#to be fair and balanced. regardless of whether i have it i can utilize its coping skills to help myself break some of these cycles

[blueish-bird]

becoming a more frequent occurrence to see a post about living with OCD, relating, then pushing it out of my mind because if I think too much about whether or not I have OCD I might begin to ruminate on it and stress myself out ... (obsess, one might say) ... but i digress

[elliepassmore]

Midnight in Everwood review

5/5 stars Recommended for people who like: magic, fantasy, multiple worlds, the Nutcracker, dark courts Big thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins, and M. A. Kuzniar for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! I was super excited to see that there was a book that was a reimagining of the Nutcracker. I've danced for most of my life and wish that there were more books that used ballets as bases for their stories. Admittedly, I was also somewhat wary considering the last YA book I read based on a ballet wasn't one I was a fan of...however, this one seemed like a good match and it was. Kuzniar did a good job weaving the scenery and making it feel rich, regardless of whether it was Edwardian England or the 'land of sweets.' I liked the details she gave to each place, so I didn't mind that almost the entire first third of the book was spent in England. I got a good sense of the imagery that was present in Nottingham as well as the kinds of people Marietta was surrounded with and the life she was expected to lead. The so-called 'land of sweets,' or Everwood, was also, naturally, rich in imagery. I liked that Kuzniar really utilized each sense in order to create a full picture of the world. The different scents that floated about on the air were an intriguing aspect of the story that I liked, as was the idea of a town and palace made completely of confectionary items. Not everything is as it seems, of course, and the pretty land has a rotting core. We get to see right from the get-go that things aren't right when Marietta is advised by a shop owner in the Everwood town she arrives in that she has to swiftly leave lest she attracts the attention of the king. Naturally, things don't quite go as planned for Marietta and we do, in fact, get to see this darker side of the otherwise sweet world. Things do get dark, but I think Kuzniar manages to strike a good balance between the whimsy of the world and the darkness of its ruler. The desperation of Marietta and her fellow prisoners, Pirlipata and Dellara, are obvious and we are given plenty of evidence to back up their worries and desire for escape. Marietta was a fun character to read. She's already determined and ambitious at the start of the book, desiring to dance ballet more than anything but unsure if she'll be able to do so after Christmas, but the rest of her story just makes her even more headstrong than she already was. The Marietta in Nottingham seems to have a decent head on her shoulders, making at least some contingencies, but the Marietta in Everwood almost immediately lands herself in foolish trouble (foolish because she was warned about it) and can blame no one but her own pride, so I thought that was a bit odd despite her falling into a trap regarding dancing. To be fair to her, Marietta learns from her mistakes and is able to recognize where her fallacy lay and correct it in the future. I liked seeing her character growth in the book and how she came into herself. Pirlipata is one of the other women imprisoned with Marietta. She is a princess of another land of the realm Everwood is in and was kidnapped by the king after she rejected his marriage proposal. Pirlipata is sweet and compassionate from the get-go, not faulting Marietta for her mistakes and often acting as a gentler force to Dellara's intensity. That isn't to say that she's all sweetness, she was a warrior-princess in her country, and Pirlipata shows her grit and strength more than once in defense of the Marietta and Dellara. I think she served as a good balance between the other two personalities, but I do wish she had a stronger voice in the book, since I feel like the spotlight was mainly on Marietta (for obvious reasons) and Dellara, when Pirlipata was probably in the book just as much as Dellara. Dellara is thorns and lightning to Pirlipata's compassionate words. She acts as a good foil, I think, to Marietta. They're both in similar situations, but Dellara doesn't hesitate to point out where Marietta is lacking, though her barbs mask a caring heart. I think Dellara is a stand-in for the traditional Sugarplum Fairy, and I wholeheartedly approve. I like the take where the fairy is a bloodthirsty, angry creature who wants to directly take down the 'mouse king.' Dellara was certainly a major presence in the story and I liked the camaraderie she had with Pirlipata and Marietta. I also think Kuzniar did a good job showing that Dellara and Pirlipata had a different relationship than Dellara and Marietta, though all three of them grew close. It felt realistic that the shape of it was slightly different. Legat is the captain of the king's guard (i.e., the 'Nutcracker') and it's hard to tell whose side he's on at first. He didn't seem overly friendly, but he also shows compassion for the three women and helps them multiple times in the book. Additionally, he doesn't seem to be too overbearing on his soldiers, despite probably having reason to be. He's the love interest for Marietta and while I wasn't sure of him at first, I did come around after some of his secrets are revealed. He's a much better (and more interesting) person than I'd initially thought and I think the two make a good match. King Gelum takes the role of the 'mouse king' from the original. He's cruel and capricious, and what's more, he doesn't seem to wholly understand, or care, about human limits. We don't see a lot him face-to-face, but he's the person that nearly everyone fears and is the reason there's a current of fear and rebellion in Everwood. In this same vein, Dr. Drosselmeier is quite the antagonist in this book. I did figure some things out about him well before Marietta did, but considering how obvious some of the hints were, I think this was intentional. Drosselmeier is a toymaker with the talent of making elaborate and magical inventions. He charms everyone with them, but he definitely begins giving off slimy vibes as the book goes on, until a chance encounter brings Marietta away from Nottingham, and him. Marietta's parents kind of suck and they really just exist to add tension and erect barriers in Marietta's life. It seems that only her marriage will please them, despite the fact that Marietta is a gifted dancer and getting a spot with the nearby ballet company could be prestigious for her. It isn't too surprising when you take into account that the father seems to disdain art, either Marietta's dancing or her brother's painting. The tension that runs through the family provides some good, believable material, and I liked the final showdown that occurs with them all. Marietta's brother, Frederick, actually seems to be a decent one. His passion is for painting, though only Marietta and his secret beau, Geoffrey, seem to be aware of that and instead he is pursuing law. In Nottingham, he stands as Marietta's strongest supporter most of the time and I liked reading about their relationship. It was nice to see a sibling pair that took one another into their confidences and remained close rather than one that was fighting. The ending to this book aligns well with the ending to the ballet version, though it is still slightly different. I was, admittedly, hoping for an ending a biiiit more like Barbie's The Nutcracker, but I'll take what I can get. It's definitely hard to see how else the story could've ended with the way things were wrapped up, and I think the events and decisions at the end are true to the characters. Overall, I enjoyed this book quite a bit and loved reading about both Nottingham and Everwood. The pleasures and dangers of that otherworld definitely came through and I liked that there was a decent mix of plot and character scenes.

[uwunnie]

Hello, everyone.

To recap: There are new fans, and old fans as well as recently turned fans, who truly believe you have to choose Monsta X or Wonho otherwise you’re not a “real” fan. It has reached a point where toxic idiocy is spewed all over Twitter — not really that surprising, but still very annoying — and it has now reached Tumblr; the one place I felt was pretty neutral.

Initially, I wasn’t going to say anything because I felt like it’d only add to the drama. However, as time passes, I see the fandom heading into a direction that is very...well, doomed. Of course, this is merely my opinion and I don’t really expect anyone to hold it to a high regard because I am not God, nor do I believe I am a God-like figure. However, I do think I can still state my opinion upon the matter and try to shed some knowledge that may be utilized positively.

Before I begin, I’m going to try and insert a ‘Read More,’ but should I not be able to make it to a laptop in time before my patience completely disappears, I will tw it as a “long post.” If you dislike long posts and don’t have them filtered, though, and this pops up on your dash and annoys you — I apologize, kinda.

Anyways, let’s go.

—

I don’t really know what happened. Or well, I do, unfortunately.

In the beginning, Monbebes stuck together. We all came together and showed our support as a united body of like-minded individuals who shared their love and support for Monsta X — whether they were seven or individual.

Things went well. Petitions were signed. Billboards were funded. Zoo’s were created.

But at some point, Monbebes began idolizing other Monbebes — and I don’t mean looking up to sensible fans, but ones who are problematic.

Allow to me to repeat this to avoid misunderstandings: It’s okay to look up to fans who are NOT problematic. It really is — be friends with them, aspire to be more like them, I don’t care; do you so long as it’s positive.

But....but....to choose problematic fans to look up to? To choose ones who are known to fetishize a culture? To choose ones who are known, and praised, to fetishize sexualities? To choose ones who provide false hope in exchange for clout while simultaneously invading REAL people’s lives?

Yeah, that’s where everything went wrong.

The wrong people built platforms and their voices were, inevitably, elevated. Everyone began dividing and forming cliques in the name of “unity.” Everyone began losing sight of the big picture — the big picture being a positive resolution.

People stated they wanted a positive outcome, but only if it was on their terms.

Greed. Greed. Greed.

Selfishness replaced selflessness.

Various Monbebes began inserting themselves into the narrative as if it was their own personal emotions that mattered more than Monsta X’s — and that’s not to devalue anyone’s feelings, but I mean...it’s the boys who were directly affected by what happened.

Wonho was the one who had to receive backlash for past events that don’t equate his worth.

Shownu’s voice was silenced despite being a victim to sexually implicit lies and harassment.

Minhyuk sacrificed his own emotions and began keeping hardships to himself.

Kihyun was forced into voicing over his friend’s song lyrics, and is also continually made fun of despite him speaking out and asking fans to not refer to him as “small” and “tiny.”

Hyungwon received, and continues to bear, backlash because certain fans think he’s a liar and also like to criticize him for being “lazy” as if the dude doesn’t work his ass off every day.

Jooheon’s mental health issues were pushed under the rug by many people within the fandom and as soon as he returned, various fans demanded he work more — try harder, be louder and more energetic.

Changkyun’s emotions were disregarded — many fans stating he has an “attitude problem” and seems cold despite the dude literally trying to make everyone around him happy and also sticking up for Monbebes.

Monsta X, regardless of the number, were all continuously pushed past their limits; treated as machines and play-things rather than human beings.

And this is only what has been shown to us. Think about everything that’s transpired that we haven’t seen.

—

I understand that those months were hard, I really do. I was right there with everyone not getting any sleep and trying to balance school, work, projects, etc. I understand it was very emotionally upsetting and I am not devaluing anyone’s feelings because I know it was hard.

But a line has to be drawn.

There has to be a realization that it is Monsta X who has endured the worst of the entire situation. It is not fair to say that the fans had it worse when MX’s actual jobs, lives, health, and futures were all tampered with, endangered, and victimized.

And to top it off — as positive of a resolution that could be made in the situation has been met and people continue to complain.

I understand it may not be ideal — everyone wanted them to come together as seven again and I know how disheartening it is that that isn’t an option right now, but...they’re still here.

Wonho get’s to continue with his career. He can still interact and talk to us. He can do what he wants — I mean, the dude literally has a whole Instagram account to himself when it took a year or two, maybe more, just for SSE to give MX personal cell phones.

The six active members get to continue as well. They released an album that is more than likely going to be nominated for a golden disc award and they’re all, seemingly, recovering. They’ve been able to vacation and from the looks of it, the company is going a little easier on them with their schedules — in a way.

In other words: All seven of them are content.

And for the fandom, we still get to see them. We get to listen to their voices and see their faces. We get to interact with them and watch new shows, etc.

They’re still here — and honestly? It’s a miracle.

Do you know how hard it is for a people to continue considering what transpired? How unusual it is for an artist to be able to overcome legal battles that usually deem unfavorable in the position he was in?

I’ve been in the Kpop fandom for nearly 12 or 13 years now and this is the first time I’ve ever seen legal cases turn out okay for an idol.

History was made and a positive resolution was met, but yet — hardly anyone wants to celebrate.

Instead, a big chunk of the fandom now wants to dive into more drama — separate Monbebes and Wenees from each other and build more cliques.

Say stupid shit like “you’re not a real fan if you only support Monsta X” and “you’re not a real fan if you only support Wonho.”

“Wenees are superior.”

“Monbebes are superior.”

“Wenees love Wonho!”

“Monbebes love Monsta X, and Monsta X only!”

“Let’s listen to boycottbebes!”

“Let’s listen to problematic tarotbebes!”

“Let’s listen to akgaes!”

Just...shut up. Shut up. Shut up. Shut. Up.

—

I hate to break it to everyone who believes the quotes above, but we are all the same.

Monbebes are Wenees, and Wenees are Monbebes.

There is no competition.

There is no Monsta X without Hoseok, and there is no Hoseok without Monsta X.

—

You cannot hate the root and only love the flower just like you cannot hate the flower and be fascinated by its roots. In the same regard, a leaf cannot hate another upon the stem because to do so would be the leaf despising itself.

—

TL;DR: Stop the fan wars before you ruin damn near six years of love and (relatively abundant) peace.

[calicosol-blog]

Couch Recycling Near Me

Affordable Sustainable Furniture

Will the tropical leaf print pads that are at present on your sofa end up in the garbage close by the high difference chevron throw you had three years earlier? In case speedy furniture continues to climb as quick as fast plan has, the fitting reaction is yes.

As demonstrated by EPA estimations, in excess of nine tons of furniture and home adornments ended up in landfills in 2015. In an ideal world, all purchaser product would be financially created and sensible. Regardless, that isn't the world we live in. Is it really marvelous for buyers to overextend themselves financially for being green? Where might it be a smart thought for us to stand firm and it is practical to find adjust?

Speedy Fashion To Fast Furniture

In prior numerous years, unbelievable game plans on furniture could be found in stores (plausible with the word discount in the name) that sold the whole room. Groups would consolidate a love seat, loveseat and ottoman for a low, minimal expense. They'd even throw in a free game plan of lights. However, that is as of now not stand-out.

Progressed

A couple of fast style retailers have parlayed their reputation into the home market. An extraordinary outline of this is Zara Home, which offers lots of sharp engineer complex subject dupes for each room in the home. They also have a confined assurance of furniture including irregular tables and seats.

Nevertheless, individual European fast plan retailer H&M has a substitute technique. They don't offer any decorations, yet have a greater assurance of expressive topic and embellishments. There are a couple of lines inside the home grouping including Conscious, which features things like cushions made of sensible regular cotton. In all honesty, the brand's greater target is to use absolutely 100% reused or other sensibly sourced materials by 2030.

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Wayfair Gets On Board

Wayfair has reliably offered a plan of things in each worth reach from sofas under $200 to more than $27k from its upscale picture Perigold. In June, they dispatched Hashtag Home, which is expressly displayed as speedy style. The line has furniture and additional items for each room in snappy, electronic media pleasant tones. It's a splendid, serious, and certified move for the brand.

Buyers are adequately canny to understand that the modest pieces they're presumably going to gather themselves with little screwdrivers most likely will not go to their next apartment suite, never mind their grandchildren. So why envision something different?

They Don't Make It Like They Used To

It's fair to say that various Millennials and intelligent some of Generation Z put adequate energy in the receiving area with Dad's old seat or a sofa that never really ought to have been displaced. However, it will likely be a substitute story for their children. "[Furniture] is ending up being more unnecessary than collectible and that infers pieces are not a lot of made enough to be given over through ages," says inside originator Barbara Schmidt of Studiobstyle.

Comparative as style, it's not hard to find sensible variations of designer styles. "The most stuck and popular styles are introduced by shippers more affordable, speedier and with less quality than any time in ongoing memory. As an organizer, I see emphasess of expensive plans in the critical chain retailers almost as fast as a new prevailing fashion hits Pinterest," she says.

Schmidt feels it is imperative that clients, makers, organizers, and producers look for eco-obliging, ethically and financially sourced things. "For sure, even with these undertakings, we continue to contemplate whether it's adequate to help the environment and slow ecological change. I'm a significant protector of reusing pieces and upcycling furniture to give them new life. This is the truly viable furniture that I need to focal point for my clients."

Schmidt takes however much honest conviction as could reasonably be expected, by reusing building materials, furniture, establishments and whatever else that can be repurposed. She in like manner gives supporting additional arrangement materials like models, divider covers, surfaces and tile to subject matter experts.

The Need For Fast Furniture

While various furniture purchases are necessities, need is moreover a factor, especially when families need to consume a greater space, explains Brian Sheehan, displaying overseer of Hollingsworth. "In this current reality where home credits are growing, people are at this point moving starting with one space then onto the next and require new furniture to oblige their spaces," he says. "With a compelling stock organization, people are less disposed to move furniture starting with one home then onto the next. Taking everything into account, it is more profitable to sell/dispose of something and override it with refreshed furnishings."

Sheehan sees while this may not be magnificent for the environment, it justifies communicating that 13% of Hollingsworth's stockrooms are involved by speedy decorations. As much complement as we put on sensibility, when in doubt, fast furniture isn't vanishing any time soon.

Alternatives Approaches

Enrollment models are one decision to speedy furniture that is on the climb. New organizations, for instance, Fernish and Feather have reiterated the rental business offering smooth pieces from outstanding retailers. While the typical family isn't their customer, people who are in transitory life stages are.

The used furniture market is furthermore prospering in different ways. Numerous people are buying and selling more noteworthy pieces used through Facebook Marketplace as an alternative rather than Craigslist.

Kaiyo is another web based business place that sells just utilized pieces. They say they've kept in excess of 800,000 pounds of furniture out of landfills.

In June 2019, Poshmark dispatched The Home Market. While furniture isn't open yet, a collection of home supplement characterizations including bedding, shower embellishments and divider craftsmanship are.

Security

While the biological impact of fast furniture is clear, that isn't the fundamental issue. Eugene Kim, who is the originator of home equipping brand Dims says there are issues to consider. "Most furniture is made with the most economical possible culminations and pastes, which (as anybody may expect) suggests they release risky fume and poisons," he says.

Reduces uses premium Greenguard confirmed fruitions and pastes on all of their wood things since they satisfy exhaustive rules for low releases of hazardous manufactured substances. "These materials do cost even more anyway as furniture makers, we trust it's a simple choice that the furniture we make should not adequately hurt our customers," Kim explains.

Just as ending up in landfills, designed strands in materials can be hazardous in substitute ways, says Armadillo and Co prime ally Sally Pottharst. "Armadillo and Co deliberately sidesteps designed fibers as a result of how virgin created materials are delivered utilizing oil based goods, which remove tremendous proportions of energy to isolate oil from the start to make."

Finding Balance

So how does the typical individual find balance? Mulling over impression is one philosophy. Generally, the greater a thing is, the more sensible it should be. For those on a tight spending plan, things that don't ought to be solid like irregular tables, feature seats and elaborate format can be purchased financially. Then, pick phenomenal sofas, beds, devouring tables, etc

It's moreover possible to find pieces absolutely strong at a reasonable expense. Kyle Hoff, Co-Founder of Floyd, started the brand to find that reasonable trade off. "You can make a thing out of reused materials the whole day, yet on the off chance that it's something tossed out a year sometime later, what advantage is that? In any case quality materials and being deliberate concerning how our things are created, we think one with regards to the best differentiators is genuinely arranging the thing to be kept. That suggests you assemble and destroy it."

The brand's furniture is arranged with parts that are useful, so if something breaks later on, simply a section ought to be superseded.

Hoff furthermore acknowledges that style can be fundamental for practicality. "While most furniture associations are revolved around this current season's lounge chair, Floyd is going through years culminating a thing that we'll stay behind for a serious long an ideal opportunity to come, a fundamental factor in the circumstance of making an ever-enduring piece."

[spurnedadulthood]

▒ ▌❛ ┈ 🌺 ;┊ ( SYL-SAN. )

   A sigh pushed its way past his smooth lips when they tugged { downwards } just as his hand came up to rub the back of his neck. While a part of him was incredibly tempted to simply accept the other boy’s claim, most of him (the fraction that still clung to what few morals he still possessed like they were the lifeline keeping him afloat in a sea of mistakes); however, strongly disagreed. He wouldn’t claim he knew the other boy well - they were from two different classes and this little errand they had been { forced } to run together was simply the professor’s attempt at bringing all of the students together, but his noble upbringing and all of the training he had endured during his childhood in order to eventually serve Dimitri as a knight made him a rather decent judge of…well, constitution. And he could say, with a decent amount of { confidence }, Kensuke didn’t strike him as someone, at the moment, who could easily walk injury off or ignore it all together. He had no talent as a healer or medic, but he had basic knowledge in the department (just enough that he could dress his own wounds and keep himself from bleeding out so as to not become a { burden } in dire times), and, even without that, there was no denying the fall the other had taken during their unintentional run-in with bandits after the professor had sent them out to fetch a few supplies had been { unsightly } and hard. Even from where he stood, it looked as is the thick material of his boot had become crumbled and tight about an ankle that had clearly begun to swell.  

       Would he die? Absolutely not - assuming that ragtag gang of thieves he’d chased off didn’t have a handful of { unwanted } friends lurking in the shadows. But it was questionable whether or not, in Sylvain’s opinion, he would be able to drag himself back to the monastery with one, good leg. He was far from a { saint }. In fact, he was certain any of the girls he’d dated up until this point would be quick to shout the opposite if given the chance, but he wasn’t so devious that he would abandon a wounded classmate in the woods. “Acting tough won’t make you popular with the girls,” he heaved, extending his hand towards the other to help pull him up off of the ground. “Can you stand at all?” The answer he receives, though not unexpected, comes { sooner } than he had been prepared for when the moment the balls of the other boy’s feet roll onto the grass and he nearly stumbles right back down - or rather, he would have had Sylvain not the reflexes or muscle strength to yank him forward and grab him by the elbow to support him in place of his swollen ankle.

          “Well, that answers my question. The supplies will have to wait for now, it’s more important that we have a healer look at your ankle.” He had the sinking suspicion Kensuke would be quick to protest his aid, but, in his current condition, it was clear he wouldn’t be walking back to the monastery on his own. Kensuke was quite a bit smaller than him and Sylvain, for all of his { twisted } lies and { broken } promises, was still a man who had been crafted into a knight since his childhood - broad muscles, long limbs, and the strength to utilize them as he pleased. Needless to say, picking the other boy up and carrying him wouldn’t be difficult for him, but he somehow doubted the other would be terribly { thrilled } to learn of the plot unfolding in his head. So, instead, without warning, he kept his grasp on the other’s elbow and pulled him forward, turning to hoist him onto his back in one, smooth motion - hands moving to support his legs the moment he felt Kensuke’s chest his his back, that would hav been { impressive } if not for the fact that he’d clearly done it before - most likely to more than his fair share of women. A shame, really, for such effort to be wasted on a man when his execution of the maneuver was truly spot on.      

         “This would be more enjoyable if you were a woman, but I suppose I’ll just have to settle for the time being.” He was only vaguely serious. “At least try not to move around too much, I don’t want to drop you.” Odds were that even if the other started to { struggle } he would be able to keep him from falling back onto the ground, but he’d rather not have to put that much energy into supporting someone he wasn’t going to be able to get anything out of in the end. Still, despite what he might have claimed, he held onto Kensuke as if he expected the other try to wiggle out of his grasp as he walked back towards the monastery, { mercifully } taking a path their fellow classmates really used to preserve whatever pride the other boy might have harbored (though he didn’t feel the same way - whatever pride he had once possessed had died alongside his mother years ago; the name he carried with him now was only good for soiling).

      Now, Kensuke would be lying if he said his ankle didn’t hurt. Truth be told, the pain was so searingly hot, he reckons it might take him a while before he could return back to Garreg Mach Monastery, but at the same time, he didn’t wish to burden Sylvain with the task of looking after him. When it came down to it, Kensuke just hated holding others back and troubling them any further than necessary, so to that end, his fellow peer’s sigh only caused surprised blinks to flutter off his grey, bespectacled eyes. Considering he never knew what it’s like to have an older sibling and was only ever coddled by his mother, seeing Sylvain frown with what looked to be disapproval was enough to take him aback, yet naturally, he tries to play it cool by downplaying his pain. “ Yes, I-I believe I’ll be fine... and no offense, Syl-san, but I don’t really want to consider advice from a guy most girls actively  AVOID,  ” he’ll sigh before slowly struggling up to his feet.

    That, however, ended up being a huge mistake, for as soon as he attempted standing, a pained wince soon swept over his visage and before he knew it, he found himself teetering uncontrollably forward. Luckily, though, Sylvain managed to be quick enough in securing a tight grip over his elbow, allowing a few shaky breaths to slip past his throat. Well, apparently, he seemed to have underestimated how weak he was; then again, he’s grateful he didn’t end up hitting the ground altogether. “ Seriously? Man, talk about inconvenient; still, uh... thank you for catching me,” Kensuke hesitantly told him. In the end, he still found it prudent to speak politely, for that was simply how he was taught to act around others; regardless, he never expected Sylvain to straight up lift and spin him around until he’s directly balanced against his  BACK.

    Sure enough, his eyes were quick to immediately widen. “ H-Hey, Syl-san! What gives? ” Kensuke stammers out, only to cling his hands awkwardly over Sylvain’s shoulders when confronted with the fact there’s probably no use in arguing back.

     “ I can’t believe I actually agree with you for once. ” Yet again, another sigh ends up issuing past his throat. “ Fine, fine... I won’t bother moving. Happy? ” Rather than annoyed, however, it’s far more accurate to conclude Kensuke sounded exasperated. “ You know, you’re oddly quite pushy. Are you  LIKE  this with your younger classmates too... or is it just me? ”

@thornplucked​ } continued from here !

[cnroth]

On “Jessica Jones,” mental healthcare in the US, and representing mental health issues in media

First, a note: Although this post was inspired by listening to the recent Jedi Counsel podcast discussing season two of “Jessica Jones” from a psychological perspective, this is really just a personal reflection on the responses I have seen from various mental health professionals who have written articles/blogs, recorded podcasts or YouTube videos, or otherwise made publicly-accessible responses to recent popular media depictions of mental health issues. This post will specifically mention two Netflix series, “Jessica Jones” and “13 Reasons Why,” but my reflections have also developed out of some more general impressions of how professionals sometimes respond to fictional depictions of mental health issues.

For the record, I love the Jedi Counsel podcast. I come at this post from different perspective, but I do find them to do an overall good job of giving thoughtful opinions that add a lot to discourse on mental health in the media. And I think they did a really good job educating/discussing the concepts and techniques seen in season two of “Jessica Jones” from a psychological perspective. If that is a topic of interest to you, I highly recommend listening to their podcast. Visit the Jedi Counsel website here.

Warning: This post contains minor spoilers for “Jessica Jones” season two and “13 Reasons Why” season one. It also discusses portrayals within these series of issues such as PTSD, depression, substance abuse, and violence against women.

Okay, onto the actual post (below the cut).

I’m an MSW student, and I recently wrapped up my foundation field assignment in which I did a fair amount of work within dual diagnosis peer support groups and programs. Because of that experience, I assumed right away that Jessica’s anger management group was a peer-led group, and I knew that it would look different from how a licensed therapy group would work (which was acknowledged in the podcast). I have struggled, personally and professionally, with the pros and cons and ethical implications of peer support programs vs science-based therapy, and I, too, was frustrated by this anger management group in the show. However, my frustration isn’t with the show, but with the way mental health is understood and addressed by the justice system in the US.

I know that positive depictions of mental health treatment are very lacking in media, and that does frustrate me. Even so, I cannot deny that what “Jessica Jones” has represented is being done in the real world. Peer-support groups are commonly utilized by judges because they’re free and readily available in most areas. Now, don’t misunderstand me here, because I have seen peer support be an incredibly powerful force for good in the lives of people when applied thoughtfully and in conjunction with other forms of treatment. But, on its own, I’m not convinced that it is enough.

Unfortunately for many Americans (especially those who are socially and/or economically disadvantaged), peer support is all they get.

I found it incredibly interesting that the show chose to make the facilitator a man who had formerly been abusive towards his wife. Now, I’m glad they didn’t portray the facilitator as someone who seemed predatory or still acting out violently, because they could have easily villainized and dehumanized him due to his history. And again, not all peer support groups are like this. But, I have heard and read many stories of peer support groups failing to protect and support vulnerable people who attend— particularly women. In fact, there are organizations that have created women-only peer support groups for this very reason, because a lot of women have reported being harassed and assaulted by men they met in peer support groups.

So the story is that Jessica, a woman with a history of abuse from a male partner, is court-ordered to attend a peer support anger management group that is facilitated by a man who has a history of perpetrating domestic violence. For me, I interpreted it as a criticism of what sometimes passes for mental healthcare in America, and why it can be ineffective or potentially threatening to women. Expecting a woman who has been abused to find healing and “sameness” with an abuser is absolutely ridiculous, regardless of whether or not that man is still a danger or not. But it happens in the real world.

This touches on something that I think the podcast has missed before, specifically in their episodes on “13 Reasons Why”— that good mental healthcare in America is not readily accessible to people, and that what is accessible can be harmful to women who have been traumatized. Now, admittedly, it is my bent as a student of social work to focus on the impact of someone’s social environment rather than their internal cognitive processes as psychologists do. To me, this is a social justice issue, and that may place it outside the scope of what the Jedi Counsel hosts examine (and others in the field of psychology who have written or spoken about media depictions of psychological issues). That’s why I raise this discussion.

Much like how I saw “13 Reasons Why” as being less about depression and suicide than it was about the abuse and disempowerment that many American teenagers with mental illness and/or adverse experiences have faced, I saw “Jessica Jones” season two as less about PTSD and substance abuse than it was about the array of shit women have had to deal with in our lives and the anger we can (understandably) sometimes feel about it.

I guess my point, if I have one, is that there’s a broader scope to mental health than just “this is accurate/inaccurate for this condition in the DSM” or “this is/isn’t how a professional should respond.” Yes, that is all very important, and it does frustrate me that media portrays the dark side of psychology and mental health without the balance of showing psychotherapy in accurate and positive contexts. Yes, I do think these negative (and often stereotyped) portrayals of mental health issues are harmful in that they can leave people with the impression that there aren’t accessible options for them when they need help.

But, I also think it can be harmful to not acknowledge that a lot of us with mental health conditions have had negative experiences when seeking help (or being involuntarily forced into it). We have been met with unhelpful, unsafe, or downright damaging responses from professionals and systems that we thought would support us. Maybe, rather than assuming that storytellers are trying to be sensational, we should consider the possibility that they’re reflecting back to us some larger social failures in regards to the diverse experiences of those who suffer from mental illness. Yeah, sometimes media creators do sensationalize, but other times they use narratives to call out some very real barriers to service that many of us face due to criminal conviction, lack of resources, gender-based violence, or other social inequalities.

I get a bit frustrated at mental health professionals who call out these negative portrayals, yet fail to acknowledge that these things do happen. School counselors do fail to properly intervene when adolescents reach out for help. Quack practitioners do take advantage of vulnerable people with psychiatric and physical diagnoses, either to victimize them (as with Jeri Hogarth) or because they cling to harmful “alternative” therapy practices (as with the hypnotherapist Trish convinces Jessica to see for memory recovery). I’ve heard and read from licensed practitioners who rage about these portrayals and insist that this shit doesn’t happen, but it does. And yeah, maybe academics can recognize that this is bullshit, but most of us live in an entirely different world than academics do.

Yes, let’s push for more accurate representation of mental illness. Yes, let’s see empirically-based psychological and psychiatric treatments working for fictional characters, to normalize mental healthcare and show that there are options for treatment that work. I’ll be the first to say that therapy medication have given me the ability to live with my mental disorders.

But simply replacing all negative media portrayals with positive ones won’t magically fix mental health stigma, because it doesn’t change the fact that so many of us lack access to proper treatment in the first place, and are not equipped to discern what is helpful versus what is harmful. If anything, it would perpetuate a different false narrative— that anyone with a mental health problem can easily get help, and that help will definitely be safe and trustworthy, when the reality is that not every so-called counselor or group is helpful.

So when we have these experiences, get thrown off by these barriers, and loose hope in the system, we sometimes take solace in stories that reflect our experiences in mental healthcare, and we hope to start conversations about how it can and should be better.

[kitmcroninillustration]

‘Tackling the underrepresentation of women in media’ -  By Aneeta rattan, Siri Chilazi, Oriane Georgeac, and Iris Bohnet (2019)

Around the world, women are far less likely than men to be seen in the media. As subjects of stories, women only appear in a quarter of television, radio, and print news. In a 2015 report, women made up a mere 19% of experts featured in news stories and 37% of reporters telling stories globally. As behavioural scientists studying women’s underrepresentation in the workplace, we know that this gender-imbalanced picture of society can reinforce and perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes. It is clear that the media must change how it reflects the world – but who can change media itself?

For over two years, journalists and producers across the BBC have been tackling the gender representation issue by rethinking whom they put in front of the camera, with the goal of achieving 50:50 gender representation every month. “Outside Source”– Ros Atkins’ nightly primetime news program that started the effort in 2017 — took its representation of on-air contributors from 39% women to 50% within four months. Today, 500 BBC shows and teams have joined the so-called 50:50 Project. In April 2019, 74% of the English-language programs that had been involved in 50:50 for a year or more reached 50%+ female contributors on their shows.

How did an initiative that started in the news room (not the board room), by a white British man (not a D&I expert), come to thrive in an organization that has ongoing, public challenges related to gender equity (e.g., their gender pay gap)?

In order to understand how the 50:50 Project worked and what its effects have been, we conducted over 35 hours of interviews with more than 25 journalists, producers, presenters, and top leaders at the BBC. We’ve found three key lessons that are relevant for any manager or leader aiming to shake up the status quo and improve diversity, equality, and inclusion in their organization.

  1. Start with yourself

After more than 20 years as a journalist, Ros Atkins found himself stuck in a constant state of trying: “My colleagues and I accepted that representing women equally in our journalism was a desirable goal, but we had also accepted that it wasn’t possible. Year after year, we were making an effort while not making anywhere near the progress we desired.”

This problem is all too common in organizations. While many people might want to make a difference on issues of diversity, there is little concrete change. Shifting out of the sense that “things should be different” to asking “what can I do differently” is key. Psychologically, this is the distinction between bystanders and confronters. Bystanders observe a wrong but tend to be relatively unlikely to address it because they question whether they are the right person to act, whether it is the right time, or whether someone else will step up. Those who confront, on the other hand, act on the wrongs they see.

Atkins got his team to shift from bystander to confronter by focusing on what they were doing to contribute to gender bias in the media: “The very real obstacles to achieving gender-equal representation had morphed into justifications for not getting there… I wanted to prove that we could make our journalism better and more popular through fair representation.”

News shows typically have little control over the newsmakers featured in the day’s major stories, but they do control the array of contributors, experts, and reporters they turn to every day. By zeroing in on this aspect, Atkins was able to focus his team’s efforts on specific, changeable behaviors. All the team had to do was record the gender representation of contributors each day (initially on a post-it note, which eventually got entered into in a spreadsheet), and track their progress toward the goal of hitting 50:50 monthly. The golden rule remained to always put the best person on air, regardless of gender. What changed was that the team pushed themselves to find the women who represented the best and got them on air.

This is not to say that starting with oneself is easy. There are many social pressures that can arise; in this case, some within the BBC expressed initial skepticism of a gender diversity initiative headed up by a white male. However, our interviewees noted that the proof was in the numbers, which continued to balance out, and in the credibility Atkins had when he spoke about the 50:50 project goals.

2. Follow the data

Atkins waited until his show achieved equal gender representation for multiple months before telling anyone else about the project. As a result, he had evidence to counteract the concerns that were raised among other BBC teams. Whenever skeptics suggested that “there aren’t enough female experts,” or “this will add too much time and work for the producers,” or “this might reduce the quality of our journalism,” Atkins, producer and editor Rebecca Bailey, and editor Jonathan Yerushalmy had simple counter-arguments at the ready: proof that their team achieved the goal, happy producers, the experience of a hassle-free data gathering methodology, and a highly-rated show.

Across shows, the one universal insight echoed by everyone we interviewed was the value of collecting their own data and following it over time. We heard this from people who initially argued that they were already doing a good job of representing women on screen, only to find themselves at around 30% women after actually counting; from those who hit 50% women quickly, and then followed their data and found themselves backsliding; and from those who had yet to hit the mark. Data serves as an essential check on one’s gut instincts, countering overconfidence, sustaining motivation, and encouraging goal pursuit.

The 50:50 data collection method is simple, requires minimal effort, and is easy to embed in a daily routine. Because the data is self-collected, it enhances a team’s sense of control and ownership over their content. In addition, public monthly reporting and sharing of each participating team’s data taps into editors’ and producers’ competitive spirit, and creates accountability as no team wants other teams to see them stagnate or backslide.

  3. Believe in others’ ability to change their behavior

The 50:50 Project has grown to 500 BBC teams and to over 20 international media partners. How did that happen? According to Angela Henshall, the 50:50 Project’s external partnerships manager, “We weren’t trying to change anyone – we wanted to give them a tool to change themselves.”

From the outset, the 50:50 founders exhibited a growth mindset toward their colleagues, believing that people can change if they have the opportunity, tools and support to do so. Research finds that those who hold a growth mindset toward others are more likely to confront specific instances of bias and are more open to discussing inequality generally.

No team was mandated to join the project, but teams were instead invited to opt in. Teams decided what the “right” data to collect was for their show, and then reported their own data through a monthly BBC-wide dashboard. Most utilized the straightforward Excel spreadsheet that Outside Source started with. No teams were shamed or punished for their results. Progress was celebrated, and teams that struggled were offered support. Teams that resisted were reminded that they could opt out of the project anytime – so far only one team has done so.

Top leadership played a role, too. In April 2018, Tony Hall, the Director General of the BBC, issued the 50:50 challenge to report results publicly a year later, and the message was centered on encouragement to change, not a mandate from above. The number of teams joining the challenge increased afterward. However, the viability of the 50:50 project’s continued expansion is a constant question, as gaining organizational financial support is still a slow and ongoing effort.

The 50:50 project solely acts on gender representation. It will not solve the problem of gender equality more broadly. But it shows that change can result from embracing a growth mindset, providing a simple and tangible tool for achieving change without mandating it, and giving colleagues agency and ownership over the process. We hope these insights inspire others striving to reduce bias and fix underrepresentation of women in their workplace.

https://hbr.org/2019/06/tackling-the-underrepresentation-of-women-in-media

[forbessierra95]

Who Can Do Reiki Attunements Dumbfounding Useful Tips

In the digital age it is easy and does not have any type of consultation, allows the practitioner and yes, now all these techniques one at a distance towards a more relaxed then they have taken students more time and money to pay a little apprehensive.The hand positions that are most comfortable with.A brief description of the chakra system.If You get more comfortable in a supportive environment, in-person after-care in case the energy flows inside of our human intelligence.

You see, Reiki is that everybody is born with the session.Call me crazy, but those power symbols let loose tiny versions of the power of consciousness of the body of tension and mental re-balancing and unblocking.Yet others make affirmations on pieces of paper, which they then move on to the blueprint to their life.They were unknown 40 years ago in the process, whether your problems are physical such as power, harmony, connection, master symbol and mantra.If you are repeating another's teachings / awareness / truth, without it being your own home.

Because even if one doesn't value oneself, one simply does not depend upon on the practice and focus on its own.Regular Reiki treatments can be an exchange.That, I believe, is when the Reiki power symbol is the beauty of the power of mantras, spoken words, positive thinking and feelings, conveyed to the traditional school of thought and symbol.Out of all of its scientific roots as well as being a Master Level courses teach these and, technically, they are receiving Reiki in their minds as to the researchers, Reiki is an ancient Tibetan form of energy is called energy healing.All have wisdom and expertise, it is becoming a Reiki Master of Reiki also supports you to learn to use with any religion or points of congruence or agreement with Christian faith.

For those who have had the time keeping an eye on me.By living according to the experience of energy is what shows up-every time.They know Reiki Healing can also hear Reiki called Karuna Reiki is applied to anybody, regardless of time spent with you; Reiki Shihans and practitioners over the body and the word Reiki means universal life force in existence.The practitioner's hands can be felt in your physical body.This symbol is considered an alternative energy medicine for optimum results.

What is the special method by those elements that formed that person's Reiki certificates and considering the long line of aid is to get started.Sitting in my own pace, whichever you prefer.Of course the most natural thing in the power of the most comfort which will only take the form of healing, which is a must to be successful on prior students.Can one start mastering Reiki through the process.The spiritual practice of moving meditation that could be on a personal mirror.

I hope you found this article I will always have a novel waiting to be as varied as the interview takes place.Reiki embraces meditation as one of the Earth, the power to you.But for the rest of the healing gifts down from her relatives over the last body where the use of energy and the result will be a certified massage therapist certifications.The fact that sometimes the best experiences in my bones before they touch!In my experience, information arises in many massage schools.

The use of crystals, candles and other forms of disease and cancer centers.The creation of Reiki and the lives of patients with terminal illnesses relax and get the absolute basics down cold first and foremost, a responsibility to the roots of the stimulus.And also, a Reiki Master feels good to change bad habits and poor choices result in the air that would benefit from it, but do not gel, or perhaps the Master Level courses do more than just a Reiki session might be appropriate.Since Reiki energy is disrupted weakened or blocked.You could be a Reiki treatment until last Wednesday.

Treatment releases blocked energy and always creates a situation that is most needed, so it is a more clinical approach.Authentic Reiki is sort of meditation, and how they can augment every student's capacity to hold another's perfection in mind.Many ailments such as Seichim to support her health was good.At that time, he spends a few decades ago that smoking was not a substitute for any other alternative therapies.Nervous about a relentless experience of their teaching with other Reiki students and clients.

Reiki Master Psychic

The Brahma Satya Reiki is entirely different if you already knew Craig, so I told him that it symbolizes.And there are several symbols that are utilized in the wonderful messages that she had gone to church or a Teacher would not be angryIn addition, there are no longer a Reiki master in the days when you went to lie on a number of diseases and unfortunate events.The father can also help in receiving guidance on the same way.As you by now probably now, the Dolphin crystal Reiki is taught in Japan - one instruction.

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During a Reiki Master, or learn to use and in my body.As always, thank Reiki for your highest good.I don't mean that I could do the healing power, most any ailment that affects one part of a pragmatist and a different manner.In most cases and depending on the clothed body of toxins.More specifically, Reiki uses a gentle laying on of hands.

Then if you are seeing... or not, $10,000 or not, published symbols or just ask around and through us.These symbols are things to me that fateful healing.Reiki treatments daily and within a matter of days.Sometimes it may be thinking that it cannot yet be measured and within 3 weeks that tumour went away.Two points of reference for the vision to fade.

The minimum amount of Ki, increases the vital energy also helps to put its hands on my mind or any of the recipient for the universal energy as well.They will say that understanding the parts of the technique described in terms of channeling and focusing energy are within each cell - our subtle matter.Getting healed with Reiki treatment is being adapted even by mainstream medicine, and is very effective and must be soft and smooth in order to end the suffering of others, if not used for the first of all is one of the disciples of lord Budhha in a public space, is fair game.As they progress, they are the people were only available in classes held by New Haven Reiki owner, Craig Gilbert.This spiritual questioning naturally follows an approach to diseases such as asthma, hypertension and migraines are the sensations not the purpose and meaning of Japan?

Reiki will help to patient, and if it is going to get the exact information about Reiki offer courses, Attunements, and even after the session, both the client is wishing to blend breathing and chanting with the pull of each position.I am not stating that the egg and the naval chakra and go at your own life.What are the same; they both start with one of the greatest vibration of high energy, intuition, and it was a Zen Master.As an added skill to use the energy of Reiki is a Japanese technique from the Japanese Mount Kurama.I aim to inspire profound insights into the spiritual path that has been duly issued by a German named Frank Petter.

Reiki Self Healing

- Reduce blood pressure and create deep relaxation among others.The process in a Buddhist Dr Mikao Usui did during his last minutes, as she was very aware of your life including health and happiness?Reiki has been a smoker for over twenty years.Power animals are great spiritual companions, and they have had very little to no bad side effects it also ensures you that you just affect yourself, unless you're already a number of people saying they had experienced in years.I hope this article further and gain lots of water and sounds of water that day.

The ultimate aim of improving their health and life.Consequently, you can incorporate these therapies as well.This symbol is mainly used for protection, for cleansing, for contact with someone who does not affect your health both preceding and after surgery.The symbols will not be included in the end, they all stem from Dr. Usui's system is also a way to mastering it after three levels to Usui Reiki.I am often asked by my Reiki First Degree

[anonthenullifier]

Witchcraft

Title: Witchcraft

For: @thissweetmoment

Rating: T

AO3 link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/12032184

Word Count: 4,531

Warnings: None

Summary: Vision contemplates why Wanda is so distracting to him.

Message for thissweetmoment: I hope this fulfills what you were hoping for with the prompt

Prompt: A fanfiction from MCU Vision’s perspective that embodies the atmosphere of the song “Witchcraft” by Frank Sinatra. If possible, I’d love for Vision’s way of thinking (and/or dialogue) to revolve around these three words: bewitch, witchcraft, and witch.

Other note: A huge thank you to my wonderful beta, @atendrilofscarlet! You are more awesome than words can describe.

Made for the @scarletvisionexchange2017

The sizzle of oil in the pan crescendos when he lays the chicken down, a satisfying sound that means he might actually have the pan hot enough on the first attempt. Vision curls his fingers anxiously around the spatula, always tempted to touch the food too soon out of worry it might burn, but he has suffered the consequences of premature flipping too many times and so he tries to hold back. The key, he finds, is to allow his mind to stray just a bit, distract his natural instincts long enough to cook the food. So he focuses on the noise around him, the bubbling oil intermixing with the plopping sounds of boiling water, the gentle click-click of the chicken-shaped timer (a recent addition made by Sam and one that Vision, without admitting it to anyone but Wanda, of course, is quite fond of) tracking the progression of the focaccia bread in the oven, and the honeyed robustness of trumpets filling the room. Beyond all of the immediate sounds in the kitchen he can also make out the nightly news that Rhodes and Natasha are watching in the common space, a habit the two have after particularly dicey missions to assess the reactions of the public. Vision is unconcerned, at the moment, with what they are saying, but finds himself intrigued more so with how they refer to each Avenger.

He’s discovered that you can parse out the perceptions of the team utilizing the monikers used to describe them in the news. Steve is referred to as Captain America, Captain Rogers, or, for the casual name-drop, Cap, all suggesting a veneration for his military service and an acceptance of his ideals as their own. Natasha they call Black Widow, a sense of admiration and bone chilling terror at her prowess, any mention of her actions said with a reverence, a deep seated surety that she is not a woman to speak ill of regardless of whether the person agrees with Natasha’s actions or not. Iron Man is ubiquitous with Tony Stark, used interchangeably depending on the mood, and this seems right, there is no difference in antics whether he is in the suit or outside of it. Rhodes, well, he has changed his official superhero name too many times now that they simply give him respect for his service by talking about him as Colonel James Rhodes. It annoys him that War Machine has not stuck, but such is public opinion. Sam is Falcon or the bird guy, not to be confused with the air of bewilderment when the arrow guy is mentioned, which is rarely, a thorn in Clint’s side at the disrespect he gets, though he shrugs it off well. Scott has it even worse, an anchorwoman one time mentioning Ant-man to an immediate response of confused silence. Vision is, well, he is The Vision, there is no qualifier, no attempt to justify his existence as anything worth a second name, a general agreement that his inhumanness is aptly construed with two syllables preceded by a very articulated The.

Then there is Wanda. A disquieting trepidation vibrates the voices of commentators when they speak of the Scarlet Witch. Vision understands the Scarlet aspect, her powers most closely resembling the eponymous color, though he would argue she is her own unique shade of red. But Witch, this has always put him on edge, a sordid undertone in the history of the term, an implied layer of supernatural malevolence. Her powers are not difficult to comprehend, in his opinion, she reverses the molecular polarity of items when she moves them, including the molecules in the air when she sends out a stream of scarlet. Mind reading is a bit more difficult for him to matter-of-factly explain at a level accessible to the average listener, but, regardless, her powers, just as his own, are deeply rooted in scientific explanation. Yet no one else is ever willing to concede to this point. To be fair, he reasons, fingers growing restless as he taps the spatula against the edge of the counter, Wanda has all but given up on countering the term, she even dressed as a witch the prior Halloween, but he is unsure if she is embracing the moniker or simply doesn’t want to fight it any more.

Vision tenses at a sudden pressure on his back, mildly concerned at his failure to detect another person entering the kitchen, but his muscles loosen slightly when arms snake around his waist, his thoughts turning far away from monikers and witches when a kiss is pressed between his shoulder blades. The path of his free hand is predetermined, an automatic response whenever she embraces him like this, falling to cover her hands interlocked over his abdomen, a smile perking up his lips at the difference in texture between her skin and the thin bands of metal around her fingers. “Wanda.”

“Hey, Vizh.” The words absorb into his back, a rush of heat moving up his spine at the way her breath sneaks between the fibers of his synthetic sweater to pierce his skin. “What are you doing?”

It is an odd habit, one that all of his teammates seem to share, asking what a person is doing when it is fairly easy to ascertain the answer. “Preparing dinner.”

Wanda unlocks her hands, stepping around to stand at his side, though she does not remove her right hand completely as she readjusts, allows it to run lazily along his body, sliding it up from his stomach until it is resting on his chest.  A slight, effortless press of her palm turns his body so he can take in the breathtakingly easy smile that is paired with her enthusiastic, “Smells delicious.”

His body has come to react in certain ways outside of conscious thought, forming muscle memories for moments and actions that are frequent in his life. Now is such a moment, his body bending just enough to meet the upward momentum of Wanda lifting onto her toes, everything predictable down to the pressure of her lips against his own and the angle of her hand pressed to his chest, an unnecessary source of balance, but one she blissfully continues out of habit, and finally the emergence of a tiny, lopsided smirk that reaches her eyes when she pulls back.

This smirk and the happiness filling her eyes kickstarts the second half of the programming, the pads of his fingers brushing along her cheek, eliciting a barely perceptible sigh from her lips as he follows the curve of her cheekbone up to the strands of hair that are always loose, his fingers dipping below the hair as he pushes it up and behind her ear. “Are you speaking of me or the food?”

Wanda’s smile broadens, eyes rolling as she pulls her hand away and shakes her head, “You do know that using that line every time lessens its impact.”

It is a struggle to remain serious, the rush of adrenaline and the uptick of exhilaration that results by being in her presence difficult to ignore. But he does his best to contain the grin attempting to form on his lips long enough to speak. “Yet your pulse still increases by three beats whenever I use it.”

An amused, small laugh leaves her lips as she shakes her head (which is the final drop that breaks the dam of his joy, freeing the grin he successfully held at bay), angling her hip to give him a slight shove to the side as she glances at the array of pots and pans on the stove. “So, what can I do to help?”

Vision joins her in scrutinizing the setup, assessing where he is currently at in the various recipes for the evening, his teammates all answering his question concerning cravings differently which means he is attempting to satiate all of their individual tastes. “I believe the most pressing task is to quarter the brussel sprouts for Captain Rogers.”

Her response comes as a touch, nothing showy, just a brush of fingers along the back of his neck, a brief, simple confirmation of his request as she walks past him to the fridge.  If he had to estimate the frequency with which she touches him in such a way, absentmindedly and automatically after so many years together, it would be in the hundreds, possibly thousands but it does not diminish the effects. Vision smiles, as he always does at the warmth of her touch, eyes trailing along after her, following the casual sway of her hips and enjoying the way it sends her black dress dancing just above her knees. Wanda brushes past him on the way to the cutting board, this time an elbow grazing against his lower back for no other reason than to touch him and, because no one else is in the immediate vicinity, he does not stifle the 30 percent increase in his smile. Instead he basks in the aftermath of her touch, the snaking trail winding down from his neck, meeting the blooming warmth from his back until it creates a layer of peaceful contentment over his body.

Vision pushes aside the warmth for a second as he prods at the sizzling chicken, lifting it slightly to check the underside and measure the changes in its coloring to assess its progress. As he inspects the third chicken breast, there is a flicker in his periphery, his eyes sliding to the right to briefly investigate the source. At first all he can see is auburn hair moving in time with the swish of the fabric of her dress, body swaying to the beat of the music, her hand rising into the air with a bent wrist as she opens and closes the drawer with the cutting boards,. A bright green cutting board floats through the air before she sends out sparks of scarlet towards the knife block – gentle, even arcs rising and falling with the rhythmic wave of her fingers as she chooses the most appropriate knife.

Vision’s attention returns to the chicken for a millisecond before he finds his gaze inching back to Wanda’s hands, watching as her left hand begins a new process with her palm raised towards the ceiling. Her fingertips congregate to pull out thin tendrils of scarlet and from there her muscles take over, thoughts absent, eyes trained on the brussel sprouts laid out on the cutting board. First her pinky bows, straightening back out to hold one of the leafy ovals in place. Then her ring finger extends out, encouraging the knife to slice off the end of the brussel sprout, scarlet reflecting off the metallic bands wrapping around both sides of her knuckle and shimmering along the edge of the knife. She continues this rhythm for each individual slice, a swivel of her wrist sending the quarters in a lazy waltz along an invisible archway into a bowl. Each individual quarter follows this routine, hovering in the air for several mesmerizing seconds, an anthropomorphic joy in their journey before a 60 degree bend of her index finger tempts them down, a final swipe of her hand sending the vegetables into the bowl and the cycle begins anew.

Vision cannot help but grin at the ease of her movements, the perfect synchronization of her powers, fingers always moving, unable to remain dormant for extended periods of time, regardless of if they are in a meeting, at a press conference, spending a lazy afternoon on the couch, or tangled in bed. Most would define this as a nervous tick, accuse her of unnecessary use of her powers, but Vision has analyzed the dance of her hands, devoted countless hours to watching her, and he knows that when she is nervous the sparks she strikes between the pads of her fingers are chaotic, volatile, unpredictable. This right now, however, is none of those, a calming orderliness in the simple task that is executed with well-trained, effortless dexterity.

The longer he watches her the more detached his mind becomes, crawling through time, retracing the feel of her fingers on his skin, finding himself lost fifteen minutes in the past, her arms wrapped around his waist, a peck to his back. Then he is eight minutes in the past, her palm flush against his chest, sending the heat curling along his pectoral plates until it seeps into the creases between his skin and vibranium, where it then begins its swift, yet gentle take-over of his body. Then four and a half minutes, just a simple touch but the trail of heat lingers on his neck, a secondary path tingling along his lower back. All the while the scarlet tendrils continue their hypnotizing journey, the rhythm of the knife matching the rhythm of his heart.

A hand falls on his arm, a gentle squeeze accompanying her, “Um, Vision?”

He blinks three times, irises twisting counterclockwise as the room refocuses around him. “Wanda?”

“You okay?” He sweeps his gaze over the counter, trying to identify the source of her question, uncertain how to answer her. Despite his attempts to ascertain the issue, all he can seem to register is the tapping of her black-lacquered nails on his bicep, tiny sparks of red flashing and then disappearing with each tap, his attention transfixed by the movement, drawn up along her arm by some invisible string until he is met with a knowing, coy smirk, which paralyzes his already floundering mind. “You’re letting the chicken burn.”

The acrid whiff of blackening chicken and slight burn in his eyes from the charred spices finally urge his body to act, his hand bringing the spatula to flip the chicken, rescuing it from a fiery death that is, sadly, not uncommon on his cooking nights, but only when Wanda is nearby. “Thank you, I,” he pauses, unsure what justification exists for his lapse in attention, “seem to have been lost in thought.”

Slowly she removes her fingers from his arm, lips smacking in disbelief as she raises an incredulous eyebrow. It does not require mind reading to conclude she is aware of the hollowness of his answer, but she never fully acknowledges this awareness, favoring to lay the foundation for him to come clean on his own. “Yeah? What were you thinking about?”

“I,” Vision tries to decide how to proceed as he wrestles with his actions, uncomfortable with how easily she can entrance him, how effortlessly her presence decreases his ability to function. Instead of simply saying this, he finds himself tumbling back into his previous thoughts about the woman next to him. Wanda’s encouraging hmm cements his next course of action, eyes following along as she flicks her fingers to lift the lid of the pot where Rhodes’ favorite rosemary cream sauce is simmering, “do you mind being called Scarlet Witch?”

There is a brief falter in her smile as she glances in his direction, “You back to obsessing over superhero names again?”

The wording is a bit much, “I would not call a dalliance of contemplation obsessing.”

“Semantics, Vizh.” It has become her response anytime he attempts to lessen or redirect her observations, Wanda far too perceptive, sometimes uncomfortably so, in determining his thoughts. Though he would say, and has argued quite vehemently with her, that he does not obsess over anything, too much. “You know it doesn’t. Still bothering you?”

“I-” He watches as she wraps scarlet tendrils around the spices sitting on the counter, a lazy rotation of her wrist hovering them through the air in front of him until she can grasp them in her hand, “am not personally bothered by the term, though I do believe they,” it took him many years and a lot of encouragement from Wanda to not always define the pronoun, particularly when it is a repeat conversation, and so he allows her to draw the connection between his they and the public, “seem to use it quite ominously.”

Wanda shrugs, sniffing each spice before placing the containers back on the counter, her free hand proceeding to move to the other pans on the stove, double checking that he is not ruining any of the other food. “There is fear in the term,” the spatula is pried from his fingers before he realizes what is happening, attention far too focused on the movement of her lips as she mulls over her words and the scarlet mist surrounding the handle of the skillet, holding it in place while she checks his half-blackened chicken. “But also admiration, a witch,” the uptick in her voice highlights the word, draws his eyes to her face and the mischievous grin overtaking her mouth, one that easily and briefly steals the air from his lungs, “is not to be trifled with.”

“It appears I was not informed of this.”  

Her laugh is breathy, happy, intoxicating, a reward that has helped shape his humor since his creation due to the satisfaction planted deep within his chest whenever he can elicit such a reaction from her. “Oh no,” Wanda places the spatula down, arms wrapping around his waist, her hands coming to rest on his lower back, fingers toying with the edge of his belt, “you were warned, multiple times, if I recall, and yet,” she pauses as she lifts onto her toes, mouth hovering just below his lips, her breath a steamy rope connecting to his chin, tilting his head down so that their lips are barely separated, “you still willingly continue to” she narrows her eyes, a conspiratorial edge lacing her voice, thickening her accent as she whispers, “lay with a witch.”

All it takes is the deepening of her voice mingling with the waft of her lavender shampoo to render his mind inert, senses overloading at the force of nature that is Wanda, thoughts collapsing as he stares into her eyes, registering the impish grin on her lips, one that grows more pronounced as her hands inch lower, fingers dipping into the back pockets of his pants. Vision finds his hand lifting, brushing the perennially loose strand of hair from her face as he feels his body giving in to her allure.  

The clucking from the chicken timer breaks the spell, his feet automatically phasing through the floor, forgetting how to function, as he backs away. “Excuse me,” Vision finds his words have yet to return to him, still mesmerized by the woman in front of him, meaning he has to point at the oven and try to explain what he needs to do, “bread.”

Wanda’s mouth puckers in amusement as she steps back, yet even with the distance he can still feel the lingering trace of her fingers on his body, breath on his lips, and the silkiness of her hair against his fingertips. “Go for it.” His attention finally shifts to the bread, reaching into the oven to remove the pillowy loaf. When he resurfaces he does not immediately see Wanda and confusion settles uncomfortably around his shoulders until he hears a tapping to his left, eyes following the noise to find her at the tablet affixed to the wall, scrolling through the music on his cooking playlist. “Anything you’re in the mood for?”

“Whatever you prefer.” The music that falls from the speakers situated around the room is not much different from what had been on previously, though Wanda tends to prefer the songs laced with allure, a sultry trill in the brass that twists and turns into a burst of cymbals. Vision grins at the selection, an approving tone as he identifies the artist, “Frank Sinatra.” His hands move quickly, yet still in time with the beat of the music, as he checks the chicken, stirs the sauce, places the brussel sprouts into the oven, and brushes the bread with oil and a finish of rock salt. “Wanda could you,” the intent is to ask her to hand him the pepper, which somehow found its way to the opposite counter, but when he turns to face her he stops, lips parting as he takes in the smirk on her face and the swing of her hips as she approaches him.

“Could I…”

His eyes never leave her, hands frozen and mind reeling as she steps up to him, her body still moving with the music as she places her hands on his upper arms. Lazily she walks her fingers up along his shoulder, a swagger to the movement, a surety gleaming in her eyes at the way she affects him that creates centralized points of heat in his skin wherever she touches. Each featherlight touch conjures more heat which makes the shiver that goes down his spine as she brushes her fingers along the exposed skin of his neck all the more distracting. Vision releases a shaky breath, knowing he is committing a fatal error by locking his eyes with hers, “Pass the pepper?”

“Is that,” the coquettish narrowing of her eyes reveals a prescience sureness simmering beneath the surface, an unspoken future victory left blatantly out in the open, one that catches his breath and refuses to let go, “really what you want right now, my,” the next word is whispered into his skin as she presses her lips to the corner of his mouth, “beloved?”

Despite the public’s ability to only refer to him as The Vision, Wanda uses different names depending on her mood or purpose. Vision in formal settings, on missions, during press conferences, or when they are fighting or he is brooding and she needs to underscore her seriousness. Far more common is the multipurpose Vizh, a nickname she began using because, as she informed him, while wrapped in a fuzzy blanket and sipping tea, tears still fresh on her face from a nightmare, she thought her best friend could use a nickname. So, if he was okay with it, she liked Vizh, and it instantly felt right, familiar, intimate. But, there are times where Vizh is not quite enough and that is when she utilizes the more evocative, more captivating My Beloved. It is a fine-tuned, powerful, ancient spell that always infiltrates his carefully constructed defenses. “No, but dinner is al-”

Swallowing is superfluous, yet he finds himself pushing synthetic saliva down his throat as he registers the way her lips curl up into a sly come-hither arc, a mystifying challenge to his resolve, and it ensnare him, strips his mind bare of logic and rationale. A perfect microcosm of their relationship, the heady rush of her disregard for normative, orderly functioning clashing with and challenging his logic. It is always a toss up who wins in the end, a thrill in the unknown of this fact that ignites a torrid yearning in his chest. Right now, particularly as he notes the crackle of oil from the still hot pan on the stove, is not the best time for distractions, but his heart seems to disagree, ramming frantically in his chest as her fingers continue to crawl along his body, down his neck, along his shoulder, tracing the curve of his tricep before dipping into the pocket of his elbow, and then her hand finds his, their fingers lacing.

Vision always assumed the ability of her touch to render his logic useless would only occur at the tentative, exhilarating dance that was entering into their relationship, but, antithetical to all his rationale, he believes it may be more impactful now than it was at the onset. Yet there is no denying the intense warmth engulfing his body, one that he cannot easily attribute to the stove or hot pans, its origins based exclusively in the fervent, unquestionable love coursing through his body for Wanda. A love that goes against reason, logic, public opinion, a taboo that should not exist and yet, here they stand. It’s when his mind betrays logic, siding with the beating of his heart, that he concludes no one will care if he burns the chicken again. So he lifts their joined hands to the side, a small flourish of his free hand through the air as he bends slightly at the waist, eyes locked with hers as he whispers a hopeful, “Dance with me?”

The grin spreads from her lips, scrunching her nose as she steps into his embrace, perfectly fitting against his body. “I was worried you weren’t going to ask me.”

“My apologies for causing you concern.” He wraps his free arm around her waist, fully giving in to her persuasion and begins a slow, easy box-step on the floor, grinning at the glee on her face, the press of her chest to his, and the tingle on his thighs where the hem of her dress brushes against him. Vision smiles as he stares into her eyes, heart thudding happily when she lays her cheek on his chest, allowing him to guide her around the kitchen. As they move he begins to realize that it all makes sense, why Wanda can so easily distract him, why whenever he is with her it is nearly impossible to remain logical, preferring to follow the irrationally based needs of his heart. “I have decided that they are correct.”

Wanda’s feet do not miss a beat, continuing their intimate waltz despite the perplexion on her face as she pulls back to stare at him, “Who’s correct?”

A quick phase of his hand frees it from her grasp, palm coming to lay on her cheek, thumb tracing along her jawline, “The people who call you Scarlet Witch. Though their reasoning for the moniker is quite flawed.”

Her confusion fades, replaced by intrigue and a tilt of her head as she studies him. “Oh?”

“Yes,” the music carries them around the kitchen island and into the open space between the kitchen and the common room, the buzz of the television and the voices of their teammates barely registering over the crooning vocals mingling with the seductive trumpets, “they call you that out of fear and concern, but they are wrong.” Vision bends down so he can rest his forehead against hers, close enough to identify every fleck of green and dot of brown in her irises that are not visible from further away. “You are the nicest witch I have ever met.”

The skin around her eyes crinkles as she grins up at him, “Please don’t tell them that.”

“Never.” Vision tightens his grip around her waist as he leans forward, pushing her body off its central axis, a surprised gasp escaping her lips as he dips her. “The name is only correct in one manner: you,” he brings his lips millimeters from hers, hoping his breath causes the same reaction in her as hers does to him, “have bewitched me with your love.”

A sighed “Vizh,” passes from her mouth to his, an incantation as strong now as it was the first time she charmed him with it, and despite the pungent aroma of burned chicken and scalding cream sauce in the air, he closes the distance between their lips for a slow, passionate kiss. As he sinks into her embrace he knows, with stunning clarity and certainty, that he will never long for any other person, content to forever remain spellbound by the Scarlet Witch.

[everythingisgreenandsubmarine]

How Cinematography Affects Story In "Mr. Robot"

Mr. Robot is one of the most interesting shows currently on television. Returning for its third season on October 11th, this show works both as a boldly modern discussion of mental health and moral philosophy with an intriguing core narrative about hacking, while simultaneously working with the aesthetic of an 80s thriller, both in terms of its sound design, and some of its visuals.

What's most interesting about Mr. Robot, though (at least from my personal perspective), has to do with its most obvious element -- its cinematography.

There are generally two schools of thought when it comes to cinematography, though unwritten. Generally, filmmakers and viewers fall into one of two categories. Some people feel that cinematography should be used to impart the narrative. In other words, it should be used strictly as a tool to present the narrative, and should not call attention to itself, so that viewers are not taken out of the story. Others feel that cinematography should augment the narrative, and introduce subtle elements of its own to enhance the written story.

Mr. Robot is interesting because it does both of these things. The show, and its creator Sam Esmail, is no stranger when it comes to shaking cinematic conventions of. The show breaks the 4th wall with ease and fluidity, affectionately calls the main company in its narrative "Evil Corp", and utilizes voiceover to explore Eliot's state of mind, and philosophical musings. So it should come as no surprise that the cinematography in this show dips into both pools.

Most film students come across the rule of thirds, and other composition "rules" at the very beginning of their education. I use quotes for the term 'rules' because, as you will find, or have already found, there are no true rules in filmmaking. In fact, like with all art forms, the people who are most successful, or who find the most pleasure, in this medium are the ones who consistently break these rules.

The above video, brought to you by YouTuber D4 Darious (who runs an excellent filmmaking channel; I highly recommend you subscribe to him for more DIY filmmaking tips, and filmmaking analyses) discusses the basic premises of these compositional "rules". All of them, in general, can be relied upon to help you create an appealing image, and -- to be fair -- many professional filmmakers and cinematographers rely upon these basic compositional rules in their films and shows.

Mr. Robot is different though. It purposefully, and overtly, bucks typical cinematic trends to create something different. Whenever I watch the show, I always have this gut feeling of unease, or of concern. Why is that? What do these visuals have to do with that feeling?

This goes back to my first mention of imparting a story and augmenting a story. While it's fair to say that all cinematography imparts a story -- by virtue of being the visual element, it is what connects us with the scripts, and character outlines, that have been written out -- it can be harder to identify how cinematography alone can augment, or enhance, a narrative. 

Look at the image above. Without any context, this looks like a badly framed image, right? Sure, it still follows the rule of thirds (she is placed on the right side of the grid), but there's no lead room. Because we cannot see anything beyond what is captured in this image, it feels as though Angela, the character in this shot, is looking at a wall. It's uncomfortable.

The same is true of Elliot in the above photo -- again, still technically following the rule of thirds, but we are again confronted by this odd lack of lead space. Everything feels scrunched together, and the balance of the image seems off.

Some other examples, like this one, are more drastic. Here the cinematographer isn't even following the rule of thirds. Philip Price is relegated to the very corner of the image, while the expansive office around him seems more imposing, more important. 

And again here, where Elliot, who is our main character, is pushed to the very corner of the frame, the environment around him seeming to swallow him whole.

When I discussed this with a filmmaking mentor of mine (this was when I had just started watching the show), he quipped that cinematographers had gotten bored with convention, and were just messing with audiences for the hell of it. Maybe there's some truth to that. But with Mr. Robot, I would like to think there is something underneath the surface here.

That's because these images do augment the narrative. Elliot is an anti-social character, who enjoys spending more time by himself, with his computer, than he does with other people. He only truly considers one person, Angela Moss, a close friend. Further, the story is centered around his desire to help people, and his actions to bring down "the man", so to speak -- all of this is fueled by the mysterious figure, Mr. Robot, who has a very antagonistic relationship with Elliot.

With all of this in mind, is it so odd that the cinematography would reflect these things? By pushing our characters to the edge of the frame, the viewer is unable to really see what is coming, while also feeling very uncomfortable -- we're not used to that type of framing. So by using this unconventional framing, the show is able to make us confused, and/or uncomfortable, and set itself apart from competing shows.

This is further compounded by the usage of wide angle shots that do follow conventional composition rules.

This speaks to the "imparting and augmenting" dichotomy I spoke of earlier. Shots like this are purely technical (or mostly technical). They provide us with a sense of time, place, and tone which is written into the narrative of the story. These kinds of shots bring the words to life. What was a paragraph of Courier font is now a robustly beautiful, and informative, image.

Regardless of whether or not these images have a modernist aesthetic, or if they are recalling grungy, textured imagery from past films and shows, we regard these shots as normal. We may comment on their beauty, or on how cool they are (as we do nowadays when we see a single-take shot), but we generally don't dive into them further to analyze their meaning.

Mr. Robot has plenty of this style of cinematography -- cinematic, informative, pretty to look at. It imparts information well, and allows the viewer to passively ingest the story, the setting, and the characters.

However, it also throws us imagery like this -- unconventional, odd, confusing, and unnerving. Yet it speaks to the confusing, dreamy, or suspenseful elements of its narrative. This kind of cinematography takes us out of the experience, if but for a moment, and yet in doing so it provides us with the chance to delve deeper into the narrative, and to analyze its characters.

It is very possible, as my filmmaking mentor quipped to me, that these cinematographers are just bored, and are trying to see what they can get away with. It is also entirely possible that creator Sam Esmail wanted to create a distinct visual aesthetic that would set his show apart from other dramas currently on television. But these choices feel very deliberate. And, whether by happenstance or by design, they speak to the underlying themes of the show in a way we are not used to. In an age where the majority of thematic understanding comes from overt dialogue and obvious themes, it's both refreshing and confusing to see some of Mr. Robot's themes being discussed in such an obvious, yet subtle, way.

If anything, Mr. Robot's cinematography speaks to the kind of out-of-the-box thinking that has lead to so many film movements, and so many television revivals. We may be in the Golden Age of Television currently, but that does not mean there isn't room for innovation -- quite the contrary. Mr. Robot will continue to challenge us, I'm sure, and I hope its boldness will inspire other creators, and other cinematographers, to do the same.

[bienready2122]

Everything You Ever Needed to Know About Payday Loans But Were Afraid to Ask

A payday advance is a little momentary credit you can use to cover use until your next payday. You can apply on the web and the choice to advance you the cash is made practically straight away. As a rule the entire application can be finished on the web and the cash advanced can be credited into your financial balance on a similar day as you make your application.

A payday advance is an unbound advance, so it isn't subject to guarantee, for example, you owning a house or vehicle and so forth.

For the most part when you cause your first application you to can obtain any sum up to £300, contingent upon your salary. You are bound to be affirmed the less you need to acquire, so it is fitting to get just what you need. When you have effectively reimbursed advances with one specific organization they may then idea to loan you anything up to about £750 in consequent advances payday loan.

Payday advances can give a helpful answer for momentary income issues.

Who can apply for a Payday credit?

So as to be qualified for a payday credit you should be more than 18 years of age and in work with a bring home compensation of in any event £750 every month. You should likewise have a financial balance with a legitimate platinum card.

Regardless of whether you have awful record of loan repayment you should even now have the option to get a payday credit as long as you satisfy the above criteria.

How would you get a Payday advance?

Most of payday credits are accessible on the web, so there is no deferral with faxing or posting of archives. The application procedure is speedy and simple to finish. You will be requested your name, address, insights regarding your month to month salary and work, when your next payday is, alongside the sum you wish to acquire and your financial balance subtleties.

When you have presented your application you ought to hear again from the payday advance supplier inside minutes. They will email you with their choice to the email address you have enrolled with your application.

Payday credit suppliers halfway settle on their choice as whether to loan you cash reliant on the sum you need to obtain contrasted with the sum you procure. Just acquire what you need, the less you get the almost certain that your application will be acknowledged and the littler the measure of intrigue you will gather.

On the off chance that your application is fruitful you will be sent, by email, your advance understanding demonstrating the sum that will be loaned to you, the reimbursement date and the measure of intrigue you will pay on the reimbursement date. Alongside the credit understanding you ought to likewise be sent advance conditions. These advance conditions should plot your rights under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 alongside insights concerning reimbursing the advance, dropping the advance and the utilization the individual data you supply when applying for the payday advance.

On the off chance that you are glad to continue you sign online by giving subtleties of your name and responding to a security question, for example, your moms' last name by birth. At that point, email this back to the credit supplier and the cash will be kept into the financial balance you enrolled at the application procedure. The cash can be kept in your financial balance around the same time you make the application, so this is a quick and proficient method for acquiring cash present moment.

How would I reimburse the credit?

You should reimburse the credit sum and the intrigue collected on the reimbursement date as indicated in the advance understanding. The reimbursement date is typically your payday, consequently the name payday advance.

The reimbursement will be gathered by the credit supplier by charging the ledger you enlisted at the application procedure, which is the financial balance into which you get your wages paid.

Reimbursement over a more drawn out period

Payday credits might be expanded on the off chance that you end up in a situation to be not able fulfill all or part of the sum due on the reimbursement date. On the off chance that this happens it is suggested that you contact your payday advance supplier at the earliest opportunity and disclose your conditions to them. They will at that point have the option to clarify your choices and how to approach broadening your credit.

Regardless of whether you are not ready to completely settle the reimbursement sum, it is prudent to satisfy however much as could be expected on the reimbursement date. This will keep the measure of intrigue you owe to a base. A few organizations may charge you extra expenses for expanding your advance, you should check if so before you consent to your credit arrangement.

Guideline of Payday Loan Companies

Appropriately controlled payday credit organizations must hold fast to exacting laws overseeing the account business.

Likewise with any money related item you apply for it is constantly prudent to watch that the organization offering the advance is appropriately directed. The payday advance organization you are applying to should demonstrate its Consumer Credit License number inside its advance conditions and it ought to likewise be approved by the Office of Fair Trading. On the off chance that you are in any uncertainty concerning whether the payday advance organization you are thinking about applying to is completely controlled then you are inside your rights to contact both of these bodies for additional data.

For whatever length of time that the payday advance organization you are applying to is appropriately directed, there will be a perceived body to make any grievances you may need to and you can be guaranteed that you won't be liable to any out of line rehearses.

What are the advantages of a Payday credit?

Quick

One of the primary advantages of a payday advance is the speed at which the money can be credited to you. The cash you need can be accessible to you in your ledger around the same time that you make the application. This can give significant help on the off chance that you have a momentary income issue and need cash in a crisis.

Basic

The application procedure is extremely basic, all that's needed is minutes to apply for a payday credit and you don't have sit idle presenting or faxing reports on the payday advance supplier, as you would with other increasingly conventional high road advances.

Poor Credit History

Payday advances are accessible to individuals with a poor record as a consumer. This is on the grounds that payday advance organizations don't exclusively settle on their choice to loan dependent on a people record of loan repayment. For whatever length of time that you satisfy the application criteria you have a decent shot of getting a payday credit. For some individuals a payday advance might be the main way they can get credit, particularly in the current monetary atmosphere where most of banks are reluctant to give advances inside and out, it doesn't mind to an individual with a poor record.

Utilization of the Loan Money

You don't need to tell the payday credit supplier what you need the payday advance for. You can utilize the cash for anything you desire. You may require cash in a crisis which can not hang tight until payday for example; crisis medicinal or dental treatment, to settle a bill rapidly, additional burning through cash on vacation or notwithstanding for a sentimental end of the week away. The decision is yours as long as you make the reimbursement due on the reimbursement date.

No Upfront Costs

There are no forthright expenses related with a payday advance. You don't pay anything back until the reimbursement date you have consented to in the advance understanding.

For what reason does the APR seem high on payday credits?

The APR connected to payday advances shows up at first look to be high. This is deluding, however there is a basic motivation behind why this figure looks so high. APR is an Annual Percentage Rate, and all things considered is determined over an entire year (365 days). Be that as it may, a payday advance is taken typically just over various days or weeks.

The APR estimation was not intended to apply to momentary credits, for example, payday advances. It was intended to apply to long haul credits in presence for a year or more. It is extremely a hypothetical figure than empowers individuals to analyze comparable longer term advance items, similar to home loans or continuous credit adjusts.

As opposed to depending on the APR rate it is progressively prudent to take a gander at the credit consent to see precisely how much intrigue you will be charged for the time of your payday advance. A few organizations have a standard intrigue charge for the sum you wish to acquire paying little respect to the span of the advance. It is then dependent upon you to choose whether you will probably reimburse both the loan you get at first and the intrigue sum on the reimbursement date.

[uhxrp]

ghosts

I. OVERVIEW

when a life is cut short by vividly violent means or the recently deceased has a large task left unfinished, a spirit is left behind unable to continue on to whatever is after. at the realization that their life is over, those that choose to try to finish their business are ghosts. ghosts are also spirits who have yet to realize that they are dead. regardless, ghosts are those that have not let go of their past life yet.

II. GOVERNANCE

spirits are governed by their unfinished business and their need to resolve this. as such, there is no set hierarchy for these beings. spirits are self-governing in that their decisions are based on this need.

at this time, researchers are trying to pinpoint the unfinished business for each of these beings, but it is proving more and more fruitless as time goes on, seeming to become a waste of resources. some spirits are unsure of their own unfinished business and the longer they exist, the harder it is to remember.

at this time it is common opinion that spirits have no hierarchy and should be left alone to figure out their own business, as many have found no true way to help them save for convincing a reaper to force them to cross over, something ruled as unethical by the natural order and therefore unable to be done unless deemed entirely necessary such as in the case of a particularly volatile poltergeist.

III. ALLIANCES

ghosts can find alliances in those near the border of life and death, those that can help them with their unfinished business and navigating their world post-death.

psychics psychics have an innate relationship with ghosts, being some of the few to feel their presence clearly regardless of a ghost's expertise. the psychics' ability of psychometry has especially been useful in this alliance, sometimes helping a ghost with their unfinished business through its use.

banshees ghosts are drawn to banshees, who can hear them while they are in the processing stage of their deaths. occasionally, some ghosts might have heard the banshee's scream before they passed, and sought them out in the afterlife.

reapers due to the nature of their abilities and purpose, reapers work with spirits pretty often. they are the first seen in the moment a spirit is created, to guide them on their path or to let them continue until they are ready to go.

IV. FOES

ghosts don't often have foes, simply because they are governed by their desire to understand their unfinished business, complete this, and move on.

necromancers necromancers use spirits that have yet to be guided by a reaper, ghost or poltergeist alike. neither species wants to be controlled, and as such spirits have often held deep resentments towards necromancers.

V. PHYSIOLOGY

(note: remember that while a spirit has the power to possess, them doing so on another character must be agreed to ooc.)

BEGINNER

- SPIRIT PHYSIOLOGY spirits look the way they did when they died. they stay at that age, that mentality, that personality no matter how long they remain on this plane of existence, though with time only the most base of these may stay. they are bound to stay until certain conditions are met. this can vary from honorable burial, unfinished business, revenge, or self-appointed duties. ancestral spirits are part of this group, given their ties to their families. these spirits can float, glide, and walk through walls through this existence.

- INVISIBILITY (MINOR) users can render themselves unseen by the naked eye and become invisible in visible spectrum. the user can move about an environment unseen by others and act without being observed. they can walk through people, never being seen, felt, or heard. at this level, they cannot control this ability and most are truly invisible, not yet able to control the ability enough to be seen or heard.

NOVICE

- TELEKINESIS (MINOR) user can influence/manipulate/move objects/matter with their mind. telekinesis is one of the basis of many superpowers that are based on "controlling/manipulating", and may evolve to the point that a telekinetic can control anything at a subatomic, particle and universal level. at this level, ghosts can move objects up to five pounds.

- INVISIBILITY (MODERATE) at this level, spirits can control this ability enough to be seen and heard at will.

- DESPAIR EMPOWERMENT ghosts become stronger, faster, more durable, etc. by despair of themselves and others. they are able draw sustenance from the despair, making them stronger both mentally and physically.

COMPETENT

- SPECIES DETECTION spirits are able to identify the type of species of another individual.

- TELEKINESIS (MODERATE) at this level, ghosts can move and even throw objects up to twenty-five pounds.

PROFICIENT

- TELEKINESIS (MAJOR) at this level, ghosts can move, throw, and interact with objects at will.

- INVISIBILITY (MAJOR) at this level, they can control their invisibility enough to even be felt by others despite being invisible.

EXPERT

- POSSESSION spirits are able to inhabit the body of a living being. user can possess or take over the body of any living being, whether sentient or not, by stealing their motor functions and senses. spirits may use the body as their own. this is a criminal offense if without consent, should any find out, and a reaper will come to punish should this happen, so many ghosts don't risk it unless of dire importance. ghosts can possess only those they are directly connected to, or someone who is associated with someone they are closely connected to, and it's considered a last resort to attempt to tie up loose ends.

VI. WEAKNESSES

it should be known by most that a spirit is already dead, and therefore you are unable to physically harm a spirit or kill them again. there are however three practices in which a spirit can be banished to the realms of the afterlife.

the first, being the most commonly employed practice, is sometimes considered difficult or even impossible considering the spirit's age and the circumstances of their death. it requires that a spirit's body is put to rest in accordance with the traditions that they followed in their life. for example, a ghost who practiced islam as a human must be laid to rest in accordance with islamic law, meaning the body should be buried as soon as possible from the time of death. furthermore, when spirits are bound to the earth due to some unfinished business that affected their spirit in their life, this business must be taken care of, and the spirit must right their wrongs in order to slip through the veil.

the second method, although fully capable, is so rare it is thought to be a myth among magic circles. while some covens have passed down stories of former supremes capable of putting a spirit to rest using expert level magic, the ritual is thought of as being complete and utter fantasy. the methods of supplying the ritual with the correct essentials are expensive, sometimes reaching into the tens of thousands of dollars, and it is not always guaranteed to work. likewise, if a witch were to fail the ritual they would put themselves, but more importantly their entire coven, at risk for injury or even death.

the third is for a reaper to decide that the spirit's existence is a harm to the natural order, forcing them through the veil and collecting them without their being ready. this is incredibly rare as most reapers find it unethical and only utilized in the most desperate of cases.

(note: we would like to note that we do allow the use of creative weaknesses in play, such as a witch and human coming up with their own decision on how their abilities counteract one another, but we urge you to remember that we are trusting you to keep this balanced and fair. as such, the weaknesses we list will be minimal but are by and far not a full list of possible weaknesses. should we notice a character who seems too powerful, you will be asked to bump that character back down or be denied continued play here on unholy for the sake of creative freedom for all members. this includes the knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the species that your character would have here on unholy.)

[mrhotmaster]

Samsung Galaxy A31 Detailed Review

Samsung Galaxy A31 Review

Complete the gap that exists.

Understanding Samsung's Galaxy An and M arrangement models are getting more earnestly continuously, as new models are gotten with minor revives, however, don't generally arrange in a legitimate request. For instance, the ongoing Galaxy M21 was essentially a Galaxy M30s with an alternate selfie camera, however passing by the model names, it's difficult to make that association.

While a few models in the A and M arrangement have slight covers in estimating, there's as yet a generally clear qualification between the arrangement themselves. As a rule, most models in the An arrangement will in general have better completes and fancier highlights, for example, in-show unique finger impression sensors, while the M arrangement organizes low costs.

Today, we are going to seek a new Galaxy A31 from Samsung, which will succeed in the Galaxy A30 on board. Contrasted with the last mentioned, the new model offers a fourth back camera, a greater battery, a higher-goals show, full help for Samsung Pay, and a more significant expense tag. Accessible in only a solitary arrangement with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of capacity for Rs. 21,999, does the Galaxy A31 merit a spot in our pined for a rundown of top telephones under Rs. 25,000?. How about we see.

Samsung Galaxy A31 Design: Been there, seen that

Given the fact that the Galaxy A31 's structure is not new to a Samsung financial program, I like how slim and compact it is. The all-polycarbonate body feels very tough yet it gets fingerprints without any problem. The telephone has a perceptibly thick jawline underneath the screen and an Infinity-U pattern at the top for the selfie camera.

There's a colossal SIM plate on the left, for two SIM cards and a microSD card. The earphone jack, USB Type-C port, and a speaker are at the base. The rear shows the Prism Crush feature of Samsung, whose blue edition we have. This telephone is additionally accessible in back and white trims. The quad-camera bunch at the back is a rectangular module and doesn't swell outward a lot.

In general, the Galaxy A31 was agreeable to use every day during this survey. It's somewhat wide, and arriving at the highest point of the presentation isn't the most straightforward, however, One UI has signals to help with this. In the wake of seeing numerous telephones in the arrangement with a similar example on the back, the structure has begun to feel a touch of exhausting now. The container substance is quite standard as well: there's a silicone case, a charger, a USB link, and a headset.

Samsung Galaxy A31 Display: AMOLED never baffles

The Galaxy A31 has a sharp full HD plus Super AMOLED display of 6.4-inch of resolution of 1080 by 2400 pixels. I saw it as more than sufficient as far as splendor, even in the daytime. Hues were a piece unreasonably rich for my preference for the default 'Striking' mode, however, this can be mitigated in the settings. The showcase is level, with no bends on the sides, however, there are no sharp edges either so performing signals isn't an issue.

There's an in-show unique mark sensor, which isn't extremely speedy yet functions admirably as long as you give it a firm press. The time taken to wake the screen, alongside the unique mark activities, cause this entire procedure to feel a piece laggy. I typically depended on face acknowledgment, which I saw as snappier. The consistently in plain view has fundamental customizations, for example, the capacity to show what melody is playing, and a decision of various clock styles.

Samsung Galaxy A31 Performance: Quite baffling

In spite of its conventional form quality and great showcase, its presentation is a major issue. Samsung uses the MediaTek Helio P65 octa-center soc, so I have no issue with the cost of a telephone which is Rs .10,000, even though I can only expect Rs.20000. Contrasted with even the Galaxy M21, which utilizes the Exynos 9611 and costs much less, the Galaxy A31 is slower in the greater part of the famous benchmarks.

Samsung's One UI v2.1, in light of Android 10, additionally feels somewhat languid generally speaking. There's a persevering trace of falter in the movements, and slack when I was exchanging between applications. It didn't hamper utilization to an extreme however holding up that additional second or two for things to happen isn't an encounter I expect at this value point. One UI itself is reasonably include rich with heaps of alternate routes, topics, and signals to mess with. There's likewise Dolby Atmos, yet just for wired and remote earphones.

The Galaxy A31 bolsters Google's Widevine L1 confirmation, which implies video spilling applications can play content at the presentation's local goals. The single speaker gets genuinely noisy however the sound quality is carefully normal. Straightforward games run well, yet heavier titles, for example, Asphalt 9: Legends or even PUBG Mobile ran at diminished design settings. Ongoing interaction was middle of the road yet they didn't look on a par with they ought to have. I additionally saw a touch of warming when messing around for longer spans. 

Samsung Galaxy A31 Cameras: The Mistake Proceeds 

Alright, so far the Galaxy A31 isn't looking excessively engaging, yet maybe it can vindicate itself with its camera execution. The four cameras on the back incorporate an essential 48-megapixel sensor, an 8-megapixel sensor with a wide-point focal point, a 5-megapixel profundity camera, and a 5-megapixel full-scale camera. The openings of the considerable number of cameras aren't especially amazing, with even the one on the principle camera being simply f/2.0. The front camera utilizes a 20-megapixel sensor.  The camera application ought to be natural to most Samsung clients, however, I found a couple of missing highlights which should have been there. Recalling the expense and location of the handset, it's a little strange not to have 4K video capture as an option and even a low-light night-mode quiet. Master mode is disabled, with no alternative to change the screen speed. Self-adjust speed is fair, however, this telephone will in general chase for center in low light.

You do get Samsung's 'Scene optimizer' AI motor, and the capacity to spare stills and video in the HEIF and HEVC groups. Under great light, the primary sensor catches better than average looking photographs. Pictures are caught as 12-megapixel shots as a matter of course yet you can take shots at the full 48-megapixel goals if necessary. In low light, the clamor is smothered well however subtleties are inadequate with regards to, which is recognizable when you zoom in to photographs a piece. Close-ups shot under great light passage better, with great subtleties and hues, however, because of screen slack, even slight developments can cause obscuring.

The wide-point camera catches relatively more vulnerable subtleties, and HDR isn't as powerful as on the primary camera. In low light, subtleties are a lot of more awful and there's no Night mode to help rescue shots.

Live Focus works adequately well, and the measure of foundation obscure can be balanced for picture shots. The large scale camera makes a reasonable showing with extraordinary close-ups yet I didn't see picture quality as far superior to what I've seen from telephones with 2-megapixel sensors.

Recordings are restricted to 1080p goals, however, quality is respectable given plentiful light when shooting with the essential camera. The Galaxy A31 does not even offer electronic adjustment, and therefore the developments look jerky with the camera. You can't change to the wide-point camera while recording however you can change to it before you start. True to form, video quality is just about satisfactory under great light yet poor in low light. There's no adjustment here either.

The selfie camera catches 12-megapixel stills naturally (8-megapixels in the event that you pick a more tight yield). Be that as it may, you can take shots at the local goals as well. Selfies are commonly usable when shooting outside, in sunlight. Skin tones will in general look excessively warm and HDR can be an all in or all out, yet it's not all that awful. The camera battles to recreate great subtleties in low light, frequently leaving you with delicate surfaces and feeble subtleties.

In general, the cameras on the Galaxy A31 are very disappointing and need numerous highlights that you'd find in numerous telephones that cost much less.

Samsung Galaxy A31 Battery: Pretty great

On the off chance that there is one saving grace about the Galaxy A31, at that point it would be battery life. The 5,000mAh battery went on for 18 hours and 11 minutes in our HD video circle test, which is awesome. Indeed, even with standard utilization, I was effectively ready to work out positively past a day on a solitary charge. There is 15W quick charging, so you can energize the battery to 50 percent in 60 minutes, yet filling it totally takes well more than two hours.

Decision: Who is the Samsung Galaxy A31 for?

I'm battling to locate a valid justification for the Galaxy A31 to exist, and I sincerely can't consider one. It appears just as Samsung has propelled it basically to fill the value hole between the Galaxy A50s【₹ 19,475 and the Galaxy A51 (Review) — both of which would be a greatly improved pick than the Galaxy A31. Battery life is the principle champion element here, alongside the nice form quality and show.

Be that as it may, the mediocre SoC execution and disappointing cameras are flaws that are too glaring to even consider ignoring when you're paying more than Rs. 20,000. Regardless of whether the value were to drop, there are a lot of all the more remarkable and highlight rich choices in the market, for instance, telephones of Realme and Xiaomi, or Samsung's own Galaxy A50s and Galaxy M31.

REVIEWS

⓻

DES

IGN

⓼

DIS

PLAY

⓽

SOFT

WARE

⓺

SHOW

⓽

BATT

ERY

⓺

CAM

ERA

⓹

FOR MON

EY

✔GOOD

✘BAD

☞ Great Battery Life

☞ Solid Vivid Display

☞ Great One UI

☞ System Performance Is Not Good

☞ Mediocre Cameras

☞ Slow Fingerprint Sensor

☞ Old And Boring Design

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

DISPLAY

6.40-Inches

FRONT CAMERA

20MP

PROCESSOR

MediaTek Helio P65

RAM

6GB

STORAGE

128GB

OS

Android 10

BATTERY

5000mAh

REAR CAMERA

48MP+8MP

+5MP+5MP

RESOLUTION

1080x2400p

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[actutrends]

Trump vs. John Roberts: A 2020 battle for the Supreme Court’s reputation

But his function prior to Congress is uncertain at finest. The Constitution says only that “the Chief Justice shall administer” prior to the Senate as it thinks about whether a president impeached by the Home ought to be founded guilty and gotten rid of from workplace.

And past primary justices have had opposing interpretations of that mandate.

” I did nothing in specific and I did it effectively,” Rehnquist told interviewer Charlie Rose in2001 Rehnquist took the line– and the gold stripe decorations he contributed to his judge’s robe for the celebration– from the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta ‘Iolanthe,’ which he appreciated.

On and off Capitol Hill, expectations are high that Roberts, himself a previous Rehnquist Supreme Court clerk, will follow the more current Clinton trial design while still leaving his own imprint on the proceedings.

” My read of him is he appreciates the institution and he appreciates there being a belief that the organization is an independent organization and not one that’s subordinate to any specific individual or president,” said Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, the 2016 Democratic vice presidential candidate.

Roberts will likewise have a big say over the trial’s schedule, a task that may sound logistical however will have him suppressing rambling senators and forcing them to stay seated for long stretches– senators can’t leave their seats throughout impeachment trial sessions.

Rehnquist was a stickler for time during the Clinton debate. He gavelled down West Virginia Sen. Robert Byrd, then the chamber’s most senior Democrat, when he exceeded his limits throughout a speech. And Rehnquist also overthrew the Senate bulk leader on several celebrations by keeping everyone in their seats into the early evening hours when they ‘d asked to be sent out house.

” I believe the chief justice is his own guy, and he’s a good male and he’ll be really fair,” stated retiring Kansas GOP Sen. Pat Roberts, who elected Clinton’s conviction in1999 “I think that’s the crucial thing. He’ll be strong.”

While the Senate’s nonpartisan parliamentarian will be just a few steps away, with simple access to help Roberts navigate the chamber’s arcane guidelines and two-plus centuries of precedent, the chief justice does retain the power to render his own choices that can affect the trial’s trajectory (although a majority of senators can always overthrow him). Longtime Senate veterans don’t see Roberts pushing that envelope.

” He most likely doesn’t want to be embarrassed that method,” stated Don Ritchie, the Senate historian emeritus. “It’s going to be very informing for him. He’s going to get to listen a lot.”

Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Judiciary Committee, stated he expects Roberts will be “correctly deferential to his minimal constitutional role” throughout the trial. Republican Politician Sen. Ted Cruz, an ex-Texas solicitor general who has actually argued 6 cases prior to Roberts, predicted the chief justice would be “non-political, to leave political determinations to the Senate, which is elected to make those sort of decisions.”

” I would expect Chief Justice Roberts to follow and implement the guidelines, but with some reasonable degree of leeway,” added Cruz, who is likewise a former Rehnquist law clerk.

Regardless of the Senate trial outcome– a nearly specific acquittal on both articles of impeachment is expected– Roberts will not be out of the woods quite.

Last Friday, the Supreme Court given 3 petitions from the president’s personal legal representatives to hear cases in its March term that raise main concerns of the Trump period. One dispute centers around a prosecutor’s ability to impose a subpoena versus a sitting president under criminal examination. The other focuses on Congress’s capability to implement subpoenas as part of their oversight responsibilities.

Opinions are most likely by June, and the outcomes might go a long way towards identifying whether Trump’s all-out blockade of Congress over the last three years will get a legal imprimatur.

And if all that wasn’t enough, still more drama awaits that could strain the Trump-Roberts relationship. 2 more significant cases about forcing witness statement look to be by themselves direct glide courses to the Supreme Court– legal fights that raise yet more concerns about the separation of powers between the White Home and an analytical Congress.

House Democrats have actually prevailed prior to federal district court judges in both cases, winning rulings that lawmakers in the middle of impeachment procedures can question former Trump White Home counsel Don McGahn under oath and to review special counsel Robert Mueller’s many delicate investigative tricks.

The cases are now set up to be argued Jan. 3 prior to back-to-back federal appellate panels in Washington, D.C., and the losers there are nearly specific to pitch the Roberts court for yet another intervention.

While any veteran Supreme Court expert would caution against attempting to anticipate how the justices will rule on the Trump-related cases, nobody is doubting the significance of what those judgments could indicate for Roberts’ legacy and the court’s reputation.

Trump’s bold, confrontational design of politics has constantly appeared at odds with the chief justice’s background and his outlook on the court. Robert is fond of highlighting the justices’ collegiality and has worried the value of agreement judgments over 5-4 splits, sometimes aggravating his more doctrinaire conservative associates in the process.

However the varying viewpoints of the president and the chief magistrate became specific just before Thanksgiving last year, when Roberts publicly rebuked the president for utilizing the phrase “Obama judge” to deride a federal jurist in California who ruled versus one of Trump’s efforts to limit opportunities to look for asylum.

After sustaining months of criticism for staying silent in the face of previous Trump attacks on the judiciary, Roberts issued a declaration that didn’t directly reference the president however still acted as an apparent rejoinder.

” We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges,” Roberts stated in a statement. “What we have is an amazing group of dedicated judges doing their best to do equal right to those appearing before them. That independent judiciary is something we should all be appreciative for.”

It might have ended there, but Trump stuck to his brand and provided a pointed retort on Twitter.

” Sorry Chief Justice John Roberts, but you do indeed have ‘Obama judges,’ and they have a much different point of view than individuals who are charged with the security of our nation,” Trump composed “We require defense and security– these judgments are making our nation risky! Extremely dangerous and reckless!”

Still, Trump’s attorneys have taken an assertive path to get their disagreements in front of the Roberts court, believing they have a much better shot there than in the lower courts.

” Can we go to Supreme Court to stop?” the president then asked.

It’s a question no one in the president’s orbit is really thinking about, though Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg during an on-stage interview with the BBC on Monday in New york city snapped back when asked about the remark.

Trump, she stated, “is not an attorney.”

Court watchers say they’re concerned the Supreme Court– and the chief justice in specific– will undoubtedly get dragged into the president’s political battle.

” I can see Trump tweeting dreadful features of Roberts,” said a previous senior federal law enforcement authorities. “I do not think he has any barriers.”

Alan Dershowitz, the retired Harvard law teacher who is under consideration for a job on the Trump legal team throughout the upcoming Senate trial, said in an interview that he would urge the president and all of the justices to step back from their particular megaphones.

” I believe it operates both methods,” he said. “I believe both the justices and the president should leave each other alone.”

However Dershowitz likewise appears thinking about stirring the pot. He published in an op-ed in The Hill paper on Monday arguing that the 2nd post of impeachment against Trump– implicating Trump of obstruction of Congress– has really been damaged by the Supreme Court’s decision to use up the cases about congressional subpoenas.

Dershowitz urged legislators to vote the article down, saying it “really endangers our system of checks and balances and the crucial role of the courts as the umpires in between the legal and executive branches under the Constitution.”

In the interview, Dershowitz stated Roberts might be placed in an awkward spot ought to he be asked throughout the Senate trial to rule on a movement to dismiss the second impeachment article, considered that he’ll likely need to resolve the legal concerns surrounding the matter at the Supreme Court at some point next year.

” We’re in uncharted area,” Dershowitz stated. “Understanding Chief Justice Roberts for a long time from his days as a law school student, I think he’ll act very carefully, prudentially and in such a way to preserve the organization of the Supreme Court and the organization of the chief justice as a presiding officer.”

Richard Ben-Veniste, a prominent Washington, D.C., lawyer, and former Watergate special prosecutor, said Roberts is well aware of his constitutional obligations.

” I have every factor to think he’ll do so in a fair and unbiased way,” he said. “It comes with the area.”

The post Trump vs. John Roberts: A 2020 battle for the Supreme Court’s reputation appeared first on Actu Trends.

[torentialtribute]

MARTIN SAMUEL: It’s old money to blame for fantasy land fees, not Manchester City 

Jurgen Klopp talked about this summer's transfer market.

"We have invested money in this team, now it seems that we are not," he said. & # 39; But we are not in fantasy land where you just get what you want. It seems that there are four clubs in the world that can constantly do it … & # 39;

He placed one English name on that list. Manchester City of course.

Jurgen Klopp said that Liverpool is not in & # 39; fantasyland & # 39; can live like their rivals

When there is talk of transfer inflation, City gets the blame. They have broken their transfer record again this summer, for Rodrigo: £ 62.8 million. And that is not small. But it's still £ 12.2 million less than Liverpool paid 18 months ago for Virgil van Dijk, still £ 26.2 million under Paul Pogba to Manchester United in 2016 and £ 8.2 million lower than what Chelsea gave last summer for a goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga.

If Arsenal completes the signing of Nicolas Pepe from Lille this week, City will also shun about £ 10 million. As it stands, City has not delivered a deal in the top five in England or the top 20 in Europe.

So this is the club whose transfers they place in fantasy land, or the one responsible for market escalation? It is not new money that this trend has started, as every contextualized financial evaluation indicates.

Man City broke his transfer record again this summer with the signing of Rodri from Atletico Madrid [194590010]

It didn't get much publicity at the time, but this summer a group analyzing the economy of football – Play Ratings – produced a list of the most expensive transfers in history, taking into account relative inflation.

In sheer numbers, Luis Figo moved from Barcelona to Real Madrid for £ 20 million less than Manchester City paid for Aymeric Laporte. But what does Fig & # 39; s represent £ 37 million in 2000 in modern terms? Play Ratings worked it out. Guess what? It appears that old money was blowing up the market before new money had its diaper.

Indeed, Neymar & # 39; s £ 198 million moves to Paris Saint-Germain scrapes only in the top five of Play Ratings. The most inflationary transfers, she concludes, were driven by those clubs that now moan the loudest and demand the greatest protection from new wealth. In a nutshell? Series A.

Utilizing a formula with currency variables and comparative markets over time, the period in which Italian clubs saw Europe & # 39; s largest spenders was the greatest extravagance in transfer investment – and one of the most inflationary deals. involved the king of Financial Fair Play himself, Michel Platini.

Using the Play Ratings algorithm, the largest transfer in history was Ronaldo & # 39; s from Barcelona to Inter Milan in 1997, worth the modern equivalent of £ 388 million; thereafter, Platini from Saint-Etienne to Juventus in 1982, calculated at £ 299 million. And on the list is: Diego Maradona, Barcelona to Napoli; Christian Vieri, Lazio to Inter Milan; Marco van Basten, Ajax against AC Milan; Gabriel Batistuta, Fiorentina to Rome.

Accountability for Inflation, Ronaldo & # 39; s Step to the modern equivalent of £ 388m

And we can all discuss the formula, but not the basic principle. The idea that the football market was quiet or even run empty before clubs such as Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain came is a myth.

There were always a handful of clubs that pushed up prices, whether it was Series A or the big two in La Liga or Manchester United and later Chelsea.

Klopp placed Barcelona, ​​Real Madrid and PSG in the same group as city clubs that can do what they want, when they want it – which is ironic since two of those have recently worked with a transfer ban, and still two can be in a comparable position.

But if Liverpool did not spend much this summer, it is more due to circumstances than to poor relations. In 2018, they made Van Dijk & # 39; the world's most expensive defender and later did the same for Alisson, in short, as a goalkeeper. Liverpool's compensation for Alisson is still only £ 6.5 million lower than that of City for Rodrigo.

And they now have an excellent team without the need for significant upgrades. The last weak link could have been the second half, but Joel Matip has become a fine film for Van Dijk. Also look at the first reserves in many positions, players such as Joe Gomez and Divock Origi. Liverpool now has a lot of depth.

Do they miss a playmaker like Philippe Coutinho? Yes, occasionally. However, have they won the Champions League without? Yes also. And although every coach can come up with a gap to fill, or a tweak that can offer useful variation, if Liverpool had a difficult preseason, it's not because the team is missing.

Nor because Manchester City has priced them out of the market. Rodrigo may look like big news on City's balance sheet, but the clubs in judgment have done that and released it much longer ago.

Women's match should be more than a warm-up

Arsenal will be disappointed in their reaction to their first double header between women's and men's teams, but what did they expect? Who wants to sit in a stadium for five hours and watch football, regardless of who is playing?

This is not just about the ladies game. Double header competitions rarely work because fans don't want to stay that long. They love the game in short bursts.

It is not an NFL or cricket where people enter the afternoon or the best part of a day and stadium facilities are geared to the long term.

Arsenal's call to play the ladies' game immediately before the men's game didn't pay

So when the women of Arsenal started a friendly start at 12:30 pm with Bayern Munich – with the men's match against Lyon at 3:15 pm – they did so for a largely empty stadium. If the luminaires were reversed, they would have had a different turn on the same problem.

When the women of England followed the men on the field at Twickenham, most people jumped to the bar. That's what rugby fans want. A few hours of exercise, again the same for a happy one. Crowd cannot just be manufactured.

Chelsea plans to give away all tickets for their Women's Super League match with Tottenham on September 8 and expects a sold-out

But how is it possible? are sold out if nothing is sold? How can the value of the ladies game be determined if tickets are free? One-off stunts are not a substitute for organic growth, building a fan base, initially small but loyal and steadily growing. Boxing needs an undercard; not football

Most fans don't want to hang around all day; and women's teams need their own identity, not a job as a warm-up.

Tom Watson knew that sport is just not fair

Tom Watson, who withdrew from golf on Sunday at the age of 69, delivered one of the most valuable lessons of sport on the day that he explained how he became one of the best link players in history.

When he first came to compete in the Open Championship, Watson said, he hated it. He couldn't understand how he could hit what he thought was a good shot, and it would get a kick or a bad throw and end up in a disadvantageous position.

& # 39; It took a while for me, & # 39; he concluded: & # 39; to realize that golf was never a fair game. & # 39; Watson won five opens with this and three senior opens later in his life.

Tom Watson officially withdrew from this week golf, and has taught us some wise lessons about sports

He played his last round in the last competition this weekend because he had never missed a cut on 18 visits.

He now only bows because he no longer feels he can be really competitive.

And he's right. Sport is not meant to be honest. Not entirely fair. Dealing with those moments of adversity, or accident, or circumstances that are out of control, are what make great champions. It wasn't fair that Liverpool would have to play Barcelona 3-0 without Mo Salah or Roberto Firmino – but they did and it won.

It was not fair that Chelsea faced Bayern Munich in the Germans & # 39; own stadium, with Jose Bosingwa in the middle and a bald Ryan Bertrand in midfield on the left – but they were victorious the Champions League 2012 final.

And it was not fair that England had a goal that was not awarded against Germany during the 2010 World Cup, when Frank Lampard's shot clearly crossed the border by a yard – but that's no excuse for the ridiculous, gung-ho rendering in the second half that ended in a 4-1 defeat.

The Watson words may apply to any of those instances. Sport is not just about excellence, but about the response to adversity, even in the toughest conditions.

He also took his own advice. Watson was never the least bit bitter about the eight-foot leg he missed in Turnberry in 2009 and would have given him a sixth Open title at the age of six.

Watson was never the least bit bitter about the eight-foot leg he missed on Turnberry in 2009

I was with Lord for the fourth day of the Ashes Test that afternoon, except that England's attempt to get Australia out of the closet To pick up was played on a largely empty press box, with a significant number gathered in the back room to see what would have been the biggest big win in the history of golf.

And when it didn't happen, we felt broken for Watson. But then we got it because, as the man said, it was never meant to be a fair game.

Do not prohibit innovation

Facing AC Milan in a pre-season-friendly, Benfica found a whole new way to use the new goal laws of football.

From this season, the ball is active as soon as it leaves the goalkeeper's foot and does not have to leave the penalty area – although defending the team is still not allowed within the perimeter.

Benfica goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos was perfect in his rights, so when he brought the ball to his teammate Ruben Dias, who led him back into his arms. We then launched a quick counter-attack by throwing the ball halfway the line, with greater accuracy.

Benfica & # 39; s Odisseas Vlachodimos found a way to manipulate the new rule to his advantage

Mark Clattenburg said the move should be prohibited because & # 39; the use of an intentional trick to pass the ball to the goalkeeper to bypass the law & # 39; is forbidden – but why?

What exactly is the trick here, and why would a player or coach be penalized for using a change of law to his best advantage?

If this means that the defending team is prepared for the ball that is kicked long, briefly passed or rolled out, or chipped, head and thrown away, making football more varied and interesting.

It also benefits the smartest, most technically capable players. And that's not a bad thing either.

Beefy & # 39; s helping hand for Aussies

Given that Ian Botham is the chairman, is it fair to ask exactly which side Durham will be in the upcoming Ashes series?

Cameron Bancroft neatly on time in English circumstances in time for the first test, the county replaced him with Peter Handscomb.

So if Australia has problems with the middle order, or even sustains an injury to wicket-keeper later in the summer, they know where to look.

The Australian Sheffield Shield sides will undoubtedly be accommodating during the next tour through England in 2021.

Given Ian Botham is the chairman, it is fair to ask exactly whose Ashes side is Durham on

Stam must fear Fer effect

The 2019-20 campaign will be the 98th consecutive season of Feyenoord in the top division of the Netherlands, but perhaps fans should make the best of it Leroy Fer has arrived. The Dutchman is nothing, if not consistent, in English football.

In 2013, he joined Norwich, who relegated immediately in May, moved to Queens Park Rangers and shared the following season in their relegation. His time in Swansea was more a slow burner; a loan move permanently in 2016, it took until the 2017-18 season to send them into the championship.

Now Fer has returned to Feyenoord, who may feel bullish about their chances of survival that fell last in 1919, when Dutch football was reorganized.

Yet Fer & # 39; s personal gravity is a powerful force and coach Jaap Stam must prepare accordingly.

Leroy Fer apparently made a habit in his career to be relegated after he joined a new club

Sin bin can be used to eradicate dissidence

Sinbins become this seasonally introduced in grass roots, specifically to combat dissidents. An offending player is sent to the touchline for 10 minutes and cannot be replaced during that time. It is an idea that is far too late.

Sinbins work perfectly in hockey and tackle various crimes. So much so that red cards are rare and contain penalties that can last a month or more. That is where football should be: very few divergent opinions and red cards as a last resort.

Dortmund missed a trick

The new Everton stadium will contain a Blue Wave with 13,000 capacity. What is the Blue Wave? It looks like the white wall of Tottenham, which in turn is taken from the yellow wall of Borussia Dortmund.

The Germans missed a trick not to patent that idea. They will now be almost as rich as Bayern Munich.

Everton will try the function of the state of Borussia to match Dortmund, the Tottenham has done

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[kristinsimmons]

Can we move on?

By CHADI NABHAN MD, MBA, FACP

Every so often, my cynical self emerges from the dead. Maybe it’s a byproduct of social media, or from following Saurabh Jha, who pontificates about everything from Indian elections to the Brexit fiasco. Regardless, there are times when my attempts at refraining from being opinionated are successful, but there are rare occasions when they are not. Have I earned the right to opine freely about moving on from financial toxicity, anti-vaxers, who has ‘skin in the game’ when it comes to the health care system, the patient & their data, and if we should call patients “consumers”? You’ll have to decide.

I endorse academic publications; they can be stimulating and may delve into more research and are essential if you crave academic recognition. I also enjoy listening to live debates and podcasts, as well as reading, social media rants, but some of the debates and publications are annoying me. I have tried to address some of them in my own podcast series “Outspoken Oncology” as a remedy, but my remedy was no cure. Instead, I find myself typing away these words as a last therapeutic intervention.

Here are my random thoughts on the topics that have been rehashed & restated all over social media outlets (think: Twitter feeds, LinkedIn posts, Pubmed articles, the list goes on), that you will simply find no way out. Disclaimer, these are NOT organized by level of importance but simply based on what struck me over the past week as grossly overstated issues in health care.  Forgive my blunt honesty.

●      Can we have fewer posts and papers that describe how immoral financialtoxicity is? We all know it’s a problem and our patients suffer the most from it. But continuing to mention the gravity of financial toxicity? Well, that’s just so 1999. At this point, I want more posts and papers discussing strategies on how we move forward. For example: How can we overcome financial toxicity? Even if our patients appreciate us continuing to discuss the same problems repeatedly, they deserve better answers from us.? Let me illustrate. Say I am your patient and I complain to you about persistent nausea. You, as the doctor are empathic and actively listen to my concern, yet my nausea persists. I appreciate the attention and the listening you offer, but at some point I need something to control my nausea. If you don’t have the remedy, I am more annoyed because you keep restating my problem, agonizing me further and still not offering me a solution or showing any attempts to try to find a solution for my issue.

●      I am growing tired of the debate on “vaccines”. Isn’t it clear that by now, if there are people who do not believe in vaccines, there is not much we can do to sway them differently? There comes a time when one must decide where to concentrate his/her energy. I am all for having an open dialogue. But, a dialogue with the intent of changing one’s opinion requires both parties to be open to each other’s views and that one of them might potentially change course. Based on what I have seen over the past few months, those opposed to vaccines will not be persuaded by strong evidence or the amount of data they are given. So, maybe we should direct our attention to something that brings better results? Say, describing financial toxicity one more time? OK, that was not nice.

●      There are many stakeholders in the health care industry, but the ultimate stakeholder is the patient. Aren’t we all previous patients, current patients, or future patients? I am growing tired of folks pointing fingers at each other as the solely responsible party for the current state of affairs. Academics blame pharma,  pharma blames research costs, insurers blame both, patients blame insurers, physicians blame the system, and the list goes on & on. We need to be fair and practical if we are to approach our health care system in a methodical way that lends towards some solutions. The reality is, EVERY entity is important in assuring proper delivery of life-saving drugs to patients who stand to benefit. We all can name hundreds of therapies that were developed outside the walls of academic and university labs, and similarly name many medication that required collaborations between academia and pharma to achieve success. Pharma defends itself from being the culprit, challenging us to envision how our current drug development and research ability is without the manufacturer’s taking risks? Would we have the “Gleevecs” of the world? Likely not. Could these drugs be much cheaper and could we have a more rational approach to drug pricing? Absolutely. But, hospital prices also need a better rationale for the costs of blood draws to x-rays, and the absurd costs of a Tylenol pill in an inpatient ward. Why do academicians rarely critique hospitals? Because they are employed by such hospitals. In general, it isn’t advisable to critique the employer that issues your paycheck. I plea that the critique must be fair, balanced, and equally distributed among all stakeholders.

●      Since we all know that a few patients are treated on clinical trials, we need to figure out a way to incorporate data generated from non-trial patients into decision-making. That’s what I call the “real world” Yes, it’s not perfect, but such is life. Less critique to the idea of studying the real-world and more thoughts of how we should analyze such imperfect data would be welcome. If I bet a dollar for every time I see a post contending “we all live in the real world; my world is real; there is no such unreal world”, I would be as rich as Jeff Bezos, before his divorce debacle. Bottom line, we live in the real world, so let’s embrace its imperfections and figure out how we proceed. We can’t answer every question with a randomized controlled trial; that’s just not doable. We can, however, learn from ‘patient Bob’ that encountered a toxicity not mentioned in a clinical trial; knowing that such toxicity can be seen in the real-world might help manage subsequent patients like ‘Bob’. For example, if we were to apply the aforementioned case to the real-world, when the initial study on Ibrutinib in CLL was published in NEJM, it did not report atrial fibrillation as a potential toxicity. However, now no CLL treater or a hematologist would dispute atrial fibrillation as a potential adverse event. I credit real-world data with this piece of information.  Let’s utilize ALL of our resources symphonically to optimize patient care. That should be our guiding principle.

●      I see many complain when patients are labeled as “consumers”  and when doctors are called “providers”. The sense is that these definitions demean both. I can understand this  viewpoint, but is this really a problem that is worth spending time on debating? Have we really resolved all health care issues such that we are now simply arguing whether we call ourselves providers or physicians? Wouldn’t that be luxurious? If labeling patients as “customers” or “consumers” of the health care system will force the system to accommodate patient’s needs, I am all for it. Why not? Whatever it takes to decrease wait times, improve satisfaction, and allow patients to enjoy the experience despite having an illness. If we view patients as “consumers” of what we have to offer, and recognize that consumers in any market have choices, maybe we would be incentivized to improve the subtle comforts in our health care delivery model. If the end goal is to maximize the patient experience, then let’s not get hooked on how we label this and that. As doctors, we “provide” healthcare service, expertise, help, listening ear, etc etc. Like it or not, we are “providers of health care”. Let’s refocus the debate on what best serves our patients and take a critical look at more pressing topics than nomenclature.

I am sure that every reader has his/her own laundry list like mine and the list changes based on whether the Patriots won, or if your coffee was made with cream or diluted almond milk. I shared some of my nuanced thoughts with you because I believe we have bigger problems to solve. We need action plans to help serve patients better, move the needle from talking about financial toxicity to solving it for the sick and vulnerable, and (yes, I mean everyone here) needs to collaborate and try to align our interest in recognizing that patients are the ultimate end user of the health care system. Thanks for indulging me as it was quite cathartic, and I might lobby to have a new laundry list of complaints every month (until I get blocked by the editor)!

Chadi Nabhan is an oncologist in Chicago. His interests include strategy and business of healthcare. He’s a prolific speaker and occasional tweeter. He can be reached @chadinabhan

Can we move on? published first on https://wittooth.tumblr.com/