#Web Development services in my area

[websitecreatorswebsitedesig]

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[lassify]

Behind Test Subject 007: The Science of Anya’s Telepathy

Okay guys… I’m gonna come clean. I’ve had some scientific hypotheses brewing for a while now (not least to use in my fanfic, lol), but since we might be getting close to getting an Anya arc in the SxF manga, I figured that now was as good a time as any to actually try to arrange those theories in something resembling coherent and share them with you all. 

Disclaimer: I am not trying to position myself as an expert. I have studied Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience at university level, so just for fun I ended up doing a ton of research on this, and I’ve got a lot to cover, so… wish me luck 😅 References will be embedded in the text!

Heads up that this is on the long side and complex as hell and my head physically hurts, so I’ll tackle it in sections:

Part 1: Psychology

My actual subject, but I’ll only skim over a couple of theories…

Part 2: Cognitive Neuroscience (Structural basis)

In which I will look at the individual brain areas which could be relevant to telepathy

Part 3: Cognitive Neuroscience (Functional basis)

In which I talk about how those brain areas communicate to each other

Part 4: Physics

I’ll admit, not my strongest subject, but I’ll mention a couple of theories which could be relevant

If you're ready for your brain to melt, feel free to keep reading...

Part 1: Psychology

There are 2 main theories in Psychology which could offer some explanation for Anya’s psychic abilities. 

Theory 1: Theory of Mind

In short, this describes a person’s capacity to understand other people. It is similar to sympathy or empathy, but actually it is the ability to understand that another person is different to ourselves, that they have their own desires, motivations, and thoughts, and that this is reflected in their behaviour. Even more importantly, it’s about being able to decode other’s mental states, whilst still being able to differentiate it from our own.

Any parent will know that it is a real effort to teach children about trying to understand other people’s perspectives: this is because children typically have an undeveloped Theory of Mind, and it is something that continues to develop even into adulthood. In adults, having a developed Theory of Mind helps us to understand other people’s perspectives, predict other people’s behaviour, and use both empathy and deception. 

Anya has a really strong Theory of Mind, which is actually so impressive for her young age. She understands the complex web of all the secrets: that Twilight is a spy, Yor is an assassin, Yuri is in the Secret Service, and Bond is precognisant. She also understands who knows what about each other, and how she can use all of this information to her advantage - those are some crazy cognitive skills!!

In terms of how this is related to telepathy, you could argue that someone with a strong Theory of Mind (like Anya) may be more likely to:

Understand that people have hidden feelings that they don’t show 

Demonstrate empathy for emotions 

Collate information about their likes and dislikes and past behaviour to predict future behaviour. 

If she is highly sensitive to these things, then it could look like telepathy (even if it isn’t). 

Theory 2: Hyperesthesia.

Many people will have heard of synesthesia, which is a synthesis of the senses to the extent that the sensory information overlaps, but hyperesthesia is about being highly sensitive to external stimuli of the senses such as sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch. 

I can imagine an overlap with Anya’s hyperesthesia and her Theory of Mind to pick up on the nuances of other people’s behaviour, to the extent that reading behaviour could inform the sensation of “reading minds”. 

In a science-fictional world like SxF we could imagine that hyperesthesia could stretch into the sense of extra-sensory perception, by being sensitive to the electromagnetic signals in other people’s brains (or even geomagnetic - more on that in Part 4). From this, it is possible that Anya could “read” people’s minds through deciphering the electromagnetic waveforms that people’s brains might project (more on deciphering brainwaves in Part 3…). 

Part 2: Cognitive Neuroscience - Structural Basis

I think we can all agree that Anya’s telepathic powers would largely be supported by the specific structures of her brain, especially given that Endo has already dropped hints of neuroscience in the manga, and we know that he’s very much interested in accurately depicting psychology and neuropsychology in his story. 

The best way to encourage certain brain areas to develop is by doing exercises and tasks which would use that part of the brain repeatedly: for example, consistent gymnastics practice would enhance the cerebellum, the centre of balance and motor coordination. But, I can picture the experimenters in SxF trying something a lot less… humane.

Like, experimental neurosurgery. 

For example, theoretically, they could artificially enhance certain brain areas by using a neural growth factor serum (this doesn’t exist in real life, but let’s indulge the science fiction elements for a second), and, theoretically, if the experimenters used glycoproteins as the serum’s main content (like laminins and netrins), they could control the pace and direction of neurons growing in a brain, choosing to focus on cellular growth in certain areas. Then, they would be able to view the activity of the targeted areas using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and measure it with electroencephalography (EEG, see Part 3 for more on this).

If Anya ever had experimental neurosurgeries during her childhood, they would have likely focused on the following areas: 

Corpus Callosum: The corpus callosum is the thick structure of white matter that connects the two hemispheres of the brain, allowing each hemisphere to send signals to the other. With an enlarged corpus callosum, Anya would be able to process neural signals at a much faster rate, and at an increased volume, helping her to process the additional load required for telepathy.

Wernicke’s Area: Named after German neurologist Carl Wernicke, this part of the superior temporal gyrus (usually of the left hemisphere) is a major part of being able to understand language. With an enhanced Wernicke’s area, Anya would be more sensitive to decoding the neural signals associated with linguistic thoughts, effectively enabling telepathic communication through language. (As an aside, this would also give Anya an advantage in understanding other languages… which could explain her natural talent with Classical Language!)

Superior Temporal Sulcus: This is another area that is important for processing human speech, and is critical for processing social cues, such as understanding others’ intentions (including Theory of Mind!). With experimentation in the STS, Anya would be better able to decode the subtle cues in others’ brains relating to thoughts and emotions.

Inferior parietal lobule: As well as assisting in the interpretation of language and sensory information, the IPL is also involved in tasks like perspective-taking and understanding others' mental states. By increasing connectivity in this area, Anya can "tune into" the thought processes of others. It’s also well-known for its’ role in visuospatial processing, which can help Anya see visual thoughts as well.

Anterior Cingulate Cortex: This system is composed of a number of different parts of the brain, all working together to be able to process things like attention, decision making, inhibition and emotions. Most interestingly, it is associated with detecting conflicts and errors. Increased sensitivity to the ACC would likely help Anya to detect cognitive dissonance and conflicting thoughts in others (the perfect formula to eventually understand tsundere tendencies…).

Amygdala: The amygdala is often known as the centre of fear, but actually it is hugely important in threat detection, emotional processing and emotional memory. If Anya’s amygdala was enhanced, this would aid her ability to detect threats quickly, as well as her empathy skills and help her to intuit others’ emotions and thoughts. (A negative side effect of an enlarged amygdala would be that Anya may be more vulnerable to the effects of toxic stress, possibly making her less resistant to the effects of psychological trauma.)

Mirror neurons: Mirror neurons specialise in helping us to carry out and understand other people’s actions and behaviours, playing a key role in empathy and Theory of Mind. These hold internal representations of thoughts or actions, and could potentially be the key for Anya to be able to translate another person’s thoughts or intentions, assuming that she has a particularly active mirror neuron system.

Precuneus: The precuneus is really difficult to research and is super complex, so I’ll do my best to keep this simple: Located in the medial parietal cortex, this part of the brain is essential for visuospatial imagining and processing, as well as episodic memory, self-reflection, and some aspects of consciousness. I suppose the main thing is that it has a big role in mental imagery, including being able to model other people’s views, therefore helping Anya to process the mental images in other people’s thoughts.

Broca’s area: This is very much non-canon, but I imagine that if Anya ever developed the ability to project her thoughts, the Broca’s area would be key for this. While Wernicke’s area helps with speech understanding, Broca’s area is key for speech production. In my fanfic (SSS), Anya’s Broca’s area probably functioned normally for most of her life, but in the recent experiments imposed on her, the ability to project her thoughts was ‘unlocked’ through the increased activation of the Broca’s area.

Part 3: Cognitive Neuroscience - Functional basis

The thing is, it’s not enough to just know which parts of the brain work for what - there is also the question of how they connect and work together to be able to fulfil their functions. 

Think of it as the wiring which connects the parts of a computer: a motherboard, mouse, keyboard, and graphics card (as examples) are built to fulfil their specific functions, but the real magic is in how they connect and send signals between each other so that everything works smoothly.

That’s where neural oscillations come in - otherwise known as brainwaves. These are generated by the action potentials of nerve cells, and their different speeds can be measured using electroencephalography, or EEG machines, which can measure the patterns of activity across a brain.

Let’s bear in mind that I’m really skimming the surface of this subject, so I won’t go into all the types of brainwaves in too much detail, but I will focus on the ones that I think could be more relevant to Anya’s telepathy:

Gamma waves

This is the pattern of neural oscillations which are correlated with large-scale brain network activity, and are largely predominant in learning, working memory, and processing new information. In other words: gamma waves help Anya to connect all the different parts of her brain which are relevant to her telepathy, so that all the areas can communicate to each other.

(Just as an aside: I found this hilarious study that looked at the effects of different types of nuts on brainwaves, which saw gamma wave responses being improved through pistachios, while peanuts aided in generating more delta waves. I wonder if the lab scientists of SxF caught on…) 

Theta waves

Theta waves are especially prominent in childhood (during sleep). I imagine that the lab may have recruited children partially for this reason (the other reason would be that brains have more plasticity at a younger age, and so can be altered easier than an adult’s brain). In adults, theta waves are also prominent in hypnotic or meditative states, mind wandering, and the early stages of sleep.

I think it is really interesting that theta waves occur during deep relaxation, as well as the early stages of sleep, making it the only brainwave that can activate both during sleep and during wakefulness. (From what I can tell, anyway.) This could make theta waves an important component of Anya’s telepathy - for example, if her telepathy was important to her survival, then it is critical for her to be able to detect thoughts during sleep, and her amygdala could alert her if the thoughts were at all threatening.

During wakefulness, I can imagine that Anya’s theta waves serve as the precursor for the activation of psi waves…

Psi waves

Just to confirm, Psi waves are definitely fictional, but my rationale is that historically, ‘Psi’ (ψ) has been used to denote the unknown factor which is linked with parapsychology and psychic phenomena. 

My theory is that psi waves would be the frequency required for telepathy, which would allow Anya to detect and interpret other people’s thoughts through their pattern of neural activation. In other words: she can probably read brainwaves. 

Modern science is already trying out methods to interpret people’s brainwaves (which is honestly both supremely cool and extremely terrifying), so it’s not too far out of the realm of possibility that Anya would be able to do the same thing just by unconsciously using her psi waves. The psi-waves would essentially mimic a brain-computer interface in being able to process and interpret neural activity (aka thoughts).

If you require a bit more concrete evidence to believe me, I’ve made a list below.

Right now, we can analyse brainwaves using EEG to:

Decode whether someone answers “yes” or “no” to conversational questions 

Control the movement of simple robots, including wheelchairs, which can be locked/unlocked using EEG (and EMG) as a biometric security system

Detect and interpret what emotion someone is feeling, as well as learn how strong that emotion is (at an accuracy rate of 80-94%)

Deconstruct the cognitive processes underlying social interaction in people who struggle to verbally express themselves

And this study analysed brain activation using fMRI to interpret and reconstruct visual images

Neuroscience is really crazy, guys.

Part 4: Physics

So… this is the part I am the least confident about. Please be patient with me and forgive me for any mistakes 🙏.  Also, this is the perfect time to remind you guys that I am really engaging with science fiction here. Emphasis on the fiction 😂. 

Basically, there are 2 main theories from Physics that I think could explain Anya’s telepathy, as well as her weakness(es):

Theory 1: Geomagnetic Field Sensitivity:

All brain waves are generated by electrical activity in the brain, and they also generate electrical activity of their own, which creates an electromagnetic field around the brain.

Anya’s abilities could be tied to the geomagnetic field of the earth, especially during the New Moon: when the moon is positioned between the earth and the sun, this could affect the field’s strength. The subtle alteration in the geomagnetic field could disrupt the electromagnetic field generated by Anya’s brain, thus disrupting the neural processing. 

In other words: the New Moon could interfere with Anya’s own electromagnetic field around her brain, via sensitivity to changes in the geomagnetic field, which could be why she can’t read minds during the New Moon. 

Theory 2: Resonance:

Resonance can be observed in physics, acoustics, musical, electrical, and mechanical systems - but now scientists are even looking at resonance in consciousness, and resonance in brain waves on a quantum level. 

Without going into too much detail (I am not qualified), I think Anya would generate a resonance frequency of her own that helps her to facilitate telepathic communication: through resonance, Anya could synchronise her Psi waves with the brain waves of another person, and it is this synchronicity that helps her to interpret the other person’s brainwaves. 

If Anya ever encountered another telepath (as she does in SSS), I imagine that they wouldn’t be able to read each other’s minds because their resonance frequencies would cancel each other out. 

In SSS, I also introduced the idea of a sub-auditory sound wave which would stop Anya from being able to use her telepathy. The idea behind this was to introduce another weakness for Anya: when this sound wave is emitted or detected, it interferes with the brain's natural telepathic frequency. This is because the sound wave oscillates at a frequency that masks the neural signals required for telepathy, and means that Anya can’t interpret those signals as easily. 

Thanks for reading!

I told you this was long. Sorry 😅

The above is really just a collective mishmash of stuff I’ve been slowly putting together for about the last 6 months, and I fully accept there will be parts that are more plausible than others. 😂 But it was fun, and more than anything I am really excited to see what we get to find out in Anya’s backstory arc (when it gets here…), and if I see any mentions of brains or neuroscience in SxF I will literally die of joy

[izicodes]

Switching to Firefox

This post is to answer @leaveblackkbrosalone’s question on my post about me switching to Firefox!

I recently had an eye opener moment when researching about Google and how they collect data to alter the things they recommend you and other things. And it was astonishing how much data they collect on you and how they track you every movement whilst on Google/Chrome/Other Google services e.g. Google PlayStore.

I truly believe there are better alternatives out there than the default Google Chrome people tend to use. We now live in world of constant data breaches and online tracking, therefore protecting your online privacy and security has never been more important.

I’ve recently deleted Chrome from my phone and computer and switched to FireFox and I’ll explain why~!

What is Firefox?

Firefox is the famous fox web browser! It is a free and open-source that is developed by the Mozilla Foundation. It's designed to be fast, secure, and customizable, and is available for multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Firefox includes a suite of built-in features, such as enhanced tracking protection, custom themes (so important obviously) and add-ons, and a flexible interface that can be tailored to the user's needs.

Why Firefox and not Google Chrome?

There are a bunch of reasons why I chose to delete Google Chrome and why I prefer FireFox now, let me list some:

Privacy

Firefox has a strong focus on privacy and security, with features like built-in tracking protection and a strict anti-tracking policy.

In contrast, Chrome is owned by Google, a company that relies heavily on data collection and advertising for its business model.

Customisation

Firefox has a much more flexible and customizable interface than Chrome, with a wide range of add-ons (equivalent to Chrome’s ‘extensions’ I believe) and themes available to personalize your browsing experience.

Open-source

Firefox is an open-source project, meaning that anyone can contribute to its development and review the code for security issues.

Chrome, on the other hand, is based on the Chromium project, which is also open-source but is controlled by Google.

Cross-platform compatibility

Firefox works on a wide range of devices and operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices.

Chrome is also available on multiple platforms, but it's more heavily integrated with Google's services and ecosystem.

Performance

Firefox has made significant improvements in recent years and is now a competitive browser in terms of speed and efficiency.

Still, Chrome is known for its fast performance

Community-driven

Firefox is developed by the non-profit Mozilla Foundation, which has a strong focus on user empowerment and community involvement. This means that Firefox users have a voice in the development process and can contribute to the browser's future direction.

With all of that being said, there is one particular area that caught my eye that I mentioned briefly: the Privacy and Security.

Firefox’s Privacy and Security Advantages

Firefox definitely has advantages in these areas than Google Chrome surprisingly!

Enhanced Tracking Protection

Firefox includes built-in tracking protection that blocks many common types of trackers by default, including

third-party cookies, cryptominers, and fingerprinters

This helps to protect your online privacy and reduce the amount of data that's collected about you. Below are the options for the 'Enhance Tracking Protection' in the settings:

No Google Tracking

Oh boy, I like this one. So unlike Chrome, which is owned by Google and ties into its advertising and data collection ecosystem, Firefox is developed by the non-profit Mozilla Foundation and has no affiliation with Google or any other major tech company. This means that Firefox is less likely to collect and share your data with third parties.

No Sign-In Required

While Chrome requires you to sign in with a Google account to access certain features, Firefox does not require any sign-in at all. This means that you can still use Firefox without creating a user profile or linking your browsing activity to any personal information -

Don’t get me wrong, if you want to use the Google search engine WITHIN FireFox, it might still prompt you to sign in but you still don’t have to! Also, the choice is there to create an account just to sync bookmarks and tab from one device to another e.g. phone to laptop.

Private Browsing Mode

(Another very important part!) Firefox offers a Private Browsing mode that doesn't save your browsing history, cookies, or temporary files. This can be useful for browsing sensitive content or preventing others from seeing what you've been looking at.

Firefox's Private Browsing mode offers a more robust set of features for privacy and security than Google’s Incognito mode. Within the ‘Settings’, you can customise your privacy settings more extensively than Google Chrome. You can choose to block all third-party cookies, prevent websites from accessing your location data, and clear your browsing history and data automatically when you close the browser.

Google's Incognito mode does not block all cookies or prevent all forms of tracking.

Open-Source Security

Like I mentioned before, Firefox is an open-source project, meaning that anyone can review the code and contribute to its development. This helps to ensure that security vulnerabilities are identified and addressed quickly, and that the browser remains as secure as possible. You too can find something and report it to the repository via creating an issue!

To Conclude

Of course, these are just some general reasons why you might prefer Firefox over Chrome, and the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities. I know with developers, they would prefer Chrome for the dev tools and I think it’s almost a standard to use Chrome (though at my workplace we use Microsoft Edge), anyhoo Google is just a default for web browsing and search engine. I also know it’s hard if you have a whole Google ecosystem set up like Google docs to Sheet to Slides, emails, calendar etc, you can still use them but on a safer browser.

I would also recommend using ‘DuckDuckGo’ for a search engine as they too are really good with security and privacy but as a search engine (plus on their phone app they have a cool animation when you want to delete you browsing data from the tabs hehe)!

Links to interesting pages for more information on this topic:

YouTube videos: video 1 | video 2 | video 3 | video 4

Articles: article 1 | article 2 | article 3

I’d say give it a go, if you don’t like it I still recommend anything but Google Chrome! Well, that’s all and thank you for reading! 🥰👍🏾💗

[lizonkanovels]

Planning to publish your story online?

Don't post it just yet! 

You may think you have edited it enough, but trust me, you haven't. Typos will manifest out of nowhere right after you post that chapter.

You need a fresh pair of eyes to go over your manuscript. And for that, I got you covered.

I just opened a Fiverr gig, and I offer more than your average beta reader. I can be your all-in-one alpha reader, editor, and proofreader.

Not only will I review your story through the eyes of a reader, but I will also give you my honest opinions as a writer. I will point out what works and what doesn't, reacting live via inline comments.

And depending on the package you choose, I can edit just the grammar and minor mistakes of your story, or go all-out and look at your story as a whole. I can give you feedback on plot coherency and structure, themes and implications, character arcs and development, and more.

If you buy the Premium package, I can also do line edits, checking the flow, tone, and style of each sentence. If you struggle with sentence variety and natural-sounding dialogue, I can help you with those, too.

Edit: This service has been updated. Find the new one here.

Why should I use a service specifically for web novels/fanfiction?

In choosing someone to review/edit your story, you must pick one who understands its genre, format, and audience. You can’t have your Omegaverse story edited by someone who has no idea what alpha, beta, and omega mean. (They’re not just Greek letters!) And you can’t show your Xianxia story to someone who has never read the genre before. They’ll only end up praising the cultivation elements in your novel as a unique magic system when it’s actually nothing new. 

I've been reading web novels for years and fanfiction for far longer. I know the tropes, the format, and the rules, so I know when to bend and when not to.

It's just a story I'm posting online. I'm not gonna publish it as a book. Do I even need this?

Don't put yourself down like that! Web novels and fanfiction are not inferior to physical books. You spent just as much time and love on it. Your story is not any less just because you wrote about your blorbos kissing. Your readers deserve a polished story as well.

Do you accept fanfiction from any fandom?

I only accept fanfiction if I know its source material. Otherwise, I won’t be able to provide relevant feedback. Contact me first to ask if the fandom you're writing for is okay.

I already edit my work. That should be enough.

I beg you. Get an editor (me). If you’re serious about writing, having a professional look over your work will immensely help you improve. Friends and family can only give you superficial feedback, like pointing out typos. You need someone who is also a writer to point out areas that need reworking.

Don't let your readers end up like this guy:

Shen Yuan literally died while cursing the author of a crappy web novel. To make things worse, the universe also decided to transport him into the world of said web novel so he could fix it himself.

So unprofessional. Your readers shouldn’t be fixing your plot holes. Do better.

[mahinee]

Nurturing the Heart: Understanding the Social and Emotional Well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities

Welcome to my Blog series on PSYCHOLOGY, WELL-BEING, AND RESILIENCE Where I will highlight 5 interesting topics. Read to explore!

In the rich tapestry of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, the essence of well-being lies in the social and emotional interconnectedness. As highlighted by the Commonwealth of Australia in 2017, this delicate balance serves as the cornerstone upon which both physical and mental health are built.

It's important to recognize that the concept of social and emotional well-being transcends individual experiences, encompassing a web of relationships that extend from the individual to the family and community. As noted by Brown et al. (2023), the nuances of well-being vary across Indigenous communities, shaped by diverse cultural perspectives and historical contexts. The notion of social and emotional well-being acknowledges that a person's well-being is also impacted by the social determinants of health. Indigenous Australians define health as the "social, emotional, and cultural well-being of the whole community" in addition to an individual's physical well-being (Fatima et al., 2023, p.31). This definition is based on a person's relationships to their country, culture, family, spirit, and physical and mental health.

Additionally, the National Agreement acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are essential to better life outcomes for Indigenous Australians. All initiatives carried out by the Agreement must uphold, protect, and enhance these cultures. The following goals have been specifically set by the agreement to promote the cultural wellness of Indigenous Australians as shown in Figure 1 below (indigenoushpf.gov.au, 2024).

Figure 1: Targets to support cultural well-being

(Source: indigenoushpf.gov.au, 2024)

This particular group is marked with suicides and attempts to death based on different stress in life and stress factors. In the words of Smallwood et al., (2023, p.2088), the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders had been facing severe issues over time in search of good living and livelihood. Owing to this there had been intervention which was developed for the betterment of indigenous people living in Australia. Figure 2 below shows the rate of suicide attempts which had been caused by the people of this indigenous group (indigenoushpf.gov.au, 2024). Thus, the intervention of the Mental Health Agreement was formulated to secure sustainability and improve the services provided by the Australian mental health and suicide prevention system. It also aimed to improve the mental health of all Australians and governments have come together to establish the Mental Health Agreement (Masotti et al., 2023, p.741).

Figure 2: Suicide attempts by Aboriginals

(Source: indigenoushpf.gov.au, 2024)

In addition to responding to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Mental Health, the National Suicide Prevention Adviser's Final Advice, the Mental Health Agreement pledges to carry out work under the Fifth Plan going forward (indigenoushpf.gov.au, 2024). Regional planning and commissioning, priority populations, stigma reduction, safety and quality, gaps in the system of care and suicide prevention are the main areas of attention. On the other hand, psycho-social supports outside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), workforce, and national consistency for initial assessment and referral are among the priority areas covered by the Mental Health Agreement.

References

Brown, A., Haregu, T., Gee, G., Mensah, F., Waters, L., Brown, S. J., ... & Armstrong, G. (2023). Social and emotional well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Aboriginal-controlled social housing. BMC public health, 23(1), 1935. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-023-16817-y

Fatima, Y., Liu, Y., Cleary, A., Dean, J., Smith, V., King, S., & Solomon, S. (2023). Connecting the health of country with the health of people: application of" caring for country" in improving the social and emotional well-being of Indigenous people in Australia and New Zealand. The Lancet Regional Health–Western Pacific, 31. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanwpc/article/PIIS2666-6065(22)00263-2/fulltext

indigenoushpf.gov.au (2024) Social and emotional wellbeing Retrived on 9 May 2024 from: https://www.indigenoushpf.gov.au/measures/1-18-social-emotional-wellbeing

Masotti, P., Dennem, J., Bañuelos, K., Seneca, C., Valerio-Leonce, G., Inong, C. T., & King, J. (2023). The Culture is Prevention Project: measuring cultural connectedness and providing evidence that culture is a social determinant of health for Native Americans. BMC Public Health, 23(1), 741. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-023-15587-x

Smallwood, R., Usher, K., Woods, C., Sampson, N., & Jackson, D. (2023). De‐problematising Aboriginal young peoples’ health and well‐being through their voice: An Indigenous scoping review. Journal of clinical nursing, 32(9-10), 2086-2101. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jocn.16308

[hayatheauthor]

Websites And Writing Apps Every Author Needs In 2023

In today’s day and age, technology is everyone's best friend, and the number one writing tool for authors. Gone are the days when writers would hunch over blocky typewriters and leisurely type out a manuscript. Authors are now evolving, and while typewriters and pretty journals might make for stellar aesthetically pleasing posts, they aren’t as accessible and convenient as the technological advancements that have taken the world by storm.

Modern-day authors have swapped out papers and ink for laptops and AI, allowing us to type out thousands of words without having to worry about our pens drying out.

However, this convenience comes at a cost.

Our app stores are flooded with so many options that it is easy to lose track of the best writing apps. This is why I have taken the initiative to compile a list of the websites and writing apps every author needs in 2023— categorized by different writing stages.

Websites And Writing Apps To Help With Fantasy Worldbuilding

Worldbuilding is possibly one of the most essential pre-writing steps a writer takes. It helps you develop a concrete idea of the story you have come up with and creates the foundation of your book.

Poor worldbuilding and a lack of visualisation can make your ideas get lost in translation and make a concrete fantasy world seem confusing for your readers.

This is why before you jump into telling your story, you must first establish the building blocks of your tale. There are two applications that I believe can help you achieve this. Whether it be generating names, creating fantasy maps or more, here are two websites and web apps to help with worldbuilding.

Azgaar

Azgaar's Fantasy Map Generator is a free web application that generates interactive and highly customizable SVG maps based on Voronoi diagram. Fantasy map generators generally require a lot of time and energy to completely plan out your world, but with Azgaar’s fantasy map generators, you can readily customize any of their free templates.

They offer a plethora of options for writers to explore, from different map colours and themes to worlds created in various environments.

One thing I love about Azgaar is how accessible their templates are. You can easily change the location names, landscape and map settings with a click or two and also experiment with different templates until you create a map that is perfect for your world.

If we’re talking about fantasy map generators every writer should know of, then Azgaar is definitely one of them.

Donjon

Are you a writer who just got started with their worldbuilding? Do you feel stuck with the overwhelming amount of things you need to do before you can write your story? Don’t worry, all of us have been there. But with Donjon you can readily create almost every aspect of your fantasy world.

From names to maps and demographics, Donjon provides creators with a plethora of services. Unlike most applications, it also helps you create globes and detailed city/area scapes and maps. This is a tool I find particularly useful for when your characters are exploring a new area that you can’t visualise well.

And the best part? It isn’t just for authors! Donjon has different tools for writers, game makers, and more— allowing creators of all kinds to make their worlds that much better.

If you ever feel stuck during your world-building, then definitely give Donjon a try and comment down below the tool you found the most useful.

Websites And Writing Apps To Help With Your Writing

Writing your book is one of the most thrilling stages of creating a novel.

But nowadays it can be really hard to find good writing tools that are free and help you accomplish your goal with no hitches. I can’t tell you how many times I ended up losing my work as a fanfic writer writing on websites that haven’t been updated in years! This is why it’s so important to write your book on a proper, reputable application.

Grammarly

Let’s be honest, if you’re someone who’s into writing then you’ve probably heard of Grammarly at least a couple of times. However, what many writers don’t realise is just how beneficial it can be!

Most writers use Grammarly as an extension on their writing application so that it can correct their small errors while they write, but they don’t bother to use the Grammarly editor. You might be wondering ‘but Haya, what’s the difference?’

The Grammarly editor provides you with more options and tools to help better your writing. You can set your writing goals, such as your target audience, tone, etc. and even get access to more detailed suggestions that focus on aspects like passive voice, and adverbs.

Even if you choose not to get Grammarly premium, the editor still highlights the premium suggestions which can help you understand where you’re going wrong.

Overall, Grammarly helps you edit your chapters and polish your writing with ease.

Google Docs

If you’re one of the people who doesn’t see the point in paying for Word, then Google Docs is for you. It gives you all the features of a word document online. Docs also allows you to use extensions and add-ons that can help you elevate your manuscript. Some of my favourites are Scribe Writer, highlighter tool, and Spellright.

One thing most people don’t know about Google Docs is that you can use the voice typing tool. If you’re an author like me, then you often think of the perfect pieces of description at random moments in the day and have to scramble to write them down before you forget. The same can be said for dialogue, plot points, etc.

This is why Google Docs is so convenient. It allows you to speak your thoughts and types it out in a document that you can readily edit at your own time.

If you’re looking for a website or writing app to use as your main editor for your manuscript, then you should definitely consider Google Docs.

Websites And Writing Apps To Help With Your Editing

Hemingway Editor

If you’re an author writing for a certain age group, Hemingway Editor is the best website for you. Hemingway Editor shows a grade for your writing and gives you suggestions for ways to improve your manuscript. Just like Grammarly, it gives you various suggestions for your writing.

It also highlights the areas of concern in different colours so that you can easily make your way through your work depending on which aspect you would like to edit (whether that be SPAG, sentence structure, etc.)

If you don’t want to pay for Grammarly’s premium option then you can use Hemingway Editor’s free editorial suggestions.

Reedsy

Don’t want to do your edits by yourself? Hire an editor from Reedsy.

Hiring a professional can be a difficult process, and oftentimes we don’t even know where to start. You can acquire a list of professional editors that work with your genre with one click of your mouse. But how do you know if they have the right experience and credibility?

With Reedsy you can easily get in touch with great editors who have not only worked in your genre but also have a client list of credible authors with books similar to yours. This helps make sure you select an editor that knows what they need to do and how to get it done.

Reedsy also provides authors with professionals who can help them in every step of their writing process, whether that be cover designing, proofreading, or more.

Websites And Writing Apps To Help You Get A Literary Agent

Querying can be a daunting process. I know this from personal experience. But you can make this process a little easier with the right websites and writing apps. I’ve seen tons of different websites promoting tools that will supposedly help you get an agent within one week. I’ve also seen several authors who used said tools and came up empty-handed.

Querying is a very subjective process— what is a perfect fit for one agent might not be the right thing for another. This is why it’s so important to reach out to the right agents so that you don’t end up wasting days chasing after a literary agent who doesn’t even work in your genre.

Listed below are two websites and writing apps that are essential to find a literary agent.

Querytracker

Querytracker is possibly the most important tool for querying authors. It allows you to easily find agents in your genre, research their backgrounds, send out queries, and track your queries all in one page. This cuts down on the time most authors spend creating colour-coded spreadsheets.

I got my first literary agent from Querytracker, and am currently using their services to secure another agent.

Querytracker’s biggest advantage is its reputation. Their database consists of established literary agents who have worked with bestselling authors as well as the top publishers in the literary industry. You can readily access data about these professionals with one click and never have to worry about scams or fraud.

Their newsletter also gives authors updates about agents who have recently reopened their query boxes and resources that can help you better your query.

Found an agent you want to reach out to? You can easily check Querytracker’s success story interviews and take a look at the query letters of authors who signed a deal with your agent.

Manuscript Wishlist

Getting out of an agent’s slush pile is possibly the hardest part of querying. I know many authors who send out dozens of cold queries to agents in their genres, just to end up with a list of form rejections. The reason for this is simple— if you approach an agent as just another name on your list, they will treat you the same way.

This is why it is so important to properly customize your queries. There’s no need to sing praises about their past work and drone on about how perfect they are. The goal is to hook your agent with a compelling introduction to your manuscript and reel them in with a genuine paragraph about why they would be a good fit for you.

But how can you personalise your query letter? With Manuscript Wishlist!

Manuscript Wishlist is a website tool that helps authors target and personalize their queries. It operates as a website (manuscriptwishlist.com) and a hashtag (#MSWL). Agents use MSWL to share topics and story ideas that they would like to see in their query inbox, literary pieces they are fond of, and a brief intro of themselves. This gives authors the insight they need to effectively send out a personalised query.

Getting an agent can be made easy with Querytracker and Manuscript Wishlist.

Conclusion

I hope this list of the best websites and writing apps every author needs will help you in your writing journey. Be sure to comment your favourite writing tools to help your fellow authors prosper.

Want to learn more about me and my writing journey? Visit my social media pages under the handle @hayatheauthor where I post content about my WIP and life as a teenage author.

[zebee-nyx]

CalmWriMo Day 18

[11/18/2023]

Update!

Cozy day at home. Feels like it's been forever since I've had a light day like this to just chill out. Honestly spent more time than I prob should've just listening to youtube and playing minecraft for the first time in awhile. ('0.0) But also worked on writing stuff! So the day wasn't entirely lost to my gaming addiction lol. Did some more character interview things, cause at this point it's fun and helps me figure out the characters! Also did some work on the prologue, but agh, def not getting it done this weekend. It is mostly drafted aside from one weird gap in the middle that I need to plug with a paragraph. (-.-) Going to do that tmr then take a break from that for a week to freshen the mind a touch before going back and doing editing and what not. In the mean time gonna start the drafting for the first part of the story! Which is a mix of exciting and harrowing. [got no idea what I'm doing aside from a vaguely outlined plan lol, way more adjusted to worldbuilding and characters than I am on plot stuff…. Something I need to work on but know the most common way of learning is to completely flub it and I really don’t want to flub it lol… rambling, sorry!]

Progress:

2 Hour Writing Goal: ✅

Blurb: [see below]

Self Care:

Food: ✅

Hydration: ✅

Sleep: ❌[somehow managed to fall asleep while reading a webtoon... half woke up about an hour later to finish reading before actually getting to sleep lol]

Reading: ✅

Blurb: The Undercity

The "Undercity" is the term used to describe the more densely populated and neglected sectors of Neocago City. These regions are mostly located around the southern and outer western parts of the city. Aside from a few scattered and walled off corporate run neighborhoods surrounding factories and other corporate properties the undercity is a lawless place. Buildings are fused as they were haphazardly built atop one another in a completely unplanned way to accommodate rapid unfettered urbanization over the last few decades. Many of these buildings have prefabricated rooms at their core that have been buried by whatever construction materials were available.

Roofed alleyways are covered in trash that will never be collected. The pathways between buildings are almost always wet from a mix of rainwater and water from leaky pipes draining through the various layers of buildings above. Random cables feeding down from rooftop solar panels hang above the streets, following along the paths in thick bundles. People often simply splice into the cables to syphon off power for their businesses or homes as they need forming webs of wires chaotically stretching around over streets and alleys. Many narrow ground level streets are lined with neon signs advertising small local businesses. Some streets have become de facto "retrofitted" into public markets that have street vendor carts. While not necessarily on every surface possible, graffiti isn't uncommon.

Most places around the undercity fall with in the territories of one gang or another who for their credit often try to maintain some level of order and basic essential public services. Services such as shifting garbage away from the local area, "protection", and extinguishing the occasional fire. For the most part security firms [basically privately owned cops for hire, more on this some other time] are absent so nearly everyone in the undercity is armed in some way in the likely event they need to defend themselves. Although typically if one just keeps there head down and doesn't start anything they are relatively safe.

As one travels nearer toward the edge of Neocago the undercity becomes less developed, less populated, and less livable overall with some sections being more or less abandoned. In these places the borders between what is the undercity and the junkyards surrounding the city begin to blur. Sparsely hidden away in the more abandoned areas are indoor gardens that grow food kept away from prying eyes that may attempt to steal meals as well as valuable plants. Some places in these border areas have become mysterious dead zones where few who enter are ever seen nor heard from again.

The population of the undercity is mostly laborers, service industry workers, "service" workers, or unemployed with some small local shop owners sprinkled around. Near universally however, everyone has their vice. This part of the city has also become somewhat attractive to lower level runners, who often thrive in the absence of security firms and high need for people to do odd jobs.

In more developed regions of the undercity buildings are even built over roads which causes an intresting little phenomenon. These areas don't get sunlight and as a result have become immune to the fact that the sun is indeed a deadly laser. Following this little quirk these portions of the undercity usually never sleep and are always a bustling place of foot traffic and commerce.

In essence the undercity is nearly around sixteen million minds all working in their own interests, often intersecting and conflicting with others as there is little overall organized coordination. The aesthetics of this region are heavily governed by that as millions of little self serving adjustments are made to the environment each day.

[WOOOO!!! Love me some worldbuilding! lol (>v<) For the next week the blurbs will be about different areas in and around Neocago and honestly I'm going to have an absolute blast writing about it all! (^.^) Anyways and always, hope you are having a lovely day, peace (^V^)v]

[meganwilhoit]

Digital Retailing: Branding on the Web

Branding is a super important tool and concept, not just for businesses but also for one's personal use. A few months back my school's American Marketing Association (AMA), hosted an event for “personal branding”, and expert individuals came in to discuss what branding was and how we could develop our own “brand”. Although this event pertained to personal branding, it still helped me grasp a better understanding of what branding actually is. And what I learned was branding is made up of a lot of different things, not just the company's name or logo. 

By definition, branding is “is the process of giving meaning to a specific organization, company, products or services by creating and shaping a brand in consumers’ minds. It is a strategy designed by organizations to help people to quickly identify and experience their brand, and give them a reason to choose their products over the competition’s, by clarifying what this particular brand is and is not” (Marion, 2022). 

As more people shift towards the e-retail shopping experience, companies are having to adjust their branding to accurately reflect their company on a digital platform. I also think it should be noted that customers' expectations play a huge role in the differences between online and offline branding. Meeting these expectations is crucial for a company to succeed in branding and overall. Although I do think branding can be very similar between the web and the traditional retail environment, there are also some differences that should be considered to fully optimize the customer experience. 

The first difference is in customer service. Customer service is a part of a company's brand and implementing good customer service will give consumers a better idea of what the company represents. Customer service can be much easier to obtain in the traditional retail environment. Consumers can speak directly to an associate or manager if any issues arise. 

A personal experience of exceptional customer service in a traditional retail environment is when I shop at Altar’d State. They are a women’s boutique with the mission “Our mission is to serve as an inspiration, empower others and give more than we receive. We do this by lifting those who need a helping hand, volunteering our time to enrich lives, and extending the power of prayer.” (Altar’d State, n.d). Whenever I shop with them I am always given the best customer service, from the moment I walk in I am greeted by an associate and they offer to help me find exactly what I am looking for. They will offer a dressing room if I am a pile of clothes and will also offer advice and compliments while in the dressing room. Altar’d State goes above and beyond in its customer service aspects to build its brand and show its consumers what they strive for in a company. But with e-retailing, this interaction and customer service cannot be performed, companies have to use other resources to create these experiences with customer service and stay consistent with their branding. 

An online retailer that I think has achieved high levels of branding through its customer service is Amazon. Amazon has been successful in filling the void of social interaction that is found online. They offer quick shipping with Amazon Prime, even offering one-day/overnight delivery in some areas. They promote “frequently bought together” or “similar products” on all their product listings to offer their consumers more advice and expertise. And Amazon has extensive reviews from customers who have purchased the product previously. Other customers can view these reviews with different filters (such as most recent or best to worst) to find all the readily available information before purchasing. Amazon also has a traditional customer service phone line and email for their customers if any larger issues arise. But the majority of the time customers can navigate through Amazon’s website to make returns or contact supplies. 

Another difference in branding is through packaging design. We all know how a brand's product packaging can help with its branding. Brands can use their logos, slogans, and colors on their packaging to keep consistent branding and help spread awareness of the brand. Some examples are Tiffany’s iconic blue box with the white ribbon or Campbell's classic red and white soup cans. But I also view packaging design as how the product is presented to the customer upon purchase. This can also help a company’s brand differentiate between traditional retail environments and online retailers.  If a company has poor packaging (such as unidentifiable or not securing the product properly) customers are going to associate the company with low quality. 

In a traditional retail environment, the packaging design falls down to how the products are placed in the bag and the branding on the bag. One example from personal experience that comes to mind is Victoria’s Secret. Once I check out my item are wrapped in their color-themed tissue paper (typically white or pink), placed in their classic pink striped bag, and more tissue paper is added to the top. Each of these elements helps their branding. Not only do I feel I have purchased a more high-quality product due to the packaging, but the branding of the bag helps me and other consumers clearly identify the brand. 

In the e-retail environment, packaging design falls into how the packaging is shipped to the consumer. Patagonia is a clothing brand (online and traditional retail) but a huge focus on sustainability and being environmentally friendly. To ensure this message is conveyed through all their channels, they have made a strong effort to make their packaging design more sustainable. Their shipping boxes are cardboard but the inside of their boxes have some of their classic designs to keep branding consistent. They also have made efforts to minimize the amount of packaging required and made plans for their consumers to easily recycle these packaging components. Patagonia is using its packaging design to convey its message of being sustainable while still ensuring the packaging is identifiable to its brand. 

One way online retailers can build their branding and ensure it is consistent with their message is through social media. Over the past three years or so we have seen social media turn into e-retailers themselves. Instagram and Pinterest have even been able to create “shopping centers” on their networks where consumers can easily shop for products and purchase them through the app. Customers can follow companies on social media to keep up on new releases, and upcoming sales, and even enter potential giveaways. Companies can use their social media to connect with their customers on a more personal level while still being in the digital environment. Companies can also use social media to help with their digital branding by posting pictures and videos that accurately reflect the brand and what they are all about, especially since “a picture is worth a thousand words”. 

Two examples came to my mind when thinking of companies that use social media to help build their brand. The first is Patagonia. As I stated before they are huge on sustainability and environmentalism, one of their marketing campaigns was even about “Don’t Buy This Jacket”, which brought awareness to the overconsumption of clothes. On Patagonia's social media accounts, they strive to maintain this message, instead of consistently posting about their products, they actually feature environmental activists as well as consumers wearing Patagonia while performing outdoor activities. This is a great example of using social media to accurately reflect their brand. 

The other example that came to mind was Aerie, a smaller section of American Eagle featuring women's intimates and loungewear. Their purpose is to “love everybody”, and through their social media accounts, they post so many diverse women wearing Aerie clothing, whether that is different bodies or ethnicities, and featuring women with disabilities too. This is to bring love to one another and show that every body is beautiful, not just the “standard” we see all too often in magazines. 

Traditional and online retailers can both use the same branding strategies but they use them in different ways, such as how they create customer service experiences or how they package their products. But I also think social media play’s a huge role in a company's branding. This is where companies can really connect with their consumers and show off their products as well as their purpose and what they stand for. 

References

Altar'd State. (n.d.). Standout For Good. Altar'd State. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.altardstate.com/stand-out-for-good/

Marion. (2022, March 9). What Is Branding? The Branding Journal. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.thebrandingjournal.com/2015/10/what-is-branding-definition/

[economicshomeworkhelper]

The A to Z of Economics Homework: Your Winning Playbook

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You find yourself grappling with economics homework and thinking, How can I do my economics homework effectively? fear not! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

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Look Over Your References: Pay meticulous attention to your references. Avoid randomness—your college lecturer is scrutinizing this section. Thoughtfully chosen references strengthen the academic integrity of your assignment.

Crafting a flawless project is within reach, but tread carefully with references. Steer clear of copying content from the internet or other sources. If you ever find yourself in need of expert assistance, consider leveraging our reputable economics homework writing services at EconomicsHomeworkHelper.com. We're here to elevate your academic journey! 🚀🌍

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

By: Debra Soh

Published: Aug 17, 2023

In the debate on childhood transition, one of the largest points of contention has been whether a minor’s wishes should override parental opposition. And, indeed, whether parents have a right to be informed about the process at all.

On Monday, a federal appeals court ruled that a group of parents couldn’t challenge a Maryland school district’s policy regarding children who declare themselves to be transgender. The policy requires school employees to support a child’s preferred name, pronouns, and bathroom access and bars employees from disclosing these plans to parents without the child’s consent.

Gender ideology owes much of its success to the isolation of vulnerable children in every area of life. Children are currently being treated as though they have an equivalent mental capacity to adults, and this presumed ability to make sound choices autonomously should not be questioned.

These are not, however, benign decisions; in addition to potentially exacerbating gender confusion, failing to challenge a child’s beliefs about being transgender or "non-binary" can have implications for their future well-being in more ways than one. As my readers are likely already aware, a social transition isn’t without consequence and has been shown by research to be associated with medical transition.

As well, parents deserve to know if their child is being granted access to single-sex spaces that would otherwise be exclusively used by members of the opposite sex. For example, when it comes to bathrooms, locker rooms, and overnight accommodations on field trips, a girl using boys’ facilities will be placing herself at greater risk. I also think all parents at a school deserve to know if a male student is being allowed to use facilities designated for girls.

Keeping secrets from parents is a hallmark sign of predatory grooming. This isn’t to say that personnel abiding by these policies are doing so with the goal of sexually abusing children, but the process of excluding parents from important decision-making shouldn’t be promoted by our society as healthy or safe.

Last week, the New College of Florida announced it would be defunding its gender studies program. Spearheaded by trustee Christopher Rufo, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, New College’s recent transformation should be emulated by every university and applauded by anyone in favor of truth and evidence. As our educational system continues to be overrun by gender zealotry, we should seek to excavate the rot at its root.

Dr. Debra Soh is a sex neuroscientist and the author of The End of Gender: Debunking the Myths About Sex and Identity in Our Society.

[ Via: https://archive.is/Rwsu4 ]

==

https://cass.independent-review.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Cass-Review-Interim-Report-Final-Web-Accessible.pdf#page=62

Social transition – this may not be thought of as an intervention or treatment, because it is not something that happens within health services. However, it is important to view it as an active intervention because it may have significant effects on the child or young person in terms of their psychological functioning. There are different views on the benefits versus the harms of early social transition. Whatever position one takes, it is important to acknowledge that it is not a neutral act, and better information is needed about outcomes.

I still think it's fascinating that the same children who are deemed mature enough to make irreversible medical decisions that will affect their fertility, sexuality, biological development, and make them life-long medical patients...

... are simultaneously not mature enough to agree to a cellphone plan.

[indeedseo1]

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The perfect solution As a top rooftop SEO firm we provide a wide range of services to improve your online visibility and increase your return on investment. We do everything to get your company to the top of the SERPs, from on-page optimization to local SEO strategies. We have the knowledge and tools to achieve your goals, whether they're increasing revenue, generating more leads, or building brand awareness.

The Real SEO Advantage: Our Proven Process In-depth analysis and planning

A comprehensive examination of your current web presence and competitive environment sets the stage for our journey. We evaluate your website's functionality, pinpoint areas in need of development, and provide a plan of action based on your unique goals and objectives. Through a thorough understanding of your specific needs, we can create a winning strategy that sets you apart from the crowd.

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[dollsonmain]

Washing my new pants and I've run into the same problem with EVERY pair of pants.

Too big in the waist, too tight in the hip.

-

I discovered that Walgreen's is currently mired in an anti-discrimination lawsuit (specifically in California) and I do tick a bunch of the "equal-opportunity" boxes.

female

disabled

veteran

over 40

It's possible corporate's application algo flagged me as a diversity hire.

I've also learned that many, many stores are being closed. There are two Walgreen's, here, and two CVS. There used to be a Rite Aid but it was replaced by the second Walgreen's. Apparently CVS and Rite Aid are closing a lot of locations, too.

Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a list online that I can look at to see if this store is being closed. That would be alright, really. I would have a few months of work and income, insurance for a little while, and then a totally neutral reason for no longer working there.

-

That's kind of weird to me that stores are closing because stocks went down after being high during the height of the pandemic. They're probably still making more money than they did pre-pandemic but it's less than they were making during, so the stores are less valuable and closing, taking all those jobs with them.

Stocks are fucking weird, man.

Looking at the job description and it's basically Do Everything.

Responsibilities

Models and delivers a distinctive and delightful customer experience.

Registers sales on assigned cash register, provides customers with courteous, fair, friendly, and efficient checkout service.

Customer Experience

Engages customers and patients by greeting them and offering assistance with products and services. Resolves customer issues and answers questions to ensure a positive customer experience.

Models and shares customer service best practices with all team members to deliver a distinctive and delightful customer experience, including interpersonal habits (e.g., greeting, eye contact, courtesy, etc.) and Walgreens service traits (e.g., offering help proactively, identifying needs, servicing until satisfied, etc.).

Operations

Provides customers with courteous, friendly, fast, and efficient service.

Recommends items for sale to customer and recommends trade-up and/or companion items.

Registers customer purchases on assigned cash register, collects cash and distributes change as requested; processes voids, returns, rain checks, refunds, and exchanges as needed.

Keeps counters and shelves clean and well merchandised, takes inventory, and maintains records. Checks in and prices merchandise as required or as directed by store manager or communicated by the shift leader.

Implements Company asset protection procedures to identify and minimize profit loss.

Ensures compliance with state and local laws regarding regulated products (e.g., alcoholic beverages and tobacco products).

Constructs and maintains displays, including promotional, seasonal, super structures, and sale merchandise. Completes resets and revisions as directed.

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as specified by policies/procedures (e.g., raw and frozen meats on bottom shelves). For consumable items, assists in stock rotation, using the first in, first out method and restock outs.

Has working knowledge of store systems and store equipment.

Provides customer service in the photo area, including digital passport photo service, poster print and creative machine, suggestive sell of promotional photo products.

Assumes web pick-up responsibilities (monitors orders in Picture Care Plus, fills orders (pick items), delivers orders to customers as they arrive at store).

Assists with exterior and interior maintenance by ensuring clean, neat, orderly store condition and appearance.

Complies with all company policies and procedures; maintains respectful relationships with coworkers.

Completes special assignments and other tasks as assigned.

Training & Personal Development

Attends training and completes PPLs requested by Manager or assigned by corporate.

Basic Qualifications

Must be fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English. (Except in Puerto Rico)

Requires willingness to work flexible schedule, including evenings and weekend hours

Preferred Qualifications

Prefer six months of experience in a retail environment.

Prefer to have prior work experience with Walgreens.

Prefer to be fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English. (Except in Puerto Rico)

Requires willingness to work flexible schedule, including evenings and weekend hours.

The following information is applicable for San Francisco, CA applicants: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

The actual compensation that you will be offered will depend on a variety of factors including geography, skills and abilities, education, experience and other relevant factors. This role will remain open until filled. To review benefits, please click here jobs.walgreens.com/benefits. If you are applying on a job board or unable to click on the link, please copy and paste this URL into your browser jobs.walgreens.com/benefits

[fantranslatorbychoice]

Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi Volume 6 Chapter 9 - Tenjin-ya's Autumn Festival

T/N: I hope you like this chapter, it's my "Britney's back, bicth" reappearance, my Nihongo got a bit wonked-out but I hope you all still enjoy this. Also it's a double-upload so please do take a seat, it's gonna be a roller-coaster ride y'all.

As always, if you like this translation, you can heart it, SHARE THE LINK, reblog. You can rave about this, rant about this, reply, etc. but if you can, please link back to this page. If you’re unsure how to do that, just copy the web address of this page. If you’re on a blogsite just insert the web address as a hyperlink to create a link back to this page. I just respectfully ask to NOT REPOST OR REUPLOAD THIS ELSEWHERE. Thank you very much.

This is my contribution to the scant English content of this fandom, and I worked really hard to finish this thing, it’s not like I just copy-pasted everything on some AI-translating site. I even had to build the kanji in Jisho one by one if I need to. Try it here and you’ll see what I mean.

Honestly if this light novel was officially-published in English, I wouldn’t even be doing this right now... And if it did, especially if it was sanctioned, I’d take this down to support the publishers and Yuuma-sensei. Creators support creators, is what I believe in.

If I still have enough energy to do it, I’ll prolly do 1-5 once 6-10 has been done, or however long I can manage to translate the raw texts, sometimes my soul gets absorbed by some entity and I have to get it back piece by piece lol.

As previously-mentioned in earlier chapters, if you stumbled upon this one, the two seasons of the anime covered volumes 1-5, so other than the extra details, you didn’t miss much stuff. Believe me, I sped-run them with 50% comprehension then rewatched the anime, and they're more or less the same.

OK here it goes, enjoy~

P267 It's the end of October. In Utsushiyo, there is an event called "Halloween" which is associated with wearing costumes, I wonder if it's festive and lively and huge right now?

But then again, this is Kakuriyo. For countless days now, Tenjin-ya has been celebrating the bountiful harvests in the Autumn Festival. Because this is the biggest autumn event in here, this time around it was gossiped about that Tenjin-ya will be celebrating it differently than before.

As per Ginji-san's suggestion, Tenjin-ya's interior as well as the gardens were decorated with Japanese-style pumpkin lanterns lighted up by ogre-fire.

Maps were given to guests at the front desk, which guide them in finding the flashy lanterns placed at the service station and resting areas where the employees are gathered as they give away sweets and snacks.**

Pumpkin lanterns are considered rare in Kakuriyo, and with an event that seems like treasure-hunting in the underworld, it was a very popular event enjoyed by both adults and children.

Only one other place was also decorated with the pumpkin lanterns as a rest stop, and that is Yugao.

Here, aside from the usual sweets given out to everyone, Kasuga and I also give out the newly-developed product "Hell-juu".

This is because this product is being promoted and advertised as a "revolutionary" and "pioneering" product.

T/N: In Japan, anything labeled as お菓子 (o-kashi) are considered as tiny snacks, not limited to sweets but also small amounts of salty and savory stuff like 煎餅 (senbei - rice crackers)

P268 Since this year's opening for the Autumn Festival hasn't started yet, along with the tea time business operations, I was just sitting outside Yugao where tea is usually prepapred, as I was making a list of fun Autumn sweets that Yugao can offer to customers.

Right now, this is the food and snack lineup for sale in Yugao: -> Sweet potato and purple yam ice cream -> Buttercream-filled bread rolls with raisin and walnut -> Melt-in-your-mouth persimmon pudding (with persimmon leaf tea)

Since in Utsushiyo sweets are a big hit during Halloween, I also took a great liberty to do them too. And surprisingly, the bread rolls filled with buttercream and with raisins and walnuts were especially well-received by so many.

The grapes that we picked from the fruit orchard were hung behind Yugao, in order to make raisins. These raisins, along with the roasted walnuts were mixed with homemade buttercream**, and then turning them into an easily-consumable hand-held cream bread roll.

When I made the buttercream by hand, it felt nostalgic, I missed how the sweetness and how it feels in my mouth was to my liking. The full cream feels very different from the raisins and the walnuts, it wasn't a distasteful mix at all, and it makes them even prominent from the sidelines.

Since it tastes better when fresh from the oven, we had a label up that says "we bake them as you order them".

"Oh my, Kasuga-chan, since when did you switch to working at Yugao?" "I thought you already quit being a Tenjin-ya employee?"

T/N: Please never make homemade buttercream with your bare hands, unless your hands and arms are buff AF. Use a mixer ALWAYS. A message of concern from someone who HAD TO DO IT BY HAND and now has PTSD. The pain wasn't worth it. T_T

P269

Yugao's regular customers who came by during tea time were shocked to see that Kasuga was at work. Nobody knows though, that today was inevitably Kasuga's last day working at Tenjin-ya.

"Ahaha, but it's not bad working as a sales lady in a sweets' shop, you know?"

She doesn't show it in her innocent smile, but Kasuga does everything that she can to keep on serving each and every one of the customers, ceaselessly ushering them in and giving them what they need.

With that going on, I was able to concentrate on making the dishes, and the rounds in the shop went on smoothly.

More than anything else that I was grateful for, was Kasuga's know-how when it comes to serving guests. She even taught Ai-chan how to politely interact with the customers. Even though Ai-chan now regularly appears at the shop, she's still a beginner and likely will make mistakes. To Ai-chan that is more of a support, every now and then we give her some advice.

To be honest, the more that she moves the more she gets the hang of it, and the more she gets the hang of it, the more that she gets motivated to work.

So far it seems that whatever she sees, she does it in a similar manner. That is something that employees at Tenjin-ya learn from their superiors - cultivated by the toiling and grinding for so many years, this is by any means not a very easy thing to do nor learn by anyone's standards.**

Doing so much work, running so much errands... is this day ever gonna end...? Aaaarggh..

Kasuga keeps saying "this is too much" as she keeps running to and from here in the kitchen, urgently taking orders, relaying the information to me, and getting exhausted doing so.

T/N: Double negatives are really a pain in the arse I tell you. Arrrrggh lol

P270 "Aoi-shaaaa~n, please give me pumpkin sheeee~ds"

Before opening up for the evening's business hours, it was crunch time for prepping the ingredients. Kasuga and I arranged the chairs outside, while Chibi, who turned the pumpkin lanterns into a playground, was begging for pumpkin seeds.

"Why are you asking for pumpkin seeds?"

"They're delicioussssh~"

Because we used up so many pumpkins today, we have a lot of pumpkin seeds.

Giving him some pumpkin seeds from the kitchen, Chibi holds one and starts gnawing it with his beak, skillfully picking out the contents to eat.

Somehow, he looks like a hamster eating a sunflower seed...

But, just as Chibi was about to take the last bite, for some reason it seemed, he was starting to behave like he had an intense dilemma, and he stopped eating the seed.

"What? What's the matter? Is that a nasty-tasting seed?"

"This pumpkin sheeeed, If I plant thissss under the willow tree, I'm going to help it grow. Then when it bearssssh fruits, Aoi-shan will make me a dish from it. And the sheeeds... I will eat them."

Wait, wait, what's going on?

After immediately running towards the willow tree, Chibi using his webbed fingers started digging and tearing up the ground, and with some skills he has planted the seed into the ground.  Well, for sure he can grow it like that, but...

"Wh-?"

P271

And in that exact moment, on the other side of the willow tree...

Within the inner garden some mysterious movement was happening, which was a young couple, and when I noticed them I called over saying

"Is something the matter?", to which they immediately came towards me.

"Uhm... have you seen an item that has been dropped around here?"

"A missing item? What is it that you have lost?"

"Uhm, that is... A silver bracelet..."

After asking them about it, it seemed like the young couple was newly wedded, and had their honeymoon here in Tenjin-ya.

They were a very typical young couple. According to the young bride, it was a silver bracelet that her own mother had bequeathed her  before she got married.

It seemed that it got lost somewhere around pumpkin lanterns, and they have been going around and around the pumpkin lanterns in order to find it.

Even though it was supposed to be a very special occasion, the young bride looked so pitiful, with her face full of so much worry and anxiety. Could it possibly be that Yugao may have caught sight of that bracelet...?

"There, there! Tenjin-ya has a Lost and Found, maybe they have it in there? They probably have it there already, they always find all of the guests' lost items, for sure. I'll lead the way over there, ok?"

Hearing our conversation, Kasuga immediately popped over and courteously lead the young couple while saying "this way please".

I saw that the young bride smiled to her husband with a sigh of relief.

P272

As expected of Kasuga, isn't she is a clever, competent employee?

"I have so much concerns, but by leaving everything else to Kasuga, I don't have to worry so much. Then I only have to give it my all with my cooking." I'll need to add more items to Yugao's regular menu, and I am not limiting it to this year's Autumn Festival specials.

-> Crunchy salad made with lightly-pickled pumpkin topped with the Southern Lands' tuna -> Assorted Tempura Platter (Pumpkin, Chicken), garnished with Kimon's famous product, pumpkin -> White fish and autumn vegetables simmered in a thick sauce - A rare set meal, featuring Odanna-sama's homegrown autumn eggplant

But, the most special menu item, which is also served to guests as appetizers, is the Pumpkin and Soy Milk Potage. Foremost, because it has shredded onions and homemade bacon, which was stir-fried with care.

This brings out the umami taste of the shredded onions and homemade bacon, and the bite-sized pumpkin slices' flavor explodes into the whole soup as it boils and simmers down.

"Aoi-san, thank you for your hard work." "Oh, Ginji-san, thanks for the hard work."

Ginji-san was making his rounds in Yugao, he was in the middle of executing his plans and arranging the setups, when the potage was just about ready.

For the sake of drawing up the plans while still doing his management duties, Ginji-san seems so busy even for today.

But, as expected, you can't even see tiredness in the fresh and lively smiles of Ginji-san.

"Ginji-san, it seems that your well-though plan was a huge success. Everyone seems to be enjoying it."

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"Oh, it's not like that. It's just that it happened to be dark when we set things up for the guests. It would have been easier to hold the entire event during daylight hours but... The lanterns' lights won't show up. But if it was held during the evening, then it slowly becomes more and more Halloween-y. The pumpkin lanterns' lights are seen even from above Tenjin-ya's skies."

"Ahhh, then that's wonderful. Even I myself think that it already has the best Halloween vibes. But then again, the Ayakashi world already seems Halloween-y, so I don't know if that translates well..."

Originally meant to be held as a talisman against evil spirits during Halloween, it has changed, and the pumpkin lantern is now used as a fun decoration for Halloween by common folk and travelers alike.

Increasingly, due to the avoidance and ignorance of magic among humans, the ayakashi have slowly warmed up to the idea of pumpkin lanterns and see them as something fun.

Even Jack-O-Lanterns can surely make anyone in the underworld cry.

“By the way, Aoi-san, the pumpkin smells good, doesn't it?"

"Yes, and it's also because of the pumpkin potage I made. I'm going to put a lot of soy milk when I make it, so  it easily goes down the throat, and it's healthy too."

"Ohhh, that sounds delicious."

I placed all of the sauteed onions, bacon, and boiled pumpkin in a see-through mixing bowl** and mixed it all in. Once it has turned into a paste, I was helped by Ginji-san as I strained all of the contents.

Once it got a smooth consistency, I placed it back again in a pot to boil while adding a lot of soy milk.

By using soy milk instead of cow's milk, it stands out by tasting as refreshing and as mellow as a stickleback.

T/N: The transliteration was "goldfish bowl mixing bowl" but that sounds so unsanitary so I made it boring lol

P274

The bacon's umami has already dissolved, and I was putting a small amount of salt and pepper for seasoning.

"Ginji-san, have some of these first before you go back to work. After all, you probably won't have much time eating tonight, don't you?"

"Yay, it's a good thing I waited."

I poured some of the pumpkin potage into a bowl, and handed it to Ginji-san.

"Ah, after this please have some of the bread rolls. There's still a bit left of the canned tuna, so I could make you some tuna salad sandwich."

"Wow, really? Then I'm gonna eat a lot! It's because canned tuna is my all-time favorite!"

"Ohhh is that so? Alright, please have some potage while I go fix you one."

There was still a bit left of the prepared shredded onions, so I quickly stir-fried them, divided some into a bowl and added some canned tuna to mix. I added a bit of pepper to the homemade mayo, then some soy sauce to make simple flavoring .

The canned tuna from the Southern Lands, was very much different from the canned tuna sold in Utsushiyo, the flesh feels more sturdy and I could feel it as I mix, mix, mix the ingredients altogether...

"Hm.. I think this is ready and good to go."

After cutting the bread roll in half, I took a bit of the flavored mayo and added that to the bread roll, after which I added the tuna with stir-fried onions. That's it. Simple is best. That.. is the only thing needed to make a really good tuna sandwich.

T/N: Just a reminder that this is not a cookbook but yeah you can try the recipes out. I am not liable for any mishaps lol

P275

Even as he was sitting on the counter where I handed his sandwich, Ginji-san didn't seem  to be holding back. He just sank his teeth into the tuna-filled bread roll. After chewing it noisily, he took a gulp of the potage.

"Hmmm, this is so delicious! The crunch of the stir-fried onions are still there! The saltiness of the tuna goes so well with the spiciness of the onions. This unsophisticated bread roll, along with the sweetness of the potage, they work exceptionally well together, don't they?"

"It seems like it. Nobody can hold back from a simple tuna sandwich, it will be the death of working people."

Unlike other dishes that are a hassle to make, this one is delicious yet really simple. These days I just enjoy eating a lot of sandwiches like that, but because I have been eating that since I was a child, it has been my long time cherished food.

So this is how it is, using a bread roll. Somehow, this gives of the feeling of elementary school food back in the day.

And yet, Ginji-san seems to have enjoyed eating it so much...

"Wahhh, this light snack has filled and warmed up my entire body, it was really delicious. Now I can go back to working at my best!"

Wow, it seemed that Ginji-san was really hungry back there. I'm gonna tell him that he can come again to eat when he has some free time later.

"Oh, right, I just remembered. The pumpkins that you used for the potage, aren't those the ones grown by Odanna-sama himself? It's truly mysterious, he even started growing that pumpkin that he hates so much."

"But.. surely, I think that even Odanna-sama will eventually come to like this potage."

And just like that, even though Ginij-san was still smiling, his gaze quickly dropped down.

P276

It was a quick reaction. I wonder if he's worried about something...

"Kyaaaaaa! Please stop it Kasuga, please stoooop!"

!?

That came as a surprise. Out of nowhere, shrieks can be heard from outside.

"That voice... It's the Ookami-sama!"

What on earth is happening? Ginji-san and I went out to take a look.

It seems that there's some commotion at the main building, and at the west tower a multitude of waiters and waitresses were gathered around the one-eyed Ookami-sama. It was so noisy that the guests have also started to notice it.

"What is going on here, may I ask?" "Oh, Wakadanna-dono, that girl Kasuga, please make her stop!" In a very shrill voice the Ookami-sama begged and clung onto Ginji-san.

What the, Kasuga is on the roof of the western tower. Both Ginji-san and I were shocked.

"Wh-what's the matter Kasuga? What on earth are you doing over there?!"

"K-kasuga-san! It's dangerous up there, please go down in a safer place!"

Hearing our voices down below, Kasuga glanced toward us and took all of her voice out

"Uhm..."

"It was a crow. It was a crow that took our guests' silver bracelet. Please wait, I'll

P277

go down as soon as I can."

"Oh... that crow! That crow that took my kanzashi a while back!"

For sure, at the top of that western building, that one, shameless, impudent crow, whose looks we all despise. On its beak there was something glittery, could that be the guests' silver bracelet?

It seems that when Kasuga found out about it, she climbed all the way up the tower in order to get it back.

But whenever Kasuga was about to move, it seems like she's about to slip her feet and fall down, and it does not bode her well.

"Aaaahhhh! Kasuga please stop it right now! If something happens to you I will not be responsible!!!"

Ookami-sama is now starting to lose her wits.

As if it was normal though, Kasuga just said "Shhh, be quiet" and started focusing her attention to what she was doing. But the crow being a crow, it started darting back and forth towards Kasuga as if she was an idiot. It seems to be relishing the whole commotion.

"AAAAAH!"

"K-kasuga!"

That crow swatted at Kasuga's head and this caused her balance to break, slipping over the roof tiles and sending her down.

P278

Everyone started shrieking out loud. The Ookami-sama somehow lost her spirits, while being supported by the waitresses as they sat in that place and dealt with the whole incidence.

But Kasuga's fingertips were able to stay in place, and while keeping her body in balance, she was able to climb up on the roof again.

Eventually, Ginji-san said "I'm coming to help you" and just when it seemed that he was changing into his giant fox form while saying "Please hang on-"

"Aaaaah!"

From behind, on the other side someone tightly grabbed Ginji-san's third tail from the right, which was hanging down. Because of that, he didn't transform completely, and he ended up with his baby fox form.

When he looked back, he saw that O-ryo's face was looking at him relentlessly.

"Wakadanna-sama, this is none of your business. This is something that Kasuga must follow through on her own."

"But.. But O-ryo!"

"Aoi, just shut up and watch."

O-ryo, what the heck are you even thinking right now?

On the other hand, poor Ginji-san seems to be dejected. Humiliated as he is, he casually hid behind me as he trembled and shook. So it was true that the third tail from the right was really weak...

P279

"Kasuga!"

From yonder, O-ryo's voice reached Kasuga who was still on the roof.

"It's our guests' important missing item you know. Don't let that crow get away with it!"

"O-ryo sama..."

Everyone in there had no idea why O-ryo would say such things.

Kasuga was being made to retrieve the guests' silver bracelet.

Ookami-sama shrieked out "What on earth are you even saying!!", but O-ryo just flat out ignored her screams, and when Kasuga looked at O-ryo, she immediately understood, she looked like she braced herself tightly as she started climbing back onto the roof again.

"Ouch!"

The crow, while still holding the bracelet in its beak, started attacking Kasuga furiously.

As Kasuga kept crying "Ouch! Ouch!" in hushed tones while the crow was relentlessly attacking her outstretched hand, she pulled out something from inside her kimono.

"Look here, This is the "Hell-juu" that Aoi-chan made~ It's delicious~"

"..."

"What in the.. Kasuga was carrying a concealed "Hell-juu"?

Kasuga realized it in an instant, when the crow's eyes started twinkling, and she didn't miss the opportunity to use the "Hell-juu" as bait, and flung the manjuu.

P280

The crow opened its beak wide, and perfectly caught it.

On its beak it replaced the silver bracelet, which dropped and rolled down, down down from the roof.

"No, wait!"

The bracelet has dangerously rolled off the roof, someone needs to chase after and grab hold of it but...

Good thing she was surrounded by the west tower's walls, Kasuga already leapt off the roof and and shot off into the sky.

This was a scary feat, and as Kasuga was clutching the bracelet in her bosom, her true form was revealed, and in an instant, on the chimney, there stood a tiny tanuki.

"Ohhh, Kasuga!"

Nobody dared close their eyes.

Even though she wasn't swayed, O-ryo kept watching over Kasuga.

"Nice job, Kasuga!"

O-ryo swung her sleeves, and rolled up a really powerful snowstorm.

The snowstorm wrapped up and cradled tiny tanuki Kasuga, the air gently softened the impact and she fell onto the ground with a plop.

Kasuga got covered by the snow and was shivering, and she fell on her ribboned backside. We had no idea if she got any major injuries.

"Kasuga.. Are you cold?"

P281

She was asked by O-ryo, who had a daunting stance in front of her.

Kasuga, while still shivering, slowly opened her cute, round eyes.

It was because O-ryo was looking at her without much concern.

"When you had no choice but to bear that cold, before you looked like a tiny tanuki that was being pelted on by the harsh cold winds of the northern lands, if that happens you'll instantly get frozen up. A frozen tanuki..., When you look like that, little by little... You'd look like a pudgy, stumpy, cute little tanuki!"

Upon saying those words, O-ryo looked up in the sky as her face became distorted.

With her hands on her waist, she remarkably looked very elated.

"Even though back home I hated being a snow lady, the snow folk families are very tight-knit and clannish. You'll think that we're cold, lonely, and harsh but... Please don't imagine us like that. Even though you're a shivering tanuki, you won't get looked at without getting any pity."

"O-ryo..."

In the end, no one else was more worried about Kasuga than O-ryo.

Because she knew about so much stuff on the northern lands and the snow folk, she had always been so worried about Kasuga going to live there...

That's why when she said that she was quitting work and getting married off to live there, O-ryo had a very strong stance against it.

"Wahhh, O-ryo sama!!!"

P282

With a pop, Kasuga returned to her human girl form, and hugged O-ryo's waist.

For sure, it helped that O-ryo expressed her thoughts, and once again it was reassuring.

It must have been so awkward for the revered O-ryo, but it seemed that Kasuga was someone she was deeply concerned about.

O-ryo hasn't said anything yet, but only kept patting Kasuga's head.

The crimson twilight has appeared, and it was a memorable sight, the two's silhouettes hugging each other.

That O-ryo has always been selfish and gets her way, but not right now, for she is supporting her kouhai and sending her off, and now she appears as the wonderful sempai attendant.

"Well, now hurry off to return the guests' bracelet. What a pity, they couldn't find it so for sure they're in the lobby all depressed."

"Oh, right!"

"And after you're done here, go to the banquet hall that I'm in charge of, up until the end I will make you word hard."

"Heeeeyy, even though right now, Kasuga is helping at Yugao?!"

"Hee hee hee. Too bad, Aoi. Give us Kasuga. From the very start she has always been my subordinate."

Even though Kasuga was bewildered, I gave up and put up a bitter-sweet smile at her saying "Well, we can't do anything about that", and even as she wore a burdened smile at me, she hurried back to the lobby quickly.

And without missing a beat, that woman O-ryo called out to all the onlooking attendants and said "Alright everybody, back to work!" and directed and

P283

guided everyone on what to do as they went back to the main hall. Even that Ookami-sama went back while she was shaking and trembling...

After seeing what happened, no matter what anyone says, I believe that O-ryo is still skilled at being a Wakaookami.

Every since the beginning, that has always been what Kasuga knows.

And even until now, she still believes it.

"Aoi-san, it seems that even for today, it's busy hasn't it?"

Ginji-san, who was still in his tiny fox form, at my heels, spoke out cheerfully.

I picked up Ginji-san and held him in my arms.

"Heheh, well, it is. But.. Ai-chan learned so many things from Kasuga, Yugao will just continue business as usual."

"Well, if my abilities weren't so limited, I would be going there to help out too. I know that I have no business saying this, but during the time that Kasuga was in Yugao, I felt a bit lonely."

"Aww, really now? But I think that if Ginji-san's workload decreased, you'd be very happy, won't you? But if you're there, you'd still be worried."

While petting his fluffy tails, we looked at each other and stifled a laugh. Well, nightfall is drawing near.

All around Tenjin-ya, the pumpkin lanterns' lights grew even brighter.

P284

And in a few moments, Yugao's evening business hours will be starting.

A few guests will appear here and there and would start lining up in front of Yugao, so we need to get back quickly.

x-x-x

That day's business hours was booming.

There were no unexpected increase in customers, it was an announced event and everything went successfully just as planned, all of the ingredients were properly allotted and there was no shortage. It was very busy, but Ai-chan and Chibi were there, and thankfully Ginji-san occasionally pops right in to help, and up until closing hours the rounds in the shop went well without a hitch.

The huge number of guests were also due to the advertisements in the souvenir shops, and it was something worth celebrating for.

"Whew, finally it has ended. Ai-chan and Chibi you're both tired too, let's go to sleep!"

After business hours, Yugao was empty and we were done cleaning up after the day.

With her head facing up, Ai-chan was out like a light and was fast asleep in the corner of the tatami seating room. I brought a blanket from the kitchen and covered her up with it. Even though she easily falls asleep these days, now she easily doesn't go back into the pendant, and I call that progress.

Beside her was Chibi sleeping soundly again with a swelling snot bubble.

Ginji-san has left Yugao afterwards, surely after the events it will still be busy,

P285

and it always has been the case.

There were still huge celebrations outside. A huge pumpkin lantern with ogre lights is flying on top of Tenjin-ya, it looks like there's still a show going on.

I'm sure that it looks very pretty. It's very much visible but, I can't see it from here so....

"Aoi, thank you for your hard work."

"Oh..."

The sliding door to Yugao opened, and it was Odanna-sama.

I did promise to do something, he probably came in to remind me.

"Why do you look so surprised?"

"Not really... Aren't you busy? I feel bad, I didn't know that you'll be coming here..."

"Oh, well an invitation from Aoi is very generous. At this time of the night it already has been empty and closed. Even my stomach is already empty."

"Aww.. Well, I apologize for that."

However, I was glad that he came.

Because I was on a quest to help Odanna-sama overcome his difficulty with pumpkins, and I did my best in researching pumpkin recipes for him.

P286

"Sit over at the counter. Oh.. Now that we're looking at it, it feels weird that Odanna-sama has come to Yugao to eat."

"You're saying that now that I've finally come here?"

"..."

"While I was going here, I didn't hear anybody saying any complaints about it."

Probably, but...

If Odanna-sama has been going here to Yugao from the very beginning, it would seem that, with his position, in the eyes of the other employees, he is showing some favoritism, I think.

During those times, even if that guy didn't say anything, even if I didn't know about it, we were just following protocol.

"Oh, uhm... I want Odanna-sama to try eating some deep-fried meat patty with pumpkin.

"Deep-fried meat patty with pumpkin? Hm... I haven't heard of that kind of food before."

Some food he never had before, and pumpkin, these made Odanna-sama in some way, very nervous.

While holding his pose he went over to the side counter, and I could only gaze at him from the side.

"It's image is similar to a croquette made out of pumpkin. I didn't sell any in the shop today, this is a dish I made exclusively for Odanna-sama behind the scenes. There's a lot of meat, and the meat patty has some spicy peppers."

P287

"Being an exclusive recipe.. That's so much like a wife, I'm so glad."

"What? Which part?"

"But a meat patty with spicy peppers... Uhm.... I don't know how that would taste like."

Odanna-sama's face says it all... Pumpkins that are supposedly sweet mixed with meat and chilli peppers.. I dunno how that goes.

"You wait right there. I'll make you something. Oh, also have some of the potage I made."

I heated up the potage I made, and placed it in a small bowl. I made Ginji-san some bread rolls to add to his, but for Odanna-sama I made some garlic croutons out of the bread crusts and added it on top.

Holding his spoon, while looking confused, Odanna-sama took a spoonful of the potage in his mouth.

"Mmm.. I didn't imagine that it's easy to drink. I imagined it would be thick, but it's goes down smoothly."

"I strained it many times. After adding a lot of soymilk, I added simple seasonings to it."

"What are these things that seem to be afloat?"

"Those are croutons. Is this your first time eating them? I added some garlic and salt to some cold bread crusts, cut them into tiny pieces, and toasted them on the stove. It adds a nice salty taste, and I think it keeps the soup's sweetness more interesting."

"Oh.. You're right. This is good. I could readily drink all of this!"

The garlic's flavor was effective, and the croutons were crunchy. The aroma and the texture, it seemed that Odanna-sama

P288

enjoyed the potage.

It seems that he has already drank all of the potage up, I should make him the deep-fried patty now.

While I was about to start cooking, Chibi, who was sleeping beside Ai-chan, woke up, and went towards Odanna-sama.

"Saaaay Ogre-shaaaan, how do you grow a huuuuge pumpkin?"

"Hmm?"

Chibi started climbing onto Odanna-sama's sleeve, and started asking him on how to grow pumpkins.

That little one, he got passionate for growing pumpkins.

Odanna-sama being an Odanna-sama, happily started talking about and teaching Chibi about how to plant pumpkins. It seemed that he suddenly bonded with Chibi as an older brother, like a commander of vegetable farmers and holding secrets...

Well, Odanna-sama can take care of Chibi on the side, and I will be making the deep-fried meat patty with pumpkin.

While the pumpkin gets soft and mushy as it's being boiled, I'll make some other dishes, and I already prepared the ingredients.

I finely chopped some onions and stir-fried them, and mixed these with both pork and beef in a bowl, and added the pumpkin and an egg yolk after that, then splashed some soymilk in, and kept mixing everything until it has gotten very sticky.

Then I made some sauces for flavoring, some salt and pepper, seven-spice and chili peppers, and a spoonful each of secret ingredients: mayonnaise and ketchup.

Now it's just like frying your usual fried food. The meat was shaped into a round patty, and dipped these in flour, beaten egg and panko crumbs,

P289

and fried them in oil.

The sauce is also conventional. Homemade ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, with roasted sesame seeds were mixed together.

The deep-fried meat patty is now well-done. I made Chibi's tiny meat patty while I was at it.

I piled a huge amount of shredded cabbage on a plate, and arranged two large pieces of fried patty.

I placed a lot of the sauces in another container, so that anyone can add whatever they like.

In another bowl, I added the pumpkin soup and croutons plentifully.

To make it really into the delicious flavors of autumn, I stir-fried some mustard spinach greens and some eggplant with some soy sauce. I added some eggplants harvested from Odanna-sama's vegetable patch.

Since the soup has already been drank up, I made the meal a lot more deluxe by adding some broth made out of matsutake mushrooms.

"Odanna-sama, now I'm thinking of choosing, between plain white rice or rice and barley, which one would you prefer?"

"Oh, really? It has been a while since I ate rice and barley."

"As expected, rice and barley are a better match with fried food."

I mixed the barley and rice then boiled it. Even though newly-harvested plain rice tastes better, as the barley is being cooked and mixed, its added texture makes it stand out and the rice even more fun to eat.

P290

While the rice and barley are cooking, more pumpkin dishes. I added some lightly-pickled pumpkin for garnishing.

"Thank you for waiting, Odanna-sama, here is our specially-made premium meal, deep-fried minced meat patty with pumpkin. I added a lot of pumpkin in the meat, please have a taste."

"...It looks delicious, what Aoi made..."

"You're saying that while you're sweating profusely..."

Even though a while ago he was drinking some soup.

I thought so, him having to deal with something difficult hasn't been brushed off.

"Aoi-shaaaan~, I wanna, I wanna eat some minced meat too~"

Chibi hopped onto the counter and started demanding by jumping up and down over and over again, I cut a piece of the minced meat small enough for a baby, placed it on a plate and put it in front of him.

"Okay you two, that is fresh off the fryer and very hot, the juices of the meat might ooze out, so be careful when you eat it."

At first, Odanna-sama took a sip of his matsutake soup, took a bit of the turnip garnish on the side, and well, with all his might gently took some of pumpkin minced meat.

"Ohhh!"

I knew it, the juicy meat was heart-pounding. As hot steam piped out, the pumpkin's pretty yellow color was intertwined with the coarsely-ground meat.

And despite that...

P291

"Mmmm... it tastes sweet, but also spicy? Is that.. seven-spice?"

While chewing, Odanna-sama had a surprised look on his face.

The crumbly pumpkin's sweetness, the meat and its juiciness filled with onions, and adding the seven-spice to make it spicy, it was made perfectly.

"The pumpkin tastes sweet, but the addition of the seven-spice gave it heat, it ties up all of the flavors. And because of the meat's juiciness, that alone makes the pumpkin's presence unnoticeable, doesn't it? No matter how you taste it, it just melts in your mouth."

"Oh... The meat's flavor rather than the pumpkin brings everything together. It's good, like after eating edamame. It's a perfect accent. It feels like eating pumpkin that I had difficulties with, I won't have any left-overs."

"Well, rather than forcing  someone who finds it difficult to eat pumpkin, by adding other ingredients and lending their flavors, I think it becomes easier to eat. As for removing your difficulty in eating it, if you keep eating a lot of the food made to taste better and easier to eat, as you keep eating them you'll get used to it, right?"

"Woah, Aoi, you're a scheming person."

Odanna-sama started stifling off his amused laugh.

And once more, asking for another plate of the rice and barley, he filled his mouth with some pumpkin minced meat. Odanna-sama eats his food neatly, but when he takes a huge bite, at the end of the day he still eats like a man.

P292

"Oh, it was like what you were saying, Aoi. By adding light sauce to the minced meat, it's an added improvement to the rice and barley."

"Right? Oh, just looking at it makes me go hungry too."

"Is it alright if you eat beside me? You haven't eaten dinner, right?"

"Yup, but for today I thought I want to devote myself to serving Odanna-sama food and drinks.."

I tried averting my gaze, but then my stomach made a loud noise.

He tried to hold it in, but Odanna-sama couldn't hide the laughter in his face.

Ahhh, whatever! Stop reading how hungry I am!

"It's alright. You don't have to steel yourself in front of me."

"Normally I keep my composure, but what are you implying, Odanna-sama?"

Fiiine. I don't care, I'm gonna eat.

In my desperation, I arranged all my deluxe food in a plate, and sat beside Odanna-sama.

"I'm gonna eat now."

And with gusto, I partook of my food.

Mmm. it truly shows that autumn is the best season of good appetite. Just about everything in this season is really delicious.

Especially when I work a lot, whenever I eat food on an empty stomach, everything just tastes so good.

"Aoi, don't worry about how you're eating."

"Mmm?"

P293

My mouth was full of minced meat, so I replied with my mouth closed.

I saw that Odanna-sama's meal was half-finished in front of him.

"That is no different from everyone else. Food is something absolutely necessary for anybody to stay alive. Even if occasionally you can't eat something high-class and delightful, you need it to stay alive each day, and when you're eating a familial warm home-cooked meal, it just gives you that sensation of being alive."

"What are you talking about, Odanna-sama. You're exaggerating."

"Hmm. The meals that you call food, even if it's that one thing where you feel like you belong. It can be beside anybody, but it makes you feel like you can be vulnerable in that place, doesn't it?"

"Where you belong..."

I have heard that from Odanna-sama so many times...

After eating his meal with a gulp and drinking his fill, Odanna-sama showed the side of his face.

Working out those features, no matter how it looks like he smiles like a young boy.

And yet, despite that, it seems like he has another side to him...

"Hmph. Ginji describes your cooking as something that "makes ayakashi hearts go wild", and it seems like it. It looks like your cooking is no match to those whose hearts are obstinately closed."

"Is there anything that you want to tell me?"

I unabashedly asked.

P294

"Can we talk about something right now, just for a bit? But, this is something that is beyond what I normally would talk about. This is a secret belief among most ayakashi. And I feel very strongly about it."

"..But Odanna-sama, I don't get what this situation is all about..."

"Might you become angry at me?"

"I don't understand why I would be angry at Odanna-sama but, yes I would like to know more about what you're about to say."

When I thought that I was getting to understand this person bit by bit, it has become clear that everything about him seems so hazy that I can't see anymore.

Even though it feels like he wants to intensely keep me in suspense, I was just holding the fried minced meat patty with my chopsticks, empathically chewing it in my cheeks very slowly.

Even though these are the times when it seems like it's the most crucial moment, "It's fine, just keep eating", Odanna-sama says as it seems that he is still relaxed over the matter.

"Aoi..."

"What now? If you want dessert, it's in the fridge..."

"It's not that."

After drinking his after-meal tea**, Odanna-sama, with formalilty, placed an object in front of me.

What is this... a key?

It was a beautiful obsidian glass key.

It looked like a key that came out of a fairy-tale from a foreign land. And in those stories, it's a secret key.

"I want Aoi to keep this safe, for me."

"Me? Why...?"

T/N: As far as I am aware of, this might be an Asian thing, wherein after having meals it is custom to drink something like tea or hot water (Hi Steven’s Dad lolol) to aid in digestion. Some say it helps stave off calories, I say this just helps with the bloat.

P295

"I still have some stuff left to do, and I need to go to Youto as well. It seems that I'm still going to Youto to go out and do things. Well, think that I'm like in a business trip, dealing with so many part-time jobs here and there, as well as managing the matter regarding Kasuga. While I'm gone, if there's anything that you are concerned about, I won't know about it."

My eyes blinked back in surprise. If that's the case, why the key, and why me?

"This... What is this key for?"**

"That I cannot tell you. But, the thing is, if you really want to GET-TO-KNOW-MORE about me, and you have no other choices, then you have to find the place which that key unlocks.

"Uhm...?"

I wanna know. I don't wanna know.

I could see them in his eyes, those extreme mixed feelings, it seemed like these were fighting inside Odanna-sama.

Having those feelings while wearing a bitter-sweet smile, he pushed his hair behind his ears.

In an instant, the color of his eyes changed.

It wasn't warm, but it wasn't a cold gaze either, it seemed so captivating like a clear, empty sky.

"Aoi, you always say that you wanted to get to know more about me. But if you do get to know who I really am, I wonder, will you grow to hate me even more? That.. is what I am worried about. That is because, ultimately, I am still an ogre."

"Odanna-sama?"

T/N: LOL how about the key to your heart lololol do I look like I care lol ofc I do fam. Don't we all lol

P296

A while ago, I asked those words. I was wondering what good things to say, and Odanna-sama went "I have to leave in a bit." as he stood up. Oh no, the dessert... I missed my chance to give some for him to eat.

"I have been pleased with the food, Aoi. Thanks to you, my impression on the pumpkin that I had difficulty eating has been changed. Aoi's home-cooked meals, somehow you have made me eat some. As expected from my housewife."

And from a new wife it suddenly became a housewife. "Ahahaha" While finally laughing, Odanna-sama petted my head while saying "There, there, there". In a moment, he saw my kanzashi, but he didn't say anything in particular, and in a bit he pulled away his hand. "Well then, Aoi" While my head was tousled, I sent off Odanna-sama as he left Yugao. In front of Yugao's shop curtain, the black haori fluttering from that height, dissolving into the darkness and disappearing... That height was really tall. In all of Tenjin-ya, the multitudes of Ayakashi couldn't reach that height.** And yet, why this time, his back seems secluded and a little solitary... W... Wait, Odanna-sama!" "..."

T/N: Supposedly, ogres or Oni were very tall, like super-tall, they're not exactly giants but they're tall-ish Youkai, like the tallest, hence in both the anime and the covers of the light novels, Odanna-sama is illustrated as the tallest dude in the bunch. Unless he's on covert ninja mode. Still tall though.

P297 Weirdly I felt impatient, and I ran out, and grabbed Odanna-sama's kimono. Odanna-sama turned his head. I abruptly raised my face, and I stared at him with assertion. "I... I like, Odanna-sama." ".. .what? Aoi?" "I trust, Odanna-sama"

Odanna-sama slowly opened his eyes and stared. Shocked, his mouth slacked open and was about to say something, but it seemed that he couldn't say anything. What "like" means, it's like "love" but I don't know it yet. My emotions kept getting intense.

"Odanna-sama, a while ago didn't you tell me? When everyone in Tenjin-ya was judging me... confidently, you said that I was a person who can give my all and win. When I made a small mistake, you didn't put me down..." How much can one be happy, hearing those words? How much relief can it give?

"It's also the same with Odanna-sama. Now I can trust Odanna-sama, and continuously, from the sidelines give support. In the most crucial moments I'll come to your side. I'll help you. No matter how many times..." Almost certainly, even my young self would. But, even though it's different, Odanna-sama has already saved me countless times. . P298 My trust in that person, is enough.

"That is why, whatever I'll find out, I will not hate Odanna-sama!"

That was all, I thought I have conveyed what I needed to say. Odanna-sama's red eyes, it only got wrapped in a surprised expression, and little by little it started flickering. With my question, his mouth opened again. But... Not one word came out.

Odanna-sama pulled my waist closer, and that mouth that spun words, blocked mine.

"..."

The passion was so deep and vast, the extent of feeling and not feeling, everywhere felt so light, it was so unexpected, and in an instant my mind went blank.

When our lips pulled away, the feeling of a warm and moist breath, other than understanding what just happened, the corners of my eyes became hot. I couldn't blink because of that.

"Na.... O, Oda... what?" My pulse suddenly became fast. Normally I would've been angry, but I was

P299 more surprised than angry, and my words became incoherent.

In spite of not feeling anything easily, I couldn't say anything. I burned and blushed, I was embarrassed to have my red-as-an-apple face seen. I instantly covered my face with my palms. Me being like that, Odanna-sama hugged me tightly, and whispered in my ear.

"..." "Aoi. Undoubtedly, you'll become my wife."

"..." "From the bottom of my heart, I revere you."

I don't get it. Why those words? In that moment, those came out of Odanna-sama's mouth.

It's easier to say "I like you", but right now, after so long a time, it deeply pierced and cut through me. Although, it did touch my heart a little bit.

Beyond Odanna-sama's wide shoulders, I realized that I could see him amidst the darkness.

And with that, the lightly-floating moon hid itself in the navy blue sky, and somehow it got dimmer.

End of Chapter 9, Volume 6. Previous - Intermission 3 Next - Chapter 10.

References:

Wonderful site for the youkai references

Other stuff I used to do this: Kodansha Kanji Learner’s Dictionary (you can buy here, I’m not sponsored btw). I was about to buy the older edition but then the newer one came out 2013 so I bought that instead. Worth buying since I was able to find nearly all of the words I needed just by stroke pattern alone.

Merriam-Webster's Japanese-English Dictionary (the red-covered 1996 version is apparently out of print right now). This is what I have been using for a very long time, I bought it when I was still a fetus (yes I am old so what lol), and after so many years, when compared to newer editions, I still prefer this one since its entirety is Japanese-English, the English to Japanese gloss are just 16 pages tops, so you get more Japanese words for your buck. But that’s just my opinion, maybe other people prefer the Jap-En x En-Jap IDEK.

Basic online dictionary, Jisho. Knowledge of verb conjugations  and other words are necessary since not all have entries.

If you can read Japanese, you can buy the whole set in Amazon Japan, they’re shipping worldwide now, I think.

[rajeshsingh]

"Unlocking the Power of Hyperlocal SEO: Your Key to Dominating Local Markets"

In the vast digital landscape, where global giants reign supreme, local businesses often find themselves struggling to make their mark. This is where the magic of Local SEO comes into play. It's not just about being online; it's about being online where it matters most - in your local community. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of Local SEO and explore how it can help your business thrive in your immediate surroundings.

The Rise of Local SEO

Local SEO has come a long way from being a secondary strategy to a cornerstone of digital marketing. With the advent of smartphones and voice search, people are increasingly using search engines to find local products and services. Google has adapted to this trend by providing more localized search results, making it imperative for businesses to optimize for local search.

The Essentials of Local SEO

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of local SEO strategies, it's crucial to understand the basics. Key elements include:

Google My Business (GMB): Claiming and optimizing your GMB listing is paramount. It's essentially your business's digital storefront.

Local Keywords: Incorporate location-based keywords into your website content and metadata.

Online Reviews: Encourage customers to leave reviews and respond to them promptly. Positive reviews boost your local credibility.

NAP Consistency: Ensure that your business's Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) are consistent across all online platforms.

Content is King (Even in Local SEO)

Creating relevant, valuable, and locally focused content is key to attracting local audiences. Consider the following content ideas:

Local Guides: Create guides to your city or area, showcasing your expertise and involvement in the community.

Local Events: Cover local events, and if possible, sponsor or participate in them.

Customer Spotlights: Share stories of satisfied local customers or clients.

Local News: Stay updated on local news and trends and provide your unique perspective.

Building Local Links

Link-building remains a critical component of SEO, and it's equally important in local SEO. Consider these strategies:

Local Directories: Submit your business to local directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and local chambers of commerce.

Local Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses and organizations. It can lead to valuable backlinks and shared audiences.

Local Influencers: Partner with local influencers to promote your business. They can help spread the word effectively.

Mobile Optimization

Given the increasing use of mobile devices for local searches, mobile optimization is non-negotiable. Ensure that your website is responsive and loads quickly on smartphones. Implement click-to-call buttons for easy contact.

Analytics and Ongoing Optimization

Regularly monitor your local SEO efforts with tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console. Analyze data such as website traffic, click-through rates, and conversion rates. Use these insights to tweak and optimize your strategy continuously.

Conclusion

Local SEO isn't just a buzzword; it's a lifeline for local businesses in the digital age. By focusing on local optimization, you can connect with your community, attract local customers, and grow your business in ways that weren't possible before. Embrace the power of local SEO, and watch your local presence flourish.

In this hyperconnected world, remember that your next customer maybe just a local search away. So, ensure your business is discoverable, appealing, and relevant in your neighborhood.

Our Services:

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[kudostasolutionsllp]

Search Engine Optimization

SEO involves various techniques and strategies to optimize a website's content, structure, and user experience. Here are some key aspects of SEO:

1.Keyword Research: Identifying relevant keywords and phrases that people are searching for in search engines. These keywords are then strategically used throughout the website's content.

2.On-Page Optimization: Optimizing individual web pages to make them search engine-friendly. This includes optimizing title tags, meta descriptions, headings, URLs, and incorporating keywords naturally into the content.

3.Technical SEO: Ensuring that a website has a solid technical foundation for search engines to crawl and index its pages effectively. This involves optimizing website speed, improving site architecture, fixing broken links, and ensuring mobile-friendliness.

4.Content Creation: Developing high-quality and relevant content that meets the needs of the target audience. Well-written and valuable content tends to rank higher in search results and attracts more organic traffic.

5.Link Building: Acquiring high-quality backlinks from reputable websites. Search engines consider backlinks as a signal of trust and authority, so earning links from other sites can positively impact search rankings.

6.User Experience (UX): Providing a positive user experience on a website, such as fast page loading times, intuitive navigation, and mobile responsiveness. A good UX enhances engagement and encourages visitors to spend more time on the site.

7.Local SEO: Optimizing a website to appear prominently in local search results, especially for businesses targeting a specific geographic area. This includes optimizing Google My Business listings and building local citations.

8.Analytics and Monitoring: Tracking website performance using tools like Google Analytics to measure traffic, rankings, and user behavior. Monitoring allows for identifying areas of improvement and adjusting strategies accordingly.Kudosta Solution LLP stands out as a leading company that delivers exceptional results and helps businesses thrive in the digital realm. Our team conducts in-depth research, analyzes market trends, and utilizes advanced analytics tools to gather valuable insights.We take a personalized approach to digital marketing. Invest time in understanding our clients' goals, target audience, and industry landscape before crafting strategies. To learn more about our services, capabilities, and how we can meet your specific requirements contact us today.

[freshersjob]

How to answer tell me about yourself? - interview question for fresher

INTRODUCTION:

The first question that every applicant was asked in their interview is "Tell me about yourself", or indirectly ask questions that point toward the same thing. Let us discuss something about how efficiently present yourself and respond to questions during your Freshers Jobs interview as well as pursue our placement objective.

The question could be like

’Tell me about yourself”

 “Introduce yourself”

   “Walk me through your resume”

   “Tell Me Something About Yourself that’s not on your resume”

    “How would you describe yourself?

What is the idea behind the question- Tell me about Yourself?

The reason behind asking the question tell about yourself right at the beginning of an interview is, to give a brief, concise walkthrough of your educational background and narration that highlights significant bits of your experience from your internship and project work.

Give me some broad background about yourself before we dive into details. Here is where all the job-seekers especially fresher are mostly unsure about what the employers are expecting to hear from us.

  Your answer should cover "a brief description of yourself."

your answer should reflect confidently where you are i-e shows your confidence level..

 your answer should cover how efficiently you could communicate your answers and ideas.

Tips to Remember- Before you answer the question – Tell me about yourself

More importantly, you should project yourself as you are a pleasing as well as confident personality without sounding so arrogant or impatient .you always listen to their conversation completely before you start, during your interview for Jobs Near Me For Freshers.

Pay attention to your grammar always. Do use “I am”, or “My name is” instead of myself, me.

When it comes to talk about your qualification always talk about your highest qualification. Highlight your skill that is appropriate to this job requirement.

For example, I am a master's in information technology with certification in web design or I am a graduate in business management with a top ranking in university. You focus these on your answer and tell how you take part and apply this skill, while you are working with this company, that will arouse curiosity, at the same time be careful about it should match the job requirement.

As a fresher, you clearly explain your project during university, and what skills you applied to complete your project. How your project knowledge will be beneficial to this company?

If you have attended or participated in any college events and have won any awards or accolades, please include them in your self-introduction.  

Don’t forget to mention your hobbies and area of interest.    

For Example: During my free time, I would like to travel around and write blogs about my experience and share my knowledge. This kind of response reveals your creative side and that you enjoy expanding your horizons and exploring new things. Just follow Fresher Job Alert for further updates.

You should be careful to conclude your introduction appropriately. You must end the conversation with mention your reason for being interested in this profession. Mentioning your role model or your goal will be more impressive.

 For example, suppose you are appearing for an interview for a web developer position. In that case, you tell about how passionate you are towards web design and how you contribute yourself to business productivity. Confidently say I would like to put my skills to use, learn and develop with your business, and offer your customers top-notch services.

 Conclusion:

Whatever your response, make sure to repeatedly practice it aloud so it will come naturally to you during the interview for Freshers Jobs. Try not

to wing it because that is how people stumble and make mistakes. You won't have any trouble answering this question if you prepare your response beforehand and rehearse it.