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sashimi-time · 2 years ago

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Completed BL Manga/Manhwa/Manhua Recommendations (1)

I was bored, so I decided to make a list of all the BL mangas/manhwas I read that I absolutely loved and enjoyed! I'll probably update this soon!

Here U Are (157 chapters)

Plot (MAL): Yang Yu is a second-year university student who seems reliable and pleasant. With the commencement of a new term, he is tasked with orienting every freshman he sees on campus. Eventually, his duty leads him to meet Huan Li, a new student with a fairly oppressive height. Besides his intimidating physique, he is taciturn, aloof, and often gives Yang Yu the cold shoulder.

Yang Yu, who has done nothing but assist him, immediately grows frustrated by this treatment. However, despite his initial impressions, Yang Yu believes that his chance encounter with Huan Li will transform his future outlook—perhaps even on the prospect of love.

Note: It is one of the best BL comics that I have read. Seriously, you should give it a try! Huan Li is one of the best bois, and Yang Yu is seriously too freakin' cool.

Doukyuusei (6 chapters) + ALL THE SEQUELS

Plot (AP): Rihito Sajou is an honor student with perfect scores in every subject on his high school entrance exam. Hikaru Kusakabe plays guitar in his band that performs at live events and is popular among the girls. These boys would have never crossed paths. But one day Hikaru offers to help Rihito prepare for their upcoming chorus festival and the two begin to talk. As the two meet after school, they bond through songs and begin to harmonize as their hearts beat together.

It starts out slowly but soon their feelings for one another grow and suddenly they both realize that they are in love. Hikaru's emotions are frivolous, pure and direct causing Rihito to hesitate at first, but he gradually opens his heart. The boys learn about each other, as well as themselves, as they support one another during this difficult time in their youth. As the time to start thinking about their futures approaches, what do these young men find as they try to move forward...

Notes: I actually watched the movie first (which you should also watch hehe). It got me hooked, so I ended up reading it and all the sequels. Much adorbs. Must read.

Cherry Blossoms After Winter (153 chapters, Tappytoon)

Plot (AL): Once young friends, Haebom and Taesung have grown distant after tragedy brought them under one roof as family almost 10 years ago. Things get more complicated in their last year of high school as now they’re... classmates too?!

Notes: This is a very wholesome, well-known manhwa. It's cute and light, and it was an absolute delight to read. Warning tho, S3 and S4 are NSFW! (Tae-Seong is a horny b*tch. (/ω＼)). It actually has a drama adaptation! However, I ended up not finishing it. As cute as the main actors were, there was just something...missing in the adaptation. The manhwa is great tho!

Sign (115 chapters; Lezhin)

Plot (AL): There are a few unusual things about Cafe Goyo. Number one, their coffee sucks. Number two, their customers never order off the menu. And number three, Yohan, the cafe manager, is deaf. So when Soohwa joins as a part-timer, though he is not expected to learn how to make good coffee, he is asked to expand his sign language vocabulary beyond the words, “higher,” “pay,” and “please.” But when Yohan offers to give him private lessons, Soohwa is reluctant. Not because he doesn’t want to study, but because he has a “hard” time around Yohan. Like, literally. He gets hard. Whenever he hears Yohan’s deep, sexy voice.

Notes: This is a very cute read. Warning though, it is also very NSFW. (⁄ ⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄ ⁄)⁄

Love Tractor (80 chapters; Tappytoon)

Plot (AL): When family obligations force Sun Yool, a stressed-out law school student, to the countryside, it seems like a great opportunity to escape the chaos of the city. After all, the great outdoors promises fresh air, sunshine… and a new romance?! Soon after arriving, Sun Yool is thrown into a series of strange encounters and misunderstandings with his 20-year-old neighbor, Yechan. But in spite of Yechan’s bumbling first impression and Sun Yool’s prickly exterior, the two find themselves drawn to each other… Will this tractor-driving stud's rustic charm be enough to melt this cold city boy's heart?

Notes: I know all I've been saying is that these manhwas are a cute read, but I can't really help it because they are. HAHAHHA. This is another adorable manhwa to read, tho it does get spicy near the end (this is my warning!). Ye-Chan is an adorable baby. Also, I heard this will have a drama adaptation soon! I'm super hyped!

The Big Apple (65 chapters; Tappytoon)

Plot (AL): Joachim Hjerpe is the one and only sniper of the Secret Intelligence Agency, an organization of individuals with very special abilities. The life of a sniper is extremely stressful, but quitting is not an option, as doing so could mean his own death. His only reprieve is meeting with his seductive and handsome lover, Juergen Eisler, who knows exactly how to fulfill Joachim’s needs. But when the dangers of his professional life threaten to invade his personal life, Joachim decides to part ways with Juergen before it’s too late. Juergen has no idea why Joachim suddenly wants to break up, and he’d sooner keep Joachim in shackles than let him walk out of his life. Will Juergen be able to persuade Joachim to tell him the truth?

Notes: I really enjoyed reading this. It's really steamy, and some people might not like what Joachim and Juergen do to each other lols. They're both kinda effed up, but I guess that's what made it an interesting read? (〃￣ω￣〃ゞ

Heat and Run (102 chapters; Tapas)

Plot (AL): It’s a world filled with sex, sweat, and pheromones. Alphas and omegas sexually rule with betas getting what’s left. Ian Joo is a presumed alpha, who’s really an omega. Jae-Ho Ro is a dark-haired alpha. They come from proud families and were good friends until Jae-Ho abruptly leaves Korea for the U.S. Five years later, the two reunite with Jae-Ho discovering Ian’s burgeoning omega scent that’s just begging for hot bedroom fun! Will these two give in to the sexual tension heating up between them?

Notes: If you haven't caught on from the plot, this is a very NSFW manhwa. ( ⸝⸝´꒳`⸝⸝) Okay, so to be honest, the first few chapters confused the heck out of me. I couldn't make out who was who because it was black and white, and everyone. looked. so. alike. But when they added the color, the whole thing made sense, and I absolutely loved it! Matthew can be cray, tho. But Ian and Jaeho are so cute.

Wolf in the House (79 chapters; Lezhin)

Plot (AL): After ending an on-again, off-again relationship of 10 years, Minsuk decides to foster a Siberian husky named Bexan to mark the start of his new single life. He can’t wait to cuddle with his new furry roommate, take him on walks, and play fetch. But Bexan is no ordinary dog...and when night falls, Minsuk is in for a surprise.

Notes: I enjoyed reading this one, though I guess it can be a bit weird because of Bexan. But yes, you should consider giving this one a try. Warning though, it's 18+. ૮⸝⸝> ̫ <⸝⸝ ა

Blood Link (135 chapters; Lezhin)

Plot (AL): A human, lycan, or a vampire - what am I?! Completely unaware of the existence of these predators, Hwa-Gok goes about his everyday life... That is, until Lee-Bin turns his life upside down by biting him on the neck, setting off a whirlwind of events neither of them could foresee.

Notes: I have to admit, I'm a sucker for lycans and vampires. This one was really fun to read, and I absolutely love that we get to see what happens ~after~. Warning, it's NSFW. (〃 ω 〃). Also, random share, but I love that the lycans have only animal ears when they transform. Not the weird animal/human ear combination that's popular in most mangas/manhwas.

H&H Roman Company (52 chapters; Lezhin)

Plot (AL): With rapid developments to the human civilization, the need for God and his angels have decreased at a significant rate. Thus, the angels are experiencing a historic unemployment crisis! With this problem in hand, God decides to start a company that will reduce the unemployment rate in both Heaven and Hell. He hereby founds the company, H&H Roman Company!

Notes: Who doesn't want to read about a company made of both angels and demons? Amirite? It's mature though! (๑>ᴗ<๑). Also, all the characters are hella cute. :3

Walk on Water (64 chapters; Tappytoon)

Plot (AL): Ed, a broke bodyguard in search of some fast cash, enters the world of porn by applying to the adult film company McQueen Entertainment under the alias 'Tommy.' He originally planned to just perform as a top. But one day when his partner couldn't make it on time for the shoot, Ed ends up playing bottom to the charismatic owner of the company himself, Glenn McQueen!

Notes: I liked this one. If I remember right, it was very realistic. The art is fantastic, and the story is great. Give it a try if you haven't read it yet! And yes, it is a spicy manhwa. (❁´◡`❁)

Keeper of the Pearl (49 chapters)

Plot (AL): This is the story of two lovers, Jae Moon and Ji Yeon, fated for each other as a dragon is to its pearl. Their love overcame the barrier of hierarchy, but the star-crossed lovers were torn apart when one of them was killed in a tragic incident.

The reincarnated Jae Moon and Ji Yeon are reunited once again in the present time. With such a tragedy in their past lives, will the two be able to rekindle the feelings they had for each other from a happier past?

Notes: I'm pretty sure I breezed by the middle of this manhwa. Lols. But I loved the ending so much, I'm gonna recommend it! It's also 18+. Wahahaha. (ˊ•͈ ◡ •͈ˋ) Wow. I'm a pervert. Lols.

Angel Buddy (82 chapters; Lezhin)

Plot (AL): To others, Soo-Ho might appear a little strange. But to Soo-Ho, there’s much more to “life” than the average person may ever know. And that’s because Soo-Ho sees spirits. At first he thought his “abilities” were limited to the average ghost-y here and there, but one day he witnesses a real life angel floating in midair and staring at him. And then he promptly breaks said angel’s wing on accident. Soo-Ho's had many a ghost follow him around in his short life, but he’s never had to take of an angel… nor a spirit quite so handsome as Taker.

Notes: When someone loves you so much... hehe. This is a cute (18+) read. :3

Unromantic (66 chapters)

Plot (AL): A stunningly beautiful and filthy rich omega suddenly appeared in my insignificant, average life?! "30 minutes. If you can keep yourself from begging for that long, then I'll let you go home." Is he looking down at me because he thinks I'm that kind of alpha? I... I hate people like him! ...I... I really hate him, but...?! Is this type of romance okay?!

Notes: This is very cute and wholesome and mature. :3 You should most definitely try to read it! o(〃＾▽＾〃)o

Kirai de Isasete (4 volumes, 6 chapters each)

Plot (AL): Koga Naoto is an omega who was raped by his alpha classmates and got pregnant. Due to that traumatic experience, he came to hate alphas and told himself that he doesn't need a lifemate or a bond, but even with that incident, he insisted on keeping the child and raised her, and an angel named Shizuku was born. She became his strength and center in this cruel word that treats omegas unfairly. But his life suddenly changed when he met an alpha named Tsuchiya Hazuki from the matchmaking party he forced himself to attend.

Notes: I'm pretty sure this one is pretty well-known, and like most of its readers, I do believe it is one of the best omegaverse stories there. It's wholesome and a really sweet read. Shizuki is da best.

What are your thoughts on them? Do you know any other completed BLs? Please share if you do! I love discovering new things to read!

૮ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ა

Part 2

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ja0-s-blank-canvas-fic · 3 years ago

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Part 2 - Chapter 17 - So Far So Good

Blank Canvas Part 2

AO3 - here

Fanfiction.net - here

Welcome back! Hope you had a great week. And hopefully didn't set anything on fire with fireworks this weekend. XD Some people tend to get a bit pyromantic on the 4th of July. Crazy Americans. :P Anyway, the first day in the hero course continues with classes and 1-A getting to know even more about the Green Bean. He just has so many secrets in this fic!

We're getting a Kouda pov this chapter! I want to remind you that I know very little about sign language. I know that the grammar patterns are different but since I don't know what they're like, they're going to be similar to verbal speech. Just letting you know.

Warning for teasing. From the paragraph starting with [Midnight entered the room...]. The first two sentences are fine but the teasing starts at [She sent a knowing wink...] and ends at [Izuku chose to ignore...] which is the first sentence in the next full paragraph.

Linktree to all the things!

End notes for the chapter are under the line.

Now 1-A knows Izuku is fluent and Nezu's personal student! Again, I wanted Izuku to be fluent in English so he could learn JSL and the reason why I wanted him to learn that is to be better friends with Kouda. That and it would be helpful as a hero. As for Nezu, that would come out eventually so this sort of ripped that bandaid off. Hope it's not too clunky.

Apologies if Izuku seems more fluent than he should be with only learning sign for a month in story. (I know, it's only been a month into the school year since chapter 10 of part 1. XD ) Again, I'm not sure how sign language works grammar wise or for skill level, but it is canon that Izuku soaks up information like a sponge. So, it could be feasible that he would pick it up fast. Plus, he's had lots of practice having secret conversations with the teachers. Also, I just want him to have a sign buddy and be friends with Kouda. ^___^

Thanks to those on the discord for their suggestions on what Izuku should say. Though there wasn't one that seemed to fit to me so I went with the suggestion of him just going with a basic introduction instead. So thanks for that. ^___^

Also, Yamada is worried for Hitoshi though he doesn't know why exactly. More on that later as the internships commence. ;)

Fun Facts About Japan:

There are many types of personalities when it comes to students same as any school. Some are loud and boisterous while others are quiet and shy. I myself leaned more towards the shy side growing up and still do sometimes. But when I'm in my element of either the company I have or the topic at hand, I thrive. ;) Anyway, I just wanted to share one awesome experience I had at one of my schools in regards to shy kids. I believe it was my second year and I moved to working at one of the big schools in my area. Each year level had 8-9 classes so there were a lot of kids.

In one class, I remember there being a very shy girl who was known to barely talk. I tried to get her to participate best I could but she just preferred to be quiet. I would still include her best I could in my lessons during my time there and it actually paid off. It was my last week at that school and I was doing goodbye jeopardy with them as a last hurrah. The teacher had it set up that the students in their desk groups would take turns answering for their teams. Which was great and allowed everyone the opportunity to participate as well as share responsibility for their teams.

Anyway, it just so happened to be the group the quiet girl was in who won the latest round of janken and she was the representative for her group. Some answers were written and others spoken. This question had happened to be a verbal answer so I was worried she wouldn't answer. But to my surprise and joy she whispered the correct answer quietly in my ear and I was just so proud of her for speaking. It was only a whisper but she did it and trusted me enough to speak to me. ^____^ And with only working at the school for about 5 months.

Reminder that my city had us switch schools every few months or so which made it difficult to build proper trust with the students and teachers in such a short time. Which is why I was so happy that this shy girl was willing to say something to me at all. Building trust is very important in school and is vital for a good education.

Ok, long end notes are long. XD Next update we've got another lunch scene with, you guessed it, more bonding time! Along with other things. Mei apologizes to Iida, Dark Shadow and Izuku have a moment, more learning about the green bean, and some other stuff in between. Again, please stay safe and be well. Let me know of any typos or weirdness and have a great week!

#mha #bnha #quirkless au #fanfic #blankcanvasfic #blankcanvasconvictions #midoriya izuku #shinsou hitoshi #todoroki shouto #kouda kouji #yamada hizashi #Class 1-A #ua teachers

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bubblegumxveil · 6 years ago

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maiden of the mist;;

Betty had heard the stories, the legend of the creation believed by the native people for what had become known as the Horseshoe Falls but she’d only ever seen it in poorly likened photographs in old reference books at the school library or through films her professor showed in her folklore and mythology class on a projector screen. The subject itself held little interest for her fellow classmates, most of whom were only taking the course as an easily passed elective to pad their transcript and up their grade point average. Betty Cooper however, found herself enthralled in the mystical element of it all, the way stories of gods were passed on through generations only to be watered down into the bland black and white of her required reading textbooks. Her professor had taken note of her curiosity, particularly her interest in Niagara Falls and had supplied her with extracurricular reading on the histories and lore. It was a specific story that stuck out to her, the tale of the sacrificial maiden willing to give her life for the honor of appeasing a mighty spirit the lived in the waters below. She found the entire concept of willingly wanting to die for something so wholeheartedly believed in as equally foolish as she did fascinating, but it became the prime motivator in deciding on the destination for the all girl’s trip planned over summer vacation. Her best friend Veronica didn’t understand what particularly was so interesting about some waterfalls, her vote having been the beaches of Southern Florida but she gave in reluctantly claiming this was Betty’s trip after all before the commencement of their junior year of college. Classes were sure to be more rigorous and leaving them all with much less time for socializing and so this was their last chance for the summer to have a little fun and blow off steam before the term began. They’d packed the station wagon full to the brim, suitcases, snacks and necessities with all four girls before making a road trip of it the several hours north and west to where Veronica’s father had secured them a stay in a rather lavish luxury hotel suite. The bellhop had barely unloaded the cart of their bags before Betty had armed herself with her brand new Canon camera gifted by her parents on her last birthday around her neck and begging to go on one of the many tours offered around the area. Donning their matching cat eye sunglasses, Betty snapped a few pictures of the girls along the observation deck overlooking the falls, few as enthused to be there as she was simply taking a moment to lean over the railing and really take in the splendor of it all. The sheer scope and size of it, the mist she could feel against her face even from where she stood and the sound of the water crashing down below. Mistakenly, she could’ve sworn it sometimes resembled a voice, like the waters could really be calling to her. Veronica and the girls had lost their attention long ago, telling Betty they were heading back along the main drag of tourists where they’d seen a vendor cart selling ice cream and offering to bring her one back to stave off the sweltering late summer heat. She waved them on, taking advantage of her chance alone and severe lack of security to venture past the warning signs warding off visitors past a point of danger and climbing her way down the craggy rocks to get closer to the water’s edge. She watched the rolling current as she carefully stepped over slippery moss covered rocks, unpredictable and wild as it churned but the color of the water magnetic and drawing her closer. She hadn’t the appropriate footwear for climbing rocks, dark brown closed-toed Huarache sandals her feet could’ve easily slipped out of but she was mindful more of the camera she carted, not wanting to accidentally fall and break the lens or ruin and expose the film to the beating sun overhead. Once she made it to the edge however, it still seemed as if the water itself was speaking to her somehow, which of course she knew to be impossible. Betty looked over her shoulder, scanning the vacant outcropping half expecting to find Veronica or one of the girls whispering to tease her but it was as if the entire world from above her had completely disappeared. Betty found a sturdy higher perched rock, unlooping the camera from around her neck and setting it down for safekeeping as she returned to the waters, dipping her hand in out of uncontrollable curiosity. It was much colder than she’d expected given the season but the jolt of surprise and mixed sensations brought a knowing smirk to her lips as she turned toward the falls, recalling the story in particular about the sacrificial maidens in their white canoes. “A beauty worth dying for I suppose…” Betty echoed to no one but herself, crossing her arms against a sudden chill on her bare arms that had nothing to do with the weather. Heaving a sigh, she knew she’d already been gone longer than anticipated and that the other girls would be worried and looking for her. She turned to collect her camera, but not before her foot slipped on one of the rocks and caused her to lose her balance. Instead of falling forward onto the jagged bed of rocks, her body instinctually tried to counteract the fall and instead she fell backwards and directly into the water. She hadn’t had the chance to gasp for much air before she was pulled under by the current, the cold sending a shock through her body as she was pulled down and deeper into the water with inexplicable force. It felt almost as if the water itself had wrapped around her ankles in a death grip, dragging her under. She fought to swim, the summers of swimming lessons put to use as she tried to get her bearings, kicking as hard as she could against the pull in search of the surface of the water. Somehow, she’d been thrashed and tossed around and the more she kept swimming it seemed the further into water she went and she no longer knew which direction was up or down. Panic began setting in, the lack of oxygen to her muscles slowing her movements and the pain radiating from her lungs in her chest desperate for air. Betty knew she only had less than minutes to find her way above water or else she’d lose consciousness and drown. Through the pain she kicked harder, instead of arms flailing, out in front of her to maneuver through the water as she tried to keep her wits about her and turn in different directions until finally she broke through the surface. Gasping for air, the sudden burst of breath as painful as the depletion of air but she made her way for the edge of the shoreline coughing and sputtering not knowing how far the currents had carried her. She was exhausted as she hauled herself onto the rocks, hair and clothes soaked through as she leaned against a tall rock for support still heaving for breath. Betty looked behind her, expecting her camera to be where she’d left it but finding the top of the rock empty. So her luck seemed to be getting worse, assuming somehow in the force of her fall the camera too had been knocked from its’ ledge and now lie somewhere deep below in the depths of the water. “My mom and dad are going to kill me…” She groaned, feeling her throat burning from the effort of being underwater. Once she was sure she could stand, Betty carried herself and her wounded pride back up the way she’d climbed in search of her friends and a dry towel they’d all kept in the back of the car for their trip. Once to the top of the rocks however, Betty found no thoroughfare of tourists or the nearby parking lot full of station wagons and Buicks. In fact, Betty found nothing at all but more rocks and trees for as far as she could see. She was half convinced she was losing her mind, turning around in a circle to scan her surroundings in search of anything familiar but finding no observation deck, no ice cream vendors and no one else around. “No wonder my camera was gone. I must be in a totally different part from where I fell in…” Betty was beginning to feel on edge, but resolved there must be some sort of park ranger’s office or something nearby. She’d only been underwater for so long and despite how strong the current had been, she couldn’t have been more than a mile from the tourist center where her friends surely were reporting her missing. Squashing the last bit of water from her sandals, Betty trekked onward and forward into the foliage knowing it would be nightfall soon and wearing only capris and sleeveless blouse she was bound to get cold soaked through to the bone the way she was. It was slow and arduous going, climbing over more rocks and roots of trees and it was clear it wasn’t well traveled terrain. She wondered if she should double back to the water and start over in a different direction until she heard a rustling in the leaves that froze her in her tracks. Betty knew little of the area, unsure of what wild animals lived in these particular parts but wanted no more quarrel with Mother Nature than she’d already had today. It was no mountain lion or bear that appeared however, but a scantily clad little boy. His hair was coal black and his complexion darker than hers though not quite black like the friends she’d met in the rallies at Washington D.C. He wore no shirt and as she looked him over, nothing below his waist save for the shoes on his feet. She made a squeak of embarrassment instantly apologizing to the boy and politely averting her eyes but wondered what sort of parents let their child parade around naked even to play in the waters of the falls which seemed incredibly dangerous to her. “Can I help you? Have you lost your parents too? I can’t seem to find my way back to the visitor’s center.” Betty smiled to the boy, hoping to frighten them both a little less but the boy looked her up and down, brows knitting together in confusion when she spoke and when he tried to speak to her it was in a completely foreign language Betty didn’t recognize. Her heart sank a bit more as she shook her head, feeling a slight shiver set in from the damp. “I’m sorry… I don’t know what you’re saying…” The boy took a step toward her, grabbing for her wrist and pulling her along forward but she instantly fought against him and jerked her hand back away from him. “No! You’re going the wrong way!” The boy looked back at her as if she’d physically struck him, and before she could apologize or show she meant no harm he immediately began raising his voice, running off in the direction which he’d come and gaining volume in that same language she didn’t understand. “No! Wait! Come back, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to upset you!” Betty pushed through the leaves he’d disappeared through but finding no sign of the boy except the far off sound of his voice already impossibly far ahead of her.

#joneshead #maiden of the mist | outlander au

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brainnovation · 2 years ago

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Early Childhood Development in Dubai

IMPORTANCE OF CURIOSITY IN LEARNING

Curiosity could have killed the cat but it sure keeps the human brain alive and ignited. Early childhood proves to be a Golden era for your child’s development. They are brimming with the need to know how things work or why they work at all. This period commences from conception till the age of 8. These special years for your child advocate special attention. It is their first time for literally everything! These are the years your kid will learn to use tools to learn and get curious. At Brainnovation, we work with the parents to explore new ways the kids can learn and feed their curiosity. The management working towards early childhood development in Dubai tends to their receptive nature. We stay ever ready to respond to their signals to get curious and harness their senses of taste, smell, hearing, and seeing in the best possible ways.

The World of Explorers

Kids are called little Einsteins for a reason. How they ask about everything, and question everything is a good sign that their brain has what it needs to learn and develop.

Early childhood development in Dubai is mainly focused on boosting your child’s intellectual and physical needs. You need to provide age-appropriate support. Each stage requires undivided and individual nurturing, care, stimulation, and nutrition. If you ace the mentioned categories, it will be an easy ride to intellectual thinking, language, and emotional and social development.

Early childhood development is the stage where kids learn their true identity and get important life lessons backed by multiple curiosity episodes. Learning through curiosity opens a gateway to healthy learning experiences.

Special Needs Inclusion

When focusing on Special Needs Early Childhood Development, in Dubai, we keep a clear head on two things.

1 – Children will be children!

No matter how many demarcations one may draw in, the fact that they love to try new things, study your features, do group activities, and run after the latest toy, will never change. Irrespective of medical records, every child is dealt with the same level of care and nurturing.

2 – Every child is unique!

Be it a special needs child or their typical peers, attention to each individual and catering to their unique personality and ability is a must. We believe that the inclusion of special needs in daycares and kindergartens benefits their peers too! They also receive a more focused approach from attendants.

Tips Aiding in Early Childhood Development

As mentioned above, the first four stages make a huge impact on how your child may strive in life. The following factors are a sure-shot way of ensuring things go uphill.

Take Conversations Seriously!

Stimulate as much baby talk as you can. The more you engage yourself in incoherent babbles and grunts, the more exposure your child will have to ‘speech’. They will notice changes in your tone, ways of speaking, and conversation layouts. Know that when the child enters the learning phase, they start observing everything!

Curiosity vs curiosity

When they ask you something curious, reply with a curious answer too. This unleashes their brain activity to the maximum. Know that the child will observe which individual motivates their curiosity and which adult is the quiet, unresponsive one. Have you noticed that children run towards the most adventurous or daring adults?

Early Childhood Development in Dubai orbits around curiosity. It is the core of cognitive development. It motivates learning and lays much-needed patterns of decision-making.

Remember, the number of words exposed to the child will decide the number of words your child can generate at age 2, as well as their ability to learn and be receptive later on.

Story Time is No Joke!

Read as much as you can to them. This creates open-ended scenarios for them to learn and base questions on. Reading to your baby nudges them to ask questions, understand characters, discern colors, shapes, or figures, and helps them discriminate tones and sounds. Every time you read to your baby; you lay a solid foundation of language skills.

Learning All Day Everyday

Making it a habit to learn new things from regular chores is the best way to prepare your child for the outside world. From folding laundry, counting change you got from the store, and how a door works, to the science involved in cooking.

Playtime is Crucial

Another way of ensuring fruitful early childhood development, experts at brain centers in Dubai advise participation in their play times. The little munchkins learn to envision themselves in someone else’s shoes by assuming characters. They learn how to take turns, share and create new worlds.

Become A Role Model for Your Baby

There is a massive phase of mimicry during early childhood development. Your child will try and copy whatever they see in their surroundings. They have all the tools to be the best impersonators, as they have become experts at reading your expressions and analyzing nonverbal attitudes. Hence, keep a clear watch on your own actions, if you want your child to become the best version of yourself.

The brain reaches peak synergistic density during the third year of childhood. Every second a neural connection is being synthesized. The belief regarding Early Childhood Development by all experts in Dubai, is that the best way to make sure your child nurtures their curiosity and learning curves is through the providence of open learning environments.

NEVER decrease their morale or make their opinions or actions tunnel-sighted as this will only hinder the thought process and hinder them from learning. The best way is to pay close attention to their needs and ask questions at the right moments to nudge them in the right direction. Only then a child will develop the correct tools to harness important life skills. Source - https://brainnovation.ae/early-childhood-development-in-dubai/

#Early Childhood Development

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itshillaryrodamn · 7 years ago

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Hillary Clinton's Letter to Her Teenage Self

Dear Hillary,

Well, you’ve nearly finished your first semester at Wellesley—congratulations!

When you first arrived on campus, you found yourself surrounded by brilliant, accomplished women. They were fluent in other languages. They had lived abroad. They had already read half the books on the syllabus. That was intimidating—so intimidating, in fact, that you called your parents and told them you didn’t belong at Wellesley after all, and you needed to come home. Your dad, who’d never really wanted you to go so far away for school in the first place, was more than ready to welcome you back. But your mother was not about to let that happen. She said you had to be brave; you had to stick it out. And you had the good sense not to argue, which turned out to be one of the best decisions you ever made.

I know it’s hard to believe right now, Hillary, but soon you are going to share that story with those classmates who seem so worldly today. You will all laugh when you realize that every single one of you felt the same way. There is a lesson there for you: Take risks, and don’t be afraid to get caught trying. Do your best to embrace the excitement that comes with not knowing what’s next, and remember that confidence and an open mind will always serve you better than insecurity and doubt. And the next time someone raises her hand in class and says something really smart, go up to her afterward and introduce yourself. You’ll be glad you did. At Wellesley and throughout your life, you’ll find yourself in plenty of rooms where you’re sure everyone is smarter than you are—and sometimes they will be. But one of the best things in life is getting to know intelligent, inspiring people who have something to say. Learn from them. Ask their advice. Support them, and let them support you. After all, you’re plenty smart, too. Remember how Mrs. King in sixth grade used to tell you not to hide your light under a bushel basket? She was right.

Here’s something else, Hillary: For a girl who likes to have a plan, you are going to take a lot of leaps of faith. I can’t promise they’ll all work out the way you want them to. But I can promise that you will learn from every single one of them. When your fellow students at Wellesley ask you to give the graduation speech on behalf of the class of 1969, you’ll be humbled and a little terrified. Do it anyway. Down the road, your tall, handsome boyfriend who’s crazy about politics will ask you to move to Arkansas with him. It will be a pretty outlandish suggestion—in fact, your friend Sara will spend the entire drive to Little Rock trying to talk you out of it—but your heart will steer you right. Later, that same man will encourage you to run for the U.S. Senate: “You’d be great at it. I’d love to vote for you.” You should do that, too. Oh, and when president-elect Barack Obama says he wants to talk to you about a job opportunity in his cabinet, hear him out. Serving your community, your state, and your country will be the greatest privilege of your life.

There are a few other pieces of advice I can’t resist passing on (that’s an impulse you’ll understand soon enough): Always send thank-you notes. There’s nothing a good night’s sleep can’t make better—you’ll really put that one to the test. Treasure your parents, because as much as you value your independence, there will come a day when you’d give anything to just sit between them on the couch and tell them about your day. Keep reading, and never stop learning. When you’re facing an uphill battle, be grateful for your persistence. (You’ll have no idea what a gift this particular trait is until you’re dealing with Congress—but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.) And in the moments when you feel lost, it’s your friends who will see you through. They will lift you up and keep you grounded all at once. Best of all, they will help you learn to love yourself exactly as you are: human, imperfect, a work in progress, but always striving.

Along the way, you’ll get things wrong. You’ll make mistakes. Sometimes you’ll have to do things you don’t love (you’ll spend a lot of time on your hair and makeup in the future even though you hardly give them a thought right now). But you’ll muddle through. For a few years, it’s going to feel as if you are single-handedly keeping the tabloid industry in business. You’ll get through that, too. Take criticism seriously but not personally. There will be people who want nothing more than to see you fail, but you can’t let them scare you. Live your life on your terms, not theirs. You’ll be reminded over and over again that you are “flawed,” a word you will come to loathe. But years from now, you’ll come back to Wellesley on commencement day. The student speaker, the daughter of Syrian immigrants, will stand in front of her class, just as you once stood in front of yours, and insist on the beauty of imperfection. “Flaws show authenticity and character,” she’ll say. “Let yourself be flawed.” It’s hard to think of better advice than that.

Well, Hillary, I’ve got to sign off for now. There are dogs to walk and grandkids to FaceTime (don’t even try to understand that one right now). Before I go, there is one more thing I want to tell you.

You’re at a college that was founded on the belief that women can do anything. And while I know sometimes it seems like we have an awfully long way to go, progress will come. It won’t happen as quickly as you hope, but in your lifetime, you will see the world change for women in ways you wouldn’t believe. You will have a daughter, and she will have a daughter, and they both will be born into an America more fair and equal than the one you know in 1965.

And when you find yourself standing on a stage in Philadelphia on a historic night in July 2016, accepting the Democratic Party’s nomination for president of the United States, give yourself a moment to take it all in. Don’t forget to enjoy the balloons.

Believe in yourself. You’re going to do great.

#this is about the 6th thing today to make me cry #probably the thing that's made me cry the most #I'm going to buy 4500 copies when this comes out #hillary clinton #teen vogue #hrc

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fmdjulien · 7 years ago

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↠ on the record: nirvana.

november 12, 2017 gold star media building, practice room #4 link to song: [ x ] [ x ]

when it comes to julien shin’s music, unplugged and emotionally raw weren’t accurate adjectives used to describe his releases. each song that had his name on it was paid an immense amount of attention to, from the opening notes to the gradual fade at the close. everything was looked over meticulously and polished to perfection, because if there was anything that julien wanted to convey to fans and non-fans alike, it was that he was the epitome of perfection. it wasn’t just something that he integrated into his performing once he signed his contract with gold star media; even as a teenager that posted song covers on his youtube channel with nothing but a macbook pro and a lot of free time on his hands, julien spent several hours and takes on each video he uploaded. practiced, polished, precise, and perfect were the descriptors he aimed for, something that was ingrained in him from the get go. at this point, it’s expected of julien to give the cover festival a similar type of content as the things he’s released thus far.

but when gold star’s golden boy enters the practice room dressed simply in a flannel button-down and cuffed jeans with a pair of horn-rimmed glasses resting atop the bridge of his nose, a clean and polished performance is not even on his radar. the practice room is small and sparsely furnished, with nothing but a piano, studio microphone, video camera, and mood lighting. when julien was asked a few days ago to list what he needed for his cover recording, management expected more from him than what he requested, but didn’t question it; if anything, he was the artist they were the least worried about, despite his manager’s concerns about his behavior as of late. after he locked the door to the rehearsal room behind him, julien approached the piano that was moved to the middle of the room, taking a few moments to power on the camera and microphone that was within arm’s reach. a couple more minutes passed as he pulled out the piano bench before taking a seat and making minor adjustments, but it was only a short amount of time until he was ready to go. while there was a tired look on his face, julien spent a few seconds concentrating on looking and feeling a bit more lively before finally feeling ready. reaching a hand out, his fingers brushed against the plastic buttons before pressing the one with the red circle on it to begin recording.

“hello, everyone! this is julien shin, how are you doing out there?” julien greeted, signature smile on his face as he gave a bow of his head to the camera. “ah, it’s been a while since i’ve done a video like this. it seems like ages ago i was a college student posting song covers on my youtube channel in hopes to turn my passion into something more. and now, here i am posting a song cover for the mbc cover festival.” pausing for a moment, julien lifted a hand to push up the bridge of his glasses before continuing. ��you are probably thinking that this looks a bit odd for me, but i wanted to show a side of myself that you all don’t get to see often with this performance. a side that focuses less on being polished and more on sheer emotion and vulnerability... ah. it’s an honor to be able to do this for all of you, and i hope you’ll continue to share your love and support with me. without further ado...” trailing off, julien cleared his throat before averting his gaze from the camera and commencing.

long, slender fingers danced upon the piano keys as he played the opening notes to the song. years of music lessons and practice had been enough for julien to play the song effortlessly, instead focusing on the singing and the emotion behind the singing. while he originally intended to play a song that was in korean rather than in english, the song that he had chosen was one that spoke volumes for him, more than any other song could for him at the moment.

oh baby, oh baby, oh we both know the truth if it were the real me and you, this wouldn't be the right thing to do now the room is all hazy, we're too lost in the fumes i feel like it's just me and you, yeah we got nothing to lose

while the past few months have been an emotional rollercoaster for julien, it showed no signs of ending any time soon. as he progressed through the song, it was like he was already being transported out of the practice room and being taken somewhere else. in his head, it was no longer mid-november, but instead early august. rather than being in the gold star media building, julien was instead somewhere much more familiar and warm to him. somewhere the felt much more like home.

it's too late to run away from it all it's too late to get away from it all i'm done with running so i give in to you

julien finds himself slow-dancing cheek to cheek with another, his arms wrapped around a set of broad shoulders. his knees are weak, a result of his nerves and the liquor making its way into his bloodstream to leave him lightheaded and warm. the husky voice croons lyrics to him in the language of love as julien’s fingers crawl up the nape of the other’s neck to slip into coffee-colored hair. their eyes meet mere moments later after the other finishes his song, and julien leans in to take a chance, pure desire and liquid courage fueling him as their lips meet until he’s left breathless and emotional.

this moment has caused a reaction resulting in our reattachment

will you take me to nirvana? i don't think this will last but you're here in my arms

they’re no longer in the living room dancing in circles, julien’s lightheaded intoxication being replaced with a splitting headache and a soon to be splitting heart. he’s sitting in a bed that’s familiar but isn’t his, sheets pooled at his hips and torso bare as he stares at the other across the room, his gaze meeting eyes full of regret at the seemingly unfortunate turn of events. julien can feel his throat closing up, his breath catching and his stomach twisting into knots. he closes his eyes, instead turning to the microphone and focusing on it instead of the other electronic device recording him just within arm’s reach.

oh baby, oh baby, oh, we both feel the same i'm not gonna give you my name and i don't think you want that to change we're in this together, we don't know who we are even if it's moving too fast, baby we should take it too far

things aren’t quite the same after that night. subtle glances and caring touches now warrant a second thought, and uttered words are now being looked at in a different light. conversations barely go past small talk, and julien feels like he’s been shut out. it’s like the last time the pair had a falling out, which frustrates him beyond belief. he pushes and pulls, trying to get through to the other, but is met with radio silence. text messages are left on ‘read’, front doors are left unanswered. it’s not the first time this has happened, but this time around it hurts a thousand times more. it’s like julien becomes selfish for once and it blows up in his face, but he’s lost the most important person to him in the process.

it's too late to run away from it all it's too late to get away from it all i'm done with running so I give in to you

he’s transported again once more, this time working his way forward in time to just a few weeks ago. they’re no longer home; the namsan tower on the hilly skyline is replaced with the tokyo tower in the middle of a metropolis. the familiar bedroom is instead replaced with a hotel room, pillows and sheets and clothes in complete disarray as a result of anguish. this time around, julien is shouting, eyes bloodshot and welling up with tears he didn’t even know he had left in him. it’s only a few moments later that he goes too far and gets kicked out of the room in the middle of it all, but the other’s gaze is still the same as before, full of regret. it’s the last thing he sees before he leaves the hotel and heads straight to the dome for tech rehearsal.

this moment has caused a reaction resulting in our reattachment

will you take me to nirvana? i don't think this will last but you're here in my arms

julien is transported back to seoul and this time around it’s a flashback to the night before. he’s now in a bc entertainment practice room with two other males; one is the person he’s trying to reach out to, the other is the poor, unfortunate soul that has to deal with the tension that fills the room to the brim. he wants to cry in frustration, wants to shove the other up against a wall and refuse to let go until his words make it through to the other. he wants things to be good between them again, wants to clear the air and let his thoughts be known. but doing so won’t quite work out for him just yet. he’s already messed up, he’s already worried that whatever they have won’t last, but he wants to try. julien just needs the other to open up again. and that’s the difficult part

will you take me to nirvana? i don't think this will last but you're here in my arms.

by the end of the song, julien’s mind is back in the present, returned to the practice room in the gold star building. there’s something about his voice in this performance that was much different from his usual modus operandi. something much more emotional. vulnerable. raw. as if he was not simply singing the words because he enjoyed the song, but because he felt the words. and he could. as he finishes the final chords of the song, he lets the notes fade out before lifting his foot off the pedal of the piano and exhaling. clearing his throat, julien finally opens his eyes to gaze at the camera again, not realizing that his eyes had started to tear up during the song. “ah...” julien started, ears starting to head up as he let out a soft and nervous laugh, "thank you, everyone, for listening. i hope you’ll watch and enjoy the mbc song festival. this is julien shin, signing off.” with a wave and another polite bow of his head, he reaches out again to press the record button once more, ending the filming.

when there’s nothing but silence in the room, julien lets the rest of his anguish escape.

word count: 1,626

#fmdcoverfestival #&&. jules on the tube;#&&. event;#&&. development;#( happy thanksgiving everyone! )#( julien's kind of in a different headspace rn and he isn't quite feeling like himself )#( hence this particular choice of song and cover style )#( they'll market it as him showing a new side of him or get everyone prepared for his new music or want him to try it out )#( but in reality this is just the song that he feels will help him cope and get his message across )#( also wow did not realize that this song fit julien's mood perfectly about this )#( if y'all don't know what this song is referencing just look for the life in pink thread )#( also under a cut bc 1. it's hella long and 2. lowkey references to mature themes )#( 11:55pm EST on this one oops cutting it close )

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the-nerd-writer · 7 years ago

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The Final Straw Breaks- An Amelie LaCroix (Widowmaker) x Reader Story

Trigger Warning: Intense graphic depictions of torture and language.

Widowmaker, who has been slowly returning back to her Amelie LaCroix state through secret therapy and support through her s/o, has been assigned to torture the aforementioned s/o after Reaper found out that they were a double agent for Overwatch.

Characters: Amelie LaCroix, Widowmaker, Reader, Reaper (Gabriel Reyes), Mercy (Angela LaCroix), Genji Shimada.

Word Count: 2,004

“The tape is rolling, LaCroix. Time to work.” The tortured voice of Gabriel Reyes choked through the stereo system as Amelie stood behind a dented steel door. The aging lightbulb above her head flickered, its soul nearly extinguished. Behind those doors, LaCroix’s partner was strapped to a chair, their head wrapped in a rag and an assortment of blades by their side. Intelligence had come into the Talon headquarters that brought Reaper to the conclusion that the newest operative, who had only been on base for a couple of months, had been colluding with the newly resurrected Overwatch. It was time for Reyes’s former allies to learn a lesson. Unbeknownst to the Talon organization was the steps towards her former self that ‘Widowmaker’ had taken. Amelie LaCroix was beginning to see the light of day; the assassin pulled her punches just a bit more, and she ‘missed’ a shot intended for Lena Oxton. Amelie was back, and it was mostly to do with the operative sitting in the damp room on the other side of this door.

Plans had been discussed, but never finalized, for this sort of situation. You assured Amelie that everything was going to be okay, and that nothing like this would ever happen… but here you were. Was LaCroix to take on the Widowmaker persona and shred you to pieces, or reveal her steps back towards humanity and abandon Talon?

A sharp buzzing shook LaCroix from her thoughts. Taking in a deep breath, and focusing her mind, Widowmaker took a step into the room.

The sharp buzz of phosphorescent lights pierced through the silence. Lights were on, it seemed, but nothing was to be found by your eyes. The last thing that echoed through your mind was being thrown into a helicopter, your apartment being broken into by fellow Talon operatives. What did they think they were doing? Unless… no.. no one would have said anything. Not even..

A door opened to your left, and the familiar sounds of Amelie’s boots damaged the quiet. Slowly, methodically, she stepped towards you. Her pacing stopped just to the right of you, and the shuffling of cold steel began to whisper from a tray nearby.

“Now, (y/n), our intelligence has been able to datamine several documents to you from Overwatch Headquarters. It seems that you have been in contact with both Morrison and Winston… is this true?” Widowmaker’s tone was usually aggressive, passionate, unending. But now, her voice seemed to break, just occasionally. You knew that your Amelie was present, not Widowmaker, but did Reyes? Your mouth ran dry, your throat flexing while attempting to put words together, but nothing happened.

All in an instant, your vision returned, the burlap strip over your head removed in a flash. Widowmaker stared down at you menacingly, her eyes showing no emotion. It was more than likely that there were cameras trained everywhere around the room, watching not only you, but her. The gateways to her soul were indecipherable, a strong facade from years of training. Somewhere deep inside, she must have been feeling remorse. She must have been feeling pain. Right?

With one hand, Widowmaker gracefully extended her arm outwards towards the nearby side table, fully stocked with instruments of… torture. Her fingers found their home around a matte black combat knife, about the length of your head. Tracing the edge with her glove, her eyes flicked towards you. Still no sign of Amelie. Only the merciless assassin.

“I… I don’t know what you’re talking about. My commanding officer can confirm, I have been nothing but loyal and obedient to the cause, ever since my first day here.” You managed to sputter as you, too, gazed at the knife. Amelie made a sound of sarcasm, of finding out something incredibly unimportant, then plunged the blade into your right calf. As the knife ripped through skin, muscles, and finally lodged into your bone, your vision went white. Nothing, no matter of training from either side had prepared you for this amount of pain. Flaming hot jabs of pain jetted upwards through your leg, the scream slipping through your tightened lips. Nothing could compare to the feeling you were feeling… not yet.

As tears poured down your face, the face of your beloved appeared before you. Her eyes wide and knowing of the pain you had just experienced, the confusion you must be feeling, it all weighted down upon Amelie. But just as soon as she appeared, she faded away once more. With unremorseful eyes, Widowmaker plunged the knife once more into your body, this time in your other leg, twisting with such ferocity of a lion tearing apart its prey. Flesh gave way to the blade’s vicious yanking, unveiling the shreds of your remaining muscles and the carved away bone. Pain was all you could feel. Nothing but your body screaming out to move, move, move, but your restraints prevented you from escaping the hellhole. Cut by cut, the assassin demolished your left thigh as your brain tried its damnedest to block out the suffering. Faintly, almost from a distance, you heard Widowmaker’s interrogation lines; the usual. “Who are you really working for? How long have you been in contact? What have you told them?”

Speech was impossible to form. Your lips frantically flapped, your stomach churning and desperately trying to get something, anything out to prolong a break in torture. You wouldn’t give them anything, but keeping them busy for longer, no matter how short, could help you survive. But nothing came. Nothing but a gut-wrenching wail of assorted pitches.

The knife was removed from your leg. Don’t look. Don’t look. No matter what you do… don’t…

It looked like the mouth of a volcano. The dark red flesh around the entry wound had been carved away, leaving a hole the size of an apple. You could see the stained bone. Your bone. The feeling in your left leg has gone… oh my god… you couldn’t move it. You couldn’t feel anything. What the fuck, what the fuck, what the fuck…

Across from you, the shell of your love chuckled at your weakness.

Using the majority of your dwindling strength, your neck craned up to look into her eyes. It would compromise everything, but you had to try to get Amelie back.

“Amelie.. pleas-” You managed to sputter before falling into a darkness-enveloped slumber.

A chorus of cinnamon and sugar cookies scents folded their way into your nostrils. A soft light glazed over you, a warm fabric folded over you.

Fuck, were you in heaven?

No. Flickering your eyes open, you analyzed your surroundings. A ceramic vase filled with daisies and lilies sat on a stainless steel table at your feet. Bed. You were in a bed. The blue blanket covering your legs revealed the logo of Overwatch, emblazoned in pure white and golden orange. Safety. Fuck… you were out. You were safe. Or were you?

As doubt began to nestle back into your conscious, Angela Ziegler rushed into the room, clipboard in hand, followed by several assistants.

“My goodness, I am so sorry! I stepped out for one moment, and look where it got me,” the flustered doctor apologized, stepping towards your bedside. “You were brought in in a state that was beyond your usual case of wartime injuries, but thanks to our team, the bleeding ended.”

“My leg.. My, my l-l-leg.” You never stuttered. Your heart monitor was keeping a frantic tempo, your arms pulsing from the blood rush.

“I… my dear, my news is not what you would desire to hear. The leg.. It is..” No. No, god, please don’t say it…”

“Unhealable.”

Sleep came in waves. Nothing could erase the.. The…

Fuck, you couldn’t say it. What had happened? You had gotten out.. How?

Asking Angela didn’t help; confidentiality was all she muttered. Morrison said mum, as he had a team to lead, and while he cared about your well being, could not offer much support when it came to emotional damage. The only person who could answer your question was… was…

Right there.

Shit shit shit shit no no no no she couldn’t fuckng get in how coul-

Your mind was racing. You couldn’t move, your leg was useless. She was back for more. Reaching for your bedside table, your memory tried to recall if anything was there to be used to defend yourself…

Upon looking around once more, you realized that you were safe. You were protected. She stood at the foot of your bed, but there were five soldiers scattered in the room, with Genji Shimada amongst them. This was arranged… this was planned.

“Mon amour… Je ne peux pas commencer… I cannot…” She couldn’t get a phrase out. Where you combined dozens of sentences into one mere days ago, she couldn’t pull together a single one. “After you blacked out.. I killed her. I pushed her down, so far down that she won’t ever, ever be able to see the light of day. The Widowmaker is gone, mon amour…” Amelie stood before you. It was evident enough in her posture, the straight-edge poison drained from her spine, causing her to become.. Human. “Once she was gone, I unhooked your chair from the spot and dragged you from the base myself.. The guards were… no match. Reyes tried to reach me, but it was no use.” She was trembling. Her left arm reached to her right elbow, gently rubbing circles into the woolen sweater she bore. “I called Winston as fast as I possibly could, I… I wrapped your leg and did exactly as I was trained… As soon as the ship dropped, you were whisked in, and I was barely able to make it… I was questioned and questioned and questioned for hours. ‘The Widowmaker is gone,’ I cried, ‘It is Amelie!’ Morrison, he… he was able to recognize me. He brought me here to… to..” She broke. Shaking, rattling, frantically sobbing, Amelie fell to the ground beside your bed. Her wails were so fast, so unending, that it sounded like she couldn’t breathe. You desperately looked around the room for help, eventually locking eyes with Shimada, who rushed over and brought LaCroix into a sitting position in a chair right next to your heart monitor. Her fingers were soaked in tears, the wrists drenched. She felt… she felt so many things.

“I know… I know that you can never… ever… forgive me for what has happened… for the…” She glanced at your sheet-laden leg and began to sob deeper. “I… left… Talon… for good… I… gave… all the… infor… mation… I have… to Winston…” Amelie couldn’t stop, she wouldn’t stop… “I… let the Widowmaker… consume me… but she is… she is GONE… she is so… so gone… and she will never return… even if Talon… took me in a hundred more times…” Her eyes finally made their way to yours, pink and swollen with regret and fear. “I love you, and I always will… I cannot…”

It was all one motion. You uncurled your hand from your side, the fingertips bending back to their fullest extent, your wrist offering itself to her. Amelie. Looking down to your hand, then up, then down, then up… she begged for your approval. The slightest nod released her tension, and she enveloped you into a massive hug, her right arm curling around your head and her left reaching from your waist up to your right shoulder.

“I love you, Amelie… we will find you the help to get the Widowmaker away completely… I want to spend the rest of my days with you.” Your voice cracked, and you began to cry as well.

You were safe. You were both safe, and neither of you would ever let go.

#Amelie #LaCroix #Amelie LaCroix #Widowmaker #Overwatch #Overwatch S/O Imagines #Overwatch S/O #Imagine #Imagines #Widowmaker S/o #Overwatch Widowmaker #Angst #SO MUCH ANGST #Torture #Fluffy Ending

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upshotre · 5 years ago

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Kogi/Bayelsa elections: INEC, police on the spot as electorate vote

Over the years, elections in Nigeria have been marred by violence that is believed to be promoted by the political actors to win the elections at all costs. Unfortunately, apart from deriding the electoral processes, many lives have been lost alongside wanton destruction of properties. It is just one week to the conduct of the governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states. As was the case in the February/March 2019 general elections, the political atmosphere in the two states has become charged and politicians who have perfected the art of playing the blame games are at the top of it. Their sole interest is how to induce mayhem as part of their do-or-die strategies to get their parties into power at all costs. In Bayelsa State, for instance, the All Progressives Congress has accused the state government of withdrawing a whopping N17.5bn as part of plans by the Peoples Democratic Party-led government in the state to induce voters during the election. The party has, therefore, called on the anti-corruption agencies to freeze the account of the state over the recent alleged suspicious withdrawals by government proxies. The state APC governorship candidate, David Lyon, alleged that the PDP was planning to use the money to rig the election through vote-buying. The party did not end there as its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr Yekini Nabena, further alleged that it had uncovered fake Permanent Voter Cards manufactured in large numbers by the PDP ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in the state. However, the governorship candidate of the PDP in Bayelsa, Senator Douye Diri, dismissed the allegations by the APC, claiming the rival party was not ready for peaceful polls but to deploy violence. While that is allegedly happening in Bayelsa State, a chieftain of the PDP in charge of security in the Wada/Aro Campaign Organisation in Kogi State, Suleiman Abutu, was arrested with six others in Dekina Local Government Area of the state for illegal possession of firearms. The development is coming on the heels of persistent fears that politicians are arming thugs ahead of the November 16 governorship election in the state. Several instances of this nature which helped to charge the atmosphere during the just concluded 2019 general elections is again resurfacing despite several debates to avoid its reoccurrence. The unwarranted use of force by security operatives to disrupt the electoral process is also an issue of concern. In a bid to avert vote-buying ahead of the elections on Saturday in Kogi and Bayelsa states, the Independent National Electoral Commission has promised to deploy operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission to polling centres to arrest vote buyers. The commission’s Chairman, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu, during a quarterly meeting with the Inter-Party Advisory Council, said the EFCC and the ICPC would play active roles during the elections to try to dissuade and prevent vote-buying. Yakubu said, “We are going to deepen our collaboration with the EFCC and the ICPC in this respect. They will keep an eye on the movement of cash during campaigns and election day. “Before 2015, some suspected vote-buyers were arrested by the EFCC. Some have been charged to court. The latest update that I received indicated the EFCC has secured the first conviction in Gombe State. That is certainly a cause for celebration.” The INEC boss said the commission would be working with all security agencies to ensure the safety of both men and sensitive materials during the elections. However, at another event in Abuja, Yakubu raised the alarm on the likelihood of the governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states being disrupted by political thugs. Yakubu said the outcome of the risk assessment conducted by the commission identified some flash-points in the two states. “There are already warning signals in the two states. Both are politically volatile. Elections have been disrupted by violence in the past. Our risk assessment, which will be shared with the security agencies at this meeting, has identified some flashpoints. “We are also concerned that thugs have been mobilised from within and outside the states with the aim of either influencing the elections or disrupting the process on behalf of partisan sponsors.” He stated that the development called for a robust response before the elections, election day and during the process of collation and declaration of results. “Nigerians expect that by now, we have learnt enough lessons from previous elections to ensure a swift security response to increasing desperation by political actors to disrupt elections and subvert the will of the electorate. “If that happens, many Nigerians will blame the electoral umpire and the security agencies. We must continue to rise to this challenge,” he added. As also expected, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu, has pledged that the police would be professional and neutral in the conduct of the governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states. Adamu said the police would draw from its experiences from the 2019 general elections to ensure free, fear and credible elections in the two states. But the problem, according to pundits, is the ability of the major stakeholders to stick to the rules of the game. For instance, while the politicians have their huge blames, the ability of the electoral umpire to prosecute electoral violators and secure judgments in their favour has come under scrutiny. The Chairperson of Transition Monitoring Group, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, said as part of ways to ensure lasting peace, there is a need for the citizens and government to activate the section of the Electoral Act that punishes those who promote violence in elections. “The political parties are responsible for heating the polity, we need to reduce their influence on the citizens’ ability to vote, and there is a need for citizens and government to activate the section of the electoral law that punishes those who promote violence in elections. “The antecedents of the two states are a great concern. Steps must be taken by the police to ensure that innocent citizens are not caught up in the violence being orchestrated by political parties,” she stressed. Akiyode-Afolabi also tasked the electoral commission to increase its relationship with the law enforcement agencies to ensure that all those found culpable were prosecuted and convicted. “The election management body needs to also increase its engagement with police and other security agencies to prevent violation of electoral guidelines such as (voter inducement and transaction of PVC) as well as violence pointers. “It is also important that parties, candidates and their supporters should desist from any form of physical attack or use of foul language. Voters should also ensure that they vote their conscience by refusing to transact their PVCs for peanuts or short-term gains while citizens should be ready to cooperate with INEC and security agencies by reporting any form of malpractice or act of criminality to ensure a peaceful transition of power. “The onus is also on the security to ensure that all reported cases of criminality particularly, recruitment of thugs and storing of arms and ammunitions to prevent an outbreak of violence must be properly investigated and managed,” Akiyode-Afolabi added. President, Voters’ Assembly, Mashood Erubami, said until electoral violators were made pay for their crime, the situation may remain the same. He, therefore, tasked the electoral umpire, politicians and security operatives to be guided by the rules of the game. Erubami said, “Peaceful and fair conduct of the elections have always been our desire, but this can only be achieved through the adherence of the stakeholders, namely political parties, politicians themselves and security operatives that we can have a peaceful conduct of the exercise. “Note that before the commencement of every election in the past, there had always been assurances from all quarters that they were set to ensure peaceful conduct, whereas when the elections came, all the issues that we identified and condemned ended up being repeated. “So, we need to get the concrete commitment of politicians before elections are conducted because they are the ones who mobilise thugs, bribe security operatives and also buy votes. Once they agree that they are not going to do anything contrary to the electoral law, then you can rest assured we would have peaceful elections. “The electoral body has always got politicians to sign a peace accord, but when the rules are breached, what happens? The INEC alone cannot achieve peaceful conduct; they must work with all the stakeholders to achieve this desired peace. Politicians too must begin to stick to the rules of conduct that they signed to ensure peaceful exercise while the security operatives must learn to stick to the rules. They must all do it in a way that no party can perpetrate electoral offences.” Explaining other steps that should be taken to bring about lasting peaceful conduct of elections in Nigeria, the immediate-past National President of Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Malachi Ugwummadu, said the political class had the biggest role to play. He also charged INEC to take the bold step of prosecuting and securing judgment on those identified to have perpetrated violence during elections. “The debate about the peaceful electoral process had been on for as long as we have elections in Nigeria but I do think that a few variables must be taken into consideration in securing violent free elections. The first is the level of sensitisation based on voters’ education. “On this call, INEC, which is the electoral umpire, has been making a lot of efforts, particularly through the electoral institute. However, the real voters’ education ought to be by the political parties themselves. It is the political parties that should promote and champion electoral discipline. “The politicians should mobilise their party members on the implication of violent behaviours which is abhorred by extant laws; the Electoral Act (2010) and the existing criminal codes. “For those who have been fingered to have conducted themselves violently in the past they should be prosecuted and conviction secured to serve as a deterrent to others in the future. In this respect, I am referring to section 150 of the Electoral Act (2011) which insists that INEC is empowered to prosecute electoral offenders. “But what it has turned out to be is that those who perpetrate electoral offences and violence are never brought to book and in the next round of election they become emboldened to wreak more havoc to the detriment of the society. “Beyond that, the security operatives conduct themselves in a manner that compromises the process, unfortunately, we have not had any of them that have been reprimanded or sanctioned. There are rules of engagement,” he said.

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bonduniversity · 6 years ago

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A semester in Paris

Renee Jackson (Bachelor of International Relations/Bachelor of Laws) shares an honest account of her 2018 Exchange to University Pantheon-Sorbonne Paris 1, France.

“Wow, Paris! I am so jealous,” was the typical response I received from family, friends and even strangers when I told them where I was heading for my semester abroad experience.

While Paris has an idealistic representation across the world, there is a significant amount of planning to be done for Exchange and doing it from the other side of the world can often be hard, so I thought I would share all the lessons I learnt along the way!

After learning French all throughout high school and loving it, I had considered the idea of heading to a Francophone country to do a semester abroad. When the Bond Exchange page popped up on my Facebook, I began researching and narrowing down my options, leaving me with Panthéon-Sorbonne Paris 1 Université. The internal Bond application process is easy, and even the first steps for Paris 1 are too. After filling out the forms and being accepted, I began planning more in depth for my Exchange experience including thoroughly research the visa requirements and the type of visa I needed to meet all requirements.

I began with looking at the university dates and aligning these with accommodation. Living costs in Paris are notoriously expensive, so if you are considering taking a semester here, also expect the high living prices that come with Paris. I looked at various different websites, from agencies to more casual sub-letting advertisements. However, I settled with an agency and accepted paying the agency fee and extra security costs so that I could be reassured that everything would be organised and well-arranged when I arrived. Many people also have temporary living arrangements when they arrive in Paris and then commence their apartment hunting.

When choosing your arrondissement, think about the kind of area you want to live in. The main buildings of the university are spread among multiple arrondissements (Pantheon & Sorbonne in the 5th, René Cassin in the 13th, PMF at Tolbiac), so unless you are choosing your accommodation after picking classes, I wouldn’t base it off building location. I chose to stay in the 16th, because it was more quiet and reserved yet still close enough to everything that I wanted. The 3rd is a lot more lively and trendy, the 5th too. Do some research about the arrondissements and then align that with your preference of living area. I personally wouldn’t choose the 18th, as it is far from the majority of things and in certain areas can be unsafe. The same rule applies around buildings close to the main train stations. However, use common sense and caution and you will not have any problems in Paris!

A few tips for accommodation in Paris:

Most Parisian landlords require you to have a French dossier with numerous documents, and documents that you can often not provide. This is why an agency may be helpful as they can be more lenient in what documents must be provided.

The dossier document often feels invasive. As I did not have a French guarantor, I had to provide my passport, my parents passports and payslips and multiple other documents. This is common practice in France.

Accommodation is expensive, but even more expensive when you choose to book through an agency. Personally, I utilised Lodgis and had nothing but a positive experience – however also be aware that every agency also has as many negative reviews as positive. I was lucky and had a landlord that was incredibly kind and helpful, even inviting me into her home and I have now created a lifelong friend.

Paris 1 does not offer student accommodation in the same manner that Bond does. It is run through Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris. However, as an Australian student, you are highly unlikely to be able to obtain a position here. They generally are provided for European Union students, and the majority are also for Master level (French equivalent) students. If you are lucky enough to receive a position, I had a friend who stayed here, and she had a room with a double bed, tiny bathroom, an eating space in her room and a communal kitchen and laundry room.

Accommodation is small. I lived in 17m2 but knew people who lived in a fully functioning apartment that was both 14m2 and 11m2. Many people often find larger apartments and share them with other exchange students too.

Arriving in Paris

When booking my flights, I left two weeks prior to my studies to settle in and one week after the scheduled exam timetable free to travel or relax at the end. The Integration Week that Paris 1 offers starts a week before classes do and is helpful in determining the classes you may want to take, updating/refreshing your vocabulary on legal subjects as well as teaching you the basics of the legal system in France, which is very different to that of Australia. Each student isn’t guaranteed a position in the Week, so just be conscious of that fact. At the end of the week, they have a presentation from the Exchange Office of Paris 1, which provides you with all of the basic information about your enrolment and classes, etc. If you do not get offered a place to the Integration Week, still go to this presentation.

As a basic rule, don’t expect much on the organisation front from the University. Take everything that you receive prior to the Integration Week with a grain of salt. We did not receive the available courses until the Friday before classes commenced on Monday. The level of organisation is vastly different to that at Bond, however this is all in the ‘charm’ of the French experience, so try not to stress too much about it and embrace it. Before my departure, I had decided to try and create a timetable with the least amount of contact time to allow myself more time to travel and see whatever I desired without too many restrictions. However, the classes I thought I was going to take prior to departing carried a completely different timetable and subsequently I changed most of my subjects.

The process of picking subjects requires you to choose the classes you wish, fill out your Learning Agreement, make an appointment with your delegated officer, take it to your officer who will read over it and check it (often asking you questions if you are prepared for the workload of that subject, however mine didn’t even look twice and signed it) and then you submit that to the Exchange Office. Your enrolment into TDs (tutorials) happens in a completely different building in a completely different arrondissement (suburb). To obtain your student card and Certificat de Scolarité, this also takes place in a different building, also in a different arrondissement. The French are not fussed about making things easy or simple, so take a deep breath and schedule your days around which area you have meetings that day. Once you pick subjects, they will provide you a deadline for changing your enrolment and after this date, you will not be able to sit the exams (or obtain credit points) for any new subjects.

Subject selection and study load

As I had previously completed a Student for a Semester at Bond, I chose to only take the equivalent of three Bond subjects while overseas to minimise the workload as much as possible. Note: 10 Bond credits = 7.5 ECTS. Unlike Bond, many subjects at Paris 1 can be taken without tutorials, and it is completely your choice as to whether you choose to enrol in a TD or not. As a rule of thumb, in the Integration Week they advise everyone to take a maximum of ONE TD in the first semester and to increase this to two if you stay for two semesters. TDs are generally worth 8 ECTs and subjects without TDs are 4 ECTs. I chose to take three subjects without and one with. While the TD wasn’t incredibly difficult, there are additional exams, debates in front of the class and it requires following along in a fast-paced environment where you are often the only (or one of the few) exchange students there. In saying this, the TD was an interesting experience for me and allowed me to overcome different challenges and learn the application of the law rather than just the theory. While it may be nerve-wracking, it is an experience I would definitely recommend as it generally equates to one less final exam.

In general, the subjects are much more hands-off than that at Bond and some people may struggle with the less interactive way of learning. This is worth keeping in mind, as is the speed that some lecturers talk, and the competency required for certain subjects. When taking any subject past an L1 (L1 = first year, L2 = second year, L3 = third year, Master level), there is a certain level of assumed knowledge about the legal systems and the style in which they complete exams and the type of assessment they do. I, as well as many others on Exchange, sometimes found it challenging to know what the lecturer wanted from us. They aren’t liberal with their information, so you will have to pry to find out more about even the most basic of things (exams, dates, style of writing etc.).

If you need to return to Bond before the commencement of the next semester, you are often able to personally organise different exams before the Christmas break to allow for your earlier return (however don’t count on it).

The verdict and final tips

Overall, my experience at Paris 1 was wonderful (dampened only by the initial lack of organisation, which I promise you will laugh about only weeks later!) Upon reflection of my experience there (and as I sit on a train between Venice and Rome), my main tips for travelling to Paris 1 would be:

Find (or at least have a very clear idea) of accommodation and the area you want to live in when you arrive. Do your research if you aren’t already familiar with the area and be cautious about people trying to scam you!

Keep in contact with friends but don’t depend on speaking to them every day.

Start speaking the language and gain familiarity with it again (if it has been a while) as soon as possible; don’t be shy.

Go to the Integration Week and speak with people, making friends can be hard in Paris as most French people already have solid friendship groups and aren’t interested in being friends with exchange students.

As soon as you arrive, or even before (if you know your address etc.,) apply for your ‘Imagine R’ student travel card. It is cheaper with this option for 5 months. However, if you miss the date and will only have a travel card for 4 months, your ‘Navigo’ card will be your best friend. It is around 75 euro for the month and allows unlimited travel within the 5 zones of Paris (including to CDG and Disneyland).

Setting up bank accounts and phone numbers can be a difficult process, as they both generally require the other, making it incredibly frustrating to get them sorted out. However, I used BNP Paribas and had no problems using my Australian phone number as a preliminary number and then changed it when I received my French one.

Use your Paris 1 student card to get in to most of the Paris (and French) attractions at a reduced rate (Louvre, Chateau de Versailles, Chateau de Fontainebleau etc.). Using this card will demonstrate that you are a resident of Paris and they are mostly free for EU residents.

Organise your visa early and the sooner the process is complete, the better. As you have to travel to Sydney to organise it, be fully prepared and ensure you have every document with you when you go.

Travel as much as you can while there because you are SO close to everything, but don’t neglect Paris. There is more to do there than you could ever fit in during one semester, so see as much as you can!

Bon séjour à Paris!

Exchange is an experience that will stay with you forever. Find out more about Exchange opportunities at Bond University.

#Renee Jackson #Exchange #France #Paris #Paris 1 #Pantheon-Sorbonne #Law Exchange #Bond University

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thisbiasedlife · 8 years ago

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A New Livelihood (Werewolf! Jimin x Werewolf! Reader)

(The GIF of the wolf is intended to represent Aera when she transforms. I admittedly do not possess the ability at this current juncture to even fathom what godly wolf form Park Jimin would take on.)

Hello guys! So, here's the fanfic that I've been working on in tandem with 'Risen from the Ashes'. If you guys have yet to check it out, I would certainly appreciate it if you did. If not, that's cool too. Without further wordiness from me, here are details of the story:

Pairing: Aera x Jimin (though it can totally be taken as a Reader x Jimin. Just replace her name with whatever you'd like to be addressed as, as her name is very seldom used)

Genre: Fluff, Angst (Smut to come in later chapters)

Rating: PG - PG13 (for this chapter)

Characters: Aera (or reader if you like) and, of course, BTS. Aera'a brother Jung (though this could also be replaced with whatever name you fancy)

Word Count: 4,516

Summary: Aera (or really Y/N) belongs to a pack of more traditional werewolf values led by her brother, Jung (or really Y/B/N). The very brother that murdered their parents in cold blood solely for the purpose of ascending to the position of Alpha. With her tyrant brother in control, Aera (or Y/N) is forced into a mating ritual with a rival pack in order to cement their alliance with her own pack. Things take a turn for confusing when this forced ceremony turns out to be far from forced. Aera (Y/N) must learn to adapt to an entirely different lifestyle, one that stands in drastic contrast from her own, while simultaneously navigating the confusing and passionate nature that is the mating bond.

The testosterone characteristic of authority wafted through the air. "You cannot be serious?!," I directed at my brother whom had just given the order. "I am. I'm the Alpha. My word is law," he replied coldly. "You're only Alpha because dad trusted you more than you deserved! I refuse to let you reduce me to a bargaining chip in your quest for glory. Especially when I already know it isn't exactly going to be a success story!," I reply with a growl. "Unless you, the weakling that you are, desire to challenge the Alpha, you must comply. My supporters in the pack greatly outnumber yours. You know it's just not okay for a female to lead the pack," my brother cut back still lacking any hint of emotion or sympathy.

"You know, mother would be so ashamed. You're still so traditional, just like dad. Get over yourself. I'm not letting you sign me over as someone else's bitch just so you can make an alliance with another pack," I protested with a flash of my teeth, knowing full well these were all characteristic of a challenging body language. The Alpha was never to be opposed, or so my dad used to say. Though raised to have great respect for those occupying the Alpha position of any pack, I refused to venerate or obey my brother's orders. He hadn't considered anyone other than himself in their formation.

"You speak as though you are never going to be submitted to a mate. I'm mearly expediting the process. I know that your mate is somewhere in that pack," he answered calmly. It took every ounce of me not to shift. A shift would announce total defiance and lead in a fight to the death. As much as I hated my brother for everything that he'd done, I didn't want to kill him and I wasn't exactly keen on the concept of dying. "Bull shit! Don't get all high and mighty! No one could know that! Hell I won't even know it until it hits me in the face. You aren't some great leader like you'd have everyone believe! You're a cowardly mutt trembling in the shadow that is our father, you know, the one you killed when his back was turned," I snarled. I felt claws elongate where my human nails had once been. I inhaled, trying even harder to keep my feelings in check. That was another matter I wouldn't air in front of the rest of the pack. They'd all revolt and kill both of us if they knew the truth of the evil that my brother had committed. Sure, in the animal world, that was perfectly normal, but werewolves weren't all animal. We possessed a certain degree of civility that made it completely unokay to kill someone when their back was turned.

"I could honestly care less about anything you have to say. You've always been sheltered by that bitch we used to call a mother and that weakling we called dad. He could only see a fourth of my ideals. No where near enough to make him the leader our pack needed. That leader is me. Now, I suggest you put the only three valuable lessons he ever taught us to work: 1) Female werewolves are always to be respectful, polite, and subdued in the presence of a male werewolf, 2) All Alphas are to be universally respected and acknowledged, and 3) Female werewolves must submit fully to their mates. No questions, no exceptions. You live to serve HIM. Bangtan will be here soon," my brother commanded with finality.

"The only problem with your logic is that I've always had trouble following dad's sexist logic. Especially in this era of human civilization where women are given more than in the past, allowed to strive for more, allowed to fight what is unjust. If I can have a voice in my human skin, I will have a voice in my wolven fur! You think that this forced mating is going to bring you any benefit? You'll be lucky if I don't wind up making sure that it kills you! Enjoy the rest of the short time you have left in the sun because, as long as I draw breathe, you will not remain Alpha long," I finished flashing the blue glow of my Irises before retracting my claws and canines.

Before I could verbally lash at him any further, an unfamiliar scent wafted with the blow of the wind. On further inspection it was not just one new scent, but seven. Bangtan had arrived. One of the scents sent a jolt of electricity throughout my body and I felt my Irises flash painfully to a shade of pink. Fuck! I refused to believe that my brother was even remotely closed to right. I shielded my eyes with my hand hoping that no one else had noticed. "Welcome, Bangtan! I'm so glad you could join us today. I respect that you trust us enough to arrive in your human forms just as we have elected to receive you," my brother addressed the seven approaching individuals. "I am Namjoon, the leader of Bangtan. We have chosen to show up this way in order to show respect for the sacrifice that you are making today. Please make no mistake in believing that we possess any level of trust for you yet. Today will determine such. This is merely a showing in hope of a positive alliance to come," their Alpha answered as his eyes briefly flashed red. The symbol of the declaration of an Alpha, something to be respected even if I absolutely hated everything about this situation.

I hid myself in the cluster of my pack, the very pack which was to abandon me in a matter of minutes at the request of my own brother. Not that I could really call him that after everything though. Namjoon suddenly tilted his head in observation. "There's been a shift in my pack. She's here," Namjoon observed aloud. Shit.

The pain racking my body was getting more intense by the second as I was resisting the pull coming from an unknown exact location. The flashing of my Irises was growing more intense judging by the increased burning. My body was hot. It burned. My bones ached under the pressure and splinters bursted at my sides. Someone out of the seven had noticed the bond and was pulling at it. As much as it fucking sucked, my mate was one of the seven and I couldn't resist much longer. He would undoubtedly try to symbolically submit me soon. "Let us commence with the ceremony then. As is traditional, both packs must let it play out how it does. The male must submit the female without help in acknowledging who she is. The two will remain in human form until the commencement of the symbolic submission," my brother declared as his own eyes flashed red. Namjoon appeared to second the opinion as he uttered the word, "Begin" with a red flash in his own eyes.

I tried to turn my body and walk in the opposite direction of the seven, but the pain splitting through my body glued me in place. I gritted my teeth and felt my canines begin to extend from my gums. The bond was strong if it was already forcing my transition. "You're here. Your scent is driving me crazy," a voice shouted out. "Every fiber of me screams to turn," the voice continued as it got closer. His scent intensified in my nose and consumed my senses. Pain in my shoulder forced me to lower the hand covering my eyes and my eyes, now violently radiating a hot pink, became visible. That's when I locked eyes with him and my entire body violently shook. Though not tall, he was muscular and possessed a strong jawline. His hair was jet black. The muscle shirt he was wearing drew attention to his toned arms and his tight jeans hugged, what were becoming, his irresistible thighs. As his scent magnified with his approach, his features became more and more attractive. By now, he too had noticed me and was smirking wickedly, his animalistic nature taking over.

The pain intensified to an unbearable degree and my transformation furthered as claws erupted from my hands and feet. I was losing control over the change and losing even further control over resisting the bond he was tugging so hardly on. As he finally stood directly in front of me, I couldn't look him in the eye and my canines erupted fully from the roof of my mouth. I emitted a low growl, to which he chuckled and snarled back, his own canines now visible.

"I, Park Jimin, claim you as mine. From this day forward, you are my mate, you will bear my children, and I will do with you what I please," he challenged as he began to accelerate his transformation, the symbolic submission looming. "That is if you can submit me. If not, I, Min Aera, walk free, never again to be bothered by your claim," I returned my own challenge accelerating my own shift to finally ease the pain racking my entire body.

He let out a howl that reverberated throughout the entirety of the woods. My own howl followed. His sole goal following that howl was to firmly grip my neck in his mouth, force me to whimper and bow my head in submission. He had to make me stop resisting. I lunged at his legs, biting firmly when I met fur and flesh. He snarled menacingly. I darted quickly to his hind quarters and bit down on his right hind leg. He snarled menacingly again and moved with a speed I thought impossible. Within seconds, he was biting down on my throat and crushing my wind pipe. I let out a whimper and bowed my head in defeat. I was claimed by Park Jimin. My body shifted of its own accord following my defeat. I laid on the ground naked and defeated. Jimin shifted back just as quickly grabbing a blanket extended towards him by one of his pack members. He covered me with it. "As defeated as you are, you're mine and no one else is ever going to have the privilege to gaze on your naked body like I will," he said bending down to brush my hair out of my face. With me covered, Jimin went to retrieve a change of clothes from Namjoon and proceeded to clothe his naked form. A form that I could not take in because of the weakness that consumed my body forcing my eyes closed. His pack had thought of everything, had been considerate, had been sympathetic to his plight. It wouldn't surprise me if Namjoon had in his possession a change of clothes for every member. Meanwhile, my pack had nothing for me and only looked on my shivering form. No sympathy, no consideration, only cold abandonment could be found in their eyes.

I tried to lift my weakened frame off of the ground only to come crashing back down to the ground. My body was effectively done. Jimin returned and crouched down beside me. "Don't struggle," he commanded as he lifted my form from the Earth. He carried me over to where the other six members were standing. "Welcome to our pack. Trust that I will ensure that you are taken care of just as the other six members of my pack are," Namjoon spoke up. I took the little remaining energy I had to bow my head to him. At least it was evident he cared a little.

"Can I trust this seals the alliance?," my brother spoke up. "I suppose you can Min Jung, but do know that if your pack is ever to harm any of mine, including your sister, the deal is off. She will not ever return to your pack and her loyalty lies with us so don't try to sway her either. Do not enter our territory without express permission from myself or my Beta, Yoongi," he says gesturing to his right. A pale individual with green hair is standing beside him and smirks slightly at the utterance of his name. With those final warnings uttered, Namjoon turns to leave, his pack falling in line behind him.

The walk remains silent, my body steadily bumping against Jimin's as he carries me. When we are out of ear shot, Namjoon speaks. "Whew! I hate being so serious like that. You okay Aera?," he asks turning to me. My alarm must have registered on my face at his sudden transition from authoritative to, well, sorta fluffy. "I'm not really like that at all. None of us are. It's really more of an appearance we put on for more traditional packs like yours," he says shooting me a smile. His smile makes me relax a bit in Jimin's arms. I'd been too preoccupied with fear about where I would fall in this new pack to take in the feel of Jimin's arms around me.

Now more relaxed, I felt like practically melting into them. I felt more secure than I had felt since the death of my parents. It was strange and it scared me a bit. This whole mate stuff was new to me and I had no idea how it was going to pan out. "There see. You're way cuter when you relax," Jimin said looking down at me and chuckling. My cheeks flushed. Embarrassed and intimidated by the intensity of both his stare and my growing desire to be even closer to him, I spoke up.

"I'm recovered enough to walk now," I offered squirming a little. "I don't mind carrying you," he replied without hesitation. I squirmed a little more. "No really. Can I walk?," I asked. He nodded and crouched to set me down. I pulled the blanket tighter around my frame as my feet met the ground.

"Oh, Jungkook is carrying your things. Apparently your brother preemptively packed them up for you. Would you like to change? I can promise all but Jimin will look away. I really can't control what he does when it comes to you, as much as I would like to help," Namjoon offered. I nodded, hoping to get out of this blanket and not feel as vulnerable or naked. Namjoon motioned to Jungkook, who brought over my things.

I pulled a pair of black skinny jeans with rips up the thigh, a black thong, a white push up bra, and a lacy white crop top from the suitcase. I pulled on a pair of white no shoe socks and slid on a pair of white Vans. Closing the suitcase, I grabbed a hair time and tied my long black hair up in a pony tail. Now dressed as I pleased, I breathed out a sigh of relief. "All done," Jimin hollered to the rest of the boys and they all turned back to face me. My cheeks flushed crimson. I'd been so excited to finally get clothed that I forgot Jimin had been watching me.

The object causing the crimson dust to appear approached me. "Nice body," he said with a wink teasing me. "I'll explain how we work so you can fit in as soon as possible," Namjoon started drawing my attention and preventing the somewhat biting comment I had for Jimin. "I am of course the Alpha. Yoongi is the Beta. Beyond that we don't really have a hierarchy as I don't really feel the need to berate or relegate any of my pack members to an omega position. Past Yoongi and myself, the rest of the pack is pretty equal with respect given to age. Jungkook is our youngest and I expect you to address him just as everyone else does. You don't really need to pay him any special kind of respect. Taehyung is next youngest, but is only slightly younger than Jimin. You may need some respect there, but not as much as you'll need towards Jimin not only for his age but also for his relation to you. I will allow him to police that fairly hard. Next is J-Hope, he's older than you even though it may not ever seem like it. Of course respect is due there. Then, there's Yoongi, of course, as he's my Beta, you'll need to have respect there. Then myself, you already know how that one goes though because I'm the Alpha. The eldest is Jin. I would remind you to respect him, but you should have no trouble with that. He's easily likable. While my word is final, I do take suggestions from the pack. Also, in case you've been living under a rock, we're sort of always traveling because we're a famous band," Namjoon finished trying to scoot past the last sentence like it was nothing. "Hold up! What?," I spoke up. Apparently I'd been living under a rock. "Yes we are Bangtan Sonyeondan. Better known as BTS," Namjoon answered. I'd never heard of them. Clearly, I didn't get out much, even in human form. "Wait, how do you even juggle both? I haven't ever strayed far from the reserve that my pack stayed on," I asked curious. Their lifestyle was something completely different from everything I had ever known.

"Like I said, we aren't exactly traditional. I won't explain us much further. You'll kinda just have to figure out. Just watch out when the more animalistic, traditional nature comes out. As it's more suppressed, it tends to come on stronger," Namjoon cautioned. His words of caution began to mold a fear within me. It wasn't like I wasn't used to traditional ways of thinking. I'd been around it my entire life and it always manifested in varying levels of severity, but the way Namjoon said it, gave the impression that even the most severe experiences I'd had with my traditional pack would be overshadowed or even bested by their traditional manifestations. Eager to hide my growing anxiety and prevent the characteristic pheromone of anxiety from escaping my body, I offered a change of topic.

"So, could you tell me more about Bangtan? I've never heard of it. My pack was never really into listening to modern music. Or any music for that matter. My dad sorta wanted us cut off from the rest of the world," I both explained and inquired. "Well, it's not exactly easy for us all the time, but we love our fans. We must always keep our aggression in check as you know that facilitates a transformation faster than any other emotion. Other than that, it's about suppressing the more animalistic urges whenever we are in the face of the public. We've sort of adopted the minority approach when it comes to integrating with human society in that we've assimilated. We rarely undergo transformation save the necessary times of the full moon and the blood moon and any eclipses that might occur. We don't hunt often and generally consume meals which are still high in the necessary protein but also still socially acceptable. The few times that we do hunt are during blood and full moons. As you know, these moons peak transformative sensitivity and aggression. We use hunting to channel these emotions and normally shift to hunt on each night a full or blood moon is present. This assimilation aids in reworking instinct enough so that the public isn't able to cue in on what we are. It promotes control so that this lifestyle is possible for us," Namjoon explained in great detail.

I nodded with each of his points realizing almost instantly that I preferred the way his pack worked to the way my own pack had worked. Though a preferred lifestyle, it wasn't what I was used to. A complete one-eighty actually and I wasn't sure if I was going to adapt well. Having been given a sufficient amount of information on their pack for one sitting, I decided that I'd inquire specifically about the music. Something about Namjoon made me comfortable enough to ask all that I wished to know.

"What about like what you guys do as a band?," I asked. "I can answer that," Jimin spoke up quickly, perhaps jealous at my conversing with Namjoon. "Taehyung, Jin, Jungkook, and I are the vocal line. Namjoon, Yoongi, and Hoseok (better known as J-Hope) make up the rap line. J-Hope, Jungkook, and myself are undoubtedly the best dancers," he said his confidence appearing to rise with the last sentence. I nodded my head. I wasn't entirely sure what all music comprised being that I had been away from it basically all of my life, but he seemed passionate about it. For some reason, that made me want to be passionate about it. I caught myself before expressing such as I was still somewhat fighting the insane strength that was our mating bond. Jimin seemed to sense this as he rotated his head slightly to the right in confusion. "We'll have to let you listen to our stuff when we get back to the dorm," the boy they'd been addressing as J-Hope spoke up. He sent a smile my way. A smile I literally couldn't help but to return. It went against every fiber of me not to.

"Yah! You don't smile at me! You should smile at me the most," Jimin shouted out at me in slight agitation. I don't know why, but my body reacted instantly by slouching and bowing my head in a submissive position. Completely uncharacteristic of my normal reaction, I attributed it to the bond again and shook it off within a few seconds hoping no one had noticed. It was undoubtably certain that Jimin had noticed. Given the looks I was receiving from the rest of the pack, it was apparent that I had secreted some pheromone that had alerted them as well.

I heard the individual they had been gesturing to as 'Jin' emit a chuckle. "You'll get used to the bond with time. I promise you won't always respond like that. Eventually, you'll be just as ready to bite his face off as you are ready to fully submit to him now. It's the newness of the bond. As with all things, it will get worse before it gets better. You'll be even more submissive after the marking confirming the submission and the.....consummation....if you will. But then, you'll be able to go toe to toe with him to a certain extent as you become more familiar with him and grow to test the bond," Jin exclaimed with a warm smile. I was thankful that he could provide some insight into the current situation that was leaving me completely flabbergasted and without a single shred of control. "Hyung! Don't tell her that," Jimin complained with a light blush dusting his cheeks. A small giggle, uncharacteristic of me, nearly left my lips before I suppressed it. He was hot when he was being dominant, but totally cute when he was being slightly childish.

"Jiminie doesn't want her to know because it's when she's submissive that he can create pups," the one they'd gestured to as Taehyung spoke up. "Yah!," Jimin complained loudly glaring at Taehyung. Taehyung busted out in an intense fit of laughter that concluded with a somewhat boxy smile.

Namjoon cleared his throat, effectively silencing the rest of the pack. "I'd nearly forgot to mention that you'll be traveling with us. Being as your Jimin's mate, we can't leave you alone at the dorm while we tour, at least until it is widely and firmly established that your claimed. Unfortunately, this means that you're going to need to adapt quickly. You'll have three weeks before the start of our next tour. All seven of us will be your guide, but I expect the responsibility will fall more to myself and Jin. The others are still learning some of it themselves," he said sending glares to the younger members of the pack, including a now embarrassed Park Jimin. Though I felt that he wanted to protest, not a word slipped from his lips. Namjoon might not have been a strict Alpha, but his presence commanded both respect and attention.

"That being said, expect the next three weeks to be stricter than the rest of your time with us. Just until you get used to our ways and learn to cope with our less desirable habits. After Jimin's claim has been firmly established and we no longer need to fear the snooping around of rogue or packless males attempting to force a claim, you'll no longer be required to accompany us on our tours and can stay at the dorm for extended periods of time by yourself. You are of course still welcome to continue to accompany us," Namjoon finished with a small smile. He had a way or wording restraints and regulations. He made every one of them seen as if they were intended solely for my protection and well-being rather than making them seem tedious and like an object I would be inclined to rebel against.

"I can't actually think of any other rules off of the top of my head. I'll likely just need to mention them along the way as you accidentally break them or as they come to me. Though not a rule, a word to the wise: don't wake Yoongi without his express permission. He tends to be quite krabby and even violent with the boys from time to time," Namjoon finished.

"I can vouch for this! I bruise the least easiest of all of us and he punched me so hard this one time that I had a bruise on my shoulder for a good month," the one they'd referred to as Jungkook spoke up for the first time. "That's entirely because you deserved it. The first time you speak and it's to berate your hyung," Yoongi teased shaking his head. "You'll just have to excuse him Aera. He's shy, especially around females and strangers," Yoongi added addressing me directly. My head snapped in Yoongi's direction at the direct mention of my name. Though he spoke less enthusiastically or loudly than the rest, his voice too held a level of authority and control. He was calmer than the others, more reserved. "Well then I guess that means I strike out twice," I attempted to joke looking over at Jungkook. He sent me a small smile.

With that last awkward exchange, we arrived at our destination. I was surprised at how close their pack was relative to ours. Separated by only a few miles, were two completely different lifestyles and two completely different spreads of compassion and acceptance. Glad but apprehensive about being on the other side of the territorial bounds, I wondered what it was my future held with this new pack, with my newly found mate, and even with this new lifestyle. Namjoon said that I only had three weeks and I prayed that that was enough.

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meditationadvise · 8 years ago

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5 Secrets to Wu Wei, the Taoist Principle of Effortless Effort

As we progress with the process of rising, several phases occur. Amongst them is a shake-up which motivates an initial awakening, then the complete understanding of fact, adhered to by the advancement of discernment to determine an appropriate program of action. We would not try to ride a bicycle prior to constructing one, nor would certainly we attempt to sail an ocean without a watercraft. When points obtain testing in life, we can inspect to see if we are exercising Wu Wei in order to improve our activities. This is the art of effortless action as explained in Taoist teachings.

1. No Activity Doesn't Mean 'Nothing' Happens

“The Tao not does anything but absolutely nothing is left undone.” - Lao Tzu

Wu Wei or 無為, converts from Chinese pinyin to imply 'no-action' or 'actionless activity.' This is taken into consideration the 'all-natural' method to do points, in contrast to aiming, opposing, and forcing, along with lollygagging, or catching finish inertia. When we remain in placement with the Source, or as Taoists call it, merely, the Tao, after that we don't have to 'work' at anything. This is not to be perplexed with doing nothing. The state of Wu Wei doesn't give us an excuse to remain on the sidelines, observing life and also critiquing others' actions. Rather, it defines the inspired action of an individual who is teeming with life power, which has actually committed their activities to an objective which sustains Unity. He or she does not throw away power, however, and also moves only when the time is right, and then, with magnificent acumen, and relatively enchanting assistance behind them.

The old ideograms and signs made use of in the Chinese language and culture supply the most simplistic means to explain wu wei. We can observe this is the basic yin yang sign. One side is energetic, or masculine, representing the energy of extending oneself into the world, as well as the opposite of the symbol is passive, or a lot more accurately, obtaining, or womanly energy that triggers an internal journey.

All Chinese medication, martial, and inner arts from Tai Chi to acupuncture to meditation aim to assist stabilize the manly as well as womanly energies, the doing and 'not-doing' you could state, as a method to achieve wu wei.

2. The Cosmos is Not Working Against You

We typically aren't sandwiched in between paradise and planet, we ARE paradise and earth. To practice wu wei, we have to initially recognize that we are connected to the Unity of all things. We must have clear borders, like youngsters given complimentary rein to run and play within the boundaries of an attractive park, we also ought to remain open to susceptability and the lessons this might teach. As soon as we are open as well as secured we could start to observe nature and welcome global power as it ups and downs. From there, we learn when to relocate keeping that power - dropping and also moving with our own actions based on the Unity of all points. A tremendous sense of liberty originates from knowing we don't need to battle against the Universe, as well as understanding that it is never working against us - only we can opt to antagonize it's flow.

3. Physical Activity Isn't the Only Action

Another concept of wu wei includes quieting the ever-busy mind. Also if we aren't 'doing' anything physically, commonly our minds are busier than ever before. Wu wei implies that we not just quiet the body and also its activities, yet that we aim to quiet the mind. Otherwise, we will certainly have no idea if we remain in Universal circulation, or just acting 'hectic' from the demands of the 'vanity,' we so obsessively straighten ourselves with.

Even with our reflection practice, we are encouraged not to 'attempt also hard.' Perhaps you've seen a mind game that has been installed at numerous museums around the United States. 2 individuals rest across from each other, as well as affix headbands furnished with electrodes to themselves. In between the players are a group of rounds that could only be removaled with the brain's waves, determined as electromagnetic currents with the headband. If a player preserves a state of kicked back tranquility, basically a combination of alpha and also theta waves generated by the brain when it's loosened up, then a ball relocates up a tube and is placed in a container. The gamer with one of the most 'spheres,' wins after a specific amount of time commences. Those who try too hard, stop working, as do those that do not try hard sufficient. The mix of alpha and also theta waves produced by a wu wei mind is exactly what wins the video game every time.

Lao Tzu recommends that we must be silent and careful, discovering how to pay attention to both our own inner guides and also to the voices of our environment in a non-interfering, receptive fashion. This requires a calmness, but astute mind.

4. Being at One with the Tao Way Approving Change

A key principal in Taoism, as well as the technique of wu wei entails the realization that there is a ceaseless flow of change in nature. This adjustment is regulated by laws which are unalterable, and also rarely perceived other than by the most purposely evolved people. Battling these regulations of adjustment would certainly be a sisyphean task. Would certainly you attempt to quit the transforming of the period or the fluctuate of the sunlight to the perspective? Once you observe this flow of adjustment in nature, you can use principles of wu wei to your personal change. Because you are a component as well as parcel of nature, you will certainly alter appropriately. Why not move keeping that adjustment instead of battle against it - perhaps you could also invite alter the following time it comes to your doorstep.

5. Real Wu Wei Includes Pointless Wandering

Zhuangzi describes a kind of remaining in the world that numerous of us have never taken into consideration. He calls it moving, or even more poetically 'purposeless wandering.' Many of our cultural worths frown upon this kind of being. If we have 'no function' we are often deemed pathological in the context of modern living. Yet, it would certainly be hard to preserve that our present values have promoted harmony as well as equilibrium, either environmentally or for each individual.

In Zhuangzi's Basic Writings, he mentions, "you can use the example of an artist or artisan. The experienced woodcarver, the experienced swimmer ... does not consider or ratiocinate on the strategy he need to take, his skill has become so a lot a part of him that he simply acts instinctively and automatically, without knowing why, and also attains success." He additionally defines an informed person as being one who strays via creation appreciating its thrills without ever before becoming attached to any kind of one part of it.

#daily meditation #meditating #meditation #what is meditation

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andrewmissaca-blog · 5 years ago

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Millionaire Dating Talk: The Signs Of Attraction, Part 1

While dating in person usually commences with physical attraction, dating online or pen pal romance often starts off with the echo of people. When the appearance and thoughts are available in harmony, we fall for each other and possess a happy coming to an end. Your heart was pounding when you saw the smiles to be with her eyelashes. Maybe you have a sleepless night seeing his e-mail messages. Whether you find your date online or in person, others end lets start on a soul mates or a broken core. Pen pal romance or online dating wouldn't change how both women and men love, it changes during how they fall in love.

You will discover that lots Verified Millionaire Dating Sites that give you the liberty to express yourself a good words. Don't attempt to obstruct the procedure by cursing or adding derogatory terms in your profile the total amount may be offensive specific people and it may possess a negative result on your ideal partner.

First, there's your Poise. So yes, those lessons in elementary school do completely pay down. Remember all those times in elementary school when the teacher made you walk around with books regarding your head? Well, better remember those good times because indeed, you can and you should, the idea to your benefit in your date. Walk straight, don't slouch. Slouching is not a good body language signal while it shows insecurity, so therefore, stand tall and really. But don't stand too tight. When you are conversing with him, lean forward guaranteeing that he would know that you possess an interest as to what he is saying.

When observe a certain middle aged Top Millionaire Dating Sites a girl typically youthful enough become his child, tongues will definitely wag. She is a gold digger.He's making use of his dominance and cash to desire a kid again by seeing a fresh woman. The truth is perhaps close, though not quite as bad. No bevy of advertisements popping on your face every matter of moments. I find pop-up advertisements quite bothersome. Not only consider bankruptcy ? interrupt my surfing, numerous of these are scams. Influenced by is superb the biggest advantages of pay website pages.

Going via a dinner date is like going through your Millionaire Match Dating Site Reviews routine. You need to prepare yourself. Plan your menu far in front of your date so you will not be flustered, thinking with the to serve on real day of your date. Chop, dice, and prep the maximum amount as can certainly. But make sure though how the ingredients may sliced and prepped ahead don't ruin. Of course, if you cook your meal, five hours a person decide to serve them, then should realize your dish would have died a natural death could you've let your date taste associated with.

You in order to completely groomed to look your ideally. Naturally, not all wealthy people feel that looking good is obligatory, but on the inside start creating a relationship,and in numerous social groups this is terribly important. But most likely, when meeting your millionaire match for the firs time, you would feel tongue-tied, nervous, and flustered. An absolutely reasonable emotion. But there's my tip for you: assume of it as meeting your millionaire match, because you'll then be vastly intimidated. Consider it as meeting an already-established friend. If you think of it that way, your mind has less anxiety to cope up with and also you would feel more at ease. Do not fuss about small details appreciate your hair, make-up, and clothes because believe me, this matters little if you are oozing with charm and confidence. To make sure in the head.

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donwheen40387-blog · 6 years ago

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Fifty Westerns From The 50s.

The Giornate del Movie theater Muto honours the half a century existence of The March's Gone By. British movie chronicler Kevin Brownlow's traditional narrative history survey was actually first published in 1968. Coming from February 2013 to February 2014, Duke stated, 2 abusers not taking Suboxone stopped the detoxing plan versus staff suggestions due to the fact that they couldn't manage their withdrawal signs and also fatally overdosed within days. On a common prototyping panel you ought to have space to fasten the DS1307 clock, crystal, electric battery, buttons and the IDC outlet for the display bow cord. Consulting and software application solutions business. Thanks to all that made a special effort to join our company on today's walk along the Sefton Shore despite the disruption to educate solutions. Join our company on the next Ribble Valley Rambler Walk on Sunday, January 14th. These consist of Wellness pub (generic), Wellness bar (universal, solid), Wellness club (generic, class colored) and also Wellness bar (universal, incline). I like to have my labels lesson colored as my health pubs are sound. Similarly if you find your warm buttons bleeding by means of your bags, readjust the framework stata of your panels. I presume where we would certainly make the effort to show how lengthy that could actually take place in the real world, I think folks will be actually tired stiff," he stated. This year's DalesRail time commences this Sunday, May 21st along with a complete programme of guided strolls - see for particulars of schedule, prices and strolls. Yes you can configure a button to do that, another technique is to make use of the 2x2 switch (similar to the E-M1 & E-M5 Score II). A strike on Northern Trains is actually prepared for Sunday, April 8th - the time of our upcoming Rail Rambler therefore enjoy this space for further headlines in order to whether our strolls are actually called off. For detoxing abusers without accessibility to Suboxone, Droege House uses simply click the following internet page Big Publication and various NA or even Double A conferences per day in its own little bar. There are only way too many factors to state about this E-M1 Result II, and so several example photos I desire to discuss right here. You may desire the cooking timer off completely which you can do under Options-Colors-HoTs if you're presenting little bit of colour cartons. I may find that if I had electrical wiring or even some concerns illustration wont job thus I know that all my cords are connected accurately as well as time clock is turning up on the display screen, the problem is like along with Tiny RTC, time will not come (get_time()) and also nothing acquires stashed on DS1307. Satisfy look at this web site regarding the Traveling Plans for every Rail Rambler Stroll to guarantee around time relevant information. Some of the best preferred inquiries about E-M1 Score II is actually absolutely the abilities in low light capturing with high ISO make use of. Late last year, we fine-tuned our programs tactic which included playing additional 2D variations of films domestically and also extra regional language runaway success in China, and also we are actually urged due to the very early end results at package office.

Your aim at bar is actually not filteringed system through default and also is presented in addition to your emphasis and also private tanks in private tanks door. Meenakshi Sheshadri, in a task of a life time, imitates certainly never before.

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joshuamagno · 6 years ago

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Taking Your Sales Performance Up-a-Notch

By Dave Kahle

“Selling is more difficult now that it was just a couple of years ago.” Most of the participants in my sales seminars nod solemnly when I make that statement. And then they begin to fidget in their seats when I follow that up with this: “And it will be more difficult next year than it is today.” They become really uncomfortable when I extend that idea: “And it will be increasingly more difficult every year thereafter.”

That’s a sobering truth that we don’t like to face. Yet, just a little bit of reflection will convince us of the likelihood of that statement holding true. Aren’t the products and services you sell growing more complex and sophisticated all the time? Aren’t the demands of your customers growing more complex also? Aren’t the processes that you use to do your job effectively growing more intricate every year? Isn’t competition growing more challenging every year? Isn’t your company changing rapidly, and expecting you to be a part of those changes?

Now, ask yourself one more question. What’s the likelihood that one day in the near future all of these trends will stop on a dime and everything will become simpler?

You know the answer. The job of the field sales person will continue to grow more complex, more challenging and more difficult for the foreseeable future.

So what does that mean to you? It means that you will need to continually change and adapt constantly. It means that you will need to become proficient at learning new things and improving yourself. It means that, from this point on, you will have two jobs:

1. Doing your job 2. Constantly changing and improving yourself.

At first this seems unfair. There was a time, not so long ago, that a field sales person could pay his/her dues, put in a strenuous few years, and then begin to coast as you leveraged the relationships you created and the product knowledge you gained. Those days are gone. In their place is the time compressed, stress laden, constantly changing atmosphere we currently inhabit.

It may seem unfair. You may have been born a few years too late. But, really, it’s not so different than other components of our economy. Aren’t manufacturers expected to constantly improve their products, and every now and then bring out a breakthrough new technology? Isn’t your company continually improving its processes? Aren’t your suppliers constantly bringing you ideas and services? Don’t your customers strive to continually improve their businesses and their processes?

So why should field sales people be any different? They’re not. Welcome to the 21st Century. Welcome to the world of two jobs.

What does all this mean to you? It means that you have to work as diligently at improving yourself as you do at selling and serving your customers. It means that you have to invest time and money in your other job. It means you need to become serious about taking your performance up a notch — to the next level.

Where to start?

I like to compare this job of continually improving yourself as being like golf. Everyone can golf. I know that, because I have done it a couple of times. Eventually I put the ball in that hole. So, I, like millions of other people, can golf. But I can’t golf very well. That takes some effort.

If someone were to say to me that, by this time next year, I must be able to make my living golfing, I’d suddenly become very serious about it. I’d find the best golf coach I could find and arrange a whole series of lessons. I’d invest money in the best clubs I could get. I’d spend hours every day practicing. I’d invest major amounts of time and money in improving my golf skills.

Continuous improvement in selling is like that. For the rest of your working life, you’re going to make your living, at least in part, by continually improving yourself. And, while everyone can do it, not everyone can do it well. Those people who learn to improve themselves well to grow faster and better than their colleagues, will be those sales people who will enjoy increasing income, more fulfillment, opportunities for greater challenge, and a satisfying personal life. It’s like golf. If you want to become better at it, you’ll invest time and money in improving your game. Here are some ideas to help you along.

Start with a commitment of time and money.

Begin by accepting the idea that constant improvement is now part of your job, and make a decision to take it seriously, to invest time and money every week in the process. Remember, it’s like golf. To get good at golf, you’d invest time and money. To become proficient at continuous improvement, you need to invest time and money also.

Focus on best practices.

I recently received a phone call from VP of Sales who said he was looking for the latest, new state-of-the-art selling techniques. I replied that he wasn’t going to find much of that. Almost all the behaviors of highly successful sales people are the same as they were a hundred years ago. The applications are more sophisticated, but the core behaviors are the same. Sales is still about creating relationships, understanding the customer, matching your product/service to the customer’s needs, negotiating next steps, leveraging satisfaction, planning and preparing properly.

There is no magic to selling, and there are no secrets. Those are just enticing words designed to sell the latest sales book. Instead of magic and secrets, there are best practices and core competencies.

Every profession in the world has evolved a body of knowledge about how to effectively practice in that professional. That body of knowledge is generally available to all the practitioners of that profession, and becomes the standard by which professionals in that field are judged.

Every time I get on an airplane, I’m comfortable in the knowledge that my pilot has learned the best way to fly this plane, and it doesn’t much matter who the pilot is, everyone of them has been trained in the best practices.

When I review the financial statements my accountant has prepared, I’m confident that those statements reflect her disciplined use of best accounting practices, and that every other accountant would recognize them.

When I go in to see my doctor for my annual physical exam, I’m confident that he is using the best practices of his profession. That if I went to another doctor, because there is a recognized way to do this, the process and the results will be very similar.

And so it is for every profession. It’s the way the world progresses. We build on the wisdom and experience of those who have gone before us. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel when it has already been around for generations.

Why is it, then, that we think that every sales person has his own way of selling and that is OK? Why is it, then, that we think sales people should learn by trial and error, on the job? Would you expect your pilot, doctor, or accountant to figure it out for themselves? Are there any self-taught professional golfers out there?

There are best practices for the job of field sales person. If you are going to continually improve, you need to study those practices.

It’s what you do, not what you know.

Occasionally I come across a sales person who says something to the effect of this: “I knew all that.” Too bad, he/she missed the point.

The point is, continuous improvement is all about what you do, not just what you know. In other words, once you understand the best practices, you need to incorporate them into your routines. It is not enough just to know, you must do. Life is not about academics, and we don’t get paid for what we know. We get paid for the results we bring as a result of the actions we take.

If you are going to grow, you need to be constantly prodded to put into action those things that you already know. Most human beings, left to themselves, would rather watch TV and goof off than do the hard work of continually improving themselves.

Back to our golf analogy. I know how to grip the golf club, I know how to set up the shot, and I know how to swing correctly. But I very rarely do it! My problem isn’t what I know; it’s what I do.

So it is with sales people. Ultimately, continuous improvement is about what you do. It’s one thing to know something, it’s another to consistently put that knowledge into action.

I recall Isaiah Thomas, the superstar guard for the Detroit Pistons during their Bad Boy days. Isaiah had a new home built with an enclosed mini-basketball court. Why? So he could practice foul shots in his off time. Isaiah knew how to shoot. He had practiced that shot tens of thousands of times. But he was not as good at it as he could be, so he continued to practice.

How about you? Do you know it all? Or are you, like Isaiah, dedicated to continuously improving what you do?

About the Author

Dave Kahle is one of the world’s leading sales authorities. He’s written twelve books, presented in 47 states and eleven countries, and has helped enrich tens of thousands of sales people and transform hundreds of sales organizations. Sign up for his free weekly Ezine. His book, How to Sell Anything to Anyone Anytime, has been recognized by three international entities as “one of the five best English language business books.” Check out his latest book, The Good Book on Business.

Source: http://www.commence.com/blog/2018/07/11/taking-your-sales-performance-up-notch/

from Commence CRM https://commencecrm1.wordpress.com/2018/07/11/taking-your-sales-performance-up-a-notch/

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