#alternatively “I was busy planning world domination”

[ghostkingdoesstuff]

"When you were busy having premarital sex, I was busy studying the blade." -Luke Castellan at some point in time, probably

[botanicalsword]

House Stellium • Harmonising your energy

Advices for those with prominent House Stellium

This is relevant for Natal Chart, Progression Chart, Solar Return Chart, and Lunar Return Chart.

✧

1st House Stellium - maintain humility & an open mindset

be open to others' opinions and not be too arrogant

listen to your inner voice, trust your intuition and inner feelings - learn to listen to others' perspectives

gain different angles of thinking and experiences

✧

2nd House Stellium - hard work and savings

avoiding get-rich-quick schemes, seeking luck, or engaging in illegal ways

through diligence and frugality, steadily accumulate wealth and achieve your goals

✧ 3rd House Stellium - talents and interests

leverage your expressive and communication abilities to excel in the field of culture and the arts

showcase your uniqueness in the arts and cultural domains

enhance your expressive and communication skills to engage with others and share your thoughts and creativity

✧ 4th House Stellium - explore unknown territories

explore the world outside and not stay too isolated at home.

actively participate in social activities - step out of your comfort zone

broaden your horizons, enrich your life experiences - interact with different groups of people

✧ 5th House Stellium - the importance of financial knowledge

study investment theories - can better manage and grow our financial assets

engage in moderate entertainment and relaxation outside of work - maintaining a balance

✧ 6th House Stellium - physical health

be attentive, and diligent but overworking

maintain a balance between work and life

Sustaining good physical health - enhance work efficiency and life quality

schedule work and rest time properly

✧ 7th House Stellium - choice of partner

be cautious in choosing partners, whether in relationships or business ventures

Good partnerships - shared success

unsuitable partners - unnecessary troubles and difficulties

✧ 8th House Stellium - unexpected circumstances

leave room for alternatives when dealing with matters - reduce anxiety and stress

have backup plans and maintain being calm / let go

✧

9th House Stellium - knowledge and wisdom

read more books, explore the world

understand different cultures and perspectives, and expand our thinking and cognitive range

Reading - transport us into a colorful world, stimulating our imagination and creativity.

✧ 10th House Stellium - quality of life

excel in work or entrepreneurship while also giving yourselves some space for personal life

pursue professional success while paying attention to our quality of life

need time to rest, engage in leisure activities

spend time with family and friends

✧ 11th House Stellium - self-acceptance

strong interpersonal skills

avoid relying too much on others' approval

maintain authenticity and independence

not excessively conforming to others' expectations or seeking validation for satisfaction

believe in our value and capabilities

maintain confidence and self-esteem

✧ 12th House Stellium - kindness and empathy 

qualities of tolerance and inclusiveness

sympathize with others' experiences

avoid procrastination

take proactive actions and avoid delaying problem-solving or pursuing our goals

forgiveness towards others and yourselves - release inner tolerance and goodwill

✧

Dear 12th House Stellium

12th House Stellium Part I (Extended)

12th House Dominance Part II (Extended)

Hidden strength of 12th House (Extended)

>> Back to Masterlist ✧ Explicit Content

Exclusive access : Patreon

✧

[quitealotofsodapop]

In the alternative version, because of Wukong's pregnancy the Demon Bull family basically give up any plans of world domination very early, so the first Macaque learns of the Monkey King returning is when he hears that rumors of PIF training the M9nkey King's heir in his stead. Now, that brings all sorts of confusing questions to Macaque, like why the hell is his sister who swore vengeance on Wukong training his heir, who is this heir, and why the hell is Wukong not training his own successor!? The fact that there are no signs of the king himself only adds to the confusion since Wukong most certainly isn't allowed out of the Demon Bull Palace's grounds while pregnant, meaning nobody else but the Demon Bull Family and the Noodle Gang even know Sun Wukong is back outside of the fact that he obviously is around somewhere if he has an heir!

Now, because PIF and DBK are helping in the training, MK is actually getting stronger faster than in the show and the base Slow Boiled au. He also knows more about demons and Demon succession, meaning he knows that Wukong hadn't just randomly selected him to take over hero work but had actually claimed him as his Heir, technically making him a prince. He still doesn't know what to think of that.

referencing this alternate Slow Boiled route.

Macaque (and the mortals who thought DBK was back to take over) is very confused. XD

This could also be how they react when they find out during New Years in the base Slow Boiled au. After DBK and PIF (with noodle fam assistance) kidnap convince Wukong to see a doctor for his energy draining, the IronBull couple pretty much insist that they take over MK's mentorship.

Wukong, bed-bound: "He has my powers! I can still teach him!" Pigsy, providing endless bedside meals: "No! You heard what Guanyin said! No exerting yourself after that Spider mech business!" PIF: "Brother-in-law, you can barely get up from that bed at this moment. Leave the training to us for now." MK: "I'm actually gonna get my butt whooped, right?" PIF & DBK: "Yes." MK, excited to have supplementary training: "Woo-hoo!" Wukong: "HEY! You're still joining me for yoga, bud!" MK, disappointed: "Aww..." Macaque, listening in: "What the...?"

[hand-picked-star]

The 13th Anniversary Arshi Fiesta

Moodboard: Historical AU

Whispers of the Heart | Chapter 07

I am not very good at writing ffs. I even read ffs very selectively. But it was an attempt of me to participate in the 13th-anniversary arshi fiesta.

I might be wrong about certain aspects of that age and era, but it's a fantasy, so why not? I don't own Arnav and Khushi and the story is purely fictional and has no relation to any living or dead. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Chapter 7

"It's a wonder you haven't worn your teeth straight down to nothing by now."

Arnav looked down at the work in hand, making a concerted effort to unclench his jaw. "Habit, I suppose. I didn't realize I was doing it," The first comment was a lie, though the latter was true. From his expression, Arnav could tell Aman didn't believe him."Why are you looking at me like that?

"Maybe it seems strange for me to say, but I want you to know that your sister and I are always here for you if you need to talk."

Irritation was beginning to turn into exasperation. "What would I need to talk about?"

"Well, that's for you to tell me. You seemed upset these last few days," Aman finally explained. "Your Sister is worried."

Despite finding their hovering irritating, he smiled genuinely. "I'm sure she has a theory."

"Of course she does," Aman chuckled, his fondness unmistakable. "She thinks you're in love and also believes you're unhappy, despite how contradictory that sounds."

"what makes her think I'm unhappy ?"

"The teeth grinding for one," Aman reminded, "So it's true, huh? Who's the lucky lady?"

Arnav struggled to maintain a neutral expression, "There's no one."

Aman snorted softly. "Arnav, I've known you your entire life. You are an excellent liar, but you can't lie to me." He clapped Arnav on the shoulder. "It's your business, of course, if you want to talk or not. Regardless, we're here."

The emotion Arnav had been struggling to suppress with varying degrees of success since Mahindar Chachu assigned him 'The task', hit him with the force of a tornado the moment a certain Mr. Ganguly walked through the door.

He found he suddenly had an intense dislike for the man he had never even crossed paths with before. By lunchtime, his dislike was driving him to the point of distraction.

He was jealous. Outrageously so.

There was something primal stirring within him, urging him to bare his teeth, to growl and snarl with a visceral need to assert dominance and convey a threat. The turmoil within him was palpable. Yet, he battled with the realization that he had no justification for such aggression. He had no right to feel anything toward her. "There's nothing to talk about," he mumbled. "We need to concentrate on work."

While his peers were lost in the rosy world of love, Arnav always prided himself on his immunity to such feelings. Scarred by his father's infidelity, he couldn't bring himself to believe in love, viewing it as nothing more than a cruel illusion.

Then she came tiptoeing, slowly seeping into his very pores. She tied herself intimately with every non-existent idea he ever had of love, weaving through the fabric of his thoughts and emotions like a thread that couldn't be unravelled.

He was never one to be trapped in a situation beyond his control. He thrived on order and meticulously planned his life with precision. Yet, for the past two excruciating years, he had wrestled in vain to extricate himself from thoughts of her. Despite his cynicism regarding love, he pushed himself to entertain the idea of an alternative to Khushi. But every interaction with a female species only served to highlight their glaring dissimilarities from her. Then came an intense, irrational guilt, as though he were betraying her by even considering someone else. This instability, rooted in a familial legacy of infidelity, added another intricate layers to his turmoil.

It was as if it was either her or no one else for him. The thought hadn't bothered him much before as he had always envisioned himself alone. And if it was for her betterment, he would silently endure the agonizing ache of yearning. 'Why is it that when you love someone, you want to give them the best the world has to offer, even if it doesn’t include you?' his inner voice wondered.

But seeing Khushi with Mr. Ganguly shattered his barely-ordered thought process once again. Distracted, he inadvertently cut his hand with the knife used to sever the rope at the mandap. Predictably, she was the first to come running. Khushi meticulously cleaned his wound and carefully bandaged it. Despite occasionally flinching from the pain, Arnav remained silent throughout the ordeal.

"Dard ho raha hain" When his eyes flashed to hers, she added "Chupane se dard kam nehi hota."

As Khushi tended to his wound, the gentle brush of her fingertips on his palm, wreaked havoc not only on his senses but also on his body. Her touch, her scent and her nearness stirred a dangerous blend of longing and tranquillity within him. Fearful of losing control and succumbing to the overwhelming desire to kiss her senseless, consequences be damned, he untangled his hand from hers and walked away.

Both hurt and confused, she struggled to discern his current emotion. It wasn't anger. She'd seen him angry, seen the way his face twisted in fury. If anything, he was too calm. He was whatever emotion he had been the day after their unforgettable kiss.

The day after, anyone looking at his face wouldn't have known anything had happened—except Khushi. His expression was blank, disinterested, an excuse to avoid meeting anyone's gaze, especially hers. When she entered the dining room the next morning during breakfast, his body had stiffened, and he excused himself at the earliest opportunity. For some reason, it felt like history repeating itself. At least back then, she had understood.

2 years ago

During breakfast the next morning, Khushi found out that Arnav was leaving for London two weeks before his holiday was scheduled to end. She stood still, in the very centre of his room, her gaze fixed on him. She observed him silently as he meticulously packed his bag, never once meeting her eyes.

She was feeling a whirlwind of emotions as she contemplated the multitude of questions she wanted to ask him. Their recent interaction had left her utterly bewildered, and she longed for clarity. He had always been her go-to person, the one who patiently addressed every query she had. In this instance, she was particularly eager for a conversation with him, yearning for the usual reassurance and guidance he had consistently provided in the past.

" Arnav,....are you.... are you mad?"

" No" It was a relief that he was talking to her.

" Will we not talk about what happened..... between us? "

"There is nothing to talk about. Whatever happened, It meant nothing at all." He said, his back turned to her. He knew his voice was cold and harsh, but he couldn't seem to regulate it. He was very close to panicking. Then he made a mistake by turning. Her wide eyes made her look younger than her sixteen years. Guilt felt as thick as bile in his mouth. She asked softly "Koi matlab nehi....." Her eyes searched his for any spark of hope.

As he gazed into her eyes, the unmistakable expression of terror etched on her face stirred something within him. He felt an overwhelming urge to envelope her in his arms. Actually, what he really wanted to do was kiss her again. The thought terrified him.

"Mil gaya tumhe jawaab. Ab jao yahan se, mera dimaag mat kharab karo," his voice hard, dark, and cold—devoid of the Arnav she had known her whole life.

He set his lips in a firm line, clenched his fists at his sides, and held his body absolutely still, resisting the urge to reach for her. The hardest part was witnessing the tears welling in her eyes as she hurried away to her room, slamming the door behind her.

After Arnav went back to London, Khushi felt utterly bewildered. In the blink of an eye, her best friend had transformed into a stranger. The person who held all the answers now refused to even acknowledge her questions. She revisited her books in vain, searching desperately for answers that eluded her. Her sadness ran deep; his actions had wounded her profoundly. Despite this, Khushi clung to hope for reconciliation. However, when he didn't return for Akash Vai's wedding the next year, seeds of doubt began to take root in her heart. It seemed her questions would remain unanswered, leaving her confusion unresolved. Just as despair threatened to overwhelm her, a conversation between Payal Bhabhi and Anjali Di emerged as a lifeline.

Anjali insisted, "Come on, bhabhi, tell us about the first time you met Akash bhaiya. How did you feel?"

The newlywed, still blushing, struggled to put her feelings into words. "It's hard to describe," she admitted. "I was so overwhelmed that I could barely hear what he was saying over the pounding of my own heart. I just didn't know what to say."

Khushi felt as if a jolt of electricity had surged through her. With wide eyes, she asked urgently, "Bhabhi, what do you mean your heart was pounding? Why was it pounding? Were you sick? " Her voice trembled with desperation, her curiosity and concern etched clearly on her face.

"Arrey pagli, yeh toh sabko hota hai," Payal Bhabhi said with a gentle smile. "When we love someone, our hearts belong to them. It tries to break free from its cage to reach them."

"Love?" her confusion deepening. She had loved Amma, Babuji, Akash bhai, Aman bhai, and even Arnav all her life, but her heart had never pounded like that. "What do you mean by 'love,' bhabhi?" Her voice trembled slightly, revealing her vulnerability.

Payal Bhabhi's eyes softened as she reached out to hold Khushi's hand."It's a different kind of love, Khushi. It's the love we feel for that one special person who becomes our world. The person whose happiness matters more to us than our own, whose pain we feel just as deeply. It's the love that makes our hearts race and our souls yearn to be near them, it feels like your heart might burst with the intensity of it. When you love someone like that, you want to share your every laugh, every tear and every moment of your life. It's the kind of love that makes you want to marry them, to build a life together, Samjhi?"

Tears spilled down Khushi's cheeks, with the weight of unspoken truths she had long buried in her heart. It had always lurked in the darkest recesses of her subconscious, a relentless ache she couldn't shake. If only he had shown any sign of reciprocation, any glimmer that her affection meant something to him, perhaps she could have confronted the brutal truth sooner.

"But what if the other person doesn't want my heart?" she whispered, the question hanging in the air like a painful, unanswered plea.

"Khushi, why are you crying?" Payal asked gently, sensing Khushi's melancholy.

"It's nothing, I'm glad you care so much for bhai. And maybe a little jealous too." She tried to summon her chirpiness to ward off the overwhelming sadness she felt.

Anjali di jumped in, caressing Khushi's cheek. "You don't have to be jealous khushi. Bohot jaldi tumhari sapno ki rajkumar uske dhadakte hue dil ke saath aayega aur hamari rajkumari ko utha kar le jayega." Khushi could only respond with a meek smile.

The clarity brought a cruel relief to her. She finally understood her own heart, but it also magnified the loneliness of her unrequited love. She couldn't shake the image of Payal Bhabhi, so insightful about the fluttering of hearts. If Payal Bhabhi understood this, then surely Arnav did too. He was older and wiser, wasn't he?

The pain hit her like a wave ;only her heart beat for him, not the other way around.

That summer, when hope didn't come home with Arnav, heartbreak arrived with Kamlesh Roy instead. He was not just a mutual friend of Aman bhai and Arnav but also Arnav's roommate in London. Kamlesh came to visit Aman bhai, and although Khushi was not eavesdropping, her ears perked up when Arnav's name was brought up. Kamlesh brought the news that Arnav had received a marriage proposal from his mentor, Mr. Anurag Kashyap, a renowned barrister in London, for his daughter, Lavanya. Lavanya Kashyap, a London-bred beauty with intelligence honed at Oxford, was the epitome of grace. Kamlesh added with conviction, 'Arnav would be a fool not to accept such an offer,' and Aman bhai agreed.

Numbness spread through her body, starting from her fingertips and reaching the core of her being. For the first time since their kiss, Khushi managed to feel an utter void, a complete absence of emotion.

But heartbreak infused her being in the darkness of night, a silent shadow that cloaked her soul and weighed heavy on her chest. She found herself trapped in a waking nightmare, where every time she closed her eyes, a vivid scene played out with cruel clarity: Arnav, wrapped in the arms of another woman, their kisses suffused with a passion she had long yearned for herself. The weight in her chest grew heavier with each passing day, tormenting her even in the solace of sleep, where dreams offered no refuge from the harsh reality she faced.

That's likely how one's heart shattered when it throbbed for someone, yet the other person chose not to caress it.

<previous> | <next>

@featheredclover @arshifiesta @phuljari @jalebi-weds-bluetooth @chutkiandchotte @msbhagirathi @arshiradio @arshisrabbave

[mostlysignssomeportents]

All the books I reviewed in 2023 (Nonfiction)

Next Tuesday (December 5), I'm at Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, NC, with my new solarpunk novel The Lost Cause, which 350.org's Bill McKibben called "The first great YIMBY novel: perceptive, scientifically sound, and extraordinarily hopeful."

It's that time of year again, when I round up all the books I reviewed for my newsletter in the previous year. I posted 21 reviews last year, covering 31 books (there are two series in there!). I also published three books of my own last year (two novels and one nonfiction). A busy year in books!

Every year, these roundups remind me that I did actually manager to get a lot of reading done, even if the list of extremely good books that I didn't read is much longer than the list of books I did read. I read many of these books while doing physiotherapy for my chronic pain, specifically as audiobooks I listened to on my underwater MP3 player while doing my daily laps at the public pool across the street from my house.

After many years of using generic Chinese waterproof MP3s players – whose quality steadily declined over a decade – I gave up and bought a brand-name player, a Shokz Openswim. So far, I have no complaints. Thanks to reader Abbas Halai for recommending this!

https://shokz.com/products/openswim

I load up this gadget with audiobook MP3s bought from Libro.fm, a fantastic, DRM-free alternative to Audible, which is both a monopolist and a prolific wage-thief with a documented history of stealing from writers:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/07/25/can-you-hear-me-now/#acx-ripoff

All right, enough with the process notes, on to the reviews!

NONFICTION

I. The Once and Future Sex by Eleanor Kaneaga

A history of gender and sex in the medieval age, describing the weird and horny ways of medieval Europeans, which are far gnarlier and more complicated than the story we get from "traditionalists" who want us to believe that their ideas about gender roles reflect a fixed part of human nature, and that modern attitudes are an attempt to rewrite history:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/01/17/ren-faire/#going-medieval

II. Pirate Enlightenment by David Graeber

In the early 18th century, the Zana-Malata people – a new culture created jointly by pirates from around the world and Malagasy – came to dominate the island. They brought with them the democratic practices of pirate ships (where captains were elected and served at the pleasure of their crews) and the matriarchal traditions of some Malagasy, creating a feminist, anarchist "Libertalia." Graeber retrieves and orders the history of this Libertalia from oral tradition, primary source documents, and records from around the world. Taken together, it's a tale that is rollicking and romantic, but also hilarious and eminently satisfying.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/01/24/zana-malata/#libertalia

III. A Hacker's Mind by Bruce Schneier

Schneier broadens his frame to consider all of society's rules – its norms, laws and regulations – as a security system, and then considers all the efforts to change those rules through a security lens, framing everything from street protests to tax-cheating as "hacks." This leaves us with two categories: hacks by the powerful to increase their power; and hacks by everyone else to take power away from the powerful.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/06/trickster-makes-the-world/#power-play

IV. Responding to the Right by Nathan J Robinson

Robinson describes conservativism as a comforting, fixed ideology that allows its adherents to move through the world without having to question themselves: you broke the law, so you're guilty. No need to ask if the law was just or unjust. This sidelines sticky moral dilemmas: no need for judges to ask if something is good or fair – merely whether it is "original" to the Constitution. No need for a CEO to ask whether a business plan is moral – only whether it is "maximizing shareholder benefit." Robinson anatomizes the most effective parts of conservative rhetoric and exhorts his leftist comrades to learn from it, and put it to better use.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/14/nathan-robinson/#arguendo

V. A Collective Bargain by Jane McAlevey

An extraordinary book that is one part history lesson, one part case-study, two parts how-to manual, one part memoir, and one million parts call to action. McAlevey devotes the early chapters to the rise and fall of labor protections in America, explaining how the wealthy mounted a sustained, expensive, obsessive fight to smash union power. She moves into a series of case-studies of workers who tried to organize unions under these increasingly inhospitable rules and conditions. The second half of the book is two case studies of mass strikes that succeeded in spite of even stiffer opposition. For McAlevey, saving America is just a scaled up version of the union organizer’s day-job.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/23/a-collective-bargain/

VI. Open Circuits by Windell Oskay and Eric Schlaepfer

A drop-dead gorgeous collection of photos of electronic components, painstakingly cross-sectioned and polished. The photos illustrate layperson-friendly explanations of what each component does, how it is constructed, and why. Perhaps you've pondered a circuit board and wondered about the colorful, candy-shaped components soldered to it. It's natural to assume that these are indivisible, abstract functional units, a thing that is best understood as a reliable and deterministic brick that can be used to construct a specific kind of wall. Peering inside these sealed packages reveals another world, a miniature land where things get simpler – and more complex.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/14/hidden-worlds/#making-the-invisible-visible-and-beautiful

VII. Doppelganger by Naomi Klein

This is a very odd book. It is also a very, very good book. The premise – exploring the divergence between Naomi Klein and Naomi Wolf, with whom she is often confused – is a surprisingly sturdy scaffold for an ambitious, wide-ranging exploration of this very frightening moment of polycrisis and systemic failure. For Klein, the transformation of Wolf from liberal icon – Democratic Party consultant and Lean-In-type feminist icon – to rifle-toting Trumpling with a regular spot on the Steve Bannon Power Hour is an entrypoint to understanding the mirror world. How did so many hippie-granola yoga types turn into vicious eugenicists whose answer to "wear a mask to protect the immunocompromised" is "they should die"?

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/05/not-that-naomi/#if-the-naomi-be-klein-youre-doing-just-fine

VIII. Your Face Belongs to Us by Kashmir Hill

A tell-all history of Clearview AI, the creepy facial recognition company whose origins are mired in far-right politics, off-the-books police misconduct, sales to authoritarian states and sleazy one-percenter one-upmanship. Facial recognition is now so easy to build that – Hill says – we're unlikely to abolish it, despite all the many horrifying ways that FR could fuck up our societies.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/20/steal-your-face/#hoan-ton-that

IX. Blood In the Machine by Brian Merchant

The definitive history of the Luddites, and the clearest analysis of the automator's playbook, where "entrepreneurs'" lawless extraction from workers is called "innovation" and "inevitable." Luddism has been steadily creeping into pro-labor technological criticism, as workers and technology critics reclaim the term and its history, which is a rich and powerful tale of greed versus solidarity, slavery versus freedom. Luddites are not – and have never been – anti-technology. Rather, they are pro-human, and see production as a means to an end: broadly shared prosperity. The automation project says it's about replacing humans with machines, but over and over again – in machine learning, in "contactless" delivery, in on-demand workforces – the goal is to turn humans into machines.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/26/enochs-hammer/#thats-fronkonsteen

X. Technofeudalism by Yanis Varoufakis

Varoufakis makes an excellent case that capitalism died a decade ago, turning into a new form of feudalism: technofeudalism. A feudal society is one organized around people who own things, charging others to use them to produce goods and services. In a feudal society, the most important form of income isn't profit, it's rent. Varoufakis likens shopping on Amazon to visiting a bustling city center filled with shops run by independent capitalists. However, all of those capitalists are subservient to a feudal lord: Jeff Bezos, who takes 51 cents out of every dollar they bring in, and furthermore gets to decide which products they can sell and how those products must be displayed. The postcapitalist, technofeudal world isn't a world without capitalism, then. It's a world where capitalists are subservient to feudalists ("cloudalists" in Varoufakis's thesis), as are the rest of us the cloud peons

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/28/cloudalists/#cloud-capital

XI. Underground Empire by Henry Farrell and Abraham Newman

Two political scientists tell the story of how global networks were built through accidents of history, mostly by American corporations and/or the American state. The web was built by accident, but the spider at its center was always the USA. At various junctures since the Cold War, American presidents, spies and military leaders have noticed this web and tugged at it. A tariff here, a sanction there, then an embargo. The NSA turns the internet into a surveillance grid and a weapon of war. The SWIFT system is turned into a way to project American political goals around the world – first by blocking transactions for things the US government disfavors, then to cut off access for people who do business with people who do things that the US wants stopped. Political science, done right, has the power to reframe your whole understanding of events around you. Farrell and Newman set out a compelling thesis, defend it well, and tell a fascinating tale.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/10/10/weaponized-interdependence/#the-other-swifties

XII. How Infrastructure Works by Deb Chachra

A hopeful, lyrical – even beautiful – hymn to the systems of mutual aid we embed in our material world, from sewers to roads to the power grid. It's a book that will make you see the world in a different way – forever. It's a bold engineering vision, one that fuses Chachra's material science background, her work as an engineering educator, her activism as an anti-colonialist and feminist. The way she lays it out is just…breathtaking.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/10/17/care-work/#charismatic-megaprojects

Like I said, this has been a good year in books for me, and it included three books of my own:

I. Red Team Blues (novel, Tor Books US, Head of Zeus UK)

Martin Hench is 67 years old, single, and successful in a career stretching back to the beginnings of Silicon Valley. He lives and roams California in a very comfortable fully-furnished touring bus, The Unsalted Hash, that he bought years ago from a fading rock star. He knows his way around good food and fine drink. He likes intelligent women, and they like him back often enough. Martin is a—contain your excitement—self-employed forensic accountant, a veteran of the long guerilla war between people who want to hide money, and people who want to find it. He knows computer hardware and software alike, including the ins and outs of high-end databases and the kinds of spreadsheets that are designed to conceal rather than reveal. He’s as comfortable with social media as people a quarter his age, and he’s a world-level expert on the kind of international money-laundering and shell-company chicanery used by Fortune 500 companies, mid-divorce billionaires, and international drug gangs alike. He also knows the Valley like the back of his hand, all the secret histories of charismatic company founders and Sand Hill Road VCs. Because he was there at all the beginnings. Now he’s been roped into a job that’s more dangerous than anything he’s ever agreed to before—and it will take every ounce of his skill to get out alive.

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250865847/red-team-blues

II. The Internet Con: How to Seize the Means of Computation (nonfiction, Verso)

We can – we must – dismantle the tech platforms. We must to seize the means of computation by forcing Silicon Valley to do the thing it fears most: interoperate. Interoperability will tear down the walls between technologies, allowing users to leave platforms, remix their media, and reconfigure their devices without corporate permission. Interoperability is the only route to the rapid and enduring annihilation of the platforms. The Internet Con is the disassembly manual we need to take back our internet.

https://www.versobooks.com/products/3035-the-internet-con

III. The Lost Cause (novel, Tor Books US, Head of Zeus UK)

For young Americans a generation from now, climate change isn't controversial. It's just an overwhelming fact of life. And so are the great efforts to contain and mitigate it. Entire cities are being moved inland from the rising seas. Vast clean-energy projects are springing up everywhere. Disaster relief, the mitigation of floods and superstorms, has become a skill for which tens of millions of people are trained every year. The effort is global. It employs everyone who wants to work. Even when national politics oscillates back to right-wing leaders, the momentum is too great; these vast programs cannot be stopped in their tracks.

But there are still those Americans, mostly elderly, who cling to their red baseball caps, their grievances, their huge vehicles, their anger. To their "alternative" news sources that reassure them that their resentment is right and pure and that "climate change" is just a giant scam. And they're your grandfather, your uncle, your great-aunt. And they're not going anywhere. And they’re armed to the teeth. The Lost Cause asks: What do we do about people who cling to the belief that their own children are the enemy? When, in fact, they're often the elders that we love?

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250865939/the-lost-cause

I wrote nine books during lockdown, and there's plenty more to come. The next one is The Bezzle, a followup to Red Team Blues, which comes out in February:

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250865878/thebezzle

While you're waiting for that one, I hope the reviews above will help you connect with some excellent books. If you want more of my reviews, here's my annual roundup from 2022:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/12/01/bookishness/#2022-in-review

Here's my book reviews from 2021:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/12/08/required-ish-reading/#bibliography

And here's my book reviews from 2020:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/12/08/required-reading/#recommended-reading

It's EFF's Power Up Your Donation Week: this week, donations to the Electronic Frontier Foundation are matched 1:1, meaning your money goes twice as far. I've worked with EFF for 22 years now and I have always been - and remain - a major donor, because I've seen firsthand how effective, responsible and brilliant this organization is. Please join me in helping EFF continue its work!

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/12/01/bookmaker/#2023-in-review

[mariacallous]

A jury in December found that Google broke US antitrust laws through deals and billing rules that gave an unfair boost to its Google Play app store. On Thursday, a judge began laying out how Google could be forced to change its business as a penalty. The remedies under consideration could drive the most consequential shakeup ever to Google’s dominance over the Android universe.

Fortnite video game developer Epic Games, which beat Google in the trial that saw a jury declare the Play store an illegal monopoly, is demanding that federal judge James Donato ban Google from contracts that deter competition. Epic also wants Google to be forced to help competing stores list more apps, giving them a competitive boost. The changes could enable Epic to realize its long-held plan to increase revenue by processing in-game purchases in Fortnite and other titles without using Google’s payment system, and marketing games via its own app store.

Google contends that Epic’s demands would threaten its users’ security and impair the businesses of partners, including Android device makers and app developers. The search company is appealing the jury’s verdict, which could delay the rollout of any penalties for many years—or void them altogether. But Google over the past few years already has had to make some costly changes in Europe and Asia due to court losses and new laws affecting the Play store, and a trial with Epic is currently underway in Australia.

“I want to be clear: Google as an illegal monopolist will have to pay some penalties,” Donato told Epic and Google at a hearing in San Francisco on Thursday. He explained that Google’s loss requires him to pry open the company’s grip on the Android ecosystem in a way that ends Google’s illegal monopoly and also removes its ill-gotten gains from years of unfair dominance.

That would mean major changes for the industry that has built up around Google’s Android operating system—and potentially more choices for consumers. It could require Google investing cash into new projects to make things right, Donato said.

Donato expressed frustration with Google’s claims that any changes would be bad for consumers and other businesses. “To jump up and down and say the new way is going to be a world no one wants to live in, it’s unfounded,” he said. But he also spent hours in the hearing quizzing two economists, one appearing on behalf of each company, about how to craft penalties for Google without being unreasonable.

Among Epic’s requests is that Google be barred from striking deals that prevent or discourage companies from working with alternatives to its app store. In the past the company has required hardware companies that want to offer Google Play on their devices to agree not to work with or promote alternative app stores. That prevented most consumers from ever seeing other app stores, since most device makers want to offer Google’s app store, because it is the largest.

Rival app stores such as those from Amazon and Samsung also have struggled to persuade developers to list their apps outside of Google Play, because maintaining apps in multiple stores takes extra work. To even the playing field, Epic proposes that Google be required for six years to provide rival stores a way to list apps that are hosted on Google Play. That would allow people to browse alternative stores without feeling they are missing out on popular apps, giving the store a better chance of success in the long term.

“Rival app stores [would] have incentives to sign up developers so that they can get revenue streams and so that they're not dead in the water when this provision expires,” Douglas Bernheim, a Stanford University economist testifying on behalf of Epic, told Donato. “Google [would have] incentives to continue to sign up developers so that they're not at a disadvantage.”

Matthew Gentzkow, a Stanford economist on Google’s side, responded that developers could suffer harm if their apps appeared in alternative stores that have more relaxed content policies than Google’s, because in that case their apps could appear next to, say, pornography apps that Google bars. “It could undermine their brand and reputation with users,” Gentzkow said.

Donato also raised questions about how to ease Google’s requirement that apps in the Play store use Google’s billing system to process payments, one of the rules that triggered Epic’s lawsuit. And he expressed a desire to find a way to “reduce the friction,” as he called it, that users face when trying to download an app from an app store other than Play on Android devices. Google’s operating system has been found to interrupt the process with a series of warnings that bypassing Play could trigger security issues, potentially deterring people from following through with a download.

Donato is expected to hear final arguments from Google and Epic in August. He told attorneys that he would then officially issue penalties by the Labor Day holiday in September, but then corrected himself, saying they would come “promptly.”

[tos1701voy74656tmnt2012-cc]

TAG MBTI

Since I got into MBTI a few months ago, I've been trying to type every single person I know - real or imaginary. There are quite a few people out there like me who like typing TV characters, but there have been very few sources out there that talk about the MBTI of the 2015 Thunderbirds Are Go series. So I thought I'd discuss my thoughts on a few more controversial (main) characters on TAG. Keep in mind that these are just my thoughts, and may not be 100% aligned with the theories. This is all in good fun.

Disclaimer: as Gordon and Alan's types are quite straightforward and widely accepted, I will not be discussing them.

Most commonly accepted types:

Scott: ENTJ/ESTP

Virgil: ISFP

John: INTP

Gordon: ESFP

Alan: ISFJ

The Hood: INTJ

Not confirmed:

Kayo: ISTP/INTJ

Starting off with Scotty. People (myself included) call him the Commander, ie. ENTJ according to the 16 Personalities website. I've done the test myself on his behalf (self-righteous me haha) and the results are quite conclusive: ENTJ. This is quite accurate, given his decisive demeanour in the field which corresponds with dominant Te. That's why I think ESTJ wouldn't be too far off either.

As for ESTP, they're known to be very spontaneous (and frankly, crazy...no offence intended!) The main reason people get this idea is because of certain episodes (High Strung) that suggest Scott was something of a 'thrill junkie' as a younger person. However, the episode also suggests he is not proud of his past and is not like that anymore (or at least tries not to be). So my conclusion is that he has grown into his role as head of IR, which requires an ENTJ personality, while suppressing the extraverted sensing which is dominant in an ESTP.

Next up, Virgil. Virg's known to be the family artist, and ISFPs are the stereotypical artists. In that sense, ISFP is pretty correct - but Virgil doesn't exactly strike me as (and I'm making a big generalisation here) a crybaby. So what are the alternatives? First, I'd agree he's mostly an introvert, though he sometimes does give off a more E energy. Next, I'd say that he could he either intuitive or sensing, and he seems like the kind of guy to come up with a plan at the scene. So I'd go so far as to say he could be an INTP. Conclusion: ISFP/INTP.

Now with Johnny, most people can agree that he's INTP. I once read somewhere that he's INFP, however, which I thought was interesting - INFPs have the stereotype of being ignored all the time, which relates to John's situation of being the guy stuck on the lonely space station and the middle child. But it doesn't feel as if he has dominant Fi, so I agree with the opinion that he's INTP. INTPs are stereotypically nerdy, and although John isn't a complete dork, he is shown to be afraid of crowds (and in general, people!) particularly in episodes such as The Man From TB5. So INTP is fair.

Kayo is an interesting case. I have found literally zero consensus on the net on Kayo's MBTI, so I have just gone ahead and typed her as ISTP/INTJ.

Kayo is, how shall we say it, very cool. Even aloof, like an ISTP, the typical lone wolf or cool guy. ISTPs also tend to have good street smarts, being very versatile quick learners. That is what makes them good candidates for being spies, or in Kayo's case, covert ops. She's formidable because of her skills, quick thinking and determination in protecting her ideals (her insisting that IR get involved in the 'bad guy catching business') - dominant Ti.

Some people also think she's an INTJ for obvious reasons. In Legacy, she reveals she has all sorts of contingency plans for Tracy Island, and even her uncle, the great mastermind, fell into her trap. That sort of scheming is very INTJ. It's probably an influence of her having the Hood as her uncle.

You could argue that Kayo is completely INTJ, and I'd say that's possible as well. The reason I've put ISTP is that some of the things she does are a bit too physical and real-world, things that typical INTJs would die from. Of course, she could be an Fi and Se developed INTJ. It depends on how you look at it.

Now finally...our favourite villain, Hoodie Guy. INTJ, the mastermind. No one can deny that the Hood is the ultimate criminal mastermind, with his scheming plots and evil smirk (!) However, there are some qualities he has that aren't exactly INTJ, which is why I'd argue that he's an INTJ/ENTJ hybrid.

First, he's very impatient. We see this in a lot of episodes, and in Signals Part 2 he even admits he was short-sighted (and therefore impatient) to have tried to commandeer a Thunderbird. That's quite unlike an INTJ, who must be patient in waiting for their plots to unfold over time. The Hood is almost too rash to be an INTJ.

Secondly, INTJs are known for being cold and calculated, and although the Hood is that, he's also very personal. And by personal I mean he gets very hung up on personal vendettas, namely the one against Jeff Tracy. INTJs don't usually put the focus on people - unless the person is merely an obstacle in the way of them getting what they want. They do not act on impulse - dominant Ni ensures that. ENTJs, however, can be 'personal'. They have vendettas, and they will use dominant Te to act even if it's not exactly wise.

Finally, he's too famous. INTJs do not thrust themselves into the spotlight as the Hood did even in the first episode - that is way too not subtle for INTJs, who work from the shadows and get what they want without anyone being the wiser. ENTJs, on the other hand, are known and feared by the world. Sound familiar?

Of course, the many cliffhangers we get informing us the Hood has gotten exactly what he planned tells us he's still an INTJ - but not entirely. Things like personality typing are never black and white, and no one is completely 100% one type or another.

[howdyfriend]

Celeste LORE?? PREHAPS?? ANYA ?? A N DY ?? FUVKINB- EXPLODES

i am free from the road once more so i will answer ur ask now :)

Im going to talk about Anya and Celeste’s world itself first though so i can get into more character specific stuff.

Since they are super cool supervillains, they gotta have powers right? In this world, magic mostly genetic. There are alternative magics, think like potions and shit, but its weaker and more finicky. The most worthwhile magic is passed down from parent to child. It works like regular genetics, some powers are more dominant than others, generations can be skipped, etc. Anya got her powers from some distant aunt, and most of her close family does not have magic, save her cousin. Celeste’s family have had very strong, dominant magic, so she and her siblings all have their fathers magic. Magic is influenced by where and how your ancestors lived, Anya’s ancestors lived near water, so she has water magic. Celeste’s ancestors were the ones who would keep night watch, and as such has darkness and shadowy related powers. Not everyone has powers, and over time the number and diversity of people who can use magic has gone down.

Anyways Character Time Yay

Celeste grew up super rich. Like uber mega crazy rich. Not Jeff bezos kinda rich but really fucking rich. Eldest of four children, she grew up expected to bear the family name, business, and riches when her father dies. As such, a lot of pressure was put on to her. Everything was chosen for her. Every extracurricular, every class, even her outfits were planned ahead. She was allowed no individuality. She was the heir, designed to be a carbon copy of her father.

You could imagine how terrified she was when she realized she was trans.

She knew she couldn’t come out. While she didn’t like how she lived, it was better than the streets. So, for years, she sat on this revelation, growing more and more uncomfortable and angry at everything. She would reach out for support and be dismissed, restrictions for her behaviour were getting tighter, and the dysphoria was becoming overwhelming. That is until she saw the perfect chance to end all of this.

Her father had just wrote his will. One day, she went into his office to ask a question and saw it lying out on his desk. He had named her both sole heir and power of attorney to his estate, and knew that this was her chance to get out of all of this. Despite her increasing restrictions on her movement, she was able to secure enough cash from around the house to hire a hitman. No paper trail was left behind. Everyone in that house died that day, and she inherited huge money.

Anya grew up in a standard, suburban home. White picket fences, oak trees with tire swings, garages with suvs and minivans. Her childhood was ordinary at best. Despite a lack of expertise in the area, her parents managed her magic well and her abilities developed nicely. It wasn’t until middle school until things went wrong. She had been pestered by a small pack of bullies for a while, but had recently started escalating their behaviour. So she fought back. Small things at first, directing tap water back at their faces, causing clouds to pour rain down onto them, innocuous things like that. Over the course of middle school and high school she was starting to get fed up with the increasingly agressive attacks from her bullies, when it all came to a head on the night of her graduation when they tried to drop the stage lights onto her. She was a theatre kid though, and was able to get out of the way fast enough to not get crushed. In a fit of rage for ruining her moment in the spotlight (which they just tried to kill her with) she lost control over her powers, sucking every ounce of water out of their bodies. Feeling the adrenaline rush, she let herself go completely, savouring the power she felt. Eventually though, she stopped, and realizing the damage she caused, ran away.

She wasnt going to let up on that feeling of power though. Not a chance. After honing her newfound power on the local wildlife, she packed her bags and started life anew in a different country, becoming a hit man. One night she was approached by a young man seeking to inherit his fathers wealth. He knew he would be caught if he was the killer, so saught out her instead. He asked to frame it as a home invasion, as not only would he pay her in cash but in whatever valueables she wanted from his home. She took the deal, and got to work. After everything was said and done, they parted ways, Anya using her extra wealth to fund a far more lavish lifestyle. This lifestyle lead her to a house party, where she would meet an awfully familiar face.

Anyways they get together and decide “fuck it lets just cause problems on purpose” and become supervillains the end.

and for andy i have something planned for him ;) its fun dont worry :)

[artisticvillain]

Hola Hola espero tengas un lindo día 😊 me encanto tu juego 1000/1000 muy linda historia y misteriosa trama y los chicos son super lindos 💕 bueno empezare mis preguntas

Ellos consumen bebidas alcohólicas ? y si es así, como actuarían con MC estando borrachos ?

Que pasaría si accidentalmente entraran cuando MC esta saliendo de bañarse y l@ ven casi desnud@?

Tienen algun color favorito?

Que pasaría ( como en un mundo alterno ) si una embarcación enemiga sexuestrara a MC ?

Me encanta 💖 😍 tu arte sigue así 💕

Heyoo! I had a nice day, I hope you're having a great day too~ Thank you so much I really appreciate that you liked my game, the story and the characters! That means a lot.

Again, I'm using an AI to translate your questions. Correct me if it translated it wrong.

Do they drink alcohol? And if so, how would they behave towards MC when they're drunk?

Yes they do! You can't have pirates without some alcohol now do you? (As a person who hates the idea of someone drinking alcohol, it hurt me to write that sentence heh-)

Leon would come crawling to you demanding all of your attention. Normally he is more dominant but he would show this side of his to you. Yay! But he can hold his liquor so I don't know if you can get to see him like that.

Dia would get more courage from alcohol. (As if he didn't have enough already-) So I guess get ready for an energetic night with lots of dancing and sword fighting.

Yoru needs to be extra careful for reasons I can't tell (you'll understand it when you play the full version of the game) but basically he has to keep himself together and keep his thoughts straight, that's why he would stop drinking before he gets drunk.

Riley would cling to you once he gets drunk. And he would mumble about how much he loves and appreciates you. Ah but he gets drunk easily so good luck with keeping up with that.

What would happen if they accidentally walked in on MC while they were getting out of the shower and saw them almost naked?

Riley would say nothing because he will be too busy trying to get out of there. He wouldn't want you to get embarassed so he wouldn't mention it but he would get red when he sees you again.

Yoru would turn around and apologize immediately in a calm manner and leave you to get dressed, and never mention it again.

Leon would freeze for a second and then covers his eyes with his hand, saying sorry. (If he knows you'd be comfortable with it, he would peak through his fingers. Otherwise he'd leave.)

Dia would look anywhere but you once he realizes but doesn't make a move to leave. Then he'd just pat your head, quickly apologize and say that he'd leave you to get fully dressed.

Do they have a favorite color?

Riley's is obviously purple. (Mine too btw. Go Riley!)

Leon's is red and green. (Red is a dark desaturated red and green is like a dark moderate green, if that makes sense.)

Dia's is red. (Strong red and dark red. He likes em both.)

Yoru's is green. (A very desaturated dark green.)

What would happen (in an alternate world) if an enemy ship kidnapped MC?

Aha I really love this question!

Riley would freak out and cling to Leon's leg, begging him to help rescue the MC. (Riley and Leon met the very same way btw. Leon rescued Riley from a ship that kidnapped Riley.) Leon would try to keep his cool but he knows this can easily get bad very quickly so they all would come together to make a plan. Dia would be able to keep his cool throught this whole kidnapping and keep himself together. "Someone has to be calm." is what he would think. But Yoru wouldn't listen to any of them and try to rescue the MC on his own not listening the others and not caring about the consequences.

Thank you for your questions. and thank you for liking my art too! :)

[bopinion]

2023 / 23

Aperçu of the Week:

"Courage is knowing it might hurt, and doing it anyway. Stupidity is the same. And that's why life is hard."

(Jeremy Goldberg, 1958 born English historian at the University of York)

Bad News of the Week - A selection because I could not decide:

The right-wing populist party Alternative for Germany (Alternative für Deutschland / AfD) comes in at 18% in polls for the first time, putting it in second place after the Conservatives and ahead of the Social Democrats. 65% of AfD voters considered immigration to be the biggest current problem - excuse me?1? Germany needs 500,000 migrants - every year. Otherwise our over-aged society will collapse, where no one wants to work at the garbage collection. The alternative? More children of right-wingers? Please don't...

The dam burst, whatever its cause, on the Dnipro River in the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, is a disaster of inconceivable proportions. Huge masses of water have been pouring out of the destroyed Kakhovka dam since Tuesday, serious environmental destruction is occurring, tens of thousands have to be evacuated, and the regional supply of electricity and drinking water is limited. The suffering adds a new dimension to this war.

I have a high respect for police officers - my stepfather is (was) one. But the East German police are, unfortunately, largely right-wing. That's why a few days ago in Leipzig there were violent riots with the left, who took to the streets after a court ruling against their symbolic figure Lina E. (convicted of attacking right-wing extremists and neo-Nazis). A demonstration that was initially authorized but then withdrawn. According to independent media reports, the escalation was sought by the police and not by the protesters.

An unprecedented scale of wildfires in Canada is not only destroying millions of acres of nature, but affecting people thousands of miles away. In New York City, the sky is orange and the population is told to stay indoors as breathing outside is difficult even for healthy people. In Greenland and Iceland, too, air quality is dropping noticeably, and this weekend the smoke will reach even northern Europe. And no one knows what the situation is like in Siberia right now, where there is equally severe drought.

Small and medium-sized businesses in the European Union are becoming increasingly dependent on the "marketplace" offerings of Amazon, the online retailer that dominates by a wide margin. The analysis of the Dutch think tank Somo, which will be published in a few days, comes to a simple conclusion: effective antitrust proceedings would have to lead to a break-up. Otherwise, healthy competition would fall by the wayside.

Good News of the Week - A selection because I could not decide:

The European Court of Justice has ruled: Poland's judicial reform, which effectively abolishes the independence of the judiciary, violates EU law. Therefore, billions of EU funds remain frozen - and democratic values defended.

Brazil unveils an ambitious plan to combat deforestation of the Amazon rainforest. Already since Lula da Silva took office, the destruction - almost all of it illegal - of one of the world's most important ecosystems has reportedly already fallen by a third.

Former U.S. President Trump has been indicted again. The judiciary accuses him of 37 counts surrounding the classified documents he unlawfully took from the White House. Theoretically, he can be punished with up to ten years in prison in this regard. It's the first federal indictment of an ex-president. And that's a good thing: no one is above the law. That goes for Boris "The haircut" Johnson, too, by the way.

The EU has finally come to a so-called asylum compromise. Even though many aspects of this compromise - such as the treatment of unaccompanied minors from so-called "safe countries of origin," including Kosovo, for example - upset me because of its inhumane harshness, it is better than nothing. Because until now, there was simply no Europe-wide mechanism at all, and the countries at the EU's external borders were simply left to fend for themselves.

"Operation Hope" lived up to its name: after forty days, four children who had gone missing after the crash of a small plane were found by soldiers in the Colombian jungle. They had survived with the help of indigenous people.

Young adults from Germany and France are to travel and get to know their respective neighboring countries in order to strengthen relations between the two countries. To this end, the transport ministers of Germany and France have launched the Franco-German Friendship Pass - 60,000 can travel free of charge for a month.

Personal happy moment of the week:

As a foreigner, my wife regularly has to prove her residence status to various official bodies, including the bank. Last week it was time again. On this occasion, her customer advisor noticed that she has been married to a German since the end of December 2022 - namely to me. Therefore, she was not only warmly congratulated, but also received a gift: a high-quality set of barbecue tools. It was a great pleasure to receive congratulations again. A good 15 months after the wedding.

I couldn't care less...

...that now former US Vice President Mike Pence has also thrown his hat into the ring. Or the ex-governor of New Jersey Chris Christie. Because all observers agree on one thing: the more internal competition there is among the Republicans for the U.S. presidential candidacy, the better for Donald Trump. And the worse for the whole world.

As I write this...

... I'm amazed: The plant fruit Okra is one of the oldest vegetables in the world, cultivated in the highlands of Abyssinia more than 4,000 years ago. The annual harvest yields over 10 million tons - and I first heard about it in a crossword puzzle.

Post Scriptum

On June 5, 1972, World Environment Day was established. Since then, every year on this date, there are different events around the world that aim to raise people's ecological awareness. A total of around 150 countries participate in this day of action. In Germany, this year's motto is "Strengthen nature - protect the climate". Never heard about it? Maybe that's the problem...

[prosegalaxy]

"Magic and Technology: The Battle for Two Worlds" This is the summary of my work so far: In an alternate history Victorian era, young inventor Amelia discovers a parallel world in crisis, where magic is dwindling and technology dominates. She meets Alistair, who claims to be from that world, and together they embark on a mission to restore balance between magic and technology. Entering the ancient library, they uncover secrets about a sinister faction planning to tip the scales in favor of technology. Combining their skills of magic and technology, Amelia and Alistair create a device to infiltrate the faction's base, revealing their plans and saving both worlds from destruction. Standing at the heart of the faction's stronghold with the power of magic and technology at their fingertips, they are ready for whatever challenges come their way.

In the bustling streets of London, Amelia stood transfixed before her latest invention, a steam-powered engine designed to revolutionize transportation. As she tinkered with the gears and levers, she felt a sudden chill in the air. It was as if the world around her had shifted subtly, leaving her feeling uneasy. A shadowy figure appeared out of nowhere, catching Amelia by surprise. "I've been watching you," he said, his voice tinged with an air of mystique. "My name is Alistair. I come from a world not too far from yours, one where magic and technology coexist in a delicate balance." Amelia's eyes widened in disbelief. "You expect me to believe that?" she challenged. Alistair smiled knowingly. "Believe what you will, but our world is in grave danger. A hidden faction seeks to upset the balance between magic and technology, plunging both worlds into chaos. I need your help, Amelia. You're a genius, and only someone with your ingenuity can save us." Torn between curiosity and skepticism, Amelia hesitated. But as she looked into Alistair's earnest eyes, she knew she couldn't ignore the urgency in his voice. "Alright," she said cautiously. "I'll help you, but only if you can prove that you're telling the truth." Alistair nodded solemnly. "Very well. We must act quickly before it's too late. Together, we will restore balance and ensure the survival of both our worlds." A sudden gust of wind blew open the doors to her workshop, and Amelia's attention was drawn to a figure standing outside. As he stepped inside, she could see that it was a man, dressed in clothing unlike anything she had ever seen before. His features were sharp, his eyes piercing, and something about him felt... otherworldly. ``` As Amelia stood in her workshop, tinkering with her latest invention, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The Victorian era was a time of great progress, with steam-powered machines and magical arts intertwined in society. But there was an air of unrest, as if something was on the brink of change. Just then, a stranger entered her workshop. "Amelia, I presume?" he said, his voice tinged with a hint of familiarity. "My name is Alistair, and I come from another world. Our worlds have been connected for centuries, but recently, a hidden faction has sought to upset the delicate balance between magic and technology." Amelia raised an eyebrow, skeptical of this stranger's claims. "And why should I believe you?" she asked, her hands still busy with the gears and cogs of her latest invention. Alistair smiled, revealing a glimmer of his genuine sincerity. "Because I can show you," he replied, extending a hand toward the shadows in the corner of the workshop. A portal flickered to life, revealing a world in crisis. "Our worlds are in danger, Amelia. Together, we must restore balance and ensure the survival of both our worlds." Alistair's words struck a chord within her, and Amelia found herself agreeing to help him on his quest. As they set out, she knew that they would face many challenges, but with their combined skills in technology and magic, they would restore balance between the two worlds. And together, they would ensure a future where both magic and technology could coexist peacefully. Amelia stared at the peculiar device she had created with her own hands, marveling at its intricate gears and steam-powered mechanisms. Her workshop, tucked away in the heart of London's bustling industrial district, was where dreams became reality. The air hummed with the sounds of progress and innovation, a testament to her unwavering passion for invention. As Amelia adjusted the final cog in place, the door to her workshop swung open, revealing an enigmatic figure clad in Victorian garb. His eyes, filled with urgency, locked onto hers, and he whispered, "Amelia, I need your help." In that moment, a flood of questions surged through her mind. Who was this man, and how did he know her name? She could sense an air of desperation about him, but there was something else as well - a strange familiarity that both intrigued and unnerved her. "Who are you?" she demanded, her voice laced with suspicion. He looked her in the eye and replied, "My name is Alistair. I'm from another world, one where steam-powered machines and magical arts coexist in a delicate balance. Our world is in grave danger - a hidden faction seeks to disrupt this balance, threatening both our realms." Amelia's mind raced with the implications of his words. Could this man truly be from an alternate reality? And if so, what role could she play in saving two worlds? Despite her skepticism, Amelia found herself drawn to Alistair's earnestness and plight. She knew that she couldn't turn her back on a fellow inventor in need. "Alright," she said, "I'll help you." Amelia stared at the mysterious man, her curiosity piqued. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. The stranger introduced himself as Alistair and revealed that he was from a parallel world in crisis. He explained how a hidden faction sought to disrupt the balance between magic and technology, threatening both worlds. Amelia remained skeptical but intrigued, while Alistair tried to convince her of his story's validity. "We need to act now," he urged, "or both our worlds will be in jeopardy." Realizing the potential danger, Amelia agreed to help Alistair on their mission to restore balance and ensure the survival of both worlds. Together, they set out on a perilous journey filled with adventure, intrigue, and unexpected friendships. As they ventured deeper into this alternate world, Amelia's inventions and Alistair's magical prowess became vital tools in their quest to save both realms from the dangerous faction. Through teamwork, determination, and a shared love for innovation, Amelia and Alistair fought to protect the delicate balance between magic and technology, securing a brighter future for both worlds. The sun dipped below the horizon as Amelia and Alistair approached a mysterious castle in the distance. As they entered, they found themselves in an ancient library filled with dusty tomes and arcane artifacts. Alistair: "This is where we'll find the answers we need." Amelia: "How can you be so sure?" Alistair: "I have a hunch. Let's explore and see if I'm right." As they delved deeper into the library, they uncovered hidden secrets about the faction and their sinister plans. With each revelation, Amelia and Alistair grew more determined to stop them. They knew they had to act fast before it was too late. The two inventors combined their skills, using magic and technology to outsmart the dangerous faction, ultimately saving both worlds from the brink of destruction. The ancient library loomed before them, its shadowed corners filled with untold secrets. Amelia's heart raced as they stepped inside, the musty scent of old parchment and dust filling her nostrils. Alistair, ever the calm one, whispered a spell under his breath, illuminating their path with an ethereal glow. "Amelia," Alistair began, his voice barely audible over the wind that seemed to echo through the library's hallowed halls. "We must be cautious." Amelia nodded, her eyes darting around the room, taking in the towering shelves of dusty volumes and the mysterious portraits that watched them from the walls. "Alistair," she whispered, pointing to a hidden door camouflaged behind an ancient tapestry. "I think this is it." He moved carefully towards it, his fingers tracing runes in the air as he unlocked the entrance. Inside, they found themselves in a secret chamber filled with arcane texts and forgotten knowledge. "We must be swift," Alistair warned, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of danger. Amelia pulled out her notebook, quickly jotting down notes on the magical artifacts and spells she discovered. "Alistair, look!" She pointed to a hidden compartment in one of the books. Inside was a map, its pages filled with intricate diagrams detailing the sinister plans of the faction they sought to defeat. "We must return this information to our allies," Alistair said, his voice laced with determination. As they left the chamber, Amelia couldn't help but marvel at the power of knowledge and the bonds forged in the face of adversity. Together, they would find a way to balance the scales between magic and technology, ensuring the survival of both worlds. In the dimly lit depths of the library, Amelia and Alistair stumbled upon an ancient tome that seemed to hold the key to the sinister faction's plans. The parchment was brittle, its edges yellowed with age, but the writing was sharp and clear. "This must be it," whispered Amelia, tracing her fingertip over the intricate runes etched on the page. "These symbols... they look familiar." Alistair leaned in closer, examining the text. "Yes, I recognize them too. These are the markings of the Shadow Society, a secretive order that seeks to manipulate both magic and technology for their own gain." "Then we must find a way to stop them," declared Amelia, her eyes burning with determination. As they turned the pages of the ancient tome, they discovered a series of illustrations depicting a complex machine - part steam-powered engine, part arcane contraption. "This must be their master plan," said Alistair, pointing to the schematic. "It's designed to amplify the energy of both magic and technology, allowing them to control everything." "But we can use it to our advantage too," Amelia added, her mind already racing with possibilities. "We need to find a way to harness that power without giving in to the Shadow Society's darkness." The pair exchanged glances, their eyes locked on the mysterious machine before them. Together, they knew they had the skills and the knowledge to change the course of history, to protect both worlds from the looming threat. And with a renewed sense of purpose, Amelia and Alistair left the library, ready to confront the sinister faction and secure the future of their parallel realms. In an alternate history Victorian era where steam-powered machines and magical arts coexisted, Amelia, a young inventor, stumbled upon a hidden door in her workshop. Behind it lay a portal to another world, one in desperate need of her help. She found herself in the midst of a conflict between magic and technology, with both worlds on the brink of destruction. Alistair, a stranger claiming to be from the parallel world, met Amelia as they sought to restore balance. The duo ventured into an ancient library where they uncovered secrets about a sinister faction attempting to control both realms. With their combined skills, Amelia and Alistair used magic and technology to outwit the faction and save both worlds. In the depths of the library, they discovered a secret chamber filled with arcane texts and forgotten knowledge. Among them was a map revealing the faction's plans, giving them the key to turning the tide of the war. As Amelia and Alistair delved deeper into the mystery, their bond grew stronger, and together they faced the challenges that lay ahead, determined to protect both worlds and ensure a future where magic and technology could coexist in harmony. Amelia and Alistair stood before the massive, ancient library doors, their hearts pounding with anticipation and fear. They knew that within these walls lay secrets that could either save or doom both worlds. As they pushed open the creaking doors, they were met by a sense of foreboding that hung heavy in the air. "Do you feel it?" Alistair whispered, his eyes darting around the room. Amelia nodded, her hands trembling slightly as she gripped her steam-powered flashlight. "We have to be careful," she whispered back, "This place is a labyrinth of knowledge, and we don't know who or what might be lurking within its depths." Together, they ventured deeper into the library, their footsteps echoing eerily through the dimly lit corridors. They soon came across a hidden chamber, its door partially obscured by dust and cobwebs. Amelia hesitated, but Alistair urged her forward. "We must find that map," he whispered urgently. Pushing open the door, they entered a room filled with arcane texts and forgotten knowledge. The walls were lined with shelves that stretched to the ceiling, each filled with ancient tomes and scrolls. In the center of the chamber stood a massive, ornate table, upon which lay a worn and tattered map. "Quickly, Amelia!" Alistair hissed, "We don't have much time." The young inventor rushed to the table, carefully unfolding the map. As she studied it, she realized that it detailed the sinister plans of the faction they sought to defeat. "Alistair," Amelia whispered, her voice barely audible, "we need to combine our skills. Our only chance to save both worlds is by using magic and technology together." The inventor nodded, his eyes blazing with determination. Together, they set to work, merging their talents to outsmart the faction and thwart its nefarious plans. With each step, they grew closer, their shared mission forging an unbreakable bond between them. And as they saved both worlds from destruction, Amelia and Alistair knew that their journey had only just begun. Amelia gazed at the strange, ornate door before her, its metallic surface etched with intricate steam-powered gears and magical runes. She took a deep breath, knowing that entering this ancient library could change the fate of two worlds. As she pushed open the door, a rush of cold air enveloped her. The dimly lit room was filled with towering bookshelves, their volumes whispering secrets that had been untouched for centuries. Alistair, his eyes twinkling with excitement, led Amelia towards the center of the library. "This place holds the key to saving both our worlds," he murmured, tracing a finger along a dusty tome. "We must find the map hidden within these pages." Amelia's fingers danced over the worn leather cover of a book, and she felt a jolt of energy as the binding creaked open. Inside, a beautifully illustrated parchment unfolded, revealing a detailed blueprint of the sinister faction's plans. "We must be cautious," Amelia whispered, her voice echoing through the vast chamber. "Their intentions are dark and twisted." Alistair nodded, his eyes scanning the map. "We need to act quickly, but carefully. The balance between magic and technology hangs in the balance." Together, they left the library with newfound determination, ready to confront the faction and restore harmony to their worlds. Amelia's heart raced as she pushed open the heavy oak doors of the library. The scent of ancient parchment and dust filled her nostrils, a testament to the countless years of knowledge contained within its walls. She had hoped that the answers they sought were hidden here. Alistair, ever the optimist, flashed a reassuring smile at Amelia. "We can do this, Amelia. Together, we'll unravel the secrets of this world and save both our realms." Together, they ventured deeper into the labyrinthine halls of the library, each room filled with mysterious tomes and forgotten texts. As they turned a corner, they came across a hidden door, partially concealed by a tapestry depicting an epic battle between magic and technology. Alistair gently pushed aside the fabric, revealing the entrance. Their hearts pounded as they entered the dimly lit chamber. The air was heavy with the weight of countless secrets. Amelia's eyes darted around the room, taking in the vast array of artifacts and arcane texts that lined the walls. As she reached out to touch one, a dusty tome, she felt a sudden jolt of energy surge through her fingertips. "Alistair!" Amelia whispered urgently, pointing at the book. "This must be it! It's responding to my magic and technology." Alistair nodded, his eyes wide with anticipation. "Quickly, let's see what we can learn from this map." Together, they traced their fingers along the delicate parchment, revealing a detailed plan of the sinister faction's intentions. With newfound determination, Amelia and Alistair knew that they had to act swiftly and use their combined skills of magic and technology to outsmart their enemies and save both worlds from destruction. The wind howled menacingly as Amelia and Alistair pushed open the heavy oak doors of the library, revealing its ancient halls. Their hearts raced with anticipation as they ventured deeper into the heart of this hidden sanctuary. A thick veil of dust lay over the place, but the air was charged with a palpable energy that sent shivers down their spines. As they turned a corner, a hidden door concealed by a tapestry came into view. The door creaked loudly as it opened, revealing a dimly lit chamber filled with artifacts and arcane texts. Amelia's fingers traced the worn pages of an ancient tome, and she felt a surge of energy coursing through her veins. "Look, Alistair!" Amelia whispered, her voice barely audible over the wind outside. "This book... it's like it's alive." Alistair glanced at her, his eyes wide with curiosity. He reached out and gently touched the book, feeling the same strange energy that had coursed through Amelia. As they flipped through its pages, they discovered a detailed map of the sinister faction's intentions, revealing their plans to destroy both worlds. "We have to stop them," Amelia declared, her voice full of determination. "We have to save our worlds." Alistair nodded in agreement, his eyes burning with resolve. "Together, we can find a way to restore balance between magic and technology." Amelia's eyes widened as she and Alistair entered the ancient library, feeling an air of mystery envelop them. The dusty shelves groaned under the weight of countless volumes, and the scent of old parchment filled their nostrils. "This place is a treasure trove of knowledge," murmured Amelia, running her fingers over the spine of a leather-bound tome. Alistair nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the room for any signs of the hidden secrets he spoke of. As they ventured deeper into the library's halls, Amelia felt a tingling sensation in her fingertips as she brushed against an ancient tapestry. Behind it lay a heavy oak door, barely visible in the dim light. With a gentle push from Alistair, the doors creaked open, revealing a chamber filled with arcane texts and forgotten knowledge. "This is where we'll find the information we need," whispered Alistair, his voice echoing through the room. Amelia's heart raced as she ran her fingers along the spines of the books, each one radiating an energy she couldn't quite comprehend. "I feel something... here," Amelia said, pointing to a dusty tome on a higher shelf. Together, they climbed a ladder and reached for the book. As Amelia opened it, a surge of energy coursed through her veins, illuminating the room with a soft glow. Within its pages lay a map detailing the sinister faction's plans, and a detailed explanation of their intentions. "We must act quickly," Alistair urged, his eyes fixed on the map. "The balance between magic and technology is at stake." Amelia nodded, her mind racing with possibilities as she embraced her newfound power and the responsibility that came with it. Amelia, standing in the library's hidden chamber, couldn't help but marvel at the sheer magnitude of the artifacts and texts that surrounded her. She turned to Alistair, her eyes wide with wonder, and asked, "How did we ever find this place?" "Alistair," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper as she traced her fingers along the spine of an ancient book, "I can feel something... powerful in here." Alistair nodded, his eyes locked on the map that had been revealed within the dusty tome. "Yes, Amelia. This place holds the key to stopping the sinister faction and saving both our worlds." As they stood amidst the dimly lit chamber, Amelia felt a sudden surge of energy. She gasped, her hand instinctively reaching out to touch the book's cover. In that moment, she was flooded with images and knowledge about the faction's plans. "We have to act now," Amelia said urgently, her eyes never leaving the map. "This is our chance to stop them." Alistair nodded, his voice low but determined as he replied, "Together, we can outsmart them and restore balance between magic and technology in both worlds." With a renewed sense of purpose, Amelia and Alistair set off on their mission. They left the chamber, pushing open the heavy oak doors that concealed it, and ventured deeper into the ancient library. Little did they know, the fate of two worlds rested in their hands, and the power of their combined skills would shape the course of history. As Amelia and Alistair ventured deeper into the ancient library, they couldn't help but marvel at the vast collection of arcane texts that lined the walls. The air was thick with the scent of aged parchment and forgotten knowledge. They were drawn to a hidden door concealed by an ornate tapestry depicting the cosmic battle between magic and technology. With a gentle push, they opened the heavy oak doors, revealing a dimly lit chamber filled with artifacts and ancient tomes. Amelia's eyes widened as she felt a surge of energy coursing through her veins upon touching a dusty tome. "This is incredible!" she whispered, her voice echoing in the chamber. Alistair nodded, his eyes fixed on the map that seemed to materialize beneath their fingertips. "We need to be careful," he warned, his voice low. "The sinister faction won't hesitate to use any means necessary to maintain their power." Amelia nodded, determination etched on her face as she traced a finger along the map, following the plans of the secretive group. "We need to find them first," she said, her voice steady. "Then we can put an end to this once and for all." Together, they uncovered the faction's intentions and set out on their mission, using both magic and technology to outsmart their enemies. And with every step, they knew they were one step closer to restoring balance between the two worlds they loved so dearly. Amelia glanced around, her eyes wide with awe as she absorbed the grandeur of the ancient library. The air was thick with the scent of decaying parchment and the hushed whispers of the past. Alistair, his expression a mix of determination and caution, moved gracefully through the dimly lit halls. As they approached a hidden door concealed by an intricately woven tapestry, Amelia's heart raced. She could feel the energy of the ancient texts pulsating beneath her fingertips. The moment she touched the dusty tome, the air around them crackled with power, and the heavy oak doors groaned as they slowly creaked open. Inside, a dimly lit chamber filled with artifacts and arcane texts lay before them. "This must be where they've been hiding their secrets," Alistair murmured, his voice barely audible over the sound of their own thundering hearts. Amelia traced her finger along the spine of an ancient tome, feeling the energy coursing through her veins. As she flipped open the brittle pages, a map unfolded, revealing the plans of the sinister faction they sought to defeat. "We have to stop them," Amelia whispered, her voice trembling with newfound resolve. "But how?" Alistair asked, his gaze fixed on the map. "With our combined skills of magic and technology," Amelia replied confidently. "Together, we can outsmart them." As they delved deeper into the secrets hidden within the library's walls, Amelia and Alistair found themselves one step closer to saving both worlds from destruction. And in that moment, as they stood side by side amidst the forgotten knowledge of the ages, they knew they were truly unstoppable. Amelia, holding her breath, pushed open the heavy oak doors of the library. The air inside was thick with dust and age, but she could feel a pulsing energy just beyond. As they ventured deeper into its halls, Alistair's eyes sparkled with excitement. They stumbled upon a hidden door concealed by a tapestry, which led them to a dimly lit chamber filled with artifacts and arcane texts. Amelia's fingers brushed against the spine of an ancient tome, and she felt a surge of energy coursing through her veins. "This is it," Alistair whispered, his voice echoing through the chamber. "We must decipher these pages if we're to defeat the sinister faction." Amelia nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. Together, they uncovered a detailed plan of the faction's intentions, hidden within the worn pages. As Amelia traced her fingers over the intricate illustrations, she marveled at the power of magic and technology when combined. "We need to act quickly," Alistair urged, his eyes scanning the map. "If we don't put a stop to their plans, both worlds will be in grave danger." With newfound determination, Amelia and Alistair left the chamber, the weight of their mission bearing down upon them. They knew they had to use every ounce of their combined skills to outsmart the sinister faction and restore balance between magic and technology. Amelia and Alistair ventured deeper into the library, their hearts pounding with anticipation. As they pushed open the heavy oak doors, they found themselves in a dimly lit chamber filled with ancient artifacts and arcane texts. The air was thick with an energy that seemed to hum beneath their feet, and Amelia could feel her skin tingle as she touched one of the dusty tomes on the shelf. Alistair's eyes widened in amazement. "This must be where they're hiding the secrets," he whispered. He turned to Amelia with a determined look. "Let's find that map." Amelia nodded, her eyes scanning the shelves for any sign of the hidden door concealed by the tapestry. As she reached out to pull back the heavy fabric, she felt an uneasy chill run down her spine. "What if they're still here?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper. Alistair placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll be ready for them," he replied confidently. Together, they searched the chamber for any clues to the map's location. Amelia's eyes lit up as she spotted it, hidden beneath an old parchment. She carefully extracted the map and studied it, her breath catching in her throat. "This is it," she murmured, showing Alistair the intricate details of the sinister faction's plans. "We need to act fast." Alistair nodded grimly, his expression hardened with purpose. "Let's save both worlds," he vowed, and together they left the chamber, their hearts filled with determination. As Amelia and Alistair stood before the heavy oak doors, they knew that venturing into the dimly lit chamber was their only hope of uncovering the sinister faction's intentions. The air was thick with anticipation as they pushed open the creaking doors, revealing a room filled with ancient artifacts and arcane texts. Amelia felt a surge of energy as her fingers traced the dusty pages of an old tome, causing her to gasp. "What is it?" Alistair asked, his eyes wide with curiosity. "I feel something... powerful," Amelia whispered, her voice echoing through the chamber. "This book might hold the key to stopping the faction's plans." Alistair nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of their situation. Together, they carefully examined the intricate symbols and diagrams etched into the book's pages, piecing together a detailed plan of the sinister faction's intentions. Amelia's knowledge of technology and Alistair's mastery of magic complemented each other perfectly as they worked to decipher the ancient text. "We must act quickly," Amelia urged, her voice full of determination. "The faction is moving faster than we thought." Alistair nodded again, his eyes blazing with resolve. "We'll stop them, Amelia. Together, we can save both worlds from destruction." With their plan in hand, Amelia and Alistair left the chamber, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Their combined skills of magic and technology would guide them through the perilous journey that awaited them, and they knew that they would do whatever it took to ensure the survival of both worlds. Amelia frowned as she studied the ancient book, feeling a jolt of energy coursing through her fingertips. She looked up at Alistair, who was examining the dimly lit chamber with interest. "We've got our work cut out for us," he muttered, running his fingers over a dusty artifact. "What do you make of this?" Amelia asked, pointing to a cryptic symbol etched into the wall. Alistair traced the symbol with his finger and whispered, "This is definitely one of their markings. They've been here." "We need a plan," Amelia said firmly. "How do we take them down?" Alistair glanced at her, his eyes filled with determination. "We use what we know best - magic and technology. Together, we can outsmart them." As they left the chamber, Amelia couldn't help but feel a surge of hope. They were in this together, and with their combined skills, there was no challenge too great for them to overcome. With each step, they grew closer, their bond strengthening as they prepared to face the sinister faction head-on. In one corner of the library, Amelia discovered a dusty tome that seemed to hold the key to their mission. She carefully opened it and began to read aloud. "The ancient prophecy states..." Amelia stared at the ancient tome in her hands, feeling an unexplained surge of energy as she touched its dusty cover. "Alister," she whispered, turning to him, "I sense something powerful here." Alistair nodded, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "This book might hold the key to stopping the faction's plan." ``` As they delved into the book's contents, Amelia and Alistair discovered a detailed map of the sinister faction's stronghold. "We must find a way to infiltrate their base," Amelia decided. Alistair agreed, and together they began devising a plan that would combine their skills in magic and technology. In the dimly lit chamber, they found an old scroll detailing the faction's weaknesses. "This could be our chance to turn the tide," Amelia said, her voice trembling with anticipation. Alistair nodded, his eyes locked onto the scroll. "We must move quickly, before they realize what we're doing." Together, they put their plan into action. Using Amelia's knowledge of technology and Alistair's mastery of magic, they created a device that would disrupt the faction's magical defenses, allowing them to infiltrate the stronghold undetected. As they pushed open the heavy oak doors and stepped into the heart of the faction's base, Amelia couldn't help but feel a mixture of fear and exhilaration. With the power of magic and technology at their fingertips, there was no challenge too great for them to overcome.``` As they delved into the book's contents, Amelia and Alistair discovered a detailed map of the sinister faction's stronghold. "We must find a way to infiltrate their base," Amelia decided. Alistair agreed, and together they began devising a plan that would combine their skills in magic and technology. In the dimly lit chamber, they found an old scroll detailing the faction's weaknesses. "This could be our chance to turn the tide," Amelia said, her voice trembling with anticipation. Alistair nodded, his eyes locked onto the scroll. "We must move quickly, before they realize what we're doing." Together, they put their plan into action. Using Amelia's knowledge of technology and Alistair's mastery of magic, they created a device that would disrupt the faction's magical defenses, allowing them to infiltrate the stronghold undetected. As they pushed open the heavy oak doors and stepped into the heart of the faction's base, Amelia couldn't help but feel a mixture of fear and exhilaration. With the power of magic and technology at their fingertips, there was no challenge too great for them to overcome. In an alternate history Victorian era, young inventor Amelia discovers a parallel world in crisis and meets Alistair, claiming to be from that world. "We must restore balance between magic and technology," Alistair exclaims. Together, they enter the ancient library, uncovering hidden secrets about a sinister faction. "Do you trust me?" Amelia asks Alistair as they craft their device. "With my life," he replies. Using their combined skills of magic and technology, Amelia and Alistair outsmart the faction, save both worlds from destruction, and infiltrate their base. "We did it!" Amelia exclaims, feeling exhilaration as they stand at the heart of the faction's stronghold with the power of magic and technology at their fingertips. Amelia stared at the old, dusty book in her hands, its pages filled with cryptic symbols and arcane knowledge. She had been searching for the key to unlocking the secrets of this mysterious world, and she felt as if she were on the verge of a great discovery. With a flick of her wrist, she traced a symbol with her finger, causing the words to shift and change before her eyes. In that moment, Amelia was suddenly not alone. A figure materialized beside her, and she turned to see Alistair, his eyes filled with curiosity and determination. "I've been waiting for someone like you," he said, his voice low and urgent. "We have a mission." The words sent shivers down Amelia's spine. She knew that she had been chosen for a reason, but the gravity of their situation was still overwhelming. "What is it?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper. "There's a sinister faction in our world," Alistair explained, his voice filled with anger and resolve. "They seek to control both worlds by tipping the balance between magic and technology. We must stop them before it's too late." Amelia nodded, her heart pounding with determination. She knew that she and Alistair were destined for greatness, their skills in magic and technology perfectly suited to outsmart the faction. Together, they would save both worlds from destruction and prove that the power of unity could overcome even the darkest forces. Amelia stood at the entrance of the ancient library, her heart pounding with anticipation. The air was heavy with the scent of old parchment and dust. She glanced at Alistair, his eyes sparkling with determination. "Are you ready?" he asked, gripping the handle of the large wooden door. "Yes," Amelia replied, taking a deep breath as they stepped into the dimly lit chamber. The walls were lined with towering shelves filled with books that seemed to stretch infinitely into the distance. "I think this is where we'll find the answers we need," Alistair whispered, running his hand along the spine of a dusty tome. "We must be cautious," Amelia warned, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of danger. Just as they were about to start their search, a faint whisper echoed through the library, sending shivers down their spines. "Did you hear that?" Alistair asked, his voice trembling with fear. "Yes, we can't let them know we're here," Amelia hissed, her eyes scanning the room again. They decided to split up and cover more ground quickly. As they searched, they occasionally exchanged glances and nodded in agreement, making sure not to miss a single clue that could lead them to the secrets they sought. Suddenly, Alistair's eyes widened with excitement. "I found something!" he called out, holding up an ancient scroll. Amelia hurried over and unrolled it, revealing a map that detailed the locations of powerful magical artifacts. Together, they knew they had to find these artifacts before their enemies did, or else both worlds would be in grave danger. And so, the adventure continued, as Amelia and Alistair navigated through the library's labyrinthine passages, solving riddles and deciphering cryptic messages, all while eluding the sinister faction hot on their trail. The old wooden door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit room filled with dusty shelves of books and parchments. Amelia's eyes widened in awe as she stepped inside the ancient library, the scent of aged leather and ink enveloping her senses. She felt Alistair's presence behind her, and their shared curiosity spurred them forward on their mission to restore balance between magic and technology. ``` Alistair: "Amelia, this is our only chance to discover how to save both worlds." Amelia: "I know, but we must tread carefully. The faction's power could be anywhere in these texts." Alistair: "Together, we can unravel their secrets and outsmart them." ``` As they delved deeper into the library, they found clues pointing to a sinister faction that sought to control both worlds. Their combined knowledge of magic and technology allowed them to decipher cryptic messages hidden in the texts, revealing the faction's stronghold. Determined, they crafted a device that harnessed the power of both magic and technology, enabling them to infiltrate the enemy base undetected. ``` Amelia: "Alistair, we're close. Let's use our invention to get us inside their stronghold." Alistair: "Agreed. We must act swiftly before it's too late." ``` With hearts pounding, they activated the device and teleported into the heart of the faction's stronghold. There, they stood exhilarated, the power of magic and technology at their fingertips, ready to confront the enemy and save both worlds from destruction. In an alternate history Victorian era, young inventor Amelia discovers a parallel world in crisis and meets Alistair, claiming to be from that world. They embark on a mission to restore balance between magic and technology by entering the ancient library and uncovering secrets about a sinister faction. "Amelia, we must act quickly!" exclaimed Alistair, his eyes filled with urgency. "The fate of both our worlds hangs in the balance." "But how can I help?" Amelia asked, her voice wavering with uncertainty. "By combining your knowledge of technology and my understanding of magic," replied Alistair, a confident smile on his face. "We must create a device that can infiltrate their base and reveal the secrets they've been hiding." Together, they worked tirelessly, Amelia tinkering with gears and wires while Alistair chanted ancient incantations. The air buzzed with anticipation as they brought their creation to life, a device that could traverse both worlds seamlessly. "Are you ready?" asked Amelia, gripping the control panel of their invention. "I've never been more certain," she added, her voice steady and resolute. Alistair nodded solemnly. "Then let us begin." With a flick of a switch, the device hummed to life, and they were transported into the heart of the faction's stronghold. They marveled at the ancient library, filled with dusty tomes that held secrets long forgotten. As they delved deeper, they uncovered the sinister intentions of the faction, determined to tip the scales in favor of magic and away from technology. "We must act now!" whispered Amelia, her eyes wide with determination. "Our worlds depend on it." Together, they combined their skills, outsmarting the faction and saving both worlds from destruction. Standing at the heart of the stronghold, Amelia and Alistair marveled at the power of magic and technology in their hands, ready to face whatever challenges might come their way. In an alternate history Victorian era, young inventor Amelia discovered a parallel world in crisis and met Alistair, claiming to be from that world. They embarked on a mission to restore balance between magic and technology by entering the ancient library and uncovering secrets about a sinister faction. ``` Amelia: "What happened to your world, Alistair?" Alistair: "Magic was dwindling, and technology was overtaking everything. The balance was destroyed." ``` Combining their skills of magic and technology, they created a device to infiltrate the faction's base, revealing their plans to tip the scales in favor of magic over technology. Amelia and Alistair saved both worlds from destruction, standing at the heart of the faction's stronghold with the power of magic and technology at their fingertips, ready for whatever challenges come their way. In an alternate history Victorian era, young inventor Amelia discovers a parallel world in crisis, where magic is dwindling and technology dominates. She meets Alistair, who claims to be from that world, and together they embark on a mission to restore balance between magic and technology. As they stand before the ancient library's entrance, Amelia hesitates. "Alistair, are you sure this is the right place?" she asks, her voice barely audible. "Absolutely," Alistair replies with confidence. "This library holds the secrets to saving both our worlds." As they step inside, they are greeted by the scent of old parchment and dust. The dimly lit room is filled with towering shelves, each brimming with ancient tomes. Amelia's eyes widen in awe. "I can't believe how vast this place is," she whispers. Alistair smiles gently. "It's like a treasure trove of knowledge, isn't it? Now, let's find those secrets." They weave through the labyrinthine corridors, searching for any clue that might lead them to the faction's base. Suddenly, Amelia's eyes light up. "I found something!" she exclaims, holding up a tattered book. "Excellent," Alistair says, taking the book from her hands. As he flips through its pages, his expression grows grim. "This is it," he murmurs. "The faction is planning to use this device to tip the scales in favor of technology." Amelia's eyes are filled with determination. "We have to stop them." Alistair nods. "Together, we can create a device that will infiltrate their base. We must combine our skills of magic and technology to save both worlds from destruction." And so, at the heart of the faction's stronghold, Amelia and Alistair stand ready, their fingers poised over the power of magic and technology, eager for whatever challenges come their way.

[xtruss]

Jackson Hinkle: Western Elites Want War Against Russia, China

The US Establishment is Not Hesitant to Start World War III to Maintain its Globalist Dominance, American Political Commentator Jackson Hinkle told Sputnik's New Rules Podcast.

— Sputnik International | September 23, 2023

B-52H Stratofortresses from the 2nd Bomb Wing line up on the runway at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana., October 14, 2020. The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions and has been the backbone of U.S. strategic bomber forces for more than 60 years. - Sputnik International. © Senior Airman Tessa Corrick

"I guess Tucker [Carlson] has got a point when he says, 'I'm willing to bet my house that Joe Biden is going to start World War Three with Russia,' because look what they've done," Jackson Hinkle told Sputnik. "These people are insane. Even like, taking [ex-House Speaker Nancy] Pelosi on her jet to go to Taiwan and meet with Taiwanese officials. There was a lot of people, myself included, who were thinking, 'Goodness, the [Chinese] People's Liberation Army (PLA) is going to shoot her out of the sky or something right now? Is this going to be how it all begins?' They're reckless. They are completely Russophobic and beating the drums of war to go to war with China."

Moreover, the American elite's hostility toward Russia has surpassed that of the Cold War era, leading to a worrying breakdown in communications between Washington and Moscow, according to the political commentator.

"The level of communication breakdown is so severe compared to the Cold War," he said. "I got to meet the guy that actually developed the telephone, they had the red hotline telephone between the US and the USSR during the Cold War. And he told me he’s like, 'there's nothing like that right now in the White House. There's no communication whatsoever.' And we're not too far off from that same sort of a lack of dialogue with the Chinese, because they want to go to war against the Chinese."

It did not happen overnight, according to the analyst. Over the past 30 years, Washington and its allies have reneged on all the pledges they made to Moscow at the end of the Cold War. One of them was a verbal promise that NATO would not extend an inch east of Germany. "NATO since then, at the behest of the US, has violated that promise on 16 occasions now," Hinkle remarked. The transatlantic alliance does not conceal its plans to draw in Ukraine and possibly Georgia, thus moving even closer to Russia's borders.

Jackson Hinkle. “These people are insane. Even like taking Pelosi on her jet to go to Taiwan and meet with Taiwanese officials. There was a lot of people, myself included, who were thinking, "goodness, PLA is going to shoot her out of the sky or something right now? Is this going to be how it all begins?" They're reckless. They are completely Russophobic and beating the drums of war to go to war with China,” Jackson Hinkle, host of The Dive, told Sputnik.

US Elites Seek to Dismantle Economic Alternative Offered by Russia & China

The emergence of a multipolar world order - with Russia and China at the forefront of the movement - is challenging the globalist Great Reset aimed at prolonging centuries of Western colonial hegemony, according to Hinkle.

"[The multipolar world] poses a serious threat to the West's effort to secure the Eurasian heartland, which that's been like the basis of US foreign policy for so long, is to have control over the people and the resources in the Eurasian heartland, which of course encompasses Russia," Hinkle said. "And now that Russia and China and these other countries more and more and more are working together to form BRICS and develop a new currency that's going to challenge the dollar, I would be worried if I was the United States and I was also refusing to do business with them. We could just do business with them and we'd all win, but they're not going to do that."

At the recent BRICS summit, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in August, the group's participants condemned the West's unfair trade practices and unilateral sanctions and discussed the increased use of national currencies and domestic financial mechanisms instead of the US dollar. The Global South leans toward Russia and China, whose economies have proven remarkably resilient despite Western predictions of imminent collapse. Moreover, in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP), China has overtaken the US as the world's largest economy. Russia, for its part, overtook Europe's three largest economies - France, the UK and Germany - in PPP terms in 2022.

"The State Department and Wall Street are very concerned," the US political analyst said. "I think the State Department currently, as it presents itself, is just a tool of Wall Street, because what is Wall Street? Wall Street is just this Byzantine labyrinth of predatory economic schemes. It's rent, it's interests. It's speculation on stocks. All of this is just BS. It's nothing. And at the end of the day, when you compare that sort of an economy to what China and Russia represent, which is real production that's aimed at uplifting the public good, China's lifted 840 million people out of poverty over the last 40 years through developing oil, gas, coal, doing land reform, silver, gold, all these things and more, agricultural goods. Yeah, that is a challenge to the West, and it's a substantive one because the West doesn't produce anything anymore. We outsourced all our manufacturing. So what is left? Nothing, really. And that can crumble very easily if there's a real challenge." — Jackson Hinkle, American Political Commentator

Russia and China Aren't Enemies of US People

It's not Russia and China that pose a real threat to Americans, Hinkle emphasized, but those who hoard all U.S. resources and act contrary to U.S. national interests.

"We have this rich group of people in America that are hoarding all of our resources. Some of these large investment firms like BlackRock and Vanguard. (…) BlackRock, they're making money off of all this real estate. Bill Gates is as well. Why is it that they get to buy up all the real estate, but 60,000 American veterans have to sleep out on the streets every night? That's supposed to be acceptable, and we're not supposed to question that?" Hinkle asked.

“Average Americans are being put in prison because they can't pay their taxes, because we're sending $250 billion to Ukraine, and hundreds of millions to Taiwan. Anyone who thinks that Russia or China is our enemy is sorely mistaken. Our enemy is Wall Street, World Economic Forum, the DC Beltway region and the city of London,” Jackson Hinkle, host of the Dive, told the New Rules podcast, commenting on the real enemies of the American people.

"There is no reason for them to be running free on yachts and traveling back and forth to Lake Como, to the Hamptons and wherever when average Americans are being put in prison because they can't pay their taxes, because we're sending $250 billion to Ukraine, and hundreds of millions to Taiwan. The people that are our enemies are really this globalist class of finance capital that are sucking out every last bit of breath from the American public in the working class. For anyone who thinks that Russia or China or whoever is our enemy, they're sorely mistaken. Your enemy is Wall Street, World Economic Forum, the DC Beltway region and the City of London," the political commentator continued.

The neocons in the Biden administration, Wall Street and the U.S. military-industrial complex have already profited from Washington's proxy war in Ukraine and are salivating at the opportunity to profit even more from the US conflict with China. However, these overseas conflicts have nothing to do with core US interests. What's worse, these proxy wars would most certainly backfire, according to the analyst.

"I think a lot of people have their eyes set on China and a war with China, and I think that's what they really want. And I think that [they’re also eyeing] a war with Russia. I pray that there's no World War Three with Russia. That's how it starts," Hinkle concluded.

[bettie734]

Social Media Marketing - Whither Facebook?

As a social media marketing tool, Facebook is the leader by a long stretch. But it is not the only game in town. And there are conflicting numbers out there about the site. Is it growing or stagnating? It depends on where you look. In 2007, Toronto had more users of the site than any other city. Now, Facebook growth seems to be more intense outside North America, although social media growth around the world certainly involves more players than Facebook Smm reseller .

So, is it worthwhile to look at social networking sites other than behemoth Facebook? Probably not, but the names Hi5 and Orkut keep popping up in my research, so I am curious.

And what of the Twitter influence? As a social media marketing tool, Twitter has certainly gained strength. Will it erode some of Facebook's influence as a marketing tool? These are all interesting questions. Below, I have summarized some of the current (and often conflicting) chatter about Facebook and its competitors. Hopefully, it will help guide your next discussion with your social media marketing consultant, so you can stay ahead and maximize your online marketing strategy.

Social Networking - Is Facebook Fading or Gaining?

The answer to that question depends on who you ask. The people at Neilsen certainly believe that Facebook is maintaining its global dominance. Its studies show that the total amount of time spent on Facebook increased by 566% between 2007 and 2008. Facebook also leads in increases in global online reach, improving by 168% between 2007 and 2008. It is interesting to note that LinkedIn also realized a significant increase of 137% in the same time period.

A posting from the fall of 2008 on MaximumPC noted that Britain's Facebook use is actually declining. In the US, Neilsen reports that Facebook is surpassed in popularity by MySpace, although it predicts the gap will soon close.

CNET has recently reported that developers - the people who create new applications for social media sites - are less enthralled with Facebook than they once were. They say that:

"The Facebook platform, once a revolutionary free-for-all, has been "suburbanized." The roster of popular applications is dominated by corporations like Slide and RockYou with estimated valuations in the nine figures, and new rules and regulations have made it seem like less of an open playground where a kid with a cool idea and some spare time can start a new online fad or even make a few bucks."

Although CNET is not predicting the demise of Facebook, the article notes that Facebook can't be the centre of attention forever.

Savvy businesses who use Facebook but want to stay ahead of the curve on social media marketing might view some of these reports with alarm. If Facebook is beginning a slow and inevitable decline -and no one is sure that it is yet - where should these businesses go? Is Twitter the right option? What about other social networking sites? Google's Orkut is certainly not turning heads, except in Brazil. A recent report in Forbes magazine noted that Facebook and MySpace will be keeping their eyes on Hi5, a social networking site that is immensely popular outside the US and that may have found an alternative to ad-based monetization. Is Hi5 the place to be?

Talk to Your SMM Consultant

As the saying goes, change is a constant. While change in the landscape of social media marketing may not be underway yet, many people believe there are some subtle shifts occurring. If you are like most businesses in Toronto that use social media, you probably have a presence on Facebook. And there is no reason to give it up yet. But it never hurts to be on the lookout for the next big thing, since we all know that giants in online marketing tend to fall.

As a business owner, your best course of action is to develop a relationship with a social media marketing consultant and solicit their expertise when planning your next foray in to social networking sites.

[with-eyes-wide-open]

(4 September 2022)

What is it that I want in my life? Here to paint and make a living from it. Living big. To make that happen in this world, I need to make a business from it. Focus now on making the art. Have got a part-time job and do other freelance odd jobs to cover the basics (soon to be off UC), and can therefore focus on my art making, the technicalities of making it and the development of ideas. In the plan, won’t be at this stage forever. This is laying the foundations. Soon we will progress into the main operational drive. Envisage, realise, promote and sell. Weird that art lives like this. Pure art lives in a vacuum, no need for money. But we need money to survive and have a nice life. Need to support it in the world of money. Wanting to have a nice life doesn’t make me a bad person. Changing the mindset. 

What is your art about? I’m thinking about those moments when nobody is looking, no agenda of control, censorship, manipulation, dominance, subjugation. Thinking about an alternate reality, a dream state where you can exist for no reason. Lucidity because this is real, important, not a fleeting feeling or image, but clear and tangible. Themes of queerness and ecological thought. Nature as a setting to lose the ego, a return to environments which are not dominated by human-centred narratives. Finding unmediated, unfiltered, uncensored states. Swimming, dancing, laughing, sleeping, exploring, frolicking, eating berries, dreaming, creating; activities for letting go. De-centering human experience... Need to think about how to do this: is it compositionally de-centered, the more-than-human having different parts to play (but not just personified, and not ontologically flat), showing activities of the more-than-human (choose things that make us feel silly, like other life forms mating, breeding, spinning webs, tectonic plates moving, natural disasters, fungal networks). Metaphor of water as a way to wash away, heal, generate, regenerate, relate. Painting as an activity of fundamentals, using the earth’s clay, touching something tangible, no to reification and alienation, feeling connected, that feeling of holding your hand out and trailing your middle finger in the water and watching little ripples take shape behind you. Progress other mediums like digital. Explore the queer element more.

Think more about communicating a stronger narrative. Telling a story, following tradition of art up until twentieth century. Aware of resistance of this with formalist ideas so use of coded references (accessible despite coding). Use form to tell the story, creating compositional movement in brushwork, designed shape, line. A visually stimulating image “before it is a picture of a battle horse, a nude woman, or some story, [since it] is essentially a flat surface covered in colours arranged in a certain order” (Maurice Denis, painter and writer, Definition of Neo-Traditionism, 1890). Avoidance of universal truth in images... are we still in the post-modern age? Escape agenda, pair with a silly irony.

How I’m feeling now? Positive, in control of what I can do today. Rested. Ready to go. Distractions removed. 

Thinking about, when I have about 8 big paintings finished, working on a painting a day. Push out the ideas and see what happens. In the same way I write everyday and see the ideas come out, some of them shitty, some of them great, approaching painting like this will be nice. Writing feels like I’m resting. I can complain, listen to myself, set myself up for the day, dream, create, be silly, be serious. If painting is my natural state, it’s only fair to myself to fully embrace it. Get out of my own way.

Met some people we might possibly live with. Not feeling it though. They were nice. But I think I’ll be wasting energy on trying to be a good fit for them. Like the idea of moving somewhere slightly further away but well connected with the Elizabeth line, closer to nice studios. 

Had a vision that I was directing a photoshoot to get reference photos for my paintings. I was, at the same time, singing, mixing and playing a keyboard, like on Top of the Pops. The models - I saw so many people I knew there - were dancing, laughing, dancing in the rain. Beautiful colours. Muted silvery greys with sharp flecks of colour!

Today, going to push on with the Lily painting. I have a plan, a general colour palette. To be honest, I might change it. I think I’m going to make it greener/bluer, more purple at the end of light masses.

[xclusivetism]

The Reality Check

I’ve been thinking about womenkind being liberated itself in depth for a while...and now I got into the rabbit hole of point. Even the “black-pill” feminism is starting to look “babyfem” to me. 

So, Radical Feminists goal is dismantling patriarchy from the root and eliminating male supremacy.

...

Say ‘root’ all you want but this isn’t digging, it’s probably the most highest feats one can ever ask for, basically an advocation to overturn all of society itself in redesign.

Radical believe liberal feminists notion of equality is implausible cause men don’t bother to want it (the system benefits and what has that do for a thousand years) and that there’s likely a biological aspect of men collectively being misogynistic. Well, separatism is too  implausible without backup, men invade countries all the time and we don’t even have a poor countries for ourselves but feeble small few separatists places. The TRA situation is an foreshadowing epitome  example of men invading women spaces. 

How are we gonna negotiate three billion women *from three billion men*? Get our ideas through deeply ingrained religious women, poor women who struggling too much to notice etc. If we struggle with the libfems themselves or people who think men can be women (or even think men are oppressed) there no way the above will agree.

Reality of the Numbers

1 thousand takes 33 mins

1 million takes about a week and a half

1 billion...takes 32 years.

Make those billion 3, well that’s 90s years...almost a century and now imagine those numbers being getting women assemble against another 3 billion who are men. A thousand is nothing in comparison.

Even if most women suddenly wake up, men aren’t gonna let women slip off on their own after a rising class conscious awakening without a fight (really? after all of history and bothering us just in regular streets) they’ll just pull female equivalent of black wallstreet easily (that event was atrocious) even if we got many guns and weapons prepared (which will provoke men further to go crazier)

Women aren’t gonna not-birth towards liberty either, it helps but men still have overall leverage (themselves and resources) thus have dominated the genome socially (and biologically) and can just force us. Abortion is also really hard already especially without tools and the other alternate of not birthing is killing one’s self.

Technological advancement while can be use for good (knowing what’s around the world) is a double edge sword which gets wider and can be use for bad for the harm of women (Pornography, hidden cameras being an example). It’s only gonna get harder to escape as it gets more into the future.

...

So is it hopeless?

No actually as grim as the above may sound, for the sole fact that there’s even radical feminist (and enough already, but doesn’t hurt for more) to exist in the first place...but the elysian vision of achieving women’s liberation by parting our separate ways from men and minding our own business in peace (as much as we want it to be simply that route)...is not gonna happen (just like before with getting equality), let’s seriously be real.

Men again will inevitably come and strike upon us, at the time women slowly move out, so the situation is just set up to be a battle from the start unfortunately, there’s already an awakening slowly but we must foresee and plan very far before hand of all sorts of possibilities in a realistic not rose-y way (even it hurts) to get prepared for the winter when it arises. We should still separate but now in a more militia and survivalistic than just only advocate-like way. The final conclusion is that there’s still one card left to pull.

[childotkw]

Jordan, I've an idea and I wanted to see what's your take on it: Potters and Tom Riddle are neighbors and little seven year old Harry is Tom's worst nightmare. He somehow always ends up at Tom's house while his parents are at work and Sirius and Remus are watching after him. While they're trying to control the situation and fail miserably, Harry is busy making Tom's life living hell while he is trying to plan a world domination. He is convinced that Dumbledore is behind all of this, using a child to distract him and, as much as he doesn't want to admit it, Dumbledore is winning. He hasn't been in this house more than a month, he already wants to move out. Or kill them all.

I didn't put any details because I'm curious of what your mind will make out of this if you even give a try (which I hope you do, I really like your sense of humor). Have fun😀

Hmmm. It’s not normally something I’d vibe with, but I could definitely see the appeal…

I’d probably do it as canon Harry is reborn into an alternate universe where everything is slightly off, but similar enough. Harry, naturally, retains his memories - and while he enjoys the first seven years with his parents, the second he realises Tom fucking Riddle has moved in next door, Harry’s brain instantly switches over into Chaotic Gremlin mode because like hell is he letting this chance slip through his fingers.

Tom Riddle is unprepared for this Kevin McCallister level of bullshit. The Potter’s seven year old son is clearly an eldritch being capable of untold amounts of carnage because he can slide right through Tom’s wards like they’re not even there. He just turns around and the kid is standing two feet from him, staring up at him with terrifying, adorable, knowing eyes.

This is only the beginning of a full-on siege against him, though. What he had originally mistaken for some accidental magic shenanigans is soon revealed to be a series of clever, cunning, downright diabolical plots to drive nails through his brain.

Harry Potter is obviously some kind of experiment Dumbledore and the Potters cooked up to ruin him. And it’s working.