#Online Rewards Program

[volfoss]

Sincerely as a former user of both Excel and sheets, it is nuts how much easier libre office calc is. Not in the typical way that certain things are easier to access but moreso that the formulas and ways things are set up just work with my brain better. I never really had much need to learn formulas in Excel because there were so many and the layout felt over complicated, and don't even get me started on sheets. But with calc, there's a lot more freedom with the formulas and a lot of the skills you have from either of those other programs carries on here. Not a super big point or anything to this post, just simply very appreciative of what calc can do.

[saltedsolenoid]

also. been playing piano recently, and i've been trying to come up with some INTERESTING accommadations to make up for my flawed hands. going well (?)

[lookwhatyoumademelou]

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[decadentkidturkeywagon]

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Get Paid to Play: Best 5 Apps That Pay You to Play Games

Gaming isn't just for fun anymore; it can be a lucrative side hustle. If you love gaming and want to make some extra cash, you're in luck. Here's a list of the best 5 apps that pay you to play games, allowing you to turn your gaming hobby into a money-making opportunity. 

1.Freecash 

Freecash is an online rewards platform that allows users to earn money by completing various tasks such as surveys, offers, and playing games. It’s designed to be accessible and rewarding, giving users multiple opportunities to earn real cash and gift cards. Freecash partners with market research companies and advertisers to provide a variety of earning options for its users. 

Key Features of Freecash 

Freecash offers several features that make it an attractive option for anyone looking to earn money online: 

1. Multiple Earning Opportunities 

Freecash provides various ways to earn money, including surveys, offers, app downloads, and playing games. This variety ensures that there’s something for everyone. 

2. Instant Payouts 

One of the standout features of Freecash is its instant payout system. Users can cash out their earnings quickly via PayPal, gift cards, cryptocurrencies, and other payment methods. 

3. User-Friendly Interface 

The platform is designed with a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to navigate and find tasks to complete. 

4. Referral Program 

Users can earn extra by referring friends to join Freecash. The referral program provides a percentage of your referrals' earnings as a bonus. 

5. Daily and Weekly Leaderboards 

Freecash offers daily and weekly leaderboards where top earners can win additional rewards. This adds a competitive element and extra incentive to earn more. 

Ways to Earn on Freecash 

Freecash offers multiple avenues to earn money. Here’s a detailed look at all the ways you can boost your earnings: 

1. Surveys 

Completing surveys is one of the primary ways to earn on Freecash. Surveys cover a wide range of topics and are matched to your profile information. 

2. Offers 

Offers typically involve signing up for services, downloading apps, or trying out products. These offers can range from free trials to paid subscriptions. 

3. Playing Games 

Freecash partners with various game developers to provide tasks that involve playing and testing games. These tasks often require reaching certain levels or completing specific in-game actions. 

4. Downloading Apps 

Download and try out new apps to earn rewards. This may include installing the app and using it for a specified period or completing certain actions within the app. 

5. Referral Program 

Invite friends to join Freecash using your unique referral link. Earn a percentage of your referrals' earnings as a bonus. 

6. Daily and Weekly Leaderboards 

Compete on the leaderboards to earn additional rewards. Top earners on the daily and weekly leaderboards receive extra bonuses. 

7. Daily Bonuses 

Freecash offers daily bonuses for logging in and completing tasks consistently. This encourages regular activity and boosts earnings. 

Limited Offer!! 

Sign Up Here to receive a free case worth up to $250. And if you earn $1 within 48 hours after signing up, you'll receive 3 more cases! 

Redeeming Rewards 

Once you have accumulated enough earnings, Freecash offers several payout options: 

PayPal: Cash out your earnings directly to your PayPal account for quick access to your funds. 

Gift Cards: Choose from a variety of gift cards, including Amazon, Google Play, Steam, and more. 

Cryptocurrencies: Redeem your earnings in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others. 

Other Payment Methods: Freecash may offer other payout methods depending on your location and preferences. 

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2. Gamehag 

Gamehag is an innovative gaming platform where users can earn "Soul Gems" (SG) by playing games, completing quests, and engaging in community activities. These Soul Gems can be exchanged for a variety of rewards, including gift cards, in-game items, and even prepaid credit cards. With its engaging interface and a vast selection of games, Gamehag is a favorite among gamers worldwide. 

Earning Soul Gems 

There are multiple ways to earn Soul Gems on Gamehag: 

1. Playing Games 

The primary way to earn Soul Gems is by playing games. Each game has specific quests or tasks that reward you with Soul Gems. 

2. Completing Surveys and Offers 

Gamehag partners with various companies to offer surveys and promotional offers. Completing these can earn you additional Soul Gems. 

3. Writing Articles and Reviews 

Share your gaming experiences by writing articles and reviews. High-quality contributions can earn you extra Soul Gems. 

4. Daily Tasks and Challenges 

Log in daily to complete available tasks and challenges. This helps you steadily accumulate Soul Gems over time. 

5. Referring Friends 

Use your referral link to invite friends to join Gamehag. When they sign up and start earning, you receive bonus Soul Gems. 

6. Participating in Competitions 

Engage in Gamehag’s contests and leaderboard challenges for a chance to win additional rewards. 

Redeeming Rewards 

Once you have accumulated enough Soul Gems, you can redeem them for various rewards. The Gamehag store offers a wide range of options, including: 

Gift Cards: Amazon, Google Play, Steam, and other popular retailers. 

In-Game Items: Skins, weapons, and other items for your favorite games. 

Prepaid Credit Cards: Use these cards for online purchases or subscriptions. 

Other Prizes: Exclusive gaming gear, merchandise, and more. 

Get Started With Gamehag! 

3. Bananatic 

Bananatic is an online platform that connects gamers with game developers for mutual benefit. By playing, testing, and reviewing games, users earn "Bananas" which can be exchanged for a variety of real-world rewards. Bananatic transforms your gaming passion into a fruitful endeavor, providing endless fun and tangible benefits. 

All Ways to Earn Bananas 

Bananatic offers multiple avenues to earn bananas, ensuring that there’s always something exciting to do. Here’s a detailed look at all the ways you can boost your banana count: 

1. Playing Games 

The primary way to earn bananas is by playing games and completing in-game quests. Each game features different tasks that, once completed, reward you with bananas.   

2. Writing Reviews 

Provide detailed and honest reviews of the games you play. This not only helps other gamers but also earns you additional bananas. 

3. Completing Offers 

Bananatic partners with various companies to offer promotional deals and surveys. Completing these offers can significantly boost your banana count. 

4. Watching Videos 

Engage with video content and earn bananas by watching promotional and game-related videos available on the platform. 

5. Referring Friends 

Use your unique referral link to invite friends to join Bananatic. When they sign up and start earning, you receive bonus bananas as a reward. 

6. Participating in Contests 

Bananatic regularly hosts contests and competitions. Participate in these events for a chance to win additional bananas and exclusive prizes. 

7. Daily Challenges and Tasks 

Log in daily to complete available tasks and challenges. This helps you steadily accumulate bananas over time. 

Get Started With Bananatic!

4. Swagbucks 

Swagbucks is an online rewards program that pays you for doing everyday activities like taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, and even playing games. Since its launch in 2008, it has paid out over $500 million in rewards to its users, making it one of the most trusted and popular online earning platforms. 

How Does Swagbucks Work? 

Swagbucks operates on a points system, where you earn "SB" (Swagbucks) for completing various tasks. These points can then be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, or for cash through PayPal. 

Ways to Earn with Swagbucks: 

1. Surveys 

Swagbucks offers a variety of surveys that you can take to earn SB. These surveys typically cover a range of topics, from consumer preferences to brand opinions. Simply share your thoughts and get rewarded. 

2. Shopping Online 

Earn SB for shopping at your favorite online stores through Swagbucks. Simply start your shopping journey on the Swagbucks website, click through to the retailer, and make your purchase. You’ll earn a percentage of your purchase amount back in SB. 

3. Watching Videos 

Watch entertaining videos on Swagbucks to earn points. Categories include news, entertainment, and more, providing a fun way to rack up SB while staying informed and entertained. 

4. Playing Games 

Swagbucks offers a selection of games that you can play to earn SB. Whether you enjoy trivia, puzzles, or arcade games, there’s something for everyone. 

5. Discover Offers 

Earn SB by signing up for offers, free trials, and subscriptions from various partners. This can include anything from trying out a new streaming service to subscribing to a magazine. 

6. Search the Web 

Swagbucks has its own search engine, and you can earn SB just by using it for your daily searches. It’s a simple and effortless way to accumulate points over time. 

7. Referral Program 

Invite friends and family to join Swagbucks using your referral link. You’ll earn 10% of their SB earnings for life, giving you a steady stream of passive income. 

Get Started With Swagbucks! 

5. Poll Pay

Poll Pay is a mobile app that lets users earn money by completing online surveys. These surveys cover a wide range of topics, from consumer products and services to social issues and entertainment. Companies and market researchers use the data collected from these surveys to gain insights into consumer preferences and trends. In return for your participation, Poll Pay rewards you with real cash or gift cards. 

Key Features of Poll Pay 

Poll Pay offers several features that make it an attractive option for anyone looking to earn money through online surveys: 

1. User-Friendly Interface 

Poll Pay is designed with a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to navigate and complete surveys. 

2. Variety of Surveys 

The app offers a wide range of surveys on different topics, ensuring that there's always something interesting to participate in. 

3. Flexible Payout Options 

Users can choose from various payout options, including PayPal cash and gift cards from popular retailers like Amazon, Google Play, and more. 

4. Referral Program 

Poll Pay offers a referral program where you can earn additional rewards by inviting friends to join the platform. 

5. Quick and Easy Registration 

Signing up for Poll Pay is simple and quick, allowing you to start earning money right away. 

Sign up here to receive a $0.25 Starting Bonus 

Get Started With Poll Play! 

[tears-that-heal]

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[taazaofferss]

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[chaaistained]

what’s your internship like? (in your better cr)

page turners

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.

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you can’t blame me for wanting to live in a world where society doesn’t reserve value and recognition to only be rewarded if you follow the standard, left brained, logical mindset of stem and maths and science and technology — and this is coming from someone who loves those very subjects and excels in them — i’m very much a maths lover, i enjoy solving logical problems, it brings a satisfaction that cannot be described, and yet . i don’t feel as alive as when i’m writing, when i’m reading, when i’m analysing, pulling apart, breaking down the intricate threads of thought that make up a story, or an essay, or a poem

my mind may find satisfaction in solving page after page of algebra, but my soul will only find its spark when i give in to emotion and empathetic analysis, and for that very reason, i scripted a different degree for my dr-self, and with that came a different internship in a publishing company that does not exist in this reality — Page Turners

in my dr at the midpoint of my first year in uni, i had gotten into a year long internship at a government office, hired because of my degree in entertainment law majoring in copywriting

but i have a double degree, my second being a degree in arts majoring in literature and creative writing, and i always knew i wanted a more creative job, rather than the technical, legal side of the publishing industry (no matter how well it pays)

so at the end of my first internship, i started exploring different avenues, and Page Turners was brought to my attention (ironically, by my english tutor from high school)

they advertise mainly to young writers, they have an open submission for a monthly online magazine, curated by a theme (think dakota warren’s nowhere girl collective but only focused on writing — whereas dakota includes submissions for art and music too)

Page Turners wasn’t hiring anyone who hadn’t gotten a full degree but with the help of my ex-tutor (and ex-boss bcs i used to mark papers for her every now and then) i was able to make a case for an internship position

it took a while, a whole year in fact, but Page Turners thought that a way to reach the youth would be to start as early as possible and the best way to do so is by implementing internship programs into their business plan — essentially, my drive to work in the creative field (and mostly due to my connections bcs networking sucks but it is everything) i was able to convince an up and coming publishing house to start hiring students, who may be exactly like me, just waiting for the opportunity to do something creative

i haven’t scripted much on the actual internship program and what it entails but i get accepted and start working at the beginning of my third year (honestly year 3 of uni has a lot of firsts for me — first longterm internship, first boyfriend who i can actually see a future with, first new car, first youtube play button for my anonymous cover channel w two of my high school friends — theres probably more but i don’t wanna sound cocky T^T)

anyway, back to the point — my internship essentially allows me to explore the workings of a publishing house, and with my background in copy write law and creative writing, i’m able to dabble in many different divisions and subdivisions, getting a chance to see how the writers, lawyers, agents and editors work — it’s where i find my passion for developmental editing : the profession of assisting with the creative process of a book, primarily a novel, where you go through a synopsis, a story board, and the overall themes and acts of the story, it’s less about the in-debt typo-prevention of editing and more about the overall narrative — stuff like helping to pivot the story or guide the plot in a certain direction to achieve everything the writer hopes for, or, my personal favourite and my special skill if i do say so myself which is patching up plot holes to be seamless and make sense

finally, this internship, the people i worked with, they are the reason i felt confident enough to go back to uni and do a postgrad degree for a masters in creative writing and a specialisation in editing, so i could officially work full time as a developmental editor

meaning i could read and write and help create stories for a living

.

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if i ever script more or after i’ve properly experienced this internship, i will definitely update this post, or just make another one!! but for now, this is all i’ve got <333

cuppa queries; order in — ask responses

2025 © chaaistained

[mesmerbyte]

Concept: Bimbo Programmer.

That might sound like a contradiction. Bimbos, famous for being vapid, vacuous, and more interested in appearances than any skills that make you think, in front of a computer all day?

But the thing is... computers are already everywhere. They're a part of daily life. If a girl wants to flirt effectively she's gotta know how to use social media. And then before she knows it, she'll be posting pics all the time. Then videos. Suddenly she's spending all her time in front of her pink monitors wearing her pink headphones, typing on her pink keyboard. Even the text she types is pink (just because she's using a computer doesn't mean it has to be drab).

When she goes out, people hit on her as always and while she loves the attention, it just doesn't hit the same as all the adoration she's getting online. It's all she can think about, so she just twirls her hair and giggles, but she already forgot what anyone said to her. Her mind’s on her phone. Or her computer. And how she needs to check it.

But as much as she loves it, social media is so much work. Like yes she gets to flirt and be sexy but she also has to manage the accounts and check notifications and set up her cameras and microphones and she's just not about all that.

Almost by accident she realizes she's got a talent for coding. She'd always thought code was so logical (blegh!) but there really was an artistry to it. Especially when it's written in hot pink.

First she just writes small scripts to automate her work so she has more time for the parts she likes. But then she figures out how to write a cute little function to hide in the metadata of her pictures to manipulate the algorithm and put her on more people's feeds. And then she figures out how to remotely and automatically install things other peoples' computers and phones.

When she gets stumped, she just absentmindedly plays with her tits until she works it out. And when she finishes a project, she reaches under her skirt to reward herself.

And before she knows it, she's written the most perfectly seductive program, not just to make people see her posts, but to subtly influence them until they could never resist her when they do.

Making every color duller except pink. Imperceptibly at first, the gradually ramping up until it's the user's favorite color and they're not sure why. Changing the text suggestions and autocorrect to be dumber and sexier. Inserting subliminal messages into all videos, but especially their porn. And when they finally do inevitably come across her posts, making every notification from her just a bit more pleasant than the others. A warmer symbol, a brighter chime.

One thing leads to another until they message her. Because of course they do. She's the hottest thing they've ever seen. And then...

She moans. The girl eating her out under her desk is doing such a good job and it's becoming hard to focus on her code. Time to take a break.

She stands, and the brunette under her desk pouts at the separation. A few short months ago the kneeling slut was a graduate student. Now all she wants to do is worship the bimbo who moments ago was at the keyboard.

But the student wouldn't be pouting for long. They had her professor in the other room, who had recently become addicted to his phone after said student submitted a paper with that pretty little metadata. Time to go break him in like the others. It’s only right that she get to join in too.

[destinedfordiapers]

Sammy's Little Problem, Chapter 28

Sammy barely stirred as Allie changed her diaper, somewhere between awake and asleep. A serene, contented smile peeking behind her pacifier.

Morning sun trickles into the nursery, enveloping the room in a comforting golden glow. Birds chirp their happy songs in the distance. The world at peace.

Even Kaya, their usually rowdy golden retriever puppy, basked quietly in the sun, lying on her back, paws stretched out.

Allie treasured these moments most of all—these intimate, tender moments between a Caregiver and her Little when the outside world faded away.

There is no shame or embarrassment in Sammy’s eyes. Only love and comfort. She’s free from her fears about the future for a few beautiful minutes, not even fussing about having her diaper changed.

These fleeting moments are more rewarding for Allie than Sammy could ever understand. No matter what the future might hold, Allie hopes Sammy can be as happy and relaxed as she is right now.

Allie finishes taping on Sammy’s diaper, watching the morning grogginess fade from her eyes.

“Good morning, Sammy,” Allie cooed, snapping the last button of Sammy’s onesie, “How’d you sleep?”

Sammy stretches, her feet wiggling off the changing table, sending Kaya into frenzied excitement. If Kaya learned anything about the morning routine, it’s that Sammy’s morning wiggles mean it’s time to start the day.

“G-good morning,” Sammy yawns, “I’m coming, I’m coming, Kaya!”

Allie lowers Sammy off the changing table. Sammy sits on the floor, letting the golden floof hurricane jump all over her, licking her face. Sammy erupts into laughter.

“You two are just so stinking cute. Ready for breakfast?”

Kaya immediately bounces up and down. Based on their reactions, Allie can’t tell who is more excited for breakfast.

“Yes, please, Allie!”

Ten minutes later, Sammy is happily—if not messily—eating her plate of waffles, strawberries, and whipped cream.

“Slow down, silly. It’s breakfast, not a race with Kaya!”

“What? It’s yummy!”

Allie smiles, wiping strawberry syrup from Sammy’s cheek. “I can see that! Are you excited to play with Hannah and Jane today?”

Still blushing from having her cheeks wiped clean, Sammy hesitates. “I-I think so.”

Allie wasn’t surprised at Sammy’s hesitation. It wasn’t that Sammy couldn’t make friends; it was just the first time she’d be doing it as a Little.

If it were up to Sammy, Allie was sure she’d prefer to keep her old friends, Lindsay especially. But Allie knew, and was sure Sammy did, too, that her friendship with Lindsay was forever altered.

It wasn’t that Sammy and Lindsay couldn’t be friends, of course. They’d always be friends. Family, even. And Allie would always encourage them to spend time together.

But the unmistakable truth is that Sammy is a Little, not a Caregiver like Lindsay. In a few weeks, Lindsay will head off to college. She’s starting her journey to adulthood. She’ll graduate, get a job, and maybe even start a family.

The social chasm between Sammy and Lindsay will only grow over time.

Sammy will never have those same experiences. At least not the way Lindsay will. Even if Sammy makes it through the daycare program, her college experience will vastly differ from Lindsay’s.

Unlike Lindsay, Sammy will never stay in a dorm and is unlikely to attend a single lecture in person. Littles don’t get such freedoms. Sammy will only take online courses at home under Allie’s watchful eye.

Besides, Stanford’s lecture halls don’t come with changing tables and a place for Sammy to sleep for her afternoon nap.

“It’s okay to be nervous, Sammy. I know it’s not the same as spending time with Lindsay, but making new friends isn’t a bad thing, right?”

“Well, no. But…it’s just…I don’t want to end up like Hannah, that’s all…”

Allie rubs Sammy’s back. “Oh, honey, is that what this is about? Just because she didn’t pass the daycare program doesn’t mean you won’t.”

Tears welled in Sammy’s eyes. “She…she didn’t want to be a Little, either. She wanted to go to college like me. And now…now she’s just a Little!”

Allie took a deep, steadying breath. “Sammy, look at me. Hannah is not just a Little. And there is nothing wrong with accepting things as they are. Besides, she’s not some smart rocket scientist like you. If anyone can make it to college, it’s you.”

“Yes, she is! What else does she do? That’s right, nothing! All she is is a Little!”

“She’s also happy, Sammy. Sometimes, when life gives you lemons, you just have to make some lemonade. That’s all I want for you, Sammy. To be happy. Because like it or not, you’re a Little, too.”

“Easy for you to say,” Sammy retorts. “You don’t have to wear diapers. You just change them. Must be nice!”

Allie thinks back to the peaceful morning diaper change. It’s funny how fast things change.

“Sammy, I understand. I get it. It’s not fair. But there’s nothing you can do but move forward.”

Allie immediately knew that wasn’t the right thing to say. The tears that had been welling in Sammy’s eyes fell down her cheeks.

“NO! I won’t!” Sammy screamed, “I won’t be some dumb Little who sits around all day pooping their diaper and watching cartoons! Won’t W—. ”

Sammy’s yells devolve into sobs, sinking into her chair. Allie picks her up, carrying her to the couch. She lays Sammy on her lap, resting her head on her shoulder.

Allie lets Sammy cry. This isn’t time for logic—there aren’t any words that would help Sammy right now. All Allie can do is comfort Sammy as she cries.

Minutes pass as Allie rubs Sammy’s back. Eventually, Sammy’s sobs ease, and Sammy readjusts herself, resting her face on Allie’s collarbone.

She couldn’t understand why—her mind argued against it—but, as if compelled by instinct, Allie lowered her top and bra. Somehow, her heart knew Sammy needed it.

She was right.

Without hesitation, Sammy wordlessly latched on, her eyes closed. The tension in her body immediately faded away as she suckled. Sammy’s sobs lessened as Allie rubbed Sammy’s back.

Allie sighed in relief, glad that Sammy never opened her eyes. She didn’t want Sammy to see the tears welling in her eyes—and that she was just as overwhelmed as Sammy. A whirlwind of emotions raged within her, clashing with each other.

Sammy’s fears and anxiety threatened to crush her under the weight of her responsibility. It was her job to be there for Sammy and guide her into this next chapter of her life. She never expected it to be easy, but watching Sammy breakdown felt like having her own heart ripped out.

She couldn’t explain why this moment felt different—this certainly wasn’t Sammy’s first meltdown over her future. Sammy’s comment that Hannah was “just a little” rattled Allie to her core.

To make things more confusing, Allie's feelings of doubt and worry were matched by another, seemingly contradictory feeling. Allie had never felt more like a Caregiver than at this moment. A tidal wave of love and contentment—feelings that only come from finding one’s true purpose and passion—sprung out of her.

Allie watched Sammy continue suckling, tears now falling in earnest. Her Little, the person she chose to devote her life to caring for, needed her. And in that moment of need, when it felt her entire world was crashing down on her, she turned to Allie. It was in Allie’s arms, in this embrace, that Sammy found solace and peace.

Sammy may not be her biological child, but Allie understood this was no longer just a Caregiver/Little relationship. Sammy was her child, blood be damned. She loved Sammy more than anything she had ever loved in her life. She would do anything—anything—for the fragile Little in her lap who needed her.

She was so lost in thought that she hadn’t noticed Sammy had stopped suckling.

“I-I’m…I’m sorry, Allie…D-didn’t mean to make you cry…”

Allie met Sammy’s tearful eyes, so full of concern, sadness, and, most of all, vulnerability. She smiled, wiping her own tears.

“You have nothing to apologize for, Sammy. I love you. I love you more than anyone in the entire world. Sammy, you are my world. These aren’t tears of sadness; these are tears of love.”

A tear spilled from Sammy’s eye as she processed Allie’s words. “P-promise, Allie?”

“Yes, Sammy. I promise. I love you. I will always love you.”

Sammy’s eyes flooded with tears, spilling down her cheeks. Not tears of sadness, Allie knew. She could see it in Sammy’s eyes, as if the weight of the world had been lifted from her. Behind those watery eyes, Sammy understood she was safe. She was loved.

She was home. And unlike her parents, Allie would never abandon her—no matter what. The thought buoyed Sammy’s spirit.

“I-I love you too, Allie!” Sammy beamed, hugging Allie so tight she was worried she’d break a rib.

Allie hugged her back, an embrace that lasted minutes, hours, days. Not a word was said, yet the hug was a conversation in itself. Neither needed to speak; the embrace conveyed more than any words could ever hope to achieve.

“Kaya! Kaya! Tickles!” Sammy squealed.

While they hugged, Kaya had sprinted onto the couch, crashing the moment between Sammy and Allie in a way only a needy, loving golden retriever could do. She locked on Sammy, licking her feet.

It was as if the heaviness of the day, of the conversations, of Sammy’s doubts had disappeared. Sammy laughed hysterically as Kaya climbed her way over Sammy, wedging herself between the two of them.

“Such a silly puppy!” Allie laughed, watching Kaya dig her head into Sammy to lick her face.

“Hehehe! Okay, okay, you got me, Kaya!” Sammy squealed in utter delight, her diaper crinkling as she squirmed.

Allie watched the two play on her lap, grinning from ear to ear.

“C-can we take Kaya for a walk before we go play with Hannah, please?”

How could Allie say no?

“Of course, Sammy. Let’s go get you changed.”

Allie wiped the last tear from her face, happier than she had ever been in her entire life.

[reasonsforhope]

"In a bid to slow deforestation in the Amazon, Brazil announced Tuesday [September 5, 2023,] that it will provide financial support to municipalities that have reduced deforestation rates the most.

During the country´s Amazon Day, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also signed the creation of two Indigenous territories that total 207,000 hectares (511,000 acres) — over two times the size of New York City — and of a network of conservation areas next to the Yanonami Indigenous Territory to act as a buffer against invaders, mostly illegal gold miners.

“The Amazon is in a hurry to survive the devastation caused by those few people who refuse to see the future, who in a few years cut down, burned, and polluted what nature took millennia to create,” Lula said during a ceremony in Brasilia. “The Amazon is in a hurry to continue doing what it has always done, to be essential for life on Earth.”

The new program will invest up to $120 million in technical assistance. The money will be allocated based on the municipality´s performance in reducing deforestation and fires, as measured by official satellite monitoring. A list of municipalities eligible for the funds will be published annually.

The resources must be invested in land titling, monitoring and control of deforestation and fires, and sustainable production.

The money will come from the Amazon Fund, which has received more than $1.2 billion, mostly from Norway, to help pay for sustainable development of the region. In February, the United States committed to a $50 million donation to the initiative. Two months later, President Joe Biden announced he would ask Congress for an additional $500 million, to be disbursed over five years.

The most critical municipalities are located along the arc of deforestation, a vast region along the southern part of the Amazon. This region is a stronghold of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who favored agribusiness over forest preservation and lost the reelection last year.

“We believe that it’s not enough to just put up a sign saying ‘it’s forbidden to do this or that. We need to be persuasive.” Lula said, in a reference to his relationship with Amazon mayors and state governors.

Lula has promised zero net deforestation by 2030, although his term ends two years earlier. In the first seven months of his third term, there was a 42% drop in deforestation.

[Note: For context, Lula's third term as president started January 1, 2023. It was not continuous with his first two terms, when he was president from 2003 to 2010. Lula's third term has been a historic and desperately needed reversal of the anti-environmental, etc. policies of Bolsonaro, whose term ended at the end of 2022.]

Brazil is the world’s fifth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, with almost 3% of global emissions, according to Climate Watch, an online platform managed by World Resources Institute. Almost half of these emissions come from deforestation. Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, Brazil committed to reducing carbon emissions by 37% by 2025 and 43% by 2030."

-via AP, September 5, 2023

[fictionadventurer]

I want to impulsively host an online event. With zero warning because that's how I roll (and because I've spent weeks talking myself out of it and keep wanting to do it).

I've got ideas for summer-related reading or writing events that would take place across June and July.

The reading one would be some kind of "summer reading program" thing. There are a few options of how to do it.

A Bingo board

A list of prompts that people could choose from

A list of reward tiers for reading certain numbers of books. (1, 5, 10, 15, 20 and so on). Since this wouldn't be a format where we hand out prizes, it would be a "treat yourself" kind of format

A "Fortnight of Books" format where there's a list of a few books, and at the end of July, you talk about books you read this summer that fit those categories. (Favorite book, book with a great character, etc.)

The writing one would be hosted through the Inklings Challenge blog, and would be Tolkien-themed. It would be very low-key, more of a "join in if you feel inspired" kind of thing. The options for this are:

Worldbuilding Event: Prompts that encourage people to develop a fictional world, either for another work or just for fun. Could be fun to have a collaborative world-building game of everyone adding to a particular world, but I have no idea how you'd coordinate it.

Magnum Opus Event: Prompts that encourage people to develop and share ideas for a larger project. Doesn't have to be exclusively worldbuilding--you could also outline, build characters, even write pieces of a draft.

Would anybody be interested in any of these options? Or have any thoughts about the best way to do any of them? Or should I just be quiet and quit trying to get people to play with me woth zero warning?