#NORD WOMEN STAY WINNING

[reformed-ghost]

i feel like we as a fandom don’t appreciate this enough

[news-of-the-day]

9/6/22

Liz Truss beat Rishi Sunak as the Conservative Party leader and is now currently Prime Minister of the UK. Last July former Prime Minister Johnson resigned as party leader after many of his ministers left in droves when several scandals broke, and said he would stay on as prime minister until the next leader was chosen. Upon Truss' win, Johnson left as prime minister.

The UN reached the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and said we're not at meltdown level but it could very well happen given the constant shelling and wants a neutral zone around the plant. The plant has lots its main connection to the grid and is now using the emergency line. Gas remains cut at Nord Stream 1, and Germany is delaying closure of its nuclear plants in anticipation from lack of gas in the future.

Trump was given a "special master" to review the materials the FBI took. This was done at this request, to go over the materials and assure they are as the FBI claims. For example, the FBI says it returned to Trump everything that would be under lawyer-client privilege, and the special master would assure that.

Kenya's Supreme Court dismissed challenges to the presidential election result, making William Ruto the winner. His term will start next week.

After years of wrangling, Chile put a new constitution to vote, and it was overwhelmingly rejected. A few years ago there were massive protests in the streets due to lack of employment and raising prices, and from the political turmoil a new constitution was proposed. What ultimately came out that was a left-leaning document that tried to protect the environment; enshrine women's rights and alleviate gender disparities in power; granted autonomous regions to Native Americans; granted rights to universal healthcare... Chile however is a pretty conservative country, so many people viewed this as too far.

CVS bought Signify Health for $8B, a company that provides house call visits. This is another step CVS is taking to move away from the retail pharmacy model, particularly after it bought insurer Aetna a few years back.

After much back and forth, Israel announced its own investigation into the death last May of the journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Israeli soldiers were accused of killing her and independent reports seemed to concur with that. Israel initially blamed others, but this report admits it's probable the bullet came from an Israeli soldier, but if that were the case it's accidental and no punishment is necessary.

There was a stabbing spree in Canada in thirteen different locations, leaving 10 dead and 18 wounded. Two brothers, Damien and Myles Sanderson, were the suspects. Damien was later found dead, and the other is still on the run.

A 6.8-earthquake hit China, killing 66.

A bomb hit a supply convoy in Burkina Faso, killing at least 35. Jihadist militants have been attacking the area for months.

A former NYPD officer was given ten years for his involvement in the January 6th riot, the longest sentence thus far.

1) BBC 2) Axios, CNN, CNBC, WSJ 3) CNN 4) Voice of America 5) NYT 6) WSJ 7) NPR 8) Globe and Mail 9) Reuters 10) Africa News 11) NYT

[pashterlengkap]

Right-wingers freak out because Miss France has “woke” short hair

Look up the original definition of “woke” circa 2020 and you’ll find “alert to racial prejudice, discrimination and white supremacy.” Now, for muckraking tabloids and probably Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R), “woke” apparently just means “short hair.” Related: Far-right Republicans are now calling Mike Johnson “woke” over LGBTQ+ military provisions Mike Johnson’s views are extreme, but some Republicans don’t think he’s extreme enough. The newest definition comes in the wake of 20-year-old Eve Gilles taking the title of Miss France last Saturday night. The French beauty representing Nord-Pas-de-Calais snatched the crown sporting a pixie cut straight out of a 1990s supermodel lookbook. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our daily newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Promotions (occasional) * Week in Good News (one on the Weekend) * Week in Review (one on the Weekend) * Daily Brief (one each weekday) * Sign Up It was the first win for a Miss France contestant with short hair in the competition’s 103-year history. Eve Gilles, a woman with short hair wins miss france and the tabloids get angry saying the judges have gone ‘woke’ as her hair isn’t long. i feel they’ve gone with a fabulous 80/90 vibe and a look that is strikingly different from the other woman. #MissFrance pic.twitter.com/ho9AcKTPzR— emma woodcock (@Green_Yogi) December 18, 2023 “We’re used to seeing beautiful Misses with long hair, but I chose an androgynous look with short hair,” explained Gilles after the contest. It was a win for “diversity”, she said, adding that “no one should dictate who you are.” The model-thin beauty queen, who grew up wanting to be an equestrian, shared during the contest, “I would like to show that the competition is evolving and society, too. That the representation of women is diverse. In my opinion, beauty is not limited to a haircut or shapes that we have — or not.” “Every woman is different,” she added. “We are all unique.” But not according to the right-wing outrage machine ginning up a controversy that doesn’t really exist. Leading the charge: the UK’s far right-leaning Daily Mail. “Critics said the kind of long hair favored by previous winners – and Gallic female icons such as Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve – would have been far more appropriate than a short pixie bob,” snarked the British tabloid, without quoting those critics in particular. The Franco-phobic Telegraph jumped on the scrum as well, describing Miss France as “boyish” and “androgynous”. And according to more than one post on Elon Musk’s X, Gilles’s triumph for “diversity” is just another rigged result of the left’s obsession with “woke”. “Miss France is no longer a beauty contest but a woke contest which is based on inclusiveness,” read one tired take. “We don’t care about her haircut, but the androgynous body is obviously there to serve as woke,” read another. It was left to French-American actress Beatrice Rosen of 2012 fame, and no “woke” fan herself, to disarm fellow right-wing critics with a spirited defense of Gilles. “I understand that there is a real element fed up with the wokism that they are trying to make us swallow 24/7, BUT, in the same way that we can criticize a religion but NOT the faithful, I find the sometimes nasty criticisms regarding Eve unfair and counterproductive.  “Attacking the physical is an attack below the belt, and putting the weight of the total ideological criticism of Wokism on a young woman of 20 is unfair. “This young woman is pretty, and feminine ‘despite’ her short hair. I was and still am an admirer of the singular beauty of Audrey Hepburn, Linda Evangelista, or Jean Seberg, all 3 very thin with short hair, and who nevertheless are female icons who have been adored in the whole world.” Bravo à Ève Gilles pour son élection à Miss France 2024. J'ai lu les critiques et voici mon… http://dlvr.it/T0ZVJ1

[jadespeedster17]

Song of the Dragonborn- Chapter 3: The Companions 

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Thomas wanted to hide in on himself more than anything else, him, dragonborn!? And to head out to these graybeards? He shook his head, it sounded crazy, it was downright dizzying to think about. Capable as he was, he wasn’t a hero! Thomas bit his lower lip, sure he could fight alright, but he only got lucky with that dragon. How was he suppose to be anything more than just a guy on his way to Solitude. 

He supposed he could just head to Solitude and put this whole thing behind him. But, something twisted in his gut at that. The thought of Helgan, of all those people. Thomas shook his head again, if he was to make this journey he wanted to be ready. He wasn’t hiding, just training.  His eyes gazed from the bridge to the upside down boat of what was known as the Companions. Mayhaps? Taking a breath he made his way down the stairs heading over the bridges to the area. He gazed up at the building, taking a breath as he walked up and inside into the comfortable air inside. The scent of food made his mouth water, he hadn’t ate much on his travels but he shook his head trying not to think about it.

To his left he watched two people get into a fist fight, and felt very awkward. As he watched someone tapped his shoulder, he turned to see a women, long red hair and war paint on her face. She was clearly nord by her features, but she also looked very capable.  “New blood eh?” she asked with her arms crossed at him, as if judging him. Her eyes looking him up and down.

Thomas shifted a bit, “Er, yes.” he said finding his confidence again, as he met her gaze evenly. She laughed a bit at that, “Bravery, good, you’ll need it here. I’ll take you to Kodlak, he’ll see about you.” she told him with a wolfish grin on her face. 

Nodding to her, Thomas followed quietly after her and away from the large group around the table into the lower parts. She walked with her head high and shoulders back, intimidating to say the least. Thomas mostly just liked to stay low and not say much.  They neared a door at the far end, “He’s in there, we’ll see if he proclaims you new-blood?” she said looking him up and down before turning and leaving. 

Giving her a strange look as she left, Thomas entered the room, lingering in the back as he heard two people having a conversation. He only really caught bits and pieces of it, trying not to eavesdrop. Something about ‘call of the blood’ and ‘not everyone is happy’ or at least that’s what it sounds like. 

“Ah a stranger comes to our halls!” Thomas looked up to see a man with long white and gray hair in heavy armor with wolves on it. His beard was neatly tied as his eyes gazed into his very being. 

Straightening up, “Hello, my name is Thomas.” he said politely, “I’m here to join The Companions.” he said with as much confidence as he could muster. From what he saw with that nord women they valued bravery and confidence. But, he was also taught to respect elders. While Thomas didn’t think everyone of old age was deserving of respect, he could just sense this man, Kodlak clearly, was one who deserved it. 

“Would you now?” Kodlak hummed at him hand stroking his beard as he gazed at Thomas up and down much like how the red head did. He then nodded slowly, “Yes, perhaps, a certain strength of spirit.” The man he was talking to huffed in disbelief. “Now you can’t be serious Kodlak, I’ve never even heard of this man.”

Kodlak waved his hand, “It matters not Vilkas. Some come here to seek their Fame. Some men and women come just for the thrill of the fight. Others just are famous and wish to join. It matters not, so long as his blade arm is strong and his heart is true.” he commented calmly then turned to Thomas, “Tell me boy, how good is your arm?” he asked.

Thomas shifted a bit at that, “I have alot to learn, sir.” he admits quietly to him. “It’s why I seek to join.” Kodlak nodded to that with a pleased smile, “Good good, you will learn well then so long as you keep your head on a swivel and eyes to Sovenguard.” he promised looking to Vilkas, “Vilkas, why not test out this new-blood. See where we can place him to train with one of the higher members.” he suggested to the man with deep amber eyes and shaggy black hair.

With a nod and hum of confirmation he got up and motioned with his chin for Thomas to follow. Giving a look at that as Kodlak just nodded to him, Thomas turned and followed quietly. Vilkas seemed like a quiet type, didn’t speak as they walked out just giving nods to anyone they passed. And out they went to the courtyard. Thomas felt eyes on him as they got to the yard out back. 

“So the old man wants me to test you, see where you’ll stand for training with us to become a Companion.” Vilkas huffed at that, gazing at Thomas “Two-handed it seems, duel weapons.” he nodded pulling out a shield and sword. “Alright then, let’s see, take a few swings at me. Don’t worry, I can take it.” he chuckled at Thomas, there was no taunting, just a statement.

Thomas nods sobering up, he wouldn’t be meek, this was nothing compared to a dragon after all. Pulling out his weapons, he gripped his leather handles, the weight of them in his hands. And then he lashed out. Vilkas moved fast, but Thomas remained on edge. He turned from the shield that almost bashed his arm, catching it with his blade as the ring of metal was heard. Vilkas laughed at that, as Thomas skidded back and they ran at each other again. Thomas grunted at the force that hit him, but he dug in his feet as Vilkas tried to push him back. The sword reared back, Thomas gazed up then turned sharply as it barely missed his shoulder. He moved his blade down and caught the blade under his. The other holding the shield with the other blade as they held there.

Gazing at him and then grinning, Thomas’s eyes widen as Vilkas moved his foot and knocked Thomas down. The blade at his neck, he gazed up as Vilkas laughed. “Well new-blood you fight well, a bit sloppy on form, but you have fire. You’re still a whelp though, so just do as we tell you.” he mused with a grin, showing sharp teeth. “Here, run a few tasks to cool off from our sparing session.” he handed Thomas his hand, helping him up, then handed him a sword. “Tell Eorlund, at the Sky Forge, it needs sharpen.”

Panting a bit and nodding, Thomas got his sword putting them away in their sheaths. Vilkas nodded patting Thomas’s shoulder firmly before heading to set down for a bit.  Thomas turned and near flushed at the crowd that had gathered to watch their small sparing session. Taking a breath he turned away and walked up to what he knew to be Sky Forge now, trying to ignore the rush in his blood to fight again. That was normal, ever since he was little, the rush to fight and to win. His dad said he had a warriors spirit, but Thomas wasn’t sure that was it. 

Climbing up the stairs, the sun high in the sky, Thomas saw a man working the metal at the forge. Brows creased in concentration and eyes narrowed as the hammer strikes the hot metal. Then, as if sensing him, they turned to him and hum. “What brings you here?” he asked, his muscles flexing as he struck the metal again.  Thomas felt even more awkward about social interaction, “Well, Vilkas gave me his sword to bring to you.” he said holding it out.

Eorlund nodded to that as he took it, “Newcommer then?” he asked with a knowing look at him. Thomas just nodded feeling small inside, this was a bad idea. “Eh, don’t worry about it. They all were whelps once, they just don’t like to talk about it.” he told Thomas clasping his shoulder in a encouraging way. “If Kodlak says you have heart, then I’ll trust his judgement.”

“Thank you.” Thomas felt like some weight was off his shoulders, like Kodlak, Eorlund gave off a wise vibe, but capable in a fight. “Not sure really why I thought to join, figured if I am to make it in Skyrim I’ll need to be better at fighting.”

The blacksmith nodded, “A wise thought, your blade is the only think that stand between you and your enemy. Remember boy, nothing here will show mercy to you, so you shouldn’t either. Between creatures in the forests and people who’d slit your throat for a quick buck, you need to be ready.” he grunted out to Thomas as he treating the blade. “You’ll learn much here, and soon have songs sung about you.” he joked lightly at the last part.

Thomas felt himself smile a bit at that, Eorlund gave him a look. “Remember this though son, every man here is his own, and every women her own. No body rules a Companion. Kodlak is in charge, but a true leader, hasn’t been seen this Ysgamor.” he told Thomas in his gruff tones.

Turning to his blade to be cooled, Thomas watched for a long moment, Eorlund then grunted making him jump. “Interested in blacksmithing?” he asked knowingly with a side eyes. “Er well... yeah kind of.” Thomas admits to him sheepishly. Eorlund huffed, “Be firm with your words.” he said sharply to him, “But, here’s a deal for you. My wife is in grieving, I should be getting back to her. But, I have to finish Aela’s shield. Come back here when the sun is near the right of the city, and if you can deliver it for her, I’ll teach you smithing.” he offer to him.

Thomas blinked at that then nodded, “I can do that sir.”  Eorlund snorted, “Sir? Formal of you, just call me Eorlund or, if you want to be formal, Gray-mane is fine.” he told him. “For now, get to know the city, you look clueless walking about.”

Flushing, was it that obvious? But nodding, he left, walking down the stairs and frowned to himself. Get to know the city? Well, he was Thane now, at least only few knew of that, so he supposed he should. Patton did say to hit him up for a tour if he wanted it. So, he supposed first place to find him would be at the Warmaidens. Walking to the area on the path he always took. Walking up to see  Adrianne working, she looked at him and gave a kind smile. “Well it’s good to see you again, I see your quest is complete.” she laughed heartily, “What do you need my friend?” she asked.

“I was looking for Patton, seeing if he could show me around the city.” Thomas said, feeling more at ease as he knew of her better than most here.  Adrianne nodded to that, “He’s just inside, and I’m sure he’ll love to.” she told Thomas looking at him. “Thomas.” he looked at her before walking in. “I need to ask a favor of you.”

Frowning in thought he walked over to her from the doorway. “You see,” she started. “This is the first time I’ve seen Patton really take to liking a newcommer, sure he’s friendly, but he’s also a very wary person of new people. Took me and my husband a year to get him to open up to us about his past. However, he’s asked around about you to the guards. And, I ask of you this, be a good friend to that boy. He needs someone to rely on in this world.” she told him firmly.

Thomas blinked at that in shock, before smiling at her. “I will certainly try.” he promised. Adrianne nodded, “Good, just keep in mind, you hurt him and my husband and I will have your head.” she said seriously. Thomas looked worried at that with a strained and worried smile. 

“You both really care about him.” Thomas said with a nervous laugh. Sighing heavily, she nodded to that looking wistful. “We’ve always wanted a child. But, taking a blow to the stomach, though healed, didn’t help my chances.” she admits in a sad tone. “The boy came here, lost, confused, and wanting to learn. It wasn’t a challenge, my husband took a shining to him as much as I did. We can only hope to ready him for the world of being a merchant. This was 3 years ago.” she told Thomas.

He gazed at her for a long moment as she smiled, “Why am i telling you this? Because I think you’ll be a good influence on him, provided by husband is right about you.” she chuckled shaking her head. “You best head inside before you miss him.” Nodding, and saying his thanks, he walked inside to find Patton stocking things on shelves. Patton turned to speak but then beamed, “Thomas!” he said happily to him bouncing over. “What you need, the sword doing you well?” he asked.

Thomas smiled brightly, “Yup, I’ve joined the Companions.” he said to him. Patton’s eyes sparkled at that, “Really, that’s great!”

“More than great, Patton, I pegged you for a warrior when you walked in that day.” Ulfberth laughed as he came in with some shields setting them out on the tables. “To run with the Companions is a honorable path.” he told Thomas with a pleased nod. “I’m sure, still learning though and I have freetime.” Thomas turned to Patton, “As I’m a bit unsure, care to show me around the city?” he asked.

Patton smiled looking to Ulfberth, who chuckled, “Go on, I should be good here. Be back by dinner though.” he tells him, giving to them half a loaf of bread to snack on. Patton waved to him smiling happily as he pulled Thomas outside.

“I’ll be back before sundown Adrianne!” he said quickly as she beamed waving to them before going back to work. Patton pulled Thomas forward to an unknown area he hadn’t been in. “This is the City’s Wind Distract, most people live here and near the Cloud Distract, where Jorrvaskr is The Compainons, is the Underkeep, where the dead are housed.” Patton explained happily as he pulled Thomas along pointing out houses and who lives there and a bit of history.

Thomas was smiling as he listened to Patton talk taking up to the market place next as he waved to some of the stales. As they neared one though, with a older women who was talking to two men who were heckling her about her son. “Well we know where he is, he’s a prisoner in my cellar.” one sneered at her, “Face it old women, you’re son is dead, died a traitor to the Empire!” he said.

Something burned him as he near snarled. He walked over to them, eyes cold as Patton stared in shock and worry at that. “While I don’t have a stake in the war,” he began, “it gives one no right to bully the elderly.” he said getting near them with a cold look. They turned to him, “Oh? And what do you care? Another Stormcloak?” the older man asked with a sneer at Thomas.

“I’m just a man getting by, as much as any other in these times.” Thomas crossed his arms, mimicking Vilkas’s posture he saw. “And I don’t think your ancestors would take well to knowing that you spend your time picking on those older than you and wiser at that.” Opening his mouth to retort, but then snapping it closed. Something about this boy felt... strong, as if he was staring at the maws of a mighty dragon. Instead he scoffed, “Whatever boy, mind you tongue or it’ll be cut off.” he jeered before stalking off with his partner.

Thomas watched them leave, most had been staring at them, but some were nodding at Thomas’s words. Something in him gave a pleased hum to see the weak ones run. He then smiled and relaxed turning to the lady behind the stall. “Sorry about that Ma’ma, I don’t like people who bully others, regardless of their status.” he said to her looking at the jewelry she had on display.

Her wary face smiled at him, “Thank you young man, good to see Skyrim still has fine people in it.” she then sighed. “It’s not the first time this has happened to me though “Call me Fralia, I have seen you around here.” she mused to him then smiled brightly. “Ah Patton, showing this nice man around?” she asked.

Patton, once over his shock of Thomas standing up to a Battle-born, “Yes Fralia, this is Thomas.” he said with a smile.  “Well be sure to come back and chat, I do enjoy company.” she said to him with a smile as Thomas nodded waving to her as Patton pulled him along.

“Woah, you’re fearless!” Patton said once away. Thomas gave him a look, “How so?” he asks curiously to that. “You stood up to the Battle-borns, only few do so. They are powerful, money, and were here when Whiterun was founded.” Patton tells him softly.

For a moment, dread pooled in Thomas’s gut, but he pushed it down. “Regardless Patton, it still gives no right to treat people like that.” he tells him. Patton then nodded to that, “Very true, but not many would say it out loud. Many here, even those on the Empire side, dislike their way of bullying people. The Gray-manes, though at odds with them, I haven’t ever seen them start the fights.” he mused.

Nodding to that as they came near the tree, Patton looked upset again. “Something wrong?” Thomas asked him worriedly. “Ah, nothing.” Patton said with a wave of his hand, Thomas gave him a pointed look as Patton shifted “Well... this tree didn’t always look like this, when I came here it was very alive.” he said sadly.

“Shame isn’t it.” Thomas turned to see a healer prestress walk to them. “Hello Patton, showing the new guy around? Rumors already spread about him.” she said with a soft smile.

Patton smiled, “Thomas, this is Diancie Pure-Spring, she is a prestress of Kynareth and taught me how to better my healing magic.” Diancie laughed at that lightly, “Please Patton, you have Kynareth’s blessing with you, she has a path for you for sure.” she smiled at Thomas. “I noticed you asking about Gildergreen here.”

Thomas nodded as she sighed sadly, “Sadly we don’t know why it is dying, possibly she is too far from her mother, Eldergleam.” she told him sadly, “Many used to come here, but a dead tree isn’t really a sign of healing, huh?”

He frowns at that, “I suppose not, any way to save it?” he asks worriedly, knowing many people held religion close in this area of the empire.  “Sadly, unless we find sap from the original tree, it’s hopeless. And Eldergleam isn’t easy to reach, only one blade could do such a thing. But... hagravens own it.” she shivered a bit in fear and disgust.

She then waved her hand, “Worry not, I’m sure Kynareth will show us what to do.” she tells them then turns, “I best head back, come by some time again Patton, many of the wounded have asked about you. You seem to brighten their day.” Diancie smiled at him as Patton nods before taking her leave.

Thomas then looked up, “I best head back, Eorlund wants me to take a shield to Aela.” he tells Patton. The other nods with a bright smile, that doesn’t quiet reach his eyes. “Sure thing Thomas, see you soon.” he says. Thomas walks off but notices Patton looking at the tree sadly.

He hoped his new friend would be alright.

TAGS:

@5-falsehoods-phonated

[saint-hildegard-of-bingen]

If you love our country, please read this article, and continue to work to save our democracy. And stay hopeful!

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The despair felt by climate scientists and environmentalists watching helplessly as something precious and irreplaceable is destroyed is sometimes described as “climate grief.” Those who pay close attention to the ecological calamity that civilization is inflicting upon itself frequently describe feelings of rage, anxiety and bottomless loss, all of which are amplified by the right’s willful denial. The young activist Greta Thunberg, Time magazine’s 2019 Person of the Year, has described falling into a deep depressionafter grasping the ramifications of climate change and the utter refusal of people in power to rise to the occasion: “If burning fossil fuels was so bad that it threatened our very existence, how could we just continue like before?”

Lately, I think I’m experiencing democracy grief. For anyone who was, like me, born after the civil rights movement finally made democracy in America real, liberal democracy has always been part of the climate, as easy to take for granted as clean air or the changing of the seasons. When I contemplate the sort of illiberal oligarchy that would await my children should Donald Trump win another term, the scale of the loss feels so vast that I can barely process it.

After Trump’s election, a number of historians and political scientists rushed out with books explaining, as one title put it, “How Democracies Die.” In the years since, it’s breathtaking how much is dead already. Though the president will almost certainly be impeached for extorting Ukraine to aid his re-election, he is equally certain to be acquitted in the Senate, a tacit confirmation that he is, indeed, above the law. His attorney general is a shameless partisan enforcer. Professional civil servants are purged, replaced by apparatchiks. The courts are filling up with young, hard-right ideologues. One recently confirmed judge, 40-year-old Steven Menashi, has written approvingly of ethnonationalism.

In “How Democracies Die,” Professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt of Harvard describe how, in failing democracies, “the referees of the democratic game were brought over to the government’s side, providing the incumbent with both a shield against constitutional challenges and a powerful — and ‘legal’ — weapon with which to assault its opponents.” This is happening before our eyes.

The entire Trump presidency has been marked, for many of us who are part of the plurality that despises it, by anxiety and anger. But lately I’ve noticed, and not just in myself, a demoralizing degree of fear, even depression. You can see it online, in the self-protective cynicism of liberals announcing on Twitter that Trump is going to win re-election. In The Washington Post, Michael Gerson, a former speechwriter for George W. Bush and a Never Trump conservative, described his spiritual struggle against feelings of political desperation: “Sustaining this type of distressed uncertainty for long periods, I can attest, is like putting arsenic in your saltshaker.”

I reached out to a number of therapists, who said they’re seeing this politically induced misery in their patients. Three years ago, said Karen Starr, a psychologist who practices in Manhattan and on Long Island, some of her patients were “in a state of alarm,” but that’s changed into “more of a chronic feeling that’s bordering on despair.” Among those most affected, she said, are the Holocaust survivors she sees. “It’s about this general feeling that the institutions that we rely on to protect us from a dangerous individual might fail,” she said.

Kimberly Grocher, a psychotherapist who works in both New York and South Florida, and whose clients are primarily women of color, told me that during her sessions, the political situation “is always in the room. It’s always in the room.” Trump, she said, has made bigotry more open and acceptable, something her patients feel in their daily lives. “When you’re dealing with people of color’s mental health, systemic racism is a big part of that,” she said.

In April 2017, I traveled to suburban Atlanta to cover the special election in the Sixth Congressional District. Meeting women there who had been shocked by Trump’s election into ceaseless political action made me optimistic for the first time that year. These women were ultimately the reason that the district, once represented by Newt Gingrich, is now represented by a Democrat, Lucy McBath. Recently, I got back in touch with a woman I’d met there, an army veteran and mother of three named Katie Landsman. She was in a dark place.

“It’s like watching someone you love die of a wasting disease,” she said, speaking of our country. “Each day, you still have that little hope no matter what happens, you’re always going to have that little hope that everything’s going to turn out O.K., but every day it seems like we get hit by something else.” Some mornings, she said, it’s hard to get out of bed. “It doesn’t feel like depression,” she said. “It really does feel more like grief.”

Obviously, this is hardly the first time that America has failed to live up to its ideals. But the ideals themselves used to be a nearly universal lodestar. The civil rights movement, and freedom movements that came after it, succeeded because the country could be shamed by the distance between its democratic promises and its reality. That is no longer true.

Democrats and anti-Trump Republicans are often incredulous seeing the party of Ronald Reagan allied with Vladimir Putin’s Russia, but the truth is, there’s no reason they should be in conflict. The enmity between America and Russia was ideological. First it was liberal democracy versus communism. Then it was liberal democracy versus authoritarian kleptocracy.

But Trump’s political movement is pro-authoritarian and pro-oligarch. It has no interest in preserving pluralism, free and fair elections or any version of the rule of law that applies to the powerful as well as the powerless. It’s contemptuous of the notion of America as a lofty idea rather than a blood-and-soil nation. Russia, which has long wanted to prove that liberal democracy is a hypocritical sham, is the natural friend of the Trumpist Republican Party, just as it’s an ally and benefactor of the far right Rassemblement National in France and the Lega Nord in Italy.

The nemeses of the Trumpist movement are liberals — in both the classical and American sense of the world — not America’s traditional geopolitical foes. This is something new in our lifetime. Despite right-wing persecution fantasies about Barack Obama, we’ve never before had a president who treats half the country like enemies, subjecting them to an unending barrage of dehumanization and hostile propaganda. Opponents in a liberal political system share at least some overlapping language. They have some shared values to orient debates. With those things gone, words lose their meaning and political exchange becomes impossible and irrelevant.

Thus we have a total breakdown in epistemological solidarity. In the impeachment committee hearings, Republicans insist with straight faces that Trump was deeply concerned about corruption in Ukraine. Republican senators like Ted Cruz of Texas, who is smart enough to know better, repeat Russian propaganda accusing Ukraine of interfering in the 2016 election. The Department of Justice’s inspector general’s report refutes years of Republican deep state conspiracy theories about an F.B.I. plot to subvert Trump’s campaign, and it makes no difference whatsoever to the promoters of those theories, who pronounce themselves totally vindicated.

To those who recognize the Trump administration’s official lies as such, the scale of dishonesty can be destabilizing. It’s a psychic tax on the population, who must parse an avalanche of untruths to understand current events. “What’s going on in the government is so extreme, that people who have no history of overwhelming psychological trauma still feel crazed by this,” said Stephanie Engel, a psychiatrist in Cambridge, Mass., who said Trump comes up “very frequently” in her sessions.

Like several therapists I spoke to, Engel said she’s had to rethink how she practices, because she has no clinical distance from the things that are terrifying her patients. “If we continue to present a facade — that we know how to manage this ourselves, and we’re not worried about our grandchildren, or we’re not worried about how we’re going to live our lives if he wins the next election — we’re not doing our patients a service,” she said.

This kind of political suffering is uncomfortable to write about, because liberal misery is the raison d’être of the MAGA movement. When Trumpists mock their enemies for being “triggered,” it’s just a quasi-adult version of the playground bully’s jeer: “What are you going to do, cry?” Anyone who has ever been bullied knows how important it is, at that moment, to choke back tears. In truth, there are few bigger snowflakes than the stars of MAGA world. The Trumpist pundit Dan Bongino is currently suing The Daily Beast for $15 million, saying it inflicted “emotional distress and trauma, insult, anguish,” for writing that NRATV, the National Rifle Association’s now defunct online media arm, had “dropped” him when the show he hosted ended. Still, a movement fueled by sadism will delight in admissions that it has caused pain.

But despair is worth discussing, because it’s something that organizers and Democratic candidates should be addressing head on. Left to fester, it can lead to apathy and withdrawal. Channeled properly, it can fuel an uprising. I was relieved to hear that despite her sometimes overwhelming sense of civic sadness, Landsman’s activism hasn’t let up. She’s been spending a bit less than 20 hours a week on political organizing, and expects to go back to 40 or more after the holidays. “The only other option is to quit and accept it, and I’m not ready to go there yet,” she said. Democracy grief isn’t like regular grief. Acceptance isn’t how you move on from it. Acceptance is itself a kind of death.

[welcometoitalia]

21 Cultural Pointers about Life in Italy

1) TIME: Kick off your shoes, throw away your watch... everything is relative. Whilst much has improved in recent years, trains, buses and people tend to work on an "approximate" timetable. Learn patience and go with the flow.

2) LANGUAGE: Other than in Northern Europe, English is not as widely learnt and used in Italy. Until recently, French was promoted above English. Italians suffer from a sort of language inferiority complex so that even those who do speak good English are convinced that they do not and therefore only speak when absolutely necessary. A common mistake in listening to an Italian speaking his mother tongue is to assume that they are angry or excited. This is not always the case as you may witness in seeing two Italians "argue" and then kiss each other on both cheeks and disappear for an Aperitivo (pre-dinner drink).

3) NATIONALISM: As reflected in regional dialects, modern Italy was actually only unified in the mid 1800's. Still today, great divisions exist between North and South. This means that culture, traditions and life style vary significantly between the various provinces. True allegiance is to the local town or province and less to Italy as a whole. If you want to compliment an Italian, remark kindly on his home town.

4) POLITICS: Often called "the Politics of Favors", politicians don't fade away, they just become prime minister for the 10th time! Bringing down Government is a national pastime, averaging nearly one government for every year since World War 2. Reflecting the national divide, Italy has a strong ex-communist and a strong ex-fascist block. Most Italians believe the country is successful despite the best efforts of the government; tax avoidance is another national obsession. One of Italy's stronger parties is dedicated to the break up of Italy. Lega Nord (Free the North) has a passionate following - in the north! To mis-quote Beppe Grillo, a famous Italian commentator: “One Italian makes a Latin lover, two together can never agree, whilst three make up four political parties.”

5) DRINK: Italian bars often double up as coffee shops as there is a much more limited drinking culture than in other European locales. Italians on the whole do not have a "drinking culture"; many bars reflect this less intense relationship with alcohol, although the club scene is more "traditional" in its appeal. Wine is often less expensive than bottled water and whilst a staple feature of Italian meals, it is very rarely drunk to excess.

6) FAMILIES: Careful of stereotypes but, whilst waning, the family is central to everything and all. It is normal for unmarried children to live at home, even if they are in their 30's and 40's. Children move away... to the house next door! ;) ... and shouting between balconies to borrow some sugar is common. The grandmother plays the role of matriarch and family members like to turn up for a meal and are gladly received.

7) RELIGION: Catholic, of course (about 90%). Strangely though, Italy now has one of the lowest birth rates in Europe, So called Mafia bosses may fastidiously attend church on Sunday and married Catholic men may happily have an “amante” (lover). Many Catholics are uncertain if they are Christians as well as Catholic, such is the hold and “brand” strength of the Catholic church. Church attendances are, however, in decline and the number of new priests has declined by 85% in the last 50 years.

8) SPORT: One thing all Italians agree on is the national football/soccer team, often referred to as Italy's "true" religion. When Italy won the World Cup, people took to the streets in their cars, blowing horns, standing on car roofs and the entire nations transport system ground to a halt for hours as Italians demonstrated their passion for the game. Other sports take a back seat although cycling, volleyball, skiing and Formula One have their place on the front pages. One of the largest selling national newspapers is entirely dedicated to sport (LaGazetta dello sport).

9) WORLD AFFAIRS: Not our affair... so who cares, right? 

10) FOREIGNERS: In most cases are greeted with enthusiasm and delight, although heavy non-European immigration has started to create phobia and resentment of the non European invasion in recent years.

11) FOOD: Italians are passionate about... Italian food! So much so that even when abroad, many Italians will go out of their way to seek out the nearest Italian restaurant. Each region of Italy has its own "local dish" and each dish may be prepared in a different way according to local custom. A wedding meal may last more than 6 hours and feature up to 20 courses. Such is the strength of Italian food that finding a Chinese, Mexican, or other type of restaurant outside the big towns is a challenge.

12) DRIVING: The Italian zest for life is well reflected in the Italian driving style! Cars are viewed as a status symbol; Italy has one of the highest percentages of Mercedes owners in the world. Speed limits, like train schedules, are considered approximations. Recent clamp downs and a new point system is beginning to dampen this zest and the best advise for foreign drivers is not to panic if a car cuts in, speeds by, or tailgates you. Don't worry, they have had lots of practice and are very good at it!

13) QUEING: Or lines. Until recently, the concept was an enigma for Italians. The advent of supermarket deli ticket lines and other such devices are being readily adopted and even when no line exists, Italians appear to have an uncanny sense of when it's their turn.

14) GREETING: Even vaguely familiar acquaintances will kiss each other on each cheek, but a hand shake will suffice. “Buongiorno” (formal) and “Ciao” (informal) being the classic accompaniment, followed by "come stai?" - the (informal) “how are you?”. In English-speaking countries, it's normal to reply "fine, thank you" even if you feel awful, in Italy they may well tell you how they actually are! Failure to greet or say goodbye to somebody can be taken as an insult.

15) FASHION: Italians will generally conform to the latest fashion trends, colors and styles, indeed foreigners can easily be spotted, even in a crowd, as they often do not conform to this hidden code. Italians take pride in their dress and are much more brand-conscious than some other nationalities.

16) BUSINESS: Italians prefer to do business with those they know and trust (hence, the relatively low success of Internet companies). Unlike some other industrialized powers, the back bone of the Italian economy is based on people, not multinationals. This is reflected in the proportionally high level of family businesses. Even large Italian businesses are often originated, directed or owned by a family (Benetton, Fiat etc). The local family shop concept still prevails, even though supermarkets are beginning to change the fabric of shopping.

17) PLANNING: Whilst many Northern Europeans are busy planning their next summer holiday in September the year before, summer holiday catalogs in Italy are not even printed till March! Planning ahead is considered restrictive and often Italians will decide what to do for the weekend on Saturday morning. Don't try and force Italians to plan, or expect next seasons bus timetable to be published months before. 

18) EUROPEAN: Italy is a great believer in “voting European”, agreeing to many issues and then simply not implementing the directive. Italians themselves see Europe as an escape clause from their own government's perceived incompetence and corruption, however when put to the test, Italians in reality dislike anybody who tells them how to live their lives. Most Italians were enthusiastic about the Euro, until they found that most shop keepers used it to increase prices twofold.

19) HUMOR: Warning: “Sarcasm is not defined”. Do not try sarcastic or ironic jokes on Italians, many will think you are serious. Humor is a lot more lighthearted and obvious (Benny Hill was a big hit) and Italians are not afraid to make fun of themselves. The famous Oscar-winning actor and comic Roberto Benigni once remarked: “If the Berlin wall had been built by Italians, it would have come down on its own.” The prime-time nightly comedy program “Striscia la Notizia” goes out of its way to poke holes and find humor in Italian news and politics. Few Italian comedies work well when translated but have an avid following in Italy itself.

20) TELEVISION: Italians love game shows and reality TV (Big Brother is a yearly event). Like Italian fashion, brand names are important. The host's "brand" is critical and what he or she wears is critically examined. Nearly all shows feature "dancers or assistents", nearly always women, and nearly always clad in mini skirts and revealing tops. Where other countries would cry foul, Italians revel in the female form and are happy to have it presented to them as often as possible, even when totally irrelevant to the show.

21) HOTELS: Contrary to popular belief there is no unified star rating system in Europe. Each country provides its own system. A hotel's ambience is not assessed in any system, only facilities. In Italy, a 3-star hotel will have a restaurant, on-suite bathroom, bar, and lounge area. Room sizes in Italy are below the European average, mainly because many hotels are converted residences. Most hotels are family-run with attentive, very friendly service and homecooked meals. It is not unusual for the grandparents to take over responsibilites when the owner is away or to be greeted during school holidays by the 14 year old son (who probably speaks better English than the parents). This family atmosphere is one of the charms of smaller Italian hotels.

Oh, and one last warning: be careful of the stereotypes. Whilst you can always draw a thread (or even a rope) of similarity (as above) between the nationals of a country, the extent and size of the thread can vary.

Edited and adjusted from an article by A. Reed, a Brit in Brescia, Italy

[ms-katonic-of-tamriel]

The Elder Cicero

Spoilers for latest AoD chapter, which is on Ao3 and FFnet right now.

Deepest deepest irony.  Cicero the Elder?

Heterosexual.  Totally and utterly heterosexual.  To the extent that when our Cicero ends up chatting about matters romantic, post-Tranquil cure back in Skyhold, and has established his uncle’s type in women is pretty elves with lovely singing voices, proceeds to ask what his type in men is, and is met with a blank look.

“Type in... men?”

“Yes, Uncle, yes, your type in men!  Big burly ones, short cute ones, chubby ones, brooding ones, older, younger, Redguard, elven, Orc, Nord, what?”

“... Neposito, you are going to need to elaborate.  I’m still not sure what you mean.”

“Oh, you know!  What type do you find attractive?  I tend to go for big strong ones who can pick me up.  Or frighteningly ruthless ones like the Reach-King.  Er, not that I have been intimate with the Reach-King, of course.  Eola says I am not allowed.  Reach-King also says I am not allowed.”

“I should hope not, he’s your married father-in-law, isn’t he?  But that must mean... oh.  You are... interested in men as well as women?  I... see.”

“Well, yes, most people are, aren’t they?  I mean, some of my former lovers didn’t really fall into either of those categories, but most did.  What about you, the same is true for you, is it... not?”

“... Neposito, I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to bed a man in my life.”

“... oh.  What, never?  Not at all???  What about Alistair.  Cullen!  Dorian!  They’re attractive!  Although do not tell Dorian I said that, we will never hear the end of it.”

“Dorian wears too much make up and not enough clothing.  Cullen by contrast needs to not wear his armour like it is welded on.  Alistair... he is nice to look at, but I have no desire to do more.  He has been nothing but kind, and I have all the time in the world for a friend of Leliana’s, but I do not wish to bed him.”

“What about Borkul.  Or Varric!  All that chest hair, don’t you ever want to just rub your face in it?  Blackwall, he’s single now!  IRON BULL.  Everyone wants to ride the Bull!”

“Oh by Talos.  Nipote.  I do not want an Orc in my bed.  Especially not that one.  I do not want to rub my face in ANYONE’s chest hair.  Blackwall is as interested in men as I am.  And I do NOT want to ride the Bull, as you put it.  Cicerito.  I’m not into men.”

*forlorn look from Cicero*  “Not even a little bit?”

“Not even a little bit.  I’m sorry, little one.  This was important to you, wasn’t it?”

*sniffle* “It’s fine, uncle.  You... still love me, don’t you?”

“Yes. Yes, always, dolcetto.  They are never taking that from me again.” *sniffling on Elder Cicero’s side now*  “Truth be told, Cicero, all I can think of is Oisine, and that I’ll never hear her voice again.  Sometimes I don’t even remember her face... but her voice?  I only have to close my eyes to hear it.”  *wipes a tear away*  “Do you think Leliana will sing for me tonight if I ask?  I’ll try not to cry this time.”

*Cicero holds his uncle’s hand*  “If you ask her, she will.  And do not worry about crying.  We understand.  We... we are just glad you can.  We...” *cuddles him suddenly*  “I missed you so much!”

Mutual cuddling and they stay like that for a while until Uncle Cicero wipes his eyes, sits back and then produces the deck of cards that was in Cicero’s belt pouch about five minutes ago, smirking as only a Di Rosso can.

“Be a little more careful with your pockets, hmm?  Now.  Wicked Grace!  If you win, you get your cards back.”

“By Sit- no cheating.  Or - or I’m bringing you to Tethras’s next gaming night!  Yes!  Your turn to lose all your coin to Josephine!”

“Looking forward to it!”  *manages some ornate shuffling of cards that a professional cardsharp would envy, unnaturally cheerful grin never fading*  “Deal us in.”

The next Wicked Grace evening involves Cicero Senior pulling the harmless old man bluff, and ends up taking everyone else to the cleaners, lasting until Sister “No Tells” Nightingale arrives and turns out to be the only one capable of besting her father.  Cicero Senior is ruing his luck but also very, very proud.

[empathetixss]

Margaery Tyrell Verses ( taken from my old blog )

( V: YOU WERE JUST A ROSEBUD ONCE (YOUTH) )

Margaery as a child growing up in Highgarden.

( V: THE GOLDEN ROSE OF HIGHGARDEN )

Margaery as a teenager in Highgarden. (ages 13-14)

( V: LOVELY AS A DAWN (GOT/ACOK) )

Margaery during her marriage to Renly. sub versus: (listed with particular players.)

When Winter met Spring (Robb Stark marries Margaery after Renly dies)

( V: GROWING STRONG EVEN UNDER LION’S CLAWS (ASOS) )

Book Canon. Margaery of House Tyrell. She is gentle and kind, sweet and beloved by the small folk. Recently engaged to one Joffrey Baratheon. She is the QUEEN to be, though the real question is, does she desire it? Verses that are housed under this verse LOTR Verse - Elvish Rose - Mace Tyrell is Half-Elven. He marries a human, Alerie Hightower and chooses the fate of the mortals. His children have the choice as well, His youngest has not chosen her fate yet. Lady Rose - Lady of a keep. Margaery is a mortal, that lives close to Rivendell. (or in some verses Mirkwood)

( V: OF THORNS (AFFC/ADWD) )

During Margaery’s Trial by Faith. She’s held in a tower by the septa’s and The High Sparrow. After the evidence falls away from Margaery, she is released into the custody of Randyll Tarly.

( V: UNE ROSE DANS DE LE NORD )

After House Tyrell falls on the ‘wrong side of history.’ Loras is sent to the Stormlands, Garlan is sent to the vale, and sweet, young, Margaery is sent to the North. On top of all of this, the Tyrell’s must pay a certain amount of gold every year to the crown to keep the children fed. Or so they are told. Margaery wins over House Stark and eventually ends up betrothed to Robb Stark.

( V: WINTER IN OUR BONES )

Margaery is engaged to marry Robb Stark, but it all ends at the Red Wedding. Jon Snow, now Jon Stark, saves her life. (with: @moreastark )

( V: THE FRANKISH ROSE )

Season 2-3: Margaery is the daughter of Frankish King Mace Tyrell. He’s done his best with all three of his sons, now he wants Margaery in on the game. Yet there was a reason she was kept hidden. To keep his kingdom safe Mace was forced to give up his beautiful daughter to King Ragnar. Now in Kattegat, she has to survive.

Season 4B: Margaery is the daughter of a Frankish Lord. She resides in Paris and among Princess Gisla and Duke Rollo's court. She's just a lady in the court, curious about the Viking Raiders among them at the moment.

( V: DRIPPING IN GOLD )

A royalty au currently under construction. (Verse with: halfawolf)

( V: HOIST THE COLOURS )

grim tides/Black Sails/POTC/Pirate!Queen Margaery. Queen of the Pacific, and Agean, The Rose of Highgarden has truly come a long way. From stowing away on a ship as a small child to escape the British Attack on her family, to having her own crew, she’s practically unstoppable. It doesn’t hurt that many of her male counterparts doubt her ability as a pirate captain because she’s a woman. She proves them wrong, Every. Single. Time.

( V: THINGS WE LOST )

From a young age, Margaery was betrothed to Jon Targaryen. The Heir to the Seven Kingdoms. Now, it’s time for them to bring their families together. (w: halfawolf)

V: THINGS WE LOST TO THE FLAME

Jon is exiled and stripped of his title, Margaery is forced to wed another, life is not as she planned it until Jon comes back to her. (w: moreastark)

( V: THE RELUCTANCE OF THE WOLF )

(A WANTED VERSE) Forced into marriage with one another by Lady Olenna and Lady Catelyn’s arrangement. Margaery tries to make the best of her fate. Lady Catelyn is a joy and kind to her. Wonderful in every way. While Robb… Robb is cold to her. Margaery becomes scared that she is trapped in another loveless marriage and struggles to understand her cold & grim husband.

( V: A MODERN ROSE )

Margaery works for her father a respected lawyer in the Tyrell Firm. In her spare time, she paints.

Gangster Lawyer: assilat-vojjor Drogo is a respected Gang leader on trial for a murder he didn’t commit. Margaery is his Lawyer. Our Gentle Sin: astormcrow. Margaery and Daario get close to one another, start an affair. At the same time, he kills people for a living. Crushing them in high heels and pearls: wintersking. Margaery is Robb’s boss. Currently they’re having a torrid affair.

If you let my soul out (it’ll come right back to you.)  Reincarnation verse.

The Drifter: Margaery Tyrell runs into Jon Snow while wandering the streets of Paris. & she can’t help but be drawn to him. Little does she know that he is hiding a secret. (w: moreastark)

( V: A COLLEGE ROSE QUEEN )

Margaery is the Youngest of the Tyrell’s. Attending Harvard Law in the fall, Margaery is just trying to make it in a family that vacations in Europe for the hell of it. Mostly she’s just looking for fun.

( V: OBLIVION )

Margaery Tyrell is a British-born scientist, working for the government. She double majored in biology and anthropology. She’s never really thought much of the superhero’s other than the fact that they’ve saved the world. She proud of the work she does and believes in what’s right for the future. That being said, her loyalty is not easily swayed or bought. (Notes for Marvel-verse)

* Recruited by Nick Fury. * Security Level Clearance: 5 (sub verses): Webbed Roses with webheadedhero You Can Keep Your Shield On with buyxwarxbonds Notes for DC verse * Recruited by the Secretary of Defense. * Lived in Metropolis

(V: A LADY IN WAITING (TWQ) )

The White Queen Verse: Margaery is a noble lady. Her family has the symbol of the Golden rose. They are neither York or Lancaster. Tyrell’s are really all for themselves.

( V: A LADY IN WAITING (TUDOR) )

Upon hearing of the death of her beloved cousin Anne, Margaery ventures to King Henry VIII’s court for answers. - She’s managed to ensnare the king in her thorns and finds herself caught as well, because her feelings fro him have grown beyond what she thought they would. (Timeline: Anne of Cleves is queen, but before Kitty Howard meets Henry.) - Anne sent for her cousin before her death and she has been there since her second miscarriage. verse with vivatreginam -Margaery arrives after the death of her cousin Anne, taking in Elizabeth and offering up her home as a place for her. verse with any elizabeth

( V: A ROSE OF FRANCE )

French born, but Spain raised Margaery Tyrell, is brought back to court along with the rest of her family when they hear of Prince Francis’ wedding to Mary Stuart. Of course they are overjoyed and offer their services to the young couple swearing themselves to them. While Margaery’s ambitious grandmother seeks a powerful marriage for Margaery perhaps with a royal of Scotland, Margaery skeeks to get to know the future queen better. Hoping to call her friend one day.

( V: LA BELLE PETITE ROSE )

BBC’s The Musketeers Verse. Margaery is the King’s Cousin, but that doesn’t mean much in France. Serving under Queen Anne as a Lady in Waiting, she is happy with her position. Although, she is intrigued by The Musketeers in the service of the King. 

Une Rose de Versailles: A Noble Catholic Lady from the south of france, originally she’s engaged to the Dux De Baratheon known as Joffrey. She’s not very happy with the match, as the man has a reputation for cruelty. She has come to Versailles, when the King moves court from Paris to there. She finds herself a bit more at ease there, she is able to be herself more and be around women other than her future mother-in-law. Her fiance hates it and wishes to return to Paris. She has hope that she might catch the king’s eye, but she knows that women here are everywhere each wanting a piece of the king.

( V: OF IRON THORNS )

Margaery has taken the Iron Throne through her son after the death of her husband. Now she has to keep it. (husband can be Renly, Joffrey, or Tommen.)

( V: THE TALES ARE REAL )

The Original Rose Beauty: Margaery was a noble lady in Snow’s court, but also a friend for Queen Regina until her identity as a Princess and future Queen of her own realm was reviled. Margaery was Aurora’s mother, the first sleeping beauty. Sometimes known as Briar Rose. She tried her best to shield her daughter from the curse but was unable to do so. When the first curse hit, she was swept up and sent to Storybrooke. Living under the curse, she works in the flower shop owned by Moe French. She spends her days doing inventory and ordering new flowers when needed. The day that repeated for 28 years, she would visit the sheriff's station with coffee, and cut flowers in the shop. When Emma came to town, she was curious about the woman who seemed to be hanging around Young Henry but said nothing of it. Sticking to herself and the solitary life the curse forced her to lead. After the curse breaks, every memory is brought back to her. She believes she is without her brothers, her husband, and her daughter in this land without magic and would give anything just to see them again.

( V: LIFE IS WAR )

A modern twist on a love story. Verse with moreastark

( V: A LOYAL KNIGHT )

Athos entered Margaery’s service when she was still married to Joffrey. The sadness that surrounded the man caught her attention and she did everything she could to get him to smile. Little did she know she would fall head over heels in love with the knight. They hide it as best as they can although she would rather be with him than apart from him. (w: dettexhonneur)

( V: DON'T FEAR THE REAPER )

Margaery had gotten out. More than that. She had made a place for herself outside of the MC. Her father had just been the MC's lawyer, it wasn't like she had to be anything to them, right? She could go and do whatever she wanted. That is until, she came home. She came home for a funeral and saw... Him again. Jon. She had been to High School with him. He had been her first everything. She had thought for a while, he would be her everything. Until she grew up. She went to college, became a lawyer, and seeing Jon again, made her feel like a teenage girl. Especially on the back of his bike. Now she's got a choice. Stay, start over with the man she loves, or go back... (verse with: moreastark)

( V: DON’T LET YOURSELF BE HUNTED )

When Margaery was a child she always knew there was something different about her, and her family. She always just thought it was odd that her father could influence those around him with a word, her grandmother’s plants never died, and her brothers… Well, Willas’ super memory and intelligence was next to none, and his ability to seemingly communicate with Animals, Garlan and his super strength, Loras and his agility, she wondered what her powers would be. At nine the voices started. She could hear them even in her sleep, it was all so very loud and overwhelming, she just wanted it to stop, but it didn’t. It just got worse and louder, it wasn’t until later that she learned these voices were not in her head, they were in the heads of others. She also learned that she could feel other’s emotions as well and project her own on them. Margaery harnesses the powers of empathy and telepathy, her grandmother does her best to help her control it.

Her family is heavily involved in the Hellfire club, and Margaery didn’t have much of a choice, but to do the same. She has always admired the X-Men though and is considering switching sides.

( V: IN A LAND OF WONDER )

Margaery Tyrell is visiting the Kingdom of Camelot with her father and brother.

( V: MAGIC AMONG US )

Growing Strong. It’s the Tyrell House motto, it’s also Margaery’s personal mantra. She's a Ravenclaw.

( V: GROW TILL YOU CAN’T ANYMORE )

District Eleven, Margaery, and her family have much knowledge about plants, orchards, and people. When Margaery is picked as a tribute, she proves herself and wins her games… Allowing herself to be taken in by the charms of the capitol like her brother before her. She’s become the favorite of many. Alt verses: Burn it all down - Margaery joins the rebellion.

[chromes-writings]

Tey De Keizaal - Tales of Skyrim

Chapter Two: Bonaar

Words: 2,156

(Note: WHOOOO it's been two years since the last chapter. That's a long time, and I apologize. However, I'm going to do my utmost to make sure that I start to be more active on this account. So, here's chapter two!)

Nighttime was always the coldest in Skyrim. The cold wind always seemed to nip the faces of people a little harder once the stars came out and the moons graced the sky with their presence. It wasn’t uncommon for those finding sanctuary from the weather to find it within the comforting walls of inns and taverns. Nothing warmed the body and soul more than a cup of good ale, a belly full of food, and a delightful conversation between good friends and neighbors. Travelers from many reaches of Tamriel enjoyed the refuge of a cozy bed for a decent price. A microcosm of warmth and relaxation in an otherwise harsh world.

Einar found himself within this place of refuge when he walked up to the door of The Bannered Mare. He had been walking for a few hours along the dirt and stone roads of his homeland, clashing with the wildlife once or twice along his trek. His newfound companion had been keeping their distance in the skies in order to avoid panic from the common folk. Now that night had fallen, Einar could feel fatigue washing over his body and the impatience of wanting to sit near a fire. As he walked up the stairs, the wooden planks creaked beneath his weight. He opened the door to the inn, tapping his feet against the floor to knock off any extra snow that was stuck to his boots. The warm air instantly felt like a remedy to his body aches.

“Well, look who it is! Haven’t seen you in a while, Einar,” Hulda, the innkeeper, said.

Einar smiled, sitting down at the bar. “My apologies for not coming around often.”

“So where’ve you been? Your face hasn’t graced Whiterun for some weeks.”

“Anywhere that calls me. There’s always something keeping me busy, I’m afraid.”

Hulda let out a curt laugh. “That doesn’t mean you can’t come back around and relax for a while. If it weren’t for Lydia going into your house from time to time, most people would think the place is abandoned. That and the little girl Lucia has been staying there during the nights as well.”

“That’s good,” Einar said with a warm smile. “I told her she could stay there instead of sleeping outside. Last thing a child needs is to sleep on the cold ground.”

“I swear, if it weren’t for you, I would start thinking no good people exist.”

“Just doing what I think is right.”

In a part of the inn, a boisterous voice was heard above most of the commotion.

“That’s right! I’m seen as one of the best fighters of Cyrodiil. But it’s hard finding decent competition when no one stands up to your prowess. So that’s why I decided to come here!”

Einar looked behind him to see where the source of the voice was coming from. Among a group of people was a young Imperial man. He looked to be in his early twenties, with short black hair pushed out of his face and dark brown eyes. He was adorned with plate armor, the color of warm gold. Makes sense, Einar thought to himself. A large greatsword rested on his side in a sturdy leather sheath. Despite his armor and weapon, he looked smaller than Einar in size, though this was covered up through his loud voice and large movements. Einar had seen people like him before — young men and women who thought they had the whole world in their hands, wandering from place to place, acting like everyone was a mere challenge to show their superiority. He couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness for them. He knew that that was a life that would lead to pain and loneliness.

He must have been staring at him for a while since the young man noticed his gaze.

“Sounds like you’re interested in my stories of success, good sir!” the young man said while walking towards Einar.

Einar shrugged his shoulders. “Only somewhat. I would warn you, though. Some people around here would take your boasting as a challenge for a fight.”

The young man laughed. “I hope so! I always enjoy adding another win under my belt.”

“Best watch yourself, lad,” Hulda said. “You’re talking to someone who has a lot more experience than you, and has fought things more frightening than you have.”

The young man looked at Einar for some seconds, a curious expression on his face as he examined the older Nord. Then he let out an arrogant chuckle. “I’m sure the most challenging thing this man has dealt with are his aching bones in the morning. Unless he would like to prove otherwise?”

The tavern fell eerily quiet, the sound of music fading out as the patrons turned their attention towards the two men at the bar. Einar’s face has turned to a scowl while the young man had a smug look on him. A silent standoff had started. Einar wasn’t one to pick fights and he didn’t plan on picking one tonight, especially against this Imperial… child. That was the best way to describe him — a young, cocky child. The Nord examined the tavern, seeing all of the eyes that were glued on the pair. He then glanced back at the young man. He wasn’t one to pick fights, but he felt like he could make an exception just this once.

“Alright. Step outside,” he said.

Excitement flooded the tavern as Einar stood up from his chair, walking towards the door with the young Imperial following him. The cold air blew in as soon as the door opened, stinging Einar’s face. Luckily for them, Whiterun was quiet this time of night so no one had the chance to interrupt their scrimmage. Everyone from the tavern gathered around Einar and the young man as they stood across from one another. There was a tense but exhilarating feeling in the air. The chance to see even a small fight from the Dragonborn himself was a sight not commonly seen. Chatter could be heard all around the two men as they sized each other up. The young man pulled his greatsword out from the sheath on his hip. Admittedly, it was an impressive piece of weaponry. The Imperial clearly cared about it, as it was well-kept, shining under the starlight and city torches. Gripping the hilt with both hands, he took his stance, grounding himself.

“Well, old man? Are you going to draw your weapon?” he asked Einar.

“Don’t need to,” Einar replied.

Jeers and a chorus of oohs rose from the crowd.

“Ha! Suit yourself. At least you’re able to admit to an early defeat,” the young man said.

The young man ran at Einar, holding his blade up above his head, then swinging it down with ferocity. Einar quickly stepped out of the way, avoiding the strike as the tip of the blade scrapped the stone road. Keeping his eyes on his opponent, the young man followed through on his swing, turning with the momentum. Einar noticed the attack and managed to roll backwards out of the way. A small tuft of fur from his coat floated gently towards the ground. A clean cut was seen along the bottom of the strands. Too close for comfort.

“Not bad, old man!” The young man yelled.

He swung upwards then towards the left, Einar dodging these attacks carefully. His moves were a tad predictable, but Einar could tell the lad was experienced in sword fighting. He swung his sword with no hesitation. He was confident in his attacks. A valuable mindset, but one that might betray him if he wasn’t careful. Confidence can lead to mistakes. The graceful yet deadly dance had evolved between both opponents. The young man rhythmically swung his sword, the metal singing among the air resistance and strikes against the cobblestone. Einar avoided the blade with care timing, his footwork nigh on perfection. Both men moved in tandem with one another, their movements seamlessly blending together. Yet even the most skilled dancers can make a misstep, a mistake in their footing.

A mistake the young man had finally made.

The dark-haired lad turned and swung his sword towards Einar who had dodged the blow yet again, his greatsword hitting the ground with a loud clang. The fuller of his blade faced upwards towards the sky. There it was, Einar thought. He lifted his foot and brought it down onto the blade with great strength. The downward force against the sword caused the young man to be pulled along with his weapon, catching him off guard, grip still tight on his hilt. When the young man looked up, Einar delivered a hefty punch to his face. Letting go of his sword, he stumbled backwards and onto the ground. Blood started to leak from his nose, his blade still under Einar’s foot. Cheers and crys of victory rang out from the crowd. They had clearly decided who the winner was. The Nord bent down, picking up the sword. He walked over to the young man, crouched down and offered his weapon back to him. The young man had a pained look on his face due to the strike to his face and possibly his ego. He looked at Einar for a few seconds before reaching for his weapon.

“...Thanks,” he said quietly.

The crowd of tavern patrons slowly made their way back to The Bannered Mare, talking amongst themselves about the fight. Hulda walked over to Einar.

“Wouldn’t expect anything else! How about a tankard of ale, on the house?” she asked Einar.

“No thank you, Hulda. I’m going to retire for the night, but I appreciate the offer,” he said.

Einar turned and walked back to his home, the young man still on the ground processing what had just happened. As he entered his home, the Dragonborn could feel the young man’s eyes on the back of his head.

A couple of hours had passed. Einar was sitting next to the fireplace, reading a book from his large collection. Suddenly, a knock on the door caught his attention. Putting his book down, he got up and opened the door. In front of him was the young man from before, the bridge of his nose purple and bruised. He had a stern, if determined, look on his face.

“Good evening, lad,” Einar said. “Everything alright?”

“Uh, yeah. Everything’s fine,” he said. He inhaled deeply before continuing. “I wanted to ask… I wanted to ask if I could be your traveling companion.”

Einar raised an eyebrow. “Traveling companion?” He stepped aside to let the young man inside from the cold.

The young man walked in, shutting the door behind him. “Yes. That’s right.”

“What brought about this, if I may ask?”

“After our fight, I realized that I clearly underestimated you. Even after I… insulted you.” The young man looked at the ground. “I mean, I’ve fought plenty of people. Some of them did what you had done, not using their weapon. They were being cocky… much like myself. But you actually followed through! And thoroughly bested me, something I’m still having some difficulty coming to terms with. While I was nursing my wound at the tavern and talking to the owner, I realized that I would be passing up an opportunity to learn from you. So, if you would let me, I would like to travel with you, to learn how to better my skills as a warrior from you. Only if you would let me, though.”

Einar stared at the young man. A feeling of admiration filled his chest. It’s not often he had met people who were willing to set their ego aside and wished to better themselves. In a way, he couldn’t help but to be reminded of his younger self — someone who had looked at the world with the determination to take on all of its dangers, who soon felt humility in his later years. Minutes of silence had passed. The young man shifted anxiously, awaiting an answer.

“Alright,” Einar said, breaking the silence. “I don’t see anything wrong with a helping hand.”

A smile swelled on the young man’s face. “Thanks, ol— I mean, thank you, sir. I appreciate it. Truly.”

Einar smiled. “What’s your name, lad?”

“Marius. And you’re Einar, correct?”

Einar nodded. “Now, unless you’ve rented a room at the Mare, you’ll have to sleep down here in one on the chairs. Both of the rooms upstairs are currently being used.”

“Luckily, I do have a room rented out.”

“Good. Come by here in the morning, and we’ll head out towards Falkreath.”

“Sounds great! Well, I’ll see you in a few hours.” Marius turned to leave, but stopped. “Is there anything I should know before we leave?”

Einar sat down in his chair, picking his book up. “Hope you don’t mind the company of a dragon.”

“Alright… wait, what?”

[ericfruits]

Will Putin save Lukashenko?

“FIRST THEY stole our country. [Now] they are stealing the best of us.” So said Svetlana Alexievich, a Nobel prize-winning writer, of the rulers of her native Belarus. Since mass protests erupted after a blatantly rigged presidential election in August, riot police and plain-clothes goons have been beating up peaceful demonstrators. On September 7th, in broad daylight, men without uniforms abducted Maria Kolesnikova, one of three women leading the protests and the only one still inside the country. They threw her into a van and drove her to the border with Ukraine, like gangsters trying to drive a rival off their turf. Defiantly, she ripped up her passport, so she could not cross. She is now in detention in Belarus.

Ms Kolesnikova is being persecuted not only for her role in the protests but also, more importantly, because she is the leading member of the National Co-ordinating Council. This body was launched by Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who probably won the election on August 9th but who has been forced into exile. It aims to negotiate a peaceful end to the unpopular dictatorship of Alexander Lukashenko. He has refused to negotiate, just as he has refused to talk to the German chancellor, Angela Merkel.

He prefers to talk to Vladimir Putin, the president of next-door Russia, who props up his regime. Mr Putin, whose own challenger, Alexei Navalny, has been poisoned by a nerve agent, has endorsed Mr Lukashenko’s rigged election and his use of violence. He has warned the West not to meddle in Belarus, which Russia has subsidised for many years and with which it has a common market. At Mr Lukashenko’s request, Mr Putin has pledged to support Belarus with his own law-enforcers if necessary. He has also dispatched propagandists to run its airwaves and consultants to manage the crisis. Russia’s prime minister and finance minister have flown to Minsk to talk about an economic rescue package.

The West’s reaction has been divided, slow and weak. The Baltic states and Poland, which have had first-hand experience of Soviet occupation, have imposed sanctions on Mr Lukashenko and offered support to the Belarusian opposition. Germany and France, however, appear to have heeded Mr Putin’s warning to stay out of the dispute. The European Union has yet to impose any sanctions on Mr Lukashenko, though some measures are under discussion. Such caution about Belarus contrasts with bolder statements about Mr Navalny’s poisoning from Mrs Merkel. She has pointed a finger at the Kremlin and raised the possibility of cancelling Nord Stream 2, a huge and controversial gas-pipeline project (see article).

The EU should speak up loudly about Belarus, and with one voice. Simply warning Mr Putin against sending troops is not enough. A Russian invasion was unlikely from the start. Instead, Mr Putin wants the tottering Belarusian tyrant to integrate his country more deeply with Russia, giving Mr Putin control over its defence, internal security and certain key economic assets. In return, Mr Lukashenko might get an honorary post in Moscow some day. Russia might be hoping for a soft Anschluss. That would be no more acceptable than Mr Putin’s annexation of Crimea, a Ukrainian peninsula, in 2014.

Belarusians have woken up. They will not submit quietly to Moscow’s rule and they continue to protest in vast numbers. They deserve support. The EU should impose personal sanctions against Mr Lukashenko and his henchmen. And it must state that any agreement with Russia signed by Mr Lukashenko on behalf of the people who have clearly rejected him has no legal basis or validity. No one should recognise a dodgy deal struck by a desperate despot who would sell his country to save himself. ■

https://ift.tt/32lNjHr

[ebenpink]

World News Briefs -- January 29, 2019 http://bit.ly/2CWt05s

Newsweek: Russia and Iran Warn U.S. to Stay Out of Venezuela as American Rivals Discuss Crisis The top diplomats of Russia and Iran have held talks on the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela, where they back the government against an opposition formally recognized by the United States and a number of its allies. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif spoke Monday by phone in hopes of uniting against what they said was a U.S. attempt to illicitly intervene with the socialist leadership of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Moscow has already volunteered to mediate between the leader and the self-proclaimed "acting president" Juan Guaidó, who heads the National Assembly, and Caracas reportedly accepted the offer, followed by an apparent Iranian proposition as well. Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Yemen rebels release first prisoner in swap deal. Aid group warns Yemen truce 'on verge of collapsing'. Iran rejects talks on missiles, but says no plan to increase range. Syria-Iran deal to counter 'economic war' from West: Assad. Iran IT minister says blocking Instagram would create new problems. Israel blocks Iran cyber-attacks 'daily': Netanyahu. Netanyahu’s chief rival Benny Gantz launches election campaign. Palestinian PM, government resign.

ASIA

N.Korea 'unlikely' to give up all nuclear weapons: US intel chief. In Kabul, US reports ‘agreements in principle’ with Taliban. Afghanistan's post 9/11 generation wary of any future with the Taliban. Duterte blames Abu Sayyaf 'suicide bombers' for Jolo attack. Tired of army rule, Thai youth a rising force in March election. Mongolia's parliament speaker ousted after protests. Conditions worsen for foreign journalists in China: survey. Christian mother sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan wins final appeal – and can now start a new life in Canada with her daughters.

AFRICA

UN: Boko Haram threat displaces 30,000 from Nigeria's Rann town. Kenya, Somalia to strengthen cooperation on combating terror. In DR Congo, 3 rebel chiefs surrender in nod to new president. Sudan general says army ready to face any enemy threat. Sudan general says army ready to face any enemy threat. Cameroon opposition leader Maurice Kamto, MRC members arrested. Zimbabwe women urged to report rape by soldiers. Lawyers march in Zimbabwe capital alleging denial of justice.

EUROPE

Brexit: Theresa May will ask the EU to reopen Brexit deal. Brexit stalemate: Divisions over UK exiting EU. Food retailers warn of disruption, higher costs if no-deal Brexit. France and Italy's war of words steps up as elections approach. Ukraine’s president announces re-election bid for March vote. 'IRA' claims bombing in Northern Ireland's Derry. Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to open by November.

AMERICAS

Amid mass arrests, Maduro won’t touch rival Guaido. US gives Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido control over some assets. Guaido says he's still willing to consider amnesty for Maduro, military. US's Bolton appears to threaten Venezuela with: '5,000 troops to Colombia'. Howard Schultz heckled as 'egotistical asshole' who would aid Trump in 2020. Cohen to testify to US House Intel behind closed doors. Roger Stone pleads not guilty to lying to Congress and witness tampering at court in D.C. - then leaves flashing double V-for victory sign as protesters chant 'lock him up' and fly Russian flags. Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland explains why Trudeau fired Chinese ambassador. Brazil dam collapse: five arrested including three mining firm staff. Protesters and riot police clash in Honduras.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

IS still has 'thousands' of fighters, seeking comeback: US intel chief. Syrian Arab fighters battle IS for revenge. Beach resort attack trial resumes in Tunis.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Chinese team arrives in US for trade war talks under shadow of latest Huawei charges. PG&E files for bankruptcy after devastating California wildfires. Apple to fix FaceTime bug that allows eavesdropping. from War News Updates http://bit.ly/2UooW4P via IFTTT

[tragicbooks]

How this accountant went from crunching numbers to changing worlds.

“When you create change, you will be change.”

<br>

Mark Horoszowski, cofounder of MovingWorlds.org, learned the benefits of giving back at an early age.

His parents immigrated to the states from Slovenia and Poland with next to nothing, like so many other families at the time, and so were used to simultaneously helping those in need and receiving help in return.

"Helping each other is just part of what that community did," recounts Horoszowski. "We were always doing things to be supportive."

With that volunteering gene firmly ingrained, he went on to join the Boy Scouts, then participated in student leadership programs. In college, he volunteered with The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life program and even helped start one at his school.

Relay for Life/Facebook.

When it came time to graduate, Horoszowski’s volunteer work gave him a leg up in the accounting job market — his field of choice at the time.

Horoszowski ended up accepting a position with a prestigious accounting firm but quickly discovered something strange: Though his volunteer work helped him land the job, they didn’t want him to continue it once he was part of the company.

Such a work environment felt limiting to Horoszowski, so he decided to leave and join a young health care marketing group.

He spent two and a half years there learning digital and social media marketing strategy, but he longed to learn more about international social entrepreneurship.

In 2010, he packed his bags and set out on a yearlong journey around the world that would change his life as well as the lives of many others who would later follow in his footsteps.

Photo via Mark Horoszowski/Moving Worlds, used with permission.

Everywhere he went, he volunteered his skills in exchange for advice in social entrepreneurship.

As his journey was coming to an end, he met his soon-to-be cofounder of Moving Worlds, Derek Norde.

Norde had spent the last decade helping social good start-ups access capital so that they could grow, but he was often left frustrated.

"I'm so tired of all these social good orgs asking for money when they actually need accounting systems or marketing plans first," Horoszowski recalls Norde saying.

That complaint ended up being the spark of inspiration for their organization.

Horoszowski's travels and connection with Norde led to Moving World's mission: "To help get expertise to the parts of the world that need it most, but also provide transformative experiences for the people giving that expertise."

Moving Worlds essentially acts as a matchmaker between organizations looking to solve challenges and professionals looking to have an immersive volunteer experience.

"I really liked their approach and ethos to work through local organisations, and to make them sustainable in the long run: From giving them the skills to fundraising to supporting their social enterprise partners throughout Peru. I also liked that LAFF supported educational charities, particularity for young women; for me, education is the most important tool we have to break the cycle of poverty." #Experteer Andreas working with @laffcharity in Peru.

A post shared by MovingWorlds (@experteering) on Oct 24, 2016 at 10:09am PDT

Each professional (or "experteer" as Moving Worlds calls them) is placed based on their skills and the country they'd like to explore. If experteers want to stay in the states, that's an option too.

The hope is the pairing will become a partnership in which both sides will benefit in some way. Or as Horoszowski puts it, "when you create change, you will be change."

These transformative, immersive volunteer experiences seem to appeal most to millennials, especially when they can utilize their skills.

Use your #professional skills to volunteer abroad & make a real #impact. (@glowingvero_ontheroad #experteering with @awamakiperu)

A post shared by MovingWorlds (@experteering) on Feb 14, 2017 at 7:21am PST

According to the Case Foundation's 2015 Millennial Impact Report, "77% of millennials said they're more likely to volunteer when they can use their specific skills or expertise to benefit a cause."

This is a generation of optimistic doers who genuinely believe their actions can make a difference, even if they’re not exactly sure how yet.

One prime example is Erin Dowd — a teacher who was falling out of love with the idea of teaching when Moving Worlds brought her to a group called the Honduras Child Alliance. She ended up assisting them with teacher training and curriculum development and realized the latter area of education was her true passion. Through her work there, she ended up being connected with an organization called Level Up Village, where she is now the director of curriculum.

Just like that, both sides of the volunteer partnership were changed for the better.

As for the experteers who return to the states at the end of their program, they often continue volunteering locally using the same principles and skills they’ve acquired with Moving Worlds.

It may seem strange to think of volunteering as giving and getting, but in Horoszowski’s experience, that’s what makes it work.

Experteer Highlight: Rustom - using strategic financial management skills to grow education programs in Honduras with @honduraschildalliance !!

A post shared by MovingWorlds (@experteering) on Nov 15, 2016 at 10:07am PST

"Even if giving should be totally selfless, the reality is when it’s done that way, human behavior kicks in over time and people start falling out, which ends up being more harmful to organizations over time," he explains.

Combining social awareness with career prospects is the perfect way to get millennials (aka the definitive multitaskers) involved. But it's not just about prospects — current employees can benefit from partnership volunteering as well.

Say an employee gets feedback that they need to work on a certain skill set, such as problem-solving. What if instead of having them take a course or go to a conference, the company sends that employee experteering? The employee then gets useful experience in the field, an organization gets assistance from a skilled volunteer, and the company comes out of it with an improved employee and philanthropy points. Everybody wins.

Moving Worlds can help millennials and employers realize a more mutually beneficial way of volunteering for the modern world.  

Horoszowski said it best: "Imagine how much good will be created when more people encourage those around them to volunteer in ways that make them, and the world, better."

<br>

[socialviralnews]

How this accountant went from crunching numbers to changing worlds.

“When you create change, you will be change.”

<br>

Mark Horoszowski, cofounder of MovingWorlds.org, learned the benefits of giving back at an early age.

His parents immigrated to the states from Slovenia and Poland with next to nothing, like so many other families at the time, and so were used to simultaneously helping those in need and receiving help in return.

"Helping each other is just part of what that community did," recounts Horoszowski. "We were always doing things to be supportive."

With that volunteering gene firmly ingrained, he went on to join the Boy Scouts, then participated in student leadership programs. In college, he volunteered with The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life program and even helped start one at his school.

Relay for Life/Facebook.

When it came time to graduate, Horoszowski’s volunteer work gave him a leg up in the accounting job market — his field of choice at the time.

Horoszowski ended up accepting a position with a prestigious accounting firm but quickly discovered something strange: Though his volunteer work helped him land the job, they didn’t want him to continue it once he was part of the company.

Such a work environment felt limiting to Horoszowski, so he decided to leave and join a young health care marketing group.

He spent two and a half years there learning digital and social media marketing strategy, but he longed to learn more about international social entrepreneurship.

In 2010, he packed his bags and set out on a yearlong journey around the world that would change his life as well as the lives of many others who would later follow in his footsteps.

Photo via Mark Horoszowski/Moving Worlds, used with permission.

Everywhere he went, he volunteered his skills in exchange for advice in social entrepreneurship.

As his journey was coming to an end, he met his soon-to-be cofounder of Moving Worlds, Derek Norde.

Norde had spent the last decade helping social good start-ups access capital so that they could grow, but he was often left frustrated.

"I'm so tired of all these social good orgs asking for money when they actually need accounting systems or marketing plans first," Horoszowski recalls Norde saying.

That complaint ended up being the spark of inspiration for their organization.

Horoszowski's travels and connection with Norde led to Moving World's mission: "To help get expertise to the parts of the world that need it most, but also provide transformative experiences for the people giving that expertise."

Moving Worlds essentially acts as a matchmaker between organizations looking to solve challenges and professionals looking to have an immersive volunteer experience.

"I really liked their approach and ethos to work through local organisations, and to make them sustainable in the long run: From giving them the skills to fundraising to supporting their social enterprise partners throughout Peru. I also liked that LAFF supported educational charities, particularity for young women; for me, education is the most important tool we have to break the cycle of poverty." #Experteer Andreas working with @laffcharity in Peru.

A post shared by MovingWorlds (@experteering) on Oct 24, 2016 at 10:09am PDT

Each professional (or "experteer" as Moving Worlds calls them) is placed based on their skills and the country they'd like to explore. If experteers want to stay in the states, that's an option too.

The hope is the pairing will become a partnership in which both sides will benefit in some way. Or as Horoszowski puts it, "when you create change, you will be change."

These transformative, immersive volunteer experiences seem to appeal most to millennials, especially when they can utilize their skills.

Use your #professional skills to volunteer abroad & make a real #impact. (@glowingvero_ontheroad #experteering with @awamakiperu)

A post shared by MovingWorlds (@experteering) on Feb 14, 2017 at 7:21am PST

According to the Case Foundation's 2015 Millennial Impact Report, "77% of millennials said they're more likely to volunteer when they can use their specific skills or expertise to benefit a cause."

This is a generation of optimistic doers who genuinely believe their actions can make a difference, even if they’re not exactly sure how yet.

One prime example is Erin Dowd — a teacher who was falling out of love with the idea of teaching when Moving Worlds brought her to a group called the Honduras Child Alliance. She ended up assisting them with teacher training and curriculum development and realized the latter area of education was her true passion. Through her work there, she ended up being connected with an organization called Level Up Village, where she is now the director of curriculum.

Just like that, both sides of the volunteer partnership were changed for the better.

As for the experteers who return to the states at the end of their program, they often continue volunteering locally using the same principles and skills they’ve acquired with Moving Worlds.

It may seem strange to think of volunteering as giving and getting, but in Horoszowski’s experience, that’s what makes it work.

Experteer Highlight: Rustom - using strategic financial management skills to grow education programs in Honduras with @honduraschildalliance !!

A post shared by MovingWorlds (@experteering) on Nov 15, 2016 at 10:07am PST

"Even if giving should be totally selfless, the reality is when it’s done that way, human behavior kicks in over time and people start falling out, which ends up being more harmful to organizations over time," he explains.

Combining social awareness with career prospects is the perfect way to get millennials (aka the definitive multitaskers) involved. But it's not just about prospects — current employees can benefit from partnership volunteering as well.

Say an employee gets feedback that they need to work on a certain skill set, such as problem-solving. What if instead of having them take a course or go to a conference, the company sends that employee experteering? The employee then gets useful experience in the field, an organization gets assistance from a skilled volunteer, and the company comes out of it with an improved employee and philanthropy points. Everybody wins.

Moving Worlds can help millennials and employers realize a more mutually beneficial way of volunteering for the modern world.  

Horoszowski said it best: "Imagine how much good will be created when more people encourage those around them to volunteer in ways that make them, and the world, better."

<br> from Upworthy http://ift.tt/2qUQrI0 via cheap web hosting