’ve searched the area personally and deployed our men. I am prepared to go further, Commander, but I’m aware we’re on a time crunch, sir.”

Yes they were, kriff everything in the galaxy.

And here Fox was, as useless a runyip, having utterly no karking clue where his General was.

The action had been largely successful, but this was intended to be a swift strike. In, cause devastation, and out. The enemy would regroup-- and in larger numbers-- if they stayed.

This was the ‘loosening up’ action as Veers referred to it. A series of attacks on the planets and outposts within shouting distance of Nal Hutta. Make the Hutts nervous and unsettled--unsure of where the next attack might come.

What they did not need was to lose a kriffing General in the midst of all this. Fox had been right next to him, damn it! And then the karking denton had gone off and knocked him out.

And apparently in the fifteen minutes that Fox had been unconscious, they lost their General.

“Any of our speeder scouts that are still planetside, send out in the wide perimeter. Tell them they have twenty minutes.”

“Yes, sir.” Goolsby didn’t waste time and Fox was appreciative. The kid was getting there and he knew that the clone commander hated unnecessary dithering.

He rose to his feet over the protests of the medic and made his way to Travis. “Sir,” he saluted. “We are unable to locate General Veers. I have men looking now, sir but….”

Travis’s normally pleasant face became hard.

“What happened?”

“Not sure, sir. I was with him when a deton exploded. I can’t give you more information than that, Colonel.”

“Force damn it,” Travis said softly. “We have to be off planet in…” he consulted his datapad. “...43 minutes, Commander.”

“Yes, sir. I volunteer to lead a party to stay behind, sir.”

“Fox…” Travis rubbed a hand over his sweaty face. The fighting had been intense, and while successful, it had taken a toll. “We can’t leave anyone behind here.”

“Agreed, Colonel,” Fox said stubbornly. “I assume that particularly includes the senior General.”

Travis stared at him, then nodded. “Ok. I have to continue coordinating our efforts to depart. Comm the Admiral and get his permission. And….good luck.”

Fox saluted and ducked into the communications tent for some privacy. This holo call would not be easy.

“Commander.” Piett’s life size blue form flickered into being before him.

Fox took a breath. “Admiral. I am sorry to report that General Veers is missing. We are executing a broad search but so far have not turned up anything useful.”

A beat.

“Was he captured? Or injured?” Piett asked, mask firmly in place, but Fox knew what this news meant to the Admiral.

“Unknown, sir. I think it unlikely he was captured, sir, given where we were on the battlefield and the enemy were in retreat, sir. But given that we cannot raise his commlink or find him I am concerned that he is not conscious.”

Piett compressed his lips. “I could have a shuttle ready…”

Both of them knew he couldn’t. Fox said it for him.

“Sir. You have to withdraw---those are our orders from High Command.”

The Admiral closed his eyes briefly and when he opened them, it was the man, not the officer.

“He wouldn’t leave me, Fox….”

“I am fully aware of that, Admiral. Which is why I’m requesting that I stay to look for him on your behalf.”

And mine, his traitorous brain whispered.

Piett gazed at him for several seconds.

“Very well. Stay in contact, Commander. Anything, the smallest detail…”

“Yes, sir.”

“And the moment you locate him, I’m bringing a shuttle.”

“Sir….”

Piett stared at him challengingly. “The. Moment.”

“Yes, Admiral.”

The image disappeared. Well. It had gone better than he’d anticipated. If the man were a Skywalker he would have just gone off on his own rescue mission. Fox commed Scraps.

“You’re acting head of the security division, Lieutenant Commander. I’ll be here retrieving General Veers.”

He realized he was slapping a lot down on the kid’s plate.

“Ah….yes, sir. What…?”

“Goolsby will fill you in when he returns. And Scraps---you need to keep close to the Admiral. Don’t let him co-opt shuttles.”

“Would he?”

“The man has worked closely with Skywalkers for years. This is his closest friend. What do you think?”

Fox didn’t really think Piett would shirk his broader duties or flout his orders. But he was nothing if not prepared for eventualities.

Scraps sighed. “Right.”

Fox stepped out of the tent and caught Travis’s eye. He nodded and the Colonel returned it. Goolsby hurried up. “Still nothing, sir and….”

“I need a field pack immediately. With as many rations and medical supplies as possible,” Fox snapped. Goolsby raised curious eyebrows but knew that the look on Fox’s face meant no questions.

“Yes, sir.”

In short order he had donned a field uniform rather than his armor, and was shrugging on the pack and making a final check of his DC-17s.

Fox strode toward the edge of the woods where he and Veers had last been together. He found the blast area and began to search.

“Sir. We’re ah, prepping the last shuttle, Commander.”

He straightened, prepared to deal with Goolsby’s protestations. Instead he found that the young lieutenant stood before him with hand outstretched.

“Good luck, sir. Please bring him back to us.”

Well.

Fox grasped the hand. “I will. Report to Scraps once you’re onboard. He’ll be in charge.”

“Yes, sir.” Goolsby paused. “If anyone can find him sir….”

“I do not need a pep talk, Lieutenant.”

The younger man flushed. “Yes. Well. Good bye, Commander.”

“Thank you, Goolsby.”

Fox heard the last ship leave but didn’t bother turning around. He decided the best approach was to stick with his own observations---he knew they had searched this area but he was not a very trusting sort of person when it came to other people’s work. He could count on one hand the amount of people he trusted that far and that was frankly generous.

He had maybe four hours of daylight. He returned his attention to the churned up earth. A denton. They had both thrown themselves away from its shriek….

Veers had been standing there. Fox moved that direction and examined it. Nothing of import. All right. He could think of two options--either the General had been captured, or he was wounded and in hiding. But if the latter, why had he not made himself known once the enemy was clearly in route?

This…..concerned Fox.

And Fox did not like the state of being concerned.

He had a hard time wrapping his head around a way that Veers could have been captured over on this part of the field. Though the enemy had been retreating...Fox suddenly recalled the massive ground treader that had been crushing through the undergrowth fifty yards to their left. It had been covering for numerous troops as they made their way back to their lines…

If Veers had been flung far enough, and if he had been conscious, he would have needed to skirt that.

Fox made his way down the slight incline and followed the path of destruction further into the broken and twisted trees. He stopped and considered the tread tracks.

Here it went north. Veers would have stayed behind it and if there were straggling troops, he would have tried to stay out of sight. So it was possible he had been driven far out of his way to do so….

Fox found it rather helpful that he could reasonably expect the General to do what he himself would do in the same situation. This was of course, presuming he wasn’t dead.

For kark’s sake, Fox...

He mentally berated himself. That sort of thinking got one nowhere.

His comm blinked.

“Fox.”

“Anything yet, Commander?”

“Not yet, Admiral. I assure you, sir, if I had anything, I would contact you first.”

A sigh. “Yes. Be aware Commander that it is very likely the enemy will return to scout the battlefield. Exercise extreme caution.”

“Always, sir.”

“Then…..good hunting, Commander Fox.”

“Thank you, Admiral.”

He understood Piett. He would hate to be inactive as well. At least Fox could ease his worry in the search. The Admiral did not have that recourse.

And no. He was not worried. People died in battle---good people. High ranking officers and green recruits alike. It was a fact of life and Fox wasn’t about to get maudlin regarding that now.

So. If he was injured, and far from where he wanted to be, where would he hide?

Fox examined the underbrush carefully. And at last he was rewarded, if he could term it that. A smear of blood. Human no doubt, but he scanned it to be sure.

And it came up positive for one Maximilian Veers.

So he had made it this far.

“Where the kriff are you ,General?” Fox muttered to himself. He was a good mile from the battlefield now.

His stomach twisted in dread. Perhaps….perhaps he should not have been so quick to dismiss the possibility of capture. Wounded and alone---the General would be an easy target for several beings. Especially if they recognized him.

What if he was being tortured right now?

Son of a Hutt was he a Gungan? When had he become so emotionally unhinged?

Veers is far more competent than that, he told himself. Get a kriffing grip.

Fox straightened and considered the terrain. That bloody mark had come from a hand leaning against the trunk. Most likely Veers shoving himself back to his feet. Where would he go?

He looked back and then toward the east. If it was him and he thought enemy troops were still in the area….

Fox headed east. He would then double back to rejoin his troops. After about half a mile, the ground fell away sharply and he had to be cautious with his footing. The sun was low in the sky now and that would triple the difficulty. And he was well aware that Piett was correct--it was very likely the enemy would return to search the battlefield.

He realized that a small mudslide had happened further up the bank as though some unlucky devil had slipped….

He stopped breathing for a moment.

The incline was treacherous for a healthy man, for a wounded one….

Fox sprinted to the place and was rewarded with another substantial clue. An Imperial code cylinder. It was broken and partially covered in the mud, but he lifted it out almost reverently and then got to his knees to study the fallen earth. It was darker and muddier than the dry ground it had reached and... there.

A small trail of it was heading south.

Fox pocketed the cylinder and moved cautiously, not wanting to miss anything.

He rounded a curve in the bank which led back toward the thicker woods--and he could see more disturbed earth and leaves as though someone had clawed their way back up….

He moved swiftly up the embankment himself, flicking on the light of his blaster now, the trees making things much darker.

He nearly missed the shine of the black boot---it was filthy now with mud. But his peripheral vision registered the brief reflection and he was immediately plunging into the brush where Veers had managed to drag himself before passing out.

At least Fox hoped he was only unconscious….

He set the blaster down, allowing the light to illuminate the area and felt for a pulse. There---thready and weak but there.

“General,” Fox tried.

Nothing. He whipped out the scanner---Veers had some severe gashes in his thigh and side---no doubt the work of the denton. The cuirass had protected more vital organs, but his arm was badly lacerated as well. He’d lost significant amounts of blood.

Fox got his hands under the General’s arms and tugged him further into the darkness of the old trees.

*******

Hands. He should be concerned about that. But his brain wasn’t working right….so slow….he was so tired….

“General.”

He knew that voice. But it was dark….

Something hissed near his ear and he felt the cold on his neck. Something else was sliding into his arm with a slight pinch….

And clarity returned to Veers.

He squinted to see the face above him.

Dark and deeply lined, brown eyes looking seriously at his face, brow wrinkled in….worry?

Surely not.

“Fox,” Veers managed.

“That’s right, sir. Lie easy. I’ve got you.”

Strong callused hands cleaning his wounds and applying bacta before winding pressure bandages around his leg. His side protested as Fox unstrapped his cuirass to better get at the gashes there.

“Sorry, General, here.” Another hiss and the pain receded to manageable levels.

Had he known that Fox’s hands could be so gentle?

Veers shifted slightly and realized a drip was connected to his left arm.

“You’re….well equipped. What happened?”

“We were successful,” Fox replied, characteristically blunt. He examined the deep wound in Veers’ upper arm. “But we couldn’t find you. So. I came to do so.”

Veers mused on this.

“Fox are you….AWOL?”

The clone commander gave him a slight curl of the mouth. “No, General. I am here with both permission and orders. The Admiral could not leave the fleet, much as he wished to do so. Thus I am here on his behalf.”

A pause.

“As well as my own.”

“This is a big risk,” Veers said, considering how long they might have before their enemies came looking.

Fox grunted. “Worth it.”

Veers frowned and opened his mouth when Fox interrupted, opening a water bottle and sliding an arm under the General’s head.

“Sir. There is no scenario where I’m just going to leave you. Drink.”

Veers obeyed, marvelling again at the gentle competence of his security lead.

“Now, I have to comm the Admiral before he takes a shuttle on his own.”

Veers snorted lightly, but Fox wasn’t wrong. The clone flicked his commlink.

“Admiral, I have him.”

“And…?” Piett sounded like hell.

“He’s badly wounded sir, but…”

“I’m on my way. I’ll be sure to have the requisite medical staff.”

Veers and Fox exchanged a glance.

“When you say ‘you’ sir….”

“Scraps has already given me grief, Commander. I’m piloting the damn shuttle and we’re coming to get you.”

Judging by his voice, Piett was walking to the hangar bay as he spoke.

“Can I speak with the General?”

“Yes, sir.” Fox handed him the commlink and pulled out rations and thermal blankets.Veers half expected a tent.

“Firmus.”

“Max.”

Veers could feel the waves of his friend’s relief.

“I don’t like being on this end of things,” the Admiral said dryly.

Veers managed a small smile. “Yes. Well, I’d prefer if you were on that end more often.”

“I’d prefer for neither of us to be on this end, but that’s not the way our lives work. Regardless---you hold on General. I’m coming for you.”

And that. That was the way their lives worked. One did not leave the other behind.

“We’ll be here, Admiral.”

Fox took the commlink and then shrugged out of his duty jacket to wad it up under Veers’ head before covering him with two thermal blankets.

Veers watched him tiredly. “How did you find me?”

Fox came to settle beside him, holding the blaster currently providing them with illumination. “I... ah. I thought about what I would do, sir, if I were in your situation.”

Veers rather felt there might be a compliment in there.

They were silent for a time. Then Fox spoke.

“I’m sorry, General. I’m sorry that I lost you.”

He was staring at the earth and that wasn’t like the clone commander.

“Hardly your fault, Fox,” Veers murmured. “It was a denton.”

The other man clenched his hands tightly around his blaster. “Should have anticipated an attack of that nature.”

“Fox…”

“I know. I know I can’t do so all the time, sir. But I’m always going to feel responsible.”

Veers pondered the nature of this relationship---he was the General, Fox was his security lead. Both of them were very good at compartmentalizing--at doing the next thing regardless of cost. He recalled Fox’s eyes when he had first woken. The worry and relief…

“I understand that,” Veers managed, feeling so very drained. He closed his eyes and felt a warm hand land on his arm.

“Stay with me, General.”

“After all the... trouble you went to?” Veers said quietly. “Working on it. Just...tired.”

Fox’s hand stayed on his arm, anchoring him, until the hum of the shuttle’s approach sounded.

Piett’s face-- “let’s go, Max. Henley is keen to see you.”

Medics and a gravsled. The familiar hum of the engines in the Admiral’s lamda.

Scraps helping transfer him to the med bunk that had been pulled down in the passenger area. “Good to see you, sir.”

A pat on the shoulder from Firmus as he went by to resume the pilot’s seat. “The princess sends her love by the way.”

Then the pull of gravity as they lifted off the ground.

The medics were taking care of his wounds and Veers opened his eyes briefly when that familiar grip landed on his arm once more.

Fox had seated himself in the seat at Veers’ head. “Thank you, Commander,” Veers told him.

“You’re my officer,” Fox replied simply. But those strong fingers tightened slightly. Veers closed his eyes again and smiled.

Yes he was.

[thelifeofprettycommitteealpha]

How to Act Like Massie Block

 Steps

   We'll start with attitude, by far the most important aspect of being like Massie Block. If you only take one thing from this, remember that you must always show, radiate, and have CONFIDENCE! This means not pointing out your flaws to others, (ex: "My hair is so frizzy today!" or "Is this top cute? 'Cause I'm not sure...") having good posture and always looking straight ahead, (never at the ground) and not ever letting people know when you feel unsure of yourself or your opinions. Never appear to be upset. Don't cry or make comments about how "your life sucks." You must always make it seem as if you have everything together, and that your life is perfect, or else people will never idolize you. Even if you're majorly embarrassed about something, you have to just laugh it off and forget it (don't make it a big deal). You can never show weakness!  

 Another crucial part of your Massie transformation is looking the part. Massie is gorgeous. She has straight, extremely shiny brunette hair, about shoulder length, sparkling amber eyes, and perfect skin. You don't have to look exactly like this, (always choose the look that works best on you) but you must always appear your best.  

 Without a fabulous wardrobe, Massie would be nothing. Be a true fashionista and wear expensive clothes from stores/designers like BCBG, Coach, Juicy Couture, Ralph Lauren, Seven For All Mankind, Guess, Lacoste, C&C California, Marc Jacobs, Joie, True Religion, etc. Always dress to impress! Never leave the house in sweats and a T-shirt (unless they're Juicy!). Even if you can't afford uber-expensive clothes, make sure to always look pulled together and stylish, with coordinated accessories and cute shoes. Don't tell anyone where you got your cheaper clothes unless you have a social death wish! A final note on inexpensive clothes: don't ever wear anything that looks cheap. This means don't go for the Wal-Mart or Target look when you can be buying low-priced (and way cuter) clothing from Forever 21 or Wet Seal. Oh, and no too tight/too big tacky clothing please. Wear stuff that fits you and looks good. Not sure? Get a second opinion. Make sure your underwear/bras are cute, too, from stores like Victoria's Secret or underglam.com. Trust me, people do notice in the locker room when you're changing. Never wear the same outfit more than once every two weeks or more: if you double up, people will think that you are thrifty and don't have very many clothes...and we wouldn't want them to think that, would we? No.  

 Massie is the queen bee. Popular. Worshipped. And how does she do this? By looking fabulous, having the right attitude, and establishing her dominance by using intimidation. Get together a clique of the prettiest and most fashionable girls in the school, 3-4 others. Make sure you are their leader. Your beta (second in command) should be the most loyal. The other girls should also be loyal and reliable; make sure you have at least one nice-ish girl to keep the peace in your clique. If you don't all get along, you will never rule. It's all about unity. This doesn't mean you can't boss them around though--it's what Massie would do! Test the waters by starting off really nice, then gradually getting a bit harsher. If they stick with you, you'll know you have 'em forever. Lighten up a bit if they start to stray. Make sure people are somewhat scared/intimidated by you, so that you know they'll do whatever you want. Be totally snobby to the losers at your school (a.k.a. basically everyone outside your group). Chances are, you'll be so fabulous by then, it will only make them idolize you more.  

 You must be thin to maintain your social status! This means very little or no fatty/sugary foods like chips, soda, candy, fried chicken, pizza, etc. It's a tough sacrifice to make, but well worth it in the long run! Work out regularly on a treadmill, doing crunches, squats, or playing the specified sports below. Chew sugarless gum. Never be too skinny or develop an eating disorder. Not only will many rumors be circulated about you, but you could even die from it!

   Get super shiny hair by using shine shampoo, (such as Citré Shine or Brilliant Brunette Shine-Release) shine serum or spray, (know your limit--don't use too much or your hair will look greasy) and rinsing out your conditioner with cool water (as cold as you can stand it!). Straighten your hair with a good-quality flat iron and consult hair magazines or a hair stylist to find the best cut for your face (but never shorter than shoulder length!).  

 If you desire brown eyes, (and you don't have 'em) experiment with color contacts.  

 Achieve your best skin by washing your face morning and night with a good cleanser (Clean & Clear works great) and exfoliating and moisturizing daily. If you have dry skin, wash your face once per day and use more moisturizer; if you have more oily skin, skip the moisturizer. When you're drying your face, remember to pat, not rub, (rubbing pulls the skin and causes wrinkles). If you have bad acne that cannot be fixed by this skincare regimen, see a dermatologist.  

 Now for make-up...it can do so much for your face, turning you from plain to perfect in a matter of minutes. But be careful not to wear too much--you want to be like Massie, not Nina! Wear an eyeshadow in a natural color like brown, gold, or beige, (or whatever subtle color compliments your eye color) thinly line your eyes with a black or brown eyeliner, add a coat or two of blackish-brown mascara, and conceal all of your blemishes with the right shade and amount of concealer. It's also very important to remember your lip gloss--Massie would never leave home without hers! Buy a variety of different good-smelling flavors and bring them everywhere you go.  

  Make sure your teeth are bright-white and perfect. If your teeth are crooked, use "Invisiline" rather than getting braces (a lot more attractive!). Whiten your teeth with laser procedures or Crest Whitestrips. Brush at least twice a day with whitening toothpaste, and remember to floss!

 Tips

   Get a super cute dog (the smaller the better) such as a Chihuahua or a Pug, in black, light brown, or honey color (they're the cutest). You can also get a kitty; they're ah-dorable, too. Tell your pet everything, (yes, you can talk to her about your insecurities!) and love her as your child. Dress her in the cutest fashions, (this works best if you have a dog) and take her on walks in the evening with your Louis Vuitton leash.  

 Use words like "ah-mazing," "ah-dorable," and "ah-nnoying". Say "ehmagawd!" when you're shocked, surprised, or excited about something. When something is well-known and "ah-bvious" to you, say, "Given!". When you have the same opinion as someone, say, "Ah-greed". When something someone says strikes you as reasonable, say, "Point!" and draw an imaginary "1" with your finger if you desire.  

 Have the best and biggest room. Go with Massie and have everything be white, no exceptions! Make sure you have a queen-size bed, (you are one, right?) an Apple computer, a giant walk-in closet to store all your ah-mazing clothes, and a leather chaise by your bay window to have long phone conversations and brush your pet before going to bed. Vanilla scented candles are a nice touch, too. Have everyone refer to your room as the "iPad".  

 Sports are luh-ame unless they are something classy and don't involve getting dirty like Tennis, Horse-back Riding, or Volleyball. And shopping, of course!

    Purple is the official color of royalty. Therefore it's your favorite color. Wear it, love it, decorate everything from books and pens to your cell phone with it (purple rhinestones, of course!).  

 Speaking of cell phones, you need one! It's the perfect way to stay updated on gossip and keep in contact with your friends. Make sure you have a texting plan so that you your clique can silently dish about stuff in class, detention, wherever! Cover it in Swarovski crystals and bring it everywhere you go.  

 Get together a carpool with your clique. Taking the bus is so ew!  

 Wear a charm bracelet with charms such as a shoe, Eiffel Tower, dog or cat, (whichever you have) star, and most importantly, a crystal-encrusted crown! Make sure the charm bracelet is gold, and never have any of the charms be silver (tacky much?). Buy it from Tiffany if you have the money.

   Always have your fingernails and toenails perfectly manicured! I highly suggest a french tip for fingernails, because it coordinates so well with everything. Have them done at a fancy salon with your clique afterschool or on a weekend for a fun activity.  

 Throw a fabulous party to increase your popularity. Invite everyone.  

 You must always be prepared with a witty comeback for if, on some rare occasion, a wannabe insults you. One of my favorite Massie-style ones is, "Did I invite you to my barbecue?...Then why are you all up in my GRILL?" Consult the Clique books for some other great ones, or make some up yourself. Never let anyone get the best of you or think that they have won. Remember that YOU are in charge. YOU make the rules.  

 It helps to have an AIM account, or MSN, you'll need it to keep in touch with you friends one-on-one!  

 The magazines Teen Vogue, ElleGirl, and Lucky are your bible. Read them religiously(but not in a creepy way...)

 Warnings

   Be prepared to receive some backlash from the people that wish they were you. In other words, the jealous people. They may spread some pretty nasty stuff about you, but respond with something positively catty (your beta will help) to show them who's really the boss.

   There may be occasions where controversy arises in your clique. Like a power-trip, where a girl in your clique suddenly wants the throne. Start by putting her in her place by telling her off in the hallway (preferably with many people around). If she still doesn't get the hint, kick her out the group and recruit someone new. Chances are, she'll come crawling back, begging for forgiveness. Let her back in after a little while, and ditch the temporary.

   Many people will probably think you're a mean person. But they'll still love you, and wish they were just like you (they'll love to hate you). This is inevitable if you want to be on top like Massie. You'll get used to it.

[scoundrels-in-love]

can i just say how much i loved your take on kissing + overt physical intimacy in kdramas? i've long thought about the consequences that those kinds of scenes have for actors--especially women--because they then have to deal with people harassing them for showing affection to colleagues, weird rumors, and then mass nitpicking. plus, if they aren't comfortable, it makes it even more difficult. there's also something icky about forcing western media norms onto korean entertainment. something's off

Ahhh, thank you so much for this message! It means a lot, because I did/do have some anxiety over posting this. And oh boy, looking back, do I have about this as well!

I almost ended up emitting that strike through, admittedly, because I feel like I am not knowledgeable enough to make these assessments and claims that might sound judgemental, but I had to say something and I will try to expand here a little. I do not wish to come across as ignorant, but I am aware that I don’t know enough to make this in full fledged discussion as it ought to be.

It’s honestly so wild that while we’re watching this drama where Eun Bi is literally about to be cancelled for having put her hand on a married man’s hand and then asking for this very free depiction of sexual intimacy, while fans that ship the actors are running rampant on twitter and having hard time seeing the line between acting and real life. Netizens and regular watchers alike have such notoriously hard time distinguishing these details and nuances and while it’s not necessary for a show to step around these things just because people like to jump to conclusions, I also don’t know... Why it would be necessary to do this in this specific context.

Plus, I don’t know a lot about filming industry, but I do know there are intimacy coordinators/consultants and when I think about how unexplored this could be in Korean movie industry and how iffy it could turn, when I think about all the scandals surrounding Korea, from the cameras in women changing rooms to Burning Sun and more and more, just every glimpse of how women and their bodies are treated in the society by the looks of it... I’d rather not think that about having to make actresses (and actors) go through more than they already do, put themselves at emotional and physical risk (I’ve seen real life horror stories where such things turn into genuine assaults on movie sets, although I would have to dig around to find sources, because my brain is one big cheese hole) just so part of the watchers can get their enjoyment of watching them go at it on screen. (Like, even the comparison of these scenes to porn literally kinda makes me shudder uncomfortably and it’s coming from the watchers/fans!)

As for your final point... Oh boy, do I have thoughts on that and if it wasn’t 3am, I probably wouldn’t kick the hornet’s nest, but here we go.

I have complained in secret (aka to my friends) about how Netflix is impacting the way kdramas are told by bringing influx of season 2s, which is something that I dreaded from way before Netflix era while youtube and even tumblr was full with ‘season 2 when!! We need it!!” although the story is complete and wrapped up with a pretty bow. One of the reasons I fell for kdramas are that they told beautiful story that we saw from start to end in 16 episodes, without need to be stretched over seasons and seasons and collapsing in on itself. And while kdramas don’t have to pander to me (or anyone else) as a genre, there is something about this particular way of storytelling that their writers have created and maintained for years now (with the subgenre for a longer makjangs), so why must they change it to become more Westernized?

Someone on my original post did comment about how tiring is the sexless asian stereotype and I hope I come across clear in that post and this that I am not against the concept of there being sex and intimacy in these stories. I just also don’t think the only way to show the characters are mature and engaged in full-fledged relationship and even sexual one, by actually us having to WITNESS it from start to finish.

Again, I’ve not minded the upgrade from typical fisheye kisses where height of girl’s enthusiasm is her feebly clutching to man’s jacket that kdramas have seen in latest years, there’s been some truly beautifully shot hot kisses! I just don’t think that anything less than getting undressed on bed or full-out makeout should be a mark against the couple and the drama, especially if a shyer kiss is in line with characters and the moment Especially with a show like Run On that thrives on saying so much in the spaces between lines.

But also a thought: how much of this relentless thirst for sexual content in these stories could actually be a subset of fetishizing of POC because a lot of these thirsty people are white?

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

August 27, 2021

Heather Cox Richardson

America is in a watershed moment. Since the 1980s, the country has focused on individualism: the idea that the expansion of the federal government after the Depression in the 1930s created a form of collectivism that we must destroy by cutting taxes and slashing regulation to leave individuals free to do as they wish.

Domestically, that ideology meant dismantling government regulation, social safety networks, and public infrastructure projects. Internationally, it meant a form of “cowboy diplomacy” in which the U.S. usually acted on its own to rebuild nations in our image.

Now, President Joe Biden appears to be trying to bring back a focus on the common good.

For all that Republicans today insist that individualism is the heart of Americanism, in fact the history of federal protection of the common good began in the 1860s with their own ancestors, led by Abraham Lincoln, who wrote: “The legitimate object of government, is to do for a community of people, whatever they need to have done, but can not do, at all, or can not, so well do, for themselves---in their separate, and individual capacities.”

The contrast between these two ideologies has been stark this week.

On the one hand are those who insist that the government cannot limit an individual’s rights by mandating either masks or vaccines, even in the face of the deadly Delta variant of the coronavirus that is, once again, taking more than 1000 American lives a day.

In New York, where Mayor Bill de Blasio has required teachers to be vaccinated, the city’s largest police union has said it will sue if a vaccine is mandated for its members.

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott on Wednesday issued an executive order prohibiting any government office or any private entity receiving government funds from requiring vaccines.

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis has also forbidden mask mandates, but today Leon County Circuit Judge John C. Cooper ruled that DeSantis’s order is unconstitutional. Cooper pointed out that in 1914 and 1939, the Florida Supreme Court ruled that individual rights take a back seat to public safety: individuals can drink alcohol, for example, but not drive drunk. DeSantis was scathing of the opinion and has vowed to appeal. Meanwhile, NBC News reported this week that information about the coronavirus in Florida, as well as Georgia, is no longer easily available on government websites.

On the other hand, as predicted, the full approval of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine by the Food and Drug Administration has prompted a flood of vaccine mandates.

The investigation into the events of January 6, when a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, also showcases the tension between individualism and community.

Yesterday, after months in which Republicans, including former president Donald Trump, called for the release of the identity of the officer who shot Capitol rioter Ashli Babbitt, Capitol Police officer Lieutenant Michael Byrd, the 28-year veteran of the force who shot Babbitt, gave an interview to Lester Holt of NBC News.

Right-wing activists have called Babbitt a martyr murdered by the government, but Byrd explained that he was responsible for protecting 60 to 80 members of the House and their staffers. As rioters smashed the glass doors leading into the House chamber, Byrd repeatedly called for them to get back. When Ashli Babbitt climbed through the broken door, he shot her in the shoulder. She later died from her injuries. Byrd said he was doing his job to protect our government. “I know that day I saved countless lives,” Byrd told Holt. “I know members of Congress, as well as my fellow officers and staff, were in jeopardy and in serious danger. And that’s my job.”

The conflict between individualism and society also became clear today as the House select committee looking into the attack asked social media giants to turn over “all reviews, studies, reports, data, analyses, and communications” they had gathered about disinformation distributed by both foreign and domestic actors, as well as information about “domestic violent extremists” who participated in the attack.

Representative Jim Banks (R-IN) immediately responded that “Congress has no general power to inquire into private affairs and to compel disclosure….” He urged telecommunications companies and Facebook not to hand over any materials, calling their effort an “authoritarian undertaking.” Banks told Fox News Channel personality Tucker Carlson that Republicans should punish every lawmaker investigating the January 6 insurrection if they retake control of Congress in 2022.

Biden’s new turn is especially obvious tonight in international affairs. The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, a country we entered almost 20 years ago with a clear mission that became muddied almost immediately, has sparked Republican criticism for what many describe as a U.S. defeat.

Since he took office, Biden has insisted on shifting American foreign policy away from U.S. troops alone on the ground toward multilateral pressure using finances and technology.

After yesterday’s bombing in Kabul took the lives of 160 Afghans and 13 American military personnel, Biden warned ISIS-K: "We will hunt you down and make you pay.”

Tonight, a new warning from the State Department warning Americans at the gates of the Kabul airport to “leave immediately” came just before a spokesman for CENTCOM, the United States Central Command in the Defense Department overseeing the Middle East, announced: "U.S. military forces conducted an over-the-horizon counterterrorism operation today against an ISIS-K planner. The unmanned airstrike occurred in the Nangarhar Province of Afghanistan. Initial indications are that we killed the target. We know of no civilian casualties."

Biden’s strike on ISIS-K demonstrated the nation's over-the-horizon technologies that he hopes will replace troops. Even still, the administration continues to call for international cooperation. In a press conference today, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby responded to a question about U.S. control in Afghanistan by saying: “It’s not about U.S. control in the Indo-Pacific. It’s about protecting our country from threats and challenges that emanate from that part of the world. And it’s about revitalizing our network of alliances and partnerships to help our partners in the international community do the same.“

Meanwhile, this afternoon, news broke that the Taliban has asked the United States to keep a diplomatic presence in the country even after it ends its military mission. The Taliban continues to hope for international recognition, in part to claw back some of the aid that western countries—especially the U.S.—will no longer provide, as well as to try to get the country’s billions in assets unfrozen.

A continued diplomatic presence in Afghanistan would make it easier to continue to get allies and U.S. citizens out of the country, but State Department spokesman Ned Price said the idea is a nonstarter unless a future Afghan government protects the rights of its citizens, including its women, and refuses to harbor terrorists. Price also emphasized that the U.S. would not make this decision without consulting allies. “This is not just a discussion the United States will have to decide for itself.… We are coordinating with our international partners, again to share ideas, to ensure that we are sending the appropriate signals and messages to the Taliban,” he said.

Evacuations from Afghanistan continue. Since August 14, they have topped 110,000, with 12,500 people in the last 24 hours.

Perhaps the news story that best illustrates the tension today between individualism and using the government to help everyone is about a natural disaster. Hurricane Ida, which formed in the Caribbean yesterday, is barreling toward the U.S. Gulf Coast. When it hit western Cuba today, it was a Category 1 storm, but meteorologists expect it to pick up speed as it crosses the warm gulf, becoming a Category 4 storm by the time it hits the U.S. coastline. The area from Louisiana to Florida is in the storm’s path. New Orleans could see winds of up to 110 miles an hour and a storm surge of as much as 11 feet. Louisiana officials issued evacuation orders today.

The storm is expected to hit Sunday evening, exactly 16 years after Hurricane Katrina did. But this time, there is another complication: this is the very part of the country suffering terribly right now from coronavirus. Standing firm on individual rights, only about 40% of Louisiana’s population has been vaccinated, and hospitals are already stretched thin.

Today, President Biden declared an emergency in Louisiana, ordering federal assistance from the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the region ahead of the storm, trying to head off a catastrophe. The federal government will also help to pay the costs of the emergency.

—-

Notes:

https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/pentagon-officials-hank-taylor-john-kirby-press-briefing-transcript-august-27-afghanistan-update

https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/27/weather/tropical-storm-ida-friday/index.html

https://apnews.com/article/health-louisiana-coronavirus-pandemic-1a2264b5a43033ed70fe9790c2e89437

NYPD story is from the New York Post, but a citation from them always stops the delivery of lots of letters, so I’m going to suggest people look for it themselves.

https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/EO-GA-39_prohibiting_vaccine_mandates_and_vaccine_passports_IMAGE_08-25-2021.pdf

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/08/27/president-joseph-r-biden-jr-approves-louisiana-emergency-declaration-2/

://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/08/27/afghanistan-kabul-taliban-live-updates/#link-KFQMWZKFSNH4DBBMK2VAJMAZF4

Meredith Lee @meredithlleeCENTCOM: "U.S. military forces conducted an over-the-horizon counterterrorism operation today against an ISIS-K planner. The unmanned airstrike occurred in the Nangahar Province of Afghanistan. Initial indications are that we killed the target. We know of no civilian casualties."

78 Retweets151 Likes

August 28th 2021

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2021/08/27/afghanistan-live-updates-taliban-kabul-news/5611093001/

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1277715

https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-health-education-florida-coronavirus-pandemic-1908088a0b5c5b02d89fd7e007822408

Ryan Struyk @ryanstruykThe United States is now reporting 1,194 new coronavirus deaths per day, the highest seven-day average since March 19, according to data from @CNN and Johns Hopkins University.

246 Retweets677 Likes

August 27th 2021

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/officer-who-shot-ashli-babbitt-during-capitol-riot-breaks-silence-n1277736

Jim Banks @RepJimBanksRead my letter to 1/6 Chair @BennieGThompson about his norm shattering decision to spy on his colleagues. @ATT @Verizon @TMobile @Facebook @Twitter @FCC

136 Retweets311 Likes

August 27th 2021

/photo/2

https://news.yahoo.com/gop-rep-jim-banks-republicans-195845753.html

https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/27/politics/us-military-airstrike-isis-k-planner-afghanistan/index.html

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[voltrontranscript]

VForce E1: New School Defenders

Episode 1: New School Defenders

Transcript by @dragonofyang

Summary: We meet Daniel, a young Voltron fan after the Voltron Force is decommissioned, as he recounts the glory of Voltron and joins the Galaxy Alliance flight school, where he meets former pilots Lance, Pidge, and Hunk. But the Voltron Force doesn’t simply toe the line drawn by Sky Marshal Wade, and with Daniel and Vince’s help, they retrieve their lion keys.

[Google Doc]

Boy: Come on, Daniel, I dare you to do it.

Girl: Double dare you!

Boy: Do it!

Daniel: When are you guys gonna learn? It’s not a dare if I wanna do it.

[Cut between Daniel and Voltron as they chase the robeast, then return to Daniel.]

Daniel: You guys missed it! The lions just formed Voltron! Someday, that’s gonna be me. I’m gonna pilot the Black Lion.

Boy: Huh. You wish.

[Transition to Daniel’s bedroom, where Daniel narrates to the audience.]

Daniel: Yeah, I do wish. Unfortunately, it looks like that’s all it’ll ever be, now. Just a wish.

[Transition to a flashback of Planet Doom.]

Daniel: Not long after the Voltron Force wrecked shop on that robeast, they defeated Lotor and his Drule army. It was epic!

Lotor: What?

[Cut to a flash forward, where the Voltron Force celebrates their victory with the city.]

Daniel: I even got to go to the galaxy victory celebration. It was the greatest day of my life! Until… It was a disaster, but no one was hurt. That’s why I couldn’t believe how quickly everyone forgot all the good Voltron had done, as if they’d been brainwashed. The Defender of the Universe was declared a hazardous threat and decommissioned without even attempting to fix it. How shady is that? My dreams, gone. Now the only thing that excites me is going fast, really fast. So, I enrolled in the Galaxy Alliance flight academy, where things have turned out to be slow. Really slow. When’s life gonna pick up some speed? Of course, if all that wasn’t about to change, I wouldn’t be here telling you this story.

[Transition to opening sequence, with an electric guitar playing under the following lyrics.]

Woo!

One, two, three four!

Voltron’s here, kicking down your door!

Five, six, get with it.

We blaze ‘em with the sword and they can’t get away.

Seven, eight.

We’re bringing down the hurt so we’re here to stay.

Nine, ten, we here to win.

Voltron’s here, let the games begin!

Oh! (Let’s Voltron!)

Oh! (Let’s Voltron!)

Oh! (Let’s Voltron!)

Form up, let’s go!

All night! Let’s go!

Alright, we gonna rock (rock!) and roll (roll!)

Now to rock (rock!) and roll (roll!)

Oh!

[Transition to Daniel in class at the flight academy.]

Professor: ...and so the Galaxy Alliance Fractal Fighter has been Earth’s primary strike and defense weapon since… which battle, cadet Daniel?

Daniel: Huh? Um, the battle at Gemini Four?

Computer: Correct.

Professor: Commander Lance. To what do we owe the honor of a visit from the youngest head flight instructor in academy history?

Lance: I realized it was nearly the end of the first term, and I have yet to greet our first-year cadets. I wanted to get a look at the faces I’ll be seeing when they get into the cockpit in their third year.

Daniel: Ugh, third year.

Lance: So, do any of you potential pilots have any questions for me? Yes, cadet?

Daniel: Sir, with all due respect, why are you here teaching instead of defending the universe? What really happened with Voltron?

Professor: Daniel! You know mention of Voltron is forbidden by Sky Marshal Wade! There are severe consequences for violating this order. Commander Lance, I’m so sorry for--

Lance: It’s alright. I’ll speak of this once and only once. Yes, I used to be the pilot of the red Voltron lion, but after the incident, that’s something I’ve put in the past. Myself, along with tech sergeants Hunk and Pidge--formerly the yellow and green lions--are now loyal soldiers in the service of the Galaxy Alliance military. And Princess Allura, the former blue lion, is ruling on her home planet of Arus.

Daniel: What about the leader of Voltron? The black lion pilot, Commander Keith?

Lance: Ex-commander Keith is a wanted fugitive, and nobody knows his whereabouts.

[Scene change to Keith wearing shades on a beach.]

Manset: So, Commander Keith, I hear you are interested in the location of Wade’s secret base.

Keith: Your hearing is good.

Manset: Why are you seeking this base? Are you looking for trouble?

Keith: I’m looking for something Wade has that doesn’t belong to him, which may lead to trouble, but that doesn’t concern you. I paid you good money for that location, so--

Manset: Yes, well, unfortunately, some people are willing to pay more for your location. Please, do not make a big scene.

Keith: The size of the scene is up to you.

[Cut back to Daniel’s classroom.]

Daniel: How could you and the rest of the team just turn your backs on Commander Keith and Voltron?

Lance: Defending the universe is our top priority, and that’s exactly what the Galaxy Alliance is doing! Voltron was just a vehicle.

Daniel: Just a vehicle?

Lance: That’s enough. You, up. You’re coming with me. You, too.

Vince: Me? W-what’d I do?

Lance: Guilt by association.

[Cut back to Keith on the beach.]

Keith: So, this is how it’s gonna be.

Manset: At least I returned your money. You can count it. It’s all there.

Keith: Yeah, I’ll get right on that.

Masked Guard 1: Ah!

Masked Guard 2: Whoa.

Manset: A sword? Really?

Keith: It’s a weapon of honor. You wouldn’t understand.

[Cut to Lance, Vince, and Daniel entering an office.]

Wade: I assure you all, this supposed rising Drule threat is nothing but rumors to stir the masses.

Coran: But, Sky Marshal Wade, our sources have intercepted increased chatter about this mysterious commander Kala, specifically mentioning Lotor.

Wade: Lotor is dead! Furthermore, Ambassador Coran, if your sources happen to be “The Den”, you’d better think twice before quoting their intelligence to me considering they’re viewed as rebels against the Galaxy Alliance. You continually test my patience, honorable gentleman from Arus. Tread lightly. Good day. Commander Lance, these must be the cadets you called me about?

Lance: Yes, sir.

Wade: Normally I don’t like to concern myself with petty academy matters, but I take my “no Voltron” policy very seriously.

Daniel: Sir, I take full responsibility. He doesn’t belong here. I hardly know him, and he--

Wade: Do not speak, cadet, and don’t play that sickening nobility card, either. It’s a liability in combat. I need an army of obedient, ruthless, fighting machines, not some saps who are going to hesitate to consult their moral compass! Of course, this won’t be a problem for you if you violate my policy again, because a second offense would mean expulsion. However, this being your first, you are receiving the automatic sentence: latrine duty for the rest of the first term, and all of the second term, as well. I hope this teaches you to scrub Voltron from your lives completely.

Lance: I’m sure this experience will give them an entirely different perspective on Voltron, sir.

Daniel: It already has.

[Scene change to the latrines.]

Daniel: Man, I am so sorry I got you into this… mess.

Vince: Hey, you just said what I was thinking. I’m more of the non-confrontational type.

Daniel: Yeah, speaking of “type”, I’ve been meaning to thank you for helping me in class. How did you do, uh, that?

Vince: A tech-gician never reveals his tricks.

Daniel: Huh, you’re an interesting guy, um… I don’t even know your--

Vince: It’s Vince. Should I pretend I don’t know your name’s Daniel to make this less awkward for you?

Daniel: Probably. Well, I definitely owe you one, Vince.

Vince: Ah, don’t worry about it. You can just save my life sometime.

Daniel: So, Vince, what do you think of this place so far?

Vince: You mean, besides the life sentence of latrine duty, and the fact that one of our heroes turned out to be a total snart?

Daniel: Yeah, and then there’s this. I came here to fly jets, and all first-years do are stupid simulators.

Vince: Actually, I like the simulators. All the fun of flying, with none of the death.

Daniel: Unlocked?

Vince: You wanna…

Daniel: Totally.

Vince: Wait, I thought you didn’t like the simulators.

Daniel: I don’t, at least not when we’re supposed to be in them. But now, we’re like Commander Keith, rebel outlaws, operating in the shadows.

[Cut to space, where a single fighter cruises across the screen.]

Keith: I can’t believe Manset was a traitor. He was thoroughly vetted by the Den. And why’d he return my money? It just doesn’t make sense… Says the guy talking to a space mouse. Huh? The coordinates to Wade’s base? “It’s all there.” This is Stalker calling the Den. The watering hole has been located. I’m going hunting. Set course for the Tarvos moon of Saturn.

[Cut to the flight simulators in the Galaxy Alliance academy.]

Daniel: See? These simulators are way too easy. I’m ready to try this stuff pulling twelve G’s.

Vince: Alright, Whiny McGee. You want me to make this interesting for you?

Daniel: Whoa! I thought you were non-confrontational!

Vince: I am, in real life. Well, would you look here? It seems the simulator wants to feel more hurt.

Daniel: Easy pickings.

Lance: What? Can’t you boys keep up?

Daniel: Commander Lance?

Lance: You just want to get expelled, don’t you? Considering this is most likely your last act as GA cadets, let’s see what you’re made of. Hope your straps are on tight.

Daniel: Why? It’s not like these simulators are going to rocket off--woah! Whoo-hoo! Yeah!

Lance: You might want to pull your emergency brake right… now.

Vince: Y-your simulator almost killed me!

Lance: Huh, and Voltron contraband to boot. Wade would throw you in a secret holding cell to rot. Lucky for you, I’m not Wade. Boys, welcome to…

Pidge: The Den.

Lance: Cadets, I’d like you to meet--

Vince: You’re Pidge!

Daniel: The Green Lion pilot! That’s Hunk, the yellow lion!

Pidge: What are you doing? You’re not even welding anything.

Hunk: Yeah, but I wanted to make a cool entrance for these little dudes.

Lance: Mission accomplished.

Daniel: Is Keith here, too?

Lance: Always with the Keith.

[Transition to Keith breaking into a building, then back to the Den.]

Pidge: Why would you draw glasses on top of my glasses?

Daniel: Um, six eyes? I don’t know, I’m not an artist.

Hunk: Well, I’d better get back to duty, but I look forward to working with you clowns in the future.

Daniel: Huh?

Vince: Huh?

Lance: We need to keep up appearances. We’ve been pretending to be the epitome of a good soldier and loyal to Sky Marshal Wade so that he never suspects our underground activities. Pidge and Hunk have built this secret network that has access to Wade’s GA resources.

Pidge: It’s been quite useful in helping Keith on his secret mission.

Daniel: What kind of secret mission?

Lance: The kind that’s a secret.

Daniel: Okay, fine, but you still haven’t explained why we’re here. What does any of this have to do with us?

Lance: Let’s just say your talents have been noticed, and we’d like to cultivate them. In fact, how would you like to take a very cultivating course right now, taught by yours truly?

Vince: Totally! What’s the course?

Lance: Toilet Scrubbing 101. Oh, you’re right, you already have a bit of experience. We’ll call it 102.

[Cut to Keith continuing to infiltrate the building.]

Keith: Great.

Guard: All clear.

[Cut back to the Den.]

Daniel: Okay, we can tell there’s something cool going on here, but if it involves cleaning more toilets…

Lance: Look, I’m going to be asking you to do a lot of things in the future that won’t seem to make sense, but there will always be a reason. The question is, after what you’ve seen, do you trust me?

Daniel: I think so, but why won’t you just give us a straight answer about anything?

Lance: Partially because you aren’t ready to know, but mostly because it’s way more fun for me this way. So I’ll ask again: do you trust me? Because if you don’t, I can have Pidge erase this from your memory.

Daniel: Okay. We’re in.

Lance: Phew! That’s a huge relief, because we do not have a memory-erasing device. That’s science fiction.

[Cut to Keith walking through a corridor.]

Keith: What are you making, Wade?

Guard 1: Hey, you. Have you seen anyone suspicious?

Keith: Probably another false alarm set off by space mice or something.

Guard 2: Yeah, but we gotta run through the motions anyway.

Keith: Decrypt security code. Come on, come on. Shh. Shoo!

[Cut back to the Den.]

Lance: School is in session. How much do you know about Sky Marshal Wade?

Vince: He’s the head of the Galaxy Alliance’s military division.

Daniel: And a snart who hates Voltron.

Pidge: True, but it’s more complicated than that. Wade’s been wanting control of the alliance military for years, always claiming that Voltron was dangerous because the power within the lions is an ancient technology that isn’t fully understood.

Lance: Though we can’t prove it, we know he sabotaged Voltron to turn the public against it.

Daniel: I knew it!

Lance: Wade used this as an excuse to convince the Galaxy Alliance that Voltron’s power isn’t to be trusted. He got them to regulate the lions back to their storage chambers on Arus.

Pidge: However, I believe that Wade actually just wanted to study their technology.

Lance: While I believe it’s time to start your first class project. Wade is a well-decorated general, but he’s particularly proud of his four-stripe pin. Pidge has made a replica of this pin, and you boys are gonna swap this out.

Daniel: Your master revenge plan is switch out his favorite pin for a fake?

Lance: Yes. Remember our earlier conversation about trust?

Daniel: Remember you don’t have a mind-erasing device?

Lance: Touche. Let’s continue anyway, shall we? Latrine duty happens to be the only hole in Wade’s security. The toilet-cleaning cadets have pretty much unfettered access. And like all disciplined army men, Wade does everything on an air-tight schedule, and I mean everything. Now, we already know you have a talent for sneaking around, so when Wade’s coat is off for his “0600”, that’s your chance to make the swap. Should be a piece of cake.

[Transition to Daniel and Vince in Wade’s bathroom.]

Daniel: Nice.

Vince: Sweet.

Vince: I think this time he’s finished. Like us. How did you… What were you thinking?

Daniel: I didn’t think at all. Guess you’re lucky I’m impulsive.

Vince: Yeah, well, consider the “saving my life” debt paid. I was hoping to hold that over your head, but--

Wade: Look at this mess, you insufferable beast! I swear, if you chase one more mouse...

[Scene change to Keith, sneaking through the vents.]

Keith: Found you.

[Scene change back to Lance, Daniel, and Vince.]

Lance: Ah, there it is. Nice job, boys. Piece of cake, right?

Vince: More like piece of meat.

Lance: Well, you did such a good job, that I’ve decided to expel you from the academy, after all. Unless you’d rather stay and finish out your two terms of latrine. You are showing great promise in that field of study. Go on and pack your bags, boys. We’re taking a road trip.

[Scene change to space.]

Vince: This is all happening so fast.

Daniel: I often find fast is the best way.

Lance: So, I think you boys have earned the right to know a bit more about Wade’s pin. More like “pins”. And more like “keys” than “pins”.

Daniel: The keys to the lions!

Allura: Welcome to Arus, and welcome to the Castle of Lions.

Daniel: Whoa. Where’s the black key?

Lance: I assure you, it’s in good wrists.

End.

[theosymphany]

The Canary

A short fic as Chris and Piers discusses more mundane matters as Piers settles in his team. One shot. Early days Nivanfield.

It was 1358. The new lieutenant to Alpha team had planned it to the minute. He had his lunch early, went over the notes he had made, reviewed the things he had on file and mentally went through every last conversation he’s had with the team and of course, his Captain. He checked over himself at the mirror too. Captain is relaxed on grooming standards, but his first lesson from meeting Chris was ‘Do as I say, not as I do.’

He took the longer route to the Captain’s office, not out of habit, but because there’s less chance he’ll be interrupted or run into someone. He wanted to be on time, and have his thoughts where he needed them.

He set off on a purposeful, brisk pace, folder of reports in hand, taking long, measured strides that pass off as confident and looking busy and important enough. Hazel eyes scanned around the perimeters for any unplanned incursions, but he knows deep down he needn’t worry. Staying hidden is his specialty he had mastered, in plain sight, if needed. That said though, he hadn’t been fully able to dodge the spotlight since his time at the BSAA. Being second to the legendary Chris Redfield, afterall, is a high profile role, and the Captain himself isn’t quite a man of subtlety.

He knew as he arrived that the clock had just ticked over to 1400. Captain’s door would usually be open, but he would give four unhurried but confident taps should it be closed. Has he got anything? Should he have brought a treat? Food can be an icebreaker, though the Captain must have a pretty strict diet regime to maintain his bulk…

Focus Piers. He told himself as he banished all irrelevant thoughts.

He could see now that the door was open, letting some rays of the afternoon sun into the otherwise slightly gloomy office. The captain sat at his desk, clawing his mouse, his thick brows furrowed just a little to bring out a few creases. This could be bad.

“Capt-“

“Ah Piers.” Relief fell off the Captain’s face, the five o’clock shadow that usually forms by lunchtime had made him look slightly broody, but the smile was genuine. “Come. Pull up a chair.” He cocked his head to the guest chair beside him.

Piers nodded lightly. All his others commanders usually sat him across the table where they’d have feet up and arms back, as if to silently scream how important they are. Their desks though, usually afforded such luxuries, and the space for it.

Captain Chris Redfield’s desk would be, as his mother would call it, ‘a perennially rueful mess’ bereft of military rigour, but Piers had learnt by day two on base that Captain Redfield sets the rules. Or rather, breaks them at convenience for himself. Piers may never have to worry about an inspection, but also means he’s in that uncomfortable position managing what the enlisted men would consider ‘double standards’.

Regardless, he sat, back straight and attentive, being more than a little pleased that he’s so close to the Captain he could feel the heat radiating off his body.

“It’s our catch up isn’t it. Sorry, I didn’t prepare anything. Uh, did you send- no you must have, I know you would, sorry I didn’t read it, I just…”

Piers nodded and shrugged. Yes, he’d written a short one-page update just in case and emailed through but yet again Chris hasn’t read it, but that’s OK because he’d practiced the verbal brief anyway and knew he preferred that.

“Did you want the two-minute version?”

“Yep, go on- uh wait, oh, that’s right, I was looking at this when you came in. Can I get your thoughts on this first?”

Chris pulled up the email. As he did Piers glanced at the (8709) unread tag and flinched, but told himself to focus.

It was one of those reports, cc’ed for comment by all the team leaders. There must be thousands of those going around.

“Hmm. May I skim the report?” Piers asked.

Chris alt-tabbed and Piers glanced at the page count. Less than fifty. He let out the breath he held in. Trying not to lean in too close to Chris, he scrolled through with the keyboard, looked at the summary and the body, and then the conclusion.

“I think it’s bad, but not quite sure how bad.” Chris said, scratching his head.

“This got drafted by some ivory tower academic who never had a semblance of normal life.”

“How did it get that far then, command can’t actually be that serious about this shit?”

“Well you see when you brand yourself a ‘consultant’, whatever BS they sprout will suddenly became great gems of transformative wisdom that’s it a crime against the state to realise such theoretical gains and crafted rhetoric into action. The good thing is, however, at least it doesn’t read like there’s someone’s self interests in the way…”

“You got a plan of attack?”

“Whatever you do don’t let it be a recommendation. I’m sure every commander out there is fuming about this stuff. I’ll work up some comments on the template in uh, your style and let you review them, but you should go chew the fat with others and draw out their views, and put in a coordinate effort.”

“Mmmh, I like that approach. I can chat to Crosby and K-face. It’s the same crap that keeps going round.”

“So, that brief of yours. Anything important? Do you need me to get money again?”

“No. Nothing of the sort. We could use all kinds of upgrades, but we can’t ask for them willy-nilly, it must be thought out, strategic, have the whole cost, risk benefit balance neatly summed up—”

Chris threw his hands up in defence. “OK, OK, I’m just asking. You work out the details and brief me on what to tell our accounts man. How’s the team?”

“Overall we’re going to be fine. Our teams are much smaller than we used to manage, I’m still getting to know them of course, but they’re willing, have a good attitude and there’s a lot we can cover.”

“I mean, they’re no special forces but miles above army grunts fresh from boot. They’re here because they want to be, and that counts more than anyone realises.”

“Just what I wanted to hear. And how are you?”

“Me? Oh, uh. I’m doing alright. I guess.”

Piers was caught off guard. He’d prepared the brief about everything Chris could ask him about and left out himself. He never thought about himself. As in what Chris would want him to say about himself. Is it like a job interview? Does he stay professional or let out snippets of truth and emotion? No. He never thought about the fact that Chris would ask him about himself. This is the military. No one is your care bear. They want you to get the job done and not cause any problems. Don’t be smart and don’t be stupid. Conform.

“Well you’re doing a damn fine job.” Chris said, clapping a big hand to Piers’ shoulder. “Knew I’d pick the right man.” He grinned a somewhat boyish grin and gave the shoulder a squeeze.

Pier grinned to himself. Chris was a touchy man and he’d be damned if he ever forgot a moment where they connected physically.

“Oh. Another thing.” The squeeze turned to a slap on his shoulder. “What is this writing comments in ‘my style’ that you spoke of?”

Piers blinked. Oops.

“Uh, have you ever hear of ghost writers, Captain?”

“Uh, like the movie with the team with gear battling paranormal lifeforms?” Chris said with a twinkle in his eyes. “Sounds a bit like us, really.”

“Almost, except they fight with words. A ghost writer is like someone who writes for someone else. Like a speech writer, official emails and all.”

Piers feels nervous as Chris stroked his 5’o clock shadow and appraised him intently with his warm brown eyes. He thought about the 8000 unread emails and swallowed.

“Uh, I’m kinda terrible at it, but given the timeframes of the response I might just jot some notes and you can review them so it sounds like it comes from a seasoned… captain and not some fresh-faced rookie from West Point?”

“Seasoned huh?” Chris chuckled. “Medium with a hint of garlic, salt and pepper.”

Piers licked his lips.

“Well, I’ll leave it to you. Forget the style. The key thing is to shoot this thing down before it ever gets off the ground.”

“Yes Sir!” Piers was already plotting in his head. He still needs to write like Chris would, but not as Chris would, but how command would want Chris to, striking that fine balance between authority, reason and a hint of the non-conformant leanings the Captain is known for.

“I know who I picked. You’re not a spring chicken Nivans, even if you look like you belong on a recruitment poster. I see a bright future in you, ghostbusting or zombie busting or writing or whatever else. You’ve got a good package. Of skills and, uh that word…. Aptitude, attitude? Those things. Keep it up.”

“I will, Captain. Thank you, Captain.”

“I’ll send you the docs, no hurry, but if you get it in before 1700 I know there’s a steakhouse you might like.”

Piers raised his eyebrows. Chris is more than his match.

“Right away sir.”

Chris’s eyes followed Piers out of his office, with the golden rays of the sun on his back. He sighed in relief, pressing send on the email. He looked at the other 8000 unread emails, and the pile of reports awaiting read through, and he grinned like a cat who ate the canary.

[bountyofbeads]

Coronavirus Live Updates: Cases Up Nearly 60%, as Airports Expand Screenings https://nyti.ms/2RzxbfT

This seems to be getting a fair amount of media coverage. However, I am more concerned about what is NOT being said. Could this turn into a worldwide pandemic like the Spanish flu of 1918? With 1/5 of the population wiped out? If there was ever a time to err on the side of caution, it is now.

Videos on social media in China have appeared claiming that 70,000+ people are infected. The people in these videos say that they are medical professionals and that the Chinese government is engaged in a cover-up. Given China's history of covering up negative events, SARS, and their seemingly overkill public response, quartinting 10+ cities, I suspect the situation is a lot worse than is being portrayed.

Coronavirus Live Updates: Cases Up Nearly 60%, as Airports Expand Screenings

The number of known cases of the new virus rose by nearly 60 percent overnight. A shortage of test kits has led experts to warn that the real number may be higher.

By The New York Times | Published January 28, 2020 | Posted January 28, 2020 |

RIGHT NOW

After repeated offers of assistance, China will allow in international health experts to help with research and containment.

[ READ UPDATES IN CHINESE:

武汉疫情每日汇总中文版]

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

DEATH TOLL EXCEEDS 100 AS NUMBER OF INFECTIONS SKYROCKETS.

The outbreak of the mysterious new coronavirus is rapidly spreading, the Chinese authorities said on Tuesday, as the official account of known cases jumped nearly 60 percent overnight and the death toll exceeded 100 for the first time.

◆ China said on Tuesday that 106 people had died from the virus, which is believed to have originated in the central city of Wuhan and is spreading across the country. The previous death toll, on Monday, was 81.

◆ The number of confirmed cases increased to 4,515 on Tuesday, from 2,835 on Monday, according to the National Health Commission. The youngest confirmed case is a 9-month-old girl in Beijing.

◆ Most of the confirmed cases have been in the central Chinese province of Hubei, where several cities, including Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak, have been placed under what amounts to a lockdown. Of the total cases, 2,714 are in Hubei.

◆ Thailand has reported 14 cases of infection; Hong Kong has eight; the United States, Taiwan, Australia and Macau have five each; Singapore, South Korea and Malaysia each have reported four; Japan has seven; France has three; Canada and Vietnam have two; and Nepal, Cambodia and Germany each have one. There have been no deaths outside China.

C.D.C. IS EXPANDING SCREENING FOR CORONAVIRUS AT U.S. AIRPORTS AND BORDERS.

The United States is expanding the screening of travelers arriving from Wuhan — to 20 ports of entry, from five, federal officials said on Tuesday.

“Right now, there is no spread of this virus in our communities at home,” said Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at a news briefing in Washington.

“The coming days and weeks are likely to bring more cases including the possibility of person-to-person spread,” he said. “Our goal is to contain this virus and prevent sustained spread of the virus in our country.”

The C.D.C. was already screening passengers from Wuhan at five airports. Now quarantine stations at 20 airports and land crossings will be equipped to test for the virus.

Officials also announced that after repeated offers of assistance, Chinese authorities agreed on Tuesday to allow in teams of international experts, coordinated by the World Health Organization, to help with research and containment.

GERMANY AND JAPAN SAY THE VIRUS HAS SPREAD IN THEIR COUNTRIES.

Health officials on Tuesday reported what appear to be the first known cases of human-to-human transmission of the virus in Europe — specifically, in Germany — and in Japan. Another case was recently reported in Vietnam.

The cases show that countries across the world are now faced with the task of limiting the spread of the disease on their own soil, not just seeking to identify and quarantine ailing patients who had traveled from China.

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said the first Japanese national — and the sixth person in Japan overall — to be diagnosed with the coronavirus was a man in his 60s. He had never been to Wuhan, but he had worked as a bus driver earlier this month for two different group tours from that city, officials said.

The man began experiencing symptoms on Jan. 14, was hospitalized on Saturday and was confirmed to have the coronavirus on Tuesday.

The infected German, whose case was also confirmed on Tuesday, is a 33-year-old man from Bavaria who had been in contact with a Chinese woman in Germany, officials said. The woman was diagnosed with the virus after flying home to China. The man was in good condition, German officials said.

“It was to be expected that the virus would come to Germany,” Jens Spahn, Germany’s health minister, said in a statement on Tuesday. “But the Bavarian case shows us that we are well prepared.”

The World Health Organization said on Friday that there appeared to have been a case of human-to-human transmission in Vietnam, where a person who had never been to China, but who had a relative who had visited Wuhan, was confirmed to have the virus.

HONG KONG PUTS SIGNIFICANT LIMITS ON TRAVEL FROM THE MAINLAND.

Hong Kong on Tuesday put in place a broad series of restrictions aimed at controlling the spread of the coronavirus by limiting the number of mainland Chinese travelers entering the territory, one of Asia’s busiest travel and financial hubs.

The restrictions — which included the suspension of high-speed and other train services between Hong Kong and the mainland, a 50 percent reduction in the number of flights — and a ban on tourism visas for many travelers — were announced by Carrie Lam, the city’s chief executive.

The regulations, which apply to some plane, rail, bus and ferry arrivals, will begin on Thursday. They follow days of rising pressure from health care workers, epidemiologists and even pro-Beijing politicians who have traditionally supported Mrs. Lam’s government.

Hong Kong has so far recorded eight confirmed cases of the virus.

Tibet, the only region in China that has yet to report any cases, has temporarily closed all tourist sites, state news media reported. Major Chinese cities, including Shanghai and Beijing, have suspended long-distance bus services.

The medical faculty of the Chinese University of Hong Kong called for more restrictions on border checkpoints as the virus spreads across China.

Workers from Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority have planned a strike for next week to demand a law requiring the wearing of masks in public and banning all visitors from entering the city through the mainland.

ETHIOPIA AND IVORY COAST TEST SUSPECTED CASES.

Numerous African countries are shoring up coronavirus screening efforts at major airports, and samples from at least five potentially infected patients were being tested.

Ethiopia’s state minister of health  confirmed on Tuesday that four potential cases were isolated in the capital, Addis Ababa, pending laboratory tests. On Monday, officials in Ivory Coast said they were testing a suspected case related to a female student who had traveled from Beijing to the capital, Abidjan.

The epidemic comes as travel between China and African states has increased at a rapid pace. As Beijing has ramped up its diplomatic, economic and political support for African states, Chinese firms and migrants have been setting up shop in cities from Nairobi to Johannesburg.

Data from the China Africa Research Initiative at Johns Hopkins University put the number of official Chinese workers as of 2017 at over 202,000. African entrepreneurs have moved to Chinese cities, while African students now make up a large percentage of the foreign student body in China.

On Tuesday, Kenya Airways announced that the health authorities had quarantined a passenger who traveled from Guangzhou.

Because of the Chinese New Year celebration, “a good number of African students living in Wuhan or Hubei traveled home before the extent of the virus became clear,” said Hannah Ryder, chief executive of the Beijing-headquartered consultancy Development Reimagined.

“It’s unclear how exposed they may have been and if governments have the resources to check on them,” she said.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION BURIES UPDATED GLOBAL RISK ASSESSMENT IN A FOOTNOTE.

The World Health Organization revised its global risk assessment for the coronavirus outbreak from “moderate” to “high,” but concealed the change in a footnote buried in a report published on Monday.

The change to the report, which coincided with a visit to China by the organization’s director-general, risked confusing the public about the severity of the outbreak, which has killed more than 100 people in China and been found in at least 14 countries.

In a statement, the organization said the director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and Chinese officials “discussed measures to protect the health of Chinese and foreigners in outbreak areas, including possible alternatives to evacuation of foreigners if there are ways to accommodate them and protect their health.”

Chinese state-run media reported that Dr. Tedros met with President Xi Jinping of China and spoke highly of Chinese efforts. Mr. Xi urged the health organization to assess the epidemic in an “objective, fair, calm and rational manner.”

In Hubei, medical workers have complained about a desperate need for resources to treat thousands of patients who have at times overwhelmed hospitals.

The group, which is a United Nations body, was criticized when it refused twice in recent days to declare the outbreak a global emergency, despite its spread.

SHORTAGE OF TEST KITS IN CHINA PROMPTS CONCERN THAT CASES HAVE BEEN UNDERREPORTED.

A shortage of medical kits in China needed to quickly diagnose the coronavirus has slowed the country’s ability to respond to the outbreak and fueled concerns that the number of cases has been underreported.

China’s Medical Products Administration said on Sunday that it had approved four new virus detection kits, including one that sequences the genetic makeup of the disease.

But China’s three leading medical device manufacturers said they did not have the capacity to quickly produce the products, according to state news media reports.

Residents in Wuhan who arrived at hospitals to seek testing were told that medical workers did not have the kits needed to confirm a diagnosis.

“For any new emerging virus, most local hospitals or public health laboratories will not able to make a diagnosis” said Yuen Kwok-yung, the chairman of the infectious diseases department at Hong Kong University. “Thus many cases will not be investigated at all if they are mild.”

A woman in Wuhan told The South China Morning Post that her uncle learned he had viral pneumonia after a CT scan, but that the doctor could not confirm it was the new virus because no testing kits were available.

China may have to rely on outside technical support as front line responders battle to contain the virus’s spread, experts said. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation said Sunday that it would commit $5 million to help China respond to the crisis, including “efforts to identify and confirm cases.”

U.S. HEALTH OFFICIALS RECOMMEND AVOIDING CHINA, AND BUSINESSES FOLLOW SUIT.

As the outbreak continues to spread, global companies have begun to limit their workers’ travel to mainland China, and China’s biggest companies have urged employees to work from home.

On Monday, health officials in the United States urged travelers to avoid any nonessential travel to China, and many companies cited that as justification for internal travel bans. The new guidance, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warned that transportation in and out of Hubei Province, the center of the outbreak, is restricted, and that there is “limited access to adequate medical care in affected areas.”

Companies with large operations or interest in China, like General Motors, Honeywell, Bloomberg and Facebook, have all warned employees not to travel within mainland China in a flurry of emails in recent days.

Honeywell, which has offices and operations across China, said it had restricted travel to certain regions, without specifying them. A spokesperson for General Motors said the company had issued a global ban on travel to China, under which only “business-critical” travel would be allowed.

Bloomberg told its employees in Hong Kong and mainland China to work remotely until further notice, and it barred other employees from traveling to either place for the next 30 days, according to an email seen by The New York Times. Facebook said it asked all employees to suspend nonessential travel and asked those who had recently been in China to work from home for a period of time.

The authorities in China have extended the Lunar New Year holiday to Feb. 3, and some of China’s biggest cities have gone further, telling businesses not to open until the next week. The country’s biggest technology companies, including Alibaba, Tencent, Bytedance, Sina, Maimai, Netease and Didi, told employees to work from home from Feb. 3 to Feb. 10.

Netease, an internet and entertainment platform, asked employees returning from another city within China to quarantine themselves for 14 days.

WORRIES RISE ABOUT THE OUTBREAK’S ECONOMIC IMPACT.

After sharp losses around the world on Monday, investors on Tuesday continued to assess the long-term economic effects of the coronavirus  epidemic.

The verdict was mixed. Investors abandoned stocks in Asia, while markets in Europe rebounded modestly from the previous day’s sell-off. Stock market futures in the United States rose as well.

Many of Asia’s stock markets were closed for the Lunar New Year holiday, but those that were open — Japan’s and South Korea’s — fell as futures trading in China slumped. Money poured into safe-haven assets like gold and pushed up the value of the United States dollar.

Japan’s state economy minister said on Tuesday that the Chinese outbreak would affect Japan’s tourism industry and warned that it could also hurt Japanese exports and corporate profits. Chinese tourists traveling to Japan accounted for 30 percent of all tourists in 2019, he said at a news conference.

“There are concerns over the impact to the Chinese and global economy from the spread of infection in China, transportation disruptions, cancellation of group tours from China and an extension in the Lunar Holiday,” said the minister, Yasutoshi Nishimura.

In Tokyo, investors pushed stocks down by nearly one percent. In Seoul, stocks fell by more than 3 percent. Hong Kong’s stock market will reopen on Wednesday. In China, where authorities have extended the New Year holiday by a week, the major exchanges in Shenzhen and Shanghai said they would remain closed until Feb. 3.

“The coronavirus is the No. 1 threat to financial markets currently as global investors are becoming jittery on the uncertainty,” said Nigel Gre, the founder of the investment group deVere Group.

BACK IN NEW YORK FROM WUHAN … AND INTO A SELF-IMPOSED QUARANTINE.

Some of the last passengers who arrived at Kennedy International Airport before direct flights from Wuhan were canceled have quarantined themselves at home.

Scott Liu, 56, who leads an association for immigrants from Hubei, said he confined himself to his house in Queens. He said he and his fellow passengers on the Wuhan flight learned of the lockdown in that city mid-flight.

He said he has not felt sick, but is taking precautions because he knows symptoms take time to appear. His friends have dropped off on his doorstep traditional Lunar New Year dishes like lotus root and pork rib soup, salted fish and dumplings. Last year, they were host to a big New Year celebration at a banquet hall in Flushing.

This year, Mr. Liu said, “all the events here are canceled.”

“Everybody is in a state of panic,” he added.

________

Reporting was contributed by Chris Buckley, Russell Goldman, Elaine Yu, Raymond Zhong, Austin Ramzy, Sui-Lee Wee, Alexandra Stevenson, Cao Li, Eimi Yamamitsu, Tiffany May, Joseph Goldstein, Jeffrey E. Singer, Peter S. Goodman, Roni Caryn Rabin, Motoko Rich, Paul Mozur, Christopher F. Schuetze, Abdi Latif Dahir, Simon Marks and Aurelien Breeden. Jin Wu, Zoe Mou, Albee Zhang, Amber Wang, Yiwei Wang and Claire Fu contributed research.

*********

Coronavirus live updates: U.S. seeks to send expert team to China to combat coronavirus outbreak; Xi defends response

By Gerry Shih, Simon Denyer and Siobhán O'Grady | Published January 28 at 3:38 PM EST | Washington Post | Posted January 28, 2020 |

BEIJING — A top U.S. health official said Tuesday that he offered to send a team from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to China to help with the coronavirus outbreak. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar did not describe the Chinese health minister’s response but said he hopes that Beijing will accept the offer.

Earlier Tuesday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping said that his country is being “open, transparent, responsible” in its handling of the coronavirus outbreak, as the number of cases continues to increase. Here’s what we know:

● The death toll has risen to 106 in China, with more than 4,565 cases of infection. Other countries in the region also are reporting more people infected — nearly all of them tourists from China.

● Hong Kong announced dramatic measures to stem the flow of mainland Chinese into the territory, closing two railways, ferries and cross-border tour buses. Flights to mainland China will be slashed by half, and individual visas to Chinese will no longer be issued, starting Thursday. United Airlines suspended some flights from the United States to China after demand dropped.

● The U.S. stock market rebounded after the outbreak spooked the global investors Monday, causing serious losses. Asian markets opened down Tuesday after the Lunar New Year holiday, with markets in South Korea and Japan having dropped nearly 3 percent.

● Several countries, including France, South Korea, Canada, Britain and the United States, are putting together plans to evacuate their citizens from the outbreak epicenter in Wuhan.

● Germany has reported its first case, while Thailand has confirmed six more cases, bringing its total to 14 amid calls by many Asian populations to close the borders to Chinese visitors. Infections have been confirmed in France, South Korea, Japan, Nepal, Cambodia, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, Canada and Sri Lanka. We’re mapping the spread here.

______

3:30 PM: IN CHINA, STILL MORE RISK OF DYING FROM FLU THAN THE CORONAVIRUS, EXPERT SAYS

WASHINGTON—As cases of the coronavirus continue to spread, global health experts say people in China — and around the world — are currently more at risk of dying of influenza.

“The flu is a big deal in China,” said Yanzhong Huang, senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations.

People there are “more at risk of dying of the flu right now than they are of coronavirus,” he said, although incomplete government data makes it hard to assess the full effect of flu in China.

Flu takes a substantial toll around the world, including in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been at least 15 million cases of the flu and 8,200 deaths in the United States this season.

Huang said that getting a flu shot probably wouldn’t keep individuals from contracting the coronavirus, but could have systemic benefits by bringing down the rate of those presenting flu-like symptoms and seeking treatment, thus preserving hospital resources.

Fear, Huang said, “could itself be as contagious as the virus.”

By:Ruby Mellen

______

3:10 PM: ROBOT DELIVERS FOOD TO PEOPLE in QUARANTINE IN CHINA

WASHINGTON — Travelers who flew from Singapore to Hangzhou, China, are being held in quarantine in a hotel this week, where they received a visit from a special guest: Little Peanut, a food delivery robot.

“Hello, everyone. Cute Little Peanut is serving food to you now,” the robot said as it made its way down a hotel hallway. “Enjoy your meal. If you need anything else, please message the staff on WeChat.”

Little Peanut moved along the carpeted hallway with ease, pausing when a man in slippers and a face mask opened his door to retrieve his meal. As the robot moved ahead, another door opened, and another man reached for his meal. The robot continued down the hall, and two more men popped out of doors opposite one another, each retrieving their meals as well.

The delivery system, which reduces human contact with the people in quarantine, was captured in cellphone footage shared this week on Chinese state media.

By: Siobhán O’Grady

______

2:30 PM: CANADA CONFIRMS THIRD CASE OF CORONAVIRUS

TORONTO — A third person has tested positive in Canada for the novel coronavirus, the British Columbia Center for Disease Control said Tuesday.

The man, who is in his 40s, travels regularly to China for business and was in Wuhan during his most recent trip, said Bonnie Henry, the provincial health officer. He began experiencing symptoms of the virus more than 24 hours after his arrival in Vancouver last week and contacted his primary health-care provider. He is being kept in isolation at home, where he is “doing well,” she added, and does not require hospitalization.

Henry said the case “is not unexpected to us,” given travel patterns and family ties between British Columbia and China, and is unlikely to be the last. She stressed that the risk of contracting the virus remains “extremely low.”

Despite claims from some Chinese officials, Henry said that there is no evidence that the coronavirus can be spread while a carrier is asymptomatic and that the virus is not as infectious as influenza or measles.

“You have to be in relatively close contact with somebody to inhale those droplets if they cough or sneeze,” she said.

The man’s case is considered a “presumptive positive” pending confirmation from the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg, Manitoba, but Henry said she is “confident” it is a case of the virus given the man’s travel pattern and symptoms.

By: Amanda Coletta

______

2:00 PM: WALL STREET BOUNCES BACK AFTER CORONAVIRUS-FUELED SELL-OFF

WASHINGTON — U.S. stock markets rebounded Tuesday after investors appeared to shake off immediate anxiety around the growing coronavirus outbreak.

The Dow Jones industrial average was up 250 points at midday, one day after shedding more than 450 points in its worst one-day sell-off since October. The Standard & Poor’s 500 and tech-heavy Nasdaq also rallied back, and were trading up 1.2 and 1.4 percent, respectively.

Still, investors are keeping close watch on the coronavirus. Analysts worry that China’s economy, which depends heavily on consumer spending, could take a hit given the massive slowdown in travel. There’s also concern that it could disrupt global supply chains.

The U.S. economy could be cushioned from any major damage, analysts say, especially if the 2002-2003 SARS outbreak is any indication. The spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, which killed nearly 800 people and infected more than 8,000 others, temporarily stifled growth in CHINA.

By: Rachel Siegel

______

1:25 PM: UNITED AIRLINES SUSPENDS SOME FLIGHTS TO CHINA AS DEMAND DROPS

WASHINGTON — United Airlines, the largest U.S. carrier operating in China, said Tuesday afternoon that it is adjusting its near-term schedule and canceling 24 round-trip flights between the United States and China because so few people are traveling to China.

The cancellations affect flights from San Francisco International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, Dulles International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

“Due to a significant decline in demand for travel to China, we are suspending some flights between our hub cities and Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai beginning Feb. 1 through Feb. 8,” the airline said in a statement. “We will continue to monitor the situation as it develops and will adjust our schedule as needed.”

By: Hannah Sampson

______

12:50 PM: TOP U.S. HEALTH OFFICIAL SAYS EARLY CASES MAY ‘SKEW’ UNDERSTANDING OF CORONAVIRUS

WASHINGTON — Azar said experts are scrambling to understand how quickly the novel coronavirus spreads, as well as its lethality, based on limited information.

In a news conference on Tuesday, the health secretary emphasized that officials’ assessments are based on the publicly reported cases and that those “are naturally the most severe cases, because patients presented themselves to health-care providers.”

Another challenge is figuring out lethality without knowing what the total universe of cases might be. Right now, China is reporting more than 100 deaths from the more than 4,500 cases.

But Azar noted that those cases, too, “skew severe, including patients who are older or have other illnesses. The mortality rate may drop over time as we identify a broader set of cases.”

For those reasons, Azar said, “We are still determining the real speed of spread. … We are also still learning about the severity of the virus.”

By: Yasmeen Abutaleb and Lenny Bernstein

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12:35 PM: AUTHORITIES IN GERMANY CAUTION AGAINST IGNORING FLU RISK AS CORONAVIRUS SPREADS

BERLIN — Authorities in Europe urged citizens Tuesday to not ignore risks posed by the flu, after public focus largely shifted to the spreading coronavirus.

In Germany, which confirmed its first coronavirus case in southern Bavaria on Monday night, officials have sought to keep the coronavirus in perspective by citing flu figures.

“Severe flu seasons can kill up to 20,000 people annually in Germany,” said German Health Minister Jens Spahn. But health officials said they also did not want to diminish the risks posed by the coronavirus, even as the threat level across Europe remains relatively low.

The growing focus on the new virus may skew perception of the real risks it poses, but that doesn’t mean the public interest has been unhelpful, said Susanne Glasmacher of the Robert Koch Institute, a German government health agency.

“Some of the means of protecting against influenza are the same as against coronavirus: keeping a distance, washing your hands,” she said.

Encouraging more citizens to take such measures seriously “might in fact be beneficial for keeping influenza numbers low — perhaps it might even help to increase influenza vaccination coverage,” she said.

By: Rick Noack

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11:50 AM: TOP U.S. HEALTH OFFICIAL SAYS HE OFFERED TO SEND CDC TEAM TO CHINA

WASHINGTON — Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said on Tuesday that he reiterated an offer to China’s minister of health to send a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention team to China to aid with the public health response to the coronavirus outbreak.

In a news conference Tuesday, Azar said he spoke with the Chinese minister of health on Monday and repeated an offer he made on Jan. 6 to send a CDC team.

Asked about the minister’s response, Azar did not respond directly, saying he “hopes the Chinese government will take us up on” the offer. “We are urging China that more cooperation and transparency are the most important steps you can take toward a more effective response,” Azar said.

Azar said health officials wanted more isolates of the virus from China to help better understand its transmission and to help in the development of vaccines and diagnostics. Top health officials also said that no option was off the table on further restricting travel from China, but they did not announce any new limitations.

By: Yasmeen Abutaleb and Lenny Bernstein

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11:30 AM: AS OUTBREAK SPREADS, AFRICA PREPARES FOR POSSIBLE CASES

WASHINGTON — Despite rapidly growing ties between China and many African countries, no coronavirus cases have been recorded anywhere in Africa since the outbreak began in China in late December. Still, John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warned Tuesday that it’s “very possible that there are cases on the continent that have not been recognized.”

Speaking to reporters in Addis Ababa, he noted that cases were suspected in several countries but that none has been confirmed. As is true elsewhere, preparedness for the virus will vary country by country, Nkengasong said.

“Some countries have very strong surveillance systems, some have weak surveillance systems, and some we are working with them to strengthen those systems there,” he said. “This will be a test case of how those systems have been strengthened over the years.”

Large numbers of Chinese citizens live and work in Africa, running shops and restaurants and working on Chinese infrastructure projects. And in the last decade, airlines have accounted for the rapidly growing exchange: Air traffic between Chinese and African cities surged more than 630 percent in the last decade, Quartz reported last year.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of African students are studying in China, with more than 4,000 believed to be studying in Hubei province alone, according to the Associated Press.

As of Tuesday, Nkengasong said, there is “no need to charter flights to evacuate Africans out of Wuhan city.”

But some African students have expressed concerns they are trapped in the epicenter of the outbreak. Samson Opoku, a Ghanaian student leader in Wuhan, told Ghanaian radio station Joy FM that he and others “want evacuation back home to Ghana.”

“When the outbreak subsides or ends then we return and continue our academic work,” he said.

By: Siobhán O’Grady

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10:40 AM: MILLIONS TUNE IN TO WATCH LIVE STREAM OF CHINESE HOSPITAL CONSTRUCTION

WASHINGTON — Blocked from traveling and encouraged to stay indoors, millions of Chinese have found an unusual way to pass the time: watching hospitals get built — in real time.

On Tuesday, remarkable numbers of Chinese netizens watched grainy, wide-angle footage of workers flattening earth at the site of two temporary hospitals being built to treat the growing number of patients in Wuhan.

Twin live streams showcasing work on the Huoshenshan and Leishenshan hospitals together had an average of 18 million concurrent views on Tuesday, according the South China Morning Post. The footage was hosted by CCTV, China’s state broadcaster.

Facing public anger, authorities promised to build two hospitals in 10 days — a response calibrated to show resolve and showcase Chinese know-how. The live streams appear to be a nod to calls for transparency.

The fact that so many people chose to watch the slow-moving coverage shows both the extent to which boredom is taking hold, as well as public interest in how the Chinese Communist Party is responding.

China’s leaders have vowed to use the hulking architecture of the state to help those affected. The footage, boring as it may be, gives ordinary people a rare chance to show they’re keeping watch.

By: Emily Rauhala

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10:10 AM: Xi DEFENDS CHINA’S HANDLING OF OUTBREAK IN MEETING WITH WHO

BEIJING — Chinese leader Xi Jinping defended his country’s handling of the coronavirus epidemic as “open, transparent, responsible” on Tuesday in a meeting with World Health Organization director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, even as the Chinese mayor at the epicenter of the outbreak apologized for withholding information from the public.

Calling the coronavirus a “demon,” Xi told Tedros that he would not “let a demon hide” as he vouched for his government’s ability to handle the crisis.

In return, China’s official Xinhua News Agency described Tedros as praising Xi for “personally commanding” the outbreak response and “showing excellent leadership.”

Although international experts have largely praised the speed and methods with which Chinese scientists have carried out research into the novel virus, the Communist Party leadership has come under growing criticism about its handling of the epidemic in its critical early days and its politicization of the international public health response.

Xi’s meeting with the WHO chief came a day after the mayor of Wuhan triggered a firestorm by publicly suggesting that he had not been allowed to speak out earlier about the epidemic.

China in recent days has also been criticized by Taiwan’s president for trying to block the self-ruled island from meetings at the WHO, a United Nations agency, for political reasons at a sensitive moment. China, which has considerable clout at the U.N., views Taiwan as its own territory and has sought to diplomatically isolate the island.

Taiwan reported late Tuesday that it had a first case of coronavirus transmission between two people on the island, raising fears of the virus’s spread. The majority of cases so far have involved people who became infected while traveling in central China.

By: Gerry Shih

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9:30 AM: TAIWAN REPORTS FIRST CASE OF DOMESTIC TRANSMISSION

WASHINGTON — Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Centre confirmed Tuesday that one of its eight confirmed coronavirus patients appeared to be the first case of transmission on the island. All previous cases had been infected first in China, Taiwan said. But the new patient, a man in his 50s, was infected by his wife after she returned from working in China, Reuters reports.

Taiwan, despite its political divide with the government in Beijing, has close cultural and economic ties with mainland China. On Monday, an official at Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council told reporters that there were as many as 300 business people from Taiwan in Wuhan.

By: ADAM TAYLOR

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8:45 AM: CHARTER FLIGHT CARRYING MEDICAL SUPPLIES LEAVES JAPAN FOR WUHAN AS EVACUATIONS BEGIN

TOKYO — A charter flight left Japan at 8 p.m. on Tuesday to evacuate around 200 people from Wuhan, officials said.

The plane is carrying masks, plastic gloves, protective clothing and food.

It was scheduled to leave Wuhan at 3 a.m. local time Wednesday and arrive back in Tokyo’s Haneda airport at 7:30 a.m. Officials said 650 Japanese citizens living in the worst-affected province of Hubei have asked to come home, with the initial 200 selected among those living closest to the airport and the market from which the disease is believed to have spread.

Those with symptoms will be taken directly to a hospital that specializes in treating infectious diseases, while those without symptoms will be taken to another hospital for tests.

The second group will then be allowed to go home, but urged not to venture outdoors for two weeks during the incubation period of the virus, with health officials visiting them on a daily basis to monitor their condition.

Other flights will be added as soon as possible, officials told reporters.

South Korea will send four flights to Wuhan on Thursday and Friday to evacuate around 700 of its nationals who have asked to come home.

The government plans to send provide some 2 million masks and other medical relief items, including 200,000 items of protective clothing and goggles, on the planes, Yonhap news agency reported.

By: Simon DENYER

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8:30 AM: COUNTRIES MOVE FORWARD WITH EVACUATION PLANS

BERLIN — Several countries continued to move forward with plans to evacuate their citizens from the coronavirus epicenter Wuhan.

Among the nations pursuing or considering such plans are France, South Korea, Morocco, Britain, Germany, Canada, the Netherlands and Russia, Reuters reported.

French authorities said they will initially focus on the evacuation of citizens who are not showing any symptoms of the virus, with a flight from Wuhan expected to arrive back in France on Thursday. The second flight for infected citizens has yet to be scheduled.

In neighboring Germany, the Der Spiegel magazine reported that at least one military aircraft was expected to leave for Wuhan later this week to evacuate German citizens. The plans were not officially confirmed and the German Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

British authorities were still finalizing their own plans, too. Via its Twitter account, the British embassy in Beijing urged British nationals in Hubei province willing to leave the region to call a 24/7 hotline before 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

The British government had previously faced pressure to enact a plan. The opposition Labour Party’s Emily Thornberry accused Prime Minister Boris Johnson of “not doing whatever it takes to protect our citizens from harm,” according to the Evening Standard newspaper on Monday.

By: RICK NOACK

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7:30 AM: CHINESE EMBASSY IN COPENHAGEN DEMANDS APOLOGY OVER CORONAVIRUS CARTOON

BERLIN — The Chinese embassy in Denmark has demanded an apology over a coronavirus cartoon published in one of the country’s highest-circulation newspapers, Jyllands-Posten.

The cartoon showed a Chinese flag with what appeared to represent five coronavirus particles instead of the five typical yellow stars.

The illustration — published by the same paper that drew international attention with the satirical Muhammad cartoons in 2005 that sparked rioting across the Middle East — struck a nerve with Chinese officials in Denmark.

In a release, a spokesperson for the embassy called the cartoon “an insult to China” that “hurts the feelings of the Chinese people.”

“Without any sympathy and empathy, it has crossed the bottom line of civilized society and the ethical boundary of free speech and offends human conscience,” the statement read, adding that the cartoonist Niels Bo Bojesen and the paper should “reproach themselves for their mistake and publicly apologize to the Chinese people.”

The paper stood by the cartoon on Tuesday, with its editor in chief Jacob Nybroe saying that “there is no mockery or scorn in the drawing.”

“We can’t apologize for something we don’t think is wrong,” Nybroe added, according to the paper’s own coverage of the controversy.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen defended the country’s freedom of expression and satire, even though she did not directly comment on the cartoon in question itself.

By: RICK NOACK

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6:00 AM: PHILIPPINES RESTRICTS VISAS FOR CHINESE NATIONALS

MANILA — In the Philippines, immigration authorities temporarily suspended the issuance of visas upon arrival for Chinese nationals. Immigration commissioner Jaime Morente said that this was “to slow down the influx of group tours,” and possibly prevent the entry of the virus.

China is one of the country’s top sources of tourists, accounting for over a million visits in 2018. The country is hoping to record 9.2 million international arrivals this year. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat said that her department did not find it necessary to adjust tourism targets just yet.