#team batie

[tvshowscouples]

If you love Bill&Katie (Bold and the Beautiful) and you want reblog or like,this is the link of my reblog couples :)

thank you!

[bestanimal]

Round 3 - Chondrichthyes - Rajiformes

(Sources - 1, 2, 3, 4)

The second order of batoids (rays) are the Rajiformes, commonly called “Skates.” They include the living families Anacanthobatidae (“smooth skates” or “leg skates”), Arhynchobatidae (“softnose skates”), Gurgesiellidae (“pygmy skates”), and Rajidae (“hardnose skates”).

Rajiforms are distinguished by the presence of greatly enlarged pectoral fins, which conjoin in front of the head and merge into a generally flattened, triangular body. There can be up to two small dorsal fins but no anal fin. The undulatory motion of their pectoral fins that they use for swimming is referred to as as rajiform locomotion. Some skates also have leg-like pelvic fins which they use to walk and climb across the seafloor, or to quickly propel themselves away from a threat. As rays, rajiform eyes and spiracles are on the dorsal side of their body while their gill slits, nostrils, and mouth are on the ventral side.

Unlike other rays, skates lay eggs in horny cases, commonly called “mermaid’s purses.” Egg cases typically contain one embryo, except for Big Skates (Beringraja binoculata) (image 2) and Mottled Skates (Beringraja pulchra), which lay egg cases that can contain up to 7 embryos each.

Rajiformes arose in the Early Jurassic, with modern forms appearing in the Late Cretaceous.

Propaganda under the cut:

While skates aren’t known to practice maternal care, other than attaching their egg cases to things, baby Pacific Starry Skates (Caliraja stellulata) tend to follow large objects, which could be their mother.

Big Skates (Beringraja binoculata) are one of the most commercially important skates and are often sold as food. Their pectoral fins are sold as "skate wings" and are eaten baked or fried, often being labeled as imitation scallops. They are one of the largest known species, with a record length of 2.4 m (7.9 ft), though they usually don’t exceed 1.8 m (5.9 ft).

The related Mottled Skate (Beringraja pulchra) is also a commercially important skate, however, their populations are severely declining. In South Korea they are known as hong-eo, and valued at $10–30/kg, popularly served at wedding feasts. In Japan, this species is less valued at around $5/kg. In China it is not specifically targeted, but is taken as bycatch. The species is endangered, but no conservation or management schemes are currently in order to protect it.

Deepsea Skates (Bathyraja abyssicola) and Pacific White Skates (Bathyraja spinosissima) are some of the deepest-living rays, living up to 2,906m deep. These skates sometimes lay their eggs on hydrothermal vents, utilizing the volcanic warmth for the incubation of their eggs.

In 2023, a team of scientists set off to analyze what they thought was an extinct, underwater volcano off the Pacific coast of Canada. The team discovered that the volcano was not only still active but was also teaming with life! The heat from the volcano made it an excellent nursery for Pacific White Skate eggs and their young, and the area was covered in thousands of giant egg cases, measuring around half a metre (1.5 feet) across! One female was even in the process of laying an egg as they observed. It can take up to four years for the young to develop, but the volcanic heat may speed up this process.

The critically endangered Blue Skate (Dipturus batis) was one of the most abundant skates in the northeast Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. In the 19th and 20th centuries, egg cases were found along the entire British coastline in high numbers, but now they are found only in a few areas. The species has both been targeted directly and caught accidentally as bycatch. Due to the profitability of trawl fishing, bycatch likely will remain a serious problem for the Blue Skate, as well as many other species , and it has a serious chance of becoming extinct in the near future unless more is done to control trawl fishing.

While similar in appearance to sawfish and sawsharks, the Cretaceous Onchopristis was actually a skate in the extinct Onchopristidae family. Specimens of Onchopristis and Spinosaurus are often associated with one another, with indications of the dinosaur having preyed on the giant skate.

The New Zealand Smooth Skate (Dipturus innominatus) is unique in they are both predators as well as scavengers, eating dead fish and scraps from larger predators. They are also one of the largest skates in the world, reaching lengths of up to 2.4 m (7.9 ft).

The largest skate in the world is the critically endangered Flapper Skate (Dipturus intermedius), maxing out at 2.85 meters (9.4 ft) and weighing 113 kg (249 lb). Their egg cases are between 10 and 14 cm (3.9 and 5.5 in) wide and 13 and 23 cm (5.1 and 9.1 in) long, not including the horns.

little leggies

[brujitaadinbo]

I'm back again with my crazy posts about DINBO parallelism and other iconic couples from cinema or any material. I have had a lot of things to do but I have taken the time to watch Batman content, because I love it, it is one of many favorite characters I have. Watching one of the cartoons of this character I saw a beautiful reference to Catwoman---Batman, in that connection that they have always had.

They are both wounded people, trying to move forward, healing on their own and then healing together, but the process is long and good, there is still a lot of development left (plus they are going to want to exploit Batman every time they can with more movies or series, ect)

Selina and Bruce are a magnetic couple and they complement each other, they don't need to be cheesy or be together all the time, because in their intimate moments, they show each other everything. The hero in the making and the antihero who seeks redemption.

Very much in the style of Din djarin and Bo katan; These two are more possessive of their responsibilities and more closed BUT they recognize well when they feel attracted, when they feel good working together and taking care of each other, sharing moments, living in the moment without labels.

It's something I love; in many comics and series such as Batman Rush Selina and Bruce understand each other very well, so much so that Catwoman and Batman also coincide and suddenly even their hidden personalities come to light. So they work as a team, their romantic dates destroy criminals and save the city, kicking ass.

It reminds me a lot of Din and Bo in their adventures with Grogu, solving problems together, traveling, having adventures, destroying imperials.

I love that Batman in his own way is protective of Catwoman but I feel like he can improve that, he is a very dense character and still has things to fix, just like Selina.

Something like Din; He doesn't talk much but he shows with actions that there are people he cares about and will protect them at all costs, just like Bo.

Din and Batman have as much in common, as do Bo and Selina.

And hey, I don't deny that they have a long way to go to become a healthier couple, but hey, with so much that they've been through, who would be completely fine?

Who is not sick in some way in their emotions???

For the same reason, I relate them to DINBO because both couples fight to be better, more balanced, even if they separate for a while or are together at another time.

I love that both Din and Bruce, although they don't talk much or don't express themselves well at all, when they do, they are very tender and know how to melt the heart of the person they are talking to with their words. .

Just like when they talk to Selina or Bo and they almost always leave them speechless, they don't know how to react. As much as to flatter them or to apologize to them and even an I love you like Batman says in the comics to Selina or a "I'll serve you" to Bo Katan.

And now to close this post; I love how Batman and Catwoman have that very particular and acid humor, their own silly jokes and she accepts them. Like when she gets pregnant, they don't know it yet and he offers her a "Bati bucket" for nausea or when they are already checking Selina and she tells him "it's cancer" he with a soft smile tells her "it's not." and she takes it with her typical humor LOL

It reminds me a lot of Din and Bo's humor, their own jokes "the element of surprise" and those knowing laughs. Or that Bo is ironic about the pog soup thing.

That Din tells her "that's what happens for stealing imperial ships" and she responds that way. Very consistent with their personalities.

I love it and I will continue sending DINBO, getting information and parallels as long as I can. And batman and catwoman are my roman empire.

this is the way.

[lusty-kopfkino]

Batman Prompt 2.1 - Young Bruce

MORE Young Bruce/Batman!!

But different idea

While on a mission with the Justice League, Batman gets hit with an alien device or magic spell/thing and gets turned into his younger self when he just got back from the League of Shadows (I think it was the League of Shadows, whoever he trained with), so right before he became Batman.

His Family:

Young Batman is way more reckless than his current self, and he is not ready for kids. Hell, even when he got his first kid, Dick, he wasn't ready. Bruce is just as smart and clever.

I can see Bruce getting into crazy shenanigans with the Batfamliy. The things he would usually 'sigh' or have a small smile now he is openly laughing and maybe even being an accomplice. The Batfamily knows of his "playful" side, but it is pretty rare to see it.

*When I am referring to the Batfamily in the former paragraph I mean everyone in the family that is not Alfred or Bruce.

I can also see this bringing up memories of Alfred and him telling the kids, they are all kids to him, about stories of before Bruce left for the League, and the stories of before he got Dick and maybe some of when he got him; those would also intrigue Bruce because that would be his future.

Justice League:

For the Justice League reaction, I was thinking after Batman got hit with something he passed out. Everyone is worried and some of the members are freaking out. Superman is on the brink of a panic attack because he is supposed to have Baty's back, so he feels really bad.

I feel like Wonder Woman and Martian Manhunter would be the most calm out of all the members, but whoever you think would be the calmest, takes charge they tell two of the members to take Batman to the med bay in the tower, and for the rest of them to help clean up the mess. I feel like whatever mission they were on, they made at least a bit of a mess. And the setting for the mission can be wherever, but I'm thinking somewhere where there are no people, like a forest.

Once everyone gets back to the tower they all go to the med may to check up on Batman, but guess what?... he is now younger!!! Most of them are like "Oh shit" or something, idk, and then they find out his mind has also regressed, so they're like "OH shit."

Little (more than normal, especially compared to the Justice League) Batman is skeptical of them, so they explain the situation to him by saying only Batman should know, like Alfred. His Batman clothes are too big for him since he lost muscle mass and a wee bit of height, so they give him clothes. (he is wearing a lead eye mask to hide his identity)

The rest of the story will just be the team's interactions with younger Batman, and how different he is outwardly. Some of them before this thought that he wasn't human or had no emotions or something. It's safe to say that young Batman comes as a shock to all of them.

*I would imagine that at this time, when he was almost starting/beginning to be Batman, Bruce is still getting into his 'Batman image' so his voice isn't as grungy.

[coochiequeens]

The problem is, as the references below show, trans women who go through male puberty retain substantial athletic advantages over biological women, even if testosterone suppressors are used to try to equalize the categories.  But the suppressors don’t do that, for somebody who goes through male puberty develops the musculature, bone density, grip strength, and other indices of athletic success that give them pronounced advantages over natal women (equestrian sports may be an exception).  And this advantage appears to last for years—perhaps forever."

The Atlantic on women’s sports

January 5, 2025 • 10:00 am

The Atlantic has waded into perilous waters by publishing what turns out to be quite a good article about transgender women competing in athletics against biological women. The fact that this liberal and prestigious magazine even writes about the issue is, to me, a good sign: a sign that the issue needs discussing.  And I’m glad to see that the author, staff writer Helen Lewis, concludes with a solution that is virtually identical to mine.

To read her piece, click below, or find it archived here.

Lewis begins by citing recent controversies involving transgender women competing—and winning—against biological women. They include the now well-known story of Lia Thomas, who will swim no more against women, as well as the San Jose State women’s volleyball team, which included what seemed to be a trans woman (they won’t publicly admit it, but most team members do). This story isn’t as well known:

In September, the San Jose State co-captain Brooke Slusser and the associate coach Melissa Batie-Smoose went public with their concerns about their own team’s trans player. “Safety is being taken away from women,” Batie-Smoose later told Fox News. “Fair play is taken away from women.” Both women told Quillette that they believed players and coaches were being pressured not to make a fuss. The next month, Liilii told me, she and her Nevada teammates voted, 16–1, to boycott their next match against San Jose State. The Nevada players were not alone: Teams from Boise State, the University of Wyoming, Southern Utah, and Utah State also forfeited games rather than face the trans player.

San Jose State kept competing despite all that—and despite a lawsuit aimed at barring the school from the Mountain West Conference postseason tournament in Las Vegas in November. (The lawsuit failed, and the team finished second in the finals.) The season ended in acrimony. “I will not sugarcoat our reality for the last two months,” San Jose State’s head coach, Todd Kress, said in a statement after the tournament. “Each forfeiture announcement unleashed appalling, hateful messages individuals chose to send directly to our student-athletes, our coaching staff, and many associated with our program.” Afterward, seven of the team’s athletes requested to enter the transfer portal. The disputed player, who is a senior, will not compete again.

The problem is, as the references below show, trans women who go through male puberty retain substantial athletic advantages over biological women, even if testosterone suppressors are used to try to equalize the categories.  But the suppressors don’t do that, for somebody who goes through male puberty develops the musculature, bone density, grip strength, and other indices of athletic success that give them pronounced advantages over natal women (equestrian sports may be an exception).  And this advantage appears to last for years—perhaps forever.

Well, why not allow trans women to compete who have transitioned before puberty? The problem is that there are almost none of these, for male puberty occurs some time between ages 9 and 14, and that is simply too young for adolescent males to decide to take hormones and/or have surgery to develop something closer to a woman’s body. If future research shows that transitioning at a very young age makes females athletically equal on average to natal females, then we can reassess. But existing data show that trans women, or some with disorders of sex determination, have an innate athletic advantage over women, and thus shouldn’t be competing in women’s sports.

Republicans have made hay of this, of course, and if you polled Democrats versus Republicans over whether trans women should compete against natal women in sports, Republicans would say “no” at a higher rate. But just because this view is more pervasive in the GOP doesn’t mean it’s wrong. In fact, Democrats themselves are starting to realize that such competition is unfair:

Greater awareness of Thomas and other trans athletes in women’s sports did not translate into greater approval. If anything, the opposite occurred: In 2021, 55 percent of Democrats supported transgender athletes competing in the team of their chosen gender, according to Gallup. Two years later, however, that number had fallen to 47 percent. Overall, nearly seven out of 10 Americans now think athletes should compete in the category of their birth sex.

Nevertheless, the Biden Administration’s early executive order prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity implied that this would also hold for sports participation. Now, as Lewis notes, Biden has backed off on this construal of the order, perhaps because the wokeness of Harris and Biden (the subject of GOP attack ads) may have played a role in their November defeat.

Regardless, as I’ve learned in the past week or so, those who say that “trans women are women” will accept no exceptions to that mantra: trans women are to have every perquisite of natal women, including sports participation.  But, unlike gay rights, trans rights conflict with the rights of other groups far more often (I can’t think of any case in which gay rights conflict with other people’s rights, except for those cases of religious people asked to make cakes for gay weddings). The last sentence in Lewis’s paragraph below is telling (I’ve bolded it):

“People like to say that it’s a complicated issue, and I don’t actually think it is … It all boils down to: Do you actually think that trans women and intersex women are real women—and are really female or not?” the transgender cyclist Veronica Ivy told The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah in 2022. “It’s an extreme indignity to say, ‘I believe you’re a woman, except for sport.’” She added that the enforcement of traditional categories was about “protecting the fragile, weak cis white woman from the rest of us.” Noah’s studio audience in New York heartily applauded Ivy’s words. Sports was only one part of a seamless whole: If you believed, as good liberals did, that trans women were women, no carve-outs were justifiable.

Many women and men think otherwise, as do I. But the carve-outs, as I see them, are very few. Still, if you’re a extremist gender ideologue, they are impermissible.

Democrat Seth Moulton’s breaking ranks from the Biden-ish gender ideology may have been a telling moment, as it made it acceptable for Democrats to discuss the issue in public, though many, including the FFRF, appear to still think the issue shouldn’t be discussed, much less raised. Moulton still got savaged, of course, which reflects poorly on his fellow Democrats:

After the 2024 election, a handful of Democrats broke ranks. “I have two little girls,” Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts told The New York Times. “I don’t want them getting run over on a playing field by a male or formerly male athlete.” His campaign manager subsequently resigned, protesters gathered outside one of his offices, and he was rebuked by the state’s Democratic governor. But many of Moulton’s fellow Democrats were notably silent. “Asked for comment on Mr. Moulton’s remarks, each of the 10 other members of the state’s congressional delegation, all Democrats, declined to comment or did not immediately respond,” the Times reported. Further evidence that a taboo had been broken came on the Friday before Christmas. The White House abandoned its proposed rule change forbidding blanket bans on trans athletes after 150,000 public responses, acknowledging that the incoming Trump administration will set its own rules.

Lewis is too good a writer not to give her own opinion after weighing the controversy. At the end, she suggests the “empathic compromise” given below, and I must say that I agree with almost every word of it:

In my view, the way forward lies in an empathetic compromise, one that broadly respects transgender Americans’ sense of their own identity—for example, in the use of chosen names and pronouns—while acknowledging that in some areas, biology really matters. Many sports organizations have established a protected female category, reserved for those who have not experienced the advantages conferred by male puberty, alongside an open one available to men, trans women, trans men taking testosterone supplements, and nonbinary athletes of either sex. Unlike Veronica Ivy, many voters who support laws protecting trans people from housing and employment discrimination don’t see trans rights as an all-or-nothing deal; in fact, a few limited carve-outs on the basis of biological sex might increase acceptance of gender-nonconforming people overall.

Not everything has to be an entrenched battle of red versus blue: As more and more Democrats realize that they shouldn’t have built their defense of trans people on the sand of sex denialism, Republicans should have the grace to take the win on sports and disown the inflammatory rhetoric of agitators such as Representative Nancy Mace, who responded to the election of the first trans member of Congress by deploying anti-trans slurs. As the second Trump administration begins, the lesson from the college-volleyball rebellion is that institutions cannot impose progressive values by fiat. Attempts at social change will not survive without the underlying work of persuasion.

My only beef with the above is that it may be dangerous to trans men or “nonbinary athletes of either sex” to compete against biological men, as the greater strength of the latter could be dangerous. This is probably why World Rugby, as well as the International Rugby League, have banned the participation of transgender women in international competitions, presumably because although they are biological men, suppressing testosterone could reduce their ability to withstand injury in this heavy-contact sport.

The athletic effects of testosterone suppression in males:

An opinion piece by Robyn Blumner in Skeptical Inquirer cites references I’ve mentioned before, showing that testosterone suppression isn’t a way to equalize the athletic performance of transgender women and natal women. As she writes:

If we eliminated sex categories for most sports, there would rarely be female winners. For natal women to be able to compete in a way that gives them a fair chance at victories, there have to be sex segregated sports. The question then becomes whether that advantage can be mitigated through testosterone suppression. That is a matter of scientific inquiry, and the longitudinal biomedical findings to date suggest that “the effects of testosterone suppression in male adulthood have very little impact” on physiological outcomes such as muscle strength, muscle mass, or lean body mass, according to a paper titled “When Ideology Trumps Science” by six international leading researchers (Devine et al. 2022). They cite a cross-sectional study from 2022 that measured the performance of transgender women and found the “advantage may be maintained after 14 years of testosterone suppression.” (For a thorough vetting of the subject, read “Transgender Women in the Female Category of Sport: Perspectives on Testosterone Suppression and Performance Advantage” by researchers Emma Hilton and Tommy Lundberg, published in the journal Sports Medicine [Hilton and Lundberg 2021].) References: Devine, Cathy, Emma Hilton, Leslie Howe, et al. 2022. When ideology trumps science: A response to the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport’s Review on Transwomen Athletes in the Female Category. idrottsforum.org (November 29). Hilton, Emma N., and Tommy R. Lundberg. 2021. Transgender women in the female category of sport: Perspectives on testosterone suppression and performance advantage. Sports Medicine 51(2): 199–214.

[vague-humanoid]

A federal judge in Denver has rejected a request to ban a college volleyball player who is alleged to be transgender from competing with her team in a conference tournament beginning this week.

Earlier this month, San Jose State University women’s volleyball team captain Brooke Slusser filed a lawsuit along with SJSU associate head coach Melissa Batie-Smoose and 10 other current and former Mountain West Conference players against the conference. The suit sought an emergency injunction to have an SJSU player who is alleged to be transgender declared ineligible to compete in the tournament.

[mightyflamethrower]

San Jose State University (SJSU) has suspended an assistant volleyball coach indefinitely for speaking out against the inclusion of transgender player Blaire Fleming on the team’s roster, according to OutKick.

“The associate head coach of the San Jose State University women’s volleyball team is not with the team at this time, and we will not provide further information on this matter,” the school said in a statement to OutKick.

The suspension follows a tumultuous week in which assistant coach Melissa Batie-Smoose took public and legal action against the school by filing a Title IX complaint and giving an interview in which she lamented the toxic culture created by the school’s aggressively enforced trans-inclusion policy.

At the heart of the Title IX complaint, in a report obtained by Quilette, is an allegation from Batie-Smoose that Fleming, the transgender player, and another teammate engaged in a conspiracy to help San Jose State lose a match and injure SJSU player Brooke Slusser.

Slusser is a member of women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines’ Title IX suit against the NCAA that accuses SJSU of deliberately covering up the fact that Fleming was a male.

Specifically, Batie-Smoose alleges Fleming and another teammate violated team rules by leaving their hotel on October 3 to meet with Colorado State player Malaya Jones. During this meeting, Fleming and the unnamed SJSU player gave Jones scouting reports on their team, and Fleming agreed that he would not block any shots from Colorado State directed at Slusser.

Quilette reports that Batie-Smoose became aware of the plot after the unnamed SJSU player confessed it to her.

The early October matchup between SJSU and Colorado State was the first game after Slusser’s first critical public statement against Fleming on September 30.

The timing of Slusser’s statement and the date of the conspiratorial meeting involving Fleming and the Colorado State player led Batie-Smoose to conclude the plot was a direct retaliation for speaking out against the transgender player.

The Mountain West Conference says it is aware of the allegations, “reviewing the document, and has initiated an investigation to gather all the facts.”

The allegations against Fleming are as explosive as they are serious. If proven, it’s unimaginable that he would be allowed to continue to play for SJSU.

This should shock no one. The whole business where adult males are allowed to pummel REAL female athletes while breaking all the Women's records is about nothing but cheating. This needs to be stopped and all the TRANS records abolished from the athletic record.

[le-tour-de-india]

Discover the Royal Charm of Rajasthan on Two Wheels

Embark on the Adventure of a Lifetime with Le Tour de India’s “Best of Rajasthan on Bicycle” Tour!

If you are an active traveler seeking adventure, culture, and relaxation all in one, then the 12-night, 13-day Rajasthan Cycling Tour by Le Tour de India is it. Here you are pedaling through vibrant cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur, twisting through rustic trails of Kumbhalgarh and Jawai, all surrounded by the serene beauty of Chandelao and Pushkar. This carefully crafted tour is an unforgettable journey through the heart of Rajasthan, where history, tradition, and natural beauty converge.

Why Choose the Best of Rajasthan on Bicycle Tour with Le Tour de India?

Indulge in the Colours of Rajasthan Le Tour de India cycling tours are much beyond the run-of-the-mill tourist experience. You will not only visit attractions like the Taj Mahal at Agra or Amber Fort in Jaipur, but also uncover quaint villages such as Kumbhalgarh and Jawai. Engulf yourself in rural life experiences. Interact with local artisans, farmers, and folk artists for some unforgettable lifetime moments.

Adventure with Safety and Comfort Le Tour de India will take every precaution to ensure that you feel completely safe and comfortable. It provides high-quality mountain bikes, helmets, tour guides, and a support vehicle, so you will never have any trouble during the tour. It will be of utmost help if you are a serious cyclist or a casual rider; Le Tour de India will help you at every step.

Enjoy Rajasthan's Cuisine Taste the delectable cuisine of Rajasthan to fuel your adventure. With Le Tour de India, you will have the pleasure of enjoying savory treats like dal bati churma, fresh-off-the-hob chapatis, and refreshing local beverages. Every stop is planned carefully to savor the best of local flavors while cycling through picturesque landscapes.

Unique and Comfortable Stays Relax and rejuvenate in boutique heritage properties that reflect Rajasthan's royal legacy. Le Tour de India takes care of the accommodations, which range from quaint forts to converted palaces, as a luxury respite after a day of cycling.

Professionally Guided for Maximum Enjoyment Le Tour de India's guiding staff are very well-experienced adventurers who share a deep appreciation for the state of Rajasthan. They are all very knowledgeable and passionate about storytelling, which will undoubtedly make your time spent discovering local gems, communities, and great rides a far more enjoyable journey.

Tour Highlights

Delhi, the capital city of India, is explored with a free day to acclimatize.

Pedal through the quiet streets of Udaipur, City of Lakes.

Wildlife and serene countryside views are to be spotted at Jawai.

Spiritual charm of Pushkar is to be experienced during its iconic fair (seasonal).

Explore Jaipur's royal heritage and iconic palaces.

End your journey with a visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra.

Tour Details with Le Tour de India

Dates: Multiple departures from November 2025 to March 2026.

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Who Is This Tour For?

The "Best of Rajasthan on Bicycle" tour by Le Tour de India is perfect for adventure enthusiasts, culture lovers, and anyone seeking a unique and active holiday. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple celebrating a special occasion, or a group of friends, this cycling tour offers something for everyone.

How to Book

Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today! For more details and booking information, contact the team at Le Tour de India.

[timebegins-onopeningday]

October 2023 New Works Round Up

Happy Sunday, everybody! It’s our inaugural new works round-up post, a mere two days after the soft deadline. Let’s do a round up of all the works posted to the collection so far* 🥳

*by Saturday night, when I drafted and scheduled this post.

AO3 | All works | Ask box

New works, in no particular order (link in titles):

spit it out on three by pamlipsestic | Oakland A’s, San Francisco Giants | Zack Gelof/Casey Schmitt

It was in the scouting report, and even if it hadn’t been, the neon yellow custom sliding mitt would've given it right away.

FIX ME A BLUE SKY by hualuo (baiyunli) | Philadelphia Phillies | Bryson Stott/Trea Turner

“Right,” says Trea, feeling like he missed several steps. You’re gonna be good,” promises Stott. “You’re Trea fucking Turner.” He squeezes Trea’s shoulder again, tips the bill of his cap down like he’s letting him in on a secret. His eyes brim with it, crescent moons shot through in hazel. “And call me Bryson, okay?” Trea Turner, on things (and people) he can't control.

our bodies to bargain by sorrellegiance | San Francisco Giants | Sean Manaea & Blake Sabol | neocities 

This is a comic about places and going to them!

step by step by glowfruit | New York Yankees | Aaron Judge/Anthony Rizzo

Aaron's simple request for Anthony to teach him how to cook is not as simple as he might think.

what you want, what you got by powderblu (bluspirits) | Philadelphia Phillies | Brandon Marsh/ Bryson Stott

So yeah, Bryson is a gift giver. That's about the only explanation he can come up with for what's in front of him. Or: courting rituals, daycare edition

we all end in the ocean by Anonymous | New York Mets | Francisco Alvarez/Brett Baty

“Why don’t you come over here for a second,” Eduardo frowned, cringing as he approached Brett. The injury must have horribly deformed him, or something. I’m fine, you don’t need to carry me, he’d wanted to complain, but it was like Brett weighed nothing at all, and no matter how much he kicked and squirmed, Eduardo didn’t falter, carrying him over to the sink. What the fuck? In the mirror, staring back at him, was an orange cat. Eduardo raised Brett’s arm and waved. The cat waved back. Brett let out an ear-splitting scream and the cat in the mirror screamed back, fur puffed up all over. animal transformation au: baseball magic is real and the rays are petty

Unbuttoned by powerblu (bluspirits) | Philadelphia Phillies | Bryce Harper/Trea Turner

Bryce had always told him he'd look good in a Phillies jersey. Now that Trea's on the team, it's time to prove he meant it.

all play no skips by powerblu (bluspirits) | Philadelphia Phillies | Garrett Stubbs/J.T. Realmuto

Some people would refer to what he has going on right now as 'intangibles'.

If I’m not my body by planesandtrainingwheels | Toronto Blue Jays | Danny Jansen/Jordan Romano

He catches sight of the beginnings of a bruise that promises to be ugly tomorrow morning stretching across Danny’s thigh. “You’re insane,” he says appreciatively. Something in him itches to put his hands on it, to brush across the tender purple skin with his fingers - which isn’t a thought he’s ever had before. Oh boy. Danny grins. “Anything for you, Romy.” Or, Jordan Romano, Danny Jansen, and the mortifying ordeal.

The next round-up post will be posted sometime on Sunday, November 12, so if you need a new deadline, aim for the North American morning of November 11.

Under the cut: October Challenges for readers and creators + 3 questions for creators (for your WIPs or completed works) and a bonus side quest for readers!

October Challenge for readers: Before the November post, comment on THREE works you haven’t commented on yet! If you’ve commented on them all already….king shit, because it’s been two days. Go get a boba to celebrate and watch some postseason baseball.

Bonus Readers Side Quest: If the creator of the work allows it, create a moodboard for one of the works you enjoyed and post it on Tumblr. Tag @timebegins-onopeningday so that I can reblog and of course make sure you link to the work and tell the author too!

October Challenge for creators: Every week until the November post (on the 12th), do the following:

Writers, add FIVE sentences to your work.

Artists, spend FIFTEEN MINUTES on your work. 

Podfic? Five minutes of editing or ten minutes of recording. Something else I’m not thinking of? Adjust accordingly to your medium.

Creator Questions: Answer in the notes, send an ask, or just post on your blog and tag @timebegins-onopeningday!

Which player in the work inspired you to put them in the boba shaker of baseball rpf and why?

What is one thing you want everyone to know about your work that didn’t (or won’t) make it into the final work?

Without spoiling anything, what part of your work are you most excited for people to experience?

That’s it for this month! I hope you all enjoy the works that have been posted - I’m still making my way through them, but I’m loving what I’ve read so far. Remember to leave comments if you read, and to treat yourself kindly as you create.

As always, ask box is open and anon is on. I can also be reached at rpfisfine@/gmail.com 🌞

[conniesmlb]

This week in baseball, Connie edition

June 1

~ Ronald Acuña Jr. is out for the season. Poor guy. ☹️

~ Jake Cronenworth achieved his 500th career hit.

~ Blake Treinen got his first save since 2021.

~ Jorge "I play for the worst team" Lopez tossed his glove into the stands after getting ejected. He's been DFA'd.

~ A hundred career home runs for Will Smith!

~ Matt Carpenter hit his first home run of the season.

~ Pete Alonso hurt his finger Wednesday, but was able to pinch hit for Brett Baty late in Thursday's game and did a great job, scoring a run. J.D. Martinez also hit a home run in the 8th inning of that same game. I love those guys.

~ Jose Siri had a two-homer game on Thursday vs. the A's.

~ Shohei Ohtani stole his 100th base!

~ Seiya Suzuki hit a grand slam.

~ So did Christian Walker.

~ And J.P. Crawford. It was a day for grand slams, I guess.

If I missed anything, feel free to let me know.

[qualitystart]

i'm just a girl, standing in front of a baseball team, asking them to CALL UP BRETT BATY

[tmdp-comebackkids-016]

FIRST POST - Projected Lineup Prior to Opening Day

Good Afterevening,

I'm Pat Taylor.

Tonight, is the night, of nights....where I start a blog discussing what the 2025 Yankees will shape up to be. Now, I know there's all this talk of big fancy Soto walking across the bridge to Queens. I UNDERSTAND Brett Baty's dream car was a Chevy Tahoe, but enough! Tonight is your night! THIS IS OUR TIME.

STARTING LINEUP

Jazz Chisholm Jr. 2B L

Aaron Judge RF R

Cody Bellinger CF L

Paul Goldschmidt 1B R

Jasson Dominguez CF S

Anthony Volpe SS R

Andrew Velasquez 3B S

Austin Wells C L

Dominic Smith DH L

Before you come for my throat or call me crazy, let me explain myself.

Firstly, and let me say this loudly, the absence of Giancarlo Stanton on opening day SUCKS.

His post-season production is unmatched & the mere presence of Stanton in a lineup adds length to it. Tennis elbow is a real pain in the ass to deal with. I wish him a speed recovery. A colleague of mine thinks there's a possibility his injury runs deeper than just his arms, but only time will tell when he'll be back.

That being said, other guys will need to slide down or up in the lineup - however, you see it or say it. Their spots in the lineup as a result will change. (Goldy to cleanup, wellsy & volpe get moved around, and maybe Jazz doesn't stay leading off all year.) His absence has a snowball effect, but also could serve as a positive.

So with Stanton not occupying the DH role, guys like Judge & Goldy will get chances to stay off their feet in the field more often. Boone has made it clear in his past he likes resting veterans & perhaps Stanton being injured has it's positives down the line. Also, I rather the team deal with any potential injuries for Stanton now so he can mash more ridiculous home runs in October.

So moving on from Big G, the other questions we have coming out of spring training are as follows:

Can the Martian (Dominguez) play consistently well defensively in Left field? Will he hit better from the right side after recovering from his injury?

Who's on third? (Vernon Wells)

For question #1

People need to stop panicking he's not playing well in spring training. He has time to adjust, and if the adjustment's not made, there is a security blanket...defensively. Not offensively, but defensively. (Trent Grisham)

His bat may make up for some lackluster defense like that guy who just left the Bronx for 765 Million dollars who thou shall not be named. (No where near Soto's league of a ball player but the comparison can still be true regardless)

FINAL conclusion: Dominguez is going to be fine & if he's not, the Yankees can pivot and move him to make room for another guy who will get the job done.

For question #2:

3rd base is going to be battled for primarily by Oswaldo Cabrera & DJ Lemaiheu.

Oswaldo would be my preferred pick to start between the two due to having the better bat & a solid enough glove at third base to not worry about sloppy defense.

DJ's slugging (lack there of) and overall hitting from last year generally worry me. What version of DJ are we getting? I'm not sure I want to sign up for what used to be the two-time batting champion..he's not that guy anymore.

But here comes squid, the Bronx kid back in the Yankees system. I think he's going to earn the starting job for two reasons:

Oswaldo adds too much value to this team coming off the bench. He can play every position short of 1B and Catcher. Yes, the man can pitch. He's the ultimate utility guy who can sub in when any aging veteran needs a day off or a young kid gets hurt.

Velasquez switch hits, and be it he's not going to necessarily mash, why not give him a try over DJ at this point? What is DJ going to provide you that Squid can't? At least the kid will hit more doubles if he does make contact versus a declining sad version of what used to the Machine... I love ya DJ but the torch sometimes needs to be passed.

And one additional question I'm sure I'll get, Dominic Smith at DH? I'll respond with literally one question in reply.......who else?

You can't DH Oswaldo since of the value off the bench

Why DH Peraza, Pereria, or anyone else other than maybe Ben Rice?

Without Giancarlo, no one else makes sense if all the pieces are in the field for the starting lineup. If Judge needs a day off, move Grisham to RF & have Judge DH. Same with Bellinger. You can also have Belli play 1st if Goldy needs the day off & slide Grisham in there.

If you like Yankees baseball, have a difference of opinion, or want to keep the discussion going, comment below. Let's go Yankees & have yourself a great start to March.

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Batis Immigration Inc. is the best immigration consultant in Vancouver, BC, offering comprehensive advice on Express Entry, PNP, work permits, and family sponsorships. Our professional team offers specialized solutions to ensure a smooth immigration process. Trust us for dependable, hassle-free immigration services suited to your specific requirements. Start your trip now!

[jcscabservice]

Top 10 Tips for Exploring Rajasthan by car- JCS Cab & Car Rental Service Jodhpur

Top 10 Tips for Exploring Rajasthan by Car The greatest way to enjoy Rajasthan’s ageless appeal is to take a road trip that allows you to go at your own speed. Every trip here delivers a unique experience because of the region’s many historic forts, magnificent palaces, and vibrant bazaars. The following ten travel suggestions will help you get the most out of your trip if you’re considering a road trip through Rajasthan. Additionally, Top 10 Tips for Exploring Rajasthan by car JCS Cab & Car Rental Jodhpur offers dependable transportation, experienced drivers, and complete peace of mind.

1. Choose the Right Vehicle for the Terrain

Rajasthan’s terrain varies greatly—from desert Safari tour sands around Jaisalmer to hilly roads near Mount Abu. Choosing a vehicle suited for both the desert and hill terrain is essential for comfort and safety. JCS Cab & Car Rental Jodhpur offers a variety of well-maintained vehicles, including SUVs for rugged routes and sedans for a smoother city experience. Let our experienced team guide you to the perfect vehicle for your needs.

2. Plan Your Route: Must-Visit Destinations

Some popular routes we recommend for an unforgettable Rajasthan trip are Jodhpur to Jaisalmer, Udaipur to Mount Abu, and Jaipur to Pushkar. Planning your route in advance will ensure you cover the best spots and have a stress-free journey. Check out our Day Tours and Outstation Bookings, which include routes curated by locals, covering Rajasthan’s must-see locations, Top 10 Tips for Exploring Rajasthan by car.

Rajasthan Routes

Explore Rajasthan's vibrant culture and stunning landscapes with these popular routes. Discover the best destinations for an unforgettable trip.

3. Opt for Local Cab Services for City Exploration

Navigating the bustling city roads of Jaipur, Udaipur, or Jodhpur can be challenging. Hiring a local cab service allows you to explore the city’s hidden gems and historical sites with a driver who knows the best routes and parking spots. Book our Local Cab Service and enjoy stress-free sightseeing, whether it’s a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur or the City Palace in Udaipur.

4. Prepare for Changing Weather Conditions

Top 10 Tips for Exploring Rajasthan by car Rajasthan’s climate varies across its regions. During peak summer, desert areas like Jaisalmer can be quite hot, while hill stations like Mount Abu have milder weather. Pack light and breathable clothing for the day and a few layers for the cooler evenings. JCS Cab & Car Rental Jodhpur provides Top 10 Tips for Exploring Rajasthan by up-to-date weather insights for each route so you can travel comfortably throughout your journey.

5. Start Early to Avoid Traffic and Heat

Early morning drives not only avoid peak traffic but also let you experience Rajasthan’s beauty in the gentle morning light. Roads between major cities like Jaipur and Jodhpur are less crowded in the mornings, allowing you to cover more distance efficiently. Ask our team for advice on the best departure times to make the most of your day.

6. Schedule Regular Breaks to Enjoy Scenic Views

Some routes, such as Jodhpur to Udaipur or Jaipur to Jaisalmer, are long and provide spectacular scenery along the way. Schedule frequent breaks to take in the scenery, get some exercise, and eat regional fare at wayside restaurants. The greatest vantage locations and secure rest spots can be suggested by JCS Cab drivers.

7. Fuel Up Before Remote Routes

Not all areas in Rajasthan have frequent fuel stations, especially on desert routes. Before starting a long journey, ensure you have a full tank of fuel. At JCS Cab & Car Rental, our vehicles are always prepared for long-distance travel, so you can focus on enjoying the drive without worrying about fuel stops.

8. Experience Local Flavors

A trip to Rajasthan is incomplete without tasting the authentic flavors of its cuisine. Stop at local eateries to try dishes like dal bati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and ker sangri. Our drivers at JCS Cab know the best places for traditional meals along each route, allowing you to experience the region’s rich culinary heritage.

9. Capture Rajasthan’s Majestic Sights

The beauty of Rajasthan is hard to capture in just one frame, but popular stops like the Mehrangarh Fort, Amber Fort, and the sand dunes of Jaisalmer are a must for photographers. Plan to stop at these iconic sites and let our drivers recommend hidden spots along the way. For a detailed guide, check out our Best Photography Spots in Rajasthan Blog.

10. Make Use of Airport Transfer Services

Avoid the hassle of figuring out transportation upon arrival or departure. Book an airport transfer with JCS Cab & Car Rental Jodhpur to ensure a smooth start and finish to your journey. Our airport transfer services are available from Jodhpur, Jaipur, Udaipur, and other key cities, making your arrival and departure as convenient as possible.

Why Choose JCS Cab & Car Rental Jodhpur for Your Road Trip Across Rajasthan?

At JCS Cab & Car Rental Jodhpur, convenience, comfort, and safety come first. Our skilled drivers are knowledgeable about Rajasthan’s roads and will assist you in finding both well-known landmarks and undiscovered gems. However, don’t believe us at face value! One of our clients said the following: “JCS Cab made our trip to Rajasthan genuinely unforgettable. From famous forts to lesser-known rural markets, our driver showed us the best places and was polite and informed. Strongly advised! Mumbai’s Sunil and Priya

Ready to Explore?

Book your  Top 10 Tips for Exploring Rajasthan by Car journey with JCS Cab & Car Rental Jodhpur and experience Rajasthan like never before. Whether you’re planning a quick city visit or a long road trip, we have the right services to make your trip unforgettable. Check out our Services for Outstation Bookings, Local City Cabs, and Customized Tours and make the most of your Rajasthan travel experience.

[rajasthantourtaxi2]

Jaipur Food Tour By Rajasthan Tour Taxi Company

Jaipur Food Tour with Rajasthan Tour Taxi Company

Introduction

Rajasthan Tour Taxi Company offers a gourmet excursion with the Jaipur Food Tour. This journey is a feast for the senses, allowing you to sample the rich and various cuisines of Rajasthan's capital. From street food carts to traditional establishments, enjoy the finest of Jaipur's lively culinary scene in a relaxed and supervised environment.

H2: Morning Departure.

Your culinary trip begins with a comfortable hotel pickup by a kind and expert guide. As you travel to your first culinary location in Jaipur, get comfortable in an air-conditioned vehicle.

H2: Traditional breakfast.

H3: Laxmi Misthan Bhandar(LMB)

Begin your day with a traditional Rajasthani breakfast at Laxmi Misthan Bhandar, a popular spot known for its wonderful sweets and savory food. Classics such as kachori, samosa, and jalebi are freshly cooked and full of flavor.

H3 - Chappan Bhog

Continue your morning excursion with a stop at Chappan Bhog, which is famous for its parathas and tea. Sample a variety of packed parathas paired with pickles, curd, and butter for a full sense of local breakfast traditions.

H2: Exploring Local Markets.

H3 - Johari Bazaar

Your guide will next take you to Johari Bazaar, a thriving bazaar famed for its diverse street food offerings. You may enjoy a range of delicacies, including pani puri, bhel puri, and pav bhaji. The market provides a genuine representation of Jaipur's street food culture.

H3 - Mirza Ismail Road

Stroll down Mirza Ismail Road, which is lined with food vendors and small cafes. Enjoy popular snacks such as kulfi and rabri while taking in the vivid atmosphere of this bustling street food market.

H2: Lunch at a Traditional Eatery

H3 - Spice Court

For lunch, go to Spice Court, a restaurant noted for its traditional Rajasthani thali. Enjoy a delicious buffet with foods such as dal bati churma, laal maas, gatte ki sabzi, and more. Each meal is cooked with real spices and ingredients, providing a true flavor of Rajasthan's culinary history.

H2: Afternoon Delights.

H3 - Rawat Kachori

After lunch, visit Rawat Kachori for some of the best kachoris in Jaipur. These deep-fried, spicy pastries are loaded with a variety of tasty ingredients and should be tried by everybody visiting the city.

H3 - Indian Coffee House

If you're looking for a soothing respite, head to the Indian Coffee House. Enjoy a cup of traditional Indian coffee or tea and relax in this historic atmosphere.

H2: Evening Treats.

H3: Sweet Shop Tour

As the day winds down, visit some of Jaipur's well-known sweet stores. Taste a range of traditional sweets, including mawa kachori, imarti, and ghewar, each with a distinct flavor and texture.

H2: Return to the Hotel.

After a day of delicious food and flavors, your guide will return you to your hotel. Reflect on your rich culinary experiences and have a relaxing evening.

Conclusion

The Jaipur Food Tour, offered by Rajasthan Tour Taxi Company, is a gourmet trip through one of India's most lively food scenes. This tour offers a varied range of experiences, from traditional breakfasts to street food and real Rajasthani thalis, providing a complete and delightful sampling of Jaipur's culinary treasures.

ALSO READ

Ilona Maher is a prominent American rugby player known for her versatility and skill on the field. Born on August 12, 1996, in Burlington, Vermont, Maher has made a significant impact in the sport, particularly in rugby sevens, a fast-paced, seven-a-side variant of rugby union.

Maher's athletic journey began in her youth, where she excelled in multiple sports, including soccer and basketball. She discovered rugby while attending Quinnipiac University, where she played for the university's women's rugby team. Maher's prowess on the field quickly became evident as she helped lead the team to three consecutive National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) championships. Her strong physical presence, combined with her speed and agility, made her a standout player.

In 2018, Maher joined the USA Rugby Women's Sevens team, quickly establishing herself as a key player. Known for her versatility, she can play multiple positions, bringing a powerful running game and strong defensive skills to the team. Maher has been instrumental in the team's success on the international stage, including competing in the World Rugby Sevens Series and representing the United States at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, held in 2021.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Ilona Maher has become a popular figure on social media, where she shares insights into her training, life as a professional athlete, and the sport of rugby. Her engaging personality and candidness have garnered her a substantial following, helping to raise the profile of women's rugby in the United States.

Ilona Maher's career is marked by her dedication, athleticism, and advocacy for the sport. She continues to be a role model for aspiring rugby players, demonstrating that hard work and passion can lead to success on and off the field.

[oatcome]

Hindi muna natin sila bati, self. :)

This is my offmychest post for tonight, since I need an outlet to release all my thoughts and feelings I had since yesterday. I don't care if they know about me, I just need to write all these shit because it feels so heavy.

I received bad news yesterday from my work. My manager told me I won't get an increase this year and my promotion was rejected (for cost-cutting reasons). I've been working for the company for almost 4 years, maintained my performance, improved everything I need to improve and I proved them that I can be a leader to some of the projects I handled. However, it seems like all my hardwork did not pay off.

I was one of the pioneer in our team, I've witnessed all the growth and changes of our business unit: employees joining our team and some leaving the company, roles evolving and other things. I know in myself that I am doing my job very well, maintained the quality of my work, no escalations received from clients, became a mentor to new hires. But until now, no promotions received. My submitted me as a candidate for Sr role twice but consistently ignored, at ang masakit napromote yung iba pero ako, hindi.

Sa mga kasama ko, halos ako na lang ang wala pa sa Sr. role. Napag-iwanan na naman ako. Lagi na lang, paulit-ulit na lang. Sobrang sawa na ko sa mga nangyayari sa buhay ko.

I am still trying to learn and accept what was happening, pero ang hirap din. Negative thoughts are coming in: "I feel like I don't deserve what I have right now", "I feel like I'm not good enough", "siguro karma ko to sa lahat ng kalokohan ko", "or maybe this is not the path the Universe has chosen for me".

I don't know, this is the only field that I know in the first place. Changing career is not an option for me. I've been manifesting to reach my career job but now I don't even know if this is really meant for me.

I hope someone out there would listen to me, ayoko nang sarilinin lahat ng nararamdaman ko ngayon. I don't know how to stop myself from crying. I don't even know what to do now. Madaling sabihin maghanap na lang ng ibang trabaho, pero sa panahon ngayon sobrang hirap makapasok.

Ayun lang.