#action verbs for daily use

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: Adverbs

Conjunctive adverbs: accordingly, additionally, also, anyway, besides, certainly, conversely, finally, hence, however, instead, in conclusion, lately, likewise, moreover, namely, nevertheless, so, then, yet

Adverbs of frequency: always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never, ever, hardly ever, occasionally, seldom, generally, frequently, normally, once, twice

Adverbs of time: tomorrow, tonight, yesterday, now, then, today, already, daily, last, next, previously, after, afterwards, early, late, later, since, still, just, seldom

Adverbs of manner: well, fast, straight, hard, loudly, proudly, suspiciously, strangely, kindly, easily, rudely, neatly, quickly, generously, eagerly, accidentally, rapidly, hungrily, foolishly, cheerfully, really (can also be adverb of degree in sense of “very”)

Adverbs of degree: lots, somewhat, barely, very, much, most, nearly, too, extremely, enough, so, slightly, especially, just, almost, scarcely, virtually, fully, far, exceptionally

Adverbs of place: behind, above, nearby, backward(s), toward(s), outside, inside, around, over, overseas, close, away, upstairs, downstairs, here, there, everywhere, deeply, next-door

Adverb - a word that modifies a verb, adjective, other adverbs, or adverbial phrases.

The 6 common categories of adverbs are:

conjunctive adverbs

adverbs of frequency

adverbs of time

adverbs of manner

adverbs of degree

adverbs of place

One thing to keep in mind is that there can be some overlap or repetition across the different categories of adverbs, because words can have more than one meaning or use depending on the context.

For example, yet can be a conjunction, meaning “though,” but it can also be an adverb of time, in the sense “in the time still remaining.”

Conjunctive Adverbs

A conjunction is any word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. They express the relationship between ideas or parts of speech.

A conjunctive adverb is an adverb that acts like a conjunction.

Conjunctive adverbs are often set off from the rest of the sentence by a comma.

For example: We don’t have time to run to the store. Besides, you already have cereal at home.

Conjunctive adverbs can also go at the end of a sentence, in which case they don’t need to be set off with a comma, as in: I didn’t really want a pony anyway.

Adverbs of Frequency

Detail at what rate over time an action or event occurs.

They answer the question “How often?”

Generally go just before the verb they are modifying:

She always orders chocolate cake.

My brother will never get over it.

Adverbs of Time

Describe when things occur.

They answer the question “When?”

Are very flexible: they can go at the beginning of a sentence set off with a comma, right before thea verb or clause they are modifying, or at the end of a sentence. It depends on the adverb and how it is being used in the sentence. For example:

Tomorrow, the class is going to the zoo.

We last saw her before dinner.

Are you going to Paris next?

Adverbs of Manner

Manner here means “a way of doing, being done, or happening.”

Answer the question “How?”

Can go before or after the verb or phrase they are modifying. For example:

The students quickly ate their lunches.

Our mayor spoke loudly and authoritatively.

Adverbs of Degree

Describe intensity or quantity of an action.

Answer the question “How much?”

Typically go before the verb or part of speech being modified. For example:

We were too hungry to talk during the meal.

The little puppy was extremely energetic.

Adverbs of Place

Describe location.

They answer the question “Where?”

Typically go after the verb or other part of the speech they are modifying. For example:

I think your sister is upstairs.

Go toward the big tree, then make a left.

Source ⚜ More: Writing Notes & References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

[elminx]

Kitchen Witchery: Elminx's Anti-anxietea

In honor of eclipse season, I wanted to share a recipe to bring your buzz down a notch (or two). I've been drinking this nervine tea for nearly five years now; it features all of my favorite herbal flavors! I'm not going to go into detailed herbal profiles for each of these botanicals, but I suggest looking into them more if you are curious. I think learning the basics of herbalism can greatly benefit the kitchen witch.

Each of these ingredients can be found in any decent grocery store, bought online, or grown yourself. The combination is designed with flavor and herbal actions in mind; it's not a measure of exact ingredients - mix with your heart. All of these botanicals are well tolerated and can be drunk regularly by most people. Please be careful when trying new herbs; allergic or other adverse reactions can occur.

Hibiscus, Hibiscus sabdariffa Hibiscus is the primary flavoring agent in this blend. It gives our tea its Cool, Moist, and Sour properties. Please keep in mind that hibiscus will stain anything it comes into contact with, including clothing, wooden spoons, and even countertops. If you don't think you're familiar with hibiscus, it is the primary flavor in all "Zinger" teas. It tastes tart and inexplicably red.

Peppermint, Mentha piperito

Peppermint is the first of our gentle nervines to be added to our tea. Nervines do exactly what you expect them to: they calm your nerves. In addition to being a nervine (primary benefit), Peppermint adds its properties of Pungent, Sweet, Cool, Warm, and Dry to our tea. I'm sure you're all familiar with peppermint; you could probably substitute a different mint here with similar effect.

Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm is a nervine and a mild sedative. It brings the properties of Sour, Cool, and Dry to our tea. Some people don't like the taste of lemon balm, saying that it tastes like Pledge. If that's you, just omit it from this drink. The taste of hibiscus strongly overpowers the lemon balm, though, so maybe try it first.

Tulsi (Holy Basil), Ocimun santum

Tulsi is a nervine and adaptogenic herb, which means that it helps the body manage stress better. Its properties are Pungent, Sweet, Bitter, and Warm. With its heady, peppery notes, Tulsi is certainly an acquired flavor. If you get along with this herb, you will know almost immediately upon drinking it for the first time. A little goes a long way; you don't need to overdo it.

Dried Apple, Malus sp.

Although apple is primarily a flavoring agent (and sometimes a sweetening agent) in this blend, it does have mild sedative effects that lend themselves to the overall feel of this tea. I suggest using the apples you would eat in this recipe; you can dry slices of apples by putting them in your oven at 225F for 1.5 to 2 hours. Use a sweeter apple if you want a sweeter tea.

Minx's Anti-Anxietea

2 parts hibiscus

1 part peppermint

1 part lemon balm

1-2 parts dried apple

.5 part tulsi

Start by adding 1 tsp tea to hot water and steeping for 8 minutes. Adjust to your tastes from there.

This drink tastes great, hot or cold.

I've never sweetened this tea because I like my drinks bitter like my soul, but I bet a dollop of honey would be lovely in this—especially a nice summery wildflower honey. I've added sweetened cranberries in the past (1-2 parts) for more sweetness. And honestly, I don't measure. I know when it smells right.

I apply this drink liberally, but some people may find it too strong a diuretic to consume more than once daily. I drink it any time that I feel especially anxious or when I know I am going to be under a lot of stress. My partner likes to drink it before bedtime and claims it's one of the only things that will calm them down when they feel like they have too many thoughts.

You can witch this up (it's a verb now!) as little or as much as you like. I like to work calming energy into the drink step by step as I create the mixture by working with each botanical individually. You could charge this with a candle or sigil, dedicate it to one of your favorite gods or spirits, or store it on your altar. I create bindrunes for my favorite tea blends and use them as magical labels.

Do you like my work? You can tip me over on Kofi or sign up to be a monthly supporter of my writing.

[acethatlovesdinos]

The Seven Deadly Sins of Helluva Boss, Named.

My friend and I just made a discovery.

Or perhaps an observation.

In Helluva Boss we know that Stolas is a prince of hell. This is discussed, this is spoken, we all know it.

But we kept asking, what exactly is he the prince of?

And I think we found the answer.

This is a chart of all of Hell's royal sigils, according to Google image search. And as you can see, the names are as follows:

Lucifer, Satan, Belzebub, Mammon, Asmodeus, Leviathan, Belphegor, Stolas.

But that's 8.

Now we can make a list, from what is already confirmed in the show,

Lucifer: pride

Satan: ???

Belzebub: gluttony

Mammon: greed

Asmodeus: lust

Leviathan: ???

Belphegor: ???

Stolas: gay? Probably??

That's all we got so far. Satan, Leviathan, Belphegor, and Stolas are all left unanswered.

But a simple Google search provided us with one of them:

And with that found we move on.

Wrath and Sloth are all that we have left.

Considering the biblical implications, it seemed that Satan would best fit the title of Wrath, but there was little evidence for it, and google only took us to christian articles that were largely unhelpful.

So I looked up Belphegor, to see if we could find anything on their character.

The way I interpreted it, at least, suggested that this being tells others what they want done, and refuse to take action on their own. Seems like Sloth if you ask me.

Plus, Bee's side comment in episode 8 about "Belphegor's party drugs" lends to the idea that Bel might be a total stoner, which is also fitting for the title i think.

And that leaves us with Stolas.

What could he possibly be?

What sin might he represent?

In our confusion, my friend found an article (which she didn't tell me the name of or link to I'm so sorry) and sent me this screenshot:

Despond.

The literal definition is, as a verb, "to become dejected and lose confidence." The noun is described as "a state of unhappiness and low spirits."

Stolas is seen taking antidepressants every morning when he wakes up. He is constantly pushed into places and situations in which he has no choice. He is berated on a near daily basis by the wife he did not choose.

If that's not proof I'm not sure what is.

(Mini theory time)

He was pushed into his title, his whole life was set up for him, and perhaps he is seen as a "disgrace" not just because he is a royal who had an affair, but a Sin who rejected their title.

When Blitzø came along he felt, for the first time, that he had a choice. That he was able to do something different, to be something different.

We saw the impact that it had on Asmodeus when he came out about him and Fizz, and the potential damage it may do to his reputation because he, as a Sin, doesn't fully embody what he represents.

Perhaps Stolas, by refusing to nihilistically accept the life he was forced into, truly is a "disgrace" like Stella had said, but not for the affair. A disgrace for refusing fate. For choosing a new path. For wanting to be happy.

Anyway sorry that was long thanks for coming to my Ted talk

[hiswordsarekisses]

“Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is Elohim who is working in you both to desire and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬-13

Whenever there is a “Therefore,” it’s important to back to to what was before the “therefore” - so to find out why Paul is saying we should work out our salvation with fear and trembling we have to go to the previous text:

“If, then, there is any encouragement in Messiah, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love, one in being and of purpose, doing none at all through selfishness or self-conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each one should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. For, let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a matter to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, and came to be in the likeness of men. And having been found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, death even of a cross. God, therefore, has highly exalted Him and given Him the Name which is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2‬:‭1‬-‭11‬

The verb κατεργάζομαι is used in the New Testament to convey the idea of working out or bringing something to completion. It often implies a process of labor or effort that results in a particular outcome. This term can refer to both physical and spiritual endeavors, emphasizing the active role of individuals in achieving a result or effect.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, labor and work were integral to daily life, with a strong emphasis on productivity and the completion of tasks. The concept of working out or accomplishing something was not only relevant in economic and social contexts but also in philosophical and ethical discussions. In the New Testament, this term is often used metaphorically to describe spiritual growth and the manifestation of faith through actions.

It is my understanding that Paul is encouraging us to press on and not to give up on ourselves, because God has supplied the power necessary to make the changes that need to be made in us. He says in another place “we have given everything we need for life and godliness.

We should be checking ourselves for proof that God has given us a new heart by our actions - are we bearing the fruit of a new heart in a process of consistent growth?

Are we dying to self and laying our lives down for others and putting their needs above our own?

It can be stressful wondering about whether our salvation is true or whether we are self-deceived, and I can relate to the fear and trembling.

I believe that God has caused it to be this way on purpose so that we do not become comfortable in this world or become full of pride in ourselves on account of growth.

It should be no light thing for us to be ““Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test?” 2nd-Corinthians‬-13‬:‭5‬

And what is that test?

Verse 8 explains that the test is are you living by His Word? “For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.”

And the number one test, and of a true follower of God will be love. Are we growing to love like Jesus?

This is not something we can do on our own. God’s love is miraculous and it is the organic fruit of the new heart He gives us.

When I fear I do not love enough, which is always - I pray that He will perfect His love in me so that I can love with His love. Then I have no choice but to trust Him to do just that - since it is “HIM Who causes us to will and to act according to His good purpose.”

[korstudying]

Day 1 || Full study plan

Hey fellow language enthusiasts! 👋 Ever wondered about those intriguing honorific verb endings in Korean? 🤔 Let's dive into the world of linguistic respect and uncover the magic behind these verb endings that add an extra layer of politeness and cultural understanding. 💬📚

1. Politeness in Action:

Korean honorific verb endings are used to show respect and politeness when speaking to someone of higher social status, age, or authority. They reflect the rich cultural emphasis on hierarchical relationships. 🙇‍♀️🙇‍♂️

2. Adding the Magic:

Take the verb stem (the root form of the verb) and attach the appropriate honorific ending to create a respectful sentence. Let's explore some examples using the verb "to eat":

Casual: 먹어요 - Let's eat.

Polite: 먹습니다 - I will eat.

Honorific: 드십니다 - You (respectful) eat.

Now try it for yourself with some other verbs!

3. Variations for Nouns:

Honorifics aren't just for verbs! Nouns can also be elevated to show respect. For instance, "friend" (친구) becomes "honorable friend" (친구님) in an honorific context.

4. Social Nuances:

Different honorific endings convey varying degrees of politeness and familiarity. For instance, using "-시-" shows a high level of respect, while "-세요" is a polite request form.

5. Daily Etiquette:

Korean honorifics are part of daily communication. Whether you're addressing your elders, bosses, or strangers, mastering these endings ensures you navigate social situations gracefully.

6. Cultural Sensitivity:

Embrace the beauty of cultural sensitivity! Learning honorifics not only enhances your language skills but also deepens your understanding of Korean society and values. 🌸🇰🇷

So, the next time you engage in a Korean conversation, remember the enchanting honorific verb endings that make the language a true linguistic gem. 🎉💬🇰🇷 Happy learning, language lovers! 🌟✨

[svidrigailovs-bathhouse]

Okay so I'm thinking out loud here. I really like my current dental hygiene behavior plan (up to 5 check marks per day - 1 nightguard wearing, 1 flossing, 3 teeth brushing - and every 30 check marks I get to buy a book off eBay; I don't get to buy books otherwise) because it rewards action but doesn't punish inaction and isn't a zero-sum game for each day; it's not like I met my goals for the day or didn't. But I get my reward faster the more hygiene I participate in, so I do feel good about sticking to it. Anyway now I'm thinking about making an analogous system for studying - I really struggle to use my time constructively when I have a lot of it and I want to be more consistently pursuing language tasks before starting grad school. There's a lot of different activities included in that category, including ones that I like and will readily accept doing daily (reading in French) and ones that are tedious to me (listening to anything; learning vocabulary, especially verbs). So it'll be interesting finding a balance that I can roll with. I think at the least having a chart on the wall will be good so I can keep track of what I'm doing

[adito-lang]

JLPT N2 grammar notes ～際（に）

～際（に）when; during

FORMAL 

➡️～とき（公的な場面などで多く使う）

QUESTION:

（　）祭、音が出る電子辞書は大変便利です。

Ａ）発音が難しい　ｂ）発音がわからない　ｃ）発音を調べる

I originally said B 発音がわからない (not know pronunciation), because for me it made sense in the context of the sentence - when I don’t know pronunciation, an electronic kanji dictionary with sound output is extremely useful. However, grammatically this isn’t possible because 祭 can only be attached to the 辞書形 or た形 of verbs. You don’t attach it to negated verbs. Taking that into account, the answer that makes the most sense is C 発音を調べる (looking up pronunciation).

際（に）is mainly attached to verbs and nouns that represent actions (to use, to go out, to board, to complete). It is used often in official situations but not often for daily tasks.

こちらの会議室をご利用になる際は、受付で必要事項をご記入ください。(When you use this meeting room, please fill out the required forms at the reception.)

アメリカの大統領は来日した際に、私たちの大学でスピーチを行った。(When the U.S. President came to Japan, they gave a speech at my university.)

～の訪問の際に (during ~’s visit)

記者会見の際に (during the press conference)

A poster by Japan’s Ministry of Health encouraging people to wear masks when conversing (会話の際に): https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_14992.html

[link211200]

My English Class Blog – Reflections, Films & Books

📝 Topics We Have Covered in Class

In our English class, we have explored many useful and interesting topics that help us communicate better in real-life situations. Here’s a summary of what we’ve studied:

🔄 Present Continuous I am studying English right now.

📅 Be Going To I am going to practice more vocabulary this weekend.

🔮 Will and Be Going To I will write a new blog post tomorrow. She is going to review for the test tonight. They will enjoy reading this blog, I’m sure!

🎧 A1 Listening Test This activity helped us understand simple conversations and improve pronunciation.

🕐 Prepositions of Time We have class on Mondays. My birthday is in July. The test is at 9 a.m.

📍 Prepositions of Place My bag is on the table. The phone is under the chair. She is at the bus stop.

👩‍🔧 Jobs and Professions nurse, police officer, chef, engineer, artist

🏙️ Places in the City school, cinema, supermarket, hospital, museum

☀️ Daily Routine I get up at 6 a.m., brush my teeth and eat breakfast.

✅ Simple Present He goes to work every day.

🧍 Verb “To Be” I am a student. She is my friend. They are in the classroom.

🎒 Possessive Adjectives This is my pencil. That is her phone. Our teacher is great.

🙋 Introducing Yourself Hi! I’m Luis. I’m from Colombia. I love music and sports.

🌟 Final Reflection All of these topics helped me a lot. I feel more confident when speaking, writing, and listening in English. I will continue learning and using English in my daily life.

🎬 Movie Reviews

🔥 Divergent (Science Fiction / Action)

Director: Neil Burger Plot: In a future society divided into factions, Tris discovers she is Divergent and doesn’t fit into just one. Opinion: This movie is exciting and full of action. It will keep you interested from start to finish. Why I liked it: It’s about bravery and identity. Tris is strong, and her story is inspiring.

🧠 The Butterfly Effect (Psychological Thriller)

Director: Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber Plot: A young man discovers he can go back to the past to change events, but each change affects the future. Opinion: It’s mind-blowing. It makes you think about your decisions. Why I liked it: I liked how it explores consequences. One small change can create a huge effect.

😱 A Quiet Place (Horror / Thriller)

Director: John Krasinski Plot: In a world full of deadly monsters that hunt by sound, a family must live in silence. Opinion: Very suspenseful! You will feel nervous the whole time. Why I liked it: It’s scary but emotional. The silence makes it unique, and the family bond is touching.

📚 Book Reviews

🧙‍♂️ Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J.K. Rowling

Summary: A boy finds out he’s a wizard and goes to a magical school called Hogwarts. Opinion: A magical story full of adventure and imagination. Why I liked it: It introduced me to a magical world. I loved every page!

💍 The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – J.R.R. Tolkien

Summary: A young hobbit named Frodo must destroy a powerful ring to save the world. Opinion: A fantasy epic. Full of courage, friendship, and danger. Why I liked it: The journey, the world, and the characters are unforgettable.

Conclusion

Creating this blog was a great experience. I used grammar like will, be going to, prepositions, and demonstratives, just like we practiced in class. This blog is proof of everything I’ve learned — and I will keep learning more! 🚀

Thank you for reading! 💬✨

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: Using Past Tense for Historical Writing

Why Use Past Tense?

Historical writing requires writers to describe and discuss historical events.

When writing about these historical events, a writer should use past tense so the reader knows the events being discussed happened at a previous time and place.

What is Past Tense?

Past tense refers to the use of verbs in a sentence to describe an action that took place at an earlier point in time.

How to Use Past Tense

People commonly use past tense verbs when sharing the events of their daily life with others.

1. The way people tell stories about their personal lives in past tense and the way a writer depicts a historical event are similar:

“Pete went to the store and bought groceries.” “Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense.”

2. While sharing these stories/events, a writer can designate a specific point in time:

“Lisa arrived at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2019.” “Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech on August 28, 1963.”

3. It is possible to indicate the frequency of past actions as well:

“Shannon rarely ate dairy products due to her lactose intolerance.” “Winston Churchill often smoked cigars during his time as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.”

4. Writers should maintain consistent use of past tense when discussing or analyzing such stories or events:

“Kyle watched a recording of the Apollo 11 moon landing as a child, which pushed him down the path to becoming an astronaut.” “Abraham Lincoln’s decision to end slavery impacted the relationship between the North and South.”

When to Use Present Tense

There are some instances when a writer can use present tense in historical writing.

The most common reason to use present tense is when comparing patterns of behavior between the past and the present.

Typically, such comparisons are reserved for concluding sentences or the conclusion paragraph.

“The war on drugs in the 1980s demonstrates the consequences of declaring war on abstract concepts, yet the trend persists.”

Source ⚜ More: Writing Notes & References

[lundekjeller]

swahili log day 7

a week of studying an hour or more daily :D yay! today i did 5 language transfer episodes (51-55). here is what i learned:

mtu/watu - new noun group! the animate group. m/wa

ndege huyu anakuwa hapa - any noun that is animate/alive uses a special set of that/this/those/these. huyu/hawa and yule/wale. you ignore the nouns actual group except to pluralize. you also use 'a' (he/she) to refer to it in a noun

huyu - can just mean "this guy" "that girl"

Niltoka posta - 'toka' is used to reference any location you could leave

Kupiga sema - 'kupiga' verb is used for a lot of phrases in swahili.. this one means to call a phone.

Kuonana, kupendana - extra -na adds meaning of 'eachother' to an action noun. We saw eachother, we love eachither

Hapa hapa, pale pale, hiki hiki - you can repeat any "this/that" word for extra emphasis on meaning RIGHT here, RIGHT there

Naye, nawe, nami, nasi - contractions for "with (pronoun). can also in many cases contract possessives, like mwanangu (mwana yangu - my son)

words i learned:

mtoto/watoto - child, children

mwana/wana - son

mwanafunzi/wanafunzi - student

paka - cat

kijana/vijana - young person(s)

posta - post office

juzi - the day before yesterday

juzi juzi - the other day

officially halfway through 🎉 55/110. tomorrow ill start on episode 56 :)

[haxyr3]

January at HAXYR3: A Vocabulary Odyssey

As we bid adieu to the Winter Holiday break, our linguistic journey took us through the nuances of expression in Russian. Here's a recap of our January adventures:

Winter Holiday Break Vocab - Embracing the post-holiday lull with words that capture the cozy, slow-paced mood in Russian.

Verbs for Starting and Stopping - Delving into the intricate relationship between word usage and grammar, unraveling the connection between verbs denoting initiation and cessation of actions and their aspect. Packed with insightful examples to illuminate your learning path.

Exploring Modal Words in Russian: Expressing Obligations and Needs - Venturing into the realm where words and grammar intertwine seamlessly, as we dissect expressions conveying needs and obligations in the Russian language.

Each post comes bundled with a complimentary set of downloadable flashcards, designed to enrich your daily practice.

Don't miss out on your chance to elevate your language skills. Dive into our resources, and let's make every day a step closer to mastering Russian.

Happy learning, language enthusiasts! 📚✨"

[wisdomrays]

REFLECTIONS ON THE QUR'AN: Sūratu’t-Talaq (Divorce)

Whoever keeps from disobedience to God in reverence for Him and piety, He enables a way out for him (of every difficulty). (At-Talaq 65:2)

Taqwā (reverent piety and righteousness) means observing the Divine ordinances in every walk of life. Taqwā, therefore, requires obeying both the religious rules and commands and the laws of God’s creation and maintenance of the universe. We may call the former (i.e., obeying the religious rules and commands) internal piety and righteousness, and the latter the external piety and righteousness. These two dimensions of taqwā cannot be separated from each other. However, it is not easy to attain piety and righteousness in both dimensions.

The verse under discussion uses the concept taqwā in its verbal form to mean keeping from disobedience to God and doing His commands in reverence for Him and in piety. The mood of the verb chosen expresses submission, admission, and adopting the action ordered with the verb used as an indispensable dimension or depth of one’s nature or character. That is, it denotes thinking, acting, and living a life in obedience to God, fulfilling His commands, refraining from His prohibitions, and following His laws of the creation and maintenance of the universe and the laws He has established for life. Thus, drawing the attention to this horizon, which seems difficult to attain, the Qur’ān declares: “Whoever keeps from disobedience to God in reverence for Him and piety, He enables a way out for him (of every difficulty).”

The expression “a way out (of difficulty)” pictures a person who gets stuck in a place and wants and tries to get out. That person does whatever one should in order to escape such a situation and has recourse to every means. This is one dimension of taqwā. However, it is only God Who creates our deeds and brings our efforts to the desired result. If He wills, surely He can save us from any difficulty, but as an aspect of our life and trial in the world, we must do whatever we must in order to attain the desired result. Considering the fact that it is God Almighty Who “enables a way out for him (of every difficulty),” the person who is depicted in the verse as stuck in a place cannot deliver himself from the difficulty no matter what he does to “come out of the difficulty.” But, it is the Causer of Causes Who grants a way out of difficulty for the person who turns to God and seeks refuge in Him. Indeed, the very word, “makhrajan” in the verse means not only “to go out” but also “to bring forth,” and as a noun it means not only “the place of exit” but also “the place from where anything is brought forth.” Therefore, whether we have exerted necessary efforts and expect salvation in return, or if we fall hopeless despite our efforts, we must certainly turn to God and pray. For it is God Who will bring our efforts to the desired result and take us out of every difficulty in which we have been caught. Even though God Almighty has made any attainment dependent on our efforts as a requirement of our trial in the world, no means or efforts can give the desired result. All our efforts are an excuse for God to favor us with the attainment of the desired result and therefore all our attainments are purely favors of God. But since the law of causality has blinded our eyes to this explicit truth, we may be deceived in our views and judgments.

In fact, only an infinitesimal part of even ordinary volitional actions of human beings such as eating and drinking can be ascribed to human beings themselves.[1] For instance, if we consider the stages of the process during which even a morsel of bread is obtained and its process of digestion in our bodies, this reality will reveal itself. In order for a morsel of bread to come into our hands, the existence and delicate cooperation of the sun, the earth with its daily and yearly movements, the air, water, and earth are necessary. In all of these universal acts, human beings have no part at all. Besides, nothing of our bodies that chew and digest bread belongs to us. It is God Who creates our bodies and maintains it. Our bodies work outside of our free will. When we consider everything and every act in the universe from this perspective, it will be clear that everything and every act bears His unique stamp or seal. He is the Unique Creator, Provider, Maintainer, and Owner of the universe and all that lives and occurs within it.

In sum, if we abstain from the unlawful, fulfill the obligatory commands in perfect sensitivity, avoid the dubious as much as possible, and even become cautious with respect to the allowable, and if we observe God’s Practice or way of dealing with His creation—which we also call God’s laws of life and creation and maintenance of the universe—God will then save us from the different degrees of difficulties into which we have fallen. He will also reward us with His favors and blessings and keep us from living a dirty life in the world. He will save us against the agonies and horror of death and the severity of the Resurrection in the other life.

O God! Open us a way out of any difficulties from where we do not reckon.

[chloesolace]

Book Review: "Tender is the Flesh" by Agustina Bazterrica

Spoiler-free

Genre: dystopian, science fiction, psychological • Word Count: 62k • Triggers: extreme gore, cannibalism, animal cruelty, uncomfortable sexual scenes?? • Year of Publication: 2017

Plot: ★★★★★

Characters: ★★★

Writing Style: ★★★

Re-Readability: ★

all my reviews - blog navigation

General Thoughts

In a world where a virus has made all contact with animals dangerous to humans, cannibalism has been legalized and institutionalized as a means to survive.

This premise sounds extremely promising for a work that aims to criticize not only society but human nature as whole, and offers a unique setting for an interesting novel.

I like to think of myself as someone who is not easily shocked. This book shocked me. Saw is one of my favorite franchises, so is The Silence of the Lambs series. I consume horror and gore on a daily basis, however this book did something to me that made me put it down multiple times. I found myself unable to continue it until I finally finished it a few days ago. I left it on my bookshelf untouched for a few months since I started reading it. But let's get into the detailed ratings.

Plot

I like the plot, a lot. I gave it five stars because it is unique, it is thought-provoking, and it is controversial. I have never read anything like it before and most likely never will, and that alone is interesting and worth quite a few stars to me. It challenges the authority we have given ourselves over animals. I am not vegan, I am not even vegetarian, but that book almost turned me into one. It is not a book that you pick up and read while humming to yourself by the pool with the sun shining above you and birds chirping around you. Let's look at the blurb.

"Working at the local processing plant, Marcos is in the business of slaughtering humans—though no one calls them that anymore.

His wife has left him, his father is sinking into dementia, and Marcos tries not to think too hard about how he makes a living. After all, it happened so quickly. First, it was reported that an infectious virus has made all animal meat poisonous to humans. Then governments initiated the “Transition.” Now, eating human meat—“special meat”—is legal. Marcos tries to stick to numbers, consignments, processing.

Then one day he’s given a gift: a live specimen of the finest quality. Though he’s aware that any form of personal contact is forbidden on pain of death, little by little he starts to treat her like a human being. And soon, he becomes tortured by what has been lost—and what might still be saved."

Going into it, I knew it would be graphic from what I had already read about the book, but I never would have imagined just how graphic it would get. All the processing that is done is described in greatest detail, and the dehumanizing name - "heads" - used for the people that are being slaughtered makes it all the more uncomfortable. Marcos, our protagonist who works at one of these processing plants, is then gifted a female head, one born in one of the breeding centers. He does not kill her, though. Instead, he begins an affair with her, which is one of the worst crimes one could commit in this society. The narration treats 'Jasmine' - as he later calls her - like an animal, using verbs and adjectives one might not necessarily use to describe human action. It is Marcos who humanizes her, in a way, giving the novel hope for a happy ending despite the fact you can already guess how this story will conclude.

Marcos was married before to a woman named Cecilia, but after their child passed away as a baby they went their own ways. The death of his son weighs heavy on Marcos, and in Jasmine he sees a second chance at being a father; she becomes pregnant.

It is the ending that shocked me. This is a spoiler-free review, so I only aim to give you guys recommendations for books without taking away all the fun, so I won't get into it more. However, it is an ending that leaves the reader sitting in silence, staring at the pages and thinking to themselves "what the hell even happened here?"

Characters

Marcos is written to be quite human and realistic, with many flaws which made him both unlikeable and at times unbearable. Except that one time when he played with some puppies he found, because I would have done the same, to be honest. Dangerous virus be damned.

There is not a single character in this book I would consider good-natured on a moral scale, but perhaps it is exactly what makes it so engaging to read. The characters in the book serve as a substitute for animals not only in the meat industry; an animal's prime aim is to secure the preservation of its own species. Marcos is doing exactly that, both biologically and socially.

One of the most important settings in the novel is an abandoned zoo, yet it almost feels like the characters in the book are the zoo animals themselves, and the reader is observing them destroy each other. I did not like the characters, but I did not have to like them to enjoy the story for what it is.

Writing Style

Now, before I get into this, I would like to say that I acknowledge that every writer has a different writing style and that it is entirely subjective whether I like it or not. Personally, I like descriptive, sometimes even a bit flowery prose with long sentences. But this would have been out of place for this book.

The sentences are direct and straight to the point. There is nothing hidden behind metaphors, it is exactly like the processing farm portrayed: honest, raw, and uncensored.

It is not my favorite style of writing, hence the missing two stars, but for the type of novel this is, it is more than fitting.

Re-Readability

For this point, I simply have to say this is not a novel I will ever re-read. Reading it once has left enough of an impression to let it stay on my bookshelf and never touch it again. For me it is too uncomfortable and too disturbing to do so. Still, it has left a huge mark on me and I will most likely be thinking about this book for quite a while. The one star is by no means intended to be negative.

Conclusion

All in all, I would say if you're a horror fan or a fan of stories that criticize society, this is the book for you. However, do keep the trigger warnings and extreme graphic descriptions in mind when choosing to read it. And perhaps do not have that steak beforehand.

[nitesh567]

Hindi for Beginners: Your Essential Guide to Mastering the Language of Bollywood and Beyond

For those captivated by India's vibrant culture and melodic languages, Hindi beckons as a gateway to a whole new world. But for beginners, the question of where to start can be daunting. Fear not! This guide will equip you with the essentials to kickstart your Hindi language journey.

1. Mastering the Script: Unveiling the Secrets of Devanagari

Hindi utilizes the Devanagari script, a beautiful system that might seem unfamiliar at first. However, numerous resources and apps can be your allies. Start by familiarizing yourself with the basic characters, focusing on pronunciation and recognition.

2. Building a Foundation: Essential Hindi Vocabulary

Language is all about building blocks, and vocabulary is key. Start with everyday words and phrases you'll encounter in greetings, introductions, and common situations. Utilize flashcards, mobile apps, or online courses to make memorization engaging.

3. Sounds that Sing: Unveiling the Magic of Pronunciation

Hindi pronunciation can be a delightful adventure. The language features unique consonant sounds and tonal variations that can impact meaning. Focus on mastering basic pronunciations and practice listening to native speakers. Resources like audio lessons and movies can significantly improve your ear for the language.

4. Grammar Gems: Unveiling the Structure of Hindi

Don't be intimidated by grammar! While Hindi grammar has its own quirks, it also shares some similarities with English. Focus on verb conjugations in the present tense, basic sentence structure, and the concept of grammatical gender. Numerous online tutorials and beginner textbooks can break down these concepts in an easy-to-understand manner.

5. Speak Up! Putting Your Hindi into Action

Learning a language is about communication. Don't be afraid to start speaking Hindi from the get-go, even if it's with basic phrases. Find language exchange partners online or in your community. There are also websites like Hindustani Tongue that can connect you with native speakers for conversation practice.

6. Embrace the Culture: Dive into the Heart of Hindi

Language and culture are intertwined. Immerse yourself in Bollywood movies, music, and even Hindi news channels (with subtitles if needed) to not only improve your listening comprehension but also gain cultural insights. This will not only boost your motivation but also enhance your understanding of how Hindi is used in everyday situations.

7. Consistency is Key: Making Hindi a Part of Your Daily Routine

Learning any language requires dedication. Set aside some time each day, even if it's just 15 minutes, to practice your Hindi. Utilize apps, flashcards, or online courses to make learning an enjoyable habit.

Conclusion

Learning Hindi is a rewarding journey that opens doors to a rich culture and connects you with over a billion people. With dedication, the right resources, and a dash of passion, you can conquer the initial challenges and unlock the beauty of the Hindi language. So, take that first step, and embark on your Hindi learning adventure today!

[ebijinua]

hallownestian dictionary update #1

current words: 12 / 200

feel free to help assist in the dictionary by adding your own words, and i'll see if they're gud enough to be added in. :>

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words starting from #3 to #12

Relritt (/well-RIT/, /ɹᵻlɹˈɪt/), noun.

/ To describe someone making a risky, but beneficial decision. /

"Your relritt decisions were nothing but folly. Though, I cannot deny what you did helped us out."

Usage — Somewhat active. You will hear this word moderately in the City of Tears.

History — It is derived from the word "Rel (/rEL/, /ɹᵻlɹˈi/" (Risky). Rel was used during the city's earlier days until "-ritt (/RIT/, /ɹˈɪt/)" (Benefit) was added to the word. In a literal sense, Relritt means "beneficial risk", or "risk benefit" ["They were known for their relritt actions." = "They were known for their beneficial, but risky actions."]

Applita (/ah-plight-AH/, /ɐplˈa͡ɪɾə/), verb.

/ The head of a bug. /

"His applita hurt when he woke up."

Usage — Seldom. Despite it's rarely said, its significance still has some merit of popularity within the city.

History — It has no known history. It was, however, used in a lot of medical notes that were taken in tablets.

Dibgrossing (/dieb-grUS/, /dˈiːbɡɹɔːsɪŋ/), adjective.

/ To be seen as unusual, one who makes others uncomfortable with their presence. /

"Poggy seemed dibgrossing. I didn't like how he spoke to me."

Trigmoss (/treeg-mOSS/, /tɹˈiːɡmɔs/), noun.

/ When something feels soft to touch, like a mosscreep. /

"The curtains that lay in the spire's walls had a trigmoss feel to them."

Agilish (/ag-il-lious/, /æɡˈɪli͡əs/), verb.

/ Feeling infatuated but conflicted towards someone, usually if that bug has known infamy or hatred from others. /

"She had an agilish love to him, but she knew being his mate would cause controversy."

Acbrom (/ack-brauhm/, /ˈækbɹɔːhm/), verb.

/ Mostly spoken in the East-Surface Providence. To describe the poor living conditions of someone. /

"The wandering citizen had an acbrom living area. It seemed all too common for this side of the city."

Usage — Active. You will hear this word almost daily in the City of Tears, mainly in the East-Surface Providence.

Dodiment (/doh-de-mint/, /dˈo͡ʊdɪmˌɪnt/), adjective.

/ A questionable answer to something. /

"Your dodiment makes little sense. How does that help our liege?"

Scaphbonter (/scahf-bahn-tur/, /skˈɑːfbɑːntɚ/), verb.

/ A group of bugs speaking simultaneously. /

"All this scaphbonting is annoying me."

Lacindul (/lack-in-dull/, /lˈæka͡ɪndˌʌl/), adjective.

/ To describe an individual who gets wounded often. /

"Dr Chagax often had to heal his lacindul patient, whose reckless actions kept them inside the hospice."

Felihy (/FEll-lee-hi/, /fˈɛl lˈiː hˈa͡ɪ/), adjective.

/ A delusional bug, or a bug viewed as delusional. /

"Listening to that felihy man was a mistake."

[iwrotesomeofitdown]

Langblr, I would appreciate your input here:

Lots of people on tumblr use the verbs affect and effect interchangeably.

I am not a language expert, or a native English speaker, my only credential is I was a huge bookworm since childhood and learned a lot of words in English that I’d never heard pronounced anywhere.

That being said (and please correct me if this is wrong, but):

Affect can be used as a verb. You can affect people (in that you can influence them or have an impact on them) or the environment (or other nouns) and concepts and people can affect you.

You can also affect indifference (meaning you pretend to be indifferent by your facial expression, for example). Still a verb here.

You can also have a flat affect (affect being a noun meaning your tone when you speak and your facial expression).

Effect is very rarely a verb. It is almost always a noun.

You can EFFECT change. That is the only time I am aware that effect is used as a verb, meaning „to create change“.

You CANNOT „effect people“ (through your actions or whatever).

You can have an effect on people (where effect is a noun) or on the environment or whatever in many ways.

So as a rule of thumb in daily life: effect is not something you do, but a result of doing something. Affect is mostly a verb = something you do.