#unli flow

[miyamiwu]

Essential Elements of an Unlimited/Infinite Flow Story

As someone attempting to write my own Unli Flow, I thought I’d take note of the different elements so I can have a guide I can always refer back to.

I’ve explained what Unli Flow means many times before, but in case you missed it: Unlimited/Infinite Flow is a genre in Chinese web novels that feature characters entering multiple “instances” where they have to complete a challenge and/or solve a mystery. Failure in doing so would lead to consequences, most often death.

There’s also this definition by AshuraYami from the NovelUpdates Forum:

Unlimited Flow/Infinite Flow is a genre originating from the CN novel Terror Infinity. The genre mainly revolves on world hopping involving fictional works (anime, comics, movies, games and novels) and/or original worlds created by the author. Infinite Flow, as it’s ‘infinite’ namesake suggests, can accommodate all other genres, be it fantasy, sci-fi, horror, romance, etc. Representative works are Terror Infinity (origin of genre), Reincarnation Paradise (most chapters and word count), The Ultimate Evolution (promoter of data flow, an infinite flow derivative that is more game-like litRPG) and Thriller Paradise (most famous horror infinite flow).

With the definition out of the way, let’s goooo

[This post will also serve as a rec list of sorts, since I’ll be giving examples of each element from different danmei novels.]

----------

1. The Authority

The entity/system in charge of the Unlimited Flow system as a whole. Most stories just chalk it up to the Unli Flow being some kind of otherworldly being/extremely advanced AI that just likes to mess with people.

Examples of The Authority

(based on what I remember, at least… Also, beware of spoilers)

The Earth is Online: The Universe

Mist: I forgot what it’s called, but that high tech system in charge of all the Time Traveling stuff...

High Energy QR Code: That black and white cube thing

Surprise! The Supposed Talent Show was Actually—?!: … The TV station...

From left to right: Tang Mo from The Earth is Online and Wu Jin and Wei Shi from Surprise! The Supposed Talent Show was Actually—?!

[Spoilers End]

From having read numerous Unli Flow stories, I conclude that crucial to a great, not just good, Unli Flow story is a well-defined Authority. The explanation behind the Authority’s existence and motives is the foundation to the entire story.

You can have a very fancy building (cool instances, well-developed characters, an exciting enemies to lovers couple, etc.), but if the foundation is flimsy, the building’s value would plummet in your eyes. You can still appreciate the building, of course, but you will never be content with it.

Examples of some novels that are good in almost everything else except The Authority (in my opinion): [spoilery]

Supernatural Movie Actor App: It was too profound with not enough groundwork laid for it, resulting in The Authority feeling detached from the main story.

I Upended Yet Another Campus Urban Legend: The Authority was not exactly bad; it was just inadequate. The justification of the Unli Flow existing became unconvincing because of this.

Escape the Infinite Chamber: THE AUTHORITY IS SO FUCKING RIDICULOUS THAT IT’S ABYSMAL. And the entire thing was explained in just one scene and from one extra??? SO MUCH PAIN AND SUFFERING AND THAT’S THE ONLY EXPLANATION WE GET??? HORRENDOUS!

[Spoilers End]

From left to right: Book covers of I Upended Yet Another Campus Urban Legend and Supernatural Movie Actor App

2. Instances

Also known as “copy.” The other world/dimension where players have to face the different challenges.

The Authority may be the foundation, but the Instances are the defining aspect of the Unlimited Flow.

A lot of novels, however, are quite perfunctory when it comes to instances, just using it to further the main couple or as a mere stepping stone to the overarching plot. Or, if they’re not being perfunctory, then the Instances are just plain boring.

The first instance, especially, tend to be the most boring. Authors often use this to dump all the information about how their unli flow works. This usually gets better by the time the 2nd or 3rd instance comes around....

Upon successful completion of an Instance, players will then be rewarded with either points, special abilities, magic items, etc.

Examples of novels with GREAT instances (based on logic, thrill, horror, etc. Again, all in my own opinion):

I Became a God in a Horror Game: The horror is present all throughout. I can still remember the fear I felt while reading about the statues in the first Instance. Each instance/arc also emotionally impacts you, an effect that most Unli Flow writers don’t really aim for or just generally tend to fail at. (This is also my favorite unli flow novel at the moment~)

The Earth is Online: (same author as Fourth Perspective, which I’ve posted a lot about before) What I love about Mo Chen Huan, the author, is how they write intelligent MC’s but without making them seem too OP. And this is because she actually shows us the MC’s thought process, inviting us to think along with them and figure out how to solve the challenge, and not just make her characters say “aha!” This is what makes the Instances in TEIO great and memorable.

High Energy QR Code: The story could make use of more showing than telling, but I actually love the Instances in this novel. You know how good stories are often described as a well-made tapestry in that every little thread contributes to the big beautiful picture? That’s how each Instance reads in this novel. (Absolutely love the Instance about the town where everybody lies.)

Fu Wendou, the male lead of The Earth is Online

3. NPCs

A gaming term which stands for “Non-Player Character.” Refers to characters who live within Instances and act in such ways that further the plot or challenge presented by the Instance. They may go against players or assist them. May or may not have a will of their own.

Examples of NPCs:

Xu Beijin, the protagonist of Being an Extra Actor in an Escape Game

Lu Chu, the protagonist of Insider.

The iconic Mosaic from The Earth is Online

The male leads from Escape the Infinite Chamber, I Became a God in a Horror Game, Killing God with Junk Cards, etc. (Most danmei ML are special!NPCs 😩)

From left to right: Book covers of Being an Extra Actor in an Escape Game and Killing God with Junk Cards

4. Player Hall

A space outside of instances where different players can gather and exchange information. Most of the time, this is in a space still separate from the real world. Players are often prohibited from using their powers in this space.

In some novels, Players have no choice but to live here, completely cutting them off from the real world. In this case, accommodation quality will depend on the Player’s level or points.

5. Personal System

The Personal System issues challenges to the player and keeps track of their current attributes, physical and mental states, etc.. It also calculates rewards and punishments for the player. First and foremost in service to The Authority. (If they aren’t, then they’re most likely the Love Interest in disguise. If not, the Player had somehow swayed it to their side).

6. System Store

The points earned from the different Instances serve as the Players’ currency, and they can use it to buy things from the System Store. The Store may sell weapons, medicine, magical items, or even special abilities. Basically, any item that can help the Player during Instances. Of course, it may also sell non-magical items, like food and everyday items, at a much lower price than special items.

7. Player’s Goal/Wish

In some novels, the Goal is simply to clear all the Instances and leave the Unli Flow for good. But in others, the Unli Flow allows Players to exchange their points for a Wish. The more difficult the Wish, the more points are needed, and the more Instances are needed to be cleared.

Examples of a Goal/Wish:

Supernatural Movie Actor App: Xie Chi wants to give his second personality a body of his own.

I Became a God in a Horror Game: If I’m remembering it correctly… Bai Liu just wants to have lots of money.

I Upended Yet Another Campus Urban Legend: Lin Yi wants to learn the truth about his parents.

Thriller Tour Group: Wei Xun wants to find the truth about his family’s disappearance… and his Wish is to uhh… feel pain?

After the Little Crybaby Enters the Nightmare Cycle: Chi Nan’s Wish is to regain his vision, stop crying and get his memories back.

Death Spiral: To uhh… figure out what the voice in the Elevator is trying to tell them? To regain their memories? [The actual Wish is a big spoiler, so I won’t mention it here.]

From left to right: Book covers of After the Little Crybaby Enters the Nightmare Cycle, Thriller Tour Group, and Death Spiral

Aaaand there you have it! I was hoping to list 10 elements, but I can only think up to 7 😔

Although I said this post is a rec list of sorts, the quality of the novels I mentioned actually varies. I’m just listing whatever novel would be good as an example (and also what I can remember and have more or less completed, since many of the Unli Flow novels I’m reading are currently on-hold).

[maigamal]

Understanding Arabic Long Vowels

Arabic, as a language, is known for its richness in sounds and nuances. One of the key features of Arabic pronunciation is the use of long vowels. These vowels are crucial for the proper articulation of words and significantly affect their meanings. In this article, we will explore the role of long vowels in Arabic and discuss how they differ from short vowels.

What Are Long Vowels in Arabic?

In Arabic, vowels can either be short or long. Short vowels, represented by diacritics, appear in the middle of words and are generally quick and brief. On the other hand, long vowels are pronounced for a longer duration and are integral to the structure of Arabic words.

There are three main long vowels in Arabic: Alif (ا), Waw (و), and Ya (ي). These vowels not only elongate the pronunciation of words but also serve as a foundation for verb conjugation, noun formation, and even pronunciation differences between dialects.

The Role of Long Vowels

Long vowels in Arabic are often used to distinguish between words that would otherwise be similar in spelling. For example, the word "كَتَبَ" (kataba) means "he wrote," but by elongating the vowel, it changes to "كَتَابَ" (kataa), meaning "he wrote (with a specific emphasis)."

These long vowels also contribute to the musical quality of the language. In poetry, they play a significant role in the rhythm and meter, giving the language a melodic sound when spoken aloud.

Types of Long Vowels

Alif (ا) – The letter Alif represents a long "a" sound, and it can appear in various forms. It can be found at the beginning, middle, or end of a word. This vowel is often used to elongate the "a" sound in a word and is one of the most common long vowels in the language.

Waw (و) – The letter Waw represents a long "o" or "u" sound. It is often used in the middle or end of words to elongate the "o" or "u" sound, and it also appears in many verb forms and noun constructions.

Ya (ي) – The letter Ya represents a long "e" or "i" sound. Similar to Alif and Waw, it is used to extend the "e" or "i" sounds in various words, and it can appear in many forms throughout the language.

Practical Examples of Long Vowels in Context

To illustrate the importance of long vowels, let's consider a simple Arabic sentence. The sentence "الولد يكتب الدرس" (Al-walad yaktub al-dars) means "The boy writes the lesson." In this sentence, the long vowels play a key role in the pronunciation of words. By elongating the vowels, the flow of the sentence becomes smoother and more natural.

Why Long Vowels Matter

The presence of long vowels in Arabic isn't just a matter of pronunciation; it directly impacts the meaning and grammar of the language. Incorrect usage or omission of long vowels can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations. For example, if you were to say "كتب" (kataba) instead of "كتب" (kataa), the meaning would change entirely.

In addition, long vowels also contribute to the beauty of the language. When spoken, they provide a certain rhythm that is often noticed in Arabic poetry and classical literature. Many Arabic songs and poems are celebrated for their musical qualities, largely due to the elongated vowel sounds that are deeply embedded in the language.

Conclusion

Arabic long vowels are a fundamental aspect of the language's structure and beauty. They serve not only as markers for pronunciation but also as essential components that change the meaning of words and phrases. Whether you're learning Arabic or simply trying to improve your understanding of its phonetic structure, mastering long vowels is crucial for clear and correct communication.

[rukiatsuguri]

G wolf by Flow G

'Di ba isa 'to sa namiss nyo? Yung ako'y magpakabeast Pero at least, lagi parin'g nasa list kahit walang nirelease Yung mga diss, buti nalang natiis ko, kahit nakakainis Sa unli palang ay panis na Walang kong kailangan i-please Ako lang hindi lumusog, pero yung sulat busog Ang beat ay palaging sunog 'Di na sumusulat ng hindi magkakatunog

[miyamiwu]

I still remember what I felt when I read this scene! The despair in Bai Ruoyao dying, the shock at Mu Huixue having to be sacrificed, but quickly followed by joy because yesssss my Yaoyao is back!!! Like, MHX is cool, but if I have to choose between her and yaoyao, of course I’m going with the pathetic psychopath

At this time, Tang Mo walked in front of Mu Huixue.

Mu Huixue maintained her smile and stared at him. “Let’s start…”

She raised her eyes with a firm expression. “Tang Mo, kill me and resurrect Bai Ruoyao.”

I don't know how I'm supposed to feel. Sad for Mu Huixue? Happy for Bai Ruoyao? Can't they just be well and alive?! 😭

[catboysooyoung]

📙 For the ask thingy!

This is still a very rough idea, but: Jung Heewon as a Final Girl. It's very basic plot wise, but just something I wanted to explore...

She ends up in a horror world (the unli. flow kind) for a scenario and has to survive each world in order to be brought back to Earth. The first few trials had been easy because they had either been mere endurance/strength tests or the enemies had been zombies, beasts and human slashers– tangible things she could pierce through with her sword. But by the fifth world, she struggles. Because now she has to face enemies that can't be killed with a sword or her fists. They're either intangible or innumerable... I don't have much else beyond that, it's just a case of me pondering What Would Jung Heewon Do? and also me thinking she'd look cool soaked in blood (not her own)

Put "📓" or some other version of a book emoji into my inbox and I'll explain the plot of a fanfiction that I haven't written but daydream about.

[disabled-queen-hc-blog]

hi! i read Your rules and i just want to say it's definitely disco deacy. deacy and Not deaky!! also i Wanted to ask - could you Do something with joger and ocd? (as you Can obviously see i have ocd myself and ive been feeling extra shitty about it lately) i love Your writing and please keep writing its really great! have a Great day!

“One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three,” Roger mumbled to himself as he flicked the light switch off and on. He had to do it three times and in three sets. Three, six, nine, twelve were the numbers that kept everyone safe. If he did it four times or in four sets, John would die. If he did it twice in two sets, Queen would fail. 

The lights were finally off and he exited the bathroom. He opened and closed the door three times before it was officially shut. He counted the steps he took to the bed. It had to be an odd number or he’d have to start all over. Even numbers meant he would choke to death. 

He was lucky tonight he made it to the bed in seven steps. He crawled into bed where John was already tucked in, sleepy eyed. He finished his bed time routine faster than Roger’s for obvious reasons. 

Roger scooted his way closer to John, dragging to bassist closer to him. “Have you already gone to sleep?” Roger asked. John groaned, wriggling up to Roger, seconds away from succumbing to slumber. Roger took that as a yes.

“Well, goodnight then, love,” Roger said, pressing his lips to John’s. And then again. And again. John wasn’t even conscious for the last one. 

Roger got himself comfortable, listening to John’s soft breathing. For most people, this should be a relaxing part of the day. It wasn’t for Roger. His body might start to relax, but his brain only gained more speed. There was so much to worry about. 

What if John died in his sleep?

What if Roger had a heart attack?

What if he got a call at 3am that Freddie got killed in a car accident?

What if John could read his mind and was pretending to sleep, judging him for all these thoughts?

What if he accidentally smothered John somehow?

What if he died?

What if John died?

His heart was pounding in his chest, a sure sign of a heart attack, right? But it happened every night...no this was the night it’d end. He had to do something about it. 

Roger got up, padding his way to the kitchen. He closed the bedroom door nine times because nine was better than three and six but not excessive like twelve or fifteen. Nine was also the square root of three unli-

He was in the kitchen, rummaging through the medicine cabinets. He needed aspirin for the heart attack he was definitely having and some melatonin so he could sleep. 

He took one aspirin pill even though he’d prefer to take three. He took three melatonin capsules. He touched the water faucet seven times. 

Roger was able to slink back into bed, only closing the door three times. He curled up against John and prayed for unconsciousness. It was the fifth day in a row he did this exact routine. He was scared it’d become permanent.

♚

Roger was up early, whistling as he cooked breakfast for the two of them. Toast and bacon. Nothing too heavy. Neither of them cared for heavy meals. 

He poured oil into the skillet, turning on the stove to mid-high. That setting made the knob perfectly vertical. 

He knew they’d only eat four strips of bacon between them, but that’d mean he’d have to fry three in one batch and one in the other, which wouldn’t work. He feared he’d kill John if he did. So he did six. But he couldn’t do two batches of three because he’d end up killing John that way too. So he crammed 6 strips into the frying pan that could accommodate three at most.

He hummed a song he heard on the radio the other day as he prepared the bread. Six slices again. But he hit a dilemma. There was only two slots in the toaster. He counted. He recounted it too, just in case. He’d have to do three batches of two and two wasn’t a good number. Maybe Brian would stub his toe or drown in his bath tub and he couldn’t be sure which. 

He could ask John to do the toast, but what if it still had the same effect? Roger chewed his lip as the bacon crackled and popped, six slices of bread before him. He could figure this out by himself. He was grown. He could do this. He could do this without killing anyone. Without giving anyone cancer. 

The bacon started to smoke.

Roger would find a way because everyone depended on him to find a way.

The oil was sizzling, the bacon turning black.

Roger had this under control, he just-

“R-Roger, baby, please,” John choked out from the kitchen doorway, eye’s welled with tears.

Roger looked back from the mess in front of him, breathing hard, his own eyes red and glossy.

“I have this,” he said, even though smoke was filling up the room.

John shook his head, having watched the whole thing. “No you don’t” he said, voice cracking. 

John entered the kitchen, pushing Roger aside. He turned off the stove and opened a window. He opened up Roger’s hand, him unknowingly squishing the bread in a horrible mix of fear and frustration. He threw out the ruined bread before standing by the window, the morning sun making his tears glitter. 

“I’m sorry,” John mumbled, trying to compose himself. Roger just stood frozen, not knowing what was happening. What had he done? Was this his fault? Of course it was. It was always his fault. He had one job and he always messed it up. He was supposed to keep everyone safe but he always fucked it up. He miscounted or didn’t do enough sets to-

“You deserve so much better, Rog,” John said after taking a deep breath. He turned to face his boyfriend, stepping closer to him.

“What are you talking about?” Roger said, eyebrows furrowing.

“Baby, the pan was seconds away from starting a grease fire. And you didn’t notice. Too busy with the counting,” John’s head tilted.

“No, no, I was just trying to think of a way to toast everything in three’s so you’d be alright. I would have noticed,” Roger nodded fast, not self aware to how ridiculous he sounded. 

John smiled, but it was sad, his eyes tearing up again. He’d let this go one for far too long. He thought it was a quirk at first. A silly little thing Roger did for whatever reason. But the more time they spent together, especially after moving in, he began to realize how toxic these rituals were. The way Roger blabbered about numbers and how he was the only one in the way of all danger. 

It was obvious Roger was suffering. He might not have been aware of it, but he wasn’t in a good place. 

Roger took the weight of the world onto his shoulders, trying to protect the ones he loved from death and injury. It was John’s turn to do the protecting, the rescuing. 

John pulled a confused Roger into a hug, squeezing him tight. “How about I make some phone calls and then I take you to a diner for breakfast instead?” he whispered, relaxing a little when Roger agreed.

♚

“Breathe, Rog. You have this. I’m here, alive and safe. You can do this,” John said as he stood just outside the bathroom. Roger was shaking, eyes flowing. He couldn’t do this. He didn’t have this. He wanted to do what he always did. He wanted John to live. 

“Turn off the light once, like the therapist said and then you can check me from head to toe. I’ll be alright,” he continued to coach, a hand reaching out to rub Roger’s shoulder.

Roger’s finger trembled as it reached for the light switch. This was his first task. Turning on and off the lights just once. It was only one thing, and yet he wanted to throw up at the thought of it. His mind kept racing with all the what if’s.

“What if I get hurt?” he said shakily.

“I’ll patch you up,” John said immediately and assuredly.

“And if you get hurt?”

“Then you’ll patch me up,”

Roger sniffled, staring at the stupid light switch. Just once. Just once can’t kill someone, right? Can’t make Queen fall off the charts? It can’t, can it?

“C-Count me down,” Roger said, steeling his nerves.

John opened his mouth to start the count down, but stammered before starting again. “Four, three, two one,”

Roger flicked the switch, a sob coming from his chest. He ran out the bathroom and into John’s arms, shaking like a leaf. John held onto him, rubbing his back, congratulating him for his first step. 

“You did so good, Rog. Brilliant. And look, everyone is alright. Nobody is hurt. You see? You don’t have to be so tense. Everything is perfect,”

It took Roger an hour to calm down, John ushering him to bed. Maybe after that good cry, he could sleep at a proper time and without the aid of medicine. 

Roger preferred to be the big spoon most nights, since that’s what protectors did, but tonight, John was able to wrangle him into being the little spoon. 

John snuggled into Roger’s neck, rubbing his chest, cooing soothing words into his ears. Until he fell asleep. Without a fight or struggle. He fell asleep for the first time in months without panic, without intrusive thoughts, without worry. 

“You’re so strong, so brave. Roger, I love you to bits. I’ve got you, alright? You’re never gonna be alone. We’ll get through this,”

It was only the first step, the first night. There’d be many other challenges to face. But Roger felt ready to tackle them. He had John by his side keeping him afloat. Not the number three. Just John.

[miyamiwu]

I’m loving this novel because it’s still not clear who the male lead is. Usually in danmei, the ML is established right away. But in This Player Must be Using Plug-ins! (alt. title: This Character is Suspected of Cheating!), there are multiple men who can possibly be the ML.

I’m gonna have to double check later if this is actually a harem—which is unlikely since I don’t bookmark harem. But even if it were, I don’t think I'll mind coz their relationship with He Yu, the main character, have been built up so naturally.

Anyways, the ML candidates so far:

Wanrenzhan (a title, not actually his name. Literally means Ten Thousand Kills) - first one that MC met. He's been subjected to many of He Yu's schemes that for the entire second arc he keeps yapping about how he'll definitely exact his revenge on him one day. I thought he was just gonna be that stupid, annoying cannon fodder who exists simply for the MC to face-slap, but surprise, surprise, he’s the first among the candidates to have his romantic awakening haha

Zhen Xing - second one who met MC. The most powerful and popular player in this competition. He Yu once stole his equipment while riding on a giant monster fish, and this impressed Zhen Xing so much that he's been bugging him for a fight so he can compare their skills. Possible ML candidate because this is an unlimited flow, and in such genre, the ML is usually the most impressive one. And among the candidates, it was through his POV that He Yu was first described to be both fragile and beautiful. Also rushed to save He Yu and catch him as he fell. Typical ML saving the MC behavior

Eugene - the cyborg guy. Was also impressed by MC during their first meeting (He Yu had driven the giant monster fish to the island then made a dramatic and graceful landing, which was in stark contrast to Eugene’s haggard state). Second in strength to Zhen Xing, and like Zhen Xing, he joined the Dawn Training School copy just to meet He Yu again. Generally friendly towards He Yu, but in the beginning he didn’t care if Wanrenzhan managed to kill him. Now, however, he and Zhen Xing are like He Yu’s most loyal followers.

Ling Buchen - Hasn't met He Yu yet, but he’s currently watching the live broadcast of him. They’re both from Blue Star, so they may cooperate in the future. He Yu has also heard a lot about him because he’s been making a name for himself in this competition.

[pddparthi]

Why Is Everyone Talking About Non-Conventional Energy Sources For the Future Energy Crises? | You Will Never Believe These 5 Bizarre Truths Behind Renewable Energy Sources For the Future Energy Crises

Non-conventional energy sources for the future energy crises

The subject of non-conventional energy sources will be discussed in this post. Energy is the top priority throughout the world. This is mainly because nations rely primarily on fossil fuel energy sources, whose resources are depleted because of overuse. The other common source that has a safety risk is nuclear power. The quest for other sources of energy is evidently very progressive, in particular for non-conventional energy sources. These technologies offer the benefit of reducing air pollution and also reducing the impacts of global warming on mother earth.

Introduction to Non-conventional energy sources

The stock of fossil fuel is worldwide decreased, as a result of heavy consumption. As a consequence, the focus on non-conventional energy sources has shown promising outcomes. Non-conventional energy sources is now recognised as an alternative for conventional fossil fuel energy. Different sources can be used to produce energy in the non-conventional sector. Wind, solar, wave, water and more are would be included. However, the question is whether these technologies can meet the future energy demand. In order to obtain an answer to this response, detailed studies should be carried out.

What Is Renewable Energy or Non-Conventional Energy Sources and How Does It Work?

Renewable energy is energy generated from non-finite or non-exhaustible ecological resources on the planet, such as wind and sunshine. Renewable energy is a viable replacement to fossil-fuel-based energy, although it is generally less harmful to the mother earth.

Which Non-Conventional Energy Sources Are Most Frequently Used?

This is a quick reference list of some of the most frequently used sustainable energy resources today. Wind Power a Non-Conventional Energy Sources Wind energy has tripled in the developing countries over the past ten years, making it the nation's leading renewable energy renewable energy source and the nation's number one renewable energy source overall. Among the alternative energy sources that benefit both individuals and entire communities, wind power is one of the most promising. As a flexible energy source, small-scale windmills or wind turbines on residential properties to large-scale offshore wind farms in the ocean may all be generated using wind energy.

Solar Power a non-conventional energy sources Solar energy is most often associated with the generation of electricity via the use of photovoltaic cells (also known as solar cells). On a small scale, you may see a few solar panels on the roof of a house being utilized to generate electricity for that particular household. It is possible that a solar farm will be utilized as a power plant to generate electricity for the benefit of its customers on a wider scale.

Hydropower a non-conventional energy sources Hydroelectricity (a.k.a. hydropower) is generated whenever water behind a dam forces turbine blades to move as it flows through an intake, allowing the energy of flowing water to be harnessed. The turbine blades subsequently spin a generator, which generates energy that is used to power homes and businesses around the world.

Geothermal Energy a non-conventional energy sources In order to produce geothermal energy, we must first access subterranean reserves of hot water and steam. Electrical energy produced by geothermal sources may be used to heat and cool homes directly. Bioenergy a Non-Conventional Energy Sources Bioenergy is generated from organic molecules referred to as biomass or biofuels. Typical examples include recently living animal or plant byproducts, as well as firewood. Examples include the collection of methane from landfills, which may be used to generate bioenergy, which can then be used to generate power and heat. Many people are intimately familiar with ethanol, which is an example of a biofuel that is widely used. Atomic Energy a non-conventional energy sources The fission of atoms produces energy in the form of heat, which is used to power nuclear reactors. The early fission process produces energy, which in turn causes a chain reaction to occur, which repeats the process and generates even greater amounts of energy. Steam is produced in nuclear power reactors as a result of the heat produced by fission. The steam is then used to rotate a turbine, which results in the generation of electrical energy. Hydrogen Energy Sources As a zero emission fuel, hydrogen is being utilized more and more, resulting in less pollution and a better environment. It's also used in fuel cells, which is another use. This fuel cell is similar to a battery in that it can be used to power electric motors. Tidal Power a Non-Conventional Energy Sources In conjunction with the movement of the tides, we obtain tidal energy, which is created when the kinetic energy of the water flow is converted into electrical energy. It's true that this is one of the site-specific sources of energy, but it's also one of the most effective. Tidal power is a renewable sources of energy that can provide significant quantities of electricity even when the tides are moving slowly. Energy from Waves Wave energy is a renewable energy source that is generated from the movement of waves over the water's surface. Wave energy is generated by placing electrical generators on the ocean's surface. The energy output is determined by the wave height, wavelength, wave speed, and water density. Wave energy is ecologically safe, renewable, and non-polluting to the environment.

When Using Non-Conventional Energy Sources, What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages?

Clean energy and green energy are two more terms for non-conventional energy sources something you might heard before. Whenever we utilize non-conventional energy sources to generate energy, we are much less harmful to the atmosphere than when we use fossil fuels. When it comes to non-conventional energy sources, both governments and private consumers have the potential to make significant reductions in their carbon footprint, which will have a direct effect on global warming and climate change. Let us examine the environmental advantages of clean energy, as well as the monetary opportunities that it may provide in the following ways: Sustain fossil fuels by doing the following. Utilizing resources that are practically limitless, we are generating renewable energy or non-conventional energy sources. Using natural resources allows us to preserve and prolong our time with non-renewable fossil fuels, which are alarmingly near to exhaustion. Slowing and reversing climate change is possible. When it comes to carbon dioxide emissions in the developed and developing nations, the energy generated by fossil-fuel power plants is perhaps the most significant contributor. Environmental pollution, such as carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions, is a major contributor to climate change and global warming. When compared to natural gas, coal, and other fossil fuels, non-conventional energy sources have a much smaller carbon footprint. This would benefit the world by reducing and even reversing climate change if we switch to non-conventional energy sources to generate our power. Save lives by using the following strategies. Transforming our energy system from fossil fuels to just hydroelectric, wind, and solar energy may possibly save up to 7 million lives per year by decreasing air pollution. Reduce the likelihood of extreme weather. We may anticipate to witness a decrease in severe weather events such as droughts, floods, and storms that are produced by global warming if we can delay the impacts of climate change and ultimately reverse their effects. Reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Implementing widespread use of large-scale renewable energy technology and reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels are two ways in which we may diversify our energy supply and reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels. Boosting the economy and creating new jobs. In addition to generating economic development, the production of even more utility-scale energy systems may provide employment in the installation and manufacturing sectors, as well as in the sustainable energy business. Global warming and other types of climate change are caused by carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions, which may result in the following consequences: - Acid rain is a kind of precipitation that contains acid. - Smog - Particulates - Emissions of toxic substances into the atmosphere - Disabilities caused by birth defects - Cancer - Other serious medical problems are also present. - Changes in the level of the sea  - Freezing of sea - Droughts - Hurricanes - Glaciers are thawing. - Wildfires

Why is renewable energy beneficial to combating climate change?

According to a recent report published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), non-conventional energy sources can keep greenhouse gas levels below 450 parts per million (PPM) if all available technologies are used to their full potential. As far as climate change is concerned, this level is considered to be the safe level. If it drops below this level, the changes will be unpredictable and could result in disasters.

Conventional energy resources have their drawbacks.

The world's current energy needs are primarily met by fossil fuels and nuclear power. Both have their own set of limitations. Fossil fuels are limited and contribute to pollution in the atmosphere. To a large extent, air pollution is caused by the amount of polluting gases emitted by motor vehicles and thermal plants. Nuclear power plant safety has yet to be proven.

Non-conventional energy sources: A report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

Non-conventional sources, unlike fossil fuels, are renewable. In most countries, electricity production from these sources has already begun and is progressing. According to the IPCC report, 140 GW out of the 300 GW of electricity produced in 2008–09 came from solar and wind sources. The main issue in switching to these sources of production is not the availability of sources, but the cost of production. According to the IPCC report, investment in non-conventional energy sources would be about $5 trillion (trillion = millions of million) dollars over the next decade, with the target of providing enough energy to maintain greenhouse gas emissions below 450 parts per million. During the next decade (2021– 2030), investment for the same number will be seven trillion dollars.

Agenda of the Weather and Climate change conference

The IPCC report will be discussed in depth at the following weather meeting, which is held in South Africa in December 2011. The conference's overall aim was to re-energize the global alliance for sustainable growth, which was initiated at the Rio Earth Summit 20 years ago. A broad variety of issues relating to long-term sustainability were addressed. The study emphasises the need for a transition to this sustainable, non-conventional energy source, and the IPCC is requesting that every country make this transition. It also seeks to assist developed countries, whose inhabitants, totalling about 2000 million, are currently denied access to energy benefits. According to projections, electricity generated from non-conventional sources would need to be increased by a factor of twenty by 2050, which would be more than that derived by nuclear sources. Wind and solar have been listed as the primary non-conventional energy sources for the future. The amount that could be extracted by other sources is much smaller. There are also resource constraints in the case of hydroelectric power generation.

Read the full article

[batanggrapesstreet]

UNLI BY FLOW G

“Puro parinig kala nyo di ko naririnig Madalas kasi hindi na lang ako umiimik Matagal na panahon ko nang gustong Mangalabit kaso iniisip ko may bata na nakikinig”

[the-reality-revolution]

Robert B Stone How To Contact The Good Fairy Waiting To Grant Your Unli...

You have been attracted to these pages because you are ready to benefit from them. This works as surely as the law of gravity. The law of gravity is a physical law. The law of attraction is a metaphysical law. You can see the law of gravity work every time. But with a metaphysical law like the law of attraction, now you see it, now you don’t. It is the “don’t” part that drives scientists crazy. So they stick with physical laws and pay no attention to laws beyond the physical. On the other hand, you are now being exposed to the non-physical laws that symbolically involve good fairies, angels, genies, and wizards because you have lived your life in a certain way. Let’s look at a couple of possible ways that you make yourself eligible for this help that comes from the other side of our physical world. In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy was in a position where she needed help and she needed it now. She expressed that need. The Good Witch quickly appeared and filled Dorothy’s need. What made Dorothy eligible? Obviously her innocence. She was guileless. She had no motives behind her motives. In Cinderella', the good fairy appeared and enabled Cinderella to thwart her evil sisters. That’s because Cinderella was obviously good. The fairy tale brings out her goodness right from the start. You have some positive quality that makes you deserving of similar help. This means that you have the equivalent of a good fairy waiting to grant your wishes — not one or three or ten, but unlimited wishes. In this chapter, you will contact this power and begin the flow of “good luck” that it appears to be. Although fairy-tale language helps to explain help from the invisible realm, the help itself is no fairy tale. It is the very energy of creation itself, using you and me as co-creators. It enables you to: Get as much money as you need.  Increase your attractiveness to other people.  Reap a crop of good luck every day.  Revitalize your health and even postpone aging.  Protect yourself from those who are “out to get you.”  Climb the ladder to social, business, or political success.  Buy and sell at the right time.  Affect events at a distance.   Scientists are now beyond the smallest particles of the atom in their investigation of matter and are penetrating into microscopic realms that are the frontiers of “the other side.” They are beginning to see intelligence in the form of fields of energy filling all of space. As this energy manifests in the form of life, money, and love— as well as lakes, mountains, and prairies—we call this energy creation.

[chipsterai]

Tech Companies & Others Are Providing Free  Working Tools During This Rona Season.

Here are a few tech companies that are making it easier to work remotely, and are making their services more accessible to small businesses and organizations:

Microsoft

Microsoft has started offering a free trial of the premium plan for its Teams chat app, according to Business Insider. That trial will allow users to record meetings and take advantage of 1TB of storage, neither of which are available on the normal free version. Microsoft is making the extended premium trial available for six months.

Google

Google will allow free access to the enterprise version of Hangouts Meet to all G Suite and G Suite for Education users. That plan includes up to 250 users per call, the ability to record meetings, and livestream capabilities for up to 100,000 viewers until July 1, 2020.

LogMeIn

LogMeIn is making "Emergency Remote Work Kits" available for free for three months. Those kits are designed for nonprofits, schools, and health care organizations that aren't already customers. The company also says it will work with existing small-business customers to provide access during the same time period. The kits include GoToMeeting, GoToWebinar--where users can host presentations for up to 3,000 users--and LogMeIn, which provides remote desktop access from numerous devices.

Cisco Webex

Cisco is offering the free version of its Webex service with no time restrictions. In addition, it will allow up to 100 meeting participants and has added toll-free dial-in features with a  90-day license for businesses that are not already customers.

Zoom

Zoom already offers a free version of its videoconferencing software, but the company is currently working to test its network to "ensure maximum reliability amid any capacity increases, as uptime is paramount," according to a blog post from the company's CEO.

Additionally, the company has created resources and is hosting information sessions to help small businesses use Zoom. It has also extended its free plan in China to allow unlimited meeting times and breakout rooms, and removed restrictions on participant limits.

Extended Information

Social-media services

Hootsuite, the social media management platform, is offering free access to its professional plan through July 1.

Search engine optimization

Moz, the SEO software company, is offering free access to more than a dozen of its Moz Academy SEO courses through May 31, covering everything from keyword research to backlink basics and more.

Presentations design

WeTransfer, the file transfer service, has opened its collaborative presentation tool Paste Pro for three months free to new teams who join the platform.

E-commerce

Shopify, the e-commerce platform, is offering an extended 90-day trial for new customers. For those of you currently on a 14-day trial, you can extend it at no charge to 90 days.

Cloud storage

Box, a cloud-storage app, is offering a free 90-day trial (you can cancel anytime, no strings attached) during the crisis to help you store and share your documents online.

WFH skills and tools

Workhuman, the human capital management software company, is making its cloud-based social recognition tools--specifically its Life Events, Social Recognition, and Conversation platforms--free for 12 months to all businesses and organizations.

15Five is offering full access to its performance-management software through June 15, to help companies lead remote teams.

LinkedIn has made 16 LinkedIn Learning courses available for free, including tips on how to stay productive, build relationships when you're not face-to-face, use virtual meeting tools, and balance family and work in a healthy way.

Igloo Software, a digital workplace solutions provider, is offering its Business Continuity Bundle for free through July 6, which includes digital workplace tools to keep employees productive and supported through the crisis.

Team videoconferencing

Adobe is offering Adobe Connect, a Web conferencing platform, for free to businesses and individuals through July 1, for meetings of up to 25 participants.

Cisco, the multinational tech giant whose Webex product hosts videoconferencing, online meetings, screen share, and webinars, is offering free 90-day licenses with unlimited usage.

Jamm, a voice and video collaboration tool for remote teams, is offering its service free to any team for four months.

Zoho Remotely has opened up its complete suite of Web and mobile apps for free to small-business owners through July 1, to help remote teams communicate, collaborate, and be productive.

Align Technologies has made its Huddle Tools software available for free to small businesses to help teams improve the flow of communication and manage updates and tasks through the coronavirus crisis.

Software giant Atlassian, which offers productivity and collaboration tools, is offering its cloud products for free to small businesses with teams of up to 10 people.

Dialpad, a communications platform, is offering businesses its cloud-based phone system Dialpad Talk Pro and its videoconferencing tool UberConference Business at no charge for two months.

Cybersecurity

Cloudflare, a Web-security company, is offering its Cloudflare for Teams free for small businesses through September 1. The product makes it easier for your team to securely access internal applications remotely without a VPN.

1Password is offering its 1Password Business service free to small-business owners for six months, so your remote team can securely share passwords and create custom groups, vaults, and permissions.

To protect your team from phishing attacks and malware while they're working from home, DNSFilter is offering its advanced DNS security service free for businesses through July 1.

PandaDoc, the document automation startup founded in 2013, is offering a new free eSign plan to securely send an unlimited number of documents for signatures and collect payments.

Ping Identity, the identity and security company, is offering free cloud single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for unlimited apps and identities for six months.

Video content

Software company Panopto is offering three months of free access to Panopto Cloud, a service used to record and distribute video content.

Apple has opened some of its professional-grade software to businesses at no charge for 90 days: Final Cut Pro X for video editing and Logic Pro X to create music.

Wellness

Headspace is offering a variety of guided meditations and exercises (including new ones) for free to all businesses and their employees.

Unmind, a workplace mental health platform, has started a free and open #GreatUnminds channel on Slack, where you can make connections, learn tips, and share advice on mental well-being in the workplace.

Les Mills, whose fitness brand started in 1968 in New Zealand, is offering more than 100 of his virtual fitness classes for free until the coronavirus crisis is over.

If yoga is more your speed, DoYogaWithMe is offering two months of free access to its premium content.

Fitness startup ClassPass has launched livestream classes for studios, with all proceeds going back to studios through June 1. The fitness startup is encouraging members to donate to their favorite studios, and it plans to match those donations up to $1 million. ClassPass also offers free access to 2,000 on-demand workouts.

[ae-diaries]

My First Call Center Experience

I stunned in disbelief when I heard this snarky comment from a schoolmate of mine saying "Grumaduate ng college tapos sa call center 'lang' pala nagtatrabaho!" How insensitive. Wagas maka 'lang' si ati..Do you have PHd to belittle call centers/agents? 

You may know their job title but not their story and the wondrous things they do. Take it from my experience.

BEFORE: 

My perceptions: Call center is a career dead end. More often than not, people 'might' be negatron, wordsmith, westernized, pa-sossy, you name it...(sorry for the terms)

NOW: I was wrong..

I discovered there's nothing wrong being a call center agent; it's a decent job that can be proud of and hindi basta trabaho 'lang'.

Also, call centers weren't the 'walang choice' bunch because it's a choice you make and you live with them..and in choosing to explore this kind of industry, I met the most brilliant yet humble, appreciative, very accommodating and talkative fellas na mas pasmado pa bunganga kesa sa customer on the other line! haha

I like it best because boss mentality wasn't tolerated, customers were valued, and employees were empowered. Anjan yung TLs na strict sa attendance pero ipaglalaban ka sa QA haha. Pupusuan mo talaga. 🤣

Here, I began to ACKNOWLEDGE and EMPHATIZE  not just the customers' concerns, but also, the typical hardships that my former colleagues went through in every call.

I could understand why frontline agents need to press the mute botton and spit out shit words, smoke during break time, drink with friends after shift, head on to expensive establishments, sing their hearts out in karaoke bars, go unli shopping, overuse their VL credits and get easily sick because the nature of their job is stressful/painstaking and so these are their tradeoffs for the crazy hours. They are emotional/social beings, not just human beings after all. Just so you know my observations/hugot on the floor be like: 

1. Agents are stress-absorbers. They bear insults and offensive words, receive complaints and deal with Irate and racist customers. Paligo kana sa profane words ikaw pa toh magsosorry kahit di mo kasalanan. (pasok labas nalang sa tenga day). Then, I experienced one time ung todo explain ka na kay customer tapos naka on pala yung mute botton mo! Gapang beshie. Back to zero ulit. O kaya naman may sasabhin ka pero dehins ka makasingit kasi sobrang kuda ni damuhong customer haha. Kasama sa trabaho yan. Buti na lng na-immune kana sa lamig ng aircon. Just stay cool and be professional.

2. Life isn't a bed of roses contrary to the normal perception. Agents are like zombies na papunta na sa conjuring joke! haha. They sacrifice their sleep and family time - mga bayaning puyat - tulog sa umaga gising sa gabi, which is, quite unhealthy. Yung pumipikit kana pero kelangan mo parin lumaban at lulusong sa baha just to get the attendance bonus.

3. Change is the only constant thing in BPO. It's such a fast-paced environment sobraaa..pali pali culture...yun bang parang tumatumbling lahat ng tao kasi mabilisan ang galawan. People come and go; sa isang iglap nagbago lahat; one day you're important to that person, the next day you're forgotten; nag day off ka lang tas pagpasok mo pinagpalit kana at sa ibang team ka na belong (saklap bes); it's hard to move on esp. when you've  become so attached with your teammates and so you need to Tailor Swift yourself!

4. It's a numbers game, process/performance driven, meeting targets, and hitting metrics. Any time pwede ka ma-escalate or get warnings so green stats lang dapat! Basta ako go with the flow lang and no pressures at all, hindi ko need magandang stats, ganda lang ang puhunan..charot haha

5. Felt like a walking robot. Always let's vault in sa floor. Parang ikaw ang 'itinakda' kasi naka-timer lahat ng gagawin mo at yung feeling na in a relationship kana with cisco/avaya lol. Pati bio break di mo alam san makakarating kasi patakbo pa haha. At times, lunok laway na lang pahinga mo tas yan na naman silaaaaa at pag nag-avail kahit one minute lang jusko happy na! At di pa nagtatapos jan, lagare pati multitasking mo kasi while listening kay nag-aalburutong customer on the phone, you must take down notes comprehensively. Bawal this and that (I'm not complaining though ginusto ko naman toh ma-experience diba haha). 

Commonly used jargons on the floor:  manage your calls, phonetics, manda OT, ASAT, wonder call, team reshuffle, team building (na mdalas mapostpone), post-shift huddle, critical working/wallet days, auto in pls, long hold, overbreak/lunch and yung akala mo avail un pala naka-ACW ka! Sabay flag sa name mo ni workforce (peymus eh haha). Go on outbound when needed and inbound when queueing even if 10 mins. to go end of shift mo na...tapos na-long call pa. Pashnea! Tuloy hanggang sa panaginip ng co-calls ka parin! haha

6. Broken promises often break the heart of customers, so you have to be truthful with your words always (to maintain your company's reputation as well). Give them an assurance because it takes seconds to lose someone's trust and a lifetime to gain it back. If you want to keep the person/customer, don't break her trust...so she won't look for another...uhm...service provider. 

Yes, the struggle is real. TBH, I experienced culture shock and a roller coaster of emotions because this is my first BPO company. It took me awhile to get the hang of it, but the strict compliance and rigorous trainings I acquired enabled me to analyze/explain bills even if I'm not an accountant, troubleshoot even if I'm not an IT, investigate issues though I'm not a detective, pacify customers who don't even care how I feel, increase awareness to fraud, earn masteral degree in empathy, objection handling, and ofcourse salestalk/salesmanship! 

These were the things I've never done before na di ko akalaing magagawa ko pala aside from teaching and singing! Talagang life-changing! Hindi pala biro haha..How did I survive? I just held on tight to my  faith and mantra since grad bay, "If you believe it, you can do it! You just have to know the rules of the game and be a BETTER player!

I owe you big time TT. 

I will never look at Call centers the same way I looked at it before - that's my assurance!

SALUTE to all call center agents out there, my former wavemates/teammates, TLs, OMs, Trainers & Acquiantances! 

Desired position: achieved!

Thank you Lord for allowing me to see life from the other side. 

#dakilangAhente

First day of training be like, "Ano ba tong pinasok ko?" 🤣😅

My very first team #TeamMinchin #Wave14

Our building is located near this place, so this became by #peyboritTambayanbeforeduty😅

After ma-long call pose 😅🤣🤣

[roseyrosie]

Nagbabalik Loob :)

It’s really been a long while since I last posted here. Almost 3 years has passed by when I started working here in Singapore as a nurse together with my fiance then now husband. The first two years was a struggle for both of us at work and at home here in overseas. Coping with different work flow, the language barrier, the means of transpo and it’s rules, the food (should I mention the unli curry and chili) the different races and culture of our colleagues and patient and last but not the least the home sickness. 🤭 Thank heavens for the fast internet here, that with one click away we are able to call our respective families in ph. The Lord has been good to us with our God given angel formed into humans who helped us reached our dreams, although things has changed a lot right now we are and always be forever grateful for all the opportunities and helped given to us. (You know guys who you are)

Photo below is our first visit at Marina Bay in June 2015.

[willishairston-blog]

Skin layer Care

Sunlight Cellular Prepaid supplies not only economical unli telephone call and text message promotions, but additionally a range from budget-friendly world wide web or mobile information coupons. When your right foot boils down, your appropriate feet steps out straight forward regarding it can, contracting the feet slightly switched incoming. Think about the number of times you've left of the nail beauty salon and then notice chime in your polish a day later. An untreated cold sore generally heals in 7 to 10 times. After that your hands moreover reduced to your hips, your appropriate foot all at once progression until in front of your remaining shoe, coming down with the foot pointing directly, feet touching on down, the proximity in between your feet not triggering the body weight to shift, neither your physical body to elevate or reduced, slim or incline.

DSCOVR is four opportunities a greater distance from the Planet compared to the moon, therefore on those events when the moon passes in between the satellite as well as the Planet, we have the ability to see the "pessimism" from the moon as that passes in front from the real-time spinning sphere from the Planet, offering an added procedure from inspiration as well as admiration.

This performs the Winter Solstice a black, the time when the illumination begins to stretch as well as re-gain energy that the archetypal Fantastic Mommy brought to life the sunlight which is Her kid. The energy in your body system is actually utilized yet carries out certainly not apply objective, and also by certainly not using goal, the intent is after that on the building up from simplicity from character. When noticed knowledgeably, although the enemy's physical body is actually smooth as well as without toughness, but his body system's movements are light as a feather, his inside and also exterior are actually being one, and his character, electricity, and whole body do without the tiniest bit of ailment anywhere. He rarely accumulates a lot of money, and if he did, he will be actually also active to cease and also count that. Aid on your own to http://Healthmachine2018.info/ his cash, outfits or even time. This was really fun, I maintained speaking while forgeting the flow of your time. But do not lose your poker incomes on full-price tickets up until you've dropped in among the Tix4Tonight booths around community: the discount rate ticket purveyors deliver same-day sales on most of the significant development series. No prisoner of war could be denied of his ranking by Detaining Power, or prevented off using his symbols. Your right toes bent internal to direct straight and make a forty-five level perspective with your right feet. Day and night he trained for over decade as Li passed on his approaches to him, so that when Guo taught along with a companion, he all of a sudden crowded a body system and also the space stumbled much more than twenty feet away.

The third phase is actually neutral power, which is gotten in touch with returning as well as teaching the spirit to vacuum", as well as for the elixirists is when the fire has actually been prepared to pureness". Natural skin procedures help to reduce sunlight harm. At that point your scalp and body system twist to the left, your right-hand man concurrently, arm extended, wrapping inward off its three-quarter active placement to a three-quarter passive position while executing exactly what seems to be to be a cleaning arc over your go to the left, the palm at scalp level, approximately five or six ins far from your scalp, the saber recommendation still around level with your lesser back. Which reminded me that the Nephilim lovefest guys get in touch with the Turn of the century Dome Series resided in truth based partially on Blake's Marriage of Paradise and Hell. If she approves a supper invitation twice, she is actually possibly currently sizing you up as an excellent supplier for a life time, not just an interesting day for a wet Thursday.

[thehungrykat1]

Soru Izakaya Opens Third Branch in Ortigas Center

Soru Izakaya has just opened its third branch last February, the same month it also celebrated its second anniversary. This modern Japanese restaurant is fast becoming one of the more popular names in the city, especially with its relatively affordable menu combined with very Instagrammable and colorful presentation.

The new outlet is located at the ground floor of the Techno Point Building inside the Ortigas Home Depot complex in Pasig City. This bustling area is home to several office buildings and you can find the restaurant just below the Upper Deck Fitness Gym. They also have two other branches in Bonifacio Global Cty and the Maginhawa food zone.

An izakaya is a casual and inexpensive Japanese gastropub serving traditional Japanese food like sushi, sashimi, tempura, ramen, and teppanyaki accompanied by alcoholic beverages. Soru Izakaya is inspired by the whimsical art style of bishoujo or pretty girl manga mixed with traditional Japanese art and the colorful Tokyo nightlife.

The spacious and brightly-lit restaurant occupies two floors with the bar on the second floor. They have several beverage promotions including happy hour and unli-wine offers, so tired office workers can head here right after the office to relax and unwind.

Soru Izakaya brings the taste of New Nippon, a modern after-work gastropub imbued with traditional Japanese favorites mixed with a dash of contemporary flavors. The mood is relaxed and casual, so diners can enjoy the food and drinks on any occasion.

You can start with something light like the Agedashi Tofu (P180). This has fresh silken tofu slices, edamame, and cherry tomatoes topped with chives and nori strips in a sweet agedashi sauce.

The Ebi and Kani Popcorn (P290) is something more creative. These have ebi and kani tempura bites served with shoestring potatoes and spicy soru sauce with teriyaki sauce.

On the other hand, the Vegetable Kakiage (P180) comes with deep fried shiitake mushrooms and sweet potato with an avocado dip.

If you really want to feel the Japanese izakaya experience, then you must order some of their creative makis and sushis. The Tori Sakai Maki (P260) is a delicious maki roll filled with spiced chcken thigh and kimchi then topped with torched cheese dressing. The plate itself is a work of art and I have a feeling it took longer to finish the colorful designs than the maki itself.

Another must-try is the Lava Maki (P390) which has crispy salmon skin, crabsticks, and tamago, topped with a flowing lava stream of torched spicy tuna and salmon cubes. These are then doused with spicy mayo and teriyaki sauce.

If you want something savoury, go for the Gyu Maki (P260) which comes with thinly sliced beef strips plus seasoned mushrooms, cream cheese, and tamago with onsen egg toppings. The maki bites just burst with flavors and they really serves very good rolls.

My favorite among the maki would probably be the Oh Umi Maki (P390) which is a delectable roll filled with shrimp tempura and salmon. But that’s not enough because it is topped with even more torched salmon slices and tempura flakes, plus Japanese mayo and teriyaki sauce to complete the dish. The fresh salmon slices are so good and the tempura flakes provide a nice texture.

Soru Izakaya has an extensive menu featuring many other tempting items. The Udon Carbonara (P340) comes with thick udon noodles cooked with uni, salmon, and shiitake mushrooms in a rich wasabi cream sauce topped with ebiko and parmesan cheese. The combination of the ingredients works wonders and you can really taste the rich uni flavor.

This is not your usual tempura because the Nori Tempura (P250-3pcs / P330-5pcs / P550-8pcs) is a nori-flavored deep-fried tiger prawn tempura. The big and crispy nori-coated prawns is quite unique and gives a different taste compared to the traditional tempura.

The teppanyaki grill is always a reliable option for hungry guests and Sora Izakaya is bringing out a new item on the menu. This is the Smoked Pork Belly Teppan (P280) which has smoked pork belly grilled with mixed vegetables.

But the best item on the grill would be the Saikoro Wagyu Cubes Teppan (P490). These are juicy iron-grilled wagyu cubes that simply pop in your mouth. It is served with vegetables but they will really go well with some rice.

Speaking of rice, Soru Izakaya also offers a few donburi or rice bowls for those on the go. The Gyudon (P260) is your best bet for a quick lunch with its sliced beef and shiitake mushrooms with poached egg on steaming white rice.

Another option is the Katsu Curry Don (P290) which is topped with a deep-fried pork cutlet in curry sauce plus an onsen tamago topping.

But if you are really hungry, then go order the Tomahawk Katsu (P320), the biggest and baddest tonkatsu I have ever seen! This monster-sized deep-fried pork tomahawk cutlet is served with a sweet and savory katsu sauce plus shredded cabbage in a roasted sesame dressing. 

Complete your Japanese izakaya experience with their colorful desserts like the Matcha Cheesecake (P270). This is a layered matcha and white chocolate cheesecake with buttered grahams and topped with green tea flavored sticks. Matcha lovers will truly enjoy this.

Everyone liked the Tiramisu (P230) with its frozen layers of coffee fingers, cream cheese frosting, cocoa, ganache and blueberry. Finally, the Japanese Strawberry Cheesecake (P200) is also a good choice with its delightful combination of spongecake and cheesecake that is light and fluffy.

Quality Japanese dining does not have to be expensive as Sora Izakaya gives us a great option for our casual nights out. I really appreciate how well they present their dishes, but in the end I am more impressed with the quality and authenticity of their modern Japanese creations.

Soru Izakaya

G/F Techno Point Building, 1 Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas, Pasig

www.facebook.com/soruizakaya

[miyamiwu]

My biggest gripe with 80% of novels in the unlimited flow genre is how the story always starts right away with the protagonist just going along with the first instance. Little to no realistic reaction from the main character trying to process the bizarre experience of being pulled into another world and being forced to do tasks lest they suffer a punishment. It’s always like “Oh, I’m in an unlimited flow. Guess I’ll roll with it.”

The genre is so established in China that authors don’t bother anymore on proper story exposition. They just wanna get down and write “that trope” and start on the different instances.

Despite this, the genre is still one of my favorites. But goddamn is it difficult to find a good novel in this genre that I haven’t already read yet. It also takes a lot of patience. I could pick up a novel that doesn’t seem like much from the summary and the exposition, but after hundreds of chapters it finally steps up!