#this is a. unprecedented and b. depressing

[meatmensch]

when people propose muppet versions of stories where miss piggy plays the leading lady and a human plays her love interest...you understand so little 😭😭😭

[ausetkmt]

An exodus of Black women in academia hurts the workforce

The burden that Black people, particularly women, in academia carry is rarely recognized by the outside world.

But just weeks into 2024, it’s made national news. First, it was the resignation of former Harvard President Claudine Gay after a prolonged public campaign of harassment that culminated with plagiarism allegations. Now it’s the suicide of Lincoln University’s vice president of student affairs, Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey, who alleged she was “intentionally harassed and bullied” by Lincoln University President John B. Moseley after disclosing her mental health struggles.

To be sure, Gay created some of her own problems with her legalistic congressional testimony on antisemitism, which was roundly critiqued. The plagiarism allegations, which she’s addressed, also hurt her. But we would be remiss if we discounted the extent to which racist and sexist undertones, rooted in antagonism of what her appointment represented, played a role.

The public experiences of Gay and Candia-Bailey have compelled other Black Americans in higher education to share their own stories. Take a scroll through social media, and you’ll see Ph.D. candidates and graduates sharing stories of feeling depressed, being passed up for tenure, and leaving programs because they were mistreated.

It’s no wonder why only about 6% of all faculty in colleges and universities are Black (it gets lower as you go up the ladder). And it’s no wonder the number hasn’t moved much since the early 1980s, when it was 4.2%. Black faculty navigate the typical academic hurdles and many invisible yet consequential ones, such as managing implicit and explicit messages about their belonging and bearing a disproportionate responsibility for supporting students of color. Add unprecedented levels of public scrutiny to the already high invisible costs of leadership, and as Zaire Z. Dinzey-Flores notes, “This is how Black women leaders do not survive.”

As businesses reconsider their commitment to diversity and look to colleges and universities as partners to develop and recruit diverse talent, these troubling trends jeopardize their aims.

Not only does seeing Black leaders on campuses affirm that Black students belong and are a source of inspiration for what they can aspire to. But for White and non-Black students of color, it helps counter the default belief that leadership can only be synonymous with whiteness. This is a subtle impression, of course, but an important one. College plays an outsize role in educating and mentoring the next generations of the workforce and shapes their workplace expectations.

And since many US students have never had a Black teacher — much less a principal — throughout elementary and high school, encountering them as leaders in higher education is an opportunity to challenge unconscious biases with exposure. Yet our paucity of Black leaders at present inhibits this aim, and we risk a new generation of leaders witnessing this moment and sitting leadership out.

We must figure out how to attract and keep Black leaders in academia. A good place to start is acknowledging that the adage, Black people work twice as hard to be recognized half as much, is not from a bygone era. Sexism, for Black women, and racism have kept that expectation alive and, unfortunately, well. If you need proof, I’d start by considering how many reports you’ve seen in recent years that still include “the first Black woman to…”

But recognizing the uneven playing field without actively working to level it is, to borrow loosely from biblical scripture, faith without works. After organizations shed a race- and gender-blind approach to a gender- and race-specific reality, they must be prepared to offer support and guidance to ensure the success of the candidates they recruit.

When it comes to bringing Black women into predominantly and traditionally White male spaces, this means anticipating challenges that may stem from the change and not treating biased attacks as an opportunity for them to demonstrate that they can do their job.

If not, in addition to Gay and Candia-Bailey, we’ll have more stories like Lesley Lokko, who called her decision to step down as dean of the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture at City College of New York “a profound act of self-preservation.”

In a public resignation letter, Lokko, who came from teaching in South Africa, wrote, “The lack of respect and empathy for Black people, especially Black women, caught me off guard, although it’s by no means unique to Spitzer.”

She left after only 10 months in 2020. Candia-Bailey’s passing was eight months into her role. Gay stepped down as Harvard’s president after six months — the shortest tenure in the university’s history.

But simply focusing on those who did not thrive in their roles would miss another crisis surrounding Black women’s leadership. Last year, JoAnne A. Epps of Temple University and Orinthia T. Montague of Volunteer State Community College died while in their roles. While their devastating deaths weren’t officially linked to the stress of their jobs, the untimeliness of their passing sparked conversations about the high cost of success.

If we want to turn the tide, we can no longer stand by and watch Black women suffer in silence — at the cost of their own well-being. We must acknowledge the load they bear and provide meaningful support to manage it. If we do not, an exodus of Black leaders is coming, and that will shape the lives of students — and, by default, our future workforce.

[ongolecharles]

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS (DSR) 📚 Group, Sat Nov 23rd, 2024 ... Saturday of The Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time, Year B

Reading

--------

Rv 11:4-12

I, John, heard a voice from heaven speak to me:

Here are my two witnesses:

These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands

that stand before the Lord of the earth.

If anyone wants to harm them, fire comes out of their mouths

and devours their enemies.

In this way, anyone wanting to harm them is sure to be slain.

They have the power to close up the sky

so that no rain can fall during the time of their prophesying.

They also have power to turn water into blood

and to afflict the earth with any plague as often as they wish.

When they have finished their testimony,

the beast that comes up from the abyss

will wage war against them and conquer them and kill them.

Their corpses will lie in the main street of the great city,

which has the symbolic names “Sodom” and “Egypt,”

where indeed their Lord was crucified.

Those from every people, tribe, tongue, and nation

will gaze on their corpses for three and a half days,

and they will not allow their corpses to be buried.

The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them

and be glad and exchange gifts

because these two prophets tormented the inhabitants of the earth.

But after the three and a half days,

a breath of life from God entered them.

When they stood on their feet, great fear fell on those who saw them.

Then they heard a loud voice from heaven say to them, “Come up here.”

So they went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies looked on.

Responsorial Psalm

--------------

Psalm 144:1, 2, 9-10

R.    (1b) Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

Blessed be the LORD, my rock,

who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war.

R.    Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

My mercy and my fortress,

my stronghold, my deliverer,

My shield, in whom I trust,

who subdues my people under me.

R.    Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

O God, I will sing a new song to you;

with a ten stringed lyre I will chant your praise,

You who give victory to kings,

and deliver David, your servant from the evil sword.

R.    Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

 

Alleluia

----------

See 2 Tm 1:10

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death

and brought life to light through the Gospel.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

---------

Lk 20:27-40

Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection,

came forward and put this question to Jesus, saying,

“Teacher, Moses wrote for us,

If someone’s brother dies leaving a wife but no child,

his brother must take the wife

and raise up descendants for his brother.

Now there were seven brothers;

the first married a woman but died childless.

Then the second and the third married her,

and likewise all the seven died childless.

Finally the woman also died.

Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be?

For all seven had been married to her.”

Jesus said to them,

“The children of this age marry and remarry;

but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age

and to the resurrection of the dead

neither marry nor are given in marriage.

They can no longer die,

for they are like angels;

and they are the children of God

because they are the ones who will rise.

That the dead will rise

even Moses made known in the passage about the bush,

when he called  ‘Lord’

the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob;

and he is not God of the dead, but of the living,

for to him all are alive.”

Some of the scribes said in reply,

“Teacher, you have answered well.”

And they no longer dared to ask him anything.

***

FOCUS AND LITURGY OF THE WORD

As we approach the end of the liturgical year, the lectionary is getting darker. This may also fit the mood of our world right now, trapped as we are between a growing environmental crisis, atrocious regional wars, record numbers of displaced migrants and refugees, unprecedented levels of loneliness and depression, and deep political polarization. John’s symbolic “Sodom” and “Egypt” often seem like they are winning, whether in the late first century or the early twenty-first.

Nor do today’s readings offer an easy way out of this cosmic predicament. Whatever their mighty powers, the two martyrs of Revelation 11 are no match for the beast, their bodies left to rot in the open streets. The Sadducees’ testing of Jesus relays a story notable for its callousness toward both infertility and women’s dignity; the wife in this narrative seems like a male pawn in a legalistic game of Pentateuch proof-texting.

The sobering hope of today’s readings is that although death seems to reign supreme in this world, this is not the final chapter in God’s cosmic story of redemption. Resurrection rushes in as God breathes new life into the two prophets of Revelation. Those who attain to the coming age, as Jesus teaches, “can no longer die,” living eternally as children of the God of life. The book of life seems to end in a maelstrom of injustice, violence, and death. But there is a postscript.

Archbishop Christophe Munzihirwa S.J. served as Archbishop of Bukavu in eastern Congo between 1994 and 1996. He urged his people to welcome 650,000 refugees who fled across the border and into his diocese after the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Describing the bishop’s role as that of a “watchman,” he called out government corruption and violence on both the Congolese and Rwandan sides of his volatile border region. And he ultimately paid the highest price for his outspoken witness, assassinated in Bukavu during the early days of a Rwandan-backed invasion in October 1996. Like Revelation’s “two prophets,” his body was left to rot in the streets until friends recovered it the next day.3+6+ Munzihirwa’s story seems to end in defeat and destruction. Yet viewed through a paschal lens, his death is not the final word, nor is the cause he died for cast into oblivion. As he wrote in his own paschal meditation, “Despite the anguish and suffering, the Christian who is persecuted for the cause of justice finds spiritual peace in his profound and total commitment to God, in accord with the vocation which may lead him to death, with the desire and hope that his enemies will one day be converted to the love of all men. He dies therefore desiring and expecting human reconciliation.” Notwithstanding the maelstroms that mark our lives and our world, may we continue to live into such resurrection hope.  

Quoted in John Kiess and Christophe Munzihirwa, Our Greatest Weapon is Love (Cascade, 2024), 25.

***

SAINT OF THE DAY

Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro

(January 13, 1891 – November 23, 1927)

Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro’s Story

“¡Viva Cristo Rey!”—Long live Christ the King!—were the last words Pro uttered before he was executed for being a Catholic priest and serving his flock.

Born into a prosperous, devout family in Guadalupe de Zacatecas, Mexico, Miguel entered the Jesuits in 1911, but three years later fled to Granada, Spain, because of religious persecution in Mexico. He was ordained in Belgium in 1925.

Father Pro immediately returned to Mexico, where he served a Church forced to go “underground.” He celebrated the Eucharist clandestinely and ministered the other sacraments to small groups of Catholics.

He and his brother Roberto were arrested on trumped-up charges of attempting to assassinate Mexico’s president. Roberto was spared, but Miguel was sentenced to face a firing squad on November 23, 1927. His funeral became a public demonstration of faith. Miguel Pro was beatified in 1988.

Reflection

----------

When Fr. Miguel Pro was executed in 1927, no one could have predicted that 52 years later the bishop of Rome would visit Mexico, be welcomed by its president, and celebrate open-air Masses before thousands of people. Pope John Paul II made additional trips to Mexico in 1990, 1993, 1999, and 2002. Those who outlawed the Catholic Church in Mexico did not count on the deeply rooted faith of its people, and the willingness of many of them, like Miguel Pro, to die as martyrs.

***

【Build your Faith in Christ Jesus on #dailyscripturereadingsgroup 📚: +256 751 540 524 .. Whatsapp】

[auroroboros1]

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE 1000 DEFENSE PENTAGON WASHINGTON , DC 20301 - 1000 JANUARY 2021 CLASSIFIED: TOP SECRET - NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE SUBJECT: RUSSIAN RESPONSE TO SENATE DECISION In the immediate aftermath of this Senate’s actions regarding A Bill to C.A.P.T.C.H.A. (Create a Procedure to Combat Hacker Attacks), the group of hackers responsible for the 2020 hackings have threatened to expose the classified secrets of the US Government, American businesses, and the financial and personal information of at least 100 million American citizens. While the Russian government has denied any culpability for such threats, the threats have been credibly traced by the Central Intelligence Agency to “Fancy Bear” and “Cozy Bear,” the two hacking groups under the oversight of the GRU, Russia’s intelligence service. The hackers have made the following demands in exchange for not exposing the aforementioned information:

Nullify the results of the 2020 presidential election, and inaugurate President Trump for a second term in office;

Withdraw all American troops from Central and Eastern Europe, and the Middle East;

Remove all sanctions on Russia and Russian officials, and allow American businesses free rein to conduct business in Russia. Simultaneously, multiple developments have occurred. The Pentagon has lost contact with American forces and command structures in Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East. USCENTCOM and USEUCOM databases are offline, as is the White House-Kremlin hotline. Panic has erupted across the nation as Americans grow increasingly frightened of their personal and financial information, including Social Security numbers and bank routing numbers being compromised. It is feared that the American people will begin to withdraw their money from the banks if this threat persists. A depression unprecedented in scale is possible: the Dow has dropped by 2400.18 points, and the Dollar has fallen 16.2% against the Euro, Yen, Pound Sterling, and Renminbi. In response to the economic panic, the Federal Reserve has lowered interest rates into negative territory, and the FDIC is preparing to seize local and regional banks to protect Americans’ deposits. Riots have broken out in several cities, with supporters of the President taking to the streets and people raiding groceries and wholesale stores, oftentimes violently. Governors of all 50 states have mobilized their National Guards. In response to Russia’s demands, the Department of Defense has urged this Congress to pass legislation containing either offensive or defensive strategies. Senators will advocate for one of the two pieces of legislation introduced, keeping in mind the demands Russia has made to the United States. It is crucial Congress makes a calculated decision to protect the fate of this nation. A Bill to J.O.R.D.A.N (Justifiably Oppose Russia’s Devilish Aggression with Nuance) BE IT ENACTED BY THE CONGRESS HERE ASSEMBLED THAT: SECTION 1. A. The United States shall indefinitely push back the Presidential Inauguration. B. Sanctions on Russian military officials shall be temporarily lifted. C. The United States shall call upon an emergency session of NATO. D. The United States shall take steps towards strengthening our power grid against cyber-attacks. E. Should Russia continue to commit aggressive and hostile actions against the United States, American intelligence shall publicly release the identities and locations of all known Russian secret assets worldwide. SECTION 2. A. Steps towards strengthening our power grid include investments in stronger security systems and consulting with the Department of Energy to create a plan to make them less vulnerable to cyber-attacks. SECTION 3. The Department of Defense, Treasury Department, State Department, and Department of Energy shall be responsible for the implementation of this legislation. SECTION 4. This legislation shall go into effect immediately upon passage. SECTION 5. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void. Introduced for Congressional Debate by The Sunvitational Security Force A Bill to L.E.B.R.O.N (Limit Enemy Belligerence through Responses Offensive in Nature) BE IT ENACTED BY THE CONGRESS HERE ASSEMBLED THAT: SECTION 1. A. The United States shall bolster sanctions on Russia and Russian officials. B. The United States Air Force shall conduct patrols and overt operations off of the Russian coast. C. The Fifth Fleet shall be mobilized. The Seventh Fleet shall conduct patrols near Russian waters. D. The State Department shall recall the U.S. ambassador to Russia. SECTION 2. A. Sanctions shall include economic sanctions and targeted sanctions against Russia’s military officials and agencies. B. Overt operations will be at the jurisdiction of the Department Defense. SECTION 3. The Department of Defense, the Treasury Department, and the State Department shall be in charge of implementation. SECTION 4. This legislation shall go into effect immediately upon passage. SECTION 5. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void. Introduced for Congressional Debate by the Sunvitational Security Force

[sofiacarsonusa]

Rejuvenate Your Health: IV Nutrition Therapy for Long-Term COVID Effects

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has faced unprecedented challenges, both in terms of public health and individual well-being. While much attention has been focused on the acute symptoms and immediate effects of the virus, there is a growing recognition of the long-term impact it can have on health, even after recovery. Many individuals continue to experience lingering symptoms, commonly referred to as "long COVID," which can include fatigue, brain fog, muscle weakness, and more. As we navigate through this new medical landscape, exploring innovative treatments becomes crucial, and one promising avenue is IV nutrition therapy.

Understanding Long-Term COVID Effects

Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), presents a complex array of symptoms that can persist for weeks or even months after the acute phase of the illness has passed. While the exact mechanisms behind these lingering symptoms are still under investigation, it is believed that a combination of factors, including immune dysregulation, inflammation, and tissue damage, may play a role.

Common symptoms of long COVID can vary widely among individuals but often include:

Persistent fatigue

Cognitive dysfunction (brain fog)

Shortness of breath

Muscle weakness and joint pain

Sleep disturbances

Anxiety and depression

These symptoms can significantly impact quality of life, making it challenging for individuals to resume their normal activities and function optimally in their daily lives.

The Role of IV Nutrition Therapy

IV nutrition therapy, also known as intravenous micronutrient therapy or vitamin IV therapy, involves the administration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream via an intravenous infusion. This delivery method allows for maximum absorption and bypasses the digestive system, ensuring that nutrients are readily available for cellular use.

For individuals struggling with the long-term effects of COVID-19, IV nutrition therapy offers several potential benefits:

Replenishing Nutrient Deficiencies: Illness, stress, and poor dietary habits can deplete the body's stores of essential nutrients, exacerbating symptoms and impairing recovery. IV nutrition therapy can help replenish these deficiencies more efficiently than oral supplements, providing a boost to overall health and well-being.

Supporting Immune Function: A robust immune system is essential for fighting off infections and promoting healing. IV therapy can deliver high doses of immune-boosting vitamins such as vitamin C, zinc, and glutathione, helping to strengthen the body's defenses against recurring illness and inflammation.

Reducing Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a hallmark feature of many long COVID symptoms and can contribute to tissue damage and persistent discomfort. Certain nutrients, such as vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids, possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate inflammation throughout the body.

Improving Energy Levels and Mental Clarity: Fatigue and cognitive dysfunction are common complaints among long COVID patients. IV therapy can provide a rapid infusion of energizing nutrients like B vitamins and magnesium, helping to boost energy levels, enhance mental clarity, and combat brain fog.

Promoting Tissue Repair and Recovery: The body requires an adequate supply of nutrients to repair damaged tissues and support the regeneration of cells. IV therapy can deliver essential building blocks such as amino acids, collagen, and vitamins A and E, facilitating the healing process and promoting faster recovery from illness.

Integrating IV Nutrition Therapy into Long COVID Management

While IV nutrition therapy shows promise as a supportive treatment for long-term COVID effects, it is essential to approach its use as part of a comprehensive care plan tailored to the individual needs of each patient. This may include:

Comprehensive Medical Evaluation: Before initiating IV therapy, patients should undergo a thorough medical assessment to evaluate their overall health status, identify specific nutrient deficiencies, and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Collaborative Care Team: Long COVID management often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving various healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians, specialists, nutritionists, and integrative medicine practitioners. Working collaboratively, these experts can develop a personalized treatment strategy that addresses the unique needs of each patient.

Lifestyle Modifications: In addition to IV therapy, patients may benefit from making lifestyle modifications to support their recovery, such as adopting a nutritious diet, engaging in regular exercise, managing stress levels, and prioritizing adequate sleep.

Regular Monitoring and Follow-Up: Monitoring patients' progress and adjusting treatment as needed is essential for optimizing outcomes and ensuring safety. Regular follow-up appointments allow healthcare providers to track changes in symptoms, assess the effectiveness of therapy, and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Conclusion

As we continue to grapple with the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring innovative approaches to treatment is paramount. IV nutrition therapy offers a promising avenue for addressing the persistent symptoms associated with long COVID, providing essential nutrients directly to the body's cells and supporting overall health and well-being. By integrating IV therapy into a comprehensive care plan tailored to each patient's needs, healthcare providers can help individuals reclaim their vitality and rejuvenate their health in the face of ongoing challenges.

At Patients Medical, we recognize the importance of holistic and personalized care in managing long-term COVID effects. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals is committed to providing comprehensive support and innovative treatment options to help patients navigate their recovery journey with confidence and resilience.

If you or a loved one is struggling with the lingering symptoms of COVID-19, contact us today to learn more about how IV nutrition therapy and integrative medicine can support your path to healing and wellness.

[omkarpatel]

Brain Health Supplements Market is Estimated to Witness High Growth Owing to Increasing Prevalence of Age-Related Diseases

Brain health supplements include vitamins, herbs, and other compounds promoted to support cognitive function, promote neuron growth and protect against neurodegeneration. Key products are vitamins such as vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D and E and omega-3 fatty acids.

Market Dynamics:

The brain health supplements market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period, driven by increasing prevalence of age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia. As per a report by the World Health Organization, around 55 million people globally were living with dementia in 2020 alone. By 2030, this number is projected to rise to 78 million as the population ages rapidly. As there is no cure for such conditions, demand for supplements aiming to support brain health, cognitive function and protect neurons is likely to increase substantially. Furthermore, growing consumer awareness about maintaining overall health and adopting preventive healthcare also contributes to market growth. However, lack of scientific clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of some herbal supplements may limit the market to some extent.

Brain Health Supplements Market Drivers

Increasing Aging Population Driving Demand for Cognitive Decline Support

As the average human lifespan increases globally due to advancements in medicine and standards of living, the population of elderly individuals is growing at an unprecedented rate. According to the United Nations, the number of people aged 60 years or over is expected to more than double by 2050 and reach nearly 2.1 billion people worldwide. Elderly individuals are more susceptible to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia. To support brain health and cognitive functions in old age, many are adopting brain health supplements as a preventive healthcare measure.

Rising Prevalence of Stress and Mental Health Issues Fueling Brain Performance Needs

Modern lifestyles with long working hours, information overload, economic uncertainties have made stress and feelings of anxiety quite common. According to the World Health Organization, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression globally. Long-term stress is linked to negative impacts on brain functions like memory, learning and decision making. Brain health supplements containing ingredients like vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids and botanical extracts are being consumed to help manage stress levels and support mental well-being.

Brain Health Supplements Market Restrain

Stringent Regulations for Product Claims and Ingredient Safety

Dietary supplements fall under a different regulatory framework than pharmaceutical drugs. However, various regulatory bodies have introduced stringent norms regarding the types of claims supplement brands can make about product effectiveness and ingredient safety. The FDA regularly monitors the supplement industry and takes corrective actions against false or misleading labels. Complying with periodic changes in regulations involves additional expenses for companies. It also limits the range of high-potency formulas they can develop and bring to the market. This regulatory scrutiny acts as a dampener for the overall market growth.

Brain Health Supplements Market Opportunity

Growth of Online Retailing and E-commerce Platforms

The evolution of e-commerce has provided a massive growth opportunity for all types of supplement brands to reach wider geographical customer bases. Various global online retailers have expanded their product portfolio to include brain health supplements. Through targeted digital marketing campaigns and consumer reviews/recommendations, online platforms help boost supplement awareness, credibility and sales. The convenience of home delivery offers added benefits to time-pressed consumers. Going forward, the rising internet and smartphone penetration worldwide will drive further growth in the online sales of brain health products.

Brain Health Supplements Market Trends

Increasing Focus on Natural and Plant-Based Ingredients

Consumers are demonstrating a strong preference for natural formulations with clinically validated botanical and plant-based ingredients over synthetic components. Industry research also indicates the safety and effectiveness of many plant extracts for brain health. This is leading to innovative product development focused on superfoods, adaptogens, nootropics and herbal combinations. For example, supplements containing Bacopa monnieri, Rhodiola rosea, Ginkgo biloba extract, turmeric and cogn booster blends. The trend underscores an important market shift towards preventive healthcare solutions sourced from nature.

Brain health supplements include vitamins, herbs, and other compounds promoted to support cognitive function, promote neuron growth and protect against neurodegeneration. Key products are vitamins such as vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D and E and omega-3 fatty acids.

Market Dynamics:

The brain health supplements market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period, driven by increasing prevalence of age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia. As per a report by the World Health Organization, around 55 million people globally were living with dementia in 2020 alone. By 2030, this number is projected to rise to 78 million as the population ages rapidly. As there is no cure for such conditions, demand for supplements aiming to support brain health, cognitive function and protect neurons is likely to increase substantially. Furthermore, growing consumer awareness about maintaining overall health and adopting preventive healthcare also contributes to market growth. However, lack of scientific clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of some herbal supplements may limit the market to some extent.

Brain Health Supplements Market Drivers

Increasing Aging Population Driving Demand for Cognitive Decline Support

As the average human lifespan increases globally due to advancements in medicine and standards of living, the population of elderly individuals is growing at an unprecedented rate. According to the United Nations, the number of people aged 60 years or over is expected to more than double by 2050 and reach nearly 2.1 billion people worldwide. Elderly individuals are more susceptible to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia. To support brain health and cognitive functions in old age, many are adopting brain health supplements as a preventive healthcare measure.

Rising Prevalence of Stress and Mental Health Issues Fueling Brain Performance Needs

Modern lifestyles with long working hours, information overload, economic uncertainties have made stress and feelings of anxiety quite common. According to the World Health Organization, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression globally. Long-term stress is linked to negative impacts on brain functions like memory, learning and decision making. Brain health supplements containing ingredients like vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids and botanical extracts are being consumed to help manage stress levels and support mental well-being.

Brain Health Supplements Market Restrain

Stringent Regulations for Product Claims and Ingredient Safety

Dietary supplements fall under a different regulatory framework than pharmaceutical drugs. However, various regulatory bodies have introduced stringent norms regarding the types of claims supplement brands can make about product effectiveness and ingredient safety. The FDA regularly monitors the supplement industry and takes corrective actions against false or misleading labels. Complying with periodic changes in regulations involves additional expenses for companies. It also limits the range of high-potency formulas they can develop and bring to the market. This regulatory scrutiny acts as a dampener for the overall market growth.

Brain Health Supplements Market Opportunity

Growth of Online Retailing and E-commerce Platforms

The evolution of e-commerce has provided a massive growth opportunity for all types of supplement brands to reach wider geographical customer bases. Various global online retailers have expanded their product portfolio to include brain health supplements. Through targeted digital marketing campaigns and consumer reviews/recommendations, online platforms help boost supplement awareness, credibility and sales. The convenience of home delivery offers added benefits to time-pressed consumers. Going forward, the rising internet and smartphone penetration worldwide will drive further growth in the online sales of brain health products.

Brain Health Supplements Market Trends

Increasing Focus on Natural and Plant-Based Ingredients

Consumers are demonstrating a strong preference for natural formulations with clinically validated botanical and plant-based ingredients over synthetic components. Industry research also indicates the safety and effectiveness of many plant extracts for brain health. This is leading to innovative product development focused on superfoods, adaptogens, nootropics and herbal combinations. For example, supplements containing Bacopa monnieri, Rhodiola rosea, Ginkgo biloba extract, turmeric and cogn booster blends. The trend underscores an important market shift towards preventive healthcare solutions sourced from nature.

[mindlibertas]

Albany Ketamine Infusions Pioneers a Path to Wellness

Albany Ketamine Infusions Pioneers a Path to Wellness

In an era marked by unprecedented advancements in medical science, Albany Ketamine Infusions stands at the forefront, spearheading a revolution in mental health treatment. As the stigma surrounding mental health gradually dissipates, innovative approaches are gaining traction, and one such groundbreaking method is ketamine infusion therapy.

Albany Ketamine Infusions, a trailblazer in the realm of mental health care, is redefining the landscape with its commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for individuals battling conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. Founded on the principles of compassion, efficacy, and patient-centric care, the clinic has swiftly become a beacon of hope for those seeking transformative alternatives to traditional treatments.

The foundation of Albany Ketamine Infusions rests on the remarkable properties of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic that has been used in medical settings for decades. However, recent research has unveiled its potential as a game-changer in mental health treatment. The clinic's approach involves administering carefully calibrated doses of ketamine via intravenous infusions, monitored by a team of experienced and compassionate healthcare professionals.

One of the distinguishing factors of Albany Ketamine Infusions is its personalized approach to each patient. Recognizing that mental health is a deeply individualized experience, the clinic tailors treatment plans to meet the unique needs of every individual. This patient-centric philosophy is reflected not only in the treatment protocols but also in the welcoming and supportive environment cultivated within the clinic's walls.

Ketamine infusion therapy has shown remarkable results, providing rapid relief for individuals who have struggled with treatment-resistant conditions. Unlike traditional antidepressants that may take weeks to produce effects, ketamine often induces positive changes within hours. The rapid onset of action has the potential to alleviate the intense suffering experienced by those in the throes of mental health crises.

Beyond its efficacy, Albany Ketamine Infusions places a strong emphasis on safety. The medical team adheres to rigorous protocols to ensure that each infusion is administered under the highest standards of care. Continuous monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan contribute to a safe and comfortable experience for patients.

The success stories emerging from Albany Ketamine Infusions paint a compelling picture of the impact of ketamine infusion therapy on people's lives. Individuals who have struggled for years with the burdens of depression and anxiety find a renewed sense of hope and vitality. The clinic's commitment to ongoing support extends beyond the treatment sessions, fostering a sense of community and connection among patients who share their journeys toward mental wellness.

Moreover, Albany Ketamine Infusions is actively involved in contributing to the evolving landscape of mental health research. The clinic collaborates with leading researchers and institutions to advance our understanding of ketamine's mechanisms of action and its potential applications. By participating in clinical trials and staying abreast of the latest scientific developments, the clinic positions itself as a pioneer in the ongoing exploration of novel treatment modalities.

As mental health gains prominence on the global stage, Albany Ketamine Infusions is dedicated to destigmatizing conversations around mental well-being. The clinic actively engages in outreach and education initiatives to raise awareness about mental health challenges and the transformative potential of ketamine infusion therapy. By fostering an open dialogue, the clinic aims to empower individuals to seek help without fear or judgment.

Albany Ketamine Infusions is not merely a treatment center; it is a beacon of innovation, compassion, and hope. As the demand for progressive mental health solutions continues to grow, the clinic remains at the forefront of the field, adapting and evolving to meet the changing needs of its community. In an era where mental health is rightfully taking center stage, Albany Ketamine Infusions stands as a testament to the possibilities that arise when cutting-edge science and compassionate care converge to transform lives.

[jahidur369]

 The result is that consumers’ shopping costs

In the early days, Taoke was essentially a distribution He Tuber channel for B2C shelf e-commerce in terms of rebates and shopping guides. Its fate was in the hands of the platform. It was doing the job of a traffic ant porter and did not bring any essence to the supply chain or demand side. Although in the mid-to-late period, Taoke Alliance players are transforming into self-operated e-commerce or tool service providers, they cannot solve the targeted pallet problem that private sector retail most needs.

The S2B2C model proposed by social e-commerce is a brave attempt to escape the control of Taobao, JD.com and other platforms, and starts from the private domain scenario to try to reverse supply chain optimization. Although unsuccessful, it took a step toward an independent closed-loop private retail business model.

Given these positive aspects, why did social e-commerce fail again?

The reason is actually simple. The traffic model is unsustainable. Simply put, the money calculation cannot be settled. Putting aside the policy aspect, even without policy supervision, the multi-level model of social e-commerce will not work, or it is destined to be unsustainable.

In fact, the designers of the multi-level model also know this very well, and the lifelong pipeline benefits advertised are impossible. The real idea of ​​the designer is to stop the high incentive policy after completing the new recruitment and transform to a stable model. Indeed, some platforms have settled smoothly. Similarly, it is not unclear to the participants. Those fission team leaders also know very well that the bonus period is limited.

In essence, retail is based on consumer demand, moving goods from the supply chain to the demand side. The lower the cost and the higher the efficiency of the intermediate links, the better. The result is that consumers’ shopping costs are economical and sustainable enough.

The multi-level incentives of social e-commerce are equivalent to the stacking of wholesale channels between the supply chain and consumers. The more layers there are, the higher the cost and the less sustainable it is. Especially if the scale cannot reach the break-even point, it is destined to suffer losses. In order to avoid cash flow being immobilized, multi-level social e-commerce is destined to adopt a pseudo-low price model or a partial or short-term subsidy model, which is destined to be unsustainable.

Although Pinduoduo is also classified as a social e-commerce company, its bottom layer is not a multi-level incentive model. Although it adopts a fission mechanism on the C-side, the actual rates are much lower than the multi-level direct sales model on the B-side. Moreover, Pinduoduo adopts bidding advertising logic, which forces merchants to cater to the platform’s low prices. The stability of this guarantees the stability of consumers’ minds.

Therefore, even if there is no policy supervision, social e-commerce that adopts a multi-level direct sales model will inevitably transform when it develops to a certain stage, otherwise it will only go bankrupt. Before the policy was introduced, some platforms experienced thunderstorms on their own, which also proves this point.

From 2017 to 2020, social e-commerce was booming, and after 2020, social e-commerce gradually began to enter a trough period. But it is not completely depressed. Some platforms have retained their core capabilities and are still making repeated attempts on some tracks, but they are more cautious and low-key. During this period, a big event happened, the COVID-19 epidemic.

The epidemic has changed all walks of life and lasted for a long time. In particular, the pressure on the retail industry has exceeded imagination.

2020 is known as the first year of the private domain, and enterprise WeChat takes the stage as the protagonist. Like Alibaba’s attitude towards DingTalk, Tencent has quickly elevated Enterprise WeChat to an unprecedented strategic level, with home office, remote collaboration, corporate management, and industry empowerment opening windows of opportunity for Enterprise WeChat. Enterprise WeChat, which was previously suppressed by DingTalk, has begun to develop its own characteristics, especially in the field of private retail.

In the past few years since the epidemic, offline retail formats have been under great pressure and customer flow has dropped sharply. In order to maintain sales operations, almost all offline retail formats use Enterprise WeChat for private domain operations of their own customers. Focusing on private domain operation scenarios, Tencent has also further accelerated the iteration of enterprise WeChat products, opened up the upper limit of the number of group members on Enterprise WeChat, and optimized customer management, group management, and data operations.

During this process, in order to achieve its strategic goal of helping enterprises and micro-enterprises develop, Tencent did not hesitate to use litigation to attack tool service providers in the field of personal WeChat. Platforms such as WeTool had to surrender and withdraw from the market to make way for corporate WeChat. Although the product experience of these third-party service providers is better than Enterprise WeChat in terms of distribution and other aspects. The freed-up enterprise users who want to operate WeChat private domains on a large scale can only turn to Qiwei.

From the nature of private retail, its main scene is on social platforms, especially the WeChat scene. Because of its decentralized and non-unified market characteristics, the infrastructure construction of private retail can only be undertaken by Tencent. Therefore, the rapid development of Qiwei after 2020 is actually a lesson that Tencent lacks in history.

Lao Zhang said before that the arrival of this opportunity is also related to Tencent's own strategic rhythm. Although Taobao has emerged in 2010, it has started to use QQ groups for private retail very early.

However, at that time, Tencent’s strategic focus was on 2C business, and it did not regard empowering the retail industry as its own responsibility. And during the years when it was trying to do e-commerce, which was the era of the Tencent empire, it repeatedly blocked and expelled Taobao customers. In the mid-to-late period, Tencent withdrew from self-operated e-commerce and began to take a laissez-faire approach to private retail infrastructure.

It was not until 2018 that Ma Huateng proposed an industrial Internet strategy and Tencent began a 2C+2B two-wheel drive development strategy. The retail industry, as an important scenario for 2B services, was officially mentioned in an important position.

In the retail track, in terms of specific empowerment content, payment, supply chain, technical computing, and marketing services for the retail industry are important directions. As an important carrier connecting users and enterprises, Enterprise WeChat has naturally been promoted to an important stage. Gradually extending from the positioning of internal management tools to 2C transaction connections.

The infrastructure construction of private sector retail needs to wait for the right time: the right time, the right location, and the right people.

Nowadays, when a black swan event like the epidemic strikes, retail business owners can first realize the importance of private retail operations and solve the most difficult problems of market awareness and resource investment willingness for Tencent.

The geographical advantage is to wait until Tencent completes the construction of payment capabilities and mini programs, especially in offline scenarios, to realize a closed loop of private domain retail transactions. As well as cooperation, Meituan and other cities have improved their instant delivery capabilities.

[kanov18]

**Instance 1: The Interplay of Economic Restructuring and Mental Health Across Generations

*Author: Mr. KWANO K.K

Date and Time: January 2, 2024*

ChatGPT

---

**Factors Affecting Mental Health of Children Born in the Period Discussed (1980 to 1990):**

a. **Anxiety:** Economic uncertainties, challenges in parental care, and disruptions in education during this period could contribute to heightened anxiety among children.

b. **HSAM (Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory):** While not directly linked to external factors discussed, the general stressors and societal changes could influence memory and cognitive functions.

c. **Eating Disorders:** Socioeconomic struggles, body image issues, and potential disruptions in family dynamics may contribute to the development of eating disorders in susceptible individuals.

d. **Depression:** Adverse economic conditions, limited access to quality education, and social disparities might contribute to higher rates of depression among this cohort.

e. **Sleep Disorders:** Stressors, economic instability, and potential disruptions in family life could impact the sleep patterns of children, leading to sleep disorders.

f. **Body Tension:** Economic challenges and societal stressors may contribute to heightened tension levels among children, affecting physical and mental well-being.

g. **Aggression:** Social and economic hardships could contribute to increased levels of frustration and aggression among children born during this period.

**Comparison to Mental Health State of Older Individuals (Ages 30 to 40) Born in 1980 to 1990:**

a. **Anxiety:** Older individuals may carry residual anxiety from the economic challenges and uncertainties they experienced during their upbringing.

b. **HSAM (Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory):** Cognitive functions, including memory, may be influenced by the stressors and events of their formative years.

c. **Eating Disorders:** Individuals in this age group may have faced the impact of societal norms and body image pressures during their adolescence, potentially influencing the development of eating disorders.

d. **Depression:** The economic hardships, global events, and social changes during their youth could contribute to ongoing mental health challenges, including depression.

e. **Sleep Disorders:** Patterns of disrupted sleep established during childhood could persist into adulthood, affecting the sleep quality of individuals in this age group.

f. **Body Tension:** The long-term impact of economic struggles and societal changes may contribute to persistent physical tension and stress among older individuals.

g. **Aggression:** Residual effects of societal stressors and potential challenges faced during childhood may influence the aggression levels of individuals in this age range.

---

**The Prevailing Economic Restructuring since 2019 and Possible Negative Mental Health Outcomes for Children Born within the Period (2019 to Date):**

The ongoing economic restructuring since 2019 has introduced unique challenges that could impact the mental health of children born in this period:

a. **Anxiety:** Economic uncertainties, exacerbated by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, could contribute to heightened anxiety levels among children.

b. **HSAM (Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory):** The unprecedented events and disruptions may shape cognitive functions, potentially influencing memory in ways yet to be fully understood.

c. **Eating Disorders:** Societal changes, increased reliance on social media, and altered family dynamics may contribute to the development of eating disorders in susceptible individuals.

d. **Depression:** Economic downturns, remote learning challenges, and the overall upheaval caused by the pandemic could contribute to higher rates of depression among this cohort.

e. **Sleep Disorders:** Disruptions in routine, increased screen time, and changes in family dynamics may impact the sleep patterns of children born during this period.

f. **Body Tension:** Economic uncertainties and societal changes may contribute to heightened physical tension and stress among children, affecting their overall well-being.

g. **Aggression:** The stressors associated with the economic impact of the pandemic and societal changes may contribute to increased levels of frustration and aggression among children born in this timeframe.

In navigating these challenges, understanding the intergenerational impact of economic restructuring on mental health is crucial for effective support and intervention. The complex web of economic, social, and global factors continues to shape the mental well-being of individuals across different age groups.

[myfscollective]

We're never lost if we can find each other

Facebook's ad titled "We're never lost if we can find each other," released on April 1, 2020, is all about connecting people and promoting the use of Facebook's platform to stay connected with loved ones. It features people from all over the world using Facebook's various features that, include Facebook posts and video calls to communicate and stay connected amidst the pandemic. The message is clear: no matter how far apart we are physically, we can still stay connected and find each other through Facebook. The advertisement aims to cater to individuals who are looking for ways to stay connected with their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ad targets people of all ages and backgrounds, which implies that Facebook is a platform that can be used by anyone regardless of age or location as well as individuals who are looking for ways to stay updated on the latest news and events. The products advertised to the target audience may not necessarily be good for them, as excessive use of social media platforms can have negative effects on one's mental health. However, the ad does not encourage the overuse of the platform and only encourages people to use it to stay connected with their loved ones. As observed, it does not show any indications or intentions of manipulation. Instead, it captures viewers' attention by using emotional storytelling and a relatable message. The ad shows how people from all over the world are using Facebook to stay connected during the pandemic, which is a relevant and relatable topic for many individuals during those times. According to a study by Abbas et al. (2021), social media usage has increased significantly during the pandemic, it was discovered by the researchers a significant increase on the use of social media was observed since the pandemic began. Another study published in the JMIR Publications in pediatrics and parenting, found that social media use can have positive effects on mental health, such as reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety (Vaingankar et al., 2022). With this in mind, the overuse of social media platforms can have negative effects on mental health, while the video advertisement promotes the use of Facebook as a platform to stay connected with loved ones during the pandemic. This advertisement serves as an effective tool for promoting social connectivity during unprecedented times due to its effectiveness in non-contact interactions.

References:

Abbas, J., Wang, D., Su, Z., & Ziapour, A. (2021). The role of social media in the advent of COVID-19 pandemic: Crisis management, mental health challenges and implications. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 2021(14), 1917–1932. https://www.dovepress.com/the-role-of-social-media-in-the-advent-of-covid-19-pandemic-crisis-man-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-RMHP

McGill, B. (2020, April 1). Facebook COVID-19 film delivers the message that “we’re never lost if we can find each other.” Branding in Asia Magazine. https://www.brandinginasia.com/facebook-covid-19-film-delivers-the-message-that-were-never-lost-if-we-can-find-each-other/

Vaingankar, J. A., Dam, R. M. van, Samari, E., Chang, S., Seow, E., Chua, Y. C., Luo, N., Verma, S., & Subramaniam, M. (2022). Social media–driven routes to positive mental health among youth: Qualitative enquiry and concept mapping study. JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting, 5(1), e32758. https://doi.org/10.2196/32758

[your-dearest-sunshine]

Ingo's Child Gets Sent to Hisui Alone

dear pls for the love of god let this be formatted right

cw: Heavy angst and depression

Ingo ▲

Your birth parents were casual friends of both Ingo and Emmet in school as all of them grew up in Anville town. They kept in touch here and there; but, like all things, their friendship faded with time. Ingo hadn’t thought of either of your parents in awhile.

That is, until, he catches wind of their passing.

It was a sudden workplace accident that had taken them both away. You were only 8 months old at the time. You never even got the chance to know, much less remember, your parents. The story was set up to be tragedy, with you orphaned and posed to go into foster care–well, not if Ingo can stop it.

It was a hard process for a single man, but Ingo eventually succeeded in adopting you. With his job, he knew he could support you and make you feel loved. Every child deserved that. You deserved that.

The first time he held you, he felt overwhelmed. How could he think he could ever do this? How could he ever be a father? But when you looked up at him with that silly, toothless smile, all doubts flitted away in the wind.

You grew up in Gear Station surrounded by the bustle of people, Pokémon, and trains. The Deerling your birth parents had raised for you never left your side, always trotting around your legs as you maneuvered through the platforms and through the cars.

As you got older, Ingo came to you first to let you know who your birth parents were and what they were like. He told you stories about them from when he, your parents, and Uncle Emmet were younger in Anville. Deerling always seemed to perk up when hearing Ingo speak about them.

While he was the one who told you first about your adoption, you always took the time to reassure all his doubts in raising you.

“I feel like you were meant to be with me, dad. I’m glad it’s you.”

Ingo wouldn’t consider himself to be an emotional person, so he took your affirmations the best he could.

So he bursted into tears.

How did he get so lucky? Having a child like you? What did he do to deserve you? How did he raise you so well?

When you were a little older than a toddler, Ingo moved into a separate apartment from Emmet to have more room for you (he was still in the next apartment over, so nothing really changed at all). 

Uncle Emmet helped you a lot growing up, he was a major staple in your life. But Ingo was a great father on his own.

While he established the rules he felt needed to exist, Ingo gave you the freedom you wanted and proved you deserved. Ingo trusted you wholeheartedly. How could he not?

You are the light of his life. He loves you so very much.

You were responsible, kind, and followed all the necessary safety checks when needed.

So…how did this happen, then?

How did he find himself staying at the station until midnight, not being home for your curfew at 10 like he said he would? How did he get so distracted with the upcoming maintenance that he didn’t even bother to message you how the movie went with your friends? How did he not register that you hadn’t even sent him one update message?

How did he walk home with Emmet so leisurely without a care in the world that something might be wrong? How did he part from his brother at their side-by-side doors and enter your apartment without even bothering to call out for you?

Ingo didn’t think twice about anything. You always came home on time, went to bed at a reasonable hour, and cleaned up after yourself. That’s why every light in the apartment is off, right? That’s why it’s so quiet in here–you must be sleeping.

But then Chandelure forced itself from Ingo’s pokéball, lavender flames swaying in the darkness. It sang one of its eerie songs and floated its way over to your door before using its abilities to turn your doorknob and made its way into your room. This was…uncharacteristic for Chandelure.

Ingo felt an unprecedented way of vertigo come over him.

“Chandelure, what are you doing? They’re trying to sleep.”

Ingo tried to whisper but his voice was naturally too loud. He stood in place. Something felt very wrong in his chest, like he couldn’t breathe correctly.

“Chandelure?”

No response.

He took a tentative step forward, the sound of his shoe on the wooden floor rang out in the silent apartment. Ingo felt he was suffocating.

He called your name. Still nothing.

Your room was filled with a bright blue and purple light, Chandelure’s song turning into cries and screeches. 

Ingo doesn’t think he’s ever run so fast in his life.

He entered your room to find Chandelure burning the brightest he’s ever seen, flames flickered in and out of control. The Pokémon’s face contorted into one of misery, tears evaporating off its surface before they could truly fall.

You’re not there.

It only took one sweep of Ingo’s eyes to realize that there was no sign of you ever entering the apartment. No spare key on the coffee table, no pair of shoes by the door, no coat on the coat rack, no Deerling anywhere.

Chandelure’s ghostly sobs caused Emmet to bust open the door, and Ingo’s ashen face and frantic searching of rooms caused him to call the police.

Your Deerling is found rather quickly, albeit halfway across Nimbasa. It was confused, tired, and terrified–like it had seen something it wasn’t supposed to see.

They don’t find you with it, however.

Your Missing Persons Report blows up online, and it seems everyone in Nimbasa, hell, everyone in Unova, is looking for you. Nobody succeeds.

Over time, the world reminds Ingo of the facts behind your absence. 

“Hey, Ingo, 94% of recovered children are found within 72 hours. Any sign of your child yet?”

“20 percent of the children in non-family abductions are not found alive. I hope they’re doing alright, if they’re even still out there.”

Shut up already–he knows.

He knows that every goddamn day you’re not found that the probability of you being found dead in a ditch goes higher and higher.

He knows that the likelihood of you coming back at this point is so very low. It’s just as low as his chance of speaking to you again, holding you again, loving you again.

He knows.

For the love of Arceus, Ingo knows.

That acknowledgement is the reason why he spends his waking hours pouring over every security tape in the city, every resource on legendary Pokémon, every book on ancient theories, every speculation on knowledgeable Pokémon in hopes that he will learn something–anything–about where you are.

He prays to gods he doesn’t believe in. He makes promises he can’t keep. He tries to sell away his soul. He bargains everything that he is for a chance to know what happened to you.

Nothing works. You’ve left him with nothing but a lonely house, far too many memories, aching grief, and a Deerling he can’t bring himself to face.

A little less than a year after your disappearance, Ingo gives in. He can’t keep working at the station with false hope in his head, he can’t keep battling while thinking of you walking onto his line, he can’t keep existing while believing you’re out there somewhere.

Your funeral is held on a sunny summer day.

Ingo doesn’t know if he spoke a single word during the whole affair. He doesn’t know how to speak when the weight of his emotions presses onto his chest so heavily.

He stands side by side with his brother once the funeral ends, unmoving from this spot in the cemetery. Ingo’s silver eyes don’t waver from the freshly dug ground.

Your coffin is empty.

Ingo moves out of that apartment and across the city rather quickly. He can’t bear to be in that home anymore–the one you left cold and sorrowful. He doesn’t care that his new location forces him on a much longer path to the station; he would add hours and hours upon his departure time if it meant he never had to walk that same path ever again.

He spent so many days walking you to and from school along those streets. Ingo believes he can ever go back there again. So he doesn’t.

Emmet moves in with Ingo again out of concern for his older brother’s mental health as well as his general safety. Emmet has lost you, he will not lose Ingo too.

Ingo is not as loud anymore. It’s not like he doesn’t try to be, but his theory is that he damaged his vocal chords from all the sleepless nights he spent wailing for you to come home. There’s never enough silent nights for them to ever heal.

He becomes much more jaded and standoffish. His frown is even more permanent now, and he lacks the patience to handle any rogue passenger in the subways with a tactful nature.

Ingo is much less responsible now. He misses meals, showers less, and skips work. Emmet is there by his side every day to help pick up the slack, but Ingo’s apathy remains.

He has nightmares about you. They’re filled with all of the horrible things that might’ve been done to you, filled with all of the evil things that could’ve taken you from him, filled with all of the cruel things that may have killed you.

But he dreams of you far more often.

Sometimes the dreams are simply reliving past memories once more. Sometimes they're in his perspective, sometimes they're in yours.

Other times, however, he just speaks to you in these dreams. You tell him you’re doing all right, that you’re in a different place now and you still think of him all of the time, that you’ve caught so many new Pokémon and met so many new people.

“I have these two friends Q̸̖͊W̴̺̒R̴͙̽ḣ̸̟b̸̠̾Ẇ̵̡F̴̮̓ṵ̸͒D̷̠͝Q̷̰̾o̴̪̚≠̤͌ and S̷͚̆X̸̱̃J̶̻̄p̷̄͜Z̷̮͛G̷̢̀E̶̟͛≠̞́ who help me a lot. They stand up for me and care for me a ton. You would really like them both, dad!”

Consciousness is a rude reminder that none of what he dreams is real. You’re not real anymore. You’re gone. Gone gone gone.

After every dream, he wakes up to the phantom feeling of your hands in his. It never gets better.

He develops secondary hypersomnia due to habits. All he ever wants to do is sleep, it’s the only time anymore than he feels close to you again.

Before the two year anniversary of your disappearance, your Deerling just…leaves.

This shouldn’t have been a surprise, however. Ingo avoided Deerling like the plague. Every time he looked at the season Pokémon he just saw the failure of him as a father instead of the Pokémon partner of his child. He should’ve seen this coming.

So he watches it from the window of his room, orange fur shining in the autumn sun, trying to sneak away from the house and into the outskirts of town.

And all Ingo can do is just watch. 

He watches as the last living remainder of his child leaves him behind.

Ingo never realized a human being could feel so low, could reach this level of rock bottom. But he does now.

Emmet and Elesa try to help him. They tell him over and over that they love him, that his Pokémon love him, that everyone in Nimbasa loves him. It doesn’t help. His depression is rotting him away in this shell of what he was.

Love never stopped decomposition.

But then, on the first day of the following spring, there is something waiting for him at the steps of Gear Station.

There’s a Sawsbuck standing there. Your Sawsbuck.

It has the richest brown fur, most elegant legs, and the largest set of winding antlers Ingo’s ever seen. They’re covered by cherry blossoms, each stained with morning dew and sparkling in the rising sunlight.

Sawsbuck looks strong. Assured. Revitalized. Reborn.

Ingo’s emotions anchor him in place. He reaches for the brim of his hat and pulls it down to cover his whimpering expression.

He hasn't felt so much relief or joy since you left him.

Sawsbuck uses its snout to push up Ingo’s chin, forcing him to make contact with your Pokémon.

With equally weepy eyes, Sawsbuck stares at Ingo. And your father hears the message it’s trying to portray loud and clear.

‘Heal. You’re allowed to move on and heal yourself. You deserve to be happy.’

And he does.

It’s a slow process, but Ingo begins to accept your passing. 

He allows himself grace, he allows himself to mourn and to visit your grave, he allows himself to cry when he needs to, and he allows himself the help that his loved ones extend to him.

His Pokémon help him too. They help him get back into battling at full strength again, they help him sleep soundly when he’s supposed to and keep him focused when he’s supposed to be awake.

Ingo heals.

A little more than two and a half years after your disappearance, there’s a sudden noise that rips through the sky like baritone thunder. But the sky is clear and sunny–save for the twisting spherical cyclone that appeared from the tear in space.

It’s right outside Gear Station, and Ingo knows he is the closest, most-experienced trainer to help deal with this phenomena. He makes his way to the distorting storm, most of the people had begun to evacuate once it appeared.

After a moment of waiting with his palm readied on his pokéballs, the distortion crackles and immediately peeters out into nothing. 

You are the only thing left remaining.

You’re taller than he remembers. You look older and more mature, too. Your hair is longer than it used to be and you’re wearing odd-looking clothes. A long red scarf flows away from your neck in the lingering winds of the distortion. You’re dressed in clothes with personal stitching on them, every part of your outfit seems tailored to fit you exactly.

But you’re still you. Undeniably you.

Ingo cries out your name, sounding like the weight of the world was just removed from his shoulders for the first time in centuries.

He immediately tries to run towards you, but his legs keep shaking.

It’s as if his body can’t believe what he’s seeing is real, so he stumbles and stutters and runs like a baby Girafarig learning to walk.

If you recognize him, just the sight of his silver eyes brings you to your knees. For the first time in years, you allow yourself to be vulnerable, to be weak.

“Dad…?

Your voice dies on your throat. Tears brim your lashes and you reach out quaking hands towards your father. There’s a sob brewing in your chest, waiting to be released.

Ingo falls to the ground when he meets you. He takes you in his arms so softly and so gingerly that you don't know how you survived this long without his love.

He buries his face into your neck and weeps, one hand running over your hair with the other twining his fingers with yours.

Ingo holds you so gently because he’s afraid you’re going to dissolve into sand in his arms, like you’ll fade away like you did every night in his dreams.

But you don’t because you’re here. You’re alive.

“Please don’t ever leave me again, my child. I don’t think I could bear it.”

If you don’t recognize him, your eyes go wide and you start to shuffle away from the Ingo out of fear. Your breath quickens and you feel set on edge.

Ingo stops moving. You’ve never been this quick to fear before. You were always so independent and strong, relying on yourself before straining others. Fearless and ambitious, ready to take on the world with nothing but a Deerling by your side.

But now? Now he can see the quivering in your fingers and the alarm in your expression. Why are you so sacred? What had made you this way?

He calls out your name again and you flinch at the noise, shaking your head as if to reject anything he said. 

“Please stay away from me.”

There’s a gleam in your eyes that reaches into the darkest part of Ingo’s restless soul and squeezes it. It’s the worst pain he’s felt in years.

His legs give out and he falls to his knees. You have no idea who he is.

Ingo’s voice is cracking, and he can feel himself unravel and lose you again and again and again.

“My child…please, please tell me what frightens you. I’d give anything, just, please, let me help you.”

//

hey okay this was my first post, let me know if it was okay yes maybe? if you can spare a like, comment, or repost that would make me smile!! tell me if you want something like this for other characters or even emmet maybe :)) requests are open btw!! okay thx for getting this far <3

[gay-otlc]

Legacy Recap

Spoiler alert: It's gay

An unprecedented 234 pages before Sophie pulls out an eyelash! I'm genuinely so proud the trich is improving folks

Sophie is not good at prioritizing

Keefe's mental health is improving too! He's shown signs of suicide ideation but he does want to keep looking very proud of him as well <3

Dex and Keefe deserve to interact more often because their relationship is fantastic, I'll die on this hill

Actually, Ro should stop making people uncomfortable for the fun of it please and thank you.

SOPHIE WINCED AFTER BEING CALLED LADY THIS BITCH NONBINARY GOOD FOR THEM

Sophie being bad at prioritizing, part two electric boogaloo

Fellas, is it queer of gender to complain about dresses for an entire page?

As usual, Biana's introduction is extremely sapphic.

We stan Wylie bitching at the council.

Tiergan confirmed what we already knew; being in the black swan is inherently queer.

Also, the council now knows Tiergan is Granite, for reasons related to being pissed about Prentice and/or losing at Uno.

Linh and Wylie are siblings pass it on.

We stan Tiergan bitching at the council.

Sophie, validating their friend's genders, doesn't want to call them lords and ladies.

Biana, validating Sophie's gender, doesn't want to call them lady.

"Master Sophie" is considered, which is a masculine honorific did Shannon realize she had Biana suggest a masc title for Sophie and no one thought anything of it?

Stina grabs Sophie's wrist. And calls her Foster, which is a sign of affection as we learn from Keefe.

Bronte is aromantic.

Sophie is (a) not ready for a relationship, (b) in love with Biana, and (c) nonbinary. This can be deduced by their reaction when Fitz says girlfriend.

Someone give Keefe a hug.

Aro Wylie supremacy. He's so tired of the allo drama.

Bronte should have been Sophie's father solely because I would love to see the Wylie/Forkle/Bronte confrontation.

Not only do Linh and Marella train together a lot, they train together a lot. Italics are a direct quote. Were they necessary? Seems kinda gay.

AMY MY BELOVED

Forkle and Bronte made out. Forkle then studied his saliva for the inflictor DNA. How romantic.

Cassius should get punched. Repeatedly. I volunteer.

Marella is so fondly exasperated with Linh and her Princess Purryfins antics.

Lesbian coded Linh? I cannot think of another purpose for that line-

Your favorite Solreef angst bitch is back to remind you that Linh moved back in with Quan and Mai and I want to know how it went when she told her family aboout this decision. For science.

(From what I've gathered, Tiergan is ignoring problems by focusing on work and no one is talking to one another)

Although Bronte's not Sophie's biological father, his reaction makes me think he knows who it is, which means it's probably Fintan.

Forkle straight puns? Forkle straight puns.

SOPHIE AND EDALINE DYNAMIC OWNS MY HEART CURED MY DEPRESSION ETC ETC

Fitz should have heard about Wylie exploding a chandelier, just because I think it would be funny to explore Fitz's complicated relationship to chandeliers.

Livvy understands why Sophie finds Vackers hot.

Fellas, is it gay to call your friend your "Best Dude" and make a ship name for the two of you? Asking on Keefe's behalf.

Livvy yeeting Forkle out of the way 🧡

Hey, Keefitz shippers- don’t think about Fitz hiring Keefe to paint a romantic picture of him and Sophie :D

Grady's ability needs to be explored more istg there's so much potential!!!

Forkle and Dex both ship Sokeefitz.

Sophie jumping off a cliff to avoid getting grounded. Iconic.

Time zones in the lost cities are addressed, and are then promptly forgotten.

DARK FITZ. FORESHADOWING FOR DARK FITZ. I WANT TO SEE THIS

Fitz and Keefe (and Sophie) being terrified they'll turn into their evil relatives supremacy

Sandor wants to fight Forkle. Deserved.

Everyone in the Neverseen is queer, explicitly confirmed.

Sophie doesn't know about coping mechanisms. Get Sophie therapy.

Alvar has the "little miss perfect" gene, just like every other Vacker ever.

MORE DARK FITZ FORESHADOWING

Gisela probably has another ability; could be beguiler, technopath, mesmer, pyrokinetic, ???

Keefitz!

Oralie mom reveal!

I think Prentice and his family deserve to yell at Oralie just a bit. As a treat.

Other than being mlw, Sophitz is very little miss perfect-ish.

Sophie's way of coping with her breakup is my way of coping with life (avoiding eye contact! hiding!)

LINH WAS HOLDING HANDS WITH MARELLA AND MARUCA. CANON THING THAT HAPPENED. I AM SCREAMING

I want to know what Tiergan would do if one of the councillors was hurt or killed because he didn't get to finish but I have a feeling the end of that sentence would be hilarious.

Elwin 🧡🧡🧡

Elwin used they/them pronouns for Sophie we stan supportive queer elder Elwin in this household.

Shannon foreshadowed an Empath having their sanity shattered- Keefe is the most likely option but Oralie or Stina could be interesting.

Okay you know what. Solreef family happy ending Tam comes home we were robbed of this scene I need to see it for science

[randombubblegum]

sorry to be depressing but do you think there’s any chance for awsten to improve? I was a baby in the 2000s but from what I understand certain members fob, mcr, panic etc were incredibly messy and behaved in kind of obnoxious ways throughout their 20s and even into their early 30s and acted out due to combo of fame and mental illness but as they aged, had kids etc they calmed down and are now really respectful generally……pete in particular acted pretty misogynistic when his mental health was at his worst (and he was also subjected to insane amounts of media and fan scrutiny) and he was like 25ish but now obviously has grown up and matured since then. obviously tiktok didn’t exist back then but there was a similar fame-obsessed culture back in the 2000s. I know awsten definitely doesn’t have even a fraction of the kind of success that fob had at their peak but do you think there’s a chance of awsten following a similar trajectory and growing up? or do you think he’ll act like a dick forever? lol

no this is a good question!!! disclaimer i was not around following fob/mcr in the 2000s lol i am just a very dedicated student looking back across time. that being said the comparison between pete wentz and awsten is one ive talked about before because obviously awsten idolized pete and their lyrics are comparable (in a way that makes awsten come up short lol)…… but frankly i dont think they make a great comparison in this way.

like you mention fob reached much higher levels of fame than parx ever has (or will) but i think its hard to contextualize that if you werent there. pete was literally in EVERY mainstream tabloid constantly for a period of like 5 years. his dick pics leaking and then dating/marrying ashlee simpson while fob simultaneously became hugely popular AND hugely hated as an “emo band” defined a generation of celebrity. he was quite literally an A/B-lister. people magazine payed millions for exclusive photography rights for his first child. pete was one of the most papped people in america…. he was like FAMOUS (in)famous. in a very difficult way where it truly was like fame < infamy lol

awsten frankly invents most of his “celebrity problems” himself by being too online. that sounds harsh, but like, if he just Logged Off a little he can live a completely normal unhindered life in the real world. sure some fans might stop him for pics every now and again but he wont be literally tailed and SHOUTED AT by paparazzi like pete was lol. for all he gripes about the internet being too invasive to him he has actively curated and invited that for his whole ~career~ lol

so going back to your main question….. i dont know if hell get better? i think its hard because….. tiktok and the level of instant powerful crushing online fame it brings is NEW. the level of (sorry to use this word but literally) “cancel culture” on twitter and shit is unprecedented. did yall see allie x get instantly cancelled then redeemed in 24 hours the other day? shit is out of control. i cant even imagine what that stress feels like when every fan is willing to go for your throat for clout at any moment, esp with parx fans on …other websites being famous for shit-stirring every chance they get.

he might get better, and stop down this path of neurosis and being an ass online, but its gonna take something shifting him off that path. we cant use bands like fob/mcr as a blueprint bc this is so wildly different, imo. i think deep down he hates what hes become and what hes doing isnt fun for him either……. i just dont think he feels he has a choice. hes addicted to clout and virality as a lifeline tied to his perceived career now, and when he doesnt get the amount of attenion he expects you can literally WITNESS him panic and rage and melt down about it. i understand why, given the environment hes trying to operate in. but its a rough transformation to watch. im not saying theres no hope for him, but i think its gonna take something drastic to get him off this path lol :( hes also not showing any sign of “growing up” so its not like thats something that just automatically happens to people lol

[widereading]

𝐒𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐬 by Yuval Noah Harari | Non-Fiction (443 pages)⁣ ⁣

★ ★ ★ ★ ⁣⁣⁣:  recommended reading <society, humanity, science and technology> ⁣

This book was a tastebreaker for me in the non-fiction genre and I would highly recommend Harari's work (although Sapiens is the most well written imo). Sapiens canvasses the evolution of mankind from the beginning of time to c. 2019 (republished edition) through three revolutions: Cognitive, Agricultural and Scientific. Along the way, the author weaves science and humanist (a philosophy focus on human values and freedoms) insights that are accessible and relatable to everyone (there is no assumed knowledge). ⁣ ⁣

The content isn't really ground-breaking, but I think what distinguishes this book is that most concepts have been written well - almost in a poetic way - and makes you view the history of civilisation from a fresh perspective. Even though I personally think the book drops off in quality and cohesiveness around the middle of the book, it picks back up towards the end and was definitely an insightful read overall.⁣ ⁣

Some of my key takeaways (quotes aren't verbatim):⁣ ⁣

1. 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐨-𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: the ability to create an imagined reality from words enabled large numbers of strangers to co-operate effectively (p. 36) and for co-operation of large groups, only a sophisticated religious or ideological system could sustain such efforts (p. 101). This extends to modern trade agreements, political structures and legal institutions which result from human's cognitive capacity to create fiction. P. 207 - Harari analogises money as a trust system - that bridges discrimination and cultural gaps - and 1) allows people to co-operate effectively, 2) create trust in the future (e.g. financial credit), which is based on an assumption that future resources are more abundant than present resources (p. 344). He observes that most human co-operation networks have been geared towards exploitation and oppression over time (p. 116). ⁣ ⁣

2. 𝐈𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫: modern society operates through an imagined order that exists only in our minds, but is woven in the material reality around us (p. 127). This imagined order shapes our desires (i.e. your thoughts, ambitions and desires may be '𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴' but they are certainly shaped by romantic, nationalist, capitalist and humanist myths that have been around for centuries). Harari gives the example of a common desire for individuals to travel overseas for a holiday, and notes that this isn't something that is necessarily biological, but the product of an individual who subscribes to romantic consumerism. [On a side note, I found out in a work trivia that Santa was originally green but changed to red as a result of Coca-Cola advertising...]. These imagined orders are inter-subjective, so in order to change them, we must simultaneously change the consciousness of billions of people, which is not easy (p. 135). A conscious effort has to be made to sustain laws, customs, procedures and manners, otherwise social order would quickly collapse. ⁣ ⁣

𝟑. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: ⁣ ⁣

<A. 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭> The domestication of animals was founded on a series of brutal practices that only became crueller with the passing of the centuries (p. 105), and the agricultural revolution was the turning point when Sapiens cast off its intimate symbiosis with nature and sprinted towards greed and alienation (p. 110). ⁣ ⁣

<B. 𝘈𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦> In the post-industrial environment (with its mega-cities, aeroplanes, telephones and computers, c/f hunter-gatherer lifestyles), we have more material resources and longer lives than previous generations, but it often makes us feel alienated, depressed and pressured (p. 45). There has also been a collapse of the nuclear family unit and the community, with the rise of individualism. With individuals wielding unprecedented powers to decide their own path in life, we find it harder to make commitments and therefore live an increasingly lonely world of unravelling communities and families (p. 428).  Overall, it seems that humanity's search for an easier life released immense forces of change that transformed the world in ways nobody envisioned or wanted (p. 99) - that we have created convenience and yet live more stressed lives. ⁣ ⁣

<C. 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘤> You need to know alot about your own tiny field of expertise, but for the vast majority of life's necessities you rely blindly on the help of other experts, whose own knowledge is also limited to a tiny field of expertise (p. 55). Identical twins raised in opposing socio-economic backgrounds (poor vs wealthy), with the same abilities would not have had the same chance in developing personal wealth. The economic game was rigged by legal restrictions and unofficial glass ceilings (p. 154).

[writemarcus]

Lin-Manuel Miranda, Annaleigh Ashford, Neil Patrick Harris, Telly Leung, Ruthie Ann Miles and More The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts’ Virtual Benefit I’m Still Here at 90

On June 23, 2021 at 8:00 PM, an unprecedented, one-time-only virtual benefit, I’m Still Here, will stream on Broadway On Demand to benefit The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts’ Billy Rose Theatre Division.

The exciting evening is a celebration of the division’s 90th Anniversary, and the 50th  Anniversary of its beloved Theatre on Film and Tape Archive and will honor Harold Prince and George C. Wolfe.

Tickets to the fundraiser will be donate-what-you-can, with a recommendation of at least $19.31 in honor of the year the division was founded. To purchase tickets, visit stillhereat90.com

I’m Still Here will feature never before publicly shown archival content of Broadway productions from the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive, shown exclusively for this occasion, including Savion Glover, Jimmy Tate, Choclattjared and Raymond King in Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk, Meryl Streep, Marcia Gay Harden and Larry Pine in The Seagull, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Robin de Jesús, Christopher Jackson, Karen Olivo, Andréa Burns, Janet Dacal, Eliseo Román, Seth Stewart in In The Heights, Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard, and even more to be announced. The program will also feature interviews with Broadway legends and emerging creatives and reconceived performances of classic musical theatre songs, including “A Trip to the Library,” “Wheels of a Dream,” “Another Hundred People,” “Love Will Find a Way,” “I’m Still Here,” and more.  

I’m Still Here features artists and figures from the theatre community including Annaleigh Ashford (Sunday in the Park with George), Alexander Bello (Caroline, or Change), Laura Benanti (She Loves Me), Malik Bilbrew, Alexandra Billings (Wicked), Susan Birkenhead (Jelly’s Last Jam), Shay Bland, Stephanie J. Block (The Cher Show), Alex Brightman (Beetlejuice), Matthew Broderick (Plaza Suite), Krystal Joy Brown (Hamilton), David Burtka (“A Series of Unfortunate Events”), Sammi Cannold(Endlings), Ayodele Casel (Chasing Magic), Victoria Clark (The Light in the Piazza), Max Clayton (Moulin Rouge!), Calvin L. Cooper (Mrs. Doubtfire), DeMarius Copes(Mean Girls), Trip Cullman (Choir Boy), Taeler Elyse Cyrus (Hello, Dolly!), Quentin Earl Darrington (Once on This Island), Robin de Jesús (In the Heights), André De Shields (Hadestown), Frank DiLella (NY1), Derek Ege, Amina Faye, Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles), Leslie Donna Flesner (Tootsie), Chelsea P. Freeman, Joel Grey (Cabaret), Ryan J. Haddad (“The Politician”), Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof), James Harkness (Ain’t Too Proud), Marcy Harriell (Company), Neil Patrick Harris (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), Mark Harris (“Mike Nichols: A Life”), David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly), Cassondra James (Once on This Island), Marcus Paul James (Rent), Taylor Iman Jones (Hamilton), Maya Kazzaz, Tom Kirdahy (The Inheritance), Hilary Knight, Michael John LaChiusa (The Wild Party), Norman Lear (Good Times), Baayork Lee (A Chorus Line), Sondra Lee (Hello, Dolly!), Telly Leung (Aladdin), Ashley Loren (Moulin Rouge!), Allen René Louis (“Jimmy Kimmel Live!”), Brittney Mack (Six), Taylor Mac (Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus), Morgan Marcell, Aaron Marcellus (“American Idol”), Joan Marcus, Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening), Sarah Meahl, Joanna Merlin (Fiddler on the Roof), Ruthie Ann Miles (Sunday in the Park with George), Bonnie Milligan (Head Over Heels), Rita Moreno (West Side Story), Leilani Patao (Garden Girl), Nova Payton (Dreamgirls), Joel Perez (Kiss My Aztec), Bernadette Peters (Into the Woods), Tonya Pinkins (Jelly’s Last Jam), Jacoby Pruitt, Sam Quinn, Phylicia Rashad (A Raisin in the Sun), Jelani Remy (Ain’t Too Proud), Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer (Beetlejuice), George Salazar (Be More Chill), Marilyn Saunders (Company), Marcus Scott (Fidelio), Rashidra Scott (Company), Rona Siddiqui (Tales of a Halfghan), Ahmad Simmons, Rebecca Taichman (Indecent), Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home), Bobby Conte Thornton (Company), Sergio Trujillo (On Your Feet), Kei Tsuruharatani (Jagged Little Pill), Ben Vereen(Pippin), Jack Viertel, Christopher Vo, Paula Vogel (Indecent), Nik Walker (Ain’t Too Proud), Shannon Fiona Weir, Helen Marla White (Ain’t Misbehavin’), Natasha Yvette Williams (“Orange is the New Black”) and Ricardo Zayas (Hamilton).

“From the Great Depression of the 1930s to the COVID crisis, the Billy Rose Theatre Division perseveres and preserves the greatest treasures of theatrical history,” said Doug Reside, the Lewis and Dorothy Cullman Curator of the Billy Rose Theatre Division. “As I look back on the last 90 years of our history, I’m struck by how our division has managed to document almost every aspect of the creative process and the people who bring theatre to life. I am so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our first 90 years in such spectacular fashion, and to the theatre community for its support. As we plan for the next 90 years and beyond, my hope is that the collection continues to grow and flourish and reflect the diversity of voices that have shaped the theatre as we know it and are shaping its future.”

“The Billy Rose Theatre Division has served as the collective memory for our community by capturing the ephemeral nature of our unique art form. Until we can all experience the joy of live theater again, we are thrilled to look back into the archives to highlight theatrical masterpieces from their vast collection,” said producers Julie Boardman and Nolan Doran. “Our hope is to raise funds to ensure the archives remain accessible to future theatre makers for generations to come.”

The virtual benefit is produced and conceived by co-founder of the upcoming Museum of Broadway and four-time Tony nominee Julie Boardman (Company) and Co-Executive Producer of Broadway For Biden Nolan Doran (Head Over Heels), featuring direction by Steve Broadnax (Thoughts Of A Colored Man), Sammi Cannold(Endlings), Nick Corley (Plaza Suite), Grammy Award Winner Ty Defoe (Straight White Men), Drama Desk winner Lorin Latarro (Waitress), Mia Walker (Jagged Little Pill) and Tony Award winner Jason Michael Webb (Choir Boy), choreography by Ayodele Casel (Chasing Magic), Lorin Latarro and Ray Mercer (The Lion King), with new music arranged by ASCAP Award winner Rachel Dean (Medusa) and Annastasia Victory (A Wonderful World), with arrangements and orchestrations by Brian Usifer(Frozen). Casting is by Peter Van Dam at Tara Rubin Casting.

Tony Marx is the president of The New York Public Library, William Kelly is the Andrew W. Mellon Director of the Research Libraries, Jennifer Schantz is the Barbara G. and Lawrence A. Fleischman Executive Director of the Library for the Performing Arts, and Doug Reside is the Lewis and Dorothy Cullman Curator of the Billy Rose Theatre Division. Patrick Hoffman is the curator of the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive. Henry Tisch serves as Associate Producer and Travis Waldschmidt is Associate Choreographer. Animation and Motion Graphics by Kate Freer, Graphic Design by Caitlin Whittington, Sean MacLaughlin is Director of Photography and Ian Johnston is B Camera Operator. Dylan Tashjian is Onsite Coordinator with COVID compliance by Lauren Class Schneider.

HOST COMMITTEE: Ted & Mary Jo Shen, Barbara Fleischman, Lizzie & Jon Tisch, Kate Cannova, Joan Marcus, Daisy Prince, Gayfryd Steinberg, Van Horn Group

LIBRARY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE COMMITTEE: Emily Altman, Margot Astrachan, Ken Billington, Julie Boardman, Ted Chapin, Bonnie Comley, Van Dean, Kurt Deutsch, Scott Farthing, Barbara Fleischman, Freddie Gershon, Louise Hirschfeld, Joan Marcus, Elliott Masie, Arthur Pober, Ed Schloss, Morwin Schmookler, Jenna Segal, Ted Shen, Kara Unterberg, Abbie Van Nostrand, Kumiko Yoshii

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS DOROTHY AND LEWIS B. CULLMAN CENTER houses one of the world’s most extensive combinations of circulating, reference, and rare archival collections in the field of dance, theatre, music and recorded sound. These materials are available free of charge, along with a wide range of special programs, including exhibitions, seminars, and performances. An essential resource for everyone with an interest in the arts — whether professional or amateur — the Library is known particularly for its prodigious collections of non-book materials such as historic recordings, videotapes, autograph manuscripts, correspondence, sheet music, stage designs, press clippings, programs, posters and photographs. The Library is part of The New York Public Library system, which has locations in the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island, and is a lead provider of free education for all.

[tabloidtoc]

National Enquirer, November 9

You can buy a copy of this issue for your very own at my eBay store: https://www.ebay.com/str/bradentonbooks

Cover: Duchess Kate sets the record straight on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 

Page 2: Ben Affleck is wasting away and friends fear he’s taking his new health regimen too far as the six-foot-four star usually weighs 208 pounds but has shriveled to a spindly 165 -- a nutritionist put him on a sensible meal plan but he’s altered it with his own fantastical ideas such as he won’t go near bread and he’s ditched pasta and he’ll eat cantaloupe and blueberries one day and nuts and seeds the next and he’ll only drink boiled water and green tea for 24 hours then break his fast with a small bowl of quinoa -- instead of pumping iron he does exercises using his own body weight like ten-minute planks -- Ben thinks he looks great but his pals fear he’s traded one addiction for another

Page 3: Love-hungry Katie Holmes is thrilled to have a new man in her life but she’s breaking the bank to keep him happy because Katie is picking up the tab wherever she goes with Emilio Vitolo Jr. because it helps her feel she’s in full control of the relationship but Emilio may be taking advantage of Katie’s generosity because Katie has been showering him with designer clothes and jewelry and even paying for a personal trainer to whip him into shape -- Katie enjoys giving her guy things he can appreciate because he’s made her so happy but she may go broke doing it and it’s not like he doesn’t have any money; he’s worth a cool $1.5 million himself

Page 4: CNN rocked by sex scandal -- Jeffrey Toobin’s sleazy sex scandal has rocked CNN but it’s just the latest in a string of scandals at the network 

Page 5: Axed Fox News anchor Ed Henry fought back against his co-worker’s rape charges in a blockbuster lawsuit by handing the court explicit selfies and texts in an attempt to prove their tryst was consensual 

Page 6: Ryan Seacrest is downplaying his latest shocking absence from Live with Kelly and Ryan but the TV dynamo is battling a mystery illness that may force him to sign off for good -- the co-host who is a well known as a workaholic skipped out on the daytime show for the third time this year and used the coronavirus pandemic as his excuse -- Ryan was suffering badly from flu-like symptoms on the weekend before his absences but came back negative for coronavirus however doctors remain baffled by Ryan’s ongoing battles with exhaustion and weight loss and stroke-like symptoms, disgraced perv Bill Cosby’s latest mug shot shows he’s a shriveled shadow of his former self and the fallen funnyman flashed a maniacal grin while refusing to look into the camera in the picture snapped behind bars in September and he’s unshaven and his hair is ratty

Page 7: Lizzo has embarked on a radical vegan diet and extreme exercise program to save her life -- doctor warned the 350-pound singer that her daily intake of 5000 calories a day was a dangerous path to self-destruction and she needed to change her life or lose it and Lizzo finally got the message and is committed to this program but it’s been a living hell for her 

Page 8: After surviving a fiery crash at the Daytona 500 NASCAR hero Ryan Newman is locked in an ugly $50 million divorce showdown with his estranged wife -- Ryan and Kristina Newman split in 2019 after she was caught having an affair with another man and paying her love $450,000 and now Ryan’s lawyers are trying to freeze Kristina who was once referred to as the First Lady of NASCAR out of his fortune -- court papers reveal the two split in July 2019 when Kristina went to live with her boyfriend U.S. Army Captain Joe Schwankhaus who is the Chief Operations Officer of Kristina’s company VRX USA 

Page 9: Ellen DeGeneres debuted a high-flying pompadour hairstyle on her new talk show but the makeover still doesn’t get to the root of her recent problems and although her hair may be rising her show’s ratings are falling 

Page 10: Hot Shots -- pregnant Kelly Rowland, Andy Cohen took his son Benjamin for a stroll in NYC, Will Smith held court in L.A. while shooting King Richard a biopic about the dad of tennis greats Venus Williams and Serena Williams, Angela Bassett caught a drive-in screening of One Night in Miami in L.A. 

Page 11: Grieving Lisa Marie Presley has broken her silence over the suicide of her beloved only son Benjamin Keough saying her heart and soul went with him sharing her heartbreak on what would have been Ben’s 28th birthday and she added she’s dedicating herself to raising Ben’s twin half-sisters and actress sister Riley Keough, Chaka Khan refuses to duo with Ariana Grande again saying she’s not gonna do a song with no heifer -- Chaka and Ariana worked together in 2019 for the Charlie’s Angels soundtrack

Page 12: Straight Shuter -- DWTS pro Emma Slater kept a handle on her coffee while steering her e-bike (picture), it pays to be Brad Pitt’s girlfriend as his new squeeze Nicole Poturalski has doubled her modeling fees, dancing siblings Derek Hough and Julianne Hough are out of step over her sloppy personal life and his hot new judging career because these two were supposed to be the next Donny and Marie Osmond but his solo career is exploding while hers is falling apart, Madonna has always been a big believer in astrology but now she won’t even meet with people if it’s not written in the stars and she’s spending a fortune to have an army of people read her charts 

Page 13: Losing his beloved son to cancer has sparked new fears for fragile Robert Redford because Robert has struggled with his own health over the years and losing his son to bile-duct cancer is extremely worrying; he’s already frail and this has friends fearing the worst, Jeff Bridges is confident he’ll win his battle with lymphoma by coupling medical care with a strict vegan diet and chanting and spiritual healing techniques

Page 14: Convicted wife killer Scott Peterson may soon walk out of prison and grisly photos lawyers say could set him free -- following years of appeals California’s Supreme Court overturned Scott’s death penalty and now another appeal is forcing a lower court to reexamine his conviction for murdering seven months pregnant wife Laci Peterson and their unborn son Conner -- if Scott gets a retrial his legal team will be allowed to introduce new evidence including crime scene pictures that Scott’s former defense attorney said suggests Laci’s disappearance was an abduction by a satanic cult 

Page 15: Former child star Zachery Ty Bryan of Home Improvement was jailed overnight and released on $8500 bail following his bust for a fight with a galpal at an apartment complex in Eugene in Oregon -- the drama comes on the heels of Zachery’s split from wife Carly Matros the mom of his four kids

Page 16: Ryan Reynolds can’t wait to film a new rom-com with close pal Sandra Bullock but it’s causing tension with wife Blake Lively even though Blake trusts Ryan and would never forbid him from taking this part but the idea of him getting cozy with Sandra again still makes her uneasy -- now Ryan and Sandra are signed up to do The Lost City of D and despite Sandra’s denials they ever had a romance Ryan is gushing about them getting back together 

Page 17: Isolated and overlooked Today show host Hoda Kotb is being bullied off the morning show because of tepid ratings and the absence of former sidekick Kathie Lee Gifford and Mean Girls treatment by co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Jenna Bush Hager have pushed the disillusioned anchor closer to the door -- Hoda recently filled out paperwork to adopt a third child and she’s clearly putting more emphasis on family than her career and it sends the signal she isn’t happy with her role and is not thinking of Today as her top priority, trainwreck Matthew Perry is holed up in his new Pacific Palisades beach pad  pounding out an explosive tell-all and his former Friends are quaking about what secrets he may reveal -- Matthew wants to rush the book out while interest in the Friends reunion special which was postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic remains high -- he knows an uncensored account of his time on Friends and his drug issues would be a bestseller and he intends to blow the lid off his on-set romances and address rumors he and Jennifer Aniston were more than friends 

Page 18: American Life -- her tall tale: I have the longest legs in the world 

Page 19: Jessica Simpson has been flaunting her body after dumping a shocking 100 pounds but buddies worry the drastic drop in size isn’t natural and suspect she’s been taking diet pills again and they’re worried this could escalate into a big issue

Page 20: Devastated Reese Witherspoon was hit with a depressing double whammy -- the death of her dog Pepper from cancer and the delay of her long-awaited sequel Legally Blonde 3, Hollywood Hookups -- John Cena and Shay Shariatzadeh wed, Ashley Hebert and J.P. Rosenbaum split, Cardi B and Offset on again

Page 21: Bruce Willis is back in another Die Hard but this time it’s a commercial for Advance Auto Parts and Die Hard batteries and it’s a clear statement on the state of his career that Bruce has to revisit his amazing past to make a fast buck in the present, Giada De Laurentiis has been given the green light to get married by her 12-year-old daughter Jade -- Giada has dated TV producer Shane Farley for five years and he’s been living with mother and daughter for five months during the pandemic lockdown which gave Jade a firsthand look at what it would be like to have a new daddy and Shane’s passed the test with flying colors 

Page 22: Cover Story -- Prince William’s heartsick wife Kate Middleton is breaking her silence about the royal family’s tumultuous bitter break with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to set the record straight and save Britain’s monarchy and she’s tired of all the rumors and lies and backbiting and after all the drama and negativity she wants to get the truth out there and end this unprecedented crisis that’s endangering the monarchy’s survival -- friends are trying to convince Kate to do an official sit-down TV interview about what really happened between once-inseparable William and Harry and how Harry and Meghan tore the family apart even before they moved to America but Kate is resisting because she fears that could backfire like Princess Diana’s TV tell-all about her marriage to Prince Charles 25 years ago -- Kate had to turn the other cheek often after Meghan joined the family and she offered to help Meghan adjust to royal life from the start but Meghan rebuffed her and Kate in tired of Meghan painting her as the bad guy especially when it was Meghan’s antics that tore the family apart -- Kate also is upset that Harry and Meghan are portraying themselves as victims of a world that’s against them while she and William take on a phenomenal workload to cover the responsibilities the Sussexes left and losing precious time with their own three children and it’s hard not to be bitter but Kate is trying to take the high road and forgive Meghan and move forward

Page 26: With their marriage hanging by a thread Tori Spelling fears Dean McDermott will cheat on her again while filming a new TV show in Canada for six months; Tori wanted to bring their 5 children to Canada with him but Dean put her off saying it would be too distracting -- she’s been a jittery mess and he can’t stand to look at her and he only took this job because they need the money, Melanie Griffith is frustrated with Chris Martin and wants him to put a ring on her daughter Dakota Johnson’s finger -- the couple have been dating since 2017 and Melanie’s fed up with waiting for Chris to pop the question -- Melanie began to lose her patience after the couple reunited following a split last June when Chris won Dakota back with promises to settle down 

Page 28: COVID Vaccines: What you need to know

Page 32: Miley Cyrus claimed she once spotted a spaceship over Hollywood and even locked eyes with an alien but she also admits she’d bought weed wax from a guy in a van in front of a taco shop, whiny Kris Jenner is blaming social media for killing off Keeping Up with the Kardashians after it helped the reality TV clan make a mint

Page 34: Ozzy Osbourne is terrified a doll has cursed him -- Ozzy told son Jack Osbourne on their Osbournes Want to Believe show that Robert the doll was responsible for his recent bad luck and failing health, Tom Cruise and his Mission: Impossible 7 team caused chaos at an Italian hospital by filming there during the COVID-19 pandemic -- Tom and his crew including 100 security staffers plus trucks and other equipment descended on the Policlinico Umberto I in Rome for a week and legions of fans also flocked to the filming creating even more commotion in the streets outside the hospital and adding to the bedlam the production commandeered an elevator drawing criticism as hospital staff were treating 140 coronavirus patients with 12 in intensive care -- filming was done in an administrative section of the hospital but still sparked an official protest as well as complaints from trade union members

Page 36: Health Watch 

Page 38: Superhero screen pals of Chris Pratt rushed to rescue the actor’s reputation after he was mercilessly dragged into a silly social media meme when a Twitter user posted pictures of Chris Pratt and Chris Pine and Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans captioned with the instruction one has to go but a flood of responses slammed Pratt as the worst Chris causing his Marvel co-stars to prop him up such as Zoe Saldana and Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo and Jeremy Renner and Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn and Chris Pratt’s wife Katherine Schwarzenegger also bashed the social media bullies, Matthew McConaughey kept saying alright alright alright to making romantic comedies until the day he was so fed up he turned down $14.5 million to do another one -- Matthew revealed in his memoir that he didn’t mind making a string of mindless rom-coms because their paychecks rented the houses on the beach he ran shirtless on but he eventually wanted to try something else so he turned down a big payday so he could get more serious 

Page 42: Red Carpet -- Drew Barrymore 

Page 47: Odd List