#bc progress and improvements comes individually

[6ebe]

I do find it very funny how you’ll see people who are fans of f1 and also like football or something say football is “real team sport no individualism it’s all team they’d do anything for eachother” and. As someone who does a “real team sport”. Shit is CUT THROAT. You are fighting for time on pitch you are fighting to be in the best teams if you get a better offer you’re dipping you guys have GOT to stop drinking the parasocial kool-aid of multibillion dollar sport industries …

[3nderstar]

.

[irrelevantnostalgia]

Cake Mania: To the Max! (2011): Part 1

ᆞPᆞᆞlᆞᆞoᆞᆞtᆞ

Jill and Jack are looking through Jill's old photo album with their twins and come across Jill's high school days. She starts to reminisce about the days of shoulder pads, neon everywhere, and her awkward phase. These high school days become the final installment of the Cake Mania series, where this time the players time travel back to 1989 to when Jill was navigating prom, applying to college, and figuring out what she wanted to do with her life! A fairly simple plot, a nice way to wind down this series from the evil directors and time travel to 500 BC and cake-baking in an aquarium. Almost like a nod to the normalcy of the first Cake Mania game, where we see the beginnings of Jill's adult life. This game goes back to the classic Cake Mania format with 100 levels of cake-baking only.

Fun fact, this is the first time I was able to finish this game in full! When I used to play this game back in the day, the fuck ass PC wiped my data once I reached around level 60. This happened to me twice. Another time when I actually got past level 60, I would get stuck on a later level where I would be unable to achieve even the bare minimum baking goal. I raged so hard about all these instances that I avoided playing the game for years (almost a decade lol).

ᆞWᆞᆞhᆞᆞaᆞᆞtᆞ'ᆞsᆞ ᆞNᆞᆞeᆞᆞwᆞ

Interior Mode: A big change in this game is that there is an "interior mode" option for the shopping/upgrade center. Now, you can "upgrade" the walls, floor, counter and door just like you can the oven or froster. This may seem similar to the "building upgrade" in Cake Mania Main St + Lights, Camera, Action since upgrading the building also changed the interior design of the building, but unlike in those games, the upgrades are supposed to confer actual advantages in gameplay.

Upgrading the walls is supposed to help with increasing tips, the floor is supposed to help Jill get around faster, the door is supposed to help with customer patience, and the counter upgrades help make room for more customers at a time. There are two one-time upgrades you can also make--buying a flower-pot can help make the sugar-rush last longer and buying a lamp permanently stops the equipment-breaking (yes, they kept this from the last game!).

For the most part, this is an excellent way to sprinkle-up the game and add more stuff to purchase to make the game less monotonous as you progress through the later levels. Compared to the rest of the games where eventually your profits made per level rise exponentially and never get spent past you getting all the key upgrades, I was budgeting out from Day 1 all the way to the very end.

In my personal opinion, I don't think all the interior upgrades really added much to improve gameplay. The counter getting longer does actually help in getting more customers on the screen at a time and more tips from the walls is always welcome. The two one-time upgrades were both good too, especially since it takes a while for you to save up funds for the lamp so it feels like a huge reward once you do get it. However, the door and floor upgrades didn't *feel* all that helpful. Upgrading Jill's shoes had more of an effect on helping her get around than the floor, and a cookie and the right channel do more for customer patience than the door. I would even say nothing makes those fuckers happy.

Speaking of helping reduce monotony, in this game there are some differences in how equipment is upgraded. Rather than buying 3 separate ovens and upgrading them individually, you instead have one massive oven with 4 compartments. You have to buy the compartments as well as additional cake shape options, but the speed upgrades affect the entire oven instead of each individual compartment. Meanwhile, the cake froster + decorator upgrades follow the same upgrade pattern but it doesn't just stop at gold. There are additional upgrade speeds you get until the final one, which looks like some brutalist industrial bullshit.

I'm sorry but it simply did not slay. I was hoping for some tacky neon 80s realness as the final upgrade.

Essentially, the point of all the previous word vomit is that in this game there are so many upgrades that you will be hustling and checking your budget from the beginning to the end, which is not something you do in the previous games (for the most part). I won't lie, I played this game twice and took two different approaches to upgrades and there would still be places that were not fully upgraded or there would be equipment that I would not get to purchasing at all.

Similar to the upgrades keeping you on your toes from beginning to the end in this game, so do the customers in some cases. I feel like a broken record, but in the previous games once you got to a certain point in the cake-baking game you could handle whatever customer pile-up gets thrown your way without thinking too hard about it. Even in the last game where you had the Lola Fierezzas changing everyone's orders. I wouldn't say that every level in this game had me locked in devoting 50% of my brain to ergonomics, but there was a certain type of level that stood out to me that I felt like I didn't experience before in my journey with Cake Mania. Let's introduce two characters.

80s Movie Mean Girl

Favorite TV show: Aerobics

She pairs up with other cheerleaders in the line.

Her name is Cindy and she is Jill's """"love rival""". I put that in heavy quotations because the Big Jock is interested in Jill but she is not into him, and Cindy is salty that Big Jock pays attention to Jill. Cue passive aggressiveness, which even spills into gameplay because she tips like ass. I'll be making 3-tier cakes for her and getting a fraction of what I would get if I made one for another customer, which makes levels where she shows up a significant amount really annoying to play.

Now let's introduce another character

DnD Dweeb

Favorite TV show: Cooking show

Do you see my pain now? Having him make a recurring appearance in a level was an absolute nightmare when it came to me wanting to obtain all superstar baking goals. The moment this twerp would show up in line I would pray that I could drop everything and get his cake out of the way so I could keep my properly compensating customers. Ngl though, if he wanted a 3 layer cake I would just take the L. Not giving myself carpel tunnel over this shit.

To deal with his appearances I invested in an overnight fridge earlier than I usually would purchase one so I could have expensive cakes ready to fly out, and I would constantly purchase a one-time-use power-up available in the upgrade shop that gets a customer out of the way. There were multiple levels with this dynamic and it was the worsttt.

On the flip side, I actually have to appreciate the aforementioned Big Jock for coming in because....

♥ Evil Bully from 80s movie ♥

Favorite TV show: Cooking show

He orders multiple times

Honestly, I think the real bully is gonna be the DnD Dweeb for turning this guy into a no-tipping ass cheerleader and making me hustle harder to meet my goals! Plus he increases the hearts on the other customers which is another point from me. One of the most satisfying feelings was collecting profits from this guy cause you would get like a $100+ boost! Lore wise, he is just an annoying fuck who is into Jill and doesn't pick up on the very obvious hint that she does not want to be his prom date.

There is another new aspect added to this game, which really did nothing for me. Instead of having me describe it with more word vomit, let me just share the screenshots:

Before I introduce the characters used for this example Imma just keep it real: I never used this shit as a part of my strategy to make customers happier. I just feel like gameplay moves way too fast to really give a shit especially when you have tools like the TV and cookies to keep them at bay. Really, what I would use this for is to just move customers up if there was a space between them just to make walking easier for Jill. Perhaps if I played this game in a more relaxed manner I could focus on different characters and how they impacted each other just based on line placement. But frankly, I didn't notice anything super obvious, besides the two characters used for the example. Speaking of...

Megumi Fushiguro

Favorite TV Show: News

He doesn't like "new wave guy"

Yuri Plisetsky if he had a stupid haircut

Favorite TV Show: News

He doesn't like "punk guy". Someone needs to create a new manga over these two STAT! Also, my personal headcanon is that this guy is the high school version of the businessman introduced in the first Cake Mania.

ᆞMᆞᆞoᆞᆞrᆞᆞeᆞ ᆞCᆞᆞhᆞᆞaᆞᆞrᆞᆞaᆞᆞcᆞᆞtᆞᆞeᆞᆞrᆞᆞsᆞ

Businessman Sr.

Favorite TV Show: Rock Concert

This guy has to be New Wave Guy's dad.

80s Bridezilla

Favorite TV Show: News

Unlike in the first Cake Mania where her younger sister is most likely Bridezilla, she actually has a similar Pirate/Mr Dinosaur effect where her flipping out causes others to flip out and leave.

Cop

Favorite TV Show: Rock Concert

♥Doctor♥

Favorite TV Show: Aerobics

420 Blaze It

Favorite TV Show: Aerobics

Seasons may change and the years may go on by....but this guy will always be high

Klepto Kelly (ft her Emo BF)

Favorite TV Show: Aerobics

Seasons may change and the years may go on by....but her desire to steal your money is always sky-high

Birth Control Inspo

Favorite TV Show: Rock Concert

Little Kid

Favorite TV Show: Aerobics

(Dr.) Miss Lily

Favorite TV Show: Aerobics

She is That Girl cause everyone wants to change their order to hers! I would especially let it happen if these customers came in with some basic fuckass cakes that would make no money. Plus, per Jill, she is also a doctor. Based on her cute and relaxed fit (unlike the scrubs doc) I could see her being a dermatologist or endocrinologist. Maybe psychiatrist cause she knows how to convince others to change their orders

Thanks to Tumblr's 30-picture limit in text posts, I will have to split this review up into two posts. Stay tuned for part 2!

[straynoahide]

there's an ugly hypocritical side to haters of christianity that flares up in holidays even without them realizing that's what it is.

i'm speaking esp of progressives - it's cos they feel shielded by a sense of lack of consequence, even of reward, from the false perception of "punching up" against a majority/hegemonic thing.

i'm a very chill person and not in the mood for polemics, i'll keep a few draft prompts but rn with the holidays, whatever.but... just bc a christian is chill doesn't mean they don't notice.

we do notice what people tolerate about the mentalities/rhetoric of those who still despise, spit on us and kill us when we are not protected by democracy and freedom of religion.

christians, see, exist in every nation on earth. as a spiritual and religious holiday, Christmas to me means more today because it can be celebrated in Syria and Bethlehem. and in the Ekklesia, there are no countries. We are all brothers, and not just of the Christians alive today, but of all its souls.

the message i do want to put out today, and i think is entirely in the spirit of Christmas, is that ppl who can't even govern themselves to not be mean-spirited against what they are not, should not pretend they can improve the world until they get why they have to. this isn't meant to shame anyone. it's meant as motivation.

be better than just minding you, bc it's a world that includes you and others, so what would someone like you be doing with that political agency? you're gonna find that out after the mob you find comfort in takes power, you say? if they decide to make you individually a political agent? mhm

remember to look inwards and clean house first always. and be careful of who's around you. using you and loving you are different things.

Mark 15:11 What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.

[v-writes]

I think something I want to implement is a word count goal per day/week

And if I beat the overachiever in my head back with a stick and make the goal small enough I can do it even on bad days/weeks I'll still be making progress, instead of getting discouraged, because as much as I have had days in the past where I write 4k in a sitting that's not something I can really bang out on command consistently, and hoping to/trying to force it is why there was a 9 month gap between posting ch 1 and 2 of Best Foot Forward. ch 2 was written and just needed an edit for so long, but I didn't want to post it until I knew I was going to actually be working on it consistently, and then ended up posting it on a whim on new years eve, kinda as interaction bait. And while this, making a point to write more, was not intended as a new years resolution, that is kinda how the timing worked out.

still kicking around exact number goals, cause I want to see how it works in execution, but rn I'm thinking 150 words a day or 1000 a week, which looking at the past few days that word a day goal feels low, but by having a weekly goal as well it'll (hopefully) help prevent me from getting in my head about like. when I have evening plans and so don't have free time to write. Oh no I have other social obligations. I don't objectively have a problem prioritizing based on plans, or setting writing aside, but if I set just a per day goal it'll nag at me when I can't do it, bc then like. what's the point of the goal? but having dual goals? would fix that. And like once I get writing I'll probably write more than the goal, but the trick is maintaining the habit.

Look last year was the year I realized I go insane without a creative outlet, I just hadn't noticed because I hadn't realized that DMing and Dungeons and Dragons had filled that slot for me. But with how life has shaken out recently I haven't been DMing? Tho I'm a player for the longest I've ever been! but that doesn't scratch the same itch. Not to mention dnd is mostly improv, and comes with a group that can (whether they realize it or not) act to hold me accountable to prep bc I'm not the only one involved.

But writing being more of an individual thing (until it's ready to post) means it's easier to just. not do it. but the effort is worth it!

[bcstrength]

Stratified Strength: Revolutionizing Fitness in Washington, DC

Fitness enthusiasts in Washington, DC, are no strangers to the hustle of achieving peak physical performance. From high-intensity training to personalized routines, the capital is home to an ever-growing fitness community. But there's a new movement making waves in the city: Stratified Strength. As one of the most innovative approaches to strength training, Stratified Strength Washington, DC, is quickly becoming the go-to method for those seeking better results through tailored workouts. Powered by BC Strength Training, this revolutionary approach is transforming how locals approach their fitness goals.

What is Stratified Strength?

Stratified Strength is a method that focuses on individualized progression and tailored training techniques. Unlike traditional training programs that adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, Stratified Strength recognizes that each body has unique needs, strengths, and weaknesses. By focusing on specific phases or "strata" of strength development, clients are guided through a system that builds muscle and endurance while preventing overtraining and injury.

Whether you are an athlete looking to enhance your performance or someone who is simply trying to improve overall strength and health, Stratified Strength offers a strategic, scalable approach that adapts to your fitness journey. This method emphasizes progression in layers, creating a sustainable path toward maximum fitness.

The Stratified Strength Philosophy at BC Strength Training

BC Strength Training is at the forefront of implementing Stratified Strength techniques in Washington, DC. Their approach begins with a thorough assessment of your current fitness level, goals, and any underlying limitations. From there, they design a program specifically for you, adjusting training methods and intensity at different intervals to optimize strength and endurance without the risk of burnout.

At BC Strength Training, they understand that no two individuals are the same, which is why Stratified Strength is particularly effective in addressing personal needs. For example, if you're new to strength training, the program might focus initially on building a foundation of mobility and stability before progressing to more challenging routines. If you're an experienced lifter, the program may work on refining your form, preventing injuries, and breaking through plateaus.

How Stratified Strength Benefits Washington, DC Fitness Enthusiasts

Washington, DC, is known for its dynamic lifestyle and diverse population. With busy professionals, students, and athletes scattered across the city, having access to a personalized and effective strength training method like Stratified Strength is a game changer. Some of the key benefits of Stratified Strength include:

Injury Prevention: By breaking down strength training into manageable phases, Stratified Strength reduces the risk of overtraining and injury, helping clients build strength safely over time.

Customizable Programs: With its individualized approach, Stratified Strength adapts to each person's unique fitness level and goals, allowing for a more effective and enjoyable training experience.

Sustainable Results: This progressive, layered approach ensures that clients are consistently challenged without overwhelming their bodies, leading to more long-term, sustainable results.

Enhanced Performance: Whether you're training for a sport or simply aiming to be healthier, Stratified Strength helps improve overall functional strength, mobility, and performance.

Why Choose BC Strength Training for Your Stratified Strength Journey?

When it comes to experiencing Stratified Strength in Washington, DC, BC Strength Training is the ultimate destination. Their expert trainers specialize in designing programs that are tailored to your unique needs, ensuring you receive the best guidance and support throughout your fitness journey.

At BC Strength Training, the focus is on building a supportive community where members feel motivated and encouraged. They provide more than just fitness training—they offer education, empowerment, and a personalized approach that helps you build confidence and achieve your desired results.

Join the Revolution in Strength Training

If you're ready to take your fitness journey to the next level, Stratified Strength at BC Strength Training in Washington, DC, is the perfect choice. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced athlete, the Stratified Strength approach will help you break barriers and transform your fitness routine.

Take the first step today by contacting BC Strength Training and discovering how their personalized Stratified Strength programs can help you unlock your true potential. Revolutionize your fitness and experience the benefits of targeted, sustainable strength training in Washington, DC!

Visit BC Strength Training today and start your Stratified Strength journey now!

[pastramimommy]

Year in Review 2023

(Posting this from notes in 2024 for my reference)

Physical

2023: easily the best shape I’ve been in in my life. I feel good, and I have a body I am proud o and am comfortable in. I’ve pushed myself in terms or resistance training and maintained my ability to run. my consistency was incredible, and that was evident in my flexibility/splits progress and pull up/push ups. I was mostly consistent with my 1x/month pole goal and I’m finding myself wanting more of a challenge and I think pole will be it.

2024: pole 1x/wk, 2 pull ups, half marathon, full marathon?!

Spiritual

2023: I was pretty good at being consistent with watching church, but i still felt how i usually do in terms of not buying into the message. my relationship with god is about the same as the previous year, maybe a little bit better. It wasn’t until the end of the year that I found a mindfulness practice that worked for me but even so, it was challenging to feel close to god when I did it, or I fell asleep doing it lol 

2024: Find a physical church in Kc, focus on intentionality while doing the examen in the morning

Mental/emotional

2023: my mental health has really been great, the only real challenges of the year was the imposter syndrome of precepting and charge. I did feel anxiety from those but I think I approached them in a healthy way. definitely good practice for the new job and school. This has definitely been the most stable year of my life but I can’t really say there has been many challenges, the thought of how much my life will change in the coming year has stressed me out a little bit but im mostly excited! I was proactive in starting therapy and improved on reflecting before reacting. I’ve finally become comfortable with alone time and started to enjoy it, good thing bc there will be plenty more ahead. “today I choose peace” has been a wildly helpful mantra in controlling what i can control and letting go of everything else.

2024: monthly individual check in journaling before life dinner. create mindfulness toolbox to use in spiraling moments (more mantras, breathing exercises, etc)

Financial

2023: I was able to live a fun life while still investing and building wealth. I definitely could have improved with sticking to my budget. I would look at it after the fact but need to do better paying attention to it throughout the month. 

2024: stick to the budget, dedicate to the chosen side hustles. im going to put myself on care.com, pick up shifts regularly and attempt the etsy t shirt scam lol

Social

2023: watching everybody leave and starting to get sad about it, i decided to make the effort to keep the circle small and only put effort into people who reciprocate it. it feels kind of weird and against my nature but I know this is better for my wallet lol I haven’t had a solid “group” for awhile now and I do miss that, hoping to regain that this year but we’ll see

2024: don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family, call and catch up with someone. 1 call/wk? Be active in planning the cousin get together!! Text people back within 24 hrs. say happy birthday to people. Help plan xmas/new years. put myself out there to make friends in the following ways:

-bumble bff

-concerts

-church

-free/cheap events in the area

-pole

Hobbies:

2023: reading, running, gym, embroidery (BIG WINS HERE!! 1-2 PROJECTS/MONTH), cooking (ehhhh we made some progress, skills didnt improve but did build collection of quick and easy recipes for times of struggle lol)

2024: pole, embroidery, run, read, grow mushrooms, become a loose leaf tea girly, broccoli sprouts

Relationship:

2023: this year was the beginning of reality starting to hit that this isn’t just fun and games anymore, with him moving to KC it became the moment for me to decide how much I want to be him, which was not a hard decision at all, but becoming comfortable with what that entails was much more challenging. I didn’t even realize until the end of the year that this difficulty stems from the fact that this is the first time I’ve gotten to this point in a relationship and I’ve never really been in the vulnerable position of sacrificing things and changing my life for another person, esp when they couldn’t reciprocate in an equal way.

-strengths: i prioritized him with my time and effort in terms of thoughtful actions. long distance was honestly easy, and a reminder not to worry about the future because we are both independent people who can hold their own. we did international travel together, and spent 8 days straight together without wanting to kill each other and we genuinely had a great time. we have successfully implemented the life dinner throughout the whole year and I have started to use this as the time to make any small gripes that I feel are necessary. I’ve found that sitting on my worries before bringing them to the table allows me to communicate them in a healthier way, and letting the small things go if I find them to be no longer bothersome to me. our sex is absolutely fuego and i have so much more confidence, and all the areas that I can improve, i genuinely look forward to working towards them without being self deprecating or self conscious about it! #sexypact2023

-opportunities for growth: respectful communication continues to be my biggest area for growth, I do think it has gotten better over the years, my language being less abrasive and not making unhelpful comments right off the bat. nevertheless I do have my moments aka your white coat ceremony. alcohol has constantly made this worse, and throughout the second half of the year I’ve been a lot more conscious of this. i really do try to watch what i say because i’m trying to respect his boundaries, but sometimes I get scared that I will slip up because I am a human, and seeing as he is working on enforcing his boundaries, i don’t know where the line is. obviously im not trying to push it, but the thought scares me. He is working on prioritizing himself and cutting out unnecessary stress in his life but as I move I would expect him to try to make my transition easy the way that I had for him. I just worry that I hope that this is a fair expectation, rather than an unnecessary stressor. I’ve only been able to approach our situation with low expectations in effort to protect myself, but I do see how that come across from his perspective, that I don’t trust that he will prioritize me or that i resent him for having made all these life changes, but I genuinely just don’t know how to approach this in a healthy but realistic way. 

upon my conversations with chelsea and maxine, I feel like this is the opportunity i’ve been searching for to really put my faith into god. I have maximized my ability to control everything up until this point and I need to allow myself to let go. If i am able to put truly trust in god that this situation will work out the way it is intended to for both of us, i won’t need to spend all my energy bracing myself for the worst. my language can be positive and not as stressful for chris to hear. i can find comfort and peace that I need within myself and I won’t have to rely on others. I was searching for some sort of quick fix or academic psychological approach to this but honestly, i think this is THE solution/approach. 2024 is the year that i get past my ability to take the leap and have faith.

I need to stop thinking so far into the future and focus on how  I can be a good partner in the present.

-favorite memories: the rooftop bar in rio, annex in durham, cooking meat on the parking deck for your bday

-life lessons: think before you fucking speak, today I choose peace 

2024:

-boundaries: if you can genuinely tell yourself “i did my best to prioritize hayley”  and mean it, I will be fine. challenge yourself to talk about the future with me, unprompted by me. do not neglect me physically/emotionally. make an effort to see my family. 

-shared expectations: see each other once a week, can be a productive hang out or you studying and me reading and not bothering you. we can do productive time with sex breaks. communicate RESPECTFULLY. if I ever request any of your time, I will let you know as far in advance as I possibly can. I will only request your time for matters that I deem important enough.

-how we can support each other: meet in the middle in terms of focusing on the present vs the future, 2023 was about your adjustment, 2024 will be about mine, so how I want you to prioritize me is to do what you can to help me in this transition. make me feel wanted (affection, physical contact, how you text, etc), hold hands or be naked while we fight

-word/phrase: goal is to be each other’s safe space. I don’t want to be an added stress to your life, I want to be here to make your life easier, not harder. this year will be the first year we are both on the struggle bus at the same time, so we need to be on the same team.

Habits:

2024: 

-operation early bird

-NO SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE AM

-examen in the morning

-get out of bed within 5 min of waking up

-respect the social media limit

-self care day 1x/wk (oil and derma roll hair, face massage)

-1 book/mo

-1 embroidery/mo: embroider my own designs?!

-sexypact2024: dirty talk!

-compost!! Veggie broth!

-use planner and complete the low priority tasks

Trips

2023

april: coleys wedding, mayas grad

May: boston w ehomies, subtronics

June: rio

July: valentino khan, KC for white coat, SD with fc friends

August: Greece

Sept: maryland GI conference, tchami

October: philly with nursing school homies

November: atlanta for thanksgiving, fam in durham

December: CA for nye!

2024

-Mardi gras 2/9

-Mia’s debut 3/23

-Jacob’s 5/4 

-sd holidays

[cambridge05academy]

Which is better for IELTS IDP or BC?

Are you ready to take the IELTS exam but unsure whether to choose IDP or British Council? The decision can be crucial in determining your success. Let's dive into the debate and find out which one suits you best!

Is the British Council more difficult than IDP?

Many test-takers wonder if there's a difference in difficulty between the British Council and IDP versions of the IELTS exam. The truth is, both follow the same format and criteria set by Cambridge English Language Assessment. However, some may perceive slight variations in emphasis or question style.

British Council centers might have a reputation for being more traditional or formal, while IDP centers could lean towards a slightly modern approach. Nevertheless, these differences are subtle and shouldn't significantly impact your performance.

It comes down to personal preference and comfort levels. Some may find one provider's testing environment more conducive to their success than the other. Remember, preparation and practice are key regardless of which center you choose!

In which month is the IELTS exam easy?

When considering which month to take the IELTS exam, it's essential to understand that the difficulty of the test remains consistent throughout the year. However, it is important to note that personal circumstances and preparation play a significant role in determining how well you perform on the exam.

Some test-takers believe that certain months may be less stressful due to seasonal factors or personal schedules. While this perception can vary among individuals, there is no concrete evidence suggesting that one month is easier than another for taking the IELTS exam.

Success on the IELTS exam depends on your dedication to studying and preparing effectively regardless of when you choose to sit for the test. So rather than focusing on finding an "easy" month, concentrate on honing your English language skills and familiarizing yourself with the test format for optimal results.

Can I get 9 in IELTS?

Scoring a perfect 9 in the IELTS exam is a goal many aspire to achieve. While it may seem daunting, it is definitely possible with dedication and strategic preparation. Understand that achieving a band score of 9 requires proficiency at an expert level in all aspects of the English language – listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

To reach this pinnacle score, consistent practice is key. Familiarize yourself with the format of the test, work on expanding your vocabulary extensively, and hone your grammar skills. Additionally, regular mock tests can help assess your progress and identify areas for improvement.

Remember that each section contributes to your overall score; hence equal attention should be given to all components. Stay focused, stay motivated, and believe in your ability to excel. With perseverance and hard work combined with effective study techniques tailored to your strengths and weaknesses - achieving a perfect 9 is within reach!

Which center is best for the IELTS exam?

When it comes to choosing the best center for your IELTS exam, factors like location, facilities, and reputation play a crucial role in making the right decision.

Opting for a test center with convenient transportation options can help ease any pre-exam jitters and ensure you arrive on time. Additionally, centers with well-equipped testing rooms and supportive staff can create a conducive environment for test-takers to perform their best.

Reputation is another key aspect to consider when selecting an IELTS exam center. Researching online reviews and testimonials from past test-takers can provide valuable insights into the quality of services offered by different centers.

The best center for your IELTS exam will be one that aligns with your preferences and requirements, allowing you to approach the test day with confidence and peace of mind.

Cambridge English Academy- IELTS Coaching in India

Looking for top-notch IELTS coaching in India? Look no further than Cambridge English Academy. Renowned for its exceptional teaching methods and experienced faculty, this academy is a popular choice among IELTS aspirants.

At Cambridge English Academy, students receive personalized attention and guidance to help them achieve their desired band score. The institute's comprehensive study materials and practice tests ensure that students are well-prepared for the exam.

With a focus on developing all four language skills - listening, reading, writing, and speaking - Cambridge English Academy equips students with the necessary tools to excel in the IELTS exam. Additionally, the academy offers flexible timings and batch options to cater to individual needs.

Joining Cambridge English Academy can significantly enhance your chances of scoring high in the IELTS exam. With a track record of success stories, this institute stands out as one of the best choices for IELTS coaching in India.

Key Features of Cambridge English Academy

When choosing the best IELTS coaching center in India, it is crucial to consider various factors such as teaching methods, study materials, expert faculty, and success rate. Cambridge English Academy stands out as a top choice for IELTS preparation with its comprehensive courses tailored to meet individual needs. With a focus on personalized attention, flexible timings, and interactive sessions, students are well-equipped to achieve their desired band score.

At Cambridge English Academy, you can benefit from experienced instructors who provide valuable feedback and guidance throughout your preparation journey. The institute's mock tests help simulate real exam conditions and assess your progress effectively. Additionally, their extensive library of study materials ensures thorough coverage of all test sections.

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Visit Our Site:  Best IELTS Coaching in India

[thelatestbyte]

Cesarean Section Through the Ages

By: Anna K. Bergendy

Twitter: @annakleopatra.art

Introduction: Early C-Sections

Cesarean section surgeries, or c-sections, have a long history dating back to 320 BC, with the first recorded successful procedure in 1500 AD. The practice may be as old as mankind. Before the advent of modern surgical techniques, anesthesia, and antiseptic practices, cesarean sections were primarily used as a last resort in situations where the mother had died, or was dying during childbirth, and the primary goal was to save the life of the infant. C-sections often appear in myths, reflecting the fascination with saving both mother and baby through miracles or medical intervention. The term "cesarean" likely comes from the Roman term caeso matris, meaning “cutting a fetus from the maternal womb,” and is often mistakenly attributed to Julius Caesar. Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome, enacted the Lex Cesarea, a law mandating fetal extraction from the maternal uterus in cases of maternal death. This law aimed to provide a chance for the baby to survive and, if not, to ensure an individual burial. In this article, we primarily focus on European history in the 19th and 20th centuries.

An illustration of the birth of Julius Caesar from 1506

Despite a popular legend suggesting Caesar's birth via c-section, historical evidence indicates it is highly unlikely, as his mother, Aurelia Cotta, lived many years in good health after his birth.

Source: Wikipedia

The earliest explicit record of a cesarean surgery is found in the Persian national epic, the Shahnameh. The epic, covering the history of ancient Persia, recounts the poetic, yet realistic, story of Princess Rudaba giving birth to her exceptionally large son, Rustam.

"Birth of Rustam", detail of an illustration

Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The reasons for performing cesarean sections were explained by a combination of medical, cultural, and religious factors. The 19th and 20th centuries were marked by a significant scientific boom, which transformed various fields. Medical science progressed significantly during the 19th century, with notable achievements such as the introduction of anesthesia, the formulation of the germ theory of disease, and the recognition of bacteria as the culprits behind infections. The 20th century brought about a revolutionary shift in medicine with groundbreaking discoveries like antibiotics, including penicillin, fundamentally altering healthcare practices.

The tuberculosis epidemic across Europe was a major public health concern in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The physical symptoms of tuberculosis on women were absurdly romanticized as pale skin and fragility were sought after traits at the time.

Tuberculosis can sometimes affect reproductive organs, including the deformation of the pelvic area. Pelvic tuberculosis can lead to inflammation, scarring, and damage to the fallopian tubes or uterus. In severe cases, it may result in pelvic adhesions or obstruction, potentially affecting fertility or complicating pregnancy. A generation of women having been affected by tuberculosis called for a desperate need to significantly improve the efficiency of c-section procedures. Birth by cesarean section became increasingly common in the 19th century. Up until the 20th century, the number one reason for its use was underdeveloped pelvises as a result of tuberculosis:society could no longer afford cesarean section to be nothing more than a last resort.

The story of Anna Margaretha Adametz

This story serves as a poignant illustration of the resilience of both mothers and medical practitioners amidst the challenges posed by tuberculosis. Anna Margaretha Adametz was born in 1795 in the Duchy of Holstein, and she was the wife of a Bohemian tailor. Due to childhood tuberculosis, she couldn't walk until she was 12 years old, and she had an extremely narrow pelvis. Despite all the potential risks, it's safe to assume that she desired to become a mother more than anything in the world and would do anything to make her dream happen. She first got pregnant at the age of thirty and, within the next eleven years, underwent a total of four c-sections without any form of anesthesia.

She went into labor for the first time on June 16, 1826. For two days, she could not birth her baby, and her midwife called for a local team of doctors who could not help her despite their best efforts. In the end, with Mrs. Adametz’s consent, Dr. Zwanck, a surgeon from a nearby town, performed a cesarean section on her on the morning of June 18. Unfortunately, her baby did not survive. Despite having a high fever, it’s been noted that she was able to do the laundry by July 20. Dr. Zwanck advised her not to get pregnant again, as it would certainly be fatal. Three years later, she was expecting another baby.

Dr. Zwanck would not perform another surgery, so he recommended Professor Christian Rudolf Wilhelm Wiedemann in Kiel. At this time, Wiedemann was already planning his retirement, but learning about this case, he was ready to perform her now-second c-section with the help of his nephew and assistant Gustav Adolph Michaelis. Michaelis was a true pioneer of scientific obstetrics with great empathy for pregnant women. He performed extensive research on birth difficulties associated with a narrow pelvis. Walking in the footsteps of Ignác Semmelweis, Michaelis was one of the first obstetricians to implement the practice of chlorine handwashing to prevent childbed fever.

On a candle-lit night on January 20, 1830, Mrs. Adametz’s second surgery began. Despite the lack of anesthesia, she fearlessly rejected her limbs getting tied down. During the five-minute surgery, attendees noted that she did not make a sound. The surgery was successful, but the baby girl tragically passed away when she was 32 days old.

Two years after the second surgery, on March 28, 1832, she was ready to undergo the procedure for a third time. The surgery was successfully performed by Michaelis, but the baby boy passed away in infancy, too, due to scarlet fever.

Her last and final cesarean section took place on June 27, 1836. Mrs. Adametz was 41 years old at the time. The medical team was certain that she would not survive another procedure. A couple of doctors and twenty students witnessed Michaelis perform a medical miracle by candlelight. This time the surgery took 29 minutes. A perfectly healthy, nearly 9 lbs baby girl was born. Mrs. Adametz’s incredible struggle had finally paid off: she could raise her baby to adulthood. The baby girl was baptized on July 24th. She was given the name Frederike Caroline Luise Cäsarine. Christian VII, King of Denmark and Norway and Duke of Schleswig and Holstein, upon hearing about the incredible birth story, became the godfather and sponsor of Frederike. She lived a long life and got to tell her mother’s heroic story to her grandchildren.

*

Sometimes, there is unfair societal pressure on women that potentially lead to feelings of inadequacy or judgment for those who undergo cesarean sections. By sharing forgotten stories of medical pioneers and fearless mothers, we would like to challenge the invalidating idea that women who undergo them are less committed or strong. In tracing the historical journey of cesarean sections, we discover the indomitable spirit of individuals facing extraordinary challenge

VARIOUS TYPES OF STORIES ARE HERE

[ootbtutoringsblog]

Unlocking Academic Success: The Best English Tutor in Surrey, BC

Introduction

In a world where effective communication and language skills are paramount, finding the best English tutor in Surrey, BC becomes a crucial step in unlocking academic success. Whether you’re a student looking to improve your writing abilities, a professional aiming to enhance your language skills, or a non-native English speaker seeking fluency, having a reliable and experienced tutor by your side can make all the difference. In this blog post, we will explore the key qualities that make the best English tutor in Surrey, BC, and how OOTB Tutoring stands out in providing exceptional English tutoring services for learners of all ages and proficiency levels.

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[lastfrontierheli22]

World's Finest Heli-ski Operator 2022 « World Ski Awards

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Access unimaginable surroundings and virgin powder by way of heli-skiing with Stellar Heli Skiing or Snowwater Heli Skiing. Experienced guides can take you on every thing from long powder descents to slalom runs through old-growth tree glades. From the easily-accessed peaks exterior the Whitewater ski area, to the distant alpine bowls of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, to the mystic Monashees and rugged Selkirk mountain ranges, adventure Heliskiing awaits. Many glorious unnamed runs await you in the distant and delightful Southern Carpathians of Romania. You can experience the feeling of being ‘way out there’ on this incredible surrounding with Heliski Romania and Martin Freinademetz, 2-time world snowboarding champion.

Get ready to improve and run through an unlimited amount of pristine powder. You will join a bunch of individuals seeking to depart the slopes and find their very own route. K2 Snowboarding has supported riders globally for over 25 years with genuine, progressive Heliski snowboards, boots, and bindings to create epic days within the snow. With this a lot wild in our yard, you may suppose we’d be robust to get to. Located between Revelstoke and Golden, Heather Mountain Lodge is among the world’s most accessible heli-skiing destinations.

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Set out from a heli-ski base located among the many fjords of Baffin Island to succeed in untouched wildernesses that let you be the among the first to ski such slopes. Cookson hosts clients in a non-public assortment of Pacific Domes, which embody eating and club-house tents, while providing exploration of the slopes via snow-cat and helicopter. As properly as challenging yourself with some of the world’s longest couloirs and highest vertical cliff faces, you’re able to experience the tradition of the native Inuit folks. As above with the opposite gear, there are some advantages to utilizing rental gear from your heli op.

To warm up the legs, ski a number of days at Whitewater Ski Resort, it's noted as "Best Ski Town in North America". It pays to think exterior of the field when planning a heliski journey. The advice and suggestions listed about should allow you to to plan an reasonably priced heliski trip, but the one determination that may make the most difference to the ultimate Heli skiing Canada worth is the destination. Utah's premier heli-skiing operation flying out of Little Cottonwood Canyon. In a area that receives metres (40-60 feet) of snowfall each winter, Selkirk Tangiers will blow you away with unbelievable powder conditions. Although very distant, our friends get pleasure from easy accessibility with direct flights from Vancouver to Terrace, BC where they are met by our awaiting Heli for a 15 min transfer to their lodge.

[chirpsythismorning]

Feeling the weight of pressure society has on us to be in love/in relationships in the first place is also something that resembles conformity which is not talked about enough.

And how platonic love gets downgraded bc of that.

I do believe that Mike and El’s dynamic will improve immensely when they realize that they don’t need to force something that makes them both miserable.

Which is why it’s so odd when I see so many bylers in agreement that they hope Mike and El break up and the show stops focusing on their relationship at all bc they’re not even that close so there’s no point…

The whole point is that them forcing this relationship meant they couldn’t progress as individuals, let alone as a pairing. They’ve both been regressing.

I think it would feel super flat for the show to focus on Mike and El so prominently, and how that impacted both of their arcs over time, just to drop it off at the end. It NEEDS to come full circle and there needs to be closure for both the characters so that circling back to the beginning isn’t a skip fest.

And I think the Duffers would agree that to drop Mike and El’s bond off as innocuous would really make all of this build up a waste.

Let people face the fact that love between a boy and girl is not inherently romantic and how people in that situation can come out of it both better off and happier and still care for each other!!

take a shot everytime someone on byler tumblr downgrades the importance and deep-ness of platonic bonds in order to prove byler is romantic despite stranger things being a show that puts a lot of focus on friendships and emphasizes how platonic love is just as valuable as romantic love

[stranger-rants]

so much of this anti rhetoric rings too close to actual things i've heard said about clients i've worked with. that committing a crime or being in prison excludes a person from treatment, from access to mental health, from access to substance use treatment/programming, educational attainment, or programs towards bettering themselves and providing insight, healing, and lowering their risk of reoffending. the notion that a poor upbringing leads to a bad outcome and that in turn warrants all current and future circumstances as deserved. that somehow once the train to 'bad apple' town starts an individual is both responsible for its destination(s) and not stopping it all at the same time. bc they were clearly the conductor of some runaway train.

misunderstanding and so narrowly viewing and boiling a character like billy down. and then using all these 'reasons' that i have heard far too many times as to why he shouldn't be liked. why he should be ignored. why he should be outcast or further punished, institutionalized etc even... just speaks exactly to why i have a job. because when you ignore people. when you beat them down, and continue to outcast, and shut them out of society with no room to grow or improve... they come back to me again.

i really enjoy your posts. i appreciate that you take so much time to make these posts. you must be exhausted. they are extremely thoughtful and speak so much truth not just to the fandom but also to a lot of the systematic problems that individuals face in their daily lives. thank you. thank you for being here.

Thank you for such a lovely response 💜

I feel much the same way. The majority of the people I work with have some form of trauma.

Most of my students are refugees and immigrants who were brought here because of war or natural disaster, because I teach English as a language. Everyone copes in different ways, but the young people who aren't able to "behave" the way society expects have always been more prone to being exploited and abused and for my students, they tend to face harsher treatment because they were not born in the U.S.

Years ago, there was a local 14 year old who had stabbed someone in a robbing. There was talk of deporting them back to their birth country to stand trial where the punishment would be more severe. I also once had a student who had gone to jail for gang related stuff, but by their senior year they were trying to turn things around and even offer a safe place for their friend who was similarly involved in that life but it was difficult for him to navigate the world with a record.

I've had students come to me with many different prejudices. Just last year over half the male students in my class were happily talking about how back in their home country you could be killed for being gay or trans. Horrifying, I know. Yet, I've seen students start high school with a that same attitude, but then graduate with very progressive ideas and greater tolerance. It's almost like being surrounded by people who are different from you and being in an accepting environment helps.

I'm not too exhausted, thankfully. Sometimes I get triggered and I respond accordingly. However, it all just fuels me to keep doing what I'm doing.

[imsobadatnicknames2]

I knda wanna rework my first TTRPG system (this one specifically) bc, while my boyfriend and I have been having a lot of fun playing it from time to time, there are some aspects where it’s kind of a mess and it’s clear it needed A LOT more polish before releasing it. It was a hodgepodge of mechanics and systems that I individually liked pasted onto the lore of the 3.5e campaign I had been running for a while, and there’s some places where it definitely shows.

The thing is that. There’s a part of the system that I definitely feel is still rock-solid: the fact that you have absolute control over your character advancement. When you level up you have a single resource that you can spend to improve anything about your character, from increasing your HP to learning new spells, but you get a very limited ammount of it, forcing you to make tough character-building choices, as horizontal progression will often come at the expense of vertical progression and viceversa (e.g. learning a new spell and a new special ability means you’ll miss out on increasing your HP that level, stuff like that)

But there’s another part of the system that I’m EXTREMELY conflicted about, and that’s the fact that you increase your skills by using them, and level up after a certain number of skill increases. On paper I still really like the idea of your skills organically improving as a result of you practicing them, but I’m practice I’m afraid it rewards players for always trying to resolve situations by rolling dice before engaging with in-fiction problem solving, which is a play habit I’m not a big fan of. 

[problematicfavesareproblematic]

NSFW with Chuck Grant

~ ~ ~

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

 Charles Grant is a walking example of “acts like a badass, is actually a softie” bc BOY, IS HE HARD (lol) TO GET A READ ON. 

When you first start fucking, he doesn’t really have the instinct to stick around after and soak up the afterglow- mostly bc that’s not the dynamic that any of his previous relationships operated under, but also bc he’s like Lieb and doesn’t feel comfortable being vulnerable and potentially having you reject him. He only confidently leaves the first time, and then he judges whether to stay or not on how you look at him as he makes to get dressed after the second time you boink. If you want your space, he’ll go and be back the next day as long as you let him, but if you look even a little bit offended or hurt, he’s getting his ass back in that bed and doing whatever he can to get that sad look out of your eyes.

When he does stay, he’s down to give you whatever he can manage. 

He’s all for slowly kissing you while trailing his fingertips up and down your side, but if you just want to sleep beside him he is more than cool with it (he’ll probably still pet you a lil bit after you fall asleep bc he’s soft for you but shh shh shh don’t tell anyone). The only thing he isn’t very good at doing is pillow talk, especially right after sex. He’s too worried about saying the wrong thing and fucking up what he’s managed to establish with you. 

It isn’t until after he’s shot that he realizes how nice it feels to have someone else take care of him, and when you do so after sex it solidifies the fact that you don’t see him as a burden- you want him and you want to stay. Thank god, too. He doesn’t think he could recover without you (again, not that he’d ever tell you that)

 B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

 Your AhhhhhhHSSSSssssSSSSSs!!!!!!

Oh wow, look at you- owner of the cutest butt he’s ever seen. Can he put his hands on it? Can he squeeze it? Please please puh-lease can you let him watch it jiggle as he fucks you? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then you’ve made each and every single one of his dreams come true. 

He doesn’t discriminate in his love for butts- he’s an equal-opportunity appreciator of the Majesty of the Female Ass™. If it changes size throughout your relationship, he’ll love it even more. Absolutely shameless.

On himself? He likes his legs- especially his thighs. 

He likes how strong they are, despite how much he hates Sobel for getting them to their current strength re: Currahee. But he gets over it quickly bc oh wow is he happy with their endurance while trying to keep up with you, both sexually and otherwise. The day he realized you could ride yourself to orgasm on them was the day he died and went to heaven and was sent back to sin again.

 C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

 He likes cumming on your pubic mound and then watching it slide down your pussy, thank you very much. If you guys are trying for kids or in a position where you don’t have to worry about not having kids, he’ll cum inside of you happily but oh wow he likes watching it slide down your lower lips. BONUS POINTS if he gets to catch it on his thumb and either stick it in your mouth OR circle your clit with it in order to get you off one more time.

Also, you asking him where he wants to cum on you gets him hot under the proverbial collar. 

 D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

 He’d do literally anything for you if you’d let him put his finger in your ass. He will genuinely kill an individual of your choice if you let him put his cock there instead. What a perv (jk it takes a lot of vulnerability for some people to convey their wants and desires to their partners plz remember that this has been a PSA).

The one thing he’ll never actually tell you about... EVER is that for a little while after meeting you for the first time in Georgia, he started hooking up with a girl who he didn’t realize (until much later) bore a striking resemblance to you. He’d had to end the relationship when he straight-up called out your name when he came (he was a lil drunk, just tipsy enough to slip up) and full-on booked it out of there bc not only had he pissed the girl off, but his shout had woken up her family- namely her very angry father- and barely escaped with his life.

 E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

 He’s had two lovers before you, but one of them was really experienced and patient and bless that woman. All he really has to do is learn what you like and he’ll commit it to memory. 

And you better be damn sure that he’ll use that knowledge against you/for his benefit. 

 F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

 Doggy style for all the reasons mentioned before. Or reverse cowgirl. Or normal cowgirl. His hands + your butt= dream combo.

 G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

 He can be goofy, but more than anything else he likes it when you’re goofy. Chuck can get a little too in his own head at times, which can lead to frustration/self-doubt- ESPECIALLY while recovering from his brain injury. You reminding him that sex is meant to be fun does him a huge favor, bc poor lamb will forget that every so often.

So please, nibble at his earlobe in that way that tickles him. Make a quip at the expense of one of your friends. Mock the silly sound of the moan you just let slip out.

 H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

 He’s not going to groom unless you tell him to, but he also doesn’t feel like you need to groom for him, either. Chuck’s not afraid to admit how much his personal hygiene has improved since meeting you. 

I can promise you that if you’re heavily invested in skin/hair care, he’ll probably be just as into building his own routine. 

 I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

 You always have Chuck’s full and undivided attention during sex, but he won’t necessarily show it unless he gets the guy feeling/you tell him that you want him to be. He’s going to whisper sexy things into your ear, call you a good girl (if not his good girl), and do everything in his power (at the time, at least (he can get a little distracted if you’re doing something particularly sexy)) to make sure you feel just how appreciated you are. He gets more and more confident in his PDA as your relationship progresses, but when it’s just you two? You’ll never meet a bigger sweetheart.

 J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

 Ok, so I’m deciding for you that mutual masturbation is a thing that you’re both into, m’kay? 

I'm also making the executive decision that you really enjoy watching him get himself off. You walked in on him one time, before you’d had sex, and were so stunned that you just watched in rapt attention until awkwardly backing out of the room and slamming the door shut. He’d nearly cum right then and there, and it got you extremely aroused. 

The next time you see each other, at some Georgia bar while on a pass, you offhandedly mention that you wish you hadn’t left and FROM THAT DAY ON he always lets you know when he’s feeling the urge and how you’re more than welcome to watch.

And when you do? It’s always a much shorter experience than he intends bc wow how hot are you?

 K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

 Frottage! Dry Humping! Grinding!

Allow me to explain:

In the months following D-Day, it was quickly understood that being on the frontlines meant having traditional forms of sex were no longer on the table (hehe) for you two. You’d experimented with rucking your trousers down your thighs, his thighs, both of your thighs, and each time it was a disaster (with one of the worst times ending up falling onto Tab after he’d inadvertently opened a door that Chuck had been fucking you against. Chuck had nearly thrown fists when Tab refused to look aware from your bare ass.)

So yall started grinding- quickly finding out that the bunches of fabric separating your bodies not only led to new forms of stimulation, but it also meant that you both started to utilize dirty talk. There’s something about your trembling lips at his ear, your warm whispers of ‘so good’ and ‘is this really all you need, Chuck? Me, writhing on you like this? What does that say about you, you desperate boy??’

Boy’s bought a one-way ticket to Boner City, USA.

PLUS! What a way to keep warm during Bastogne? Everyone is so jealous that they don’t have a super foxy megahot babe like you to grind upon.

 L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

 Hmm…..is saying anywhere a cop-out? Because he’s down for anywhere, he’ll follow your lead and rise to the occasion. Such a perv i s2g.

 M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

 ♫ YOOOUUUUUUUU!!!!!! ♫

You have this one eyebrow quirk you do when you’re in the mood, and it just so happens to be similar to the brow raise you give someone trying to outsmart you (which is another turn on for him- you putting some overly-confident sonofabitch back in their place after allowing them to mansplain at you for a little bit. First boner he ever got (since meeting you, obviously) came after witnessing you telling Joe Liebgott to stfu in cutting German after he’d made some off-color comment about your ass.) 

So, more often than not, he'll get a little turned on when you argue with people. Maybe even when you argue with him- who knows? not me. (i totally do, and he totally is)

 N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

 Any sort of pain play, on either of you. 

After being in genuine agony for so long while recovering from all of the surgeries, the idea of seeking any more pain out just doesn’t make sense. Chuck also doesn’t want to see you in pain- even if you’re asking him to make you feel it. You’d both suffered through the pain of hunger, frostbite, insect bites, sunburn, and just war in general (all of which had emotionally taken a toll on him bc he felt completely helpless and hated that he couldn’t do anything to take your hurt away). 

Sex and pain just doesn’t go together for him. Sorry not sorry 

 O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

 He loves having you go down on him, adores the way your eyes look up at him as if you’re challenging him to withstand your beautiful ministrations. 

He also is a big fan of going down on you, but PLEASE PLEASE PUH-LEASE ride his face. Good lord. 

He’s a sucker (teehee) for it- something about you using him like it’s all you keep him around for gets him hot. You also get this certain snarl on your lips when you are getting close that makes him lose his goddamn mind bc WOW YOU ARE SO ATTRACTIVE and HOLY SHIT YOU CHOSE HIM OF ALL PEOPLE? WOWOWOW.

 P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

 He’ll follow your lead/body language in terms of pace. Most sex sessions shift between both slow and deep as well as fast and hard anyway, so he is a fan of both. 

 Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

 A necessary evil, as far as Chuck is concerned. He’ll do them, and he’d be lying if he said that he didn’t enjoy the spontaneity of them, but he would prefer not to be rushed when he’s with you.

 R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

 He was riskier until that one time Tab caught you guys, after which he chilled out. Which you are thankful for, bc you’ve spoken with Lieb’s wife and BOY have those two gotten into some embarrassing situations bc of how risky that kid is. 

 S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

 The longest he's gone is 4 rounds (it was celebratory sex on VE day, with both of you in the best shape you'd ever been in and too high on relief to listen to your bodies. Ya'll were sore and dehydrated afterward but LORD was it worth it.

 T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

 He’d be very open to the idea of toys! On you, he’s automatically cool with it, but it does take him a little bit to get his head around the idea of using toys himself. Again, 40s/50s= somewhat repressed discussion about deviations from the traditional male sexuality- but Chuck is more willing and ready to challenge the societal norms than most. Very sexy of him.

 U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

 He always intends to tease you, but more often than not he gets so turned on that he can’t follow that intention through. You are aware of this and ABSOLUTELY weaponize this knowledge. Get it, fam. 

During day-to-day conversation, however, you both tease each other constantly. It’s been like that since you’ve met each other- always making innuendos and one-upping the other and for some reason that never even went away.

When Chuck woke up and the doctors brought you in to see him, the first thing he told you was that you looked terrible. When you’d replied with a sniff, a smile and a “guess the doc’s were full of shit when they said there was no change in your vision, huh?”- Chuck had smiled so hard it hurt.

 V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

 He’s a choked moan kind of guy. His face gets all scrunched up and his body shakes and he curses quietly under his breath (it’s vv cute and hot, FYI). he doesn’t even try and be quiet on purpose, he just seems to lose the ability to be vocal, tbh. If he’s drinking or if it’s been a hot minute since yall have gotten to do the do, he’ll probably be a bit louder. Like, maybe one loud cry of your name (see: the letter D)

It doesn’t bother him if you make sounds at all, just so you know. If anything, he likes that he’s a quiet cummer bc then he can hear any and all of your sounds.

 W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

 biting your ass while eating you out from behind is *bang* *bang* *bang* *click* *cash register noise*.

Especially if you squeal and smack at him after he does it.

 X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

 Average in all respects but OH MAN does he know how to work it to his advantage. Get ready for a wild ride, my dude. 

 Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

 Higher post-war, tbh. Chuck had had to be on bed rest for so long that he thought he may never get the chance to have sex again, so he totally makes a point to indulge in you every chance that he can get (but he’s cool if you say no, too).

But, as I mentioned in ‘risk’, he’s not going to be humping your leg in public or anything (ok but imagine if you were a dom to his sub and you made him do that holy fuck)

 Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

 He does not sleep very well, poor bb. He will be asleep but his mind will be working through all kinds of things ranging from PTSD to what shoes he wanted to wear to dinner with your parents that weekend. Good thing there’s a remedy to this ailment- your pussy sex with you!

While he can’t konk out immediately, he is able to relax. He will allow himself to get lost in the rhythm of your breathing, the weight of your hand on his arm or your arm wrapped around his middle. He will sometimes nuzzle into you as you’re drifting off to sleep, and when you press a kiss to his forehead he finally feels safe.

~ ~ ~

taglist: @sunsetmando​ @televisionboy​ @now-im-a-belieber​ @tvserie-s-world​ @holdingforgeneralhugs​ @mrseasycompany​ @itswormtrain​ @mrsalwayswrite​ @happyveday​ 

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