#and also can be associated with vulnerability and openess

[murrlizas-art-corner]

fem dazai as this sabrina rolling stone cover because I really wanted to draw her

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Hi! Idk if i can ask this or not, but do you know how the p0lice investigate a missing person?

Thanks 𖹭𖹭

Writing Notes: Police Investigation of a Missing Person

Once the police department receives a call about a missing person, its response will depend on the circumstances of each case:

People who are elderly, children under the age of 13, people suffering from a mental or physical condition, or possible victims of a crime are considered “special categories.”

Police consider these populations particularly vulnerable and will immediately take action in searching for the missing person.

However, missing people who do not fall under these categories will not receive as much attention. This is because people over the age of 18 legally do not have to return home.

“Unless we can prove that there was an involuntary disappearance, we just file paperwork,” said Giacalone, former NYPD sergeant.

In all cases, the local precinct where the case is reported will handle a case first.

Conducting the Search

Utilizing a trauma-informed approach, interview the last person to see the missing person, where possible and obtain information on any additional key witnesses that may have been identified

Determine if the services of an interpreter are required

Utilize the body-worn camera as appropriate

Obtain a complete and accurate description of the person, including clothing, identification, vulnerabilities (including medical and/or mental health conditions, and current emotional/physical state), and possible destinations

Confirm the place last seen (PLS) and time, or last known place (LKP) and time, if known

Obtain a photograph of the missing person, if available

Transmit the photograph electronically to platoon members, relevant units and agencies, both internal and external

If the reportee and missing person are or have been involved in an intimate relationship

Search the home and the immediate area thoroughly

If permission to search the home or adjoining property is not granted notify a supervisor and add the details to the original eReport

Provide the description and all other pertinent information to the Communications Operator to relay to the field

Phone RMS - Ops as required and provide all pertinent information to ensure that a new missing person eReport is generated

If the missing person is not found within a few weeks, the precinct will hand off the case to the Missing Persons Squad, which will continue working on the case.

On special category cases, police will devote as many resources as possible to the search. They may choose to issue an AMBER Alert or a Missing Vulnerable Adult alert to draw attention to the case.

Police can also turn to media publications or their own social media platforms to ask for help.

Other agencies can also help. The National Autism Association, for example, recently released a toolkit on how to search for children with autism. The report makes specific recommendations for both parents and first responders.

Police will keep searching for a missing person until they can close the case.

Some Procedures

Child Apprehension Warrants

Obtaining a Search Warrant

Death Investigations

Building Checks and Searches

Vulnerable Person Registry

American Sign Language and Language Interpreters

Rewards

Gathering/Preserving Evidence

Marine Response

Use of Police Dog Services

Victim Services

Unidentified Vulnerable Person

Intimate Partner Violence

Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System

Child Abductions

Persons In Crisis

Property – General

Emergency Incident Response

Emergency Management & Public Order Response

Body-Worn Camera

News Media

BOLOs and FYIs

Internet

Service Communication Systems

Social Media

AMBER Alert - a co–operative effort between police, the media and the Ministry of Transportation to provide early notification to the public where a person under 18 years of age is believed to have been abducted and where circumstances lead police to believe that the abducted person is in danger of serious bodily harm or death and there is enough descriptive information about the abducted person, and/or the abductor, and/or the abductor’s vehicle to believe an immediate broadcast alert will help in locating the person. An AMBER Alert will have a duration of 5 hours following activation, unless cancelled or extended.

Last known place - the last substantiated (by clues or evidence) position that the missing person was known to be.

Sources: 1 2 ⚜ More: References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs ⚜ Police Procedural

Hi, this is perfectly fine to ask! The exact police procedures vary depending on the location. Here's a summary from just two sources. You can go through the links for more details. But consider other sources depending on the setting of your story. Hope this helps with your writing!

[genshin-impact-updates]

Resolution Regarding the Recent Plug-In Usage in Genshin Impact

Dear Travelers,

It has come to our attention that some Travelers have been using plug-ins to tamper with game data and intentionally disrupt the gaming experience of other Travelers: In Co-Op Mode, they were found using plug-ins to remove items from other Travelers' open world, preventing them from playing under normal circumstances.

The relevant issues have been fixed on August 25. By August 26, our developers had fixed the accounts of the Travelers who encountered this error and contacted Customer Service for assistance. We have also notified Travelers regarding the status of the fix through Customer Service. We will continue to monitor this issue after it has been resolved. Currently, Co-Op Mode is working as intended and Travelers can continue to proceed as normal.

*Currently, some items in a small number of accounts may not be restored yet. This will not affect Travelers' normal game experience. This issue will be fully fixed in a future update, and we will notify affected Travelers via in-game mail.

If you have recently encountered a similar problem, you can report it to us via our Customer Service with the detailed location of the item in question. Upon verification that said problem is caused by a similar plug-in, our Customer Service will contact you as soon as possible.

Additionally, if you experience any other issues or notice any violations that involve the usage of third-party plug-ins or tools, you may also contact our official Customer Service (when reporting a violation, please attach the UID of the player violating the rules, the reason for the report or other relevant information), which will allow our developers to better locate the issue and correct it.

Using such plug-ins to remove items from other Travelers' open world via the tampering of game data has seriously affected their gameplay experience. To maintain fair play and protect the rights of Travelers, we have banned accounts using these plug-ins and will take legal action against developers, users, and disseminators of such plug-ins.

Currently, we have confirmed that developers and users of this plug-in are posting content in the community or on video sites disguising themselves as victims to confuse the public and incite panic. We will deal with such actions in accordance with the "Terms of Service," "Privacy Policy," and applicable laws and regulations.

Thank you for your continued support and accompaniment of Genshin Impact. We have always strived to maintain a healthy and fair gaming environment, and any attempt that jeopardizes the fairness of the game through improper means is strictly prohibited. At the same time, the development team would like to hereby declare that any game vulnerabilities have no relation to the design of the game, its plot, or characters. Please refrain from making unwarranted associations to negatively affect the experience of other Travelers. We hope that all Travelers can boycott plug-ins, third-party tools, and other unethical behavior to maintain a fair and friendly game environment together.

▌ Contact Genshin Impact Customer Service

Email address: genshin_cs@hoyoverse.com

[rimeiii]

WHB Prologue Speculations!

Now that I had the time to actually go through and watch the entire PV in its entirety properly (OP is sitting here with a cough, air quality in her country is so bad lately everyone is getting sick), the theorycrafting part of my brain is on overdrive mode so. I'm just going to ramble. And speculate. Mostly about Minhyeok. Because Minhyeok is amazing I love him holyshit.

Also I wanted to try out S3M3 Chongyue ASMR but he's still getting the final mastery level, so I let the brainworms win out. Maybe I did a little silly and did a character analysis regarding MC + Minhyeok and their potential trauma responses too, idk.

Without further ado...

(Spoilers for the prologue video, proceed with caution!)

1. MC and Minhyeok's trauma responses

I feel like the trauma regarding MC seeing their parents dead in front of them when they got home from school back when they were young is going to crop up eventually. Based on their reluctance to step foot in their house, it's likely they never worked through their trauma properly.

There is an active repression of memories here. The mind, deeming the memory dangerous and mind-breaking if it is to be remembered in its entirety, forcefully pushes it down from MC's conscious memory into their unconscious mind as a self-defense mechanism. Sure, they may not recall it now, but it lies in wait in their unconscious mind as it silently affects MC's behaviours and thought processes.

It will crop up eventually, I think. In what way, however, we may not know. Perhaps MC's reliance on Minhyeok is a subconscious decision to allow themself to be vulnerable and let someone take care of them. Perhaps MC now has a fear of loss, which manifests in their impulsive decision to make a deal with Satan to save Minhyeok, the only person they have left. The association between their house and their parents' deaths is still strong, which plays a part in them not wanting to stay there for long.

As an aside, the MC I'm making as my OCsona for this game is going HARD into this aspect specifically, might share her bio eventually on this blog. After I finish working on my Docsona bio that is aha-

And honestly, I do think he suffers from trauma from the incident, at least a little bit. Not to the extent of MC, whose mind repressed those memories to protect themself, but still a significant amount. He can still function in day-to-day life relatively well, and perhaps his tendency to care and protect MC is due to the fact he doesn't want to see her suffer/sad. MC already has a lot on their plate, no need for anything more.

Their attitudes towards each other can be interpreted to be a reflection of how their trauma affects them. MC acts more or less nonchalant about Minhyeok and his expressions of care at the beginning - it may be because they were watching adult videos when he talked to her, but at the same time it may be because they're already so used to having Minhyeok nag at her it became annoying. Or, they keep him at arm's length despite caring for him, because the trauma of losing their parents makes them hesitant to let him in.

And Minhyeok, who perhaps saw MC becoming distant as something worrying, took it upon himself to make sure they are taken care of. Because he loves them, cherishes them, and doesn't want to lose them to what he assumed was despair. Perhaps, he desperately wants MC to open up to him, and his love for MC makes him willing to wait however long it takes for them to do so. And until then, he'll remain loyal by their side.

As for who killed MC's parents, I'd like to think it's an angel. If MC is a descendant of Solomon, then it would make sense that one of their parents is also a descendant of Solomon, right? And the angels have been killing Solomon's descendants left and right - it's just that they've managed to frame these killings as accidents.

(I should make a oneshot for this.)

Which leads us to...

2. Who is the figure in front of MC in the flashback?

I'm pretty sure it's Minhyeok.

Ever heard of Chekhov's gun? It's basically a concept related to conservation of detail. Specifically, if a detail is mentioned in the storyline, then more often than not it has storyline relevance.

The figure who stepped in front of MC, the mention of a soapy smell intermingling with the scent of blood. And guess who's described to have a smell like soap?

That's right. Minhyeok.

Assuming the figure was Minhyeok, what was he doing that day? The most logical answer, assuming human Minhyeok, is that he was walking with MC back home from school to drop them off, when they came across that gruesome scene. Minhyeok's protective instincts kick in as he shields MC's eyes.

3. And about Minhyeok...

Minhyeok, who slides in front of MC to shield their eyes from the carnage that was their parents' death. Minhyeok, who continues to take care of MC after everything. Minhyeok, who cherishes MC so much from childhood, with a childhood promise of marriage.

Minhyeok, who dies protecting MC from harm, who seems to just know MC is in danger, who so readily sacrifices himself for the MC.

He may be MC's childhood friend, but as it stands, he as a character is still shrouded in mystery to us, the player. As many others have pointed out, his character archetype is MC's protector. He shields them from the trauma, protects her from harm, and takes care of her.

The fact he just stormed into his room to protect MC without hesitation. Was he warned of the danger MC is going to be in? How is his devotion to the MC so strong he's willing to risk his life for them? His love for MC is just that strong, is probably the main reason.

Or perhaps...he isn't completely human after all. Which sets up for angst potential, honestly. But that's speculation for another day.

4. About Minhyeok's story...

We see signs of his revival as Satan whisks MC to Hell, with how Minhyeok's body 'flinches' a little bit. So, it's safe to assume that MC's wish is granted immediately - as Satan had said. Demons don't lie, after all (but I imagine they can perform omissions of truth all the same, so don't trust everything a demon says).

As for what happens to him after the revival, the EN translation is a little bit finicky, but with my (VERY) limited CN/JP knowledge I assume that Minhyeok will wake up at the place right before he went back to his room, without any memory of what had transpired mere moments earlier. So, for all he knows, he was supposed to meet MC back at his room but finds them missing from his room. Assuming time flow on Earth and in Hell is the same, I'd imagine he'd start looking for them.

And that might be what the game meant by Minhyeok's story - what's going on back in the human world on his side specifically.

Without the memory of him protecting MC, it would be hard. I'd imagine the angels or demons getting into contact with him first, and promising to get him over to her. Which is how a Minhyeok romance would likely start...I don't know, though. Pure speculation on my part.

also satan's voice kinda reminds me of sesa from arknights help me

[mylibertarianblog2]

With the demographic transition model we see that fertility rates and infant mortality rates tend to work together. With this model there is the concept of how a nation develops, so high fertility rates are associated with developing nations while stable/low fertility rates are associated with developed nations. With this model the higher a countries fertility rate is, the higher their infant mortality rate is. This is due to a lot of reasons such as infanticide (common in cultures where sons are viewed as better than daughters), larger household sizes means that parents can’t afford to provide their children medical care, less access to adequate meals for all children/adults in a household, and generally areas with high fertility rates don’t have adequate maternal care resulting in both infant loss and potential death of the mother. And that doesn’t even account for congenital issues and dangerous conditions that can kill the developing fetus in utero that might be missed if OB clinics are overrun with expectant parents. That is why condoms and other contraceptives are often provided to developing nations, because if there are too many live births it can lead to not only premature death of children but also create a strain on the resources of the area.

I think what OP was trying to imply with their post is that if the US fertility rate gets too high we would see a lot more preventable infant deaths because there would not be enough resources to adequately support them through the vulnerable time that is human infancy. And I know that it is easy to think that something like that would not happen in the US but many parents rely on things like WIC and government support because having children and keeping them alive is very expensive. Also in a lot of rural areas, hospitals close down their labor and delivery wards because they aren’t money makers. In my state there have been over 5 wards closed within the past year or so alone and there are many regions where you would have to drive an hour or more to find a hospital that can adequately deliver a baby and provide neonatal care. Not to mention that many pregnant people will die due to child birth complications, which also increases infant mortality rates and overall mortality rates for the nation.

The model currently ends with countries like Japan/Germany where fertility rates are lower than mortality rates, which is concerning for the future of those countries but in the grand scheme of our lifetimes we will not be able to see what the next stage is or what the outcome will be. But the US is not really equivalent to those countries due to the differences in overall population, cultures, and immigration/emigration rates.

I am not trying to sway your opinion about whether or not abortion is bad but just make you aware of the social science reasoning that a higher fertility rate will lead to a higher infant mortality rate. Overall with a higher fertility rate, the net number of live births might increase but thinking prospectively many of those infants might not even make it to preschool age let alone adulthood.

Yeah that still doesnt answer the question. Why does allowing people to give birth lower the amount of people giving birth. Sure its hard to raise a child and we should help people but how does abortion raise the amount of births?

[ranger-rai]

Hey there, Campers!

Ranger Rai here, and thanks to @adventures-on-foster-island for the opportunity to talk to everyone about some important topics.

If you know me, you know that I speak and advocate for the wellbeing as well as closer relationships between Pokemon and People.

It’s a little hard for me to talk about one topic but I did want to discuss a little bit of life as a ranger and what you can do to help the many pokemon out there. 

I also thought I would give some advice for any new trainers on what you can do to be safe out there on your first journey.

Now every region is a bit different with their trainer assistance, but us here in Sinnoh go out of our way to make sure trainers and pokemon are well taken care of.

We as rangers are always out patrolling for anything unusual and potentially harmful to the environment. Whether it's trash, natural disasters or dangerous people, we are always on the lookout.

When it comes to natural disasters, the Field Rangers like myself are usually some of the first people out there, responding to any destruction that needs to be cleaned up or calls for help. It can be extremely dangerous, even for small emergencies which is why we treat all of them as serious.

Rock Slides, Snowstorms, and occasional floods are our most common threats, so we prepare pretty regularly for them, and we prepare sites and get people ready whenever the seasons come.

We help people a good bit, but we spend just as much time helping pokemon who get displaced and make sure their natural habitats are well preserved as well. After all they're just as vulnerable if not more so than people when danger comes.

Speaking of danger, we need to be on the lookout for Dangerous People when we do our jobs. I know a lot of cartoons and movies have made these “Bad Guys” out to be big and goofy or very easy to spot, but we don't get many people like that who are real bad guys.

The people we need to watch out for are much more sneaky and hidden than you would expect, a lot of them looking like everyday people. Most of these bad guys like to take pokemon and ship them to buyers in other regions where they wouldn't do well, usually as “exotic pets” with many of them using them for their abilities or other things.

While we are good at stopping a good amount of the people who pop up, there are sometimes really difficult to track down groups that we could easily miss, which is where our “Special Ops” rangers come in. 

Unlike Rangers like myself and my team back at my base, Special Ops rangers travel around quite a lot and almost never have pokeballs on them, instead they use incredibly special devices called “Capture Stylers”.

Only a small number of people can use them, but these tools are super impressive, because they can catch most pokemon quickly, but they are released almost immediately after helping.

Special Ops are very cool, and are known for infiltrating nefarious groups often and destroying them from the inside.

Now while we usually will deal with groups like this, you all can be extremely helpful to pokemon by doing some simple things.

One of the best things you can do is to take sure you're picking up trash and recycling whenever you can.

When you're out on your journey, please dispose of candy wrappers and any trash you build up properly. Hundreds of thousands of pounds of trash get left on the ground every year and it affects many pokemon negatively.

Flying, Water and many forest Pokemon see or smell this trash and try to eat it because of their association with food and can easily make them sick or even kill them.

On top of that, the trash builds up quickly, with some of it having toxic coatings in the glues or inks of the wrappers.

If you did your part to throw away or recycle these products, not only would the numbers decrease, but the lifespan of a lot of species would increase as well.

As trainers you should know this and a lot of the services available to you as well.

During your travels you might see camping or picnic stations between towns, besides being good places to rest, these areas also have a lot of built in emergency services available.

For instance, A lot of the picnic table areas might have roofs over them, in the event of an emergency like a severe storm or even an aggressive wild pokemon hoard, special emergency buttons can be found that bring down protective barriers to keep trainers safe.

The bathroom areas are similar too, with both having an active alert system that lets nearby rangers and emergency services know someone is in danger. 

Not only can these areas be found with a trainer’s Pokedex, but the Pokedex has a really helpful emergency alert system.

if the home button is pressed rapidly at least 5 times, the Pokedex will go into “Emergency Beacon” Mode.

This mode will not only turn the Pokedex into a signal for emergency services, but it will also ping to nearby Pokedex devices and put it into low power mode so the battery isn't used up.

Now listen, being a trainer isn't all rules and safety, there will be so many adventures, battles and friends made along the way, but it’s important to know how to respect nature and the creatures that live there first and to care for them no matter the state they come in.

My strongest and most trusted partner is my Beedrill here named Bliss. She's quite large for her species, but she's very protective of the smaller pokemon in the area, however you might notice the goggles she wears.

Bliss was a timid little Kakuna back in the day, however an unfortunate encounter with some really troublesome trainers and their repels caused major injuries to her left eye.

These Poketools were created by Grey over at Dotaku Island to help secure her eye from sunlight and keep her active, but she will always have some limitations with it.

Bliss couldn't be released back into the wild, and I vowed to keep her safe, but she also decided that she wouldn't sit around and do nothing.

Even though she has some serious damage, some pokemon overcome some major hurdles, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't do our best to help whenever we can.

Me and my team help a lot of pokemon on a regular basis, some as simple as a rehome while others need healing and help to give them a second chance at life, even taking them away from dangerous or inexperienced trainers.

It’s one of our least favorite things to do, but I know that you guys are capable of being some amazing trainers!

If you all are ever in Sinnoh, feel free to stop by and we’ll show you around, and we can always use some volunteers to help keep pokemon homes nice and clean.

We always have pokemon in need of new homes as well, maybe adopting a new friend is in your future as well?

I hope you all have taken some important information with you today and thank you all so much for having me. I do have more topics I could discuss if you all want to hear more sometime soon!

[kaylinalexanderbooks]

I love all of these and saving for later.

You can also think about side effects for more specific powers:

Superspeed may have the side effect of high metabolism so you have to keep eating.

Intangibility may have the side effect of not being able to breathe while phasing. They could also lose the ability to maintain a solid form after overuse.

Invisibility may result in bad eyesight.

Heat related powers may be vulnerable to cold temps, or cryokinesis can be the opposite.

Earth based powers (eg terrakinesis) can be vulnerable in the sky.

Shape shifting may result in a higher chance of physical injuries. Maybe if they can shift into animals they retain some instincts. It can also be painful to shift.

Water or metal based powers can make the user vulnerable to electricity.

Shadow related power users can be vulnerable to bright light, or perhaps may be blind/go blind either permanently or only when using their powers, especially if they can shadow travel.

If powers have something to do with stealing powers, stealing life force, etc they may not be able to touch anyone.

Paranoia or anxiety can be paired with telepathy.

Nausea can be linked to teleportation, but I think it could be applicable to others.

More generally:

Every time they use their powers they take a minute off their life or something similar. Perhaps physically aging or de-aging (this one can also apply specifically to superspeed).

Bleeding not just from the nose, but the ears and eyes as well.

Dry mouth.

Euphoria.

Lack of immunity for their own power. For example, pyrogenesis could burn their skin whenever they produce fire, if they can secrete acid out of their pores it could still damage them, etc.

Changes in mood, behavior, or personality. This is another one generally associated with telepathy, but could be any.

Any time they use their magic or powers, they can take an extreme physical toll on the body, such as torn ligaments. Any physical transformation may be the cause of this, but it can be general.

Corruption. Similar to deteriorating the mind, but it could be generally becoming more evil and/or simply losing sense of morality.

Feel free to steal these OP or anyone else can add more too.

Some of my favorite magic side effects:

-Nosebleeds. Never gets old.

-Coughing up blood. The good ol’ “cough into your hand and pull it back to see blood” also never gets old.

-Headaches. You keep fighting as your head pounds, desperately telling you to take a break. At first they fade within minutes when you stop using magic, but overtime, they become chronic.

-Fatigue. After a big battle, you stand triumphant, and then just fall asleep on the spot.

-In a similar vein, overuse causing you to straight up faint rather than just fall asleep. Darkness begins to overtake your vision in the middle of battle, unconsciousness abruptly looming over you.

-Any of the side effects happening to another person. Maybe two close characters are connected, and whatever side effects character A would normally endure are transferred to character B. When A uses a blast of magic B screams loudly because holy shit that hurt.

-Magic gradually deteriorating your mind. Using it too much eventually caused hallucinations and an inability to retain memories, or even larger scale memory loss. 

Feel free to add more, I’m looking for some to steal

[shroffeyecenter]

How to Keep Your Eyes Safe This Summer

Summer is a time of sunshine, vacations, outdoor adventures, and longer days—but it’s also a season that can pose serious challenges to your eye health. As we enjoy the golden hours and warm breezes, we often forget how vulnerable our eyes are to the harsh rays of the sun, dust, dryness, and prolonged exposure to digital devices. Whether you're heading to the beach, planning a mountain escape, or staying indoors in air-conditioned environments, your eyes need special attention this season.

In this blog, we’ll explore the most effective tips to protect your eyes during summer, the risks associated with ignoring summer-specific care, and how places like Shroff Eye Centre—considered among the best eye care hospitals in Delhi—can guide you toward lifelong healthy vision.

1. Shield Your Eyes from UV Rays

One of the biggest threats to your eyes in summer is UV (ultraviolet) radiation. Just like your skin, your eyes can suffer from sunburn, known as photokeratitis. Extended exposure to UV rays without proper eye protection can lead to serious long-term conditions like Cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eyelid cancer.

What You Can Do:

Wear sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection.

Choose wraparound styles or large lenses to prevent UV rays from entering from the sides.

Add a wide-brimmed hat for double protection.

Even on cloudy days, UV rays can reach your eyes—so don’t skip the shades.

2. Stay Hydrated and Blink Often

Summer heat often leads to dehydration, which in turn reduces tear production and results in dry, irritated eyes. If you're spending long hours in front of screens or in air-conditioned spaces, your risk of dry eyes increases significantly.

What You Can Do:

Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Use artificial tears if you’re prone to dryness.

Take frequent screen breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Keep your eyes clean and free from dust and allergens by washing your face regularly.

3. Protect Your Eyes While Swimming

Chlorinated pools and salty seawater can both irritate your eyes and strip away the natural protective tear film. Opening your eyes underwater, especially without goggles, can lead to redness, itchiness, and even infections.

What You Can Do:

Always wear swim goggles in pools and oceans.

Rinse your eyes with clean, cool water after swimming.

Avoid wearing contact lenses in pools, as they can trap bacteria and increase infection risk.

4. Beware of Allergies and Dust

Summertime also means an increase in pollen, dust, and pollutants. These can cause allergic conjunctivitis, leading to red, itchy, and watery eyes.

What You Can Do:

Wear glasses or sunglasses outdoors to act as a barrier.

Keep windows closed during high-pollen hours.

Avoid rubbing your eyes to prevent further irritation or potential corneal damage.

Consult a specialist for anti-allergy eye drops or prescription solutions if allergies persist.

5. Be Smart About LASIK and Other Eye Procedures in Summer

Summer might be the perfect time for travel and relaxation, but it's also when many people consider undergoing vision correction procedures like Lasik Surgery. The benefits of LASIK include freedom from glasses and lenses—ideal for summer adventures.

However, post-surgery eye protection becomes even more critical.

What You Should Know:

If you're planning to undergo LASIK, consult a trusted institution like Shroff Eye Centre, known for their expertise in vision correction and considered one of the best eye care centers in Delhi.

Avoid exposing your eyes to sunlight for a few weeks post-procedure.

Wear UV-protective sunglasses religiously and follow all post-op care instructions provided by your doctor.

Do not swim or engage in dusty outdoor activities during the recovery period.

6. Don’t Skip Your Annual Eye Exam

It’s easy to forget about routine eye check-ups, especially when you’re not experiencing any immediate discomfort. But summer is a good reminder to stay on top of your eye health, especially if you're exposed to the elements more frequently.

An eye exam can help detect:

Early signs of Cataracts

Allergic or environmental damage

Vision changes that may need corrective lenses or other treatments

Underlying issues exacerbated by heat or dryness

Where to Go:

If you're in Delhi or nearby, Shroff Eye Centre is a reputable institution with a track record of clinical excellence and personalized care. From comprehensive check-ups to specialized treatments, their team of experts ensures your eyes are in the best hands.

7. Eat Right for Better Vision

What you eat has a direct impact on how well your eyes function. During the summer, seasonal fruits and vegetables like mangoes, watermelon, cucumber, carrots, and spinach provide essential vitamins that support eye function.

Nutrients to Include:

Vitamin A: Boosts night vision and overall eye health.

Vitamin C and E: Help prevent age-related damage and Cataracts.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Keep the retina healthy and reduce dry eye syndrome.

Incorporate fresh produce, nuts, seeds, and plenty of water into your diet for natural, long-term eye protection.

8. Be Cautious with Contact Lenses

Summer heat and sweat can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable. Poor hygiene while handling contacts can also lead to serious infections.

Best Practices:

Wash hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or lenses.

Avoid wearing lenses for too long or while swimming.

Consider switching to daily disposables during the hotter months for hygiene and comfort.

Let your eyes breathe—don’t wear contacts every single day.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your eyes during summer doesn’t require drastic changes—just mindful, consistent practices. From wearing the right sunglasses to staying hydrated and visiting professionals like those at Shroff Eye Centre, small efforts go a long way in preserving your vision.

Good eye health isn’t just about seeing clearly—it’s about maintaining the quality of life, independence, and safety. Whether you’re thinking about Lasik Surgery, managing seasonal allergies, or simply aiming to enjoy a safe and beautiful summer, don’t forget that your eyes deserve the best.

Need expert advice or thinking of vision correction this summer? Book your consultation with the best eye care specialists at Shroff Eye Centre today.

[safeguardsfety]

Where Can I Find the Best Fire Safety Training in Nigeria?

About

Fire safety training in Nigeria is becoming increasingly essential as the nation continues to develop its infrastructure and industrial sectors. Proper fire safety measures are critical for protecting lives and property, and comprehensive fire training is a fundamental component of this strategy.

Importance of Fire Safety Training in Nigeria

Fire incidents can have devastating consequences, including loss of life, injuries, and significant property damage. In Nigeria, the need for robust fire safety training is underscored by the frequent occurrence of fire outbreaks in residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Effective fire safety training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to prevent fires, respond appropriately in case of an emergency, and minimize risks associated with fire hazards.

Types of Fire Training Available in Nigeria

Basic fire training in nigeria: This introductory course covers fundamental fire safety principles, including fire prevention, types of fires, the use of fire extinguishers, and emergency evacuation procedures. It is suitable for all employees and residents.

Advanced Fire Safety Training: Designed for individuals with responsibility for fire safety in their workplace or community, this course delves deeper into fire risk assessments, fire safety regulations, and advanced firefighting techniques.

Fire Warden Training: This specialized course prepares designated fire wardens to lead evacuation procedures, conduct fire drills, and ensure compliance with fire safety protocols.

First Responder Training: Aimed at those likely to be first on the scene of a fire, such as security personnel and maintenance staff, this training covers initial response tactics, including the safe use of firefighting equipment and first aid for fire-related injuries.

Fire Certification in Nigeria

Obtaining fire certification in Nigeria demonstrates a commitment to fire safety and compliance with national and international standards. Certification is often required for businesses, especially those in high-risk industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and hospitality.

Local Certifications: The Federal Fire Service (FFS) and various state fire services offer certification programs. These certifications ensure that individuals and organizations meet the prescribed fire safety standards.

International Certifications: Recognized certifications from bodies such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) can also be pursued. These certifications often carry significant weight and can be particularly beneficial for companies operating internationally.

Fire Safety Courses in Nigeria

Several institutions and organizations offer fire courses in nigeria. These courses are tailored to meet the specific needs of different sectors and individuals. Key components of these courses typically include:

Fire Risk Assessment: Identifying potential fire hazards and implementing measures to mitigate them.

Fire Prevention Techniques: Best practices for reducing the risk of fire in various environments.

Emergency Response Planning: Developing and implementing effective emergency response plans.

Use of Firefighting Equipment: Practical training on using different types of firefighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers, hoses, and fire blankets.

Fire Training in Port Harcourt

Port Harcourt, a major industrial and commercial hub in Nigeria, has a significant need for comprehensive fire safety training. The city's dense population and concentration of oil and gas facilities make it particularly vulnerable to fire incidents.

Several reputable organizations provide fire training in Port Harcourt, offering courses that cater to the needs of local industries and residents. These training programs often include:

Customized Corporate Training: Tailored training programs designed to meet the specific needs of businesses operating in Port Harcourt, particularly those in the oil and gas sector.

Community Fire Safety Programs: Initiatives aimed at educating residents about fire safety practices and emergency response.

Hands-on Training: Practical sessions that allow participants to practice firefighting techniques and emergency evacuation procedures in controlled environments.

Conclusion

Fire safety training in Nigeria is a crucial aspect of ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals and the protection of property. With a range of courses and certifications available, individuals and organizations can equip themselves with the necessary skills and knowledge to prevent and respond to fire incidents effectively. In cities like Port Harcourt, specialized training programs address the unique fire safety challenges faced by local industries, helping to build a safer and more resilient community.

[techtweek]

DevOps Certification Programs and Their Benefits

DevOps certification programs offer valuable training and accreditation for professionals seeking to enhance their skills in the field of DevOps, a methodology that combines software development (Dev) with IT operations (Ops) to improve collaboration and efficiency in the software development lifecycle.

Here are some key benefits of enrolling in DevOps certification programs:

Enhanced Skills: DevOps certification programs provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of DevOps principles, practices, tools, and methodologies. This equips professionals with the skills needed to effectively implement DevOps processes within their organizations.

Industry Recognition: Holding a DevOps certification demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. It enhances your credibility and makes you more attractive to potential employers seeking skilled DevOps practitioners.

Career Advancement: DevOps certification opens up new career opportunities and pathways for advancement within the technology industry. Certified professionals are often eligible for higher-paying roles and leadership positions that require expertise in DevOps practices.

Improved Performance: By implementing DevOps best practices learned through certification programs, organizations can streamline their development processes, reduce time-to-market, and enhance overall productivity and efficiency.

Collaboration and Communication: DevOps certification emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication between development, operations, and other stakeholders involved in the software delivery process. Certified professionals are equipped with the skills to foster a culture of collaboration within their teams.

Adoption of Automation: Automation is a fundamental aspect of DevOps. Certification programs teach participants how to leverage automation tools and techniques to automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and ensure consistency and reliability in software delivery.

Continuous Improvement: DevOps is centered around the principles of continuous integration, continuous delivery, and continuous monitoring. Certified professionals are trained to embrace a culture of continuous improvement, enabling them to adapt to evolving technologies and market demands effectively.

Risk Mitigation: By implementing DevOps practices such as automated testing, continuous monitoring, and rapid feedback loops, organizations can mitigate risks associated with software defects, security vulnerabilities, and downtime, thereby enhancing the reliability and stability of their systems.

In summary, DevOps certification programs offer a structured pathway for professionals to acquire the skills, knowledge, and industry recognition needed to thrive in the dynamic field of DevOps, while also enabling organizations to drive innovation, improve collaboration, and achieve business objectives more efficiently.

Explore DevOps service providers

[sublimeobservationarcade]

Calling Out The Fear Mongers

The Murdoch’s News Corp is at it again in Australian politics, making news rather than reporting on it. Sky News Australia, that blatantly one eyed right wing tabloid TV channel, is hard at it beating up BS into inflammatory stories. Calling out the fear mongers. Liberal party cronies and ex-staffers bleat non-stop anti-Albanese malarkey. The Australian newspaper in concert with Newspoll declares major popularity slump for the ALP federal government. This strategy of polling to start anti-government waves of public sentiment has been a long standing one for News Corp. They can then run multiple stories across their platforms with headlines about midterm slumps. The rest of the corporate media picks up these stories and runs with them, including the now chastened ABC.

Murdoch’s News Corp & One Eyed Opinion Based Reporting

Current affairs and news is all about click bait these days, so it is a tight focus on the politics of every thing rather than policy. Murdoch started the whole op ed, opinion based journalism decades ago. Consumers prefer to read gossip and opinion over substance and facts. Investigative journalism has become a rare commodity indeed. The Greek chorus of the Australian media repeats itself loudly, with young reporters unquestioningly following the bosses line. In actual fact, the Albanese government has achieved a lot in the China space for our trade revenue and the release of journalist Cheng Lei. Penny Wong and Albo have cleaned up the mess made by Morrison in the Pacific with our neighbours there. The economy is being well managed in a tight global downturn and inflationary period. Wages have started to go up for some sectors despite the gloomy times. The failure of the Indigenous Voice was a blow to the government and to the nation, however.

the fear monger! Dutton The Fear Monger Peter Dutton and his strategists have forged an attack plan in the mould of Tony Abbott’s in the Gillard days. The LNP will bully the Labor government whenever they can. Dutton is fear mongering over dangerous refugees released into the community by the High Court. He is banging his drum about the war in Gaza and going all anti-Arab. The yellow peril fear of China is never far from the LNP commentary. Dutton is crying wolf more often than that little boy in the story. Peter Dutton divided the nation by organising the defeat of the Voice by taking a partisan position on the referendum. He will be a wrecker from now until the government breaks or he does. The Australian hard right will be following the lead of the radical Republican party Trump campaign in the US. White supremacy and anti-LGBTQI dog whistling will never be far from the lips of these populist politicians on the right. The Murdochs will be right behind them amplifying their divisive messages. Dutton wants to create anxiety and social unrest, so that he can blame Albo for appearing weak. The Murdochs just want to make money and stay influential in the power stakes.  Wars put the wind up folk. Watching little children being blown up on the telly is unsettling. Many of us are vulnerable to suggestions that we might not be safe, especially older Australians. “ Of the 140 or so released to date, we can count three murderers and “several” sex offenders. Others have been declared “security risks”, while others again have been associated with criminal gangs. It is possible also that some people may have had their citizenship revoked and have found themselves in detention awaiting deportation. Of those who have gone through the criminal justice system and been found guilty, all have served their terms, but were nevertheless kept in detention because they could not be deported to a third country.” (https://www.abc.net.au/religion/philip-dwyer-refugees-indefinite-detention-cruelty-compassion/103166888) It is no easy task to find reports of any depth into these stateless people, who have already served their time in prison, and are now being used as fear monger fodder by the opposition. My hunch is that some of them have been labelled as criminals without proper scrutiny. It is political tom foolery and our media just lap it up, rather than questioning it.

Coalition No Alternative But Much Worse The ridiculous state of affairs is the Coalition presenting themselves as some sort of alternative after 10 years in government making a mess of things. The social housing/rental crisis is partly their doing, as it happened on their economic watch. Robodebt, where 500, 000 ordinary Australians were wrongly accused of being welfare cheats and ended up costing the nation $1.8 billion was a Coalition policy initiative. The abysmal planning around Snowy 2.0 and the national rail network are all things that are going to cost tens of billions of dollars of tax payers money. The PwC corporate tax betrayal and the outsourcing of billions of dollars of government public service work to consultancy firms are all LNP federal government corrupt and immoral practices. The fact that the Abbott, Turnbull, and Morrison governments failed to establish a federal ICAC to police the politicians is another dodgy black mark against them. These guys and gals are far from the finest Australians. Scott Morrison made himself the minister of everything – remember! Climate change deniers that have put back the green energy transition by a decade. “The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) has welcomed the High Court’s decision that has found indefinite immigration detention to be unlawful and unconstitutional in cases where there is no prospect of people being returned.   Paul Power, CEO of RCOA, has called for the urgent review of the cases of all people in immigration detention, to enable the release of those who cannot be returned, including refugees, people fleeing war and persecution, and stateless people.   “Indefinite detention has always been morally wrong and unlawful under international human rights law. It is welcome to see the High Court start to overturn its 2004 decision of Al-Kateb and recognise that such detention should not be permitted in Australia,” Mr Power said. “ (https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/refugee-council-welcomes-the-historic-high-court-ruling-finding-indefinite-immigration-detention-unlawful/)

Parliament house was a dangerous place for women with all those pissed politicians & staffers wandering about. The media needs to calm down and stop stoking fears around a bunch of refugees who have been through hell themselves. They are not Attila the Hun or something worse. In many instances, they are just stateless refugees who have been adversely labelled by our immigration services to deny them entry and a refuge. Aussies may be doing it tough right now, as I am myself, but it would be well to take these things with a grain of salt. The grass will not be greener on Peter Dutton’s watch for a large number of Australians. The ex-cop will be an authoritarian PM that Australia would quickly come to regret. Conservatives enrich the wealthy and powerful at the expense of those at the other end of the spectrum, witness Robodebt. Robert Sudha Hamilton is the author of Money Matters: Navigating Credit, Debt, and Financial Freedom. ©WordsForWeb Read the full article

[safeguardsfety]

Where Can I Find the Best Fire Safety Training in Nigeria?

About

Fire safety training in Nigeria is becoming increasingly essential as the nation continues to develop its infrastructure and industrial sectors. Proper fire safety measures are critical for protecting lives and property, and comprehensive fire training is a fundamental component of this strategy.

Importance of Fire Safety Training in Nigeria

Fire incidents can have devastating consequences, including loss of life, injuries, and significant property damage. In Nigeria, the need for robust fire safety training is underscored by the frequent occurrence of fire outbreaks in residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Effective fire safety training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to prevent fires, respond appropriately in case of an emergency, and minimize risks associated with fire hazards.

Types of Fire Training Available in Nigeria

Basic fire training in nigeria: This introductory course covers fundamental fire safety principles, including fire prevention, types of fires, the use of fire extinguishers, and emergency evacuation procedures. It is suitable for all employees and residents.

Advanced Fire Safety Training: Designed for individuals with responsibility for fire safety in their workplace or community, this course delves deeper into fire risk assessments, fire safety regulations, and advanced firefighting techniques.

Fire Warden Training: This specialized course prepares designated fire wardens to lead evacuation procedures, conduct fire drills, and ensure compliance with fire safety protocols.

First Responder Training: Aimed at those likely to be first on the scene of a fire, such as security personnel and maintenance staff, this training covers initial response tactics, including the safe use of firefighting equipment and first aid for fire-related injuries.

Fire Certification in Nigeria

Obtaining fire certification in Nigeria demonstrates a commitment to fire safety and compliance with national and international standards. Certification is often required for businesses, especially those in high-risk industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and hospitality.

Local Certifications: The Federal Fire Service (FFS) and various state fire services offer certification programs. These certifications ensure that individuals and organizations meet the prescribed fire safety standards.

International Certifications: Recognized certifications from bodies such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) can also be pursued. These certifications often carry significant weight and can be particularly beneficial for companies operating internationally.

Fire Safety Courses in Nigeria

Several institutions and organizations offer fire courses in nigeria. These courses are tailored to meet the specific needs of different sectors and individuals. Key components of these courses typically include:

Fire Risk Assessment: Identifying potential fire hazards and implementing measures to mitigate them.

Fire Prevention Techniques: Best practices for reducing the risk of fire in various environments.

Emergency Response Planning: Developing and implementing effective emergency response plans.

Use of Firefighting Equipment: Practical training on using different types of firefighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers, hoses, and fire blankets.

Fire Training in Port Harcourt

Port Harcourt, a major industrial and commercial hub in Nigeria, has a significant need for comprehensive fire safety training. The city's dense population and concentration of oil and gas facilities make it particularly vulnerable to fire incidents.

Several reputable organizations provide fire training in Port Harcourt, offering courses that cater to the needs of local industries and residents. These training programs often include:

Customized Corporate Training: Tailored training programs designed to meet the specific needs of businesses operating in Port Harcourt, particularly those in the oil and gas sector.

Community Fire Safety Programs: Initiatives aimed at educating residents about fire safety practices and emergency response.

Hands-on Training: Practical sessions that allow participants to practice firefighting techniques and emergency evacuation procedures in controlled environments.

Conclusion

Fire safety training in Nigeria is a crucial aspect of ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals and the protection of property. With a range of courses and certifications available, individuals and organizations can equip themselves with the necessary skills and knowledge to prevent and respond to fire incidents effectively. In cities like Port Harcourt, specialized training programs address the unique fire safety challenges faced by local industries, helping to build a safer and more resilient community.

[sokkastyles]

I was asked to write a response to this post, and as always I ask that you please don't dogpile on the OP, I was merely asked for my opinion. This also isn't an invitation to hate on anyone's ships, but it kind of baffles me that in the face of any criticism, people who ship Mai and Zuko will outright deny the characters' respective arcs in order to make it work, despite their ship being canon.

First the OP claims that Zuko shown taking some enjoyment from living like royalty "debunks" what the episode is telling us, that Zuko is experiencing turmoil over his place back home, especially after experiencing life among the people of the Earth Kingdom and witnessing how other people have less, and how the world has suffered as a result of the Fire Nation's greed. Except that OP’s example is a screenshot of Zuko looking uncomfortable as he takes a hot towel, after initially hesitating, which also happens after he refuses the other comforts he is offered. 

The hot towel is actually an oshibori, a Japanese symbol of hospitality that in America, is often associated with high class, as it is often offered on first class flights and luxury hotels and restaurants. The context here is clearly meant to show the Fire Nation excess, and that Zuko is unsure after being away for so long, and uncomfortable with being pampered especially after witnessing the horror the Fire Nation has caused in the rest of the world, leading up to his growing realization that he doesn’t want to be a part of it anymore.

Then we have the scene where he initially refuses the palanquin ride, and finally accepts, both because it would be awkward for him to protest too much, especially if he wants to fit in as prince, and also because yes, like any normal person, he does enjoy having people do things for him. Hence the little smile, the reassurance that it's okay for him to be pampered, which assuages some of the guilt he's been feeling since Ba Sing Se. He's the prince, he can tell himself, he deserves it. That's also why he takes the time to show off to his girlfriend a little a scene later by offering her anything she wants.

However, the message we are supposed to understand is still the same. Zuko is trying to convince himself that he should just accept being back as prince, but we know, and he knows, in his heart, that he should be listening to his guilty conscious.

I also find it baffling that OP says that this isn’t meant to show how Zuko has changed, but then also argues that Mai doesn’t know the extent of Zuko’s emotional turmoil. Which is true, but like, that’s the point OP seems to be missing, and the reason why people use this scene to point to the fact that Mai and Zuko fundamentally don’t understand each other.

She is not an Iroh - who can say exactly what he needs to hear or guide him on the right path. She is a teenage girl from another broken home who was never taught what love truly means. She was taught to restrain herself and her emotions. But when Zuko needs comfort the most - she provides it for him by attesting that despite all the things she doesn’t care for - she cares for him. She becomes emotionally vulnerable in front of Azula to comfort Zuko amidst his difficult times. And yes, In this example on The Beach - Zuko is shown to be comforted and cared for her by her words.

Like, of course she’s not Iroh. That’s the point. She’s not supposed to be. I’ve argued before that Mai’s narrative function is to be something of an anti-Iroh, because like Iroh, part of her narrative function is to give Zuko someone to bounce off of, so that he can voice what he’s thinking, to help the audience understand Zuko’s motivations. However, unlike Iroh, Mai’s main purpose is to keep Zuko tied to the Fire Nation, whereas Iroh encouraged him to seek redemption by looking elsewhere. She’s not supposed to guide Zuko down the right path, but serves rather as an obstacle he has to overcome in order to get back on it. That doesn’t exactly make for a healthy or lasting relationship.

The idea that Mai and Zuko’s relationship is good because Mai shows Zuko support by saying that she cares about him after he blames himself for his feelings in “The Beach” - including his earlier anger at her for being constantly apathetic while he’s hurting - doesn’t exactly scream healthy relationship or support, either. Rather than showing emotional support, she’s very deliberately choosing to support Zuko only when she doesn’t have to support him emotionally, when he internalizes his emotions instead of externalizing them.

Neither does, “I don’t care about anything but at least I care about you.” Like, that bar is so low it’s on the ground. Especially since everyone else around Zuko currently outright hates him.

Look at what Azula says right before. Mai knows that Zuko suffered constant and endless harassment and abuse from his sister and father. From the creators themselves:

“She’s known Zuko her whole life. She knows his life has been intense” - Bryan and Mike, The Beach Commentary

Funny how the creators have to word of god things because what they wrote doesn’t actually show what they wanted it to show. In actual canon, we have Mai telling Zuko that she “didn’t ask for his whole life story,” during their first scene as a couple after she hasn’t seen him for three years.

She’s known him his whole life...except for those three years between thirteen and sixteen, in which time he has grown from a child to a young adult and experienced drastic life changes. Changes which she said she didn’t want to hear about.

And, I mean, whatever, I try not the think the worst of things because people can ship what they want, and most of the problems with Mai and Zuko’s relationship happen because of poor writing choices, not outright abuse apologism, but I agree, let’s look at what Azula says. Let’s actually consider the ramifications of Mai, who had just broken up with Zuko, deciding that she cares about him and they’re back together now after Azula calls him pathetic. Once again Mai decides that she cares about Zuko and wants him back when he’s at a low point. At no point did she offer him emotional support when he was in turmoil. At no point does she dig into the root of why he is angry. Why would she? That would mean examining her own lifestyle and how it profits on the back of imperialism. But if Zuko is blaming himself for his anger - anger which really stems from the realization of how empty life in the Fire Nation really is, and his own guilt at being a part of it - then he’s not questioning any of that, and Azula has ended the argument by announcing that Zuko’s anger is pathetic and not worth examining. That also means Mai can get Zuko back without having to do any of the hard emotional or ethical work herself.

Yet shes the only one from his old life, other than Iroh, that shows unwavering and unconditional support to him. Like @thethiefandtheairbender said, “Mai gives Zuko a reason to love the home that spurned him.”

Actual photo of Iroh watching Mai and Zuko interact from his prison cell:

She’s the only one other than Iroh because she helped put Iroh in prison. You can argue about how loyal she is to Azula and whether she had a choice, but the fact of the matter is that the reason Iroh ain’t around, and Mai is the only one Zuko has to rely on, is because Iroh is in prison and Mai and Zuko would not have a relationship otherwise. I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if Zuko hadn’t chosen to side with Azula in Ba Sing Se. I can’t help but wonder if it’s ever crossed Zuko’s mind, as well, that if things had gone differently, he would have been in prison alongside Iroh instead of smooching Mai, and she would have helped to put him there. That’s like, so very much the opposite of unconditional support. It means that their relationship is conditional by necessity, by virtue of how it came about. All relationships are conditional anyway, which I will get to later, but THIS is very much not the type of condition that breeds a healthy relationship. What this is is actually the breeding ground for abuse and toxicity, but again, I’m going to assume the writers weren’t actually paying attention to any of that and didn’t intentionally write this relationship as the shit show that it is.

Also, on “Mai gives Zuko a reason to love the home that spurned him.” YES. That’s the PROBLEM. Mai’s function in the narrative is to keep Zuko in the Fire Nation long enough for him to get everything he ever wanted and then realize that this isn’t what he needs at all. That’s why, when he makes this realization, he also leaves Mai behind as well.

Yes, Zuko loves the Fire Nation, and a big part of his narrative is also becoming Fire Lord and redeeming his nation and reclaiming his homeland, but Mai explicitly in canon does not understand this part of Zuko, and refused to listen when he tries to explain it to her.

So back to the Nightmares and Daydreams episode. Mai’s immediate thought is to cheer Zuko up with something that gave him comfort five minutes before.

When that doesn’t work, we see Mai’s unemotional facade break down. She knows that this is something he has to figure out on his own. Her face shows pure empathy, that he must be going through something very troubling. But she doesn’t force him to stay with her. She gives him space to come to terms with his own emotions. She doesn’t stick by him or force him to cheer up after she sees her methods DIDNT work. She doesn’t get frustrated. She feels empathy for him.

And then antis claim that Mai bringing up the whole war meeting was a way to make light of Zuko’s trauma or that she didn’t want him to ruin their happy mood. Yet they conveniently forget that Mai waited outside for the entire duration of the war meeting for Zuko - and immediately asks him how it went - ensuring that things didn’t transpire the way it did at the last war meeting. For them, it’s impossible to see that what Mai said was a matter of true concern for Zuko’s safety. But her actions prove otherwise.

I actually have said that I thought Mai was concerned for Zuko’s safety, but that isn’t enough for me to consider that it’s a good relationship, because like, that’s the very least Mai can be. I do think that their conversation fundamentally shows that she doesn’t understand him, though. Nor do I think she really understands the very real danger he is in, otherwise she wouldn’t be happy when Zuko does go to the meeting, knowing what happened to him the last time he attended one. Because Zuko is not safe any time Ozai has access to him.

But going back to Mai bringing back up the idea of ordering servants around to cheer him up, let’s look at the transcript:

Mai: You know what will make you feel better? [Zuko turns his head slightly.] Ordering some servants around. I might be hungry for a whole tray of fruit tarts. And maybe a little palanquin ride around town. Double time.

She turns Zuko's face to look at her, but he quickly looks away, making Mai let go of him.

Rather than being cheered up, Zuko reacts negatively to her suggestion, and the reason why lies in the previous scene where fruit tarts and palanquin rides were referenced. Because Mai didn’t see and doesn’t understand Zuko’s discomfort with those excesses. She can’t. She only sees the face Zuko puts on because he’s trying to both impress her and assuage his own guilt. That’s why her attempt to cheer him up falls flat here.

And actually, we don’t see Mai give Zuko space or comfort him or show empathy. The scene cuts off there, and the next time we see Mai and Zuko, he is being told he actually is invited to the meeting, and Mai is happy for him. Note that nothing has changed. The danger hasn’t gone away, nor Zuko’s worries. Ozai has just arbitrarily decided that Zuko is now invited to the meeting, and acts like he always was, which is really Ozai playing mind games with his son and actually shows how dangerous and manipulative Ozai is. Zuko doesn’t pick up on this because he’s desperate for his father’s approval, but he will after the meeting. Mai doesn’t pick up on it because she doesn’t really know Zuko or his inner turmoil, nor does she really understand the depth of how evil the Fire Nation really is.

Mai listens to Zuko unwaveringly while he explains how during the meeting, he was the perfect fire nation prince but he wasn’t himself. She doesn’t cut him off out of boredom. She doesn’t shut down his emotions or tells him to feel a way he shouldn’t. After the Beach episode, she learns to listen to him - proving her character development. She’s engaged, she’s listening. She is once again - supporting Zuko throughout his emotional turmoil.

Once again, this is kind of a low bar to prove Mai’s “unwavering support” because the scene cuts off right after Zuko says he wasn’t himself during the meeting. We don’t see her reaction at all. We can, however, assume that whatever it was, it was enough to convince Zuko that he couldn’t confide in her in person about his realization that he needed to leave and join the Avatar and restore honor to the Fire Nation. Her reaction to him when she confronts him about this in “The Boiling Rock” further confirms this, as she refuses to listen when he tries to make her understand. So if we had been shown this conversation, I don’t think it would show Mai being supportive or understanding.

I will never understand the argument that Zuko’s relationship with Mai represents a regression because he wasn’t being himself when he was in the fire nation. Let’s get a couple of things straight. Zuko had to return to the fire nation to truly confirm for himself that he was making the right decision. But the fire nation will always be Zuko’s home. That is why he is coronated as the fire lord at the end. Throughout season 3, Mai experiences Zuko’s good, bad, and ugly. He never once put up a facade around her. She experienced everything - the emotional turmoil, the parts where he pretended to be the perfect prince, the part where he truly loved spending time with her.

Yet OP admitted earlier in the post that Mai DIDN’T know the side of Zuko that worked as a tea server in Ba Sing Se and saw firsthand the plight of the refugees. She didn’t know the part of Zuko that felt uncomfortable being waited on unnecessarily. She didn’t know the part of Zuko that sat in a war meeting and bravely defended the Earth Kingdom people because it was the right thing to do. She didn’t know because she didn’t ask for his life story. And she still doesn’t, by the end, either. She does not understand when Zuko tells her that he has to save his country. This is textually what happens in the show. There’s no argument here. It’s just wrong to say that Zuko didn’t put up a facade around Mai and that Mai always understood Zuko, because we can see that this is not what happens in the story.

the only thing she did was hold him accountable when he was acting like an ass.

How did she hold him accountable? By deciding that she cares about him after he internalizes his anger and the conversation is over? Did he apologize to her for his outburst at the party? Show that he wouldn’t do it again? Or did she just decide to get back together with him when it was convenient for her? This is not what accountability looks like.

Mai was there for Zuko when no one else from his old life was.

See what I said about Iroh doing the Ben Afleck thing from his prison cell.

And if their relationship was a regression - then why did the creators have Mai stand up against Azula and everything she knew her whole life - for Zuko and his mission? That argument would make sense if there was no episode called The Boiling Rock.

Why would Mai NEED to stand up to Azula when she was about to kill Zuko unless she had a realization that Zuko’s life and mission were more important than selfishly clinging to her relationship with him? That was the whole point of their encounters in that episode. Mai and Zuko’s relationship was SUPPOSED to be a regression, and Zuko chose to leave it behind, and that was what Mai had to realize. Further, the entire reason that Mai needed to stop Azula in the first place was because Mai put Zuko’s life in danger because she was mad that he broke up with her. The whole point was Mai redeeming herself by letting Zuko go, despite the fact that he was “the jerk who dumped [her].” It’s a pity that the writers didn’t stick to that, though, and instead had her go back to demanding that he be in a relationship with her in the end.

That Love isn’t conditional based on someone’s morality or redeemable actions.

I told you I would get back to this. It’s not even true that Mai loves Zuko unconditionally, as I said, but in any case, the concept of “unconditional love” should be thrown out when we’re talking about romantic relationships. Don’t get me wrong, the conditions under which Mai loves Zuko still aren’t healthy, but there are times when it is both healthy and necessary for love to be conditional. Morality and redeemable actions, as it happens, absolutely are two of those conditions that love depends on.

Like, what on earth even is this argument. If the person you love doesn’t have morals that align to yours and doesn’t have redeeming qualities in your eyes, then there’s nothing to base the relationship on, other than, say, a mutual hatred of the world and a vague sense that you don’t hate each other. Which does not make a healthy or lasting relationship, or even a romantic one.

[cadencejames87]

My Entry for River’s Basement Wife...

--- Husband(s)?

Warnings: a/b/o dynamics, stalking, noncon, drugging (tranq), mentions of knotting, marking, & breeding... 18+ Minors DNI!

Pairing: Beta!JakeJenson x reader x Alpha!AriLevinson

@river-soul​ Sorry River, this kind of got away from me... Also I know how much you love Jake but Ari was my muse for this.

It starts out with stalking, he's not the best when it comes to talking to girls and he doesnt want to screw it up. Taking mental notes of your favourite foods when grocery shopping, maybe even helping reach an item on a higher shelf. He'll even lean a little closer in line at the checkout inhaling and enjoying as much of your omega scent as he can before you’re gone, trying to commit every note to memory.

It's when he's away on a mission as a military liaison things get complicated. The Alpha heading the OP catches Jake on more than one occasion with his face buried in his toughbook (military grade laptop). When Ari peeks over Jake’s shoulder he catches him watching you via hidden cams and hacked satellite feeds. Much like Jake, the Alpha can’t take his eyes off of you. Thinking to himself how easily he could over power this Beta and take his omega for himself, though he's grown quite fond of Jake’s quirky personality and actually feels bad for entertaining the idea for even a second; especially after witnessing his many failed attempts at flirting let alone talking to omegas in the time they've known each other (while most likely trying to satiate his needs after watching you day in and day out.)

After talking to Jake, Ari realizes he's too afraid to take the next step at risk of you turning him down, content in just observing and 'accidentally' bumping into you around town and the way you smile at him; he doesn’t want to lose that little connection, that ounce of hope.

So Ari comes up with a plan, he'll reel you in with his good looks and Alpha charm. Though it's only your first date this has been a long time coming for Jake and even Ari by association. (He's studied Jake's notes well and has you wrapped around his finger.) However, when it's time to say goodnight, the Alpha changes, maybe finally meeting you and breathing in your scent all night is what spurred an early rut. He can’t let you leave, not without knotting, marking, and filling you with his pups.

He sends Jake a text on the drive home from the restaurant and when Ari leans in for the goodnight kiss, Jake is ready with a tranq. You wake to the Alpha & Beta rubbing a cool cloth on your forehead. Concocting a story that you fainted and hit your head, Ari had to call a friend to come check you out. Jake clears his throat and gives you a sweet, yet, slightly timid smile. Your eyes widen with recognition, you know him, or at least seen him around town and from word of mouth heard he was a soldier, you know for a fact he had nothing to do with the medical field.

You can sense the change in Ari's scent now and ask him politely to leave. He only smiles as he stands and begins to undo his belt, that’s when everything becomes clear, you're restrained to your bed and the Alpha before you is holding it together just enough as to not scare you and keep you calm as his rut threatens to take over. You look to Jake, sweet Beta!Jake and plead for his help. "Our little Beta loves you, but, he's not going to help you.” OUR, the word stands out heavily. “He's just here to watch, for now. Then when I've knotted you and you're filled with my pups.” Your eyes widen. “I'm gonna mark you and then Jake will have his fun." He speaks in a low rumbling tone that has your thighs clenching together as slick soaks the lacy material covering you.

"She likes the sounds of that." Jake smiles as he scents you and presses a kiss to your lips before parting your side and leaving you alone on the bed and vulnerable to Ari and his rut.

Ari's scent quickly takes over the room, wrapping you up as his eyes skim your clothed body and an unconscious moan escapes your lips, his scent is intoxicating. Ari growls in return, covering you with his body as he takes his time scenting you before ripping your dress and making good on his promise. “Next time we’ll take this slow and you’ll let me taste you.” You let out a whimper, you want this, you want them both, their scents driving you wild, yet holding back the urge to beg Ari for his knot as Jake sits in the corner watching because you know how crazy this all is. 

As the swelling of Ari's knot goes down and he finally releases you, Jake stands, fisting himself as he crosses to you. They're going to keep you stuffed until the end of Ari's rut and maybe after until they've spotted the first signs of your growing pups.

[non-un-topo]

The Old Guard and Non-Toxic Masculinity

I’ve wanted to talk about this for ages and was inspired by this excellent post about Joe and non-toxic masculinity and a wonderful anon who indulged me! (Like, months ago! Sorry for the delay) Started writing this before Tales Through Time came out but now I feel like it’s a bit more relevant / important to discuss. I’ll be talking almost exclusively about the movie canon, as it subverts a lot of male action hero tropes. I’m going to have sections for each of the main men in TOG (sans Lykon because he is not on screen long enough for me to be able to closely examine his character).

First, some brief background and theory:

Of the most famous and well-known theorizers of masculinity (among subjects like race and racism, Blackness, whiteness, and feminism), bell hooks says that masculinity is different from maleness. She defines masculinity as more of a performance of patriarchal dominance, with socially constructed ideals of how a man should behave in relation to himself and others / what it means to be a man. Maleness she defines as simply male identity. So, one can love maleness and men without loving masculinity. But, and this is my addition, masculinity is not always toxic masculinity.

A short spiel on toxic-masculinity: as said above, hooks argues that masculinity is a performance, and in essence, a survival strategy for being a man in a patriarchal society. It is toxic because it not only harms others as it dominates and oppresses, but it prevents men from being their authentic selves (often with severe negative impacts on their mental health, self-esteem, and relationships).

Non-toxic masculinity, then, is the embodiment of traditionally (socially constructed) masculine characteristics and behaviours, minus the harmful ideals that patriarchy demands. (A disclaimer: There’s certainly a lot to say about this topic and a lot to unpack about whether masculinity is always harmful and to whom, but this post is about TOG not a university paper, so I’ll pack it up)

Joe

Once again, I’m going to point to this post that talks specifically about Joe and non-toxic masculinity because op really hit all the points.

Op talked about how Joe shows vulnerability and I think that’s a really important point when trying to understand his relationship to masculinity. I’m going to talk about Joe’s relationship to his emotions and the way he displays them.

To start, when he’s mocked for his relationship with Nicky, he doesn’t respond in anger (different from the comics so let’s only focus on Marwan’s lovely Joe) but instead launches into possibly the most romantic and heartfelt speech I’ve ever heard onscreen. So much has been said about this scene, so I’ll keep it short, but I think it’s important to examine Joe’s relationship to anger and aggression as it’s something that merits a lot of discourse. From the limited amount of screentime he has in the movie, it does seem that Joe is a little quick to anger sometimes, but his anger is never irrational or uncontrollable. Anger and aggression are associated with toxic masculinity because they are used as forms of power or oppression, and are often hyperbolic. Joe’s anger, when he does get angry in the movie, comes from a place of hurt or pain. Also betrayal, protectiveness, and fear.

The anger and aggression that toxic masculinity permeates comes from a place of not being in-tune with one’s emotions, not being allowed to feel what one wants to or should feel. Joe is clearly extremely in-tune with his emotions and, importantly, it shows through not only his anger at Booker’s deep betrayal, but his tears and his laughter. I’ve seen many people refer to Joe as wearing his heart on his sleeve, and I think that would be correct! He’s not guarded because he has no reason to be. He is very open in the ways that he loves, and he has a lot of love (see; bear hugs, winking, grinning, laughing, soft touches to Andy and Nicky, cracking jokes in tense times).

Finally, looking at Joe, he does clearly embody a lot of traditionally masculine characteristics. He’s tall and muscular, has a beard, speaks loudly and openly, (the post above talked about his body language and the way he takes up space), and he fights both hand-to-hand and with weapons. He is all of these things, but none of these characteristics exist at the expense of himself or his team. If anything, some of these characteristics make his bond stronger with his team (see; fighting the good fight and protecting Andy after she loses her immortality). So, while Joe embodies many things that would be associated as masculine, in no way is he toxic.

(Although I don’t get involved in discourse, it is important to mention that many of Joe’s traits (like his anger or physical appearance) often get twisted by racial bias. To focus only on the “angry” side of Joe’s emotions is a complete disservice to his character and all his wonderful complexities that Gina and Marwan worked incredibly hard to portray)

Nicky

Similar to Joe, Nicky also embodies a number of traditionally masculine characteristics, those being his appearance, the fact that he fights (hand-to-hand and with weapons), and the fact that he is also rather outspoken about his opinions. I don’t want to simply compare him to Joe, since they’re both separate characters (and I don’t want to perpetuate the idea that they’re opposites to each other), but I will say that Nicky is different from Joe in the sense that he is rather reserved, at least, in relation to Joe and his open emotions.

Nicky is reserved, but not in an unhealthy way. He’s not bottled up. He clearly understands his emotions as well as Joe, he just has a slightly different way of showing them. Mostly, Nicky shows his emotions by doing, which is also quite a traditionally masculine trait (I mean, if we’re thinking in oldschool societal binaries, men are usually expected to do while women are expected to withhold or submit). He shows his love and support through actions. Interestingly, though, the way he chooses to do this manifests as a role that is (arguably) not traditionally masculine. He’s the self-appointed caregiver.

Nicky is also deeply sympathetic, something that men are encouraged not to be. Toxic masculinity demands that men think competitively, and to disregard others’ emotions, but when Nicky thinks of others he thinks of them as a part of a group or bigger picture. Not in competition with each other, but as a system that works together. He sympathizes with Nile’s fear and loneliness when they first dream of her, already seeing her as part of their group, and this becomes his motivation for finding her right away.

The only times he gets visibly angry in the movie is from a place of protectiveness. He’s protective throughout the movie but not in a way that underestimates the abilities of his teammates or is always aggressive (see; taking a bullet for Andy, helping Nile out of the car when she needs it). I mentioned in some tags recently that, as we’re all extremely aware, action genre tends to associate heroism with male aggression (like, yes, kill the enemy, but what of the people you’re trying to protect? It’s here where toxic masculinity comes into play. When the thing that defines a male character’s strength and heroism is his proficiency to kill/maim). In the two scenes we see Nicky “lash out” (when Merrick stabs Joe and when Nicky tells Joe to “leave it”, if that counts) besides in the middle of battle, it’s very clear his aggression is triggered by a need to protect those he loves, both from immediate physical danger and emotional harm.

(To state the obvious: Joe and Nicky both embody a trait that is almost never seen alongside positive portrayals of masculine men: They’re both gay and in a very healthy and happy relationship. Many posts have been written about their relationship specifically, so I will leave it to them and their wonderful words!)

Booker

I think, and I’m leaping ahead here, Booker embodies slightly more of the toxic side of masculinity. It is a little more complicated than that, though, and I’m aware I am still coming at some of these issues very simplistically.

It could be argued that Booker is a selfish character, as a lot of his actions certainly line up with that theory. He goes behind the team’s back and betrays them, puts them all in danger for a cause that only he truly wants. But Booker’s motivation for his betrayal is because he wants to put an end to not only his immortality, but Andy’s. He cares for her. He sees her becoming weary and resentful of the world, so he tries to take matters into his own hands and help.

I think to claim that Booker is selfish is... not entirely inaccurate, but it’s missing so much. I think his “selfishness” comes from a place of internal pain, possibly even self-hatred. He hates that he outlived his children, he is cynical and at the same time pessimistic when it comes to the team’s destiny/purpose. And he attempts to (treat? Stunt?) these feelings with alcohol (*I will not explore his relation to substance abuse in-depth here because it’s really an extremely complicated and sensitive topic and I don’t believe I have the knowledge nor experience to do it justice).

We see Booker cry openly in the movie when he speaks to Nile in the cave, so we can assume he’s not entirely guarded or intent on repressing his emotions. Rather, I think he does things with the intention of helping himself and the others, but the result is always that it makes things worse (see; drinking when he feels down and giving Andy alcohol at the same time, thereby unintentionally enabling her, trying and failing to get the team to stay on track and find Copley because he believes the end result (loss of immortality) will benefit all of them, or at least himself and Andy).

I think he is a victim of his own toxic masculinity. He falls victim to self-hatred and cynicism while still believing he ought to do something himself to actualize something that he believes will put an end to his own (and Andy’s assumed) suffering. But it’s his actions (rash, and motivated by the wrong reasons) that lead to him destroying his closest relationships and, almost ironically, causing more suffering as opposed to less.

Bonus: Copley

Copley embodies some toxic and non-toxic masculine characteristics. I would say his most explicitly non-toxic masculine trait is that he is clearly emotionally vulnerable and open. This is both a good and bad thing. He’s in-tune with his emotions, but he is irresponsible with the power he has and how it hurts people. Copley is complicated because his heart is in the right place but he fails to see how he harms. His complicity (or rather, his culpability) in the harm caused to the immortals relates to toxic masculinity in regards to the power he has over others. Although his motivation for handing the immortals off to Merrick was to do good, to bring the end of disease, he was wrong to appoint himself the gift-giver (see; Nile’s “It wasn’t your gift to give”). I think (and this could be a reach but why else do we analyze things if not to reach a little?), that Copley suffers from a slightly inflated sense of self-importance, which is something that is often encouraged of men.

I think he turns it around in the end, though, by agreeing to work for the team, which is why he embodies a mix of toxic and non-toxic masculine traits. He once thought he knew best, but changed when he realized how much harm he was causing.

-

All in all, I love the way these male characters are written because their dynamics are so rarely seen in movies in general, let alone big budget action films, and it’s so, so important. We get to see differing types of non-toxic masculinity, prioritizing love and caregiving above violence, as well as some of the damage that can be caused by toxic masculinity to others and the self, while not feminizing or making a joke out of these characters. We get to actually see masculinity and maleness in a positive light, severed from the harmful and normalized images of masculinity we usually see. But above all, we’ve got some really excellent characters with realistic, complex personalities.

[witch-of-snow-and-stars]

Some More Astrology Observations Part 4/?

🌌 Each sign, element, and modality have a specific specialty that they are just seemingly innate understanding of.

🌠 For the elements, Earth deals with resources, Air with community and connectivity, Water signs with relationships/emotional sphere, and Fire with reactivity and performance

🌠 For modalities, I associate Cardinals with beginnings and setting things up, Fixed signs with the labor of continuity, and the Mutables with elevating the concept

🌌 I could easily see people with 8th/12th house placements having easier times facing their shadow selves or doing shadow work. 8th house placements can be extra vigilant of themselves, they can exude a lot of ‘never let your guard down around yourself‘ energy.

🌌 The one card that Taurus people have that no one ever accounts for is the sheer chaos and feral energy that they can bring and showcase often (everyone just tends to forget it somehow???). Some great prominent examples being Shane Madej, Robert Pattinson, Jon Oliver, Katya Zamolodchikova (Fun fact: OP is Sun/Moon twins with opposite rising signs w/ Katya... interpret that as you will), Jojo Siwa, the list goes on. The point is when it happens don’t be shocked

🌌 When doing compatibility, it’s important to know what type of energy you’re into. For example: you can have 2 people who could be astrologically perfect for each other, but they just don’t vibe with each other. However you could have 2 people who really shouldn’t be astrologically compatible, BUT they want the astrological energy the other has. 

🌌Literally any placement can cause problems if it's not accepted and worked with, even easy placements in a chart. Admittedly it can be hard to accept some placements, but not working with them will cause issues to arise.

Astrological Theories that I have (PLEASE give feedback if you have these placements):

🌌 I think fixed moons could feel very heavy to people who don’t have many fixed signs in their chart. Fixed moons can be wonderfully grounding if worked with and embraced, but if you have a lighter chart or don’t have other fixed placements I could see it being rough. (this is coming from a person with a ridiculous amount of fixed signs and squares in their chart though, so I could easily be wrong on this take)

🌌 The first house+ the Sun+ and Venus signs make up the way people consciously decide on personal aesthetics. Dominances/10th house may also affect these things, depending on situation

🌌You may be particularly attracted to people with signs from your 8th, 10th, 11th, or 12th houses (depends on what you’re into).

🌠 The 8th house is the house of intimacy, so overlaps in synastry can indicate feeling comfortable in being vulnerable/intimate within the relationship. There can easily be a sense of emotional safety with a relationship that has 8th house aspects, so a lot of people may really vibe with people that have placements that fall in their 8th house

🌠 The 10th house is how we would like to be seen, and can also be interpreted as what we aspire to be. It wouldn't shock me for someone to be attracted to a person that has qualities that they aspire to have.

🌠 The 11th house is community and friendships. If you're a particularly community-oriented person (or someone that really craves belonging in a community) you may be attracted to someone with placements in your 11th house or someone who embodies your 11th house.

🌠 The 12th house is admittedly tricky for relationships. The 12th house is the house of the unconscious and hidden enemies, so it can be an issue if there are a lot of 12th house connections/overlaps in synastry if both individuals have not done a lot of personal work. Having said that, there can be a comforting (or unnerving) ability to see parts of the other’s unconscious self.

I’m also working to do a giveaway in May, info is here. I’ll be putting up more details closer to the start of the giveaway