#wait is it even Possible to provide physical affection online?

[nathaniacolver]

oh no you're telling me over a quarter of us on this website need physical affection and we can't GIVE IT TO EACH OTHER?????? VIRTUAL HUGS TO EVERYONE I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH. go get a massage or something GIRL bc i can't rub your back or touch your knee or shoulder or hug you or cuddle you 🥺🥺

[productiveandfree]

5 Helpful Resources When Getting Started In Business

Starting a business can seem daunting, but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be. Provided you do the research, have a solid plan, and are motivated, you can be a success story.

You’re certainly not alone. According to the latest figures, over 60,000 new businesses were created in Canada during 2024. Impressively, 78.5% of small businesses survived their first year.

The following five helpful resources can help you be one of the successful ones.

1.      Business Listings

Most people think of starting a business as starting from scratch. However, it’s often challenging to come up with a new idea. It can be particularly frustrating when you look through business listings and find someone is already doing what you want to do.

That’s why, before you start your business, you should consider purchasing an existing business. Whether you’re interested in Edmonton or Vancouver, Find Businesses 4 Sale has something to offer you.

Taking on an existing business requires the same skills and commitment as starting a new one. The big difference is that you should start seeing a profit sooner.

Business listings will show you what businesses are available. This is useful if you’re looking to buy a business or if you want to see the current level of competition. Knowing what you’re competing against will help you produce a better product or service.

2.      Template Designs

Starting and running a new business is time-consuming. You must create and chase leads, record customer details, arrange supplier contracts, and even log and pay invoices. That’s just a fraction of the work involved.

If you don’t get help, you’ll quickly find yourself bogged down in the daily grind. This will prevent you from moving the business forward, which is essential for success.

Fortunately, you can get templates that effectively automate many of these tasks. Whether you’re looking to start and grow an email list or simply want to make invoicing easy, you’ll find a template that can help.

This is an effective way of freeing up your time to focus on driving your business forward.

3.      Education/Mentoring

Starting a business doesn’t mean stopping your education. The better your knowledge of business and your industry, the easier it is for you to succeed.

You don’t need to go back to traditional school. However, taking a class at a business school is a great way to improve your entrepreneurial skills. There are courses available in leadership, management, and even problem-solving!

An online course is usually the most flexible option which is beneficial when you’re running your own business.

Alongside this, make sure you maintain the education of any new staff members. This will help them feel valued and provide you with the best possible work ethic.

Where possible, set up a mentoring system where each member of your team helps another to grow in their role.

4.      Industry Specific Publications

Running a business means constantly being on top of the latest industry news. You never know when something the government’s change will affect your industry.

By subscribing to and reading all the industry-specific publications, physical and online, you’ll be able to keep your company at the forefront of development. It will also keep your business legal.

It’s not just about legislation. Monitoring industry publications helps you keep your finger on the pulse of the industry. It will help you understand what your competitors are doing and how you can do it better.

5.      Finance Firms

All businesses, whether new or well-established, experience cashflow difficulties. This is when you need to turn to finance firms.

New businesses often seek venture capitalists to get their businesses off the ground. Established businesses may need a cash injection when they experience a slowdown or want to expand.

Don’t wait until you need the money to contact finance firms. Speak to them today and cultivate a relationship. When you need them you’ll have already laid the groundwork. That makes the whole process much smoother.

Bonus Tip

One of the biggest issues that business startups face is a lack of willingness to ask for help. It doesn’t have to be financial. A new business owner may be struggling to understand the industry legislation or some other piece of information.

If that’s you, the best thing you can do is ask for help. Other business owners will be happy to advise you. There are also a variety of institutions which can help you navigate the pitfalls of starting a business and come out on top.

Summing Up

Choosing to start your own business is an exciting and scary proposition. It doesn’t have to be. You simply need to prepare yourself and use as many resources as you can to improve your knowledge and managerial style. Your customers and employees will thank you for this. In return, you’re likely to create a thriving business.

Share in the comments below: Questions go here

[trinetadetectiveagency]

Discover The Best Post Matrimonial Detective Agency Near You

Introduction

Marriage is a journey full of love and trust. But sometimes, things go wrong, and doubts creep in. Trinetra Detective Agency is here to help if you are facing such a situation. As the best post matrimonial detective agency, we specialize in uncovering the truth. Our post matrimonial investigations are thorough, discreet, and professional. We understand the sensitive nature of these investigations and handle each case with the utmost care and confidentiality, ensuring you get the peace of mind you deserve.

What is Post Matrimonial Investigation?

A post matrimonial investigation helps you find the truth about your partner's activities after marriage. It involves gathering evidence about suspicious behavior, financial secrets, or relationships. Our best post matrimonial investigation detective agency ensures you get clear answers to your concerns. Whether it is infidelity, undisclosed financial dealings, or hidden addictions, we provide comprehensive reports that help you understand the reality of your situation and make informed decisions about your future.

Why Choose Trinetra Detective Agency?

Experienced Team: Our detectives have years of experience in post matrimonial investigation agency. They are skilled in various investigative techniques and have a deep understanding of human behavior, which allows them to detect even the subtlest signs of deceit.

Confidential Service: We guarantee 100% privacy and confidentiality. Your identity and details of the investigation are kept strictly confidential. We understand the delicate nature of these situations and take every measure to protect your privacy.

Advanced Techniques: We use the latest tools and methods to gather evidence. Our advanced surveillance equipment, digital forensics, and data analysis techniques ensure that no detail is missed.

Quick Results: Our team works efficiently to provide you with timely results. We know that waiting can be stressful, so we strive to deliver our findings as quickly as possible without compromising on the thoroughness of our investigation.

Services We Offer

Surveillance: We keep a close watch on your partner's activities to find any suspicious behavior. Our surveillance techniques include both physical and digital monitoring, ensuring comprehensive coverage. We observe and document all relevant activities discreetly, providing you with concrete evidence.

Background Checks: We check for any hidden financial transactions, criminal records, or undisclosed relationships. Our background checks are thorough, uncovering any potential red flags that might affect your marital relationship. This includes looking into past relationships, financial stability, and other factors that might influence your partner's behavior.

Evidence Collection: We gather solid evidence like photos, videos, and documents. This evidence is crucial in confirming suspicions and can be used in legal proceedings if necessary. Our evidence collection is meticulous and adheres to legal standards, ensuring that it is admissible in court.

Digital Investigation: We track online activities, social media interactions, and more. In today’s digital age, much of our lives are online. Our digital investigations delve into social media, email communications, and other online activities to uncover hidden interactions or illicit behaviors.

Benefits of Post Matrimonial Investigation

Peace of Mind: Knowing the truth helps you make informed decisions. The clarity that comes from a thorough investigation allows you to decide on the best course of action for your future.

Protection: It protects you from being cheated or taken advantage of. By uncovering deceitful behavior, you can take steps to protect your financial and emotional well-being.

Legal Support: The evidence gathered can be used in legal proceedings if needed. Should you decide to pursue legal action, the evidence we provide will support your case, whether it’s for divorce, custody, or any other legal matter.

Why We Are the Top Post Matrimonial Detective Agency

At Trinetra Detective Agency, we pride ourselves on being the top post matrimonial detective agency. Our satisfied clients and successful cases speak for our expertise. When you search for the best post matrimonial detective agency near me, you will find us at the top of the list. We are dedicated to providing the best post matrimonial investigation services to help you find peace and clarity. Our commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and compassionate approach set us apart from other agencies.

Contact Us

If you need a reliable post matrimonial investigation agency, look no further. Contact Trinetra Detective Agency today. We are the best post matrimonial detective agency near me, ready to assist you with professionalism and care. Our team is available to discuss your concerns and provide a tailored solution to meet your specific needs.

Conclusion

When trust is broken, it's essential to find the truth. Trinetra Detective Agency is here to help you with the best post matrimonial investigations. Our team is committed to providing top-notch services and ensuring your peace of mind. Trust the best post matrimonial detective agency near you – trust Trinetra Detective Agency. With us, you are not just hiring a detective agency; you are partnering with professionals who genuinely care about your well-being and are dedicated to helping you navigate through challenging times.

[aashishmnhr24]

The importance of learning 3D Modelling and my learning experience that I received from Sky Animation Institute

Right from my childhood days I have been very creative in terms of playing with toys my mother used to get me to build anything from a house to any given model.

Later on in life I was introduced to the world of 3D Modelling and it so happened that my creative mind got curious as to how can one use a particular software by the name of 3Ds Max and create any given desired virtual model of one's own liking.

So I searched for a well known institute for learning 3D Modelling and learning was quiet enjoyable! I mean to say I was completely free to use my imagination and create any desirable 3D virtual object from a cycle to a Roman building to a complete 3D Model of a game scene by the name of Counter Strike and it was even nominated to be listed among the best 3D Model to have been created using 3D Modelling software named 3Ds Max!

I believe that any person can create a virtual 3D Model provided he or she is genuinely interested in learning the software!

But in order to get there and receive my certificate in 3D Modelling I had to wait 5 years because of the Covid pandemic which had stopped all businesses. The institutes were greatly affected by it and were compelled to close its doors as it was risky to allow the students to study as it could lead to the virus being easily transmitted to all the students due to close contact with each other.

A course that could be completed in just a matter of 2 years was stretched to 3 more years! But still we could get our lectures as it was made possible by taking online classes!

It took time to arrange online classes for every student and at times due to some technical issues/snags like network being unavailable or a student falls ill or lights going off or power failure at odd times made it some what difficult for the faculty and the students in general.

Plus being at home all the time made it lethargic or lets say we started to feel low because of being quarantined for 15 days and not being allowed to go outside and refresh ourselves made it uncomfortable.

In fact to get our rations was also taxing due to the fear of the virus being easily transmitted through air and wearing masks over our faces made it difficult to breath.

But some how I could finish my course and finally get my hands on my certificate!

During my time as a student for 3D Modelling I had the privilege to learn much more than I opted for! I mean the kind of exposure to meeting different people and my interaction with them and being mentally, physically prepared for unforeseen circumstances that came along with Covid has made me aware about the preparedness to handle any given situation.

Name of the Student:- Aashish Manohar

Enrollment Number:- 224000504365DJMC

Name of the Institute:- BAOU Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University

[amanrathour]

Unlock The Door to Affordable Cancer Treatment: Health 29's innovative Online Oncologist Consultation

The complicated field of cancer treatment faces the vital issues of accessibility and affordability for patients and their relatives in India. But at Health 29, we are completely focused on removing these stubborn obstacles and transforming cancer care for the better by providing online consultation services with expert oncologists and offering affordable cancer treatments both online and offline.

For us, affordability and accessibility are priority areas to improve cancer care in India, and we aim to provide every cancer patient with the possibility of high-quality cancer treatment without any financial compromises on the quality of care.

Accessible Expertise, Anytime, Anywhere:

Health 29 online oncologist consultation services allow several cancer patients in India to directly communicate with top-notch oncologists of India through online channels, even from the comfort of their homes. We provide the best patient-friendly platform where a patient can easily schedule a consultation with an experienced oncologist at the time that is most convenient to him/her and which saves him/her travel and waiting time as well. Whether a patient needs a second opinion about a cancer diagnosis or is exploring more about the best treatment options, online consultations allow patients to have specialist medical advice right at their fingertips whenever they need it.

Comprehensive Cancer Care, Without Compromise:

We at Health 29 recognize that quality of care should never be compromised at the expense of the cost of the treatment. Therefore, our online oncologist consultations also include an inclusive list of cancer treatment services that aim to deliver the needed care which can also be customized according to patients’ specific needs. We have many services to offer, from diagnosis and effective treatment planning to ongoing mental plus physical support and also the best rehabilitation to provide for the best individual care and make sure that cancer patients receive the best treatment that they need.

Affordable Treatment Options, Without Sacrifice:

Cancer treatment can be very draining on patients and their families' finances, but Health 29 is determined to make sure that the quality of top healthcare for cancer patients remains affordable to everyone. The purpose of our affordable cancer treatment options is to decrease the patients’ expenses as much as possible, for uninterrupted care and to ensure the best outcome for them after the treatment. Through utilizing the latest technology and innovation, we provide top-notch care at a small fraction of the regular costs which translates to the fact that the cost will never affect people with cancer who require life-saving treatment solutions.

Empowering Patients, Each Day Every Day:

Health 29 acknowledges the fact that the best healthcare outcomes can be achieved by an informed and knowledgeable approach to cancer treatment. That is one of the reasons why our expert online oncologist consultations equip patients with the necessary tools and resources to actively participate in their treatment by providing them with the best medical advice from professional oncologists and customising cancer treatment plans. At Health 29, we don’t stop until the patients are able to understand all the available options, their unique side effects, and supportive care services for their unique cancer case, so that they can make their choices for treatment-based decisions with the right mindset as well as knowledge.

A Modern Approach to Cancer Care:

Apart from providing the best online oncologist consultations and affordable cancer treatment options, health 29 also has a wide range of supportive services which are designed to significantly improve the quality of life and well-being of cancer patients. Ranging from nutrition counselling and pain management to psychosocial support and rehabilitation, our complete cancer care approach for cancer covers all the aspects of high-quality treatment - the physical, emotional, and psychological, which are the three basic elements of the treatment so that all the cancer patients can get the opportunity for complete care and make a swift recovery as cancer-free.

Conclusion: Under Health 29's online oncology consultation services, affordable cancer treatment is not only becoming more available and accessible, but it is indeed becoming a reality in the modern world. By giving preference to accessibility, affordability and high-quality cancer care we are trying to revolutionise cancer treatments and help cancer patients in India to be in charge of their health and well-being. By combining the best of both worlds, high-quality cancer care and affordability we are pleased to have overcome the barriers of cancer, by connecting anyone in need with oncologists on an online platform and bringing hope and healing to individuals and their families under our expert cancer care solutions as well as treatments.

[akashasananda]

How to Incorporate Spirituality Into Your Busy Schedule by Shekinah Ma

Spirituality is a sense of something greater than oneself that transcends religious traditions or nonreligious experiences, including emotional well-being and inward movement.

You can incorporate spirituality into your busy schedule, such as morning prayer or meditation, reading the Bible, and attending small group bible study sessions. TwinRay

Morning Prayer or Meditation

Meditation can help clear your head and set a positive tone for the rest of your day. Instead of hitting social media first thing in the morning and sleeping through your alarm, take two or three minutes each morning to focus on relaxing your body, regulating breathing patterns, or praying to a deity or energy you believe in. These few minutes can enormously affect how the rest of your day unfolds!

Begin slowly and build up to longer meditations if possible. Even dedicating just 20 minutes each morning could have an enormously positive effect on your mood throughout the rest of the day.

If you can't take time out to meditate at home, try listening to a guided meditation while on the subway or exercising - this will give your mind something else to focus on while simultaneously relaxing your body so you can keep moving through your day!  Akasha Sananda

Reading Spiritual Texts

Spiritual practices include prayer, meditation, text study, and attending spiritual services. But to experience transformational power in these activities, they must be regularly done, like physical exercise. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to find time for these practices with busy lives; make time if possible, and you’ll soon find that the time becomes easier to lock away for this important activity!

Shekinah Ma shows that giving yourself time each day to read your texts can strengthen your faith and guide you in living a fulfilling life. Many find morning study sessions most beneficial as this allows them to focus on spiritual matters before launching into their busy day - though if this isn't practical for you, it's still vitally important that you make this commitment to regularly read your spiritual texts!

According to Shekinah Ma, integrate this practice into your daily life by swapping out fiction books for enlightened reading, or listening to MP3s of scripture while performing administrative tasks, driving children to school and activities, running errands, or cooking dinner. Study cards may also come in handy; just carry one around with you throughout the day and refer back whenever a moment of free time arises - these cards include questions to prompt more profound thoughts or even prayer, just in time for breaks at work or waiting for your doctor appointment.

Participating in Small Group Study Sessions

Small group study sessions provide a great way to meet other believers. These meetings may take place online or in person and typically last anywhere from half an hour to one hour, with their goal being spiritual growth and community building. Shekinah Ma accentuates that small group sessions allow believers to pray and manifest energies for each other and share insights that might deepen faith journeys.  TwinRay

Planning these meetings is essential; an icebreaker activity may help bring people together quickly. Furthermore, having additional resources like videos, discussion questions, and online workbooks available for participants is also beneficial in ensuring their participation is integral for group success.

Some may find spiritual texts challenging to read and struggle to connect its truths to their lives. A study leader can make this experience more engaging by asking questions that move the lessons away from concepts, ideas, and information about a passage and toward individual experiences, hopes, and dreams - helping participants make biblical truths their own, per Shekinah Ma.  Shekinha Ma

Attending Religious Meetings

An admirable goal for spiritual leaders is to integrate spirituality into busy schedules. Spiritual leaders who make this an effort prove that being busy doesn't need to mean neglecting religious practices.

Indeed, prayer should not just be limited to the time set aside in a quiet space; instead, prayer can become part of every aspect of daily life: for instance, your commute to work, coffee brewing time, or even that brief period before meetings can provide opportunities to pray or meditate.

If you find it hard to commit to daily prayer, why not consider using an app designed specifically to aid in maintaining that routine? Some apps provide a set number of minutes of prayer each day and audio reminders when it is time to start.

Shekinah Ma specifies that one easy way to enhance your prayer routine is to switch up the book you usually read with one that contains spiritual references and lessons, such as appropriate books written by religious or spiritual leader. Reading one during your commute, cooking dinner, or other leisure time could provide the chance for more profound meditation or prayer on scripture.  Sanandaji

If you find it hard to commit to daily prayer, why not consider using an app designed specifically to aid in maintaining that routine? Some apps provide a set number of minutes of prayer each day and audio reminders when it is time to start. Incorporating spirituality into a busy schedule can be challenging but essential for our overall well-being. By taking small steps such as practicing mindfulness, setting aside time for meditation, connecting with nature, and engaging in gratitude practices, we can cultivate a deeper sense of spirituality and find balance in our hectic lives. Remember that spirituality is a personal journey, and there is no right or wrong way to incorporate it into your life. Find what works best for you and make it a priority.

[willpaul229]

The Art of Finding Hidden Gems: A Guide To Navigating Liquidation Auctions

Liquidation auctions present a unique opportunity for savvy buyers to discover hidden gems, whether you're a business owner looking to stock inventory or an individual seeking valuable items at discounted prices. Navigating these auctions requires a blend of strategy, research, and quick decision-making. 

Here's a comprehensive guide to help you master the art of finding hidden treasures in the world of liquidation auctions.

Understanding Liquidation Auctions: Liquidation auctions occur when a company needs to quickly sell off its assets. This could be due to bankruptcy, closure, or a need to clear inventory. Items auctioned may include everything from office furniture to electronics and surplus stock. Recognizing the motivation behind the liquidation can provide insights into the quality and value of the items available.

Research is Key: Before diving into any auction, conduct thorough research. Understand the market value of the items you're interested in, and check the reputation of the auction house. Verify the condition of the items, as they may be sold "as is." Being well-informed positions you to make better decisions during bidding.

Set a Budget: One of the golden rules of successful auction bidding is to set a realistic budget. Determine the maximum amount you are willing to spend and stick to it. Factor in additional costs like buyer's premiums and taxes to ensure your budget covers all expenses.

Attend Online Auctions: In the digital age, many liquidation auctions take place online. Participating in online auctions provides convenience, allowing you to bid from the comfort of your home. Familiarize yourself with the online platform, understand the bidding process, and set up your account well in advance.

Know Your Hidden Gems: Hidden gems can be found in unexpected places. Look for items that may be overlooked by others but have potential value. This could include unique collectibles, vintage items, or specialized equipment. A keen eye and a bit of knowledge about niche markets can help you spot these hidden treasures.

Monitor Auction Listings: Stay consistently engaged with auction listings. Most auction houses provide a schedule of upcoming events and detailed descriptions of the items available. Regularly checking these listings ensures you don't miss out on potential opportunities.

Attend Viewings: If possible, attend viewings or previews of the items before the auction. This allows you to inspect the condition of the items firsthand. Pay attention to any flaws or damage that might affect your bidding decisions. Physical inspection provides a better understanding of what you're getting into.

Be Wary of Emotional Bidding: Auctions can be thrilling, and the excitement of competition may lead to emotional bidding. Stay focused on your budget and the value of the item. Avoid getting caught up in bidding wars that can drive prices beyond their actual worth.

Timing is Everything: Master the art of timing in auctions. Some bidders prefer early bids to set the tone, while others strategically wait until the last moments to place their bids. Understand the rhythm of the auction and decide when to make your move.

Stay Informed About Fees: Be aware of any additional fees associated with the auction, such as buyer's premiums or transaction fees. Factor these into your budget to avoid any surprises after a successful bid.

Network with Other Bidders: Engage with fellow bidders, both online and in person if applicable. Networking can provide valuable insights, tips, and even potential partnerships. Sharing experiences with others in the auction community can enhance your understanding of the process.

Consider Resale Value: Whether you're buying for personal use or business, think about the resale potential of the items. Look for items that have a consistent market demand and good resale value. This strategic approach can turn your purchases into profitable investments.

Trust Your Instincts: In the fast-paced world of auctions, quick decision-making is crucial. Trust your instincts, but ensure they are informed by your research and understanding of the items. Don't hesitate to walk away if the bidding surpasses your budget or if you have doubts about the item's value.

Navigating liquidation auctions is an art that combines knowledge, strategy, and a bit of intuition. By understanding the auction process, conducting thorough research, and mastering the nuances of bidding, you can unearth hidden gems and make successful purchases. Whether you're a seasoned auction attendee or a first-timer, this guide equips you with the tools to confidently explore the world of liquidation auctions and discover valuable treasures within it.

[donendusteddetailing]

Revitalize Your Ride: The Convenience and Benefits of Mobile Car Detailing

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding time to give your vehicle the attention it deserves can be a challenge. However, neglecting your car's cleanliness not only diminishes its appearance but can also affect its overall value and longevity. This is where mobile car detailing services come to the rescue, offering a convenient solution tailored to your busy schedule.

Mobile car detailing brings the expertise of professional auto detailers directly to your doorstep, eliminating the need for you to drive to a physical location and wait while your vehicle is serviced. Whether you're at home, work, or even enjoying a day out, these skilled technicians can transform your car into a showroom-worthy masterpiece while you focus on your day-to-day activities.

One of the primary advantages of mobile car detailing is the unparalleled convenience it offers. With just a phone call or a few clicks online, you can schedule an appointment at a time and place that suits you best. This flexibility means you no longer have to sacrifice hours of your precious time waiting at a car wash or detailing shop. Instead, you can carry on with your day while your vehicle receives the attention it needs.

Furthermore, mobile detailing services often provide a level of customization and personalization that traditional car washes may lack. Whether you require a quick exterior wash and wax or a comprehensive interior cleaning complete with leather conditioning and carpet shampooing, mobile detailers can tailor their services to meet your specific needs and preferences.

Beyond the convenience factor, mobile car detailing also delivers exceptional results. These professionals are equipped with high-quality tools, specialized products, and extensive training to ensure that your vehicle receives the best possible care. From removing stubborn stains and odors to restoring faded paint and revitalizing upholstery, their attention to detail can breathe new life into your car, leaving it looking and feeling as good as new.

Moreover, regular detailing not only enhances your car's appearance but also protects its value and extends its lifespan. By routinely removing dirt, grime, and contaminants, you can prevent corrosion, rust, and other forms of damage that can arise from neglect. Additionally, professional detailing treatments can safeguard your paintwork from the harmful effects of UV rays, acid rain, and environmental pollutants, preserving its shine and luster for years to come.

For more info:-

Best Mobile Car Cleaning Service

Mobile full valet

[claugeeee]

Traditional Book vs. E-Book

Digital publishing and ebooks have completely transformed the way we read and access books. In this digital age, traditional printed books are no longer the only option for avid readers. With the advent of digital publishing, books can now be accessed and enjoyed in a whole new way. Ebooks, or electronic books, have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and accessibility. They can be easily downloaded or purchased online from various platforms such as Amazon Kindle or Apple iBooks. This means that readers no longer need to visit physical bookstores or wait for deliveries to get their hands on a new book. Instead, they can simply download it onto their e-reader device or even read it directly from their smartphones or tablets.

The revolution brought about by digital publishing and ebooks goes beyond mere convenience. It has also opened up new possibilities for authors and publishers alike. Self-publishing has become more accessible than ever before, allowing aspiring writers to share their stories with the world without going through traditional publishing channels. This democratization of the publishing industry has led to a wider variety of voices being heard and a greater diversity of content available to readers.

The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen has captivated readers for generations with its enchanting tale of friendship and adventure. In today's digital age, this timeless story has been adapted into various digital formats, including ebooks, audiobooks, and interactive apps. Ebooks provide a convenient and portable way to read The Snow Queen on devices such as tablets, e-readers, and smartphones. With the ability to adjust font sizes and access to interactive features like bookmarks and annotations, readers can immerse themselves in the story while enjoying the benefits of modern technology.

Audiobooks offer a unique experience by bringing The Snow Queen to life through narration. With professional voice actors lending their talents to the characters' dialogues and emotions, listeners can engage with the story even while on the go. Audiobooks also provide accessibility options for those with visual impairments or learning disabilities. Interactive apps take the adaptation of The Snow Queen to another level by incorporating multimedia elements such as animations, sound effects, and interactive puzzles. These apps allow readers to actively engage with the story through touch-based interactions and mini-games that enhance their understanding of key plot points.

The ease of digital publishing sometimes leads to a flood of poorly edited or formatted content, impacting the overall quality of digital books available in the market. Different devices and software platforms have varying capabilities. Ensuring that the formatting and layout of an e-book are consistent across devices can be challenging. Not all readers have access to devices or stable internet connections, limiting their ability to embrace digital reading. Disparities in technology access among different socioeconomic groups and regions create a divide in access to digital content.

Publishers and authors often rely on third-party platforms (like Amazon Kindle) for digital distribution. Changes in policies or algorithms on these platforms can significantly impact sales and visibility. Ensuring that digital content is preserved for future generations is a concern. Digital formats can become obsolete, making content inaccessible over time. Digital platforms have led to changes in reading habits, with shorter attention spans affecting the consumption of longer, in-depth content. Navigating these challenges requires a combination of innovative business models, effective digital rights management, robust marketing strategies, and a focus on providing high-quality, engaging content to readers.

[e-konsulta-medical-clinic]

The Pros and Cons of Online Medical Consult in the Philippines

In an age of digitalization, it has become easier to access medical help. The internet has opened up numerous possibilities for seeking medical advice, including the power of online medical consultations in the Philippines. However, while it may sound like a convenient option, there are several pros and cons to consider to make an informed decision.

What is Online Medical Consult?

Online medical consulting is precisely what it sounds like – consultations with healthcare professionals conducted over the internet. Patients can access specialist advice from their homes or anywhere else with an internet connection. In the Philippines, online medical consult typically involves a video or phone call with a doctor, though some services also offer text-based chatting.

Pros of Online Medical Consultations

1. Convenience The most notable benefit of seeking online medical consultations is the convenience and flexibility that comes with it. You can access online doctor advice from the comfort of your home without waiting in long queues at the doctor’s clinic.

2. Fewer Complications During online medical consultations, medical advice can be provided promptly and straightforwardly without complications. The online doctor can give clear instructions and advice without requiring complex paperwork or further tests.

3. Accessibility Online consultations are usually more accessible, especially for those in rural areas and critical regions affected by the pandemic. Providing virtual local access to the healthcare system helps those in need get the medical attention they require.

4. Cost Savings

Online medical consultations can be done at a fraction of the cost of a physical visit to the doctor’s office. This can be particularly beneficial for those who cannot afford to pay for expensive medical care.

Cons of Online Medical Consultations 1. No Physical Check-up: With online medical consultations, there is no physical examination. As a result, the physician cannot use any diagnostic tools and may be unable to determine the underlying cause of symptoms, which could lead to misdiagnosis.

2. Limited Physician-Patient Relationship: It is also difficult to form strong connections between the doctor and patient relationship is challenging to establish and maintain. This may make patients feel less comfortable discussing their condition with the doctor.

3. Technical Glitches and Privacy Issues: While the technology of online medical consultations is improving, there is still the risk of technical glitches that can delay or even prevent teleconsultation from taking place. Privacy is also an issue, as third parties may obtain the recorded information without the patient’s knowledge or consent.

Overall, online medical consultations may be an excellent option for those seeking medical advice, especially in cases of convenience, accessibility, and cost savings. However, it is essential to understand its pros and cons and make an informed decision.

Where to Get Online Medical Consult in the Philippines?

The online medical consult can be an excellent way for those who need medical advice from the comfort of their own homes. However, weighing the pros and cons carefully before deciding if this consult is right for you is essential.

In the Philippines, one of the most reliable and convenient options for online medical consultation is E-Konsulta.

E-Konsulta is an online medical service connecting patients directly with top-quality doctors and practitioners. We allow patients to get real-time medical advice, diagnoses, and prescription medications without going outside. Through our E-Konsulta website, Filipino citizens can quickly get medical advice from certified medical professionals.

Why choose E-Konsulta? Our E-Konsulta platform has several features that make it an ideal choice for those who need medical advice but cannot leave home. We also ensure that the information shared between the patient and the doctor is confidential. Additionally, all the professionals that work with us are certified doctors with years of experience in their respective fields.

Moreover, our platform offers various payment options, such as credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and other credible payment methods. This makes it easier and it easier and convenient for patients to pay the consultation fees.

Next, our E-Konsulta platform is designed to be easy and user-friendly. All the information a patient needs can be easily found on our website. The process is straightforward, from scheduling an appointment to getting advice and prescription medications.

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[whereisten]

Heal

A Kun fic that’s part of our Halloween Series!

Summary: Doctor Qian Kun is a young and successful doctor who works miracles. And you are no exception when you become his patient.

Pairing: Doctor! Kun x female reader

Genre: romance, angst, fantasy, horror

Word Count: 5.6k

Warnings: blood, manipulation

(A/N: Thank you guys so much for your support with our Halloween fics! Hope you enjoy the adventures of y/n and Doctor Kun!)

___

You were no stranger to visits to the Neo Hospital in your hometown. When you were a baby, you basically lived at the hospital. You were prone to colds and fevers. You always experienced body aches and fatigue. You were born with a chronic autoimmune disorder that left many doctors baffled. They were only able to provide you with medications to alleviate your pains temporarily. You were confined to stay at home, to be homeschooled by your parents, and make friends online. Your childhood was far from normal.

You were a college junior now and you’ve been strictly online. If it wasn’t for the Internet, you probably would’ve lost your mind by now.

You had contact with the outside world but not physical contact. It’s what you longed for the most.

You resented your family. Your older and younger siblings could go out whenever they pleased. How did they get so lucky? Why were you the only sibling that got the short end of the stick?

Everyone in your family always interacted with you carefully, using hand sanitizer and always washing their hands prior to helping you with something. They treated you like a fine, porcelain doll that had to be preserved. It was irritating on your best days and unbearable on your worst. You felt like an abomination sometimes.

However, throughout the years, you would rebel. You would run away from home when your parents eyes wandered for a moment. The farthest you’d get before getting caught was the park. You were lucky that you didn’t develop any harsh symptoms from those times you ran away. However, you would be punished for taking such risks. You’d get your phone and internet privileges taken away for a month every time.

Last week, you succeeded in your most ambitious escape yet: you made it to Target to buy the new Ariana Grande CD. You thought that the one trip to Target couldn’t hurt you. By no means was it crowded and no one got into your space.

Well, you were wrong to think that you’d be fine.

Now you came down with a fever and you’d been placed on bed rest at your all-too familiar Room 1196 on the eleventh floor of the hospital.

You resented your body. A lot of people could recover from a fever and carry on with their day-to-day lives but you? Not so much.

Your parents made a whole spectacle of getting you to be seen by the best doctors but these doctors couldn’t help you the way you’d hoped.

However, this time, you awoke the next morning after your intake and felt...nothing.

Like you never had a fever in the first place.

You spent the morning checking your social media. Your crush/online classmate Sicheng was on a weekend hiking trip with his friends. He was with a bunch of beautiful, healthy people in North Carolina. You were even more bummed to be in the hospital now.

You wondered what life would be like if you didn’t have your condition. Where could you have gone? Who would you be now?

You’ve always wanted to go to the beach by yourself. To the supermarket. Hell, across the street. You wanted to go somewhere. Anywhere. Without anyone coddling you and watching your every move.

You wished for freedom from the body you were born with. To find a new one, somehow.

Because you had no hope for your current body to change.

“Y/n? Can I come in?” A male voice was heard from the door.

“Sure.” You sat upright on the bed.

The person at the door entered and he was the prettiest healthcare provider you’d ever laid your eyes on. He had warm, brown eyes and a radiant smile. His dark blue hair was wavy.

Suddenly, you regretted not brushing your hair that morning.

He donned a lab coat with the hospital’s name on it. His name tag was in a lanyard: Dr. Qian Kun, MD, DOM, PharmD.

He looked very young...And to have all of those titles? Your head was spinning.

He frowned as he saw how confused you looked. “Are you alright?”

You nodded. “I am.”

He sat on the chair beside your bed. “It’s nice to meet you, y/n. I’m Dr. Qian Kun but you can call me Kun.”

You blinked a few times. “Are you really a doctor?”

He laughed, confused. “What?”

“You don’t seem that much older than me…”

He sighed. “I get that a lot. I’m twenty-four. I graduated early from university...Earned my titles...Now here I am.”

“That’s amazing. You are probably the youngest doctor ever.”

Kun shook his head. “Afraid not. Bala Ambati became a doctor at seventeen.”

You shook your head. “Still...You have three doctorates. That means triple the sleep deprivation. Hats off to you.”

Kun chuckled as he looked at your information in his clipboard. “Your vitals have improved a lot since yesterday.”

You looked down at your hands. “Yeah...That’s impossible…”

Kun shook his head, noting how down you looked. “It is possible, y/n.”

You met his gaze. “How?”

He smiled. “Are you familiar with oriental medicine?”

He sure was charming, you thought. You reminded yourself to answer his question. “No, I’m not.”

Kun got up from his seat. “Well, there are many different practices that a doctor of oriental medicine can utilize, like acupuncture, meditation, and herbal therapy...To restore harmony to the human body. I specialize in herbal therapy.”

“I see…”

“I have created an herbal mixture that has worked efficiently to get my patients back up on their feet.”

Incredulous still, you managed to say, “That’s great, Doctor.”

He lifted an eyebrow.

“I mean, Kun.”

Kun resumed, “And I‘ve provided you with the herbal mixture and from the looks of it, the results have quickly taken effect.”

You were speechless. “That’s…”

“I know it’s hard to believe, y/n. But sometimes doctors fail to find other alternatives to help their patients. Which is why I’m glad I’m your primary physician now.”

“Wait, what about Doctor Morris?” Doctor Morris had been your primary physician since you were five years old.

“She’s retired. I’ve been taking on a couple of her patients now.”

“I see…”

Kun looked out your room’s window and smiled to himself. “You don’t trust me.”

“Don’t take it personally. I don’t trust any medical professional. No one has been able to understand my condition yet so…”

Kun replied, “You’ve been let down too many times.”

“Exactly. Doctors just can’t figure me out.”

He turned to you and grinned. “Allow me to prove you wrong, then.”

___

At the recommendation of Doctor Kun, you were assigned to stay in the hospital for the next few weeks to see how the herbal mixture would affect your body if you took it for a longer period of time.

Every passing day, you felt more alive. It was weird to say this but you felt more alive at the hospital than you did before. You were beginning to suspect that Kun’s herbal mixture was actually working.

The herbal mixture was made of feverfew among other medicinal herbs. It had certainly done the trick to reduce your fever overnight. You wondered just what this mixture was made of.

You just finished your online linguistics lecture and closed your laptop. You found Kun waiting at the door. “You free?”

You nodded. “Yes.”

He sat down next to you and pulled some of your favorite candy out of his pocket.

He put the candy bar in your hand. His fingers lightly touched your palm. Your face warmed up at his proximity. “Happy Halloween, y/n.”

Your eyes nearly bugged out. How did he know you loved Twix? You took the candy bar into your hand and almost cried.

“Y/n?” He asked, worried.

You wiped a tear away. “Sorry...It’s just that this time of the year is hard because...I want to celebrate it. Go out and trick or treat...I know that time has gone for me but I hate that I missed out, you know…”

“Y/n…”

You sniffled and took a bite of the chocolate bar. “My parents never wanted me to feel like I was missing out so they would bring the holiday home to me. I was never in need of M&Ms, Skittles, Twix, or Sour Patch Kids…They even helped me make the best Halloween costumes. We would watch a bunch of horror movies all month long...But I wanted to be a kid. I wanted to go out with my friends and go door to door…”

Kun’s heart went out to you. He hated seeing you so down and so deprived of a life that everyone should have. “Y/n, you will be able to do all of the things you want to do in life.”

You looked at Kun and he had a determined look on his face. “How can you be so sure?”

“I’ve worked with people with conditions like yours...They thought they would be attached to the hospital forever one way or another. But with my methods, I was able to help them turn their life around. And now they’re living normally and fully.”

You sighed. “I’m happy to hear that...I just don’t think I’ll be one of them.”

Kun placed his hand over yours. “Trust me, y/n. I won’t let you down.”

You met his eyes, then, and you smiled. “Thanks, Kun. I’ve gotta hand it to you. You’re my favorite doctor.”

He beamed. “Is that so?”

You nodded. “Yeah...None of the other doctors ever gave me so much as a lollipop Even though that seems to be the norm on TV…”

Kun chuckled. “There’s more where that came from, y/n.”

___

It has been a month since you’ve entered the hospital. The medical bills were covered by an anonymous benefactor. Your family didn’t have to worry about the financial strain of your hospital stay.

Your family came to visit you and they were stunned at how radiant you looked. They were surprised at how much more ALIVE you looked when they expected you to be weak and miserable because you were at the hospital. Something about you was different.

“Doctor Kun is a miracle worker, isn’t he?” Your dad asked.

“I heard he’s a sight for sore eyes, too...Don’t you think so, y/n?” Your older sister Sydney teased.

You mom shook her head and helped fluff your pillows. “How are you, sweetheart?”

You smiled. “I’m better, actually. I think Kun’s methods are working.”

“Oh, are you two on a first name basis?” Your sister joked.

You rolled your eyes. “He told me to call him Kun. If you saw him, you’d feel weird calling him Doctor, actually.”

“He’s quite young, y/n. He graduated from a top university in Beijing at age 10. Then, he went to medical school right after. He’s been a practicing doctor for a couple of years now. He’s unbelievable,” you dad said.

Kun entered the room, then. “I hope I’m not interrupting. I’m Doctor Qian Kun. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Your mom was in love with him. Your dad was in shock at how young he was. Your sister wanted his number. You broke their stunned silence. “Kun, these are my parents Donna and Andrew. And this is my sister, Sydney.”

Kun greeted them. “I’m glad you are all here so I can tell you the good news.”

Everyone was shocked at the phrase “good news”. What good news could he possibly have to share?

Kun continued, “Y/n, your vitals are working at optimum level and we want to see how well you can fare by discharging you.”

You asked, “What?”

Kun smiled. “You can start having a normal life...In which you can attend in-person classes, go to the supermarket, take up a sport…”

You weren’t sure about the last thing he offered but everything else he suggested made you jump out of your bed. “Serious?”

Kun’s smile grew. “Yes.”

Your parents gave each other looks.

Your dad started. “Doctor, are you sure about this...y/n has lived all of her life in our home. The only outside world she’s ever known is our backyard and this hospital.”

Kun nodded. “I am sure. I’ve worked with several patients with similar cases as y/n’s and I would like to put the effect of the herbal mixture to the test. If there is any risk, she will immediately be brought back to the hospital and I will up the dosage for the herbs.”

After a few more minutes of discussion, your parents reluctantly agreed to take you home. To alleviate their concerns, you promised to consult with Kun once a week so he could monitor your progress.

You would be going home tomorrow and you had been given the green light to live a normal life. Outside. Go to classes. See your friends. Go to the beach. Buy fruits at the grocery store.

You packed up your belongings and Kun visited you one last time before you left. “Hey.”

You smiled brightly at him. “Hi!”

“How are you feeling?”

“Better than I ever have, honestly. And I have you to thank for that. Look, I’m not sure if this will work out in the end but the fact that I can take the chance and go out there...Thank you.”

Kun ruffled your hair. “I’m here for you, y/n.”

You did admit to yourself that you’d had a little crush on Dr. Kun but who were you kidding? He was so out of your league. You’d had a friend in him and you would always be thankful to him. “I have something for you.”

Kun’s eyes widened. “For me?”

“I wasn’t sure it’d get to my house in time but my mom got the package today. I told her to bring it today when everyone visited so…”

You pulled out a small gift bag with Kun’s present inside.

Kun smiled. “You didn’t have to get me anything.” “You’ve done a lot for me, Kun. I may have my doubts but I don’t doubt your intentions. And they're nothing but good. You’ve been doing so much for me. You’re setting me free...In a way.”

You handed the bag to Kun. He pulled out a little wrapped box from inside. He looked at you as he mocked suspicion.

He removed the wrapping to find a pair of AirPods. He gaped. “Y/n…”

You smiled. “For whenever you need to escape the noise…”

Kun had told you that sometimes he would get overwhelmed with his duties at the hospital and you’d asked him what gave him comfort. He told you it was music. So you figured something as light and portable as AirPods could help Kun calm down whenever he needed it throughout the day.

He smiled brightly at you and surprised you by wrapping his arms around you. “Y/n, thank you...You shouldn’t have…”

You froze. Kun’s toned body was against yours and you could feel the racing of his heart. Your heart probably beat twice as fast. You felt yourself get warmer and warmer. You pulled away from him, his hands on your arms.

He blushed. “Sorry…”

You cleared your throat. “Don’t worry about it…”

Your dad returned to the hospital room. “Y/n, you ready?”

Perfect timing, dad, you thought.

“Yeah, I’m coming.”

___

It may have been the second semester of your junior year but you felt as nervous as an incoming college freshman as you entered Neo University’s grounds for the first time. You were meeting some of your friends for the first time ever.

It was one thing to see them on the screen but your heart accelerated thinking of what it would be like to see them in the flesh.

You’ve been doing well so far with the herbs Kun had sent you home with. You were able to go grocery shopping with your mom. She was still considering whether or not you could go to the beach yet. You hoped that your progress would continue so she would say yes.

You felt healthier than ever. You could breathe well through your nose. You felt no body aches. You were ready to cartwheel across the quadrangle.

First, you had to learn how to cartwheel, though.

“Y/n!!!!!” Jungeun called out to you.

Your blonde best friend ran up to you and jumped you from behind. “Ah!”

“Jungeun!” You gasped.

She laughed. “You said I could touch you so I wasn’t about to hold back.”

You hugged each other tightly.

“Y/n, it’s so good to see you!”

You and Jungeun have been friends since middle school so you were already a sobbing mess on your first day.

“Stop crying, y/n or else I’m gonna…” She started crying, too.

“Enough with the tears, already,” Dejun added.

You and Jungeun hugged Dejun to bother him, then.

He laughed. “Y/n, welcome to Neo U.”

“Thanks,” you said, smiling.

You three went to your seminar together and you were just so in awe of being in a classroom, you had trouble focusing on the lecture. You were even more distracted when you saw that Sicheng was in the same class.

He recognized you and waved. You were yelling so loudly on the inside.

Before this semester, you had the occasional online class that you shared. You saw Sicheng for the first time a year ago and your crush on him grew from there. He was one of the most popular guys on campus, according to Jungeun. You had a group project with him last semester and he was so...Perfect.

He was intelligent and down-to-earth. His smile was so sweet and his eyes pierced into your soul. He was talking poetry. It felt like you were seeing your favorite celebrity in person.

When class ended, you went to lunch with your friends and Sicheng joined you.

“How are you, y/n?” He asked.

“I’m great. Never been better,” you replied.

He smiled. “I’m glad. If you ever need anything, please let me know. You have my number.”

You nodded. “Of course. Same here. If you ever need anything. I’m here for you, too.”

Sicheng chuckled. “Great.”

When you finished lunch, Jungeun couldn’t stop poking fun at you. Sicheng left early for a club meeting. “I’m surprised he didn’t ask you out, then!”

You rolled your eyes. “Ask who out?”

Dejun added. “Me, of course.”

Jungeun continued. “The ‘you have my number’ couldn’t have been more obvious. He wants you in his dorm yesterday.”

You frowned. “And what would we do? Fix his bed?”

Jungeun and Dejun laughed. Jungeun added, “The opposite, y/n.”

Your face heated up then. “Oh.”

Since you have basically spent most of your life either at home or at the hospital, you never even considered the possibility of a love life. You tried to convince yourself that dating sims would’ve been enough.

“Don’t worry, y/n...You and Sicheng can take it slow...He’s no incubus who is trying to take your soul,” Dejun offered.

“True,” you said.

That was if Sicheng saw you that way in the first place.

___

A few weeks had passed. You’d been seeing Kun regularly to check in and everything had gone as expected. You were fine. You weren’t exhibiting any flare-ups. So long as you kept taking the prescribed herbs, you would be fine.

“How is everything, y/n?” He asked.

“Pretty good, actually. School is still school, even if it’s in person. But I got to go to a skating rink for the first time.”

He laughed. “How was it?”

“I am terrible.” You showed your legs. “It explains these bruises.”

Kun shook his head and chuckled. “I’m glad you’re getting out more, y/n. Try and take it one step at a time.”

“Oh, geez. I wish you said that sooner. I already joined a blood cult and I’m getting married next week.”

Kun rolled his eyes as he finished taking notes from your consultation.

“How is everything with you, doc?”

Kun’s eyes widened. “Me?”

“Surely, you’re not always at the hospital.”

Kun sighed. “Well, y/n...it just so happens that I’ve taken residence up on the top floor. The whole floor is my apartment. Don’t really get to spend much time there because I’m almost always on call.”

Your jaw dropped. “What? Kun, that’s abuse. You shouldn’t be working so many hours. It’s against the-“

Kun couldn’t help his smile appearing.

“You sneaky bastard,” you said.

You both laughed, then.

Sometimes you forgot Kun was a successful doctor. Sometimes he felt like your infinitely smarter senior at college.

He was a million worlds away from yours.

Kun answered, “Well, I’m doing fine, y/n. I meet up with friends once in a while and go white-water rafting.”

“That sounds like fun!”

Kun shook his head. “It’s challenging but exciting. I get a rush every time I go.”

You thought out loud. “I’d love to try it sometime…”

Kun pat you in the back. “When you are at one hundred perfect, I’ll give you the green light. Sounds good?”

You nod.

___

You’d wrapped up your midterm and you were ready to head home and take a nap. You walked through the student quad.

“Y/n!” Sicheng called out to you.

You turned around and found Sicheng running towards you.

You smiled, already warm in the face. “Hi.”

“I was wondering if you were free right now…”

“Really? Me?”

He smiled, confused at your question. “Yeah, you. Want to go to the movies with me?”

You nodded. “Absolutely.”

Sicheng drove you guys to the movies. He bought the tickets and the snacks. He let you pick the movie. You picked The Blair Witch Project. It came out over twenty years ago but the theater was doing a limited time screening of it.

You and Sicheng couldn’t shut up throughout the whole movie as you whispered to each and made each other laugh. You’d almost gotten kicked out of the theater.

You left the theater together and he asked you to dinner. You said yes. You were starting to think that this was a date.

“Y/n, this is a date, right?” He asked you at dinner.

You stopped eating your chicken parmigiana and looked at him with big eyes. “I think...Is it?”

Sicheng sighed. “I wanted it to be…”

You laughed. “Oh, thank God. I thought it was all in my head for a second. Maybe you were this nice to all of your friends.”

He pointed out, “I am not this nice to my friends, I can promise you that.”

Sicheng drove you home and kissed you goodnight before you entered your house. You felt like you were floating on a cloud now.

___

Two days later, there was a campus alert that Sicheng had gone missing. His face was all over the news. The last time he was heard from was when he told his best friend Jaehyun that he was going to ask you out to the movies. The last time he was seen was when he took you home.

Sicheng’s car was found a mile away from the dorms. The key was still in the ignition and his wallet and phone were left behind.

You were brought into the police station for questioning and you told them everything that happened the night Sicheng disappeared.

You were worried. What could have happened to him? Would he be alright? Would he be able to come back home? You missed him so much.

You took an evening stroll around your neighborhood to try and calm down. You reached the park where there was no other soul in sight.

Suddenly, you felt a tingly sensation in the back of your neck. You felt that someone was following you.  

You began to walk faster. Suddenly, you were pinned to the ground and everything turned black.

___

You woke up in Room 1196, then. Wait...It wasn’t 1196...It was a different room in Neo Hospital. The room was dark and you could only hear the sound of your breathing. It grew more hysterical with each second.

You felt a burning sensation in your neck. You cried out in pain. You cried out, “Help me, please.”

“Y/n…” You recognized Kun’s voice.

You nearly yelled out in pain but restrained yourself. “What...happened?”

“An animal attack,” he started.

You frowned. “What?”

Kun sighed. “It was good that I was there to help you in time, y/n…”

“What?”

Kun moved your hair out of your face. “I was in the neighborhood when I saw the beast attack your neck.”

“A beast?” You frowned.

“Sicheng, was it?”

Your eyes widened. “How do you-“

“You can’t hide anything from me, y/n...You know that’s not how our relationship works.”

“What are you talking about? Ahhhhh.” The pain was getting to be too much for you.

“Can you put two and two together, y/n? Sicheng bit you.”

You shook your head furiously. “No, he wouldn’t-“

Kun snapped his fingers and Sicheng entered the hospital room. His bright expression nowhere to be found. His eyes were a bright red and his lips had traces of blood on them.

“Sicheng?!” You asked.

Sicheng smiled, showing fangs in his teeth. “Hi, y/n…”

“Oh, my God!” You started.

Kun grew annoyed. “Alright, that’s enough pleasantries for my taste. Go.”

Sicheng walked away at his command.

You began, “What the-“

Kun smiled brightly at you then. This time, his straight white teeth displayed his own fangs. “Y/n...Sicheng has put you in a bit of a bind, hasn’t he?”

You tried backing away from Kun and getting off of the bed but it was almost as if the pain kept you from moving.

Kun ran the back of his hand down your cheek. “When a newborn vampire bites you, the bite is lethal...You could die anywhere between minutes and hours...It depends on the bitten, really…”

You flinched at his touch. “What...did you do to me?”

Kun inched closer to you and you winced. He lathered up the blood that leaked from your neck down to your collarbone.

“What had to be done, y/n. From the moment I first saw you, I knew that I had to have you.”

You cried out in pain. “Somebody help me, please! Sicheng, please!”

Kun, annoyed over you mentioning Sicheng, shut the door to the hospital room. “It’s useless, y/n. Sicheng wouldn’t be in this mess if he hadn’t infiltrated what is mine. Now Sicheng must endure the consequences and be at my mercy. I turned him so now he looks to me for instructions. Until I release him...Perhaps in the next millennium...”

You sobbed. “Kun, please make this pain stop! I can’t take it!”

He cooed. “I know, baby. I want to help you. Just say the word and I’ll make the pain go away.”

The pain dominated your senses so you couldn’t process how exactly he would make it go away. “Okay! Just do it!”

Kun got up onto the bed and straddled you. He leaned down towards your neck and bit into you.

You cried out again but this time the excruciating pain turned into a euphoria so glorious, you never wanted it to end. You wrapped your arms around Kun as he continued to drink your blood.

___

It was morning when you had woken up. You were in Room 1196 now. You shot up from your bed and found Kun seated right beside you.

“Good morning, darling,” he started.

You glared at him. “Bite me. Oh, wait, you already did.”

He smiled. “I see your energy is up. That’s good to see.”

You rolled your eyes. “I’m going home…”

Suddenly, you stopped right at the door and your throat started to burn. Your senses heightened and you could sense that one of the nurses was walking right past your room’s door. You wondered what she would taste like if you caught her by surprise right then and there and…

What the holy hell were you thinking?

Kun sighed. “Don’t kill Joyce. She’s the most competent nurse on the staff.”

You ran into your bathroom door and looked at yourself in the mirror.

But you couldn’t.

You put a hand over your mouth and sobbed. “Kun!!!!!”

Kun joined you in the bathroom. “Ah, yes. You won’t be able to gain access to your reflection for another twenty years.”

“Twenty years...What is going on?”

“But what else, y/n? I turned you. To save your life.”

“Turned me into what, Kun?! Say it!”

Kun smiled. “Darling, you already know. Just admit it to yourself.”

You cried. “No…”

“You’ve always wanted a new body. A new life, y/n. And I’ve given it to you. I’ve made you the most powerful creature on this damned planet: a vampire.”

You fell to the ground. You could feel your fangs against your tongue.“Kun! Why did you do this to me? What did I ever do to you?”

Kun sat with you on the ground. “Because I love you, y/n. I never want to be apart from you again.”

You spat in his face. “You made me into a monster.”

Kun, unbothered, wiped your spit away with the sleeve of his coat. “I did not. I made you the best version of yourself you can be. Time for you has become infinite. Your body is immune to all illnesses now. You can see clearly. Your metabolism is in top shape. You are a goddess now.”

You shook your head. “Kun, take it back.”

He chuckled. “You’ve seen enough movies to know that that’s not how it works, y/n...You are mine now. Forever. Just like Sicheng. Just like a lot of the staff in this hospital.”

You shook your head rapidly. “Like hell I’m yours.”

“Y/n, I have been very generous up until this point. Using my blood to help you overcome your chronic condition. Funding your hospital bills...The least you can do is submit to me....”

It was hard to process all of the truths he just delivered. “Your blood?”

He laughed. “You mean you couldn’t taste my blood in the herbal mixture?”

You were about to throw up.

He chuckled darkly. “Admit it, y/n. You loved it.”

“Fuck you, Kun!”

He smiled. “We’ll get to that…”

You sneered. “You are despicable.”

His smile faded. “And you are testing my patience…”  He snapped his fingers at you. “On your knees…”

You stayed on the floor with your arms crossed across your chest.

He frowned as he snapped again. “On your knees, y/n.”

“I don’t think so,” you said.

Kun looked taken aback. “What? How?”

You got up from the ground and looked at him. “I will never submit to you for as long as I live..” If vampires were even considered living.

You ran quickly out of the hospital room, realizing you had superhuman speed now. You were able to leave the historial without facing any temptation to bite someone.

But your thirst had to be satisfied somehow and you had to find a way to quench it without hurting anyone.

___

[2 years later]

You’d skipped town not long after you turned. You sent letters to your family without a return address so as not to risk their safety.

Dear Mom and Dad,

I’m so sorry I ran away. I had no choice. If I didn’t leave, you all would’ve been in danger. One day, I hope to explain it all to you but in the meantime, live your lives fully and love each other. Don’t take anything for granted. I love you so much and will see you again.

Love,

y/n

You had become an infamous blood bag bandit as you moved across the country, running away from Kun. He would occasionally try and track you. Or he would send his henchman like Sicheng to do it for him.

You were lucky so far. You had never attacked a human being and sustained yourself on some blood bags you were able to nab from donating trucks.

The reason why you didn’t submit yourself to Kun that day was indeed because of his blood. Consumption of his blood made you immune to his influence. He couldn’t have you like he had wanted all along.

Kun had been obsessed with you from the very beginning. When you were discharged from the hospital the time you met him, he continuously stalked you. At college, at the grocery store, at your home...It would explain why he was able to send Sicheng to attack you.

He always knew where you were back then.

Kun commanded Sicheng to bite you then and put you at risk of dying. Kun’s plan was to save you, make you his vampire queen, and control you.

It was a shame he failed to see that his creation of medicinal herbs was the one thing that would lead to his plan’s failure.

You were immune to his commands and you weren’t going to stick around and see how else he would try and “win you over”.

According to your research, in all public records, Kun was now twenty-six. A blatant lie since he couldn’t age. So you wondered how long he would remain in your hometown. You kept a careful eye on your family every now and then. You’ve made some contacts to track your family occasionally, as well.

Kun had stooped low and you prayed he wouldn’t stoop even lower to get you.

You worked hard every day to work on your rapidly growing vampiric abilities. You couldn’t stick around anywhere for too long without arousing suspicion.

Now you weren’t confined to one space anymore.

You were confined to running.

You hoped to one day bring it this madness to an end and take Kun down. Save Sicheng and Kun’s other minions.

And for you to truly be free.

[Fin]

[devanksan]

Fundamental Understanding of Body Language

Importance of knowing body language to avoid contradiction between what we say and what we do to increase the credibility

Body language is the first method of contact among humans. Since ancient times the body has been an irreplaceable instrument of communication before speech and written language.

We are permanently communicating and under the scrutiny of other people, even without conversing with them, during walking alone in the park, riding the subway, going to the university, etc. According to the body posture, the way of walking, and the expression of the face and hand movements, we can decipher the inner state of this person.

People observe our body language while communicates to others through gestures and movements, the thoughts, and emotions we are feeling at that moment. The body sends permanent messages to our brain, affecting our mood; therefore, if we assume an upright position, our mood improves immediately; if we take a stooped position, our mood decreases.

Being conscious of the significance of body language for a better coexistence in society improves social relations and helps build a better world; more humanistic, creative, empathetic, productive, where you can live and act in freedom.

Why is body language always a topic of discussion?

Man is a social being who constantly communicates with his environment to satisfy basic needs that allow him to stay alive, such as food, health, clothing, education, etc., and develop in society. It is challenging to live in isolation without communicating with each other.

In recent decades, there has been a significant trend in positive psychology in the study of body language and emotional intelligence. Previously, there are scholars to study negative emotions, now they have focused on the study of positive emotions of the individual, and the results have been surprising.

Scientific research has discovered that the key to human development and growth depends on people's mental state; their levels of satisfaction and happiness are directly related to creativity, production, and performance, based on the ability to communicate and interrelate with their environment.

Experts affirm that 93% of what we communicate, we do it through body language. If we cannot manage our emotions and maintain synchrony between thoughts, feelings, and words, our own body oversees contradicting what we say. This contradiction directly affects our credibility with others, with negative consequences for our personal and professional growth.

Why is body language important in a job interview?

Companies are concerned about choosing a professional with the right profile for what they are looking for, thus saving time, money and improving the company's conditions. The success in the selection of the candidate for a job is the success of the company. Thus, be mindful of every detail when communicating; a small oversight can provide an excellent opportunity for both parties.

An extraordinary resume is not enough; it must be strengthened with skills and personal characteristics, which can only evaluate during the interview. In the job interview, several elements are involved, and the body language adds credibility to the presentation speech.

From the moment you arrive at the company's physical headquarters that will conduct the interview, your evaluation starts from the manner of dress, verbal, and body language. In these moments, special attention and focus on the gestures that accompany the word and express the emotional states that the person experiences in those moments.

With technology, some companies implement strategies that allow you to observe the job candidate online or in the waiting room before the interview. This technique will enable you to observe behaviors that indicate insecurity, stress, or anxiety. The candidate could be monitored and evaluated, his presentation, punctuality, and behavior. The interviewer accomplishes this observation through observation and a practical understanding of body language.

The employer knows your resume, which demonstrates strengths and skills. The interview seeks to discover and evaluate your personal ability to meet the different challenges within the organization successfully.

Inappropriate language can send the wrong signals and impoverish the interviewer's perception of you. You should not only take care of your physical appearance, but it is also essential to take care of the way you carry yourself.

Your verbal answers may be flawless, but if your body language shows signs of nervousness, insecurity, fears, it can negatively affect your chances of getting the job of your dreams.

Through body language, the interviewer discovers your level of security, optimism, and self-control, which, added to your physical presentation and resume, increases your chances of being hired.

It is fundamental to handle the presentation speech, workings on ourselves to control emotions expressed through body language, and while we communicate through speech, our own body can give us away.

Insecurity produces fears; uncontrolled nerves manifest through unconscious and involuntary actions that send signals to our interlocutor (sweating, nervous tics, involuntary body movements, etc.); you can only correct this with the effective management of our emotions.

What to do before going to a job interview?

There is only one chance to make a good impression, first, prepare your image.

Take some time to choose what to wear. Find out what style identifies the company, dress appropriately

Prepare to rehearse, applying self-analysis, following what's in the resume

Get information about the company and the products it offers

Look for information about the job position offered by the company; this practice denotes interest. It is a plus

Decorate the answers to possible questions, turning weak points into strong points, arguing intelligently

Get examples in your career where you demonstrate behaviors that highlight your virtues to convince your interlocutor

Research body language by practicing in front of the mirror or ask a good friend for an opinion on your performance

Evaluate possible questions and possible answers for greater security.

Sleep 8 hours a day and eat properly

How does the interviewer define your personality traits in 30 minutes to 1-hour interview?

In an interview, the language is the protagonist; from the first minute, the evaluation begins. Between 30 minutes and 1 hour, the interviewer will try to discover personality traits that will ensure success in the performance of the position to be filled within the business organization.

The interviewer will ask a sequence of questions to find out if you are qualified for the position within the company.

The answers and your body language will let the interviewer know if you are lying if you are honest and if you feel comfortable in specific elements such as:

Goals in life and work

Expectations about the job

Availability

Commitment

Skills

Defects

Virtues

What would you be willing to do?

Why were you interested in the company?

Most little satisfying moments

Others

Experts say that 90% of communication in an interview is done through body language. Reflect on your thoughts, feelings, fears, and difficulties. Prepare yourself internally and externally for the interview. Believe in yourself, respond naturally, take on new challenges a priori, show confidence and say, yes, I can do it.

5 Negative body language to watch out for

These are some of the body behaviors, which send negative signals to our interlocutors:

Walking posture

Body posture requires a specific body movement. A person who walks hunched does not have agile and energetic steps; a person with an assertive stance does not walk timidly

Walking hunched over, with shoulders forward and chin down, shows low self-esteem, frustration, and motivation

Shuffling feet can be perceived as a sluggish or sick person who is hostile to the company

Arms drooping without balance; shows the attitude of an unmotivated person who does not value himself and does not give value to what surrounds him

Correct posture

Back straight, shoulders back, chin up, this is an assertive posture that covers a larger vital space and increases positive energies. This posture makes us look capable, self-confident, and highly motivated.

Face

To show a face without expressions, with an elusive look, that wanders and cannot remain fixed in front of the interlocutor; generates distrust and disinterest

The cold aspect of facial expressions, the absence of wrinkles on the forehead and eyes that occur when we are surprised or happy, is unfriendly to others and shows anger, dissatisfaction

Lack of smiling; is interpreted as a sign of dissatisfaction and unhappiness, and the person interviewed may be perceived as inaccessible and complicated

Looking over the shoulder of the interlocutor shows arrogance, contempt, unfriendliness to others

Correct facial expression

Maintain eye contact without exaggerating

Smile: it allows open communication. It denotes kindness, understanding, and joy, ideal to start a conversation

The look: it can express different emotions; the most crucial job interview should be interesting. The eyebrows accompany the look. The person, who shows interest, keeps the eyebrows fixed and the gaze, observing the interviewer, taking minor detours to refresh

In the face of emotions of astonishment and surprise, they are raised, and the eyes are enlarged

Pupils open wide

Before emotions of joy, the eyes accompany the smile, closing a little and producing small wrinkles on the sides

Hands

Shaking hands is a good start, but you must know how to do it. It should not be strong, nor so weak; it should be firm and show confidence, looking into the person's eyes doing the interview

A weak handshake projects an unreliable and unenthusiastic impression. Shaking hands that are sweaty and shaky shows insecurity; you don't believe in yourself

Avoid touching only your fingers or squeezing the other person's hand. It can lead to misunderstandings

Fingers wringing during the interview denotes anxiety

Hide your hands; it is the worst idea you can have

Experts in body language recommend in these moments of anxiety, while listening to our interlocutor, to join the tips of the fingers without joining the palms

Keeping your hands inside your pants (men) denotes that you are oblivious and uninterested in the topic of conversation

Putting your arms across is a sign of a blockage, denial in communication

Throwing your hands with force is a sign of a defiant attitude

Avoid pointing fingers; it is a sign of accusation

Positive gestures

Generally used as a technique to order thoughts, establish references, and remember correctly.

Keep hands visible and make firm, confident movements when speaking (without exaggeration)

Open hands upwards; it is a sign of honesty; it means that you are not hiding anything

Open your hands sideways and show an open attitude.

Control involuntary hand movements

Uncontrolled movements

Unconsciously during an interview, presentation, or simply when talking to another person, our body may be making movements that denote nervousness. These movements can be.

Touching the hair

Frequent touching of the face

Twisting hands

Illogical movements in the chair

Tapping your foot on the floor

Twisting your tie

Pulling at the hem of your dress

Scratching your neck, ear, etc

These involuntary movements being extremely distracting and show that you lack confidence.

What can you do to control these behaviors?

Mindfulness concentration and breathing exercises help keep emotions in balance and improve the perception of reality; increasing optimism and positive thoughts help focus on the present time, reducing stress and anxiety levels.

Yoga is also an excellent help for concentration, body stretching, and relaxation.

These exercises facilitate communication with our inner self, helping us get to know ourselves better, removing fears, and removing mental blocks.

Silence and voice

Very long moments of pause show disinterest, boredom, and lack of knowledge of the subject

Speaking in a shallow tone of voice, almost inaudible, is a sign of fear and shyness

Talking with shouting; denotes arrogance and disrespect towards the other person

The appropriate tone of voice

· According to Albert Mehrabian, the tone of voice accentuates 38% of the message to be transmitted. Intonation and paralinguistic elements should continuously feed the harmonious circle of communication.

· Break the silence and try to ask open questions.

· Use a tone of voice according to the emphasis you want to give when speaking. Maintain the rhythm and avoid crutches.

· If for any cause the interviewer raises his voice, use a very soft and low tone of voice, and lean slightly toward him, being careful not to invade his space. "No need to shout..."

Tips for Impressed with your body language.

People who have difficulty communicating fluently and serenely generally convey insecurity and rejection. Some psychological tricks can help you relax and make a good impression.

Here are a few:

Assign yourself the value you have

Boost your self-esteem

Arrive on time to avoid anxiety and stress about being late. Arrive 5 minutes early or more

Dress appropriately for your surroundings; suit and tie (men) and discreet dress (women). Display an image, which reflects good grooming

Try to show a positive image. Our interlocutor consciously and unconsciously interprets the message that our body sends

Maintain eye contact, naturally

Smile from time to time without exaggerating

Wait for an indication to approach; if it is the case, shake hands vertically and firmly; avoid exerting force

Wait to be invited to sit down

If you are carrying an umbrella, raincoat, or another object in your hands, ask permission and place it to one side. Avoid sitting with things on you. Maintain an upright posture

Not to address the interviewer by their first name unless requested by the interviewer

Listen carefully

Highlight positive aspects of your background

Take your time and reflect before answering "dangerous" questions

Be motivated and interested in joining the company

Avoid invading the interviewer's space. Example: Remove your resume to verify a date. Admit that you don't remember it

Show yourself willing to take responsibility

An increase in the number of movements of the interviewer indicates that the interview is about to end

Chair movements and changes of position

Movement of documents

Wait for the interviewer to rise and then extend your hand in farewell

Say goodbye politely and express gratitude

The best strategy for attending a job interview should be based on self-confidence. Act naturally, without forcing the situation, as if you were talking to your best friend. Clarify doubts, empower yourself with knowledge and seek support from people who know the job position within the company and believe in you; that you are capable of successfully performing a task within the organization are the primary tools for success in a job interview.

By: Devan Ksan

You can consider to read short ebook with entry price by Darth Olsson Amazon ebook store: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B5JDDPW

[calligraphist-artemisia]

Guiding the Way

Written for the Kidge Spring Event!

Prompt 5: Fern and Oak | Shelter and Strength

Years ago, @uraraaaaaaan mentioned wanting a Kidge Sentinel/Guide AU and I wrote down the idea, always intending to go back and write it. Finally, I have.

Summary: Sentinel/Guide AU. Pidge had long given up on meeting a Sentinel who would be strong enough to provide the balance she needed. It wasn't until her first day at the Galaxy Garrison that she began to see a glimmer of hope that maybe they were nearby.

Also posted on AO3 under the username Kishirokitsune

❀ - ❀ - ❀ - ❀ - ❀

The first time Pidge felt it was during her tour of the facilities of the Galaxy Garrison.

It began as a low ringing in her ears, a sensation that was immediately brushed off as nothing unusual. She automatically tightened her emotional control as a foreign feeling of loneliness and hopelessness began to creep over her, pushing it away so she wouldn't become overwhelmed. She looked around and watched as a few others in her tour group, as well as a few cadets who were roaming the halls, began to shift in unease, some of them rubbing their ears or gingerly massaging their temples, as though hoping a physical reaction would ward it off.

The ringing intensified with a single pulse that drowned out all other noise.

One minute Pidge was standing and the next she was on the ground, slumped against a wall with her head in her hands, struggling to breathe. There was a hand on her shoulder and, as her hearing returned, she could begin to make out someone coaching her through a breathing exercise.

“Sh-Shiro?” she gasped out.

Takashi Shirogane smiled softly at her. “I'm here, Katie. Don't speak right now: just breathe. You'll be okay.”

As she lifted her head to look around, Pidge saw that not everyone was affected by the sound. If she had to guess, around one out of twenty people were affected the same way she was. She waited until her breathing had mostly evened out before speaking again. “What was that?”

“A Sentinel suffering from Overload,” Shiro said, sounding apologetic. “Commander Holt never mentioned that you're a Guide.”

“It's not really important,” Pidge lied. She knew he was curious about why she chose to keep it such a secret, but she was much more curious in learning why a Sentinel who was suffering so badly was kept in a place like the Galaxy Garrison.

“So, who's this Sentinel you mentioned?” she asked.

“Keith,” spat out a nearby cadet with brown hair, who was being helped to his feet by a girl with short blonde hair.

Shiro stiffened. “Cadet Hawkins is--!”

“Well, they can't keep him hidden forever!” snapped the cadet, jerking his head to look in their direction. His face paled as he got a look at who he had yelled at. “Lieutenant Shirogane, I'm sorry! I didn't know it was you!”

Shiro ignored him and instead helped Pidge to her feet. “Officer Johnson, I'll be taking Cadet Holt from here. I'll be sure to return her to her dorm by curfew.”

The woman clutched her clipboard to her chest and pursed her lips together in a thin line, but in the end, she didn't voice her dislike of the breach in protocol and allowed Shiro to whisk Pidge away. She ordered the remaining new cadets to reform a line and continued with the tour.

Pidge trotted after Shiro and waited until they were a suitable distance away before beginning her questioning anew. “Are you going to tell me what's going on? Who's this 'Keith' guy anyway?”

Shiro ushered her into an unoccupied room before answering. “Keith is an exceptionally strong Sentinel. Strong enough that we've been unable to find a Guide who is capable of bonding with him. I... That is, myself and some of the other high officers thought it would help if we moved him away from the Garrison, but it doesn't seem to have made a difference.”

Pidge's jaw dropped. “He's not even on the grounds? Just how wide is his range?”

“Immeasurable,” Shiro said with a grimace. “As you can tell, there are those who are unhappy with the way we've handled things, but they also believe that he's still within Garrison grounds. They cannot know how far away he is. There has already been talking of sending him to a... specialized facility to try and help him regain control.”

There was something about the tone Shiro used that made Pidge think that moving Keith to such a place would be the worst thing they could do. What kind of facility could help a Sentinel who was suffering from Overload, anyway? People had studied it for years and couldn't find an artificial way to prevent it or the Guide equivalent of Apathy.

“The only thing we can do is keep him as comfortable as possible and hope we find a Guide who is capable of bonding with him,” Shiro said.

Pidge remained silent as Shiro led her back out into the hall and picked up her tour where Officer Johnson had left off. All the while, she thought of the mysterious Keith and wondered if maybe, just maybe, he was the Sentinel she'd been searching for.

She came Online as a Guide at the age of 8 – much earlier than most and to the great confusion of her family, who had never considered preparing for such an event. It took years of talking to older guides, of being pulled out of school, of emotional outbursts, of failed attempts to find a Sentinel for her to bond with, and a very near-slip into Apathy before she was able to control her abilities enough to go out and be around crowds again.

As Sentinels and Guides were two sides of a single coin, so were Overload and Apathy.

For Sentinels, who were most well-known for their inhuman strength, excellent eyesight, and an enhanced sense of smell, Overload was the result of being overwhelmed by those physical senses in a way that was difficult to turn off without help.

For Guides, who were known for their sense of empathy (and who historically had been accused of reading minds because of the way they could sense emotions of those around them), Apathy was what happened when it all became too much. First came the maelstrom of emotions around them, followed by them overcompensating to try and regain control, which inevitably led to a full emotional shutdown.

Bonding was beneficial to both parties – and could be considered necessary for them to live long and healthy lives.

Because she came Online at such a young age, Pidge was an uncommonly strong Guide. She had to work harder than most to try and block out the emotions of those around her, as well as to keep her own under control. It also meant that she needed a Sentinel who was capable of providing the balance she needed.

“I want to meet him,” Pidge stated, interrupting Shiro in the middle of his description of the Gymnasium and the courses offered there. She stopped walked and gazed up at him, a stubborn glint in her eyes. “I want to meet Keith.”

Shiro hesitated for a moment and then nodded. “Tonight. After dinner.”

❀ - ❀ - ❀ - ❀ - ❀

Keith's morning began on a high note.

There was no bright sunlight streaming in from the windows where the heavy curtains couldn't quite cover. The temperature inside the house was just right – not too hot and not too cold.  Better yet, his blankets and clothing didn't feel like sandpaper grating against his skin. He got up slowly, taking the time to enjoy the peace and quiet while it lasted.

It never lasted for long.

He knew that from experience.

He shuffled across the floor into the bathroom where he took care of his usual morning ablutions before heading into the kitchen to prepare a breakfast of plain oatmeal, which was typically bland enough that he wouldn't become overwhelmed. It was when he uncapped the milk to begin heating it up that things went wrong.

Keith gagged, immediately fighting the bile rising at the back of his throat. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the milk, which Shiro had bought the day before, but the smell of it was still too much. He managed to twist the cap back on and shoved the carton into the fridge (which was missing a lightbulb to avoid agitating his eyes) before he dropped to the floor as his Overload kicked in and made his senses go haywire.

Suddenly, everything was too much.

His head throbbed in agony and Keith clenched his teeth, trying in vain to hold on, but it was all too much and darkness soon rushed up to meet him.

Keith didn't know how much time had gone by when he woke again. The house was still dark and quiet, but all of him ached from passing out on the hard kitchen floor and it took him a few long minutes to slowly stretch and try to alleviate that pain before he felt well enough to stand up and try to cook again.

The oatmeal was as bland and tasteless as ever, especially when made with plain water – Keith didn't want to risk opening the milk again – but it was inoffensive enough that he could force it down and truthfully tell Shiro that he'd eaten something. There wasn't much else for Keith to do after that. His head hurt too badly to do anything productive, though he knew he should, at the very least, attempt to meditate again.

It was something Shiro was always getting on him for; his friend was convinced that meditation would be the thing to help him, but how could it when he couldn't concentrate long enough to do it? How could it when it only seemed to amplify his senses?

Keith laid down on top of his makeshift bed and stared at the dark ceiling.

Hours passed.

Keith slipped into a state somewhere between being awake and asleep and only jostled free by the agonizingly loud sound of the front door unlocking and then squeaking open. Out of habit, he kept his eyes closed to prevent being blinded by the rays of the setting sun and because of that, his only indication that Shiro wasn't alone was the sound of a second set of much lighter footsteps following along behind him.

“Who's with you?” Keith asked, his voice barely rising above a whisper.

He heard the door shut and only then dared to open his eyes, focusing immediately on the young woman wearing the familiar orange uniform of the Galaxy Garrison. He couldn't muster up the energy to ask again and turned his head away in dismissal.

“Keith, this is Pidge,” Shiro said softly. “She's a Guide.”

Keith couldn't bring himself to react to the news. He'd tried to bond with so many Guides over the past few years that he had given up on ever finding the right one. He was too tired to keep trying.

Someone shuffled closer and Keith could hear Shiro saying his name, but it was as though he was speaking from a great distance. Was that... bad? He couldn't fully bring himself to care. What did it matter? Nothing mattered. There was nothing that could help him. Nothing.

A hand. Light and gentle over his own. Warm. Pleasant.

A voice. Soothing and quiet. Refreshing, in a way.

Perfume. Subtle. Soft citrus and something earthy. Like the forest after a thunderstorm.

And in the back of his mind, a tendril of worry unfurled and prodded him until he opened his eyes and he found himself face-to-face with a girl – Pidge, wasn't it? – with golden eyes. He blinked and relief blossomed across her face, echoed by that tendril creeping deeper into his mind.

They weren't his emotions, Keith realized all at once.

A bond. Slow to form, but effortlessly strong once it took root. He could feel it there and instinctively knew that all he needed to do was reach out and accept it. He breathed in and then out, slow and steady, all the while maintaining eye contact. He twisted his hand in hers and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“Hello,” Keith said hoarsely.

A tiny laugh bubbled up from Pidge's throat as she smiled, and Keith could feel the pop of joy inside himself, bursting bright like sunshine. “Hi,” she responded, slightly breathless.

Shiro settled onto the floor next to Pidge and Keith tilted his head to look at his oldest friend, taking in the traces of deep concern across his face. He opened his mouth to speak, but couldn't think of anything to say except: “I ate this morning.”

“Oatmeal?” Shiro guessed with a grin.

Keith nearly groaned. He hadn't meant to say that out loud!

Shiro chuckled as he stood up. “Why don't you two stay put and I'll see what I can make for dinner. Once your bond starts to settle, you'll both need to eat.” He paused a moment, looking down at both of them with a soft expression, and then strode across the room into the kitchenette, where he began searching the cupboards for anything edible.

Keith turned his attention back to Pidge.

Back to his Guide.

And it was as she introduced herself that Keith got the first inkling that everything was going to be alright from that point on. The longer she was there, the more the pain he felt so intensely before was easing away. Things no longer sounded as loud. The room actually appeared dark to him. (Actually, it was a wonder that Shiro could actually see in the kitchen. He should probably tell him he could turn on a light.)

Yes. Things would be better.

[akashasananda]

How to Incorporate Spirituality Into Your Busy Schedule by Shekinah Ma

Spirituality is a sense of something greater than oneself that transcends religious traditions or nonreligious experiences, including emotional well-being and inward movement.

You can incorporate spirituality into your busy schedule, such as morning prayer or meditation, reading the Bible, and attending small group bible study sessions. TwinRay

Morning Prayer or Meditation

Meditation can help clear your head and set a positive tone for the rest of your day. Instead of hitting social media first thing in the morning and sleeping through your alarm, take two or three minutes each morning to focus on relaxing your body, regulating breathing patterns, or praying to a deity or energy you believe in. These few minutes can enormously affect how the rest of your day unfolds!

Begin slowly and build up to longer meditations if possible. Even dedicating just 20 minutes each morning could have an enormously positive effect on your mood throughout the rest of the day.

If you can't take time out to meditate at home, try listening to a guided meditation while on the subway or exercising - this will give your mind something else to focus on while simultaneously relaxing your body so you can keep moving through your day!  Akasha Sananda

Reading Spiritual Texts

Spiritual practices include prayer, meditation, text study, and attending spiritual services. But to experience transformational power in these activities, they must be regularly done, like physical exercise. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to find time for these practices with busy lives; make time if possible, and you’ll soon find that the time becomes easier to lock away for this important activity!

Shekinah Ma shows that giving yourself time each day to read your texts can strengthen your faith and guide you in living a fulfilling life. Many find morning study sessions most beneficial as this allows them to focus on spiritual matters before launching into their busy day - though if this isn't practical for you, it's still vitally important that you make this commitment to regularly read your spiritual texts!

According to Shekinah Ma, integrate this practice into your daily life by swapping out fiction books for enlightened reading, or listening to MP3s of scripture while performing administrative tasks, driving children to school and activities, running errands, or cooking dinner. Study cards may also come in handy; just carry one around with you throughout the day and refer back whenever a moment of free time arises - these cards include questions to prompt more profound thoughts or even prayer, just in time for breaks at work or waiting for your doctor appointment.

Participating in Small Group Study Sessions

Small group study sessions provide a great way to meet other believers. These meetings may take place online or in person and typically last anywhere from half an hour to one hour, with their goal being spiritual growth and community building. Shekinah Ma accentuates that small group sessions allow believers to pray and manifest energies for each other and share insights that might deepen faith journeys.  TwinRay

Planning these meetings is essential; an icebreaker activity may help bring people together quickly. Furthermore, having additional resources like videos, discussion questions, and online workbooks available for participants is also beneficial in ensuring their participation is integral for group success.

Some may find spiritual texts challenging to read and struggle to connect its truths to their lives. A study leader can make this experience more engaging by asking questions that move the lessons away from concepts, ideas, and information about a passage and toward individual experiences, hopes, and dreams - helping participants make biblical truths their own, per Shekinah Ma.  Shekinha Ma

Attending Religious Meetings

An admirable goal for spiritual leaders is to integrate spirituality into busy schedules. Spiritual leaders who make this an effort prove that being busy doesn't need to mean neglecting religious practices.

Indeed, prayer should not just be limited to the time set aside in a quiet space; instead, prayer can become part of every aspect of daily life: for instance, your commute to work, coffee brewing time, or even that brief period before meetings can provide opportunities to pray or meditate.

If you find it hard to commit to daily prayer, why not consider using an app designed specifically to aid in maintaining that routine? Some apps provide a set number of minutes of prayer each day and audio reminders when it is time to start.

Shekinah Ma specifies that one easy way to enhance your prayer routine is to switch up the book you usually read with one that contains spiritual references and lessons, such as appropriate books written by religious or spiritual leader. Reading one during your commute, cooking dinner, or other leisure time could provide the chance for more profound meditation or prayer on scripture.  Sanandaji

If you find it hard to commit to daily prayer, why not consider using an app designed specifically to aid in maintaining that routine? Some apps provide a set number of minutes of prayer each day and audio reminders when it is time to start. Incorporating spirituality into a busy schedule can be challenging but essential for our overall well-being. By taking small steps such as practicing mindfulness, setting aside time for meditation, connecting with nature, and engaging in gratitude practices, we can cultivate a deeper sense of spirituality and find balance in our hectic lives. Remember that spirituality is a personal journey, and there is no right or wrong way to incorporate it into your life. Find what works best for you and make it a priority.

[jackalgirl]

Archive.org (the Brouhaha, recapped)

There’s been a post going around about archive.org, and a suit against it by four large publishers.  And there’s a lot -- I mean a lot -- of hyperbole going on about it.

I had a very constructive conversation here with @helenisfair (I had in fact bought into some of that hyperbole) and wanted to recap what I learned so far (I have more research to do).  Be warned: it is very long.

Claim #1: the Internet Archive scans copyrighted books and makes them available to everyone, which is illegal and robs publishers of revenue, and if the publishers are robbed of revenue, so are the authors.  Ergo, the Internet Archives is pirating authors’ works.

This claim plays on what it means to “make available,” and is strongly implying that this means unlimited digital copies of a physical book available for anyone to download and possess, always and forever.  It would be like me buying a book, then making 10 photocopies of it, and giving those photocopies to my friends (or worse, selling them).

This is not really true (but in the case of the lawsuit, it is kinda true, see below).

The Internet Archive claims to function like a library.  What this means is that, like a library, it buys or acquires (e.g., by donation) books.  It does scan them and make them available online, and this does include books that are under copyright.  Now here’s the part I don’t know yet: I don’t know if the Archive has a brick-and-mortar location where you can go and check out physical books.  I am operating under the pretense (for the moment until I know for sure) that it does not.  Therefore (again, I presume), it is not possible for the physical copy of a book and its digital copy to be loaned out at the same time.

Once the Archive has this scanned copy, it lends that copy out to readers using something called “Controlled Digital Lending”.  For example: if you have an IA account, you can “check out” the scanned copy into your account’s loan list for one or 14 days.  You can then read this book online, via web-enabled reading.  You can return it at any time, or, once your lending time is up, the file is released from your loan list and is now available for someone else to check out.

It is also possible, if you have the proper Adobe application, to download an encrypted ePub or ereader version of the book.  This allows people manipulate the display more appropriately for their needs.  I think that the function of this Adobe software is the same thing as the web-reader: after the loan time, it removes the file from your device and (presumably) notifies the IA that the book is free to check out again.  (I say “think” and “presumably” because I have not yet researched how the actual mechanics of this software work.)

The function of this is to ensure that extra copies of the book are not generated: one digital copy per physical book in the possession of the Archive (unless the book is no longer under copyright, that is), available to one person at a time.  So, under the “lending libraries should be allowed” presumption: no revenue is being lost, no author is losing money.

Claim #2: The Internet Archive is doing exactly what libraries do with their eBooks!

Well, no.  As I understand it, libraries license the digital copies of books from the publishers.  So they do pay.  What they get for paying is a number of digital copies that they can lend out that way -- entirely separate from any physical copies in their collection.

Claim #3: The Internet Archive made unlimited copies of millions of books under copyright available, and that’s why they’re being sued.

Well, actually the lawsuit only alleges 127 specific titles, to the “millions of books!” statement is an example of that hyperbole I mentioned earlier.  But if you’re a fan of writers being compensated for their work (which I am), it’s not the quantity of books being “stolen” that is an issue.  It’s the fact that unauthorized copies were available which could have, if they had been authorized, generated income for the original authors (or their estates).

And note my earlier statement about the idea of “copy”.  It was not unlimited copies, as in “files I can download to my computer and have forever”.  It was “multiple people potentially accessing the same digital copy of a physical book.”

So what actually did happen?

Well, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many libraries were closed -- or otherwise inaccessible to people with health limitations and/or concerns.  People were trapped at home, with no access to libraries.  So what the Internet Archive did was remove the 1:1 lending limitation for books in their library, calling it the “National Emergency Library” (it’s still not 100% clear to me whether this was all of the books in their holdings, or just some of them).  This meant that for every physical copy of a book, there could theoretically be an unlimited number of digital copies checked out at one time (again, though, no one would get to keep their copy).

Apparently, the Archive had an “opt-out” option, wherein a publisher could notify the Archive that they didn’t want a book included in the “National Emergency Library” offering.  I don’t know if the publishers could say “nothing from us”, or whether they’d have to fill out the “opt-out” form or whatever for each individual title.

Personally, and this is just me here, I do not particularly like “opt-out” options.  If I’m going to take something from you, or collect something from you, or otherwise benefit from you, I think it is fundamentally shady for me to just start doing it and saying “but you can always opt out if you jump through these hoops”.  I think the Archive would have been better served by sending notification to the publishers that they were going to do this thing for the benefit of people during this emergency, and ask them to opt-in, and not "unlocked” the affected books under copyright until they had done so.

Anyway, the publishers (Hachette, Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Wiley, for the record) filed suit against the Archive for copyright infringement, at which point the Archive stopped the “National Emergency Library”.  As of this writing, the Internet Archive is back to what it was: 1:1 lending of the digital copy of a physical book in its possession (I think).

Claim #3: The Internet Archive did nothing wrong -- all of this is covered under “Fair Use”

That’s what IA is claiming in its response to the lawsuit.  However, this may not be a very strong argument.  The Mass Law Blog provides an analysis of this argument and concludes that the claim fails to meet most of the required prongs, or elements, of Fair Use doctrine (again many thanks to @helenisfair, who provided the link to this article).

Claim #4: By suing the Internet Archive, these publishers are trying to bring an end to the lending of books!

This is a claim made indirectly -- by refutation -- on the IA’s blog: “Copyright Expert on Publishers Lawsuit: 'The idea that lending a book is illegal is just wrong'”. Well, I can imagine a world in which publishers would, indeed, prefer to be paid for every time the contents of a book entered a reader’s brain.  However, it’s my understanding this lawsuit is much more narrow -- it’s about unauthorized copies, which (if correct) would make this claim is a strawman.

Claim #5: This lawsuit will utterly destroy the Archive, and thus remove a lot of material from being available, including its archive of US political shenanigans (particularly from 2016-2020), which if lost, will impact people’s ability to fact-check said shenanigans.

This may very well be true, and it’s a concern. There is a lot of material there that would benefit future historians (or any current people who are interested in fact-checking and primary research), and to lose it would be a tremendous loss (though it would absolutely benefit certain persons’ ability to continue to create “alternate truth”).

End conclusion: I personally think that, if multiple people had access to the same digital scan of a copyrighted book during the National Emergency Library period that yes, the IA did infringe on the copyright, and they absolutely should be held accountable.  I do not feel that the ends (helping out people during the pandemic) justified the means (essentially stealing from publishers and, by extension, the authors).  I feel all of this could have been avoided via an opt-in system.  I am also perturbed and annoyed by the hyperbole being utilized by the Internet Archive itself -- it has the feeling of handwaving, slippery-slope, and catastrophic-thinking arguments, to distract people from the issue at hand: did the Internet Archive make unauthorized copies of books available to its users?

I hope that the Archive can settle with the publishers for any actual copyright infringements that occurred, if they occurred.  I think we’ll have to wait for discovery to find out how many of the 127 titles were checked out by more than one person at a time during the “National Emergency Library”, but even one infringement could be pretty hefty (see the Mass Law Blog article for penalties).  

I personally feel that the Archive is incredibly useful, especially because it gives me the ability to access some very old manuscripts, and also books that -- while still in copyright -- still haven’t been digitized by their publishers.  For example: “The Architect of Sleep”, by Stephen R. Boyett, is an absolutely excellent book about a guy who falls through some kind of multi-words rift and ends up in a Florida in which the dominant, sentient form of life is a bunch of really large, upright-walking, sign-language-using raccoons.  This sounds like an absolutely ridiculous premise, but dear reader, the book is fantastic and well worth the read.  It is also out of print, not available as an eBook, and is contained within the collection of the Internet Archive, so if I have intrigued you but you don’t want to pay for a used copy, you can go check it out online.

Likewise, I’d really like it if the ability to access the Wayback Machine, and also to fact check shenanigans, were as readily available in the future as they are now.  In short, I would hate to lose the Internet Archive, and will continue to support them (provisionally; I sure hope they don’t try to pull another “opt-out” stunt in the future).  If you’d like to do so as well, there’s a donate button on their main website at archive.org.