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jagadeeshkrishnan · 3 years

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[14/08, 10:06 PM] 98 41 121780: IS TANTRA A PATH FOR WOMEN...?

While teaching tantra workshops around the world, we see clearly that women are leading the way, both in numbers attending our courses and that the men are often come led by their girlfriend’s hand!

However, so many stories of abusive teachers and toxic communities have rocked the tantra world in the last few years.

This can leave many women wondering, is the tantric path right for me?

Tantra was historically one of the spiritual paths most open to women, one of the few that was truly accepting and honoring of feminine power.

Unlike most organized religion and spiritual disciplines in ancient India (and around the world), tantric teachings were not restricted by caste or gender. The prerequisites instead were integrity, spiritual maturity and authentic aspiration.

In fact, tantra was not just open to women but depended on them.

It is thought that some of the roots of tantra lie in ancient cults of the Divine Feminine. Perhaps as an inheritance from those days, in many tantric lineages women were the initiators, the ones passing down teachings and empowerments through the generations.

Many core elements of tantric practice are very well suited to feminine practitioners, perhaps more so than the cold austerities of Vedanta or other ascetic traditions.

Tantra is a path of energy, of life, of an intimate connection to the elements all around us and within us. It is a path of devotion. It is a path to reaching enlightenment through the senses and the joy of embodiment, embracing beauty, color and multiplicity.

In tantra, the world is Shakti. Everything around us is the Goddess, in Her thousands of faces, and the tantric road to transcendence runs through a direct encounter with the sacred archetypes of femininity.

It is a path that loves, honors and adores femininity.

And not just one model of femininity, like that old Christian reverence for the Virgin Mary. Among the tantric Goddesses we find images of beauty, sweetness and joy, but also terrifying power. Shakti takes the form of mother, lover, virgin, seductress, warrior, queen, widow…

So as a woman with a calling to explore tantra, how can you be sure you’re in a safe and authentic path?

Look for traditional teachings. Some modernization and adaptation to Western minds is fine and often very necessary, but the heart of the teachings should come from tradition. Spiritual wisdom passed down for centuries is generally more trustworthy than something that someone made up two years ago based on his or her ego, without knowing where it might end up.

Authentic tantra, it’s important to note, is not only about sex! Sex is just one (very powerful) tool tantrikas use to attain spiritual realization. If you’re hearing only about orgasms and nothing about transcendence, you’ve landed in the realm of neo-tantra.

Spend time getting to know the teacher. In Tibetan Buddhism, the old recommendation was to spend 12 years with a teacher before fully accepting him (but then, you’d commit 100%!). Few of us have that much time to spare, but still, take your time before throwing your heart and soul into it. And just as important…

Get to know the community. Talk to other students, learn what attracted them to this path or this teacher, and how they feel they’ve changed. Ask yourself, do I want to become like the people who have been a long time around this teacher?

Study with woman teachers or couples. Of course, this isn’t to say that all male tantra teachers are abusive, but female teachers are often more conscious and committed to creating a safe and protective space.

Check if the teacher sees female students as students or as women. It’s natural that men and women are given different advice along the tantric path, but if the only answer a teacher has for his female students’ issues is, “have more sex,” something is wrong.

Last but definitely not least, be clear with yourself. You need to know where your own boundaries are and have the self-assurance to stand up for them if they’re crossed. Your heart will tell you if you're in the right place, you just have to listen.

Tantra often takes practitioners to the edge of their comfort zone. This is good – it brings fast evolution – but you have to be sure this is what you want. Only when you trust yourself, you can trust the process.

Real tantra will never involve abuse. It will never leave anyone traumatized. There can be challenges along the way, but at the end it’s only love.

Jagadeesh Krishnan

Psychologist and international Author

[14/08, 10:10 PM] 98 41 121780: தந்திரம் பெண்களுக்கு ஒரு பாதையா ...?

உலகெங்கிலும் உள்ள தந்திரப் பட்டறைகளை கற்பிக்கும் போது, எங்கள் படிப்புகளில் கலந்து கொள்ளும் எண்ணிக்கையிலும், ஆண்கள் பெரும்பாலும் தங்கள் காதலியின் கைகளால் வழிநடத்தப்படுவதையும் பெண்கள் வழிநடத்துவதை நாம் தெளிவாகக் காண்கிறோம்!

இருப்பினும், தவறான ஆச��ரியர்கள் மற்றும் நச்சு சமூகங்களின் பல கதைகள் கடந்த சில ஆண்டுகளில் தந்திர உலகை உலுக்கியது.

இது பல பெண்களை ஆச்சரியப்பட வைக்கலாம், எனக்கு தாந்த்ரீக பாதை சரியானதா?

தந்திரம் வரலாற்று ரீதியாக பெண்களுக்கு மிகவும் திறந்த ஆன்மீக பாதைகளில் ஒன்றாகும், இது பெண் சக்தியை உண்மையாக ஏற்று மதிக்கும் சிலவற்றில் ஒன்றாகும்.

பண்டைய இந்தியாவில் (மற்றும் உலகம் முழுவதும்) பெரும்பாலான ஒழுங்கமைக்கப்பட்ட மதம் மற்றும் ஆன்மீக துறைகளைப் போலன்றி, தாந்த்ரீக போதனைகள் சாதி அல்லது பாலினத்தால் கட்டுப்படுத்தப்படவில்லை. அதற்கு பதிலாக முன்நிபந்தனைகள் ஒருமைப்பாடு, ஆன்மீக முதிர்ச்சி மற்றும் உண்மையான ஆசை.

உண்மையில், தந்திரம் பெண்களுக்கு மட்டும் திறந்திருக்கவில்லை ஆனால் அவர்களை சார்ந்தது.

தந்திரத்தின் சில வேர்கள் தெய்வீக பெண்மையின் பண்டைய வழிபாடுகளில் உள்ளன என்று கருதப்படுகிறது. அந்த நாட்களில் இருந்து ஒரு பரம்பரை, பல தாந்த்ரீக பரம்பரையில் பெண்கள் தலைமுறையினராக கற்பித்தல் மற்றும் அதிகாரமளித்தலைத் தொடங்குபவர்களாக இருந்தனர்.

தாந்த்ரீக நடைமுறையின் பல முக்கிய கூறுகள் பெண் பயிற்சியாளர்களுக்கு மிகவும் பொருத்தமானவை, ஒருவேளை வேதாந்தா அல்லது பிற துறவற மரபுகளின் குளிர் சிக்கனங்களை விட.

தந்திரம் என்பது ஆற்றல், வாழ்க்கை, நம்மைச் சுற்றியுள்ள மற்றும் நமக்குள் உள்ள உறுப்புகளுடன் நெருக்கமான தொடர்பின் பாதை. இது பக்தி வழி. இது உணர்வுகள் மற்றும் உருவத்தின் மகிழ்ச்சியின் மூலம் அறிவொளியை அடைவதற்கான ஒரு பாதை, அழகு, நிறம் மற்றும் பன்முகத்தன்மையைத் தழுவுதல்.

தந்திரத்தில், உலகம் சக்தி. நம்மைச் சுற்றியுள்ள அனைத்தும் தெய்வமாக இருக்கிறது, அவளுடைய ஆயிரக்க��க்கான முகங்களில், தாண்டவத்திற்கான தாந்த்ரீக பாதை பெண்ணியத்தின் புனிதமான தொல்பொருட்களை நேரடியாக சந்திப்பதன் மூலம் இயங்குகிறது.

இது பெண்மையை நேசிக்கும், கorsரவிக்கும் மற்றும் வணங்கும் பாதை.

கன்னி மேரியின் பழைய கிறிஸ்தவ பயபக்தியைப் போல, பெண்மையின் ஒரு மாதிரி மட்டுமல்ல. தாந்த்ரீக தேவியர்களிடையே அழகு, இனிமை மற்றும் மகிழ்ச்சியின் உருவங்களைக் காண்கிறோம், ஆனால் திகிலூட்டும் சக்தி. சக்தி தாய், காதலன், கன்னி, மயக்கும் பெண், போர்வீரன், ராணி, விதவை ...

தந்திரத்தை ஆராய்வதற்கான அழைப்புள்ள ஒரு பெண்ணாக, நீங்கள் பாதுகாப்பான மற்றும் உண்மையான பாதையில் இருக்கிறீர்கள் என்பதை எப்படி உறுதிப்படுத்துவது?

பாரம்பரிய போதனைகளைப் பாருங்கள். மேற்கத்திய மனதிற்கு சில நவீனமயமாக்கல் மற்றும் தழுவல் நல்லது மற்றும் பெரும்பாலும் மிகவும் அவசியமானது, ஆனால் போதனைகளின் இதயம் பாரம்பரியத்திலிருந்து வர வேண்டும். ஆன்மீக ஞானம் பல நூற்றாண்டுகளாக பரவியது, இரண்டு ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்பு யாரோ ஒருவர் தனது ஈகோவின் அடிப்படையில் உருவாக்கியதை விட நம்பகமானதாக இருக்கிறது, அது எங்கு முடியும் என்று தெரியாமல்.

உண்மையான தந்திரம், கவனிக்க வேண்டியது, செக்ஸ் பற்றி மட்டுமல்ல! பாலியல் என்பது ஆன்மீக உணர்தலை அடைய தந்திரிகள் பயன்படுத்தும் ஒரு (மிகவும் சக்திவாய்ந்த) கருவியாகும். நீங்கள் புணர்ச்சியைப் பற்றி மட்டுமே கேள்விப்படுகிறீர்கள் மற்றும் மீறல் பற்றி எதுவும் இல்லை என்றால், நீங்கள் நவ-தந்திரத்தின் எல்லைக்குள் இறங்கியுள்ளீர்கள்.

ஆசிரியரைத் தெரிந்துகொள்ள நேரத்தைச் செலவிடுங்கள். திபெத்திய ப Buddhismத்தத்தில், பழைய பரிந்துரையானது ஆசிரியரை முழுமையாக ஏற்றுக்கொள்வதற்கு முன்பு 12 ஆண்டுகள் செலவழிக்க வேண்டும் (ஆனால், நீங்கள் 100%செய்வீர்கள்!). நம்மில் சிலருக்கு அதிக நேரம் இருக்கிறது, ஆனால் இன்னும், உங்கள் இதயத்தையும் ஆன்மாவையும் அதில் செலுத்துவதற்கு முன்பு உங்கள் நேரத்தை எடுத்துக் கொள்ளுங்கள். மற்றும் அதே போல் முக்கியமானது ...

சமூகத்தை அறிந்து கொள்ளுங்கள். மற்ற மாணவர்களிடம் பேசுங்கள், இந்த பாதை அல்லது இந்த ஆசிரியரிடம் அவர்களை ஈர்த்தது என்ன, அவர்கள் எப்படி மாறிவிட்டார்கள் என்பதை அவர்கள் எப்படி உணர்கிறார்கள் என்பதை அறியுங்கள். உங்களை நீங்களே கேட்டுக்கொள்ளுங்கள், இந்த ஆசிரியரைச் சுற்றி நீண்ட காலமாக இருந்தவர்களைப் போல நான் ஆக வேண்டுமா?

பெண் ஆசிரியர்கள் அல்லது ஜோடிகளுடன் படிக்கவும். நிச்சயமாக, அனைத்து ஆண் தந்திர ஆசிரியர்களும் துஷ்பிரயோகம் செய்கிறார்கள் என்று சொல்ல முடியாது, ஆனால் பெண் ஆசிரியர்கள் பெரும்பாலும் அதிக விழிப்புணர்வு மற்றும் பாதுகாப்பான மற்றும் பாதுகாப்பு இடத்தை உருவாக்குவதில் உறுதியாக உள்ளனர்.

ஆசிரியர் மாணவர்களை மாணவராகப் பார்க்கிறாரா அல்லது பெண்களாகப் பார்க்கிறாரா என்று சரிபார்க்கவும். தாந்த்ரீக பாதையில் ஆண்களுக்கும் பெண்களுக்கும் வெவ்வேறு அறிவுரைகள் வழங்கப்படுவது இயற்கையானது, ஆனால் ஒரு ஆசிரியர் தனது பெண் மாணவர்களின் பிரச்சினைகளுக்கு ஒரே பதில் "அதிக உடலுறவு கொள்ளுங்கள்" என்றால், ஏதோ தவறு இருக்கிறது.

கடைசியாக ஆனால் குறைந்தது அல்ல, உங்களுடன் தெளிவாக இருங்கள். உங்கள் சொந்த எல்லைகள் எவை என்பதை நீங்கள் அறிந்து கொள்ள வேண்டும், மேலும் அவை கடந்துவிட்டால் அவர்களுக்காக எழுந்து நிற்கும் தன்னம்பிக்கை வேண்டும். நீங்கள் சரியான இடத்தில் இருந்தால் உங்கள் இதயம் உங்களுக்குச் சொல்லும், நீங்கள் கேட்க வேண்டும்.

தந்திரம் பெரும்பாலும் பயிற்சியாளர்களை அவர்களின் ஆறுதல் மண்டலத்தின் விளிம்பிற்கு அழைத்துச் செல்கிறது. இது நல்லது - இது வேகமான பரிணாமத்தைக் கொண்டுவருகிறது - ஆனால் நீங்கள் விரும்புவது இதுதான் என்பதில் உறுதியாக இருக்க வேண்டும். நீங்கள் உங்களை நம்பும்போது மட்டுமே, நீங்கள் செயல்முறையை நம்ப முடியும்.

உண்மையான தந்திரம் ஒருபோதும் துஷ்பிரயோகத்தை உட்படுத்தாது. அது ஒருபோதும் யாரையும் காயப்படுத்தாது. வழியில் சவால்கள் இருக்கலாம், ஆனால் இறுதியில் அது காதல் மட்டுமே.

மூலம்

ஜெகதீஷ் கிருஷ்ணன்

உளவியலாளர் மற்றும் சர்வதேச எழுத்தாளர்

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erza-mj · 7 years

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Episode Prompto

i though it will be useful for all the writers in the ffxv community to have a written record of all the stuff that appear in Episode Prompto in chronological order ;)

You’re Welcome

Prompto production code: Unit 05953234

Research log 722-VII-6th

Research log: Year 722, Day 189. I received a proposal regarding a way to improve the infantry’s performances by leaps and bounds: Outfit all the troupers with magitek cores. Preliminary tests suggest sublimating daemons for fuel will result in an unstable infantry unit for the field. If the calculations he provided are correct, though, this could solve all our problems. The Deadless Project marks the advent of a new age. No longer will our soldier fall on the field of battle. The Empire shall rise, and soon, all the world shall bask in our glory!

Research log 722-X-21st

Research log: Year 722, Day 294. I acted on the proposal mentioned in my log of Day 189. My attempt to infuse the troopers magitek cores with daemonic energy proved successful. Only in the most basic sense, however. While the soldiers are indeed deathless, they are far from fit for fighting. Thus I’ve decided to take a different approach: rather than relying on daemons to power the magitek infantry, why not use human instead? Frankly, I had never considered employing my fellow man in any magitek-related experiments. But countless men and women succumb to the plasmodia each day. Rather than let them die victims of an ignominious disease, why not help them ascend to nobler heights? I’ve lost many a comrade on the field of battle, and I’ve no intention of allowing any more of their deaths to go in vain.

Research log 722-XII-5th

Research log: Year 722, Day 339. Another Day, another mental breakdown. All my test so far have resulted in the former soldiers suffering ego deaths. Today, however, I developed a new hypothesis: I will continue to sublimate daemonified humans to harvest the miasma, but if a sense is the source of these snags, why not inject infants with the plasmodia instead? We’ve little time. If we are to combat the Lucian threat, we must explore new options. I too, will set aside my personal misgivings and do what I must for the empire.

Research Log: 723-III-11th

Research log: Year 723, Day 70. I pondered how I might found the necessary number of infants, and then it downed on me: why not make them myself? If I clone them from my own genes, I can eliminate the pesky process of breeding them. Mass production remains a pipe dream for now, but I’m confident a can create a massive infantry once the process picks up. If everything goes according to plan, the empire will boast a million-man army in no time at all.

M.E. 723-XI-26th

A New Hope

Construction finished today on the first magitek production facility. Rising military star and leading authority on magitek Verstael Besithia has been selected to oversee the plant’s operation. Reports say Besithia will relinquish his field duties in order to serve at the compound full-time.

Research log: 724-X-24th

Research log: Year 724, Day 297. Mass production of the magitek infantry was a success. We’ve overwhelmed the lucians with our numbers and surrounded insomnia. But to rest on our laurels now would be unthinkable. On Occasion, harvesting the plasmodic miasma produces some “side effects.” The daemons born of this process have been disposed of on sight-until now. How foolish I was to let these sublime creatures go to waste! What they lack in adaptability, they make up for in sheer power. I realize now that I ought to channel my efforts into exploring the true potential of these daemons for the sake of the empire. Perhaps this has been my true calling all along.

Research Log: 736-V-3rd

Research log: Year 736, Day 123. It seems my laboratory is not nearly as secure as I once believed. Some thief – likely a Lucian- made off with one of my experiments. Absconding with a single infant will do nothing to enlighten them of the grandeur of my research. That said, I will see to it such incident never arises again. I’ve posted magitek troopers around the facility and instructed them to keep a vigilant watch. It is their home, after all.

Research Log: 745-XI-21st

Research log: Year 745, Day 325. Today marks a momentous triumph for our great nation. The Glacian herself graced us with her presence in Ghorovas Rift, and, through the combined efforts of the magitek infantry and my precious daemons, we killed her. The resulting causalities were great, but these sacrifices afforded us something far more valuable than a few units. With the data I collected, I intend to begin developing a new magitek weapon codenamed “Godslayer.” Soon, all the Astrals shall bow before me and the might of my magitek. Soon, they shall know my wrath.

M.E. 745-XI-22nd

ATTN: Research Chief Verstael Besithia

It has come to my attention thet the Glacian’s recent assault was quelled by your magitek infantry. As commendation for your service to our great nation, I have approved your petition to increase funding for your research. Your Work is the centrifugal force that will propel the empire beyond our borders to greatness on the world stage. I eagerly await further reports of your progress.

Emperor Iedolas Aldercapt

M.E. 746-VI-3rd

Prototype Numbering Instructions

In order ro better monitoring the large number of new magitek models enetering production, the Imperials Defense Council motions to reform the coding system as follows

- Troopers: 5-digit model number + 8-digit production code

- Infants: 4-digit production year + 8-digit production code

754-VIII-25th

I’ve been assigned to Chief Besithia’s lab! Not many people can say they’ve worked under the supervision of a living legend. I mean, this is the guy who saved the empire from eternal winter. He’s practically our savior.

754-XI-17th

My boss pulled me aside today to issue me a “special task.” Said it’s “highly confidential” and that I’m the only one qualified for the job. But how? I barely even know my way around the compound. Well, whatever the “task” is, I’ll deal with it in the morning.

754-XI-18th

I found out what my “special task” is today- and frankly I wish I hadn’t. if only I could unsee the things I saw today… I really ought eat something before I go to bed, but that shit totally killed my appetite.

755-II-16th

I had the honor of seeing His Imperial Majesty in person today. To think His Radiance would travel all that way through the ice and the snow just to observe our progress… if the Emperor is putting all his faith in magitek, then so should i.

755-VII-24th

Just my luck. One of the plasmodium samples strted leaking, and your truly was the blessed with the “privilege” of cleaning it up. And then my boss had the nerve to yell at me-as if the whole thing were my fault. If he wasn’t to criticize the real culprit, he ought to look in a mirror.

755-VII-25th

So thanks to yesterday's fiasco, my boss made me throw all the remaining plasmodium samples into the incinerator. What a waste of resources! My boss told the chief we used them in a series of experiments, but the thought of lying about what happened doesn't sit well with me at all. The whole thing is eating me up inside.

M.E. 755-VII-25th

Termination Report

ATTN: Research Chief Verstael Besithia. The Following specimen have been eradicated: 0755-06000326 0755-06000327 0755-06000328

0755-06000329 0755-06000330 0755-06000331

0755-06000332 0755-06000333 0755-06000334

0755-06000335 0755-06000336 0755-06000337

0755-06000338 0755-06000339 0755-06000340

0755-06000341 0755-06000342 0755-06000343

0755-06000344 0755-06000345 0755-06000346

0755-06000347 0755-06000348

All 23 samples listed have been incinerated to avoid potential daemonification of personnel.

755-VII-29th

So I ended up telling chief Besithia the truth about the other day. Here I was, ready for him to tear me a new one - and he ended up praising my loyalty instead! Everyone made it sound like the chief was some kind of hardass, but he seems to be a really reasonable guy if you actually take the time to sit down and talk with him.

M.E. 755-IX-18th

Proposal for Operation:Countersign

As deputy High Commander, I hereby propose a large-scale assault on the Lucian capital of Insomnia. Preparation are to begin next month. Our future is far too precious to entrust to our enmy. We must retrieve the Crystal and the Ring of legend, only then shall our worl know true peace.

Deputy High Commander Ravus Nox Fleuret

755-XI-2nd

Another one of the plasmodium samples started leaking today. How does this keep happening!? Clearly someone isn't doing their job. The worst part is that some of the researchers seem to have been infected. I need to get out of here ASAP.

755-XII-3rd

There's a rumour going around the lab that those "leaks" from before weren't accidents at all. My buddy says he thinks the chief is actually trying to expose us all to the virus. I don't want to believe it, but...

756-I-14th

The whole compound is crawling with daemons these days... I shiver every time I turn the corner. What the hell am I doing here? When can I go home?

756-II-12th

We are all... Together, we... Insomnia. As the ultimate... we... Thank you... Farewell...

Research log: 756-IV-8th

Research log: Year 756, Day 98. Finally my daemon-infused magitek armor is complete. I have christened my creation “Diamond Weapon”. It has exhibited an extremely unstable psyche, immediately unleashing unmitigated horrors upon activation. It’s destructive capabilities, however, are indeed beyond compare. Not even the “impenetrable” Insomnia could withstand its onslaught. Why, the Crown City would fall in a mere matter of minutes. The Stone of Legend will soon be mine. To think that, in less than a month’s time, the Crystal will be mine to play with as I please!

M.E. 756-IV-8th

Diamond Weapon Report

ATTN: His Imperial Majesty Iedolas Aldercapt – It is with great pride I inform Your Radiance that development has finished on the new deamon armor. Codename: Diamond Weapon. I encourage Your Radiance to visit the First Production Facility at Your Radiance’s earliest convenience. I am most confident the final product will prove to Your Radiance’s Liking.

Verstael Besithia

Chief of Magitek Research

M.E. 756-V-21st

Report on Unit SAS-0822

After several years of experimentation, we have finally succeeded in fusing mammal and magitek. Although we are still conducting various tests on Codename: Barbarus, the unit should be functional enough to fend off would-be intruders until development finishes on Unit XDA-1002: Immortalis.

Research Log: 756-VII-9th

Research Log: Year 756, Day 190. At last, my life’s work is complete. Not only I have found a way to preserve the ego, I’ve also managed to sustain that consciousness through the sublimation process and transfer it to my magitek troopers. The prototype has proven slightly less powerful than the Diamond Weapon, but this presents no real problem. After all, one’s consciousness can be transmuted again and again and again. All that remain is to fully surrender myself to my research and become my own final test subject. I will conclude my mortal life by offering a word of thanks. Chancellor Ardyn Izunia, your assistance has provided invaluable. You have my eternal gratitude. It is through your aid that I completed my work and begun my ascension to an existence beyond divinity.

thanks @ace-of-babes-98 for the ones that i missed

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piscesbag21-blog · 5 years

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12 Brands Designing with a Conscience

In partnership with our friends at

It may have taken a few years, if not decades, but ideas like sustainability, transparency, and fair trade are finally part of the national conversation. And it’s not stopping there. “Low-waste-water denim,” “single-use plastic,” and “responsibly-harvested cotton” are terms that companies are now brandishing with great pride. And for good reason: Your closet and your kitchen can have a truly clean conscience.

We’ve rounded up a few of the brands that are doing good—some big and powerful, others small and mighty, and a few that are new to the scene. These lines are thoughtful, stylish, and most beautiful of all, made with integrity.

S’WELL

Founder Sarah Kauss launched S’well in 2010 with a singular mission: Rid the world of plastic bottles. The good news is that S’well’s assortment of bottles has quite literally swelled—from the standard seventeen-ounce version to include tumblers (good for on-the-go morning coffee or a smoothie), and roamers (sized right for the park or for passing around the campfire). The bottles are made using Therma-S’well technology, so drinks are kept hot for twelve hours and cold for up to twenty-four. There are hundreds of colors, ombré patterns, a special collaboration with Liberty London, metallic camos—you name it. Best yet, an ongoing partnership with UNICEF allows S’well to focus efforts on supporting water programs in Madagascar, where 50 percent of the population lacks access to clean drinking water.

BIRDS & BEANS

It’s hard not to take coffee for granted—that is, until you learn about some of the effects of its harvesting. A large population of migrant songbirds that head to central and South America during the winter has been in decline due to a loss of habitat caused by deforestation by commercial coffee farms. In an effort to fight this, the founders of Bird & Beans Coffee dedicates its resources to nurturing natural, shade-grown coffee farms, which are a thriving habitat for the birds. By using environmentally sound and sustainably-grown beans, Birds & Beans helps to preserve more than 100,000 acres for the birds to live in. And the coffee—light, dark, and medium roasts—is robust and delicious.

BIRDS & BEANS FRENCH ROAST DECAF Birds & Beans, $14.25

BOLÉ ROAD TEXTILES

Interior designer Hana Getachew launched Bolé Road Textiles with the intention of getting back to her roots. Combining the two things that mattered to her most—her Ethiopian heritage and love for design—her beautiful, minimalist textiles are not only ethically sourced but handspun in Ethiopia using ancient weaving techniques. The result is authentically crafted pillows and textured throw blankets in abstract patterns that are as soft as they are pretty.

BOLÉ ROAD MAMOOSH BLANKET goop, $125

HERMÈS

Documentary filmmaker Frédéric Laffont gets an all-access pass to the storied French house—spending time in a leather-goods workshop in Montbron, France, or witnessing the tradition of silk marbling in Kyoto. Through Footsteps across the World, a series of short films, it’s clear that the what sets Hermès apart is truly the commitment to craftsmanship and the artisans whose precise attention to detail keep the brand moving forward. Particularly charming is the story of the Prudhomme brothers, who oversee a leather workshop in Pantin, France, where they serve as equal parts gatekeepers and mentors.

LEVI’S

The most classic of classic American brands has been pushing boundaries when it comes to large-scale production, implementing techniques that use far less water than traditional methods and working to source 100 percent of its cotton sustainably by 2020. With the midterm elections approaching, Levi’s has teamed up with Rock the Vote to create a limited-edition T-shirt encouraging everyone to exercise their right to vote; select Levi’s storefronts across the US will also have voter-registration stations.

OUTERKNOWN

“We’re surfers who grew up with surf brands, but we grew out of logos. We want to make clothing that’s made better and looks better,” says John Moore, who started Outerknown with surfing champ Kelly Slater. As part of their Social Environmental Accountability program, they launched S.E.A. Jeans, using 100 percent organic cotton from Candiani and Isko—two of the most respected mills in the world. Their denim is produced in Saitex in Vietnam, a solar-powered factory that recycles 98 percent of the water used in development; they also air-dry the jeans to save energy. The collection is also backed by a lifetime guarantee, meaning they’ll repair or replace damaged pairs, too.

OUTERKNOWN S.E.A. SHIRT Outerknown, $78

OUTERKNOWN S.E.A. AMBASSADOR SLIM FIT JEANS Outerknown, $168

PARKER CLAY

Ian and Brittany Bentley were living in Ethiopia, where they’d adopted two young girls, when they had their lightbulb moment. Ian was shopping for a birthday gift for Brittany when he came across a beautifully made leather bag at a local market. After learning that high-quality, ethically sourced leather was being produced by tanneries in Addis Ababa, the Bentleys decided to launch a business that would allow them to employ local women, many of whom who previously had been involved in sex trafficking. The idea was to give the women an opportunity to sustain ethical work opportunities—and become financially independent.

The women Parker Clay works with often become the breadwinners in their homes and are able to send their children to school, prepare balanced meals for their families, and ultimately break the cycle. The line includes plenty of carryalls, leather envelopes, and Dopp kits, but we’re partial to the overnight weekend bag, which is made from the kind of super soft grain leather that only gets better with use.

PARKER CLAY OMO OVERNIGHT BAG Parker Clay, $268

RAVEN + LILY

We first fell for Raven + Lily’s buttery-soft leather bags; chunky, rustic brass jewelry; and silky jumpsuits. Then we learned how the brand has been empowering women since its inception in 2008 (it was first founded as a nonprofit and evolved into a for-profit business in 2011). Raven + Lily employs female artisans—currently more than 1,500—in impoverished countries across the globe. The company provides them the chance to make a fair living by creating their handmade items for the brand, all of which are made of sustainable materials. Even more heartening, Raven + Lily gives back a portion of its earnings to help fund loans and skills training to women living with HIV.

RAVEN + LILY ANYA BRASS HOOPS Raven + Lily, $32

ROTHYS

Two guys from San Francisco spent four years figuring out how to turn plastic water bottles from recycling centers into comfortable, machine-washable flats that women would actually want to wear. The result is Rothys—line of loafers, ballet flats, and slip-on sneakers made of a sustainable, stretchy, lightweight woven fabric in bright colors such as lemon drop and persimmon, plus classic shades like navy and sand. The manufacturing process is pretty fascinating, too: Water bottles are chipped into flakes and converted into pellets. The pellets are then heated and turned into soft filaments of plastic before they’re knitted using a 3D machine, a precise process that minimizes waste. It takes six minutes. And the ethics behind the business go beyond fair labor and a state-of-the art facility in Dongguan, China—they also counteract the fossil fuels used for shipping by purchasing carbon credits to fund Project Envira, which converts carbon emissions back into oxygen.

ROTHY’S THE POINT Rothy’s, $145

SIEN + CO

Working closely with independent Peruvian and Argentinian artisans to find the best textiles (organic Pima cotton, sheep and alpaca wool handwoven on looms in their own backyards), Alexandra Gibson launched Sien + Co in 2016 with a range of ethically sourced, handcrafted knits and sustainable home décor. We particularly love the giant, handwoven decorative pillows, chunky throws, and natural rugs made with earthy pigments derived from local plants and other natural resources.

GRANA HANDWOVEN PILLOW goop, $280

ZAHAVA

Jessica Hendricks Yee is no stranger to leveraging fashion to make an impact. In 2012, she launched the Brave Collection, a line of jewelry handmade by fair-trade artisans in Cambodia, and donated 10 percent of the profits to help fight human trafficking. “The drive to create brands with a positive social mission has become a part of me and the way I think about business,” explains the serial entrepreneur. In fact, her passion for combining fashion and philanthropy is what jump-started Zahava, a thoughtfully sourced line—she works with master metalsmiths in Tel Aviv and all the diamonds are conflict-free—that explores the notion of cross-cultural heirlooms. Hendricks Yee, who recently had her own Jewish-Chinese wedding, wanted to design pieces that celebrate all cultures—and are meant to be passed down. There are pendant necklaces engraved with protea flowers to celebrate renewal, pomegranates to honor inner beauty, plus rings with engraved sayings like “The light within” and “I am here.”

ZAHAVA MINI GOLD ATLAS NECKLACE Zahava, $430

Source: https://goop.com/style/decorating-design/12-brands-designing-with-a-conscience/

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spaz8550 · 5 years

Photo

Stay

Ch 23

Sinead was finishing zipping her suitcase when Severus appeared in the doorway. He had his arms crossed and was studying Sinead with an intense gaze causing her to blush.

"Is Albus gone?"

"Yes, just a quick check in. I see you are all packed for tomorrow."

"Yes, I've been packed for days just the final check."

Severus slowly walked over to Sinead and put his hand under her chin and kissed her. Sinead wasn't expecting Severus to be so forward but she liked the change in him.

"Sinead, I've never wanted anything more in my life." He whispered in between kisses.

"Me too."

"I'm not rushing things am I?"

"Definitely not." Sinead said gasping for air.

"Good." Within moments their clothes were shed and both of them were breathlessly staring at the other. "I-I know-"

"Don't, Severus. This is perfect." She said stepping towards the bed.

Severus nervously got in next to her. After a few minutes of exploring each other's bodies Severus moved on top of Sinead and they became one. Their bodies fit together perfectly and their magic hummed as they made love. Every movement and touch changed the way the magic moved between them. When they lay together some time later Sinead's head was rested against Severus's shoulder.

"That was amazing." She said turning her head to face him.

"Truly, Sinead, this-I..."

"You don't need to say anything. I know how you feel." She said softly putting her hand on his chest. The pair drifted off to sleep only to wake up to the sound of the ringing telephone.

"Damn it. It's my mom and if I don't answer she'll keep calling back." Sinead grumbled reaching over for the phone. "Hello?" She said tiredly.

"Hello dear."

"Hi mom. How's everything?"

"Fine, I wanted to talk to you before your trip. Who are you going with again?"

"Mom, I'm really tired. I spent the day trying to get ahead on orders and making sure everything will run smoothly while I'm gone."

"Well I want to have a chat with my daughter-" Sinead heard her father in the background telling her mother to let her go. "Fine, here's your father." Sinead smiled as her father got onto the phone.

"Sorry about your mom. Have fun in Brussels."

"I will, thanks dad."

"I love you honey."

"Love you too, dad."

"We should have a web chat when you get back."

"Sure, we'll set up a time when I get back. Bye dad."

"Bye Sinead." Sinead hung up the phone as Severus sat up a bit. "I didn't tell my mom about you because it would lead to her wanting to interrogate you. My dad knows, he's great."

Severus nodded, he hadn't even thought about Sinead's parents. She had mentioned her mother being overly involved and her father had been the topic of conversation at the dinner at her house.

"They are coming to visit in May around my birthday, you don't have to meet them if you don't want to." She said quickly.

"I can meet them if you want me to."

Sinead smiled.

"Ok, I'll tell my mother about you then. She doesn't understand much so I'll just leave it at the fact you teach Potions."

"I'm sure your father is concerned with me being older than you."

"No, not at all. We had a long chat. He's always been my biggest supporter, him and my grandfather Joe. If my mother over does it he'll help keep her in check. My dad might not know everything but he's very understanding."

After another round of lovemaking the pair fell asleep for the night.

When Sinead woke up the next morning Severus was sitting on the edge of the bed with a tray of food.

"Don't worry I didn't cook. I have a house elf from Hogwarts bring everything."

Once breakfast was eaten Sinead convinced Severus to join her in the shower setting their schedule back an hour.

Severus and Sinead arrived in Brussels after a few short apparition stops in between. The hotel that the Potions conference was being held in was large and to the non-magical it looked like a condemned building. The hotel had a large ballroom which was being used to present and right after walking through the entrance a tall man came over and shook Sinead's hand.

"You must be Miss O'Neil; we are all so thrilled to have you. We knew Nathaniel and I was hoping you'd attend after reading the article. Hello Severus." The man said a bit surprised to see the dark haired Potions Master with Sinead.

"Hello Timothy." Severus said coldly. "I'll go check us in." Severus said walking over to the desk.

"How do you know Severus?"

"A mutual friend, we've been working together a bit since I arrived in London."

"We are all most anxious to hear about your potions. Year after year it's the same thing." A second man who was a bit shorter and had long white hair came shuffling over.

"Timothy, who is this lovely lady?"

"This is Miss O'Neil."

"Please call me Sinead."

"I am honored to meet you. I am Gerhard Listing. Your business and wolfsbane potion improvement is the talk of the Potions world. I took over teaching at Durmstrang when Nathaniel moved to America. We kept in contact and he was most impressed with your learning. He said you were the best student he ever taught. I wanted to attend his funeral but my health at the time wouldn't allow it."

"Nathaniel was a great man."

"Yes, he was. Timothy and I will let you get settled in and we all look forward to hearing your presentation." The two men walked away as Severus returned.

"We're they too much."

"Both Timothy and Gerhard were very welcoming."

"Look at them now gossiping like two women. No doubt wondering why you're here with me." Severus muttered. Sinead bit her lip.

"Don't tell me you're jealous because you know I only have eyes for you." Sinead said kissing his cheek as he flushed bright red as the two men stood open mouthed.

"Come on then." Severus said leading the way to their room. It was a good sized suit and Sinead sat on the edge of the bed flopping back with a sigh.

"I could take a nap right now." She muttered. "Someone kept me up all night." She said with a smirk.

"As any man would." Severus said joining her on the bed. Sinead moved so her head rested on his chest.

"I could get used to this." She said softly as Severus stared at the ceiling, as much as he wanted to say the same he knew that with Voldemort gaining power the time spend with Sinead would most likely come to an end at some point. "Are you ok?" Sinead asked feeling something was wrong. Severus grabbed at his arm and frowned.

"I need to go. Will you be alright? I'll come back as soon as I can." He stood up and pulled on his traveling cloak.

"Yes, I'll be ok." She said softly and stood up.

"I need to go." He said hurrying out of the room to a point he could begin the process to apparate back to the Malfoy's estate.

Sinead pulled her knees up to her chest trying to calm her nerves. Severus had never been called away while she was with him and the thought of him being summoned with the Death Eaters was too much. Sinead managed to fall asleep out of exhaustion a little over two hours later.

It was nearing dinner time and everyone attending the conference was invited to a dinner party. Sinead began to get ready figuring it would at least distract her from worrying. Sinead showered and let her hair curl at her shoulders then dressed in a three quarter light blue dress. She was finishing her light make-up when Severus staggered through the door. Sinead helped him to the bed and went to work healing his injuries.

"Go to dinner. I'm fine." He gritted not wanting Sinead to see him in that condition.

"I'm not going anywhere till I know you are fine."

"I've lived through worse."

Sinead finished healing his cuts and bruises within a few moments and then mended his wrist which was broken.

"Are you feeling better?" Sinead asked going to her bag and pulling out a pain potion. Severus motioned that he didn't want it but Sinead insisted and after taking it he fell asleep. Sinead remained in the room for 20 minutes to make sure he was ok before heading down to dinner. All of the guests were already seated and Sinead found her spot.

"Sinead, we were beginning to worry." Gerhard said as Timothy nodded.

"Sorry, I lost track of time."

"Where is Severus?" Timothy asked.

"Severus is taking a short nap." She said as Timothy flushed and looked down.

Gerhard stood and brought Sinead around to meet everyone, she knew that she wouldn't remember half the names and 98 percent of the people present were older men who were studying her. Sinead was relieved when Severus showed up for the after dinner drink session and remained at her side scarring several creepy older men off.

"Thank you." Sinead whispered as Severus stood close to her side.

Sinead chatted with the other three females two of whom were from France and quiet elderly. One of the women taught at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and the second was retired and living in Paris. The third woman was 10 years older than Sinead and was from Italy.

"You're a novelty. Alessandra might be young but she is not nearly as beautiful as you are. None of us are used to having an attractive Potions Mistress in our company." Severus said as Sinead flushed.

#spazie85 #stay #severus snape fan fiction #severus snape x ofc #severus x ofc #severus snape #harry potter fan fiction

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enzaime-blog · 7 years

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After Loss, Cancer Survivor Finds Strength in Community and Giving Back

New Story has been published on https://enzaime.com/loss-cancer-survivor-finds-strength-community-giving-back/

After Loss, Cancer Survivor Finds Strength in Community and Giving Back

Editor’s Note: Carol Phillips is an IT analyst/programmer at Mayo Clinic’s Rochester campus. . She shares her experience and why she travels to Florida to support the annual 26.2 with DONNA Marathon .

My breast cancer journey started on April Fool’s Day — April 1, 2011. Only it wasn’t a joke.

My routine yearly mammogram came back abnormal. And at age 50, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. I don’t remember much about my first appointment with the doctor. It was all a blur. The only thing I do remember was the doctor saying, “Mayo Clinic will get you through this process. We’ll work together as a team. You are truly in good hands.” As I walked out to the parking lot, though, I thought I had just been given a death sentence — and I wasn’t ready.

I dreaded telling my parents that I had cancer. My mom had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma 6 years before and was losing her battle at that time. But I drove home to North Dakota that weekend to tell them. I wanted to reassure them that I was going to be OK. I held my mother’s hand and told her the doctors found the cancer early, that I was given a 98 percent chance of survival. “I am going to be ok,” I said.

In May I had a lumpectomy. The cancer was very small, and the two lymph nodes I had removed were both negative. My doctors said I was very lucky to have the cancer diagnosed before it could spread. Three weeks later, I began a month of daily radiation treatments.

When I finished, I decided to go back home to recuperate. I thought that being with family would be a good place to relax and help my body heal. Unfortunately my mom passed away that weekend. It became the toughest part of my journey not to have her with me.

Finding support in community

For support I turned to close friends and the American Cancer Society. I opted to get involved and volunteered for different events throughout the Rochester community, including Relay for Life, and I joined the committee for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Then, I met women from Join the Journey, a Rochester-based support group. I started participating in various activities, including the Breast Cancer Dragon Boat Festivals many times throughout the summer.

It was a wonderful experience, and the women gave me strength as well as many great friendships over the years. For the first time, I didn’t feel alone in my journey against cancer. Their support has been immeasurable.

I began working for Mayo Clinic in 2012 as an IT analyst/programmer and am currently working in the Enterprise API Services Unit. Last year, I noticed an article on the intranet about the 26.2 with DONNA marathon, and I thought “Why not?”

Mayo Clinic diagnosed my cancer early and literally saved my life. Since my diagnosis, I have had many opportunities to volunteer, and I knew that this would be an event that again would be life-changing.

I learned that the 26.2 with DONNA is an organization doing incredible work for patients and families dealing with this disease in the Jacksonville, Florida, community. And it supported Mayo, too.

I was excited to travel to Florida last February and volunteer. It was an amazing experience to be a part of something that truly united people from all over the world. Handing out water, giving the runners their medals, and giving breast cancer survivors pink carnations … these are some of my favorite memories from my trip. There was a power and energy throughout the whole day, which I will never forget.

In May last year, I celebrated my five-year milestone. I completed all of my treatments and follow-up regime. Looking back, over the past few years, my life has changed in ways I never would have imagined. I believe I was given a second chance in life, and I’m grateful. I have experienced and done things that are totally out of my comfort zone. I believe that life is short and fragile, and it is important to live it to the fullest.

Since 2017 marked the 10th anniversary of the DONNA, I decided to venture down to Florida again. Only this year, in addition to volunteering at the pre-race expo and at the finish line for the marathon, I will be participating in the 5K race.

Taking up the challenge

It is likely we all know someone affected by breast cancer. So I am challenging my friends and family as well as other Mayo Clinic employees to get involved. Volunteer. Walk or run. Or donate.

If your situation allows, come down to Florida and volunteer your time, or sign up to join me on the race course. If travel isn’t in your future, consider registering for the virtual marathon. You can run or walk from anywhere – even Rochester or Arizona – and use my $10 discount code (MAYOVIRTUAL).

Or consider a $10 donation to Team Mayo Clinic in honor of the 10th anniversary. Every dollar helps. And you’ll feel good knowing that 100 percent of these dollars will support the Donna fund to meet the critical financial needs of families living with breast cancer and come right back to Mayo Clinic for research. More than $3 million has been given directly to Mayo Clinic to date.

I know first-hand what it means to hear those dreaded words, “You have breast cancer.” This disease has given me a new perspective on life, and I don’t want anybody to have to go through the journey alone. So for me, volunteering my time whenever and wherever possible to be supporting others is my key motivation.

But this event is also an opportunity to celebrate life. I believe that when something bad happens, you have three choices: You can let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you.

I know I am stronger now than I was before. And I look forward to celebrating with thousands of other survivors and their families in Florida this February. Won’t you join me?

To join Team Mayo Clinic, follow the registration prompts on the marathon website, and select Team Mayo from the drop-down menu. The password is “mayo” — all lowercase. Use the code “MAYOVIRTUAL” for $10 off Virtual Race Registration.

#breast cancer #breast cancer marathon #cancer #Stage 1 #Cancer

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anautisticdragon-blog · 7 years

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On Polygon, Being an SJW, & Insecurities

Deep breath.

So, I dig Polygon. For those who aren't familiar with such an outdated parlance, it means I like them. In fact, I'm a big fan. I might even say I love them. No, that's not fair. The McElroys are involved, including that big baby Travis whom I'm so fond of. So, yes, I do love them. It's not fair to say that I 'might.'

Are Polygon and the McElroys SJWs? Well, from the Alt-Right perspective... Yep. I'm a goddamn SJW, me. Just like Green Arrow. God I loved the controversy that caused, thank you Ben Percy, you're one of my new favourite comic book writers.

What does being an ‘SJW’ mean?

From the Alt-Right perspective, it simply means... You're just not part of the White Supremacy Circlejerk. That's it. Yes, that is the great sin of it all, everyone. If you're not a vile White Supremacist, you're an "SJW cuck." Which is interesting, but I want to get back to that later.

What does being a social rights activist mean to me?

It means I try harder. I've been hurt, I have flaws. I'm human. I err, I fuck up, it's ugly. The difference is is that I have the self-awareness to realise I need to keep trying. I had a problem where I was prejudiced against neurotypicals because so many of them were personally responsible for making my life as an autistic person hell. And yet, that's just spreading the disease of prejudice. I had to stop that. I did stop that.

I've come to realise that it's 'toxic normality' that's the problem, rather than any person or group. And the group which has the most power is going to use all their resources to push their own version of that to homogenise the world into something that they're comfortable with. Which is precisely what the Alt-Right is trying to do. It's exactly what Nazi Germany tried to do, albeit it in a much violent way. I insist though that if you see a Nazi, you should say Nazi. Whether they're part of a military or not.

It's not like the Alt-Right hasn't done their fair share of slaughter in the name of their holy quest. Gunning down an LGBTQ bar, driving into a crowd of peaceful protestors, or even a guy chasing down and beating his elderly dad to death just for having left-leaning opinions. All of this is true, and all of it is endemic of the cancer which fuels the Alt-Right. This sense of their 'default status' as healthy, cishet, white individuals. Their 'normality.'

How does this tie into Polygon?

I was curious why so many of the White Supremacist types have tried to slander Polygon, whether they had any kind of argument or not. And, 2 times out of 10, they'll actually latch onto something that's slightly shady. This is all part of a process of manipulation, though. You have to be right every now and then in order to deceive people when you know you're completely wrong. You can point at that and say 'Unfortunately, I've already proved us right.'

It's a very skeevy, political play. It's the kind that the Alt-Right love. Essentially, they'll dig, they'll doxx, and they'll find the tiniest bits of dirt on a person. Then they'll use those mistakes that someone they dislike has made and weaponise them to make their outright lies and manipulative deceits appear as valid to the untrained eye. It works. It's a very effective, powerful tactic.

If you've been a little bit honest, you can keep using that tiny bit of honesty to shut people down if you're loud enough. It becomes a back and forth where they're trying to detail the dishonesty and the skeevy person is just pointing at this one honest thing they did as a counter-example. It's incredibly commonplace in right wing politics, Trump does it all the goddamn time.

Be honest 2 per cent of the time, then just be loud enough about the 98 per cent of the time that you're not. That's often enough to prey on the cognitive dissonance, biases, prejudices, and worse of people in order to bring them around to believing horrible things.

So the arguments against Polygon hold no water.

Why do they do this, then? Why do sites like Deepfreeze actively lie and misrepresent opinions and everyday occurrences as vile breaches of journalistic etiquette?

As much as the Alt-Right proclaims to love free speech, they hate anyone outside of their echo chamber. They'll often try to shut them down with lies, manipulation, deceit, numbers, loudness, and even violence when they (in their very White minds) think it's 'necessary.' Polygon is left leaning, it's inclusive and accepting of different kinds of people. To all in the Alt-Right, that makes them "leftist cucks."

What does 'cuck' mean? Take a look at this. It's a deeply, heinously racist word that gets to the core of the insecurities of the White Supremacist. You see, it all comes down to race-based sexual anxiety. It's all about dick sizes, if I'm honest. White Supremacists are often White Supremacists because they're tiny down there. Hence "cuck."

Which, hilariously, was at the root of Hitler's insecurities, too. I'm not fucking with you. Hitler had a really tiny dick. This is what drives almost all of White Supremacy.

So, these men with tiny dicks are riddled with insecurities. The insecure often take to overly conservative, traditionalist views because it makes them feel safe. It doesn't put them in a position where they feel less powerful. And since they're already insecure, they need to feel powerful. This means using the dirtiest, lowest tactics to bring down anyone who they perceive as any enemy to their divinely ordained, absolutely perfect White Supremacy.

So if Polygon is inclusive of other ethnicities, if they support strong women, and they generally have a strong willed enough perspective to be left leaning?

Yeah. Exactly.

The thing is? This 'toxic normality' I've talked about often comes back to cognitive dissonance and people feeling just really scared and insecure. That's what's going on, here. Why would anyone use genuinely deceitful, underhanded tactics like this? Why would anyone try to destroy or harm those who're not like them? It's all about the insecurities. They're scared children who feel like their comfortable rug of entitlement is about to be swept out from beneath them.

Oh no! Imagine that! They won't be seen as the divine 'default state' any more. They won't be seen as 'normal.' So what does that leave them with? Well, besides their tiny dicks, of course? Nothing. It leaves them with nothing. They aren't talented people, they're not creative (which is why they're always appropriating, co-opting, and outright criminally stealing things rather than making their own), so they've got nothing to fall back on other than "I'm just so Superior 'cause I'm White!"

Y'see?

So Polygon, being inclusive and supportive, is a threat to what they see as the status quo. They don't want the Zeitgeist to shift in a way that would be unfavourable to them. They're worried they'd lose their entitled, fortunate position they hold over all others. Then all they're left with is their lack of talent and their small dicks.

It's not because they're extraverted, it's not because they're neurotypical, it's not even really because they're white (that's just a tool). It's because they've enjoyed an entitled lifestyle of benefit over all others, and these people know that if they didn't have that, they'd have nothing. They know they get picked in jobs over more talented people by prejudiced bosses because they're white men, if that boon were to shift against them? Well, goodbye cushy job! They'd have to finally learn what life is like without those benefits.

So Polygon isn't responsible for having unethical journalism. Polygon is responsible for having their own opinions, and left leaning perspectives which make incredibly insecure White Supremacists feel uncomfortable. And here's the kickers. Whenever a White Supremacist sees a black, male writer on one of these sites? They don't think it's because they might be talented, but rather because they're winning the 'White entitlement' away from the Alt-Right, that Polygon are ‘pandering.’ And because they've got bigger dicks.

So... Hopefully that's an insight into the mind of an Alt-Right person. Just think of them as tiny, insecure people who're sexually anxious. Yet also people who've been privileged and boosted up by society despite their shortcomings -- emotional, intellectual, and otherwise.

Normally, I'd never shame someone for having a small penis. The thing is, though? It truly does get to the root of why they are, and it's important to understand this insecurity whenever you find yourself having to deal with them. It puts a feather in your cap, that you can understand why they're behaving this way.

Like I said, it all comes back to that word they use, "cuck."

To use ‘cuck’ is to basically say "I'm insecure of other people because I have a tiny penis, and I believe the stereotypes of other ethnicities naturally having a bigger penis than us whites."

Is that sad? Yes. Is that pathetic? Yes. Is that pitiable? Yes. Is that the defining, driving aspect of the Alt-Right? Also yes.

Why do we even pay attention to them?

It's funny, really. If they had an iota of creativity they'd finally understand Austin Powers' dad. It's not the size, it's how you use it. If they had an iota of creativity, they'd be good enough in bed to make up for whatever deficiencies they feel they have. So, really, a small penis isn't a good reason to feel just as insecure as they do. And yet, that's what it's all about.

In a way, it's 'toxic masculinity' and 'toxic normality' turned back on them. Since it's 'normal' to have a big dick, right?

And... in the end, I sort of feel sorry for them. I mean, I also don't because they do kill people. They are murderers and we can't really ignore that, can we? They are criminals, and they have that killer instinct and willingness to maim and kill those they disagree with. So I can't feel too sorry for them but... I also kind of do?

They're just these manchildren lashing out because of their insecurities, with no creativity to make up for it. They're just turning to lies, deceit, and clumsy manipulation to try and prove to the world that they're so great. And... doesn't it just all come over as over-compensating? It's sad. They're sad.

So, beyond the violence, I don't really think that Polygon needs to ever worry about the Alt-Right. I hope Polygon will always continue to be left leaning, opinionated, inclusive, and as ‘SJW’ as they can be. No matter how insecure it makes some particularly sad, pathetic people feel.

Don't feel too much pity for them, though. As I keep pointing out -- do keep in mind that they are murderers. They're not exactly the most wholesome group. See a Nazi, say Nazi. There's never been any good reason to not make fun of a Nazi. That's exactly what I'm doing here, because it needs to happen. It's a little vindictive and petty, sure, but again... I feel the need to point out they're hardly innocent lambs.

They deserve all of this lambasting, and more.

Plus, their toxic opinions have hurt people I care about, and I like Polygon! So this was very cathartic for me. Again: There has never been a good reason to not make fun of a Nazi.

#alt-right #polygon #sjw #making fun of nazis

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raceandspeculation · 7 years

Text

The Female Body in Alien and Alien 3

Katey Clifford

ENG 3690

22 February 2017

The Female Body in Alien and Alien3

The Alien films take Ellen Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, and throw her into the worst of circumstances, to fight off powerful aliens that never seem to truly die no matter the lengths gone through to destroy the species. These films, especially Alien and Alien3, also read as social commentary on governmental control of women’s reproduction rights, veiled by grotesque and slimy impregnations thrown in amongst the gory battle scenes. We see these modified-pregnancies portrayed in different ways throughout all four films, which end up affecting not just the female characters, but also the male characters in a direct and violating way. Although the alien does not care which sex it impregnates, some of the humans within the films do seem to care, specifically those in the government. In the first film, Alien, directed by Ridley Scott, when it comes to the male Kane and his pregnancy, everyone does whatever it takes to get the alien out of him without harming his body. They take a much gentler approach for his situation, and greatly value his life in most attempts to remove the foreign object. However, when it comes to Alien3, directed by David Fincher, and Ripley’s pregnancy, it is suddenly a different story. The government tries to do everything in their power to keep her alien inside of her risking the lives of everyone around her in the process. Although the alien can see past sex and gender, impregnating anyone on their wrathful warpath, the humans of the film cannot, and are still limiting the rights of the woman and her reproductive body in every way they can, even in the most unusual and unnatural of circumstances. The film thus gives us a radical alternative view on the impossible world of male pregnancies, giving us a glimpse into a world of their reproduction rights, while simultaneously keeping women and their bodies in the dark.

In Alien, the Xenomorph that springs out of its egg and attaches itself around Kane’s neck, forcing itself down his throat, ends up impregnating him. The aftermath of this oral violation is shown to viewers through a CAT scan in a brightly lit room. The crew does everything in their power in order to get the alien off and out of him, even when their actions endanger the crew, even before they know it has impregnated him. They go against Ripley’s orders, let him into the ship, defy quarantine rules, and actively risk everyone’s life by doing so. The male body is put above all else, even above the safety of five other people and an android. Although the alien would just as easily attach itself to Kane as it would to any other being, the crew tries infinitely harder to remove it from his body. In regards to the differences between male and female bodies in all of this, critic Stephen Mulhall writes “The alien species is … an incarnation of masculinity, understood as penetrative sexual violence; but as such, it threatens the human race as a whole with the apparently monstrous fate of feminization, forcing our species to occupy the sexual role (that of being violated, playing host to a parasite, and of facing death in giving birth) that women are imagined to occupy in relation to men” (57). Therefore, the entire species, not just women, are at risk for a certain kind of violation, one that results in a type of pregnancy only a woman could begin to imagine in our world. What the film does is take this idea of unwanted pregnancy and forces it on the man, but tries to give the man a way out, in a way that Ripley is not offered, without ever having to ask. The man is violated, “plays host”, and “faces death in giving birth”, but he still faces it in a different way than a woman would through the overwhelming support of his crew. Although Kane ends up dying too, it is not without effort to keep him alive. We do, however, see the government represented through Ash who suggests it would be best to keep the alien inside of him as it controls his breathing, thus keeping him alive and temporarily saving his body. This only occurred after their failed attempts to remove the alien.

In Alien3 Ripley is not as lucky, and is not received with such compassion of the entire crew at the start of the film. Her violation is revealed through a scan in a brightly lit scene just as Kane, but she must face her heartbreaking news in a conscious state; she must be strong and face what is coming to her head on. She is not pictured with an alien attached to her face as Kane is, but she receives just as much bodily attention as Kane does in the first movie, if not more. Critic Amy Taubin writes about the issue of Ripley’s reproductive rights: “The company wants an alien prototype brought back to earth … the foetus Ripley is carrying. (in other words, no abortion rights for her.) … the body becomes a landscape, obsessively probed and examined with fingers and eyes, penetrated in close-up with needles, knives, and saws” (98). While Kane’s body goes through one scan and one attempt to cut the alien off of him before the alien eventually just slinks off of him all on its own, Ripley does not have that privilege. She does not even know how she was violated; all she knows is that it happened. She must sit in the room as she is told that it looks “horrible”, not know what is going to come next. All on her own like so many woman wishing they could get abortions, she must work continuously to show the all-male YY chromosome crew that she has been forced to bunk with that she is worth something, even though she is a woman that they have all sworn off. She must prove she deserves abortion rights, something Kane did not have to do in the first film. His body too became a landscape to be probed, but even with his mouth and voice completely cut off by the alien penetrating him, he did not have to prove anything to receive help. His life was worth trying to save without having to ask, a privilege Ripley did not have. With her voice armed and ready, she had to fight to prove her worth, and that is exactly what she went on to do.

In Alien3, Ripley truly must fight against everyone, and in the film “everyone” just happens to be all male, in order for them to realize what exactly is at stake in keeping this alien baby inside of her. This is an argument that presents, on a much grander and exaggerated scale, the real power struggle for women to safely be allowed abortions. Pamela Church Gibson writes that the alien is a “manifestation of sexual terrors … tied to the structures of power — the monstrous Other not just of the rapacious “Company” whose covert activities bring it within the ‘human’ sphere of activity, but arguably of patriarchal capitalism itself” (37). Although this film came out in 1992, twenty years after the famous Roe v. Wade court case, it came out in the same year as the Planned Parenthood v. Casey case. With the topic of abortion still a fresh in the minds of the people and still a hotly debated subject at the time, the film takes the issue head on and forces the viewer to look at the most dire of circumstances in which an abortion was necessary, but refused by the government, or “Company” in power. Gibson mentions “patriarchal capitalism” which is especially clear in a world in which we are only allowed to see men surrounding Ripley. Although most of the men end up rallying behind Ripley by the end of the film, as we especially see support from Clemens and Dillon, it is still a difficult battle for Ripley for the majority of the film. Even when Dillon was not on her side, as he said, “You don’t want to know me, lady, I’m a murderer and rapist of women,” Ripley stands strong with unwavering strength as she answers back “Really? Well then I must make you nervous,” as she sits right down at the table amongst all the criminals. By taking her seat in the middle of criminals, she assimilates into the dysfunctional group. She is preparing herself for what is to come: her untimely death in the defiance of the government that wants to force her to carry her baby to term. She becomes a lawbreaker herself by committing a crime admittedly nowhere near comparable to those men she now sits with. Although the film series separates male and female pregnancies, making it harder for the female to receive help in the case of her parasite, the film does not do so in a way that would pin men against women. It very clearly makes it a problem with the government, in which the Company is the one that intervenes and decides whose life is expendable and whose life is not.

These films only allow us a small glimpse into a world where a man is envisioned to be pregnant; they do show the difference in the reactions of those surrounding them. While Kane receives help without having to ask, Ripley has to fight for her life and convince everyone she is worth being saved. Although Ripley’s pregnancy is drawn out much longer over the length of an entire film, and Kane’s is condensed into just a few scenes, we get a taste for the world which puts the safety and health of a man first, even when both sexes are in the same situation. Of course, the government always comes first, as all of these people are expendable, but for a brief moment the Alien films allow us to glimpse into the impossible male-pregnancy, and it does not illuminate any hope for female reproduction in the future. Even the imagined and voiceless male desire for a type of abortion has more of a hope than that strong voice of the trapped Ripley.

Word Count: 1,700

Works Cited

Gibson, Pamela Church. “"You've been in my life so long I can't remember anything else" Into the Labyrinth with Ripley and the Alien.” Keyframes: Popular Cinema and Cultural Studies, Taylor & Francis Ltd, London, United Kingdom, 2001.

Mulhall, Stephen. "In Space, No-one Can Hear You Scream: Acknowledging the Human Voice in the Alien universe." Film as Philosophy. N.p.: Palgrave Macmillan UK, 2005. 57-71. Print.

Taubin, Amy. "The "Alien" trilogy: from feminism to Aids." Women and Film A Sight and Sound Reader (n.d.): 98. Print.

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kateyclifford · 7 years

Text

The Female Body in Alien and Alien 3

Katey Clifford

ENG 3690

22 February 2017

The Female Body in Alien and Alien3

Word Count: 1,700

Works Cited

Mulhall, Stephen. "In Space, No-one Can Hear You Scream: Acknowledging the Human Voice in the Alien universe." Film as Philosophy. N.p.: Palgrave Macmillan UK, 2005. 57-71. Print.

Taubin, Amy. "The "Alien" trilogy: from feminism to Aids." Women and Film A Sight and Sound Reader (n.d.): 98. Print.

0 notes