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tendouluvr · 4 years ago

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not telling them you’re pregnant - f!reader

- fluff, sliiiight angst maybe

- characters: suna, sakusa, semi

- warnings: pregnancy (i don’t go into detail of giving birth or anything), cravings, morning sickness aka throwing up, two mention of the act of sex in semi’s, some cursing

- wc: 1.4k, 888, 946

a/n: it’s f!reader cuz pregnancy but there’s no specific pronouns/gendered terms used

also idk how suna got so long, he was the last one i wrote for bc i couldnt think of anything lmao

[2. iwaizumi, atsumu, kageyama]

SUNA

#! suna has been practicing late into the night the past few weeks

#! there’s a big game coming up and the entire team is feeling the pressure and adrenaline from the crunch time

#! you haven’t been feeling too good lately, a lot heavier and more tired than usual

#! thinking it was just stress from work and the missing presence of your boyfriend, you pushed through it and thought it would go away in the next few days

#! unfortunately, luck wasn’t on your side and you started to get sudden needs to throw up

#! it didn’t take you long to realize why your physical and mental drive have been down lately

#! you’re pregnant

#! or you believe you are

#! you bought a few tests, some of different brands so you can have a variety, and headed home to confirm your suspicion

#! a few minutes later, staring back at you was multiple positive symbols and the bolded ‘PREGNANT’s

#! taking a few deep breaths, you decided to tell suna tonight once he comes home

#! you thought it was better to let him know as soon as possible

#! it wouldn’t hurt anyone plus the faster you rip the bandaid off, the easier it’ll be to deal with it

#! so you waited

#! and waited

#! until 11pm that night, when suna finally came through the front door

#! “tarō! how was practice? can we talk?” you hurriedly greeted him

#! he was taken aback, not expecting you to be right beside him and in his ear as soon as he came in

#! of course you weren’t, you made sure to put some space in between you and him

#! but suna was stressed and tired, so everything is intensified to him at the moment

#! “can you back up?” he mumbled, pushing his way from in front of you to walk to the kitchen

#! “oh, sorry. can we talk?” you sheepishly smiled, hoping he would say yes

#! you’re not blind, you can tell that suna was tired but you really didn’t wanna put this off

#! you were just gonna tell him, he gets surprised, you both talk it out, and then go to bed and continue figuring things out tomorrow morning

#! but before any of that can happen, suna bluntly told you, “no. i’m tired. i’m sure whatever it is isn’t a big deal. can it be tomorrow? i wanna sleep.”

#! you didn’t get to answer before he was already walking away to the bedroom

#! understanding where he was coming from, you mentally agreed to talk to him tomorrow. one day wouldn’t change anything and you’ve seen plenty of people not tell their partners until a few weeks in

#! he was right, it wasn’t a big deal (yet)

#! so you waited until tomorrow

#! and waited

#! and once again, he came home late

#! “hey! can we quickly talk, babe?”

#! “i’m tired. tomorrow, okay?”

#! “oh, okay. night, rin!”

#! “g’night.”

#! night came and there was still no talk

#! this continued on for about 2 weeks, you finally choosing to not care anymore and just let him find out whenever he finds out

#! technically, you could’ve just blurted out a simple, “i’m pregnant.” any point during your nightly five seconds conversations

#! but seeing that he really was tired, springing it onto him would either put him in a full body shock for three days or he just doesn’t fully process your words until three days after

#! a month has passed, your stomach was still barely showing like most women at their one month mark

#! you decided to book an appointment for a checkup, it’ll be while suna’s at practice

#! and that doctor appointment was the exact reason suna found out

#! he was at practice when komori entered the gym

#! he had a doctor’s appointment for his annual checkup, and that’s where he saw you

#! you didn’t see komori, busy reading the directory to find your way to the right office

#! but he saw you on the way out. seeing that you looked a bit busy, he chose not to greet you and just quickly walk to his car lmao why is this funny to me

#! entering the gym, he greeted everyone and apologized for his tardiness even though it was excused

#! walking up to suna, he tapped him on the shoulder and quietly told him, “i saw yn at the hospital earlier. it’s been awhile since we all got together huh, they looked a bit different.”

#! ok so komori, being the smart person he is, deducted that you were pregnant when he saw your finger pointing at the ob/gyn office

#! and he genuinely thought suna knew so his comment was suppose to be a small joke that was meant to tease suna and his sex life

#! suna, however, was confused

#! look different? did you get surgery?

#! “what do you mean?”

#! komori rolled his eyes and gave a sweet smile at suna, “congrats you two! when were you gonna tell the rest of us?”

#! suna: 👨‍🦲 huh

#! “are you guys not pregnant?” he blinked at suna’s frozen reaction

#! suna became unresponsive so komori just walked away mumbling to himself about being sure he read the sign right

#! a loud whistle blew and it shook suna out of his daze, everyone got ready to play a practice game of 3 vs 3 while suna ran over to the coach

#! “hey coach, um i think there’s an emergency at home. can i go? ok thanks.”

#! his coach just stares after him as he sprints off, you think? is there an emergency or not?

#! suna quickly drove home, he may or may not have speed a little, and entered the apartment

#! “yn? baby?” he called out only to be greeted back with silence

#! probably still at the hospital....what were you doing there? he thought to himself while rummaging around the house to find anything that could give him somewhat of an idea

#! he was digging around in the bedroom when you came home, his head so frenzied he didn’t hear the front door open

#! but you heard the ruckus from the bedroom and immediately went into fight or flight

#! panicking, you took out your phone to call suna while quietly opening the front door to make your way back out before the intruder catches you

#! the phone rang and rang until it was picked up. “suna?” you whisper-yelled into the speaker. you had a habit of calling him by his last name when you were freaking out. he noticed and was equally alarmed

#! “what’s wrong?” he whispered back just as panicked

#! “there’s someone in our apartment. can you come home?”

#! “huh? oh, are you home?” he cackles into the phone speaker making you move the phone away from your ear, “it’s me, sweets, c’mere.”

#! you warily walked on your tiptoes over to your bedroom, peeking your head in and what a surprise, it is suna

#! “jackass! why are you home?!”

#! “why didn’t you tell me?” he cut straight to the point

#! “huh?”

#! “you’re pregnant. when were you gonna tell me?” his voice sounding stern, but the quiet smile dancing on his face tells a different story

#! “i tried.”

#! “huh? what do you mean?”

#! “all those times i asked if we could talk. i was trying to tell you.”

#! his heart dropped, eyebrows furrowing, while he stared you down

#! suna became unresponsive once again, standing there trying to think back to the first time you asked him

#! two weeks ago

#! “i’m sorry,” he quietly whispers

#! “hm? i..it’s fine....i was a bit sad, but i’m over it. at least you know now,” you casually shrugged it off like it wasn’t a big deal

#! “no. i shouldn’t have pushed you aside like that. even if you weren’t pregnant, even if you had just wanted to tell me about some stupid video you saw that day, i shouldn’t have told you off. i’m sorry, i love you a lot and you deserve so much better.”

#! “tarō, shut up. i accept your apology and i forgive you, now make it up to me by giving me a back massage while i show you the ultrasound pictures!”

#! he kisses you before lifting you up bridal style making his way to the bed

SAKUSA

#! contrary to popular beliefs, sakusa is not an obsessive germaphobe who finds everything disgusting but you

#! he wouldn’t be playing volleyball if he was that afraid of germs,,,,,

#! yes, he cringes if random little kids grab onto him after games because 1) he’s drenched in sweat and that feeling is not fun

#! 2) he doesn’t even know themmm

#! and 3) he wanna go home

#! but sakusa loves you and if you happened to get pregnant, he would love your kid(s) just the same

#! however, he never told you this. he never really had a reason to voice this out loud

#! so when you actually did get pregnant, you were confused

#! the only interactions between sakusa and kids you’ve seen multiple times were the moments between him and his fans

#! you guys have been to family parties and his nieces, nephews, and cousins looooves him

#! maybe it’s the fact that he’s a tall looming giant and they just want to climb

#! but besides those moments, you don’t recall him ever telling you upfront that he wants children of his own

#! and the constant stress and pressure he always seem to be working around also doesn’t help reassure you in any way

#! being an athlete for a living means always watching your body, health, and looks for the cameras (but omi could care less about the last thing)

#! he also has to make sure whether or not he’s working well with his teammates, practice and improve on anything he’s having problems with, and deal with atsumu’s dramatic ass

#! you’re an overthinker and because of that, all of these reasons were just reasons for you to postpone the pregnancy news to your long term boyfriend

#! it wasn’t too hard anyway, considering practice runs late sometimes and he’s busy majority of the time doing other stuff

#! when you guys do have alone time together, you both are so focused on one another that you actually forget that you’re pregnant and you never told him

#! you’re about to hit the three months mark now — time goes by fast — and sakusa has noticed you and your body changing

#! at first he just thought you were going through a phase of cravings and a bit of bloating, so he didn’t mention it and just let you be

#! he never got to witness you getting morning sickness because he goes on early runs or he was just out doing morning errands so he wouldn’t have to deal with it later that day

#! so when he caught you in the kitchen cutting up a lemon, the last thing he was expecting you to do was bring the lemon directly up to your mouth

#! “uh, what are you doing?” his deep voice caught you off guard, effectively stopping the hand that was holding the lemon

#! you just stare at him, not wide-eyed, not surprised, just stare

#! “eating a lemon.”

#! “i can see that.... why exactly?”

#! “dunno, the baby i guess.” you casually shrugged it off before popping the lemon slice into your mouth

#! “ah-,” he opened his mouth to stop you from eating the lemon, your words not fully processing in his mind, but cut off midway and froze when he finally realized

#! hearing him pause like that made you suddenly remembered that you never told him you were pregnant

#! you slowly turned back to look at him, mouth still slowly chewing the lemon slices

#! a moment of silence later, he unfreezes and just starts stiffly walking towards you

#! he grabbed you by the shoulders, made you look him in the eyes, before whispering, “you’re pregnant?!”

#! “y-yes..”

#! his eyes were wide, black pupils expanding as he stared you down, his lips slowly curving into a small smile

#! “you’re pregnant....,” he whispers, mainly to himself, hugging your head into his chest

#! “mhm, get off me i’m trying to eat,” you gently pushed him off but he wouldn’t budge

#! “omiiii please, if you get off i’ll give you a slice,” you tried bribing him. he couldn’t tell if you were being serious or just teasing

#! “no.”

#! “um ok, two slices?”

#! “no.”

#! “omi!”

#! he giggles before opening his arms to let you go

#! “why didn’t you tell me?”

#! you didn’t reply right away, making him start to overthink

#! did you not want the baby? or did you not want a kid with him? did you not want to be with him anymore? or was it not his?!

#! he childishly shakes his head side to side at the last question. he knew you wouldn’t do that

#! but you were still silent, making him nervously glance at you from the side

#! “sorry, piece of lemon stuck in my teeth. i just forgot to tell you,” the words easily flowing out of your mouth nonchalantly

#! sakusa’s fingers were literally about to start twitching from anxiousness beside you

#! a sigh of relief was heard from him and you turned to look at him

#! “you okay?”

#! he doesn’t answer, just gives you a smile and goes back to hugging you from behind

SEMI

#! you were currently sitting on the couch in your shared apartment waiting for semi to come home

#! he’s been on tour for a few months now, you both kept in touch by facetiming, texting, calling, and any other methods of virtual communication

#! you would tune into the live recording of all of his performances when you had time so you could watch him

#! a few weeks into tour, you suddenly felt different than usual but shook it off as nothing and probably just you missing your boyfriend

#! you believed that until one morning you were woken up by the sudden urge to throw up, dashing to the restroom as fast as your drowsy body can go

#! it was then that you realized you might be pregnant

#! the night before semi left, you both had sex to enjoy your last few hours together before he had to leave for a few months

#! with the new realization, you quickly dressed yourself to make a short trip to the store to pick up some tests

#! after half an hour of looking at yourself in the mirror, trying to wrap your head around this, you finally opened the first box

#! a few minutes later, all 5 tests were lined up on the bathroom counter showing positive

#! you stared at the tests, trying to make sure you weren’t reading it wrong

#! once you began to understand the responsibility of being pregnant a few hours later, you made a mental note to go out and buy some food for yourself the next day

#! you decided to sleep off the rest of that day

#! through all of the facetime calls with semi, you never once told him you were pregnant

#! you knew that if you told him he would freak out and either demand to go back home, or stay but all of his attention would be on you being pregnant alone at home for the rest of the tour

#! so here you are now, sitting with a 4 1/2 months baby bump waiting for your beloved to come home

#! it was around 6pm when the front door opened, sounds of shuffling bags and heavy steps could be heard from the musician

#! he cursed under his breath when he almost tripped over a duffle bag with some of his loungewear, calling out for you as he walks further into the apartment, “baby? i’m home!”

#! he was about to speak up again when he saw you asleep on the couch

#! bouncing his way over, he got onto his knees at the edge of the couch to observe your face. god i miss you, he thought to himself

#! he gently shakes you awake, you jolted in surprise not knowing you fell asleep in the first place

#! “hmm- what?,” soft murmurs falling from your lips as you adjusted your eyes at your surrounding

#! “eita!” he grinned at you, both of you pulling each other into a hug

#! “fuck, i miss you so much.” he whispered into your ears before placing his face into your neck

#! “i miss you more.” you tightened your grip around him making him move up on the couch to get more comfortable

#! you both moved around until he had you cradled in between him, your back against his chest

#! his hands going under your his shirt to caress you there when his movements stopped right on top of your stomach

#! it was silent as his warm hands rubbed your stomach in circles, the gears turning in his head

#! “are you- you feel- why’s your tum so round and hard?” he quizzically asked, still rubbing your stomach

#! “pregnant.” your voice a low whisper, he almost didn’t catch it

#! “what?”

#! “pregnant.” you repeated, a bit louder this time

#! “huh?”

#! “pregnant!” you sighed, moving his hand so you can get off of him

#! he grabs your wrist to stop you from walking away and turns you to look at him

#! “you’re pregnant?!”

#! “i just said that. yes.”

#! you knew you sounded blunt and a bit mean, it wasn’t his fault he doesn’t know at all, but your hormones have been making you crankier and it’s out of your control

#! “sorry. yes, i’m pregnant.”

#! his eyes continuously darts up and down from your eyes to your bump

#! “how long?”

#! “since you left.”

#! “was it the night before?” he was referring to your act of intimacy the night before he left

#! “yea.”

#! “wow. why didn’t you tell me?”

#! “because.”

#! “‘cuz what?”

#! “because i know you. you would either stop touring and come home, or stay but lose focus. i was just trying to not distract you because i know how important your career is to you. and because i thought that you’ll be having a six months break after this tour before your next comeback, i would tell you when you came home. i’m sorry if you’re ma-,”

#! “i’m not mad. oh don’t cry, babe, look at me.”he carefully cups your face, “it’s okay, it’s okay. i get why you kept it from me. and now that i have no schedule for the next six months, i can be there for you until the end of your pregnancy and the beginning of our baby’s life alright?”

#! you weakly nodded against his palms, and he brings you back down to lay your head on his chest as you both softly talk about the past months without each other

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kusagrasskusa · 4 years ago

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Yandere Simulator Delinquents.

They're basically copy and paste. Sooo here's my version of them for future reference! I got too excited writing the last one lol- It's been a while since I've been to inspired to write. This is a nice feeling uvu

Umeji Kizuguchi - Yellow guy

He has blonde, previously pink, hair and golden eyes. He wears a yellow shirt under unbuttoned blazer and carries a baseball bat around. He has a scar over his right eye. Umeji is Oroso right hand man and takes over position while she's gone; these are the cannon versions of him and all that's said.

This is my fannon version of him: He was hurt the most during the bullying and therefore the most fearful of pain. He flinches when touched and gets pissed instantly. He's the most cold and aggressive out of the five and it helped him keep him as the most feared of the delinquents. He works out daily, therefore having a good build and likes bitter foods rather than sweets. He'a quite ignorant and refuses to share his likes out of fear of being judged. He still feels depression but now faces more anxiety than anything. He often cries about it late at night.

But despite his depression, he's so determined to stay as a threat to many. It's the kist alive he's ever felt. He's somewhat narcissistic and has both an inferiority and superiority complex, actually. Sensitive to touch and criticism but damn his ego is big. He uses his strength and speed as another threat to fellow students, to let them know that if they mess up then he'll catch and hurt them.

His home life isn't fun. Parents maybe fighting here and there or gone for work or something. It wasn't abusive in any way or anything; in fact, they get along well when they're together. It's just the parents weren't attentive. As Umeji puts it, "My mom, dad, bless their hearts, but they aren't great." They tend to brush things off quickly and spend too much time to themselves.

Dairoku Surikizu - Blue manz

He has blonde, previously blue, hair and blue eyes. He wears a blue shirt under an unbuttoned blazer and carries around a boten or some shit, idk I couldn't figure it out. He has a scar on his lip and from Mulberry's art, it looks like he's the tallest of the group.

Fannonly, he's the most anxious of the group. He never talks about it to anyone but Hokuto, who brushes it off. Dairoku got his scar a long time ago when his parents were agruing; he hid under his bed when he was nine and started to cry. To calm himself, he started to bite his lip and scratch himself on the forearms and face to calm himself down. He cut himself in the process badly and tried to hide it from his parents so he didn't get yelled at.

His home life wasn't too bad either; his dad left the family not long after that incident when he was nine so his mom has to take on the roles of two people. She never has time for him so the other delinquents make him feel so happy. He likes- no, loves to talk to them but tries to look sketchy in the process.

Hokuto Furukizu - Purple manz

He has blonde, previously golden, hair and purple eyes. From Mulberry's art, he seems to be the second tallest, but very close to Dairoku. He carried around a metal pipe and wears a purple shirt under his opened blazer. He has a scar on his cheek too btw.

Fannonly, he talks most to Dairoku. He usually brushed off what he says, but relates to him most. Of the 5, he desperately wants to be normal and free the most. He was well popular in middle school but his anger once got the best of him and a fight caused him to lose a lot of his reputation. It just got worse as time went on however; but he misses those days so much.

His scare on his cheek came from the fight and serves as a curse mark to him; "The day they ruined my life." He hates looking at it and gets pissed off when people even look at it. He's always been hot headed but his physical appearance is his number one insecurity. Hokuto's homelife is normal and he's goodboi at home. Cleans, cooks sometimes, has an equally good relationship with his mom as he does his dad.

He managed to convince them that his new appearance and signs of depression from last year was just influence from ex friends. Eventually they just took his word for it despite how terrible of a lie that is, so they stopped asking.

Gaku Hikitsuri - Red guyz

According to Mulberry's art, the blonde who once had light blue hair and red eyes is the second tallest. He has a scar on his forehead and carried around a crowbar. His shirt is red and under, you guessed it, an unbuttoned blazer.

He's a genuine tsundere; the angriest of the group. He easily crushes on people like a simp and gets nervous easily, so he acts all defensive and aggressive around them especially. Other than Umeji, he's the quickest to shove people around and assert his position. But for the most part, he intentionally shoves and shoulder checks people he finds attractive or who he thinks is superior than him, which is a lot of people.

He suffers from an inferiority complex that makes him think everyone judges him behind his back and talks about him especially. Therefore, he's the loudest and quickest to insults; he's also very self conscious. He's scared to make noise in class, talk, eat in front of people, and others because he's scared to be judged. Because as long as nothing is brought to the table, there's nothing to judge. His scar was actually from Kokoro, the bully who's just a sadist according to the character files from Yandev, who got pissed at him defending himself and hit him down with a ring. He got cut badly and almost passed out from the hit; but hey, it's not like he can do anything about since she's a girl, and he'd be expelled instantly. The bitch even resulted him with a broken arm at some point.

Home life isn't great; rundown trailerpark, alcoholic dad and whole of a step mom, dead mom, things like that. Damn, if only he got more than a mattress on the floor, a cover, pillow, dresser filled with all his clothes and school supplies to live on. But he can't even get a job without his scar making people think he's worse than what his persona displays.

Hayanari Tsumeato - Grey manz

The grey eyed, blonde hair man with natural red hair who carries around a lead pipe is Hayanari, who's last name "Tsumeato" means scratch mark. He has a grey shirt under his unbuttoned blazer and a scar over his nose.

Fannonly, he was the one with the no fucks given attitude. He was usually straight faced and brutally honest when talking to people, but wasn't necessarily judgemental. It's hard to explain but just because he says, "damn Daniel, you're built like a carrot," doesn't mean he cares about his appearance, even if whoever tf Daniel is actually looks like a carrot or not. He was the daredevil who did things solely for his entertainment.

In a way, it was almost sociopathic or narcissistic; he'd be fine with embarrassing someone in front of anyone because it got a smile our of him. If someone complained, he'd roll his eyes and convince whoever that they were overreacting and that they were the one at fault. He's very manipulative and sarcastic, usually just smiling cockily and speaking innocently. Kinda emo, but he wasn't against that title. He actually liked the occult and for the most part, was down for anything that didn't have too much time needed, like school or family.

He was in the middle of everything; okay with cooking, occult, art, science, reading, anine and games, so there wasn't much a person can dislike him for in terms of social standards. He wasn't appart of a dislikes group like the occult kids or science kids, not with a loved group like cooking or art kids. But when he started to express a bit of interest in the occult was when people could finally pin him down and bully him back for all those insulting jokes that sounded way too serious. And before he knew it, he got wrapped up in the hate and couldn't get himself free.

Home life is something he never, not even to his fellow delinquents, never talks about. But one thing worth noting is that he's never seen without a long sleeved shirt or jacket of some kind. He used to pass out time to time during gym classes because he was overheated due to bringing a long sleeved version of the gym shirt to school and never drank anything. When his parents were called, they always insisted on saying they'll do something about it but they never did, either. The delinquents do think there's some kind of abuse at his house; besides, Hayanari is adopted and those things happen often even if it's more common in the foster system.

His family is something he never talks about. Back in middle school, his friends were able to see his "parents" time to time when they picked him up from school. It was immediately obvious that he wasn't related to them; hell, he rarely called them mom or dad. At home, until adopted, was great. Friends coming over, happy family moments, being able to play games and use electronics, things like that. But when he was adopted was when it wouldn't be easy to just tell someone what was to come; quite obviously, it was abuse. Verbal and physical, nearly everyday. It was worse in the beginning but happened less often as he got older.

His "mom" would call the police a few times him because she felt "threatened." She hit him so he would hit back and yell while doing so, so she has evidence of an attack. But luckily, her skin isn't sensitive enough to show any marks unlike Hayanari's. Other times, his "dad" would get involved and hurt him badly.

#fannon #backstory #yandere simulator #umeji kizuguchi #hayanari tsumeato #dairoku surikizu #gaku hikitsuri #hokuto furukizu #anime #fanfic #writing

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peace-coast-island · 4 years ago

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Diary of a Junebug

A cozy reading nook

There’s nothing like going to a thrift shop and striking gold. In today’s case, it was at the books section. Murphy and I have been spending the past few days putting together a cozy reading nook with our new gyroid themed furniture. Since the shelves were looking a bit sparse, we headed off to several thrift shops to fill them up.

Going to a thrift shop is like picking and choosing stuff from a mystery goodie bag. Sometimes you find stuff and sometimes you don’t - it’s all about chance. My mom always said whenever we went shopping at a thrift store is that if we find something we like, buy it. First of all, it’s fairly cheap, and second, you’re never going to see it again. So I base my purchases off absolutes - do I really want/need it or not? Even if I’m not gonna need it right away but might in the future, then that counts as a yes.

Today we went shopping at a cute little corner shop in Blueberry. I’ve only been there a few times since it’s kinda hard to get there but whenever I stopped by, I almost always find a treasure. And today, we stumbled across a treasure chest!

Among the many books we found today, there was one that caught my eye in particular. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a coincidence that I would stumble upon this find after hearing the news a couple days ago.

The book in question is called Climb Every Mountain by Claire Bennett. It’s one of those books that I read years ago and it stuck with me. A fairly quick read, but one that lingers for a while. I think the fact that I’ve crossed paths with Claire in the past is why I’ve been so invested in the story.

I wonder how she’s doing right now.

Climb Every Mountain’s a work of fiction loosely based on Claire’s own life - or, in retrospect, a somewhat idealized version of it. An alternate universe where despite everything that happened, there’s still a glimmer of hope that it gets better. Not that Claire’s life was terrible, but more like for every good thing that happened, it gets overshadowed by the not so good things happening behind the scenes.

I met Claire when I was living in Astra, back when she was married to Matt. She, Nathan, and I would often hang out at the Study Library Cafe so that’s how we became friends. After Claire finished grad school we kinda lost touch with her, at least until we found each other on social media a few years ago. So even though we don’t talk often, at least we hear bits and pieces here and there.

Nathan, Claire, and Matt went to the same high school - Claire and Matt being a couple years older - so that’s how they know each other. Astra’s a medium sized town so even if you don’t know everyone, you’ve at least heard of most of them.

Claire wasn’t exactly in the popular crowd, but she was notable for being well accomplished. Straight A, type A perfectionist who’s captain of the cheerleading squad and debate team as well as class president who graduated as valedictorian - she was what they described as untouchable. Despite how she might look, Claire is not superficial or shallow or cutthroat - she’s just ambitious. No one dared messed with her or got in her way.

Then there’s Matt, who was also notable but not exactly popular either. He came from a rich family who was notable in Astra and he made sure people knew that. Orphaned as a baby he lived with his dad’s advisor who tried to manipulate him so when he got older Matt kicked her out and was informally adopted by a friend who helped bailed him out when his former guardian tried to get revenge.

At first glance Matt comes across as arrogant, narcissistic, and not so bright. Part of his arrogance comes from being entitled, though it’s more of a defense mechanism to protect himself from those who tried to use him. The saying still waters run deep applies to him.

Even after everything he put Claire through, I can’t help but feel bad for him sometimes. Don’t get me wrong - it doesn’t excuse his actions, but at least it wasn’t done out of pure malice. Matt has a lot of flaws but the biggest one of all is his tendency towards self-sabotage.

Because their personalities are so different, you’d think people like Matt and Claire would clash. To everyone’s surprise, they were close friends turned high school sweethearts. In a way, they complimented each other. But they also dragged each other down - Claire bringing out the best in him, Matt bringing out the worst in her.

No matter what, Claire still sees the good in him. I don’t think Matt is a bad guy, but he’s definitely not good for her. I get that Claire has a special bond with him - and probably the best thing to ever happen to him second to his adoptive family - so it’s understandable why she’s so forgiving of him. She was in a tough spot as she could no longer tolerate his bullshit and at the same time couldn’t just cut him off like pretty much everyone else in his life.

Claire wrote and published Climb Every Mountain during her senior year of high school. At the time she was standing at a crossroads. She had two equally great scholarships - one for any Ivy League university, another close to home. There were also a lot of other factors she had to consider and in the end she chose to stay home and marry Matt.

Climb Every Mountain is a historical fiction novel set in the 60s that tells the story of a bookish teenage girl who grows up alongside her childhood friend, a rebellious orphan of a wealthy family. Despite their differences, both feel like they don’t belong because of how much they stand out. The precocious Malina is told to stay in her place and downplay her inquisitive nature while KT’s the kind of guy who refuses to give a damn about anything.

The story starts when Malina and KT are fourteen and spans about five years. Malina’s busy trying to figure out the world while KT does whatever he wants, including trying to win over Malina’s heart. As they grow older, they become closer and later get married despite disapproval from pretty much everyone. The two go through a lot of ups and downs as they realize that the world is a lot more complicated and contradicting than they realize.

The end is somewhat ambiguous but also hopeful. Malina defies her family’s expectations by speaking her mind through leading anti-war protests. KT casts away his family’s status and threw everything out of the window by dodging the draft. They were able to get away with being arrested and released because of KT’s status and now that no longer mattered, the young couple had no choice but to flee the country. So Malina stages one final protest, basically giving the government a big middle finger, and in the chaos, she and KT escape.

As they snuck away, both fought the temptation to look back. Through thick and thin, Malina and KT stuck together. Even when starting from the ground up, as long as they had each other, it’ll be all right. No matter what happens, the only thing that’s certain is that they had no regrets.

Something about Malina’s courage and determination always stuck to me. Her and KT’s loyalty to others was something that didn’t really resonate with me until I got older. Knowing the inspiration behind Malina and KT, their story digs a lot deeper.

I’d like to think Malina and KT eventually had a happy ending. After escaping the country and starting over, after everything they’ve been through, they deserve to be happy. I think that’s what Claire wanted for them too. And for herself especially.

Like with Malina and KT, there’s more to Claire and Matt’s relationship than meets the eye. I wouldn’t say that Claire was unhappy with Matt, but sometimes things don’t work out no matter how hard you try.

I don’t want to say that Matt is needy - probably high maintenance is a better word - the kind of person who expects everything and nothing less. From experience, those kinds of people can be exhausting to be around, even if they are generally pretty cool. Matt definitely fits into that category. Always venting his problems to someone - usually Claire - and expecting an immediate response, not caring how you feel or whether or not you’re in the mind space to help out or listen. It’s hard to trust someone or confide in them if they don’t respect your boundaries, especially if they almost always make it about them in the end. And to be honest, I think Matt’s the kind of guy who likes to talk just so you’d pay attention to him.

Claire and Matt were married for about eight years before splitting up. By the time Nathan and I met her, their marriage was starting to become shaky with Matt cheating on her and making enemies with a lot of people. I guess what prompted Claire to file for divorce had something to do with their kids - Katie and Brittany - as that was one major factor that prevented the two from breaking up.

After the divorce, Claire took the girls and left Astra. Matt left too not long after that. He still kept in touch because of the girls so at least he isn’t cut off completely. Claire became a journalist for the Inkwell Gazette so every once in a while I’d come across her articles. She hasn’t released another book since Climb Every Mountain, which is a shame since she’s a good writer. Given what she’s been through, I don’t really blame her though.

While she has always been successful, I don’t think Claire really flourished until she left Matt. I can’t imagine it being easy to make a name for yourself if you’re almost always associated with an heir who’s notable for being troubled. It wasn’t that Matt stifled her - he did the opposite in fact, sometimes to the point where he put her on a pedestal - it was more like Claire can do whatever she wants as long as she puts Matt’s needs over hers. Basically Claire’s a giver, Matt’s a taker.

As for Matt, he’s remained a mystery until a while ago. He pretty much spent the past few years couch hopping, partying, stirring up trouble, and having flings. Then a couple months ago he was driving under the influence - which he’s gotten in trouble for several times - and ended up killing someone in an accident. So he fled the scene and managed to lay low for a while before turning himself in.

There’s definitely more to the story and while a part of me wants to dig deeper, I don’t know if that’s a good idea. Also, I doubt there’d be much to find out anyway since this is the kind of thing Matt’s people would want to keep quiet because of scandals and such. At least from what it sounds like, Matt came forward voluntarily so maybe there’s a silver lining. Knowing him though, he’ll probably get a light sentence and then the whole thing will be buried away like it never happened. Then again, Matt’s not a total asshole so maybe this incident will shake him up and teach him a lesson.

I have a feeling that I’m gonna be re-reading Climb Every Mountain a few more times in the near future. It’s definitely one of those books worth revisiting years later.

#animal crossing #animal crossing pocket camp #Diary of a Junebug #headcanon ramble

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eloarei · 8 years ago

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So I was tagged by @nomadsky the other day; thanks, Sekiei! There's little I love more than talking about my favorite characters. (By the way, Sekiei, some of your answers were like A+ so perfect, and a few of them were characters I would pick, so I might just note those characters and then pick someone else, for variety's sake.) (Also, the rules don't say how many to pick?? But I'm assuming they meant 10. I'll aim for that.) EDIT: THE RULES: post your favorite characters and what you like about them/ why. In no particular order: Hanna Falk Cross (Hanna Is Not A Boy's Name (aka HINABN))

--- Not a sixteen year old girl. Hanna is a 24 year old guy, tiny, red-headed and adorkable, who apparently learned magic from a hobo and is allergic to ghosts. He's uniquely talented at fucking things up, has abandonment issues, and secrets I'll never know but will always haunt me. Despite the perma-hiatus status of the series, I still love him, even seven years later, so much so that I was willing to devote 2 years to writing a longfic about him. Honestly, I feel like I know him better than my own characters now. And, sure, it's probably my own semi-IC version of him, but that's probably not a surprise considering HINABN topped out at 100 pages, some of which didn't feature Hanna at all. Of course, you probably have already heard me say this five million times, but I wrote a story I'm pretty fond of, featuring this loser: Rogue. Garrus Vakarian AND Runner-up: Mordin Solus (Mass Effect)

--- Sekiei already said Garrus, so I'll be brief and move on. Garrus is the most charming bug-dragon alien around. He's perfect, honestly. Would that men like him actually existed in real life, even in human form. --- I mean, I love Mordin. I actually would have romanced him if it was possible (not instead of Garrus; I'd have done a separate playthrough). I still think of him anytime someone says “seashells”. Mordin is a funny, interesting character that I think is often overlooked, partly because he only features in half of the series, I imagine. I've never read a Mordin fic, although I'd like to. I've read a few Shakarian fics that were pretty good, but I don't remember any of them off the top of my head. Killua Zoldyck (Hunter x Hunter)

--- It was hard to choose between him and Gon, because I think of them largely as a team, but Killua is my favorite because of all the growth he goes through over the course of the series. He's a silly, irreverent, dangerous, smart-ass kid, but he has so much damage that's brought to the table by his friendship with Gon, and he becomes such a good heartfelt person by the end. Also he's totally a conduit for the absolute FEELS I get from the series. Whenever he screams or cries, I feel it in my soul. I've still not read any Killua fics that I think are truly top-notch, which is kind of surprising. Varric Tethras AND Runner-up Merrill (Dragon Age)

--- Again, Sekiei already chose Varric, and mirrored my thoughts about him: he's fantastic and why the HELL couldn't we romance him?! He was absolutely my first choice, and I was honestly upset when I found he wasn't romanceable! --- This was kind of a hard choice, because I like a lot of the DA characters almost equally, but I find Merril to be especially precious. Weirdly, I never got around to romancing her, but she's one of those characters that I think is really adorable and I just want to pet her hair and give her tasty snacks and warm blankets. (Also I low-key ship her with Varric; don't ask me how that works. Or do.) Nick Valentine (Fallout 4)

--- Hoo boy let me tell you about Valentine. Gawd, he's such a damn beautiful android. And I don't really mean that in a physical way (because yeah he's cool looking; got a good aesthetic for sure, but I wouldn't say he's at all pretty). Valentine is 100% the kind of guy I want on my side, to have my back. He's somewhat similar to Garrus in that rogue lawman kind of way. (Speaking of “Rogue”, he reminds me of my portrayal of “the detective” (purely a coincidence, because I was 90% done writing Rogue before I played FO4), which clearly proves that I have a type.) His tragic backstory and circumstances mirror The Lone Survivor's almost perfectly, and they are really so wonderful together, which is why it KILLS ME that he was not romanceable. I think I'm still in denial, tbh. He's funny, sarcastic, yet still very sincere, and though he acts very confident and is well-liked even by people who don't like synths, he has this deep loneliness in him that really rips up my heart in all the best ways. (By the way, writing this spurred me to replay Fallout4, which spurred me to start a Valentine-centric fic I was fiddling with the plot of last year, so if I actually do finish that fic-- Sekiei, I'll have you to thank!) I read a great Nick/Nora fic last year, although I can only recommend the first like... 30-or-so chapters? because the last few sort of deviate from the quality of the beginning (imo), and the fic never got finished. Still worth a read. Jesse McCree AND Hanzo Shimada (Overwatch)

--- Honestly, as someone who has scarcely played Overwatch, it feels a bit disingenuous to put one of their characters on my fave character list, but that's part of the charm of the series: you don't really have to play the game to get most of the details it takes to get involved in the fandom. And given how explosively popular it was this past year-end, I got pretty involved. If you follow my fandom blog, you might have noticed that it was 90% McHanzo for a few months. That's because there's something really charming about those two characters! (Or, at very least, the way fandom portrays them.) McCree is such a goddamn stereotype hahaha but I love him. A grown-ass man who dresses like a cowboy because WHY NOT, he seems to have a pretty easy-going temperament that makes me feel at home. Not to mention, you think of McCree and you can't help but think of the endless desert and vast blue sky. He's a big goof-ball but also dangerous with a bit of a dark past. You know I love the type. I'm writing a McCree-centric AU, but who knows if I'll finish it. There are already quite a lot of other great McCree fics out there. --- I tried not to pick two characters from the same series, but I love McCree and Hanzo equally and in different ways, so I couldn't not. Again, there's not a whole heck of a lot of canon for these characters (I mean, there's a bit, but not as much as if they were, say, the main characters of their own piece of media, and not left largely up to the interpretation of fans), but they seem to have pretty defined personalities. Hanzo is a fairly serious guy, with a fairly serious past, and I like that in a character, that sort of stoic sincerity. But he's also got a mischievous/silly streak, I think, if only evidenced in canon by the fact that he (much like Jesse) tends to dress in an outfit several centuries out of date. But he looks damn good in it! Honest to god, he's frickin' gorgeous. XD Like, what a beautiful damn character. And I love a character that can probably kill with a glance. Whew. Erhem. Aside from that, though, he also gives off a nice peaceful vibe-- meditating up high somewhere quiet with tree leaves blowing in the breeze. Great character aesthetic. Anyone who's in the Overwatch fandom has probably already heard of “Hang the Fool”, but it's far and away the best McHanzo fic available, and I highly recommend it! Fawkes (Fallout 3)

--- Often I know about characters before I encounter them in whatever media they're from. That's partly why I choose to get into games/shows/etc. I was caught off guard by Fawkes, a big scary green “super mutant” from Fallout 3, who you encounter near the end of the story. Up to that point, all the super mutants you meet are just big dumb brutes who are trying to kill you, and have a good chance of succeeding, because they are, as I mentioned, rather large and scary. But Fawkes was locked up by his kind precisely because he was different. He's intelligent, compassionate, and loyal-- truly one of the nicest and most 'good' people you ever stumble upon in the Capital Wasteland. Also he kicks ass, because he is fucking huge and carries a gattling gun like it's no big deal. If I play FO3 again, I'm rushing right to that part so I can pick him up as soon as possible. Also, I'm one of like maybe a handful of people who ship him with the Lone Wanderer, which prooobably makes it my rarest rare-pair. Luckily, my friend Choco wrote a kick-ass long-fic about them, which made my whole month when I read it last year. Noctis Lucis Caelum (Final Fantasy XV)

--- It was really hard to choose one out of the four main guys from this series, but I eventually decided on the main character Noctis, because I really think he's a great main character. Final Fantasy main characters are known for being kind of whiny and emo, and Noctis doesn't exactly deviate from this plan, but he adheres to it in such a way that makes sense to me. I find him to be very realistic! He's 20. He's tired and just wants to sleep. He likes to play video games. He rolls his eyes at his dad's affection but obviously loves him. He goofs off with his friends but can get stuff done when the time comes. He's a cat person, but he likes dogs too. Oh and he loves food, but he's a picky eater. And unlike other FF main characters, his style is very casual. I have actually seen people who dress like him. ...I actually AM a people who dresses like him. He's a good character who didn't deserve any of the shit that was thrown his way-- but at least he had good friends. I've read a few good Noctis-related fics so far, but nothing very long that left much impression yet. Hoping I'll find one at some point. If not, maybe one of my own will end up fitting the bill.

Jinbe (One Piece)

--- Wrapping this up with another somewhat-obscure character, Jinbe from One Piece. (Or, if you like, because romanization is weird: Jinbei, Jimbe, Jimbei, etc) First, I love One Piece. It's a great, super-long anime with so many good characters! But Jinbe, oh. He's a big, blue, intimidating fish-man who often looks angry and has mannerisms/speech patterns that are reminiscent of I think both samurai and old mob-bosses. But he's an intensely sincere guy, who's fiercely protective of those who are important to him, and the promises he makes. Everything he does for Luffy makes me cry. XD When nobody else will risk giving Luffy a blood transfusion because of stupid old racist laws, he publicly declares his willingness. When Luffy's knocked out at Marineford and Akainu is coming after him, the way Jinbe holds Luffy and gives Akainu the most visceral snarl I've ever heard. I love it. I really like scary looking guys who are sweet. ALSO, I haven't seen any good Jinbe fics, so if anybody has one I'd love to see it. =3

Tagging: uh, I dunno. @braincoins, @tempuslunam, @chocochipbiscuit, @tequilatrashbin, @buddhistmamaduck, @milarca, and @ whoever else wants to do it.

#elo talks #long post #it didn't originally say to add pictures but I like pictures #fandom meme #of course you can ignore this if you don't want to do it

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kristablogs · 5 years ago

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The best way to reheat pizza

Take a good look at it. It won't look half as good in the morning. (Brent Hofacker via Depositphotos/)

Order pizza, and there’s a good chance it’s gone within hours. Something about that round wheel of dough, melted cheese, warm tomato sauce, and seemingly countless topping possibilities is simply irresistible. If only pizza would stay that way forever.

Still, it’s hard to resist the temptation of a leftover slice as you rummage through the fridge for food the next day. Maybe you like cold pizza—there’s no shame in that—but if you’re looking to restore some of that fresh-pizza magic by reheating that ‘za, you’ll need to know what you’re doing.

So, Popular Science’s DIY team tracked down the most popular strategies, bought a whole lot of pizza, and put them to the test. We sought the ultimate method—The Way.

But first—decay, staling, and death

The very moment pizza is born out of the oven, it’s too hot to eat and might not even be done cooking. But right around 140 degrees Fahrenheit—the temperature experts recommend you dig in so you don’t burn your mouth—it begins its inevitable march toward complete decay, just like everything else on Earth.

If you can’t (or won’t) eat your pizza when it’s fresh, all you’ll be able to do later is damage control. You see, cheese only likes to be melted once, because when it does, it loses its integrity. When exposed to high temperatures, cheese loses fat and water, and there’s just no way to get it back.

“That water isn't going up,” says bread and pizza expert Francisco Migoya, head chef at Modernist Cuisine. “The dough is like a sponge, so it's just going to absorb it all, making it soggier and gummier as time goes by.”

At this point, the moisture from the sauce and water, plus the fat from the cheese (and any meat), starts seeping into the crust, creating what pizza connoisseurs know as “the gum line”—that layer between the sauce and crust that looks like raw dough. The thicker the pizza, the more pronounced the gum line will be, and the longer it sits there uneaten, the thicker it will get. This, Migoya says, changes the crust permanently.

You should never leave pizza out on the counter or in the oven overnight (because of bacteria), but putting it in the fridge doesn’t do it any favors. Low temperatures congeal everything the dough has absorbed and accelerate the staling process, or retrogradation. In short: The starch in the crust recrystallizes, and all that fresh-pizza chewiness goes out the window.

How we did it

PopSci is based in New York City, so we tested each method with the thin-crust style of pizza the Big Apple is famous for. If you’re reheating Chicago-style deep-dish pizza or another variety, your results may vary.

The slices we used (both plain cheese and topped with pepperoni) spent 12 to 48 hours in the fridge. Reheating frozen pizza is a whole other ballgame, and we can’t speak to that here.

Let the games begin.

Top tier 🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕

Reddit’s favorite

The light does not do justice to this amazing reheated slice of pizza, but there's a reason this is Reddit's favorite method. (Sandra Gutierrez G./)

The official reheating method of the /r/pizza subreddit, this calls for placing your cold pizza on a non-stick pan and cooking it for two minutes over medium-low heat (or until the bottom of the slice is crispy). Then, pour two drops of water (less than a teaspoon) into the pan as far from the pizza as you can get. Cover the pan with a lid and turn the heat to low. Cook it for another minute.

The results

You may be tempted to try this with a cast-iron pan, but we found a standard non-stick pan worked best. The crust was crispy, the cheese (thanks to the steam from the water circulating under the lid) melted perfectly, and the slice was the perfect temperature to be eaten immediately.

Using a cast-iron pan, however, amplifies a number of factors you may not want to deal with while heating up a quick bite. Depending on your stove, it may take what feels like forever to warm the thick metal pan. And if it’s not properly seasoned, tossing a cold slice onto hot, dry iron is a recipe for burned crust (more on that later). Even if you get the pan hot with a thin sheen of oil, the crust will become extremely crispy before the cheese has much of a chance to melt.

Hot tray in a hot oven

Hot, and almost as good as new. (John Kennedy/)

Put a baking tray in your oven and heat it to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t want to clean the tray later, you can line it with foil. Once the oven has reached the proper temperature, use an oven mitt to take the hot tray out and put your slices on it. Place the tray on the middle rack and cook it for five minutes.

The results

We had to let the pizza sit for a minute or two to cool down before we could eat it, but when it passed between our lips, we experienced excellent crispiness, melty cheese, and a slice that was almost as good as new.

You can play around with different temperatures, too, but you should always make sure the tray heats up with the oven. We tried it at 375 degrees for 10 minutes, and while the first bite was crispy and tasted great, the slice became hard to chew the closer we got to the end—more like a cracker, less like a pizza. The cheese on the plain slice was quite dehydrated, but the pepperoni one was fine—the fat in the meat likely helped keep the cheese moist. The crust on the pepperoni slice was better, too: It was the right amount of crisp and wasn’t tough to chew as it got thicker.

Middle tier 🍕🍕🍕

Straight-up rebaking

If you use this method, put the pizza on foil. Putting it straight on the rack isn't worth risking a fire. (Sandra Gutierrez G. /)

This method suggested placing the pizza directly on your oven rack, but Migoya strongly advised against that. “There is no food I would put in an oven like that,” he says, appalled. “The risk of the cheese melting off is too great, and all that grease in a hot environment is the perfect recipe for a fire inside your oven. You don’t want that.”

We did it anyway. For science (with a sheet of aluminum foil on the rack below to catch any drippings and hopefully prevent a fire). But you definitely shouldn’t.

The results

The best iteration of this strategy was baking the pizza on a sheet of foil (not directly on the rack) at 450 degrees for five minutes. The crust was crispy, the cheese was warm—solid all around, but not as good as rebaking it on a hot tray. You can also do it at 350 degrees for 10 minutes for a slightly less-crispy slice, if that’s your thing. Our worst results with this method came when we put the pizza directly on the oven rack. We didn’t start a fire (we had a fire extinguisher on hand), but the crust was unevenly cooked due to the lack of a solid heated surface underneath.

The microwave + oven combo

Looks pretty sad, doesn't it? Putting it in the oven livened it up a bit, though. (John Kennedy/)

We were pretty skeptical about this technique, but it surprised us. First, put the pizza in your microwave for 30 seconds. Then, put the pizza in a tray in a cold oven and set it to heat up to 350 degrees. Once the oven tells you it’s done preheating—when you’d normally put food in—take the pizza out.

The results

After its stint in the microwave, the pizza was super rubbery. Not a great start. We doubted the power of the oven could restore it to even a fraction of its original glory. But, it did. Baking the pizza crisped it up pretty well and removed some rubberiness. The thicker parts of the crust remained somewhat floppy, but it was adequate. Still, we’re not sure why anyone would pick this over tossing it on a hot tray that’s been in the oven, except that this method may be marginally faster. Not by much, though.

Low and slow in the oven

It's like a little bundle of cheesy joy waiting for you to enjoy it. (Sandra Gutierrez G./)

Place cold pizza slices on a baking sheet and cover them tightly with aluminum foil. Place them on the lowest rack of your oven and set the temperature for 275 degrees. Let it bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

The results

The crust on the cheese slice was crispy, but the pepperoni slice turned out a little too chewy, probably because of the extra fat from the pepp. Aesthetically, neither of them looked too good: The cheese was soft, but it dried up pretty fast after coming out of the oven, and the sauce looked like one big scab. It’s also one of the most time-consuming methods we tested. When it comes to overall taste, though, it was still good.

The worst 🍕

A very hot pan

Blame the quality of this photo on the fact that the photographer was trying not to burn his apartment down. (John Kennedy/)

Heat a pan on your stovetop over high heat for a couple minutes until it’s really hot. Add the pizza and reduce the temperature to medium-high. Cook for two or three minutes.

The results

We tried this method with both a porcelain non-stick pan and a cast-iron, but the results were equally underwhelming. The pizza in the non-stick had to come off the heat after only a minute and a half. The cheese was bubbling and the crust had burnt black and stuck to the pan. Cleaning was a nightmare. We don’t recommend.

Cast-iron was worse. In a dry pan, the crust began smoking the moment it hit hot metal. The smell of disastrously burned bread hung heavy in the air for hours. Somehow, the pizza was still cold on top. If Hell ever freezes over and we get the chance to taste it, this is probably what it would be like: scalding, burnt, and covered by a layer of cold, congealed fat.

We oiled the cast-iron to give this strategy a second chance and it didn’t start to burn immediately—that took about three minutes. The crust was better (maybe too crispy), but the cheese on top was still lukewarm at best.

Microwaved with a glass of water

Some people swear by this method. Some people just want to see the world burn. (Sandra Gutierrez G./)

Simply put your pizza in the microwave with a glass of water and heat them both up for a minute.

The results

No. Just—no. The pizza tasted like rubber, the exterior was too hot and the inside was still cold. Yes, the cheese didn’t look as disgusting as it does when you put the pizza in the microwave without a glass of water, but it’s still borderline inedible.

The microwave loop

This is just sad. And enraging, to be honest. (Sandra Gutierrez G./)

Set your microwave to 30 or 40 percent power and heat the pizza for 45 seconds. Check it out and repeat as often as necessary.

The results

The crust was gummy—not crispy at all. The cheese melted but was highly dehydrated, so it didn’t have much taste and its consistency was rubbery at best. There was no difference between the cheese and pepperoni pizzas, and both tasted as if they had been reheated in the microwave for two minutes. Total waste of delicious food.

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scootoaster · 5 years ago

Text

The best way to reheat pizza

Take a good look at it. It won't look half as good in the morning. (Brent Hofacker via Depositphotos/)

So, Popular Science’s DIY team tracked down the most popular strategies, bought a whole lot of pizza, and put them to the test. We sought the ultimate method—The Way.

But first—decay, staling, and death

How we did it

The slices we used (both plain cheese and topped with pepperoni) spent 12 to 48 hours in the fridge. Reheating frozen pizza is a whole other ballgame, and we can’t speak to that here.

Let the games begin.

Top tier 🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕

Reddit’s favorite

The light does not do justice to this amazing reheated slice of pizza, but there's a reason this is Reddit's favorite method. (Sandra Gutierrez G./)

The results

Hot tray in a hot oven

Hot, and almost as good as new. (John Kennedy/)

The results

Middle tier 🍕🍕🍕

Straight-up rebaking

If you use this method, put the pizza on foil. Putting it straight on the rack isn't worth risking a fire. (Sandra Gutierrez G. /)

We did it anyway. For science (with a sheet of aluminum foil on the rack below to catch any drippings and hopefully prevent a fire). But you definitely shouldn’t.

The results

The microwave + oven combo

Looks pretty sad, doesn't it? Putting it in the oven livened it up a bit, though. (John Kennedy/)

The results

Low and slow in the oven

It's like a little bundle of cheesy joy waiting for you to enjoy it. (Sandra Gutierrez G./)

The results

The worst 🍕

A very hot pan

Blame the quality of this photo on the fact that the photographer was trying not to burn his apartment down. (John Kennedy/)

Heat a pan on your stovetop over high heat for a couple minutes until it’s really hot. Add the pizza and reduce the temperature to medium-high. Cook for two or three minutes.

The results

Microwaved with a glass of water

Some people swear by this method. Some people just want to see the world burn. (Sandra Gutierrez G./)

Simply put your pizza in the microwave with a glass of water and heat them both up for a minute.

The results

The microwave loop

This is just sad. And enraging, to be honest. (Sandra Gutierrez G./)

Set your microwave to 30 or 40 percent power and heat the pizza for 45 seconds. Check it out and repeat as often as necessary.

The results

0 notes

musicfeedsmysoul12 · 6 years ago

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Another Old File with the Same Idea....

Basically, this is what happens when I get bored, tired, and am done with homework.

I love self-inserts, and I love Otome games. As such, I began to wonder what would it be like if I, as myself with all my knowledge, suddenly found myself in the place of the MC.

This came from it. I warn you- this is highly self-indulgent and I have way to much fun with it.

-0-

When I was 21, I woke up one day to find myself 17 again. At first, I thought it was a dream.

It wasn’t.

I was furious. Being a teen again sucked so hard. Dealing with depression, hormones, confusing feels of sexuality…

However, I didn’t focus to much on it. Not when something happened that didn’t before.

My elder brother died. He tried some drugs, and got the wrong ones.

I was in shock for a long time. My parent’s couldn’t either. My little brother broke to. Ran off as soon as he turned 10, vanished. I fell into a fog even worse, my parents drew away from me in their own depression.

I in turn began to write. Stories I’d shared with my brothers, stories I’d promised to get published.

I sold them online and became fairly known among certain online communities as I went to school, choosing corrections once more, my parents leaving Canada for California. I was left alone completely.

I was 20 wen I got the call from police. Leo, my little brother, had been found.

He was dead himself. Got into the same lifestyle as Carver, our oldest brother, had been in.

He was thirteen.

I went on a bender, woke up with a book written about Jenny and her little brother Eric. Jenny was a cop while Eric was a gangster. The two were hunting down their elder brother’s killer, Jenny legally and Eric illegally.

I sent it to a publisher, got it published under a pen name, and soon it was a popular crime novel. I wrote a sequel, in which Jenny and Eric found out about the gang connection their grandparents had.

I finished school and just wrote. It was therapeutic really, writing the novels. Made me focus.

I also found out that for some reason, Voltage Amemix had never made Astoria: Fate’s Kiss or Gangsters in Love. After a period of pouting, I decided to write them into books, though with small changes for my own amusment, and in case they ever did release them.

I was 23 when my parents asked me to come house sit/dog sit. I agreed without much thought. Calfironia would be nice…

-0-

“Who is a good puppy!” I said, rubbing Ripley’s stomach. “Who is a good girl, it’s Ripley!” I giggled.

Ripley was a cute little black and white bishon shitsu my parents had gotten after our old dog, Doc, had to be put to sleep. She was a real softy, so cute and fluffy.

“Woof!” I laughed and turned to the larger dog.

“Don’t worry Seymour! You’re a good boy!” They also got a Great Dane. He was a surprise, but it was amusing. “Such good dogs!” After playing with said dogs for a while, I headed back to the house, whistling.

I liked my parent’s home. It was nice, quiet. Weirdly familiar, but nice. They had a nice guest room for me and my computers. Idly I noticed the mail, picking up a postcard from Hawaii where my parents had gone.

My parents… we rarely spoke anymore. Not after… not after everything. It was to hard, to difficult to try and get along anymore. We were just to broken.

“Do I wanna cook?” I asked myself out loud. “I could just bake some fries and call it good enough. I need to get the next chapter-“ A loud crash made me jump, Riley and Seymour yelping. I stare at the door to the backyard as it bangs open and a guy wearing a…

“Ski mask, really?” I can’t help but ask out loud, feeling my nerves get the best of me. “That’s kinda cliché man, like, wow, very cool, but you know you could have-“

“Shut up!” snapped the man, two others following him in. Seymour took off whimpering while Ripley jumped into my arms and began barking wildly at the men.

So the big dog runs, the little dog stays… lovely.

“Where are your parents?” asked the man, and I frowned.

“…Why do you need a gym owner and a mental health nurse?” the man snarled.

“Stop playing around!” Ripley snarled at him. “And shut the rat up!” I glared, feeling my heart pick up speed. I was no fighter. I worked out, did yoga, all that crap, but… not a fist fighter. And my dad- unfortunately- had gotten rid of all his guns from our farming days years back.

“Look, I’m just house-sitting for them.” I told the man who laughed mockingly.

“Oh, sure. Boys- mess this place up.” With that, they began to rip apart the house, throwing things around, smashing random vases and ornaments. I opened my mouth to say something when the front door was kicked down. I turned only to freeze.

I’d found that my memory had grown incredibly sharp since my little time travel. I could remember minute details down to a button colour. And this guy? This guy I remembered.

Chance Valentine.

…Oh fuck, I was in an Otome game.

-0-

I hesitated, looking around. Knowing how it could all go down gave me insight. One of which was that I had no interest in being a gangster’s sweetheart. I knew they could be nice people but… I was a writer, I had a life not related to them. I wasn’t the MC, where apparently she did odd jobs and had no idea what she wanted from life.

So I had to chose carefully. Not Aurora or Yoshimitsu or Irving. Flirting made me uncomfortable in genral, and faking a relationship would irritate me.

Chance, Ash or Mateo… No, not Mateo. Flirting again. Chance… honestly, I’d end up punching him. So… Ash.

“I’d like to stay with Ash,” I said finally, scratching Ripley’s ears. Quiet, not my type at all, and the dogs liked him.

-0-

“Thought you were ace,” Leo told me as we sat on the couch.

“Hmm?” I ask, holding onto him tightly, ignoring the others who were talking among themselves, using Leo’s knowledge to it’s fullest.

“Asexual. You used to say you were, so…” I chuckled.

“Leo, just because I’m ace doesn’t mean I can’t have a romantic relationship.” I patiently tell him.

“But… you don’t like sex!” He protests a little loudly.

“…Do you really want the sex talk?” I ask him. Leo blushes brightly but glares. “Fine. Yes, I’m asexual. I don’t give two shits about sex, though I will fully admit it is enjoyable and I don’t mind having it semi regularly with my boyfriend. But sex does not equal romance Leo. Romance is something far different- if Ash and I never had sex again I’d still love him with all of my heart.” I told my little brother firmly.

“But… what ‘bout that aro stuff?”

“Aromantic?” I asked him, sighing as I leaned my head against the back of the couch. “It means someone who does not feel romantic feelings whatsoever.”

“And you used to-“ I groaned, loudly.

“Leo, yes. I am somewhat aro. I don’t…” I frowned, trying to think. “I never went searching for romance because I never felt it important enough to do so. I would be completely fine being single for the rest of my life if Ash and I broke up. I would probably be anyway if we did. I honestly do not think I could find anyone after him,” I admitted to my brother. “Ash… I really lucked out with Ash.” I can’t keep my awed tone out of my voice. “I picked him because I knew he would drive me crazy the least. I have no idea what to do with flirting half the time- why do people do it?” I asked, confused.

“Please they think people are attractive?” Leo asked me.

“Why though? I mean, yes, I can see that they are pleasing to the eye, but… why just…” I make a hand motion vaguely. “Anyway, I knew Aurora and Yoshimitsu liked to flirt- they were flirting with me right away. I had no fucking clue what to do, so nope. Irving… well, I could have been a lawyer. I knew a few who were going to be one- no fucking thank you.”

“That bad?” Leo asked me in amusement. His eyes flickered to something and back.

“You don’t know the half of it,” I muttered, not bringing up the fake fiancé thing that could have happened. “Chance…”

“You would have punched him.”

“Been five years and you still know me so well baby brother.” I ruffled his hair. “I chose Ash because I figured I could at least tolerate him. I never thought…” I smiled to myself. “I fell in love. And I love it.”

“What ‘bout the fed. Aren’t you flirting…”

“Fuck no!” I said. “I’m trying to get him to back off. Aren’t I doing it right?” I asked Leo who chuckled.

“No.”

“Ah, fuck.” I whined. “Seriously? I mean… okay, I guess he’s attractive I think but…”

“You have no wish to bang him?” Leo asked me, chuckling at something he saw over my shoulder.

“Fuck no. Still ace even if my boyfriend is wicked hot and I love getting down and dirty with him.”

“…Ewwww.”

“Well, you started this conversation,” I told Leo.

“…You don’t seem to happy though.” Leo said, eyes flickering again.

“Because Ash is being an idiot and I feel like I need to threaten him with a gun.” I said bluntly. “I like our relationship the way it is, but he’s convinced we need to try being ‘normal’ or some shit. I like just… beign together. Yeah, dating is nice, but we also don’t need to be Rory or Yoyo and make out every fucking where. Like… why? I really don’t want a black light in-“

“Hey!” A voice called and I went bright red as Leo laughed. I turned to see the gang- and Mateo- watching us. Yoshimitsu was pouting at me.

“Dear fucking lord I forgot you were here…” I turned and glared at Leo. “I hate you.”

“Hey, you were the one who fell for it.” Leo laughed. “…Though, the aro thing…”

“Gah!” I threw my hands up. “Technically I’m greyromantic, alright? I feel romantic feelings it’s just rare as fuck, okay?” I fall off the couch with a groan. “Can we stoooop.”

“No, I’m curious.” Aurora announced. “…Do we make you uncomfortable with flirting?” I blinked and propped myself up to stare at the gang. Ash looks as blank as ever, while Yoshimistu and Aurora are both looking at me with big eyes. Mateo looks a little embarrassed but amused.

“Yes and no? I mean- I know you don’t mean it you two. But… I will admit sometimes you push the limit, alright?” I told them bluntly. “I like it when Ash flirts, but he’s my boyfriend and I love him- that’s different.”

-0-

“Aren’t you ace?” Leo asked me as we lay on the living room floor, both exhausted.

“Hmm?”

“Asexual, right? You said so when you were younger.” Leo told me honestly. “But your in a relationship…”

“Leo…” I sighed and sat up. “First, romance and sex are not the same. Otherwise one night stands wouldn’t happen. Second, just because I’m ace doesn’t mean I don’t like sex. I don’t feel sexual attraction, yes, but I do enjoy sex and find Rory hot, alright?” I chuckled at his face.

“You said you were aro to.”

“Greyromantic- bit different.” I told him honestly. “I don’t…” I let out a long sigh. “Romance is weird, alright? I can write it, I can read it, I can see it, but I never felt the need to search out a partner until Rory came into my life. I fell for her.” I smiled softly.

-0-

“I am going to end up throwing my textbook at his head, I fucking swear.” I muttered under my breath. Ash chuckled from his position beside me on the couch. I was laying curled up, reading a particularly thick textbook on the management of justice organizations.

Girlfriend of a gangster or not, I was not going to quit my bachelors. Besides, Irving had agreed to let me ‘intern’ for the year long work placement. Easy.

“You’ll damage the book more then his head,” Ash said as Yoshimitsu was bickering with Aurora as usual, but it had gotten annoying enough I wanted to toss a book at him.

“I know.” I muttered, turning a page.

#gangsters in love #lovestruck #self-insert #old work #idek

0 notes

investmart007 · 7 years ago

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MOSCOW | The Latest: Boetang sent off, Germany down to 10 vs Sweden

New Post has been published on https://is.gd/Fhe6hy

MOSCOW | The Latest: Boetang sent off, Germany down to 10 vs Sweden

MOSCOW (AP) — The Latest on Saturday at the World Cup (all times local):

10:40 p.m.

Defending champion Germany is playing Sweden with 10 men after defender Jerome Boateng was sent off in the 82nd minute.

Boateng was shown a second yellow for a hard challenge on Sweden striker Marcus Berg. Boateng had been shown his first yellow earlier in the second half.

Germany needs at least a draw to stay in contention in Group F after opening with a loss to Mexico. ___

10:36 p.m.

Mexico forward Carlos Vela is savoring his first goal at a World Cup for a lot of reasons.

Vela missed the 2014 tournament in Brazil after a fallout with team officials that started when he wasn’t picked for the 2013 Confederations Cup. So the L.A. Galaxy player appreciates his inclusion this time around in Russia.

Vela dedicated his goal against South Korea on Saturday to his maternal grandfather, who died last weekend at age 80. In Vela’s second World Cup, he converted a penalty in the 26th minute to open the scoring for Mexico in a 2-1 win.

Vela wrote on Instagram: “Latest victory that you got to see, grandpa, I hope you were very proud of me.”

He also said after the win that “there have been difficult times for my family and that’s why I’ve enjoyed today’s triumph a lot and to the fullest.”

It was Vela’s 19th goal for Mexico, and his first since Oct. 10. Vela has now played in five World Cup matches, including three in 2010 in South Africa. ___

10:05 p.m.

Marco Reus has equalized for defending champion Germany three minutes into the second half against Sweden.

Reus completed a cross from Timo Warner to level the match at 1-1. Striker Mario Gomez appeared to touch the ball before it got to Reus near the penalty spot.

Gomez had entered the match after halftime as Germany coach Joachim Loew tried to boost the team’s attack.

Germany needs at least a draw to stay in contention in Group F after opening with a loss to Mexico.

Sweden opened the scoring with Ola Toivonen in the first half after an uncommon passing mistake by German midfielder Toni Kroos near midfield. ___

9:50 p.m.

Defending champion Germany trails Sweden 1-0 at halftime and faces the prospect of being eliminated from the World Cup.

Germany needs at least a draw to stay in contention in Group F after opening with a loss to Mexico.

Germany controlled possession in Sochi but Sweden threatened on counterattacks from the start.

The Swedes finally capitalized on a fast-break with a goal by Ola Toivonen in the 32nd minute. He controlled the ball with his chest inside the area before sending it over Manuel Neuer as the German goalkeeper charged from the net.

The Swedes had complained of a penalty on Marcus Berg after he appeared to be clipped by Jerome Boateng inside the area just before getting a shot on goal.

Sweden will qualify along with Mexico if it can hold on for victoty at Fisht Stadium. ___

9:35 p.m.

Sweden has finally capitalized on its counterattacks against Germany, with Ola Toivonen opening the scoring in the 32nd minute in Sochi.

Toivonen controlled the ball with his chest inside the area before sending it over Manuel Neuer as the goalkeeper charged from the net.

Defending champion Germany is under pressure after losing its opening match to Mexico. ___

9:10 p.m.

Mesut Ozil has been dropped from Germany’s starting lineup at a major international championship for the first time in his senior career.

Ozil started every game in the World Cup in 2010 and was one of the stars of Germany’s winning squad in Brazil four years ago.

The 29-year-old playmaker was dropped for the crucial game against Sweden after Germany’s upset loss to Mexico in the opening game. ____

8:27 p.m.

The traditional Argentina tea ‘mate’ is rivalling good old English tea for popularity among England’s World Cup squad.

England coach Gareth Southgate says a number of his players are partaking in a cup of mate (mah-TAY) in Russia, most of them the Tottenham players who play under Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Mate, a kind of herbal tea often shared from a common container, is especially popular in Argentina and Uruguay. Both of those teams have shown their fondness for the drink at the World Cup.

Uruguay’s team reportedly requested permission from Russian authorities to bring 400 pounds (180 kilograms) of mate to the World Cup. Argentina backroom staffers have been spotted drinking from a cup of mate at the World Cup.

It has taken hold among the English, too, and there’s now a popularity battle between mate and England’s finest brew. Southgate says “I know some of the guys have been drinking it (mate) … but we also have a lot of Yorkshire tea drinkers in our squad. We’re English, so we’re obviously big tea drinkers.” ___

8:10 p.m.

Germany coach Joachim Loew has made four changes to his starting lineup for the crucial World Cup match against Sweden, most notably dropping Mesut Ozil and inserting Marco Reus.

Sami Khedira and Marvin Plattenhardt were also dropped from the lineup that started in the loss to Mexico.

Along with Reus, Germany will start Jonas Hector at left back, Sebastian Rudy in the midfield and Antonio Ruediger to replace Mats Hummels, who is sidelined because of neck injury he sustained in a practice session.

Sweden made just one change, with central defender Victor Lindelof returning to the starting lineup after missing the team’s opening win over South Korea because of illness.

Lineups:

Germany: Manuel Neuer, Jonas Hector, Julian Draxler, Toni Kroos, Timo Werner, Marco Reus, Thomas Mueller, Antonio Ruediger, Jerome Boateng, Joshua Kimmich, Sebastian Rudy.

Sweden: Robin Olsen, Mikael Lustig, Victor Lindelof, Andreas Granqvist, Ludwig Augustinsson, Sebastian Larsson, Albin Ekdal, Marcus Berg, Emil Forsberg, Viktor Claesson, Ola Toivonen. ___

7:53 p.m.

Mexico has beaten South Korea 2-1 to take the lead in Group F and move into a strong position to advance to the knockout stage.

Carlos Vela scored from the penalty spot in 26th minute and Javier Hernandez doubled the lead when he scored in the 66th, his 50th goal for Mexico.

Son Heung-min got a concession for the Koreans in injury time, firing a powerful shot past Guillermo Ochoa.

It was second victory for Mexico, following its upset over defending champion Germany, and a second defeat for South Korea. Germany faces Sweden in the group’s other game later Saturday in Sochi. ___

7:31 p.m.

Mexico has made it 2-0 in the 66th minute against South Korea after Hirving Lozano sprinted forward and found Javier Hernandez, who skipped past defenders and hit the ball low past goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo.

It’s the 50th career international goal for Hernandez, known as “Chicharito.”

The goal came somewhat against the run of play as South Korea had been pressuring the Mexican end looking for an equalizer.

Carlos Vela’s penalty kick put Mexico up in the first half. — Associated Press writer Derek Gatopoulos reported from Rostov-on-Don. ___

7:10 p.m.

The England team has asked for clarity from FIFA over the application of video replays at the World Cup after concerns about penalty decisions in its victory over Tunisia.

England relied on Harry Kane’s stoppage time goal to beat Tunisia 2-1 in its opening game. With the score locked at 1-1 after Tunisia equalized from a penalty, Kane was twice wrestled to the ground but was not awarded a spot kick.

It was unclear how the Video Assistant Referee system, being used for the first time at a World Cup, was used to assess whether fouls were committed. English Football Association technical director Dan Ashworth exchanged emails with FIFA head of refereeing Massimo Busacca on the issue.

England coach Gareth Southgate says “we are very comfortable with the responses we have had.”

Southgate says “there’s always this element of which bits are going to be referred and which bits aren’t which seems to be open to interpretation, but it really isn’t something we can control.”

England plays Panama on Sunday and Southgate says “It’s a bit of a different dynamic for everybody, but we have to abide by all the decisions that are given.”

— AP Global Soccer Writer Rob Harris reported from Nizhny Novgorod. ___

6:52 p.m.

Mexico is in nearly complete control over South Korea at halftime at the World Cup despite just a 1-0 lead courtesy of a Carlos Vela penalty kick.

The forward scored from the spot in the 26th minute after defender Jang Hyun-soo handled the ball while sliding to block an Andres Guardado cross.

The South Koreans managed successive counterattacks by targeting striker Son Heung-min but caused few problems for Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Mexico upset Germany to start the tournament and would be in strong position to advance with another win. South Korea lost its opening match.

— Associated Press writer Derek Gatopoulos reported from Rostov-on-Don. ___

6:41 p.m.

Brazil says Douglas Costa and Danilo have been ruled out of the team’s decisive match against Serbia on Wednesday.

Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said Saturday that Costa has a right thigh injury and Danilo is nursing a right hip problem. Danilo had already missed the match against Costa Rica on Friday.

Neither will travel with the rest of the squad for the match against Serbia in Moscow. They will remain at the team’s base in Sochi for treatment.

Lasmar said Costa’s injury, sustained against Costa Rica, was a bit more serious, although he did not mention a timetable for his recovery.

— AP Sports Writer Tales Azzoni reported from Sochi. ___

6:33 p.m.

Carlos Vela has converted a penalty kick to put Mexico up a goal on South Korea in the 26th minute in Rostov-on-Don.

The referee awarded the penalty after a sliding Jang Hyun-soo handled the ball while trying to stop a cross from Andres Guardado on the left side. Goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo stalled for time to freeze Vela but the forward coolly knocked it into the right side of the goal as the ‘keeper went left.

Miguel Layun nearly doubled the lead moments later but his 20-yard drive went over the bar.

Mexico upset Germany to start the tournament and would be in strong position to advance with another win.

— Associated Press writer Derek Gatopoulos reported from Rostov-on-Don. ___

5:20 p.m.

Mexico coach Juan Carlos Orosio has made only one change to his lineup for the World Cup game against South Korea, keeping faith with players who combined to beat Germany in their Group F opener. Defender Edson Alvarez replaced Hugo Ayala at the back.

South Korea coach Shin Tae-yong stuck to his attacking line up but shook up his midfield with Ju Se-jong and Moon Seon-min coming in for Park Joo-ho and Koo Ja-cheol, as the 2002 semifinalists seek to recover from their opening 1-0 loss to Sweden.

Lineups:

Mexico: Guillermo Ochoa, Carlos Salcedo, Carlos Vela, Hector Moreno, Jesus Gallardo, Hector Herrera, Andres Guadrado, Miguel Layun, Edson Alvarez, Hirving Lozano, Javier Hernandez.

South Korea: Jo Hyeon-woo, Lee Yong, Son Heung-min, Ju Se-jong, Hwang Hee-chan, Kim Min-woo, Ki Sung-yueng, Kim Young-gwon, Jang Hyun-soo, Lee Jae-sung, Moon Seo-min. ___

4:56 p.m.

Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard have each scored twice as Belgium beat Tunisia 5-2 in the highest scoring game of the World Cup so far. The Belgians, who rested both star forwards in the second half for tougher tests ahead, lead Group G with two wins and a for-and-against record of 8-2

Belgium had a two-goal lead within 16 minutes after Hazard scored from the penalty spot and Lukaku angled a low, left-foot shot into the corner of Tunisia’s goal.

The North Africans cut the lead through defender Dylan Bronn’s 18th minute header, but Belgium settled the game with goals either side of half time.

Lukaku clipped a right-foot shot over advancing goalkeeper Farouk Ben Mustapha to match Cristiano Ronaldo on four goals as the tournament’s leading scorer.

Hazard ran on to a long pass in the 51st, flicked the ball around Ben Mustapha and shot into an empty net. Substitute Michy Batshuayi made it a rout in stoppage time, and failed with three other good scoring chances.

Tunisia captain Wahbi Khazri got his team’s second with almost the last kick. ___

4:45 p.m.

Amid Panama’s joy at playing at its first World Cup, the team also carries with it desperate pain and sorrow over the death of teammate Amilcar Henriquez.

Henriquez, who played for Panama in qualifying, was killed last year in a drive-by shooting in his home town of Colon.

Panama coach Hernan Gomez says the players still talk about their slain teammate, who was “a leader within our team.”

He says talking about Henriquez and remembering him “helps to bring us together.”

Gomez compared Henriquez’s story with that of Colombia defender Andres Escobar, who was shot to death days after his team was eliminated from the 1994 World Cup.

Henriquez, who was 33, was killed by unknown assailants while playing a game of dominoes with friends. One other person was killed in the shooting. The crime has not been solved.

Gomez says the Panama team still feels the pain of Henriquez’s killing “in our hearts and souls.” ___

4:33 p.m.

Prior to the World Cup, Japan coach Akira Nishino said it would take a miracle of sorts for his team to beat Columbia.

Yet even after Japan’s surprise 2-1 victory over the Columbians, it is again the underdog as it prepares for a pivotal matchup with Senegal.

That doesn’t mean Nishino is fearful of a team he says is physically superior.

“Senegal has some superstars,” Nishino said Saturday. “But as a team we’re going to deal with them and cope with them.”

The teams have met three times in their history, all in friendlies, but haven’t played in 15 years.

One of the biggest challenges for Japan will be trying to contain Liverpool winger Sadio Mane. Nishino said that may require some creativity, and numbers.

“It may not be 1-on-1,” the coach said. “It may be 3-on-1.” ___

4:20 p.m.

The cabin of a plane carrying Peruvian soccer fans at the World Cup filled with smoke as the aircraft prepared for landing in a Siberian city.

The Interfax news agency says the incident occurred as the plane was coming in to land in Tyumen. The flight originated in Yekaterinburg and the Peru fans were to transfer in Tyumen to a flight to Moscow, the report said.

The plane, a twin-turboprop ATR-72 flown by the UTAir airline, landed safely, the agency said. Citing national aviation agency Rosaviatsiya, the report said the smoke came from overheated oil in one of the plane’s engines.

There was no fire and no injuries were reported. Peru lost 1-0 to France at Yekaterinburg, ending its chances of progressing to the knockout stage

The Saudi World Cup squad had a similar experience flying between St. Petersburg and Rostov-on-Don earlier in the week.

Russia’s federal agency for air traffic said an engine burst into flames during landing on the Airbus airplane, but no emergency procedures were required.

The aircraft landed with both of its engines working and the passengers disembarked normally, the agency’s statement said. ___

4:10 p.m.

Not even the World Cup can interfere with nap time in Spain.

Spain midfielder Jorge “Koke” Resurreccion says he and his teammates are not being able to watch all matches in Russia because some are at the same time of the “siesta,” the country’s traditional afternoon nap time.

He told El Pais newspaper the early afternoon games are coinciding with the siesta and the ones after that are usually conflicting with the team’s practice sessions, so players can only watch the night matches during dinner time.

Spain’s game against Morocco on Monday will be at night, as were its first two games in the group stage — a 3-3 draw against Portugal and a 1-0 win over Iran.

Spain and Portugal lead Group B with four points. Iran is third with three points, while Morocco has already been eliminated after two losses. ___

3:49 p.m.

Romelu Lukaku scored just before halftime to give Belgium a 3-1 lead over Tunisia and equal Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally of four goals so far at the World Cup.

Thomas Meunier played the ball through the defense for Lukaku to beat the offside trap and flick the ball over goalkeeper Farouk Ben Mustapha.

Earlier, Eden Hazard opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Lukaku made it 2-0 for Belgium. Tunisia cut the deficit when Dylan Bronn headed in from a free-kick.

Bronn soon went off injured and was later joined on the sidelines by Tunisia defender Syam Ben Youssef.

Lukaku also scored two goals in Belgium’s opening 3-0 win over Panama. Ronaldo has scored four goals in Portugal’s first two games. ___

3:25 p.m.

Belgium’s quick goal from the penalty spot against Tunisia ensured there were no 0-0 draws in the first 27 matches of a World Cup for the first time. There were no 0-0 draws in the 1954 tournament, which included 16 teams and a total of 26 games. ___

3:18 p.m.

Belgium leads Tunisia 2-1 after goals in quick succession at opposite ends of the field.

Romelu Lukaku gave Belgium a 2-0 lead with a low shot in the 16th minute after a pass from Dries Mertens when Tunisia’s Ali Maaloul lost the ball on the halfway line.

Tunisia responded two minutes later when Dylan Bronn headed the ball past Thibaut Courtois at a free-kick.

That gives Tunisia some reprieve as it must avoid defeat to retain any hope of qualifying for the knockout stages. ___

3:06 p.m.

Eden Hazard has given Belgium a 1-0 lead over Tunisia with a penalty in the 6th minute of the World Cup Group G match.

Hazard hit the ball low and left past Tunisia goalkeeper Farouk Ben Mustapha to give Belgium the lead.

Hazard won the penalty when he was brought down by Tunisia’s Syam Ben Youssef on the edge of the area.

If Belgium beats Tunisia it will be almost certainly assured of a place in the knockout stages of the World Cup. ___

1:15 p.m.

It wouldn’t be the World Cup without some emotion from Brazil.

Thiago Silva is upset with his teammate Neymar for shouting at him during Friday’s tense 2-0 win over Costa Rica.

Neymar apparently was angry with Silva for giving the ball back to Costa Rica late in the game with the score locked at 0-0, because the star striker considered Costa Rica to be time wasting.

In comments reported by globo.com, Silva says he has always tried to treat Neymar as a younger brother but, “When I gave the ball back (to Costa Rica) he insulted me. Theoretically he was right, because they stalled a lot.”

Silva, who was captain for the game under coach Tite’s captaincy rotation policy, added “I was very sad about that insult.”

Neymar scored Brazil’s second goal in the seventh minute of injury time, his first of the tournament and 56th overall for Brazil.

Brazil is level with Switzerland on four points in Group E and next plays Serbia. ___

1:10 p.m.

Dele Alli has returned to practice with the England squad but carried out individual drills away from the main group, keeping him in doubt for the World Cup match against Panama.

The midfielder hurt his thigh in England’s 2-1 win over Tunisia on Monday and didn’t practice with the group for four days.

Alli participated in warm-up routines on Saturday and later worked alone on his fitness.

England coach Gareth Southgate has said Alli is unlikely to feature against Panama in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday.

By Associated Press

#Boetang sent off #Germany is playing Sweden #Moscow #Sweden #TodayNews #World Cup

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infotrendblogs-blog · 7 years ago

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Products review articles go a protracted way in helping the customer to return into a summary a couple of distinct product or service or perhaps service. It is usually don't just critical and also important to endure quite a few product or service reviews before you embark on getting yourself a particular.

Go through the item reviews

When i was inside of a repair related to which wood router I have to be picking, I have located the review articles tremendously beneficial and enabled me to pick the best wood router. Commonly, user testimonials and responses throw a lot gentle around the usefulness of a products. They acknowledge the favorable elements and make straightforward tips for the harmful features from the item. Once obtaining passed through many critical reviews on wood routers, I have come to the judgment that the user scores are a significant aspect to take into account when you're paying for a completely new router.

Formulate your belief on do you know the key element features

If you ever are a newbie in buying wood routers, positively the service evaluations throw quite a bit gentle relating to the main attributes. You are going to come to find out about the merchandise features while using assist of the recommendations. Whenever you are very clear about what the main benefits are, you can easlily generate a systematic enquiry into each individual aspect on the item by studying some ratings. Center on every single function and review the different materials. Get to determine what makes each individual wood router completely unique in its unique way. Have a very clear analysis of what elements you give very best priority and what abilities you think about secondary, before you choose one. Normally it is actually your own selections that define the ultimate conclusion.

Weigh equally execs and cons

No tool arrives with most of the unique amenities. You want to determine both the advantages and drawbacks in every sort of routers. If only you weigh both the pros and negatives in every single sort and formulate a desk of functions, it will be possible to return into a affordable selection. Generate a table of pros and disadvantages with each and every form of router and take a well balanced check out. Typically, you're going to be fully impressed with a single from the amenities of your tool forgetting another integral things to consider. It is essential to have a well balanced watch if you end up investing your tough earned capital into these applications.

Take a well balanced decision

Using a balanced look at in all issue is viewed as a advantage. The golden indicate tactic in weighing many of the pros and cons is very preferred. Regarding purchasing a wood router, I propose you to definitely give desire for the most important practical functionality to other smaller functions. There is a very clear and predefined purpose for each tool. Talk to oneself whether the design or even the form of router you've got selected fulfills the many very important parameters. Should you are contented which the wood router you have opted for can deliver what it claims, then you can choose it. I am somewhat persuaded that a lot of in the users give finest priority on the most fundamental features of your tools they acquire. Begin to see the ratings for every of such features. When you finish the house show results, you happen to be probably to get the wood router that works magically.

Benefits of Router Reviews

Concerning fine quality resources and routers it might now and then be hard to look for the best possible items available. Specially when you might have terribly specific jobs or employment you need done. Frequently if you should try and look for by going online to the very woodworking router reviews you can still get overwhelmed because of the amount of money of knowledge. An effective way to help guide you through this successfully might possibly be by looking at wood router reviews. Looking at critiques done by day-to-day visitors such as you may help you choose which router routers will most advantageous fit your job or particular person will be needing. In addition to looking at these product reviews try checking on in demand from the internet retailers like eBay and Amazon to determine basic costs, types, and skim the opinions generated by purchasers on there too. One from the most popular routers that you can purchase is the Bosch router. It has two most important brands, the 1617EVSPK and also 1617EVS 2 ¼ router. The 1617 EVS has been available for an extended time which is continue to favored by woodworkers and shop owners alike. This is a marvelous router if you need an all goal router which has the two a fixed and plunge base. Most of the Bosch router recommendations manage to boast in regards to the magnificent reducing, pace, electricity, and sturdiness this router can provide to its buyers. Those that typically are not definitely sure wherever to get started on examining evaluations you may just conduct a quick look for on Google or Bing. There're even a wide selection of online websites and site available on the market dedicated to creating testimonials for routers along with tool line merchandise. This can make it better to discover the appropriate router for ones desires. Wood router comments should always be taken in stride however. Chances are you'll run into a service which includes mixed critiques where by some individuals cherish it and a few persons hated it. During this case you just will need to select your intestine and decide if it's going to be the perfect wager in your case. Inquiring woodworking or store professionals for their recommendation and opinions are also able to assistance level you in the proper course. You can still acquire this by contacting woodworking outlets or businesses in your own spot or around the globe. Some stores and owners might be a great deal more useful than some others so do not get discouraged if a number of people are usually not ready to assist. Feedback are a good way to seek out out how an item truly operates for a long time, and it does not seem to be slowing down.

Five Issues to keep in your mind Whilst you Acquire Wood Routers

What are the key factors that figure out a majority of your conclusions particularly when you're acquiring resources for ones give good results? Allow me explore the key factors that will be essential for any judgement that i take once i go for purchasing a new element, specially the tool that i most use in my give good results. The following will be the biggest issues that influence my conclusions though I purchase the instruments for my wood perform.

Safety

With alot more than twenty many years of standing as a high quality wood worker, I've second hand a large number of tools in my succeed. It happens to be very often the instruments that you choose to use that figure out the caliber of your do the trick. But, let me say, also to the high quality, I nearly always begin to see the security in applying the tool. Basic safety into the consumer is the key worry to me. I've looked at a great many young personnel injuring on their own whereas utilising distinct applications. Correct coaching and steerage should certainly be granted for the amateurs and youthful and inexperienced workers in working with the wood routers.

Quality

Once i am creating a final choice in the tool, the one particular detail that performs a essential purpose could be the top notch in the tool. I are unable to compromise with all the quality of your tool. I had a sufficient amount of encounters on this regard. Allow me share with you how a faulty tool played spoil activity with my job. I recollect my adventure the way it went unfavorable to worse after i tried to slice the wood and carve the sides into curves while using the wood router I'd. It didn't cut the wood the right way - the motor had some situation leading to varying speeds on the rotation in the router. It don't just squandered my time and also spoiled the piece of operate I was working on. Nevertheless I succeeded in making the final products, it had been not up to my expectations.

Longevity

The lifespan of a tool is decided because of the excellent of your tool generally. Moreover for the top notch, how you utilize the tool while you are working with it's going to also figure out its lifespan. A tool without a adequate lifespan incurs recurring expenditure on getting yourself applications. In many instances, a faulty tool might cause you irritating knowledge all over your deliver the results if you do not alter the tool as soon as possible. I usually think it is usually more beneficial to put from the deliver the results than taking care of to complete because of the defective resources inside our arms.

Suitability

Ever since that have, I help it become a point to determine that the instruments I use are in most appropriate condition and fit to utilize. It can be especially so while using wood routers. Usually there are differing kinds of routers for different applications. You require to change the tool according to the function you are utilizing it. However you may be by using the router only, continue to the router you will be by using can make a variance. It is really mainly because there are differing bits to adjust in accordance with the might need and goal.

Comfort

While you know it clearly, you cannot think about creating the very best quality solution if you sense it inconvenient to take care of the tools. The equipment you use will want to be comfy to manage. Tools outline the standard. At the same time, how user-friendly they're, is also a crucial thing. The ideal set of instruments can help you to definitely do the job effortlessly without the need of any obstacles. Among the many several components that impact my resolution, the next are the major considerations.

Is Horsepower a great Evaluate of the Wood Router?

Is horsepower a meaningful evaluate of the wood router's abilities? In reality, it might not be the most effective: You can find more than one technique to measure horsepower, and many aren't a top notch indicator of how a router will show results in an true woodworking issue. Manufacturers usually are not all of that possible to tell you which ones just one they utilised, but most will provide a far more effective measure: rated amperage. Even that won't the proper guide in choosing an influence tool, but it does have various strengths. Horsepower ratings on routers are only semi-useful for comparison needs to the hassle-free cause that there are a multitude of methods of interpret and report this evaluate of electric power. Clearly, a 3 HP router is just not as strong as a 3 HP desk saw. Amperage rankings are more objective, however they won't be able to be taken as the remaining phrase on ability possibly, given that the amount of amperage a universal motor attracts is affected by its performance and a number of other other reasons. Rated amperage is without a doubt handy for 1 factor: It truly is an goal way for you to slender the sector. The sort of router get the job done you will be performing will, surely, be the most significant impact for the quantity of potential it is important to consider in a router. If you want a router mainly for light-weight -duty, handheld machining for inlay along with other small-scale initiatives, a king-sized fifteen amp model might possibly not be the most beneficial selection. And from the identical token, a lightweight, easy to deal with 10 amp-or-less router will become a disappointment if you want it to crank out elevated panels for cabinet doorways all day long.

Finding the most efficient router primarily based about the top quality and strength of it is actually motor will contain additional examine. The greatest place to begin is by learning way more regarding how potential tool motors get the job done, and what helps make a great a person..woodworking is a wonderful introduction to electric power tool motors. But looking at recommendations and asking other woodworkers what worked out most efficient for them is probably the finest foundation for your judgment. There's no shortage of conversations on woodworking community forums about which routers dwell nearly their manufacturers' claims.

Woodworking Essentials: What exactly is the main difference Between a Plunge Router and also a Fixed Base Router?

When selecting a wood router, there are a lot alternate options to bear in mind. By far the most evident is whether to choose a fixed base router or maybe a plunge style router. Both of those have distinct advantages and drawbacks, with respect to the style of undertaking. As a way that can help you make the simplest judgement for which of router style (fixed or plunge) may be the most best suited for your use, we've got discussed the foremost distinctions between every style.

Fixed Base Routers

Fixed base routers are the most widely used sort, seen for most woodworking shops. Often times they're referred to as stationary routers. This sort of router is typically table mounted as well as base continues to be inside a fixed point out. Scores of styles will supply you with a reduced adjustment that should work as a router raise. The depth of your lower could very well be modified by unlocking after which you can raising/lowering the motor through the base. Over-all, fixed base routers are thought of the easiest kind for just a rookie to learn. 1) Cost-effective and greatly available in the market. 2.) Least difficult style to the newbie to understand. 3.) The depth on the minimize is locked in, making it not as likely to over-cut. 4.) Not as versatile given that the plunge style routers because of to its fixed base.

Plunge Style Routers

Plunge style routers are utilized to deliver a tiny bit adjustment (or plunging) even when chopping is in progress. Ordinarily the motor is hooked up into a spring loaded base to offer precise and safer top changes. Plunge style routers function very nicely in joinery form get the job done or a venture whereby the cuts are in the course of the piece of succeed. 1.) Fast depth adjustments: no restraint of getting to stop and reset height adjustment concerning cuts. 2.) Significantly more versatile: could be useful for cuts in the middle of a bit of work. 3.) Widely regarded the most secure style router because the bit is over the base when not in use. 4.) Some brands are generally a little bit major large, which makes it difficult to maneuver. 5.) Far more problematic, rendering it tricky for that rookie to discover.

Combo Style Routers

Combo Router Kits furnish the optimal of both worlds (Fixed and Plunge). Almost all of these kits appear that has a mid-sized motor with both of those fixed and plunge bases. The motor will disassemble from the base, so possibly the fixed or plunge base may be utilized, with regards to the model of job. These are generally purchased for a reduced expense substitute to the residential home hobbyist to have the strengths of both style routers.

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suzannemcappsca · 8 years ago

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Of Superheroes, Mere Mortals and Saving the World (with and by Josiah Lau)

Joel Lee

National University of Singapore, Faculty of Law

I have a confession to make. I generally do my best to be positive and optimistic. In part because it’s good for my physical and mental health but also because I know that my outlook affects the people around me; my family, my friends and my students. But it is not always easy. Some days, I don’t feel like being positive. Sometimes, it feels like the world around you is so overwhelming in its negativity that one’s small drop of positiveness in that ocean of negativity is insignificant. Sometimes, it feels like that world is taking your positive energy but giving nothing back, leaving one’s soul empty and in despair. And the end of 2016 felt like one of those times.

And from time to time, something happens or something you read restores and recharges you. John Sturrock’s entry for this month is an example of this (and if you haven’t read it, what are you waiting for?). I want to devote this month’s entry to another piece I recently read which too was restorative. This was published on Facebook and written by a former student of mine, Josiah Lau, who took a conflict resolution workshop with me at the Faculty of Law.

In his piece, his thoughts resonated with the sentiments I had expressed in my entry for December 2016 “Peacing Things Together“. I considered using this month’s entry to comment on his piece but it quickly became clear that there was no way I could improve upon his message. Further, not everyone would be able to access his note on Facebook to read. So, I decided to reproduce his note (with his permission) in its entirety in the hope that readers would be similarly inspired.

I give you Josiah Lau’s “Of Superheroes, Mere Mortals and Saving the World”

Ever wondered why superpowers in popular media are almost always simple and somewhat “one-dimensional”?

Super strength. STRONK. LAIK RASHAN BEAR. Super speed. Wheeeeeeeeeeee Flight. Wheeeeeeeeeeee Time manipulation. FF. FR. STOP. PLAY. REPLAY Precognition. 4sightFTW. Mind-reading/control. (*insert Yuri voiceover*) Your thoughts… are mine. Regeneration. “Death is my bitch.” Fire manipulation. WE DIDN’T START THE FIRE Ice manipulation. Let it go, let it go…

Ever wondered why we don’t see superheroes with the following superpowers?

1. Emotional management/mastery 2. Conflict resolution 3. Analysis, problem-solving 4. Listening & empathy 5. Balance & decision-making

WAIT WHAT!? THESE POWERS ARE TOO COMPLICATED.

Who in the world would pay money to watch a movie about people peaceably resolving conflicts to the mutual satisfaction of hostile parties? (I wager the only reason people watch 12 Angry Men today is because they’re MADE to, usually in school curriculum).

Everybody wants drama, action, cool CGI. (“The Incredible Hulk”, for example, was a smashing movie.)

Super strength sells. Conscious exercise of intelligence, keen observation, analytical skills and critical thinking doesn’t. (Unless it’s Benedict Cumberbatch, apparently.) Keeping your cool and responding patiently to emotional outbursts, injustice, abuse, or unreasonable demands doesn’t sell. Ice manipulation does.

Maybe we think of superpowers the way we do because such abilities are considered impossible or beyond human limits. Or perhaps, because such abilities are desired in order to solve problems in life. Super strength, super speed, time manipulation.

Think about it for a moment, then. Aren’t the “perfect iterations” of emotional mastery, conflict resolution, critical thinking etc equally unattainable? None of us can claim to be complete masters of ourselves. Nobody can claim to be the perfect peacemaker. And yet, compared to adamantium-lined skeletons and amplified regeneration, these powers (that we so admire in great leaders, thinkers and influencers) are far more attainable for us mere mortals.

We would rather deify impossible/unattainable abilities than abilities attainable only through great effort.

Here’s an excerpt of an interview with Emotionalmasterman: “Oh you have a superpower? What’s your superpower?” “I’m very good at managing my emotions.” “That’s not a very useful superpower, is it?” “Well, I’m at peace within myself, I don’t inflict my emotional problems upon others, people are always comfortable around me and come to me with problems which I try to help them work through.” “Isn’t that very complicated and hard to do? Most can only dream of it.” “Well, it’s my superpower. I was born with it. It just comes naturally to me.” “I don’t suppose you could write a self-help book about it, could you?” “I can’t. You can’t ask Superman to write a book teaching people how to fly, right?”

Years ago, I made a survey for fun, asking friends what superpower they thought I would choose if I was able to pick one. The most common (and expected) answers were super speed and time manipulation.

One, however, was mind-reading/telepathy, which struck me as a rather strange answer. Moreover, it came from a good friend, who provided this quote with it:

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

It was only after many years and through many personal struggles that I began to understand the significance of the quote.

Today, I wish for only two superpowers.

1. Empathy

No, not just being able to put oneself in another’s shoes and feel what they feel. (In any case, one can never fully do that.) I also don’t want to simply read someone’s mind. I do, however, want the ability to be able to sense that things aren’t what they seem or what the person says they are. I want the ability to know if I should ask questions or talk, and if so, what is the most beneficial thing to ask or say at any point in time. I want the ability to be able to engage wisely yet warmly. I want to understand them and their circumstances better, that my ‘empathy’ may be closer to complete, closer to actually putting myself in their shoes, seeing more of what they see and feeling more of what they feel. I want to be approachable so people are comfortable with opening up to me. I want the ability to talk to people on both sides of a conflict and understand their concerns, their interests and motivations, their inner struggles and hurt, and yet not let that colour my perceptions against the other side.

2. Decision-making

I’ve preached the importance of context for a long time. I strongly believe there are differing actions appropriate to different circumstances. Empathy and understanding is the start but decision and action must be built on this foundation. Give me the ability to make wise decisions. Whether to intervene, and whether to do it now, or later; whether, knowing certain things, to choose action A or B; whether, feeling someone’s pain, to give time to let the pain pass or to support the person in moving beyond it. To be creative about solutions and resolutions, to see past false dichotomies and closed options. To take in the full range of contextual factors and yet not be overwhelmed; to be disciplined and thorough in thinking matters through, to weigh options; to dare to decide and act even if the decision is painful and the course of action intimidating.

The superhero narrative almost invariably comes with the attempt to ‘save the world’. In the vast majority of stories, heroes find that they are constrained by limitations both external and internal, no matter how extraordinary or legion their superpowers (hello Peter Petrelli). No, superheroes aren’t perfect. They’re just like the rest of us. They have emotions like we do, and are just as susceptible to temptations and errors of judgment (except maybe Dr. Manhattan, who nevertheless has his own problems). The narrative usually follows how the hero deals with or surmounts these challenges.

We just love superhero stories. I’m no stranger to them.

And yet, I cannot but think that among the greatest of superheroes was one Guido Orefice, whose superpower was an impregnable cheerfulness and resoluteness in a concentration camp, who hid and kept his son alive – achieving his glorious victory (posthumously) when his son ecstatically found himself face to face with a tank – his promised reward. How about five kids, all superheroes: a brain, and an athlete, and a basket case, a princess, and a criminal, who awakened their superpowers together one day in detention and transcended their community-given identities?

Superheroes… they walk among us, invisible, unbeknownst to most. The young child who treks ten miles of dirt road to school every day and back. The single mom who moonlights to make ends meet, for her children’s sake. The man suffering from depression who wears a funny face every day to make others laugh. The lady juggling her taxing work and taking care of her parents and yet excelling at both. The teenager who forces herself out of bed in the morning despite anxiety, menstrual cramps and harassment, because things need doing. The father who puts on a suit every morning to take his daughter to school (even though he later does all sorts of manual labour) to preserve her self-value and dignity. This list has no end.

No superhero has “saved the world”. But they made (or tried to make) a difference wherever they are – nation, city, family, self – and that’s all it takes.

What superpower(s) do you wield? How can you wield it/them better? How can you gain or exercise more superpowers? Forget saving ‘the world’. What/whose world have you saved today?