#one of the ‘challenges’ or missions is math problems

[thedorkasaurus]

I was tagged by @spookyduckface to post: my lock screen, last song listened to, last film watched, and last picture taken

Thank you!🙏🏻 I don’t know when the last time I did one of these was! 💙 they’re so fun!

So the last pictures in my camera roll contain some sensitive info so I went to the last picture that didn’t have anything like that 😅

No obligation in doing this, only if you want to lol

@ghost-feratu @another-anime-daydreamer @cch3rrywav3ss @stillasvnbeam @madvillaingt8 @duckland @ashbank991 @friedskeleton @enterthevoid21 @thecolorofdelusion

[cleovee]

+　๋࣭ ✴︎ ARISTOTLE | Ollie Bearman x smart-student!reader

Summary: A math genius and a rising racer meet by chance, constantly challenging each other. What begins as playful debates slowly grows into something more, making them question where they truly belong.

Warning: Um kinda out-of-character ollie ig

Notes: I literally wrote this on class because I’m so bored, so this might be kinda messy but I’ll fix it later (if I remember it tho-) And this is kinda long so i hope u enjoy it <3

Y/N had always lived in a world of numbers, equations, and the thrill of solving problems that most people found impossible. At sixteen, she was already a prodigy in the math olympiad scene, effortlessly tackling problems that left even seasoned mathematicians impressed.

But then, she met Ollie Bearman.

She had seen his name before—a rising star in Ferrari’s junior program. Nineteen years old, fast, confident, and already making waves in Formula 2, with whispers of an impending F1 seat growing louder. He was a name that mattered in motorsport, but to Y/N, he had been nothing more than just a name.

She found herself standing in the Ferrari garage, an unwilling spectator as cars roared through the narrow streets of Monte Carlo. Unlike the rest of the team, she wasn’t watching the cars themselves but the screens, the numbers flashing in real time, painting a picture of the race beyond what the eye could see.

That was when he noticed her.

Ollie pulled off his helmet, shaking out his damp curls, still breathless from the session. He had expected to be met with the usual engineers, mechanics, or even an occasional sponsor’s representative. Instead, his gaze landed on her—a girl who looked out of place, arms crossed, eyes fixed on the screen rather than the track.

“You don’t look like a racing fan.” he remarked, walking over.

“Because I’m not.” she replied without looking up. “But I like the real-time data. And you brake later than most in Turn 4. It’s an unnecessary risk.”

Ollie blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Then, to her irritation, he grinned.

“Risk is part of racing.”

“And probability says it’ll cost you a race if you keep doing it.”

His grin widened. “Let me guess, an engineer?”

“Unemployed.” she corrected.

He tilted his head, intrigued. “So, what’s your verdict? Am I good or just lucky?”

She hesitated. Math was clean and predictable. Racing was not. It was a tangled mess of speed, instinct, and physics-defying precision. And yet, even she had to admit that Ollie’s driving wasn’t reckless—it was calculated, refined in a way that most people wouldn’t notice. “You calculate your risks well. It’s not all instinct, even if you pretend it is.”

Ollie smirked. “So, you have been watching.”

“Only because my dad makes me.”

At that, Ollie raised an eyebrow. He had a feeling she wasn’t just any guest in the Ferrari garage. “Wait, who’s your dad?”

Before she could answer, a deep voice cut in. “Y/N, I see you’ve met Ollie.” Ollie turned and felt his stomach drop slightly. Standing behind her was none other than the CEO of Ferrari himself.

Oh. His easygoing confidence flickered for just a second. “Ah. That explains a lot.”

To most people, Y/N’s father was one of the most powerful figures in Formula 1. To her, he was simply the reason she had spent more weekends at racetracks than she cared to count. She gave Ollie a knowing look. “Told you I don’t have a choice.”

From that moment on, Ollie seemed to make it his mission to get under her skin. At every race she attended, he sought her out, tossing math problems at her just to see if she’d take the bait (she always did). In return, she picked apart his driving with ruthless precision, pointing out every inefficiency like a strategist rather than a fan.

—

One evening, after hours of solving functional equations for preparation for the International Mathematical Olympiad, Y/N sat at the dinner table with her family. Her two older siblings, Kai and Isa, had been listening to their dad talk about Ferrari’s recent races.

“So, Dad.” Isa started, smirking. “Are we going to talk about how your daughter is lowkey running strategy for Ferrari?”

“I am not running strategy.” Y/N said immediately, stabbing her fork into her food.

“But you could.” Kai pointed out. “Dad literally offered you a spot.”

“Not a real spot.” she muttered.

Their father sighed. “She’s brilliant with numbers, but she refuses to apply them where they matter most.”

“They matter in math.” Y/N shot back.

Kai leaned back. “Okay, but let’s be real. Why are you really turning it down? Is it the pressure? Or…” He smirked. “Would working in F1 mean seeing a certain driver more often?”

Isa grinned. “Ohhh, this just got soooo interesting.”

Y/N groaned. “You guys are ridiculous.”

Her mother, who had been quiet, finally spoke up. “You should do what makes you happy. Whether that’s math or racing—just make sure it’s your choice. Not something you’re avoiding.” Y/N hesitated.

She had been avoiding it, hadn’t she?

But it wasn’t because of Ollie.

Or at least, that’s what she told herself.

—

Her presence in the paddock didn’t go unnoticed. Carlos was the first to bring it up. “You and Bearman seem close.” he mused after bumping into her in the hospitality area.

Lewis, who had been listening in, smirked. “More than close. Kid looked like he was waiting for her approval after his last win.”

Max raised an eyebrow. “I’ve seen him stare at telemetry less intensely than he looks at you.”

Y/N rolled her eyes. “You’re all being ridiculous.”

“Are we?” Charles grinned. “Because Ollie is watching you right now.”

She turned, and sure enough, across the paddock, Ollie was mid-conversation with an engineer but still stealing glances at her. The moment their eyes met, he smirked and gave her a lazy salute before turning back to his conversation.

Kimi Antonelli, the youngest among them, just chuckled. “You should probably just put him out of his misery.”

Y/N ignored them.

Mostly.

“So, when’s this big math thing?” Ollie asked, catching up with her after a long day in the paddock.

“July.” she answered.

“Alright. If you win a medal, I’ll let you call strategy for my next race.”

She raised an eyebrow. “And if I don’t?”

“Then I take you on a hot lap, and you have to admit that racing is cooler than doing equations.”

It was a ridiculous bet.

But Ollie looked so smug, so certain he’d win, that she couldn’t help herself. “Fine.” she agreed, shaking his hand. And for the first time in her life, she wasn’t sure which outcome she wanted more.

—

Despite their deal, Y/N and Ollie had fallen into a routine. She was deep in training for the olympiad, and he was busy racing across Europe, but somehow, they still found time for each other.

Their conversations started out competitive, Ollie sending her video clips of his best overtakes, asking for her "mathematical analysis," just to get a reaction.

Ollie: be honest, did I calculate my braking perfectly or what?

Y/N: you cut it too close in Turn 7

Y/N: if you keep doing that, probability says you’ll get penalized eventually

Ollie: probability also says I’ll pull it off every time.

Y/N: that’s not how probability works??

Ollie: that’s how I work :)

At some point, the conversations became… more. Late-night texts about nothing and everything. Ollie asking about her training, even though he barely understood half of what she was saying. Y/N watching his races, even when she pretended she didn’t care.

One evening, she was deep into a geometry proof when her phone buzzed.

Ollie: do you ever take breaks, or do you just absorb math through osmosis?

Y/N: breaks are inefficient.

Ollie: you know what else is inefficient? overworking your brain until it melts.

She sighed, rubbing her temples.

Y/N: and what do you suggest i do instead?

Ollie: something fun

Y/N: define ‘fun’

Ollie: call me XD

She hesitated. Their texts were one thing, but a call? It was different. But before she could overthink it, she hit the button. Ollie picked up instantly. “Wow. Didn’t think you’d actually do it.”

“You said fun. I’m testing your definition.”

His chuckle sent a strange warmth through her. “Alright, genius. Let’s see if I can impress you with something other than lap times.”

They talked for hours. About racing, about numbers, about everything in between. It was easy. Natural. And maybe, just maybe, she didn’t mind it.

—

The weekend of the Monaco Grand Prix arrived, and Y/N found herself back in the Ferrari garage, standing in the same spot where she had first met Ollie. She wasn’t a racing fan. She kept telling herself that. But her eyes still sought out the timing screens, scanning for his name.

He was starting P3. A solid position. But Monaco was unforgiving. Overtaking here was a different kind of battle—one that required both patience and risk. As the race began, she gripped her headset tighter than she intended.

Lap after lap, Ollie stayed behind the two leaders, waiting. Her father, standing beside her, noticed. “He’s playing the long game.”

Y/N nodded, focused. “Like he should.” With ten laps to go, the car ahead made a mistake. A lock-up.

Y/N held her breath.

Ollie pounced.

A daring move down the inside of Turn 10. Inches from disaster. She exhaled as he made it stick. Now, it was just him and the leader.

“Come on, Bearman.” she whispered.

With five laps left, she saw it before it even happened. The leader’s tires were gone. Ollie had managed his perfectly.

One chance. A gap opened. He took it.

The Ferrari garage erupted as Ollie crossed the finish line first. Y/N let out a breath she didn’t realize she had been holding. But the moment that hit her the hardest?

His first radio message.

“This win goes to my strategist.”

Her heart skipped. He found her in the celebrations, helmet off, eyes searching—until they locked onto hers. And suddenly, it wasn’t just about the race.

For the Bearman, racing had always been everything. It was all he had ever wanted. But lately, something had changed. It started with little things—how he’d instinctively look for Y/N in the paddock, how her absence at a race bothered him more than he’d admit, how their late-night texts had become something he needed rather than just enjoyed.

Then came the bigger realization. The moment he won, he didn’t think about the trophy, the team, or the celebrations.

He wondered what she would say. Would she analyze his lap times? Admit he was right about Turn 4? And that’s when it hit him.

He was completely, absolutely in love with her

—

Ollie had barely made it through his post-race interviews before the questions shifted. “So Ollie, your radio message—who’s ‘your strategist’?”

Ollie chuckled, shaking his head. “Just someone who keeps me in check.”

“More important than your race engineer?”

“She’d say yes.”

The reporters paused “She? So, it’s a girl?”

Ollie sighed, but the grin never left his face. "Next question." The speculation exploded. Social media flooded with theories, blurry pictures of him talking to Y/N in the paddock, clips of their earlier interactions.

Her dad wasn’t surprised. "You should have known he wouldn’t keep it quiet."

“I did know.” she muttered, scrolling through an article titled ‘Ollie Bearman’s Secret Strategist: The Genius Behind the Headset?’

Isa sent her a text on their groupchat.

Isa: girl u are literally trending rn

Kai: do we get paddock passes🥺🥺

Y/N: lol no

She was still debating how to handle it when her phone buzzed again.

Ollie: pls tell me ur not mad

Y/N: mad? no, slightly horrified? yas

Ollie: at least they didn’t find our bet lol

Y/N: give em some time

She could practically hear his laughter through the screen.

—

Y/N had never been one to get attached easily. But Ollie? He had a way of making it impossible to keep her distance.

It started with the small things. The way he always found her in the Ferrari hospitality unit, plopping down across from her with that infuriatingly easygoing grin. The way he’d text her after every race, win or lose, as if her opinion mattered more than anyone else’s. And the way he made her care about racing.

“You seem happier lately.” Charles Leclerc teased one evening in the Ferrari motorhome.

Y/N barely glanced up from her laptop. “And you’re getting slower in Sector 2.”

Carlos Sainz, sitting beside Charles, burst out laughing. “She got you there, mate.” Charles rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. Instead, his gaze flicked toward Ollie, who was casually leaning against the doorway, watching Y/N with that same look he always had when she wasn’t paying attention.

Carlos smirked. “So, when are you two admitting it?”

Y/N frowned. “Admitting what?”

“That you like each other,” Max Verstappen cut in from the other side of the room, completely unbothered as he scrolled through his phone. “It’s obvious.”

Y/N scoffed. “We’re friends.”

“Sure.” Max drawled. “And I drive slow.” Lewis Hamilton, who had been silently sipping his tea, finally looked up. “It’s fine if you’re in denial. Just don’t let it distract you. Relationships in F1 are complicated.”

Y/N rolled her eyes. “Good thing we’re not in one, then.”

Ollie, who had been suspiciously quiet this whole time, finally spoke. “Yet.” The room fell silent.

Y/N’s head snapped up. “Excuse me?”

Ollie grinned. “I said ‘yet.’”

Carlos let out a low whistle. “Bold move, boy.”

Y/N, meanwhile, felt her face heat up. She was used to Ollie’s teasing, but this? This felt different. “You’re insufferable.” she muttered, focusing back on her laptop.

“Maybe,” Ollie said easily. “But you’re still stuck with me.”

And the worst part? He was right. But now, there was something unspoken between them, something neither of them dared to acknowledge.

Until one night in Monza.

It was late, the paddock mostly empty, the distant hum of the circuit lights buzzing overhead. Y/N had stayed behind to finish some work, and Ollie, as usual, had found her.

“You know,” he said, sitting across from her at one of the hospitality tables, “for someone who doesn’t like F1, you spend an awful lot of time in the paddock.”

She shrugged. “Force of habit.”

“Right.” Ollie leaned forward. “Or maybe you just like being around me.”

She snorted. “Delusional.”

He grinned. “I prefer optimistic.” There was a pause. A rare moment of quiet between them. Then Ollie, unusually serious, asked, “Do you ever think about what happens after this?”

“After what?”

“This. Us. Me in F1, you off solving the world’s hardest equations or whatever it is you’ll end up doing.”

Y/N hesitated. Because, for the first time, she realized she didn’t have an answer. Numbers were predictable. Racing was not. And neither was Ollie Bearman. He stepped beside her, hands in his pockets. “So. What did you think?” He said breaking the silence.

“Of the race?” she asked, though they both knew that wasn’t what he meant.

“Of everything.”

The room was quiet for a moment, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning. It was a ridiculous situation—two people who were too proud, too stubborn, yet somehow always orbiting each other.

Ollie exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “You know what? No, I’m saying it. You’re—” He paused, visibly struggling with the words. “You’re annoying.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me. You’re annoying. You always have to be right, you never let me win an argument, and you act like you don’t care when you clearly do.”

She blinked. “First of all, I am always right. Second, you’re the one who keeps picking fights with me. And third—” She faltered for just a second. “I don’t care.”

Ollie let out a dry laugh. “Yeah? Then why do you always wait for my race results before you go to sleep?”

Her eyes narrowed. “Wha- how do you even know that?”

“Because Charles told me. Apparently, you asked about my sprint race before anything else last weekend.”

Damn it, Charles.

Y/N felt her face heat up, but she refused to back down. “That doesn’t mean anything.”

“Right. Just like how I don’t notice when you’re in the garage, even though I somehow always drive better when you’re watching?”

She swallowed. “Coincidence.”

He huffed, looking almost amused. “You really don’t make this easy.”

“You don’t either.” she muttered. A beat passed. Then another.

And then, with a voice quieter than before, Ollie said, “You know what? I like y- No. I love you.” She stiffened. The words felt so foreign coming from him—blunt, direct, but still carrying that same defiance he always had.

She hesitated for a second too long, so he quickly added, “Not that it matters. I mean, if you’re going to pretend you don’t feel the same way, then—”

“I never said that,” she interrupted.

He froze.

She exhaled slowly. “You’re annoying too. Always teasing, always acting like you don’t care when you obviously do. And it’s exhausting.”

Ollie tilted his head slightly, eyes searching hers. “So, what are you saying?”

She looked away, glaring at the Ferrari logo on the wall as if it would save her. “I’ll give you my answer,” she said quietly, "after my olympiad.”

Ollie blinked. “You’re making me wait?”

“You make me wait every race weekend to see if you actually listen to my advice.”

He groaned, running a hand through his curls. “You are impossible.”

She shot him a glare. “Take it or leave it, Bearman.”

He let out a short laugh. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll take it.” His answering grin was slow, filled with something dangerous—because Ollie Bearman never backed down from a challenge.

—

The International Mathematics Olympiad arrived faster than she expected. Almost 6 weeks of nothing but numbers, equations, and the thrill of proving the impossible. When the final results were announced, she stood on the podium, a gold medal around her neck, her country’s flag draped behind her.

She had done it.

And the first person she texted?

Y/N: i placed first!

Ollie: so that means I get a strategist, right?

Y/N: guess i owe you an answer

Ollie: finally

When she returned home, he was already waiting. She met him at the Ferrari garage—after hours, when most people had already left, and the place was quiet except for the hum of machinery and the faint smell of oil and rubber. Ollie was leaning against the side of his car, arms crossed, but the moment he saw her walk in, his expression softened.

“So,” he said, watching her carefully. “Did solving equations help you figure things out?”

“Yeah,” she said simply. Ollie raised an eyebrow. “And?”

She tilted her head slightly, eyes glinting with something unreadable.

“I like you.” It was so effortless, so blunt, that it completely threw him off. He had expected a debate, some kind of teasing remark, maybe even a dramatic build-up. Not this.

“You—” He blinked, mouth parting slightly. “You really waited this long just to say that?”

She shrugged. “Had to be sure.”

Ollie let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head. “God, you’re impossible.”

And then—he kissed her.

It wasn’t careful or calculated. It was instinct, reckless and real, like something that had been waiting to happen for too long. She froze for a second, then kissed him back, just as certain.

The sound of a camera shutter snapped them out of it.

Ollie pulled back just enough to glance toward the entrance—where, through the gap in the garage doors, a group of photographers had their lenses pointed directly at them.

His jaw clenched. “You have got to be kidding me.”

She blinked up at him, a little breathless, then exhaled sharply. “Guess we’re making headlines tomorrow.”

Ollie groaned, running a hand through his hair. “Unbelievable.”

—

You’re right, the headlines the next morning were everywhere.

“Ferrari’s Rising Star Ollie Bearman and Mystery Girl—More Than Just Friends?”

“Caught in 4K: Young F1 Driver’s Late-Night Garage Romance!”

At first, people were just trying to figure out who the mystery girl was. But then, someone zoomed in on the photo and noticed about who that girl is.

“WAIT. ISN’T THIS THE GIRL WHO JUST PLACED FIRST AT THE IMO??”

“YOU’RE TELLING ME FERRARI’S FUTURE STAR JUST BAGGED A MATHEMATICAL GENIUS???”

“Ollie Bearman. Sir. How did you pull THAT?”

Ollie nearly threw his phone across the room when he saw the last comment. “You’re kidding me.” he muttered, scrolling through the article. The picture was clear, him and Y/N in the Ferrari garage, mid-kiss. There was no way out of it.

His phone buzzed.

Y/N: wow we’re famous

Ollie: you think this is funny?

Y/N: a little

Ollie: i’m going to eat whoever took that photo.

Y/N: too late, my mom already sent it to all my relatives

Ollie groaned. His face was burning. Great. A few hours later, Y/N showed up at his place, looking way too calm about the whole thing.

“You look way too amused.” Ollie said, arms crossed as he leaned against the doorframe.

She shrugged. “I think it’s funny. Besides, it’s not like we were planning to keep it secret forever.”

He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “Yeah, but I was hoping for a little control over how people found out.”

Y/N raised an eyebrow. “You? Control? Ollie, you kissed me first.”

His face turned red instantly. “That’s—shut up.” She smirked, stepping inside and flopping onto his couch like she owned the place. “And now the whole world knows. Congrats, loverboy.”

He groaned. “You’re the worst.”

“You like me, though.”

Ollie sighed, defeated, before sitting beside her. He nudged her shoulder lightly. “Unfortunately.”

She grinned. “Lucky me.”

Despite the chaos, despite the headlines and the teasing texts from the other drivers.

Lewis: Look at our little Ollie, all grown up!

Charles: I expect wedding invites.

Kimi: can you two not do this in the Ferrari garage next time?

He groaned dramatically, but when she laced her fingers through his, he couldn’t help but smile. Maybe the whole world knowing wasn’t so bad. Maybe, for once, he didn’t mind being the center of attention.

Because if there was one thing that mattered more than racing, more than headlines, more than anything—It was her.

© CLEOVEE 2025, please do not translate or repost my fics without my permission.

[theresattrpgforthat]

So, I went to a game store, and I asked if there were any good beginner games for someone who tried the DnD Essentials Kit and found it too complicated, and you'll never guess what one singular game they suggested!

THEME: Simpler Games than DND.

My friend, I’m not a very good guesser, but I hope that I am able to present you with some games that will give you what you’re looking for.

24XX: Chaos Unit, by polyhedralmice

Deep under the busy streets of Sapien City is the headquarters of the Vermin Squad, the espionage wing of a secret organization of urban animals known as the CHAOS Unit. They capitalize on the fact that vermin are virtually invisible human inhabitants of the city and use they use their street smarts to run vital missions for the unit. Raccoons, opossums, pigeons and squirrels each play specific roles and together form teams that take on the most vital of missions. From intercepting life-saving pizza orders to rescuing their colleagues from the dastardly Animal Control, there is no task too daunting for the brave animals of the Vermin Squad. Every night teams are sent out on their missions, and this is the story of one of those teams. Nothing will stop these brave agents from successfully completing their tasks (except maybe a humane trap baited with peanut butter). 

CHAOS Unit is a spy themed hack based on Jason Tocci’s 24XX.

24XX games are great for groups that love different-sided dice. In general, you only have a few skills for your character that are outside the normal parameters (upgraded to d8 - d12), and the success threshold is the same for pretty much every roll. The challenges and situations of any given scenario are typically presented as roll tables, allowing the GM to come up with an adventure just by rolling a few dice.

CHAOS Unit has just a few character options, some simple gear options, and a comparatively light-hearted premise. It’s a great introduction to the system, and learning how to play one 24XX game makes every other 24XX game a piece of cake to learn, even if they include new rules.

Loot, by Gila RPGs.

LOOT is a fantasy TTRPG by Gila RPGs that combines looter shooter mechanics with west marches vibes. When a rebellion toppled a lich overlord and torn down his city, the people were left with a lot of loot, and a lot of problems. That's where you come in.

Get some friends together, fight some monsters, deck your characters out in cool loot. Do it all over again.

Even though LUMEN uses grid-based combat, your character’s stats are simplified, reduced to a few things: health, armour, and three action types: force, flow & focus. Your stats themselves come from the items that your carry - your loot.

Your loot is organized through slots on your character sheet: you can only carry so much, so you’ll have to think carefully about what kind of stat bonuses and abilities you want. I find that a visual inventory can make it easier to keep track of everything you have, and can help some players learn how to think strategically. If you like the fantasy and strategy that exists in D&D but don’t want to do nearly as much math, you might be interested in LOOT - although the lack of dice is certainly a big change.

Slugblaster, by Wilkie’s Candy Lab.

In the small town of Hillview, teenage hoverboarders sneak into other dimensions to explore, film tricks, go viral, and get away from the problems at home. It’s dangerous. It’s stupid. It’s got parent groups in a panic. And it’s the coolest thing ever.

This is Slugblaster. A table-top rpg about teenagehood, giant bugs, circuit-bent rayguns, and trying to be cool.

Forged in the Dark games can be tricky to introduce to a new table, but Slugblaster is one of a few that I think can do the job. It’s a streamlined version of the system, that takes away a lot of the crunch that comes from Stats, Position, and Effect, and boils it all down to Kick and Boost. It also streamlines harm into 2 levels of slams, and keeps stress and downtime to a procedure that you can follow step-by-step when you finish a run. Finally character creation is very easy: you only make few choices in terms of abilities, and many of these choices are descriptive, rather than mechanical.

One thing I’ve noticed about games with “simpler” rules systems is that they typically do require a bunch of improv, which can be scary for new GMs. Slugblaster isn’t that different in this regard, but it does have a few things you as a GM can prepare beforehand if you want to make things easier for yourself. For example, you can set up your map of the different dimensions beforehand, including the doorways that the teens can get through. If you know that the teens get back to your home dimension without going through Operablum, then you can prepare a few location - specific threats to confound the teens as they try to get back in time for dinner.

Another strength of these games is that typically, if a player wants to do something, they just have to be able to describe how they’d do it - you can then work backwards using the gear & resources on your sheet to give you some dice to roll, as well as the logic of the game world, to figure out what happens next.

Lady Blackbird, by John Harper

Lady Blackbird is on the run from an arranged marriage to Count Carlowe. She hired a smuggler skyship, The Owl, to take her from her palace on the Imperial world of Ilysium to the far reaches of the Remnants, so she could be with her once secret lover: the pirate king Uriah Flint.

Lady Blackbird is the first game I ever played, and it’s a game I fell for - hard. It involves rolling pools of dice that you pull from descriptive collections of tags assigned to pre-generated characters. It simplifies game-play by taking away the step of character creation, and gives the group a pretty solid story to pick up and follow wherever your heart may lead.

While the rules of the game are fairly simple, I think that as a GM, you’re going to need to be comfortable with a fair bit of improv to make this work. The game has some excellent pieces of advice on how to come up with scenes for the characters, and even includes some example complications to throw at the party. I’m really glad this was my first game because from the beginning, it affirmed that roleplaying games are a communal experience, and even if the characters and the starting scenario are already written for the group, the players have a lot of freedom to decide who their characters are, and what they’re going to value.

Liminal Horror, by Goblin Archives.

There’s a strange comfort to ambiguity. To stand at the threshold between states of what was and what’s next, to inhabit the places of transition. But you’re never truly alone here. There are things that hunger within the dark places. Strange creatures and mysteries lie in wait and tumbling into the wrong place at the wrong time may put you on the path towards doom.

Grab your flashlights and blood splattered jackets as you try to make it through the night. Beware, snapping bone and rending flesh are often the simplest outcome. While there may be great power within these places… not all mysteries can be solved and not everyone can be saved. Above all, there are fates far worse than death.

LIMINAL HORROR is a rules-lite, adaptable Survival-Horror roleplaying game about normal characters and their struggles against the things that go bump in the night. The game focuses on surviving the weird and Investigating horrors while blending simple, old-school inspired rules with modern, narrative first principles. Survival is not guaranteed and those that do make it through the night are often forever changed.

In Liminal Horror, character creation is rather quick, often easily generated using a few dice rolls. For most tasks, your characters will roll a d20 and try to get a number lower than one of their three stats, so when you get started, teaching the game should be pretty simple. Of course, since it’s a horror game, there’s more than just trying to roll under a stat: characters will find themselves subject to the consequences of being exposed to horrors that are far beyond the limits of human experience. As a result, characters will find themselves dealing with two different kinds of harm: stress & fallout. These two harm systems will make the stakes feel real, and they’ll also inflict changes on your characters as you play.

Liminal Horror has a few things going for it. The basic rules are fairly straightforward, but they’re also free. The game is meant to be paired with pre-written adventures, which often include place descriptions, NPCs, and adventure-specific consequences to torture the characters with. A lot of the adventures available come with a price tag, but if you want to try out the system, there’s a couple of free ones out there - I recommend Messenger National Park, by capacityforwonder.

For the Ship And Its Crew, by Adeline Fowl Games.

We've crewed this Ship for years together. We've seen wondrous sights, gotten ourselves into seemingly insurmountable trouble, and have owed our fair share of creds to the wrong people. And yet, still, we fly. But after all these years, our past may be catching up with us. As the missiles tear across starlit space, we'll be forced to ask ourselves: What will we do, for the Ship and its Crew?

This is a hack of For the Queen, which mostly involves answering prompts, using something like a card deck, or in this case, a digital hosting service. Your group is telling a story by taking turns answering questions, which makes the game fairly easy to teach, even to people who don’t have a lot of roleplaying experience.

These kinds of games can also be played very quickly, which might also make it easier to introduce to folks who aren’t used to sitting around a grid and calculating resources for 2+ hours.

Other Recommendation Posts To Check Out…

Easy To Teach Recommendation Post

First Time GMs Recommendation Post

Little Reading or Writing Required Recommendation Post

[lastbluetardis]

What Makes a Family (2/?)

Summary: Single parents Rose Tyler and James McCrimmon come together to embark on a whirlwind, passionate romance that seems to be the happy ending neither of them thought they’d get. But when James’s past comes back to haunt them and threatens to tear away everything they’ve built together, they must find a way to weather the storm that will either break them or draw them ever closer, all while answering the question of what it means to be a family.

💜 It’s back!! This is the new and improved version!! 💜

Ten x Rose AU

This Chapter: Teen, ~6800 words

AO3

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“There’s a new boy in my class!”

James McCrimmon looked up from the calendar he was putting together of assignments, projects, and lesson plans for the month of September: there were a few units he was shuffling around, but for the most part, he could use his old calendar from last school year. That was the best part about teaching, in his opinion: once he had his first year under his belt, everything else came much more easily, since he wasn’t starting from a completely blank slate.

His nine-year-old daughter, Alex, skipped cheerily through the door of his classroom, the French braid he’d done for her that morning miraculously still intact and bouncing off her shoulders. She flashed him a grin that stole his heart all over again, and he was suddenly aware of how much he’d missed her over the course of the school day.

“Hiya, darling,” he said, rolling his chair away from his desk and opening his arms for her. She dropped her school bag onto an empty desk, then vaulted into his lap. He gave her a big hug and pecked a kiss to her cheek. “What do you mean there’s a new boy in your class? It’s the first day; isn’t everyone new?”

Alex let out a sigh of the long-suffering. “Well, yeah, but I at least recognized everyone else. But David’s brand new. That’s his name. David. He just moved here, all the way from London.”

“Wow,” James said. “Must be hard for him, starting at a new school and not knowing anyone, huh?”

“I’m gonna be his friend,” Alex said brightly.

His heart swelled; Alex seemed to go through life making it her personal mission to love everyone she met. If only adults could be so kind. Other children, too. Far too many of Alex’s friendships fizzled out because she was too much for them to handle: too loud, too giddy, too energetic. Every time Alex came home crying that so-and-so didn’t want to be her friend anymore, a small piece of him died inside, buried with the friends he, too, had lost through the decades for the exact same reasons. The apple hadn’t fallen far from the tree at all in that regard.

“That’s very kind of you,” he murmured, kissing her cheek again. “How was the rest of your day? High and low?”

“Low: they had tinned pears for dessert at lunch.” Alex pulled the most disgusted face he’d ever seen on a nine-year-old, and James had to stifle a chuckle. He wasn’t sure if his daughter hated pears because he hated pears, or if she genuinely didn’t like the fruit of her own volition. Either way, if that was the worst part about her day, all was well. “It was so gross. I gave mine to Connor, and he gave me the banana his mum packed him in his lunch. High: I won the class spelling challenge and got a lolly. Miss Oswald was testing us to make sure we knew our vocabulary from last year. I did.”

“That’s wonderful, well done,” he praised.

“Your turn,” she prompted. “High and low.”

“Low: I’ve got all these worksheets to mark.” James gestured to the stack of algebra problems that he was using to gauge the sort of maths he needed to review before starting new material with his Year Sixes. He hoped his students remembered their basic arithmetic. “Love the teaching, hate the marking. And my high: I found some new slow cooker recipes that sound yummy. We can try one out this weekend, if you’d like.”

“Ooh, lemme see!”

James absently bounced his daughter in his lap as he pulled up his web browser’s bookmark tab where he’d saved the recipes. He opened each of the ones that caught his eyes in individual tabs, then began showing them to Alex in the order of what he thought she’d like best.

They spent the next few minutes reading the recipes together. While they did, James watched his daughter’s face intently, noting the ones that piqued her interest and the ones she wrinkled her nose at. She wasn’t necessarily a picky eater, per se, but she never consistently had a favorite food; one day she would love spaghetti, then the next wouldn’t touch it with a ten-foot pole, and would be back to loving it the following week. It certainly made meal planning a difficult chore.

“This sounds like Chinese takeaway,” Alex said, pointing to the recipe for chicken and broccoli. “Can we do this one?”

“Sure thing. We can stop by the shops after school on Friday to get everything we’ll need.”

“M’kay. I’m hungry,” she announced, hopping out of his lap.

“Yeah? All that talk of food make you a bit peckish?” James rolled his chair back to the mini-fridge he kept beneath his desk and rooted around for an apple and container of yogurt. Before he could ask “Which one do you want?”, Alex snatched the apple and bit into it. A droplet of juice dribbled down her chin.

James handed her a napkin and said, “Once I finish these worksheets, we’ll go home. Do you have anything to work on? Let me see your log book.”

Alex rummaged through her backpack and pulled out a small spiral-bound notebook calendar planner. She handed it to him, and he flipped it open to today’s date. Apart from “read for twenty minutes at home”, she had no other homework. Not surprising, considering it was the first day of school. No teacher he knew assigned homework on the first day.

“Right, once you finish your snack, I’ll let you watch something on YouTube ‘til I finish my grading.”

Alex rolled her eyes and nodded, her mouth too full for her to form a proper reply. He couldn’t help it; even though this was their normal routine—Alex joining him in his classroom at the end of every school day—he could never stop himself from reminding her of the schedule: that he had papers to grade or lessons to plan, so she needed to sit quietly for an hour working on her own schoolwork before they could go home for the night.

The sound of chewing became background noise as James worked swiftly through the problems he’d assigned his class. He had the answer key memorized, so it was a simple enough matter of granting the questions a check mark or an X. He was relieved to see that he wouldn’t need to do too much review, apart from reminding students how to work with fractions in their algebra. They seem to have forgotten that finding a common denominator when adding and subtracting was a requirement, not a suggestion.

He wrapped up his work earlier than usual, right as one of Alex’s YouTube videos came to an end. He stepped up to her, popped her earbuds out, and whispered, “Time to go home.”

She dutifully shut down the computer then set it in his desk drawer where it would be waiting for her tomorrow afternoon, as always.

James slung his bag over one shoulder and guided his child out of his classroom, locking the door behind him. There were a few other teachers milling about the halls, as well as the janitorial staff.

“Goodnight, Mr. O’Brien!”

“Goodnight, Miss McCrimmon.” Graham O’Brien, a kindly, recently-widowed gentleman, sketched a half-bow to Alex, making her giggle and follow up with a curtsey.

Alex bade goodnight to every soul they came across. She knew them all by name, and they, in kind, knew her. Not just as the daughter of one of the teachers, but as a cheery little girl who was genuinely kind to everyone. On more than one occasion over the years, a teacher or staff member came by to tell James of an encounter they had with Alex that had brightened their day, whether it was a card she’d made for them out of the blue, or how she’d complimented their new haircut.

When the pair returned home to their small, end-unit terraced house, the first thing Alex did was race to the back door to let in the bouncing, fluffy creature staring piteously at them through the glass.

“K9!” Alex cried, as though it had been weeks since she’d seen her dog rather than a few hours.

The black-and-while labradoodle danced around Alex’s legs, his entire back half wriggling with excitement and pleasure as Alex smothered him in kisses and scratches. He rolled onto his back, tongue lolling as Alex gave him ample belly rubs.

“Ready to go for a walk?” Alex cooed. “Ready for a walkie?”

K9 bounded to his feet at the “w” word, then eagerly followed his little mistress to her bedroom where she changed out of her school uniform. Likewise, James changed out of his work clothes and put on a worn pair of jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt that would help combat the chill of the evening air. Summer was ending early, it seemed.

When he returned to the foyer, Alex was in the middle of securing the walking harness around their dog, who, despite his rapidly-wagging tail, was standing patiently.

“Got it?” James asked, double-checking her work, even though she’d been proficient with getting K9 harnessed up for years.

“Got it.” She clipped the lead to the harness. “Let’s go!”

K9 pranced in place while James grabbed the house key, then opened the front door. Despite the dog’s eagerness, he didn’t pull on his leash; rather, he let himself be guided out of the house by Alex and stayed right by her heel, letting her set the pace. Those months of obedience training when he was a puppy paid off, helped by the fact that K9 seemed to be a more intelligent than usual animal.

James snapped a quick photo of his child and dog on his phone, then fell into step with Alex. As they walked through the neighborhood, greeting anyone and everyone they passed, Alex continued to recount the minutiae of her school day.

“Miss Oswald assigned a project already,” Alex announced. “On the solar system, due in a couple weeks—September nineteenth. We’ve got to build a model with the sun and all eight planets, but we can include Pluto if we want to ‘cos we know he’s out there, and Miss Oswald said that ages ago Pluto used to be its own planet but then some scientists decided it wasn’t. How does that work? How can they just say a planet isn’t a planet when we know it’s a planet?”

James was about to explain exactly how and why Pluto was demoted, but his daughter barreled on, her question seemingly rhetorical.

“And we’ve got to try and make the planets’ sizes as accurate as possible. Not like, accurate, ‘cos obviously planets are massive, but to scale with each other. Roughly. So Jupiter has to be the biggest—well, the sun is the biggest, but you know what I mean—and Mercury has to be the smallest. And we can try to color-code them if we want, and I do want to, so we have to paint Mercury gray and Venus yellow and Earth green and blue and…”

It was impressive that she hadn’t paused to catch her breath yet, but rather continued to ramble on and on about her project. At least she’s excited about it, James thought. Unlike her project on Guy Fawkes last year.

The assignment had been to play pretend at being a museum tour guide with specialty knowledge of a famous historical figure. Each student was to stand in front of the class and talk for a few minutes about their person. The one mistake Alex’s teacher had made regarding the project was assigning the historical figure to the students, rather than letting them pick one. James understood the rationale; at that age, most eight-year-olds likely didn’t have much experience with historical figures to get a diverse enough representation that wasn’t solely old monarchs. But Alex struggled with the project because she was disinterested in the person she was assigned.

James had practiced with his daughter every night in the days leading up to the presentation, but she utterly refused to cooperate, and had rushed through the spiel of Guy Fawkes with no facts other than the gruesome details of his death. It had been no surprise, therefore, when James had been called into an after-school meeting with Alex and her teacher to discuss why her presentation had gone so poorly, even though she could recite fact after fact about Guy Fawkes when prompted.

Alex’s response had merely been, “Guy Fawkes is so boring. He was part of a failed plot to kill a king, got caught, then died, and now we’ve got Bonfire Night, which is the only good thing about him anyway.”

That had prompted James to tell her that lots of things in her life would be boring, but she needed execute even the most boring of tasks satisfactorily. He wasn’t sure how well the lesson sank in, considering she’d only done marginally better on the second chance her teacher had given her to complete the project. However, the teacher told James that, going forward, students could pick their historical figure, or be assigned one if they couldn’t come up with anyone to research.

Presently, Alex was listing everything she knew about the various planets, from their size to surface temperature to how many moons—if any—orbited around them. She even began to recite some of the names of the moons certain planets had, then asked another rhetorical question about why Earth’s moon didn’t have a proper name like all of the other moons, and that society should come up with a name for it.

James was struck with such pride that he’d created such a clever little human. He would have to tell Alex’s teacher, Clara, that this planet project would probably be Alex’s favorite assignment of the year.

After an hour of walking the familiar streets of their neighborhood, they arrived back home and started on dinner. Alex fed and watered K9 while James tended to their food, warming up leftover chicken parmesan and peas.

“Wanna be Eugene or Olaf?” Alex asked, holding up two blue cups with the respective Disney characters printed on them.

“Either,” he said absently, testing to see if their meals were heated through.

“Eugene, since your hair’s the same,” Alex said with a decisive nod. “I’m gonna be Belle.”

Alex filled their cups with water and plopped down in her usual seat at the kitchen table. Really, it had been a card table from his days at uni, but with just him and his daughter living in their small house, they didn’t need much more space than that.

James mentally rehearsed his lesson plans for the following day while he ate, only half-listening to Alex, who inexplicably still had more to talk about, then they worked together to clean up the dishes from their meal.

And that was their night. Years of engrained habits made for a predictable—if not a little dull—evening, even down to their dog knowing when Alex’s bedtime was. K9 dutifully sat on the floor at the foot of Alex’s bed while James tucked himself onto the edge of her twin-sized mattress to read a few chapters of Matilda together. The book was one of her favorites; they must have read it a dozen times together, enough so that James nearly had the whole thing memorized.

When he reached a good stopping point, James stuffed a bookmark between the pages and set the novel on Alex’s bedside table.

“I like Miss Honey,” Alex said, tucking her arm tightly around his waist and preventing him from leaving her bed yet. He melted back into the mattress, happy to give her more snuggles. “I don’t like Matilda’s mum and dad. They’re mean.”

“Yeah, they are,” he agreed, resting his cheek into her soft, chestnut locks.

“You’re not mean to me,” Alex continued.

“I try not to be. Funnily enough, I like you quite a lot,” he teased, poking her side.

Alex squirmed and breathed out a silent laugh. She yawned and hugged him tighter. “Hey Daddy?”

“Hey whatty?”

“I’m never gonna have any siblings, am I?”

James froze, mind whirring to figure out where the question had come from. Was it the book they’d just read? Matilda had an older brother, but as they established, the Wormwood family was rubbish.

“Well, never is quite the absolute,” he started, scratching at the back of his suddenly-hot neck. “It’s got a sort of finality, doesn’t it? Never…”

Alex sighed, her shoulders drooping. James cringed, and amended his daft response by gently saying, “No, you probably won’t have any siblings.”

“Why not?” she asked, frowning. “I hate being an only child. Everyone else has brothers and sisters except for me!”

James’s heart sank at her outburst. “I’m sure that’s not true. Loads of kids don’t have brothers or sisters—I never did.”

“We had to introduce ourselves to the class today and only one other kid in my class was an only child.” Alex sniffled, wiping at her eyes. “It’s not fair!”

James pulled her close, tucking his cheek to her hair and rubbing long, slow lines down her back. “I’m sorry, darling, but sometimes that’s just the way things are. Sometimes things in life aren’t fair, and it’s really crummy, but we need to find a way to be okay with it.”

She kept her face buried in his chest as she said, “Don’t you want more kids?”

James licked his lips. Alex loosely knew where babies came from and how they were made, but like most nine-year-olds, he didn’t think she truly understood the full picture, or the implications therein.

“Well, for starters, having a baby takes two people,” he hedged. “And it’s just me. So that rather throws a spanner in the works, doesn’t it?”

Alex stilled for a moment, then pulled back to look up at him. Her eyes weren’t nearly red enough for her to have been properly crying, but her distress was unmistakable nevertheless.

“Don’t you want to get married?” she asked curiously.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “It’s complicated.”

If he were being honest, James had considered marriage exactly once: when his on-again, off-again girlfriend, River, informed him that she was pregnant in the summer before their final year at university. And even then, it had been an impulsive proposal on his part. Though he’d only known about the baby for all of thirty seconds, he was determined not to be his father, who’d never acknowledged James’s existence, or his mother, who often left him in the care of his grandparents because she was too busy enjoying her youth to be weighed down by a child.

Thankfully River had knocked some sense into him, and the conversation of marriage had never gone further than those first few minutes.

But since then, there had never been anyone in James’s life he’d considered spending his forever with. There had been Joan, whom he’d dated for slightly over a year when Alex was a toddler, but there hadn’t been any sort of spark between them—just familiarity and a mutual desire not to be alone. Then there was Harry, who, until last Christmas, had been a fellow teacher that James regularly hooked up with after work parties and events. Harry had moved away to Wales, and James found that after the initial pang of loss, he didn’t really miss Harry at all.

He wondered if that meant there was something wrong with him, that nobody ever cared to stay long enough to want to stay forever.

“Well I think you should get married and have lots of babies so I can have lots of siblings,” Alex announced decisively, breaking him out of his maudlin thoughts.

“Duly noted.” James leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “Time to get some sleep. I love you very much. Even if it’s just you and me forever, I’ll never be disappointed with our life.”

A hint of a smile flashed across her lips, and she leaned up to kiss his cheek. “Love you, too. Nighty night.”

He carefully slid off the mattress and tugged the blankets up to her shoulders. Alex grabbed them and hugged them tight to her chest, cocooning herself in their comfort, as she wriggled into the warm spot left behind by his body. He stroked her hair, brushing it away from her face, and moved to exit her room. On the way, he gave K9 a quick scratch behind his ears.

“Good boy. Keep her safe. Chase away her scary dreams.”

The dog snuffled, as though understanding his nightly assignment, and curled up on the floor in a way that he faced the door. James smiled fondly, and left.

He went back to the kitchen and sat with his computer at the table to get a few things finished for his class for the following morning. He proofread the algebra worksheets he’d be giving his students, and triple-checked that he knew how to do all of the practice problems correctly without looking at his notes.

However, the lessons review took longer than he would have liked because he kept getting distracted with the conversation he’d had with Alex. This wasn’t the first time she’d inquired about having siblings—and it probably wouldn’t be the last—but it was the first time she’d expressed such displeasure at being an only child.

Truthfully, James had never considered fatherhood until it had been thrust upon him unceremoniously. While she had turned out to be the best gift of his life, his daughter hadn’t exactly been planned. Though he’d flourished in fatherhood, his child would be hard-pressed to get a sibling, as his dating life over the past almost-decade had been non-existent apart from impersonal hookups on occasion. Even those had cooled in recent years.

Blowing out a tense breath, James stood up, not in the mood to do any more lesson prep, knowing his focus was finished for the night. Instead, he meandered to his bedroom and the locked briefcase he kept in the back of his closet beside his locked safe of sex toys that were surely covered in dust and cobwebs for how infrequently they were used nowadays.

He grabbed the briefcase and flicked the dial to reflect the correct number combination, and popped open the case. It was where he kept all important legal documents for himself and Alex, but at the very bottom of the stack was a small stash of near-pristine photographs. He picked them up, handling them gingerly as though his mere touch would ruin them, and began to leaf through them.

The top-most photograph had been taken by a helpful nurse on the morning of Alex’s birth. James smiled at the sight of his pink, wrinkly, furious-looking baby. Her brows were knitted and her little lips were puckered into a frown, as though she couldn’t believe the audacity of the universe to force her into existence.

At the time this photograph had been taken, James hadn’t yet held Alex. His baby was instead resting on her mother’s chest.

James’s eyes wandered to the wild-haired woman cradling Alex to her breast. River. Part of James balked to refer to River as Alex’s mother, because what kind of mother abandoned her newborn child without a word, without an explanation. What kind of mother walked away and never looked back? James hadn’t heard from River in the nine and a half years she’d been gone; he didn’t even know if she was still alive.

He forced his long-held resentment at bay, knowing that River’s leaving was probably for the best. If she’d stayed, James knew in his heart of hearts their relationship never would have lasted. It would have crumbled to ash, and River would have gotten primary custody of their daughter—James would’ve been lucky to see his child on a weekly basis. He couldn’t imagine not having Alex every day, not tucking her into bed every night and hearing her say, “Nighty night, Daddy. I love you.”

A physical ache lodged somewhere behind his ribs until he reminded himself that he did have Alex with him, and always would. No, despite the initial terror and pain of abandonment, things had worked out for the best. Still, despite knowing he was better off without River, sometimes he yearned for the comfort of being with someone he was familiar with; he could always lose himself in her, for better or worse. Nobody ever talked about how lonely it was being a single parent; it was always about how hard it was to be the sole caretaker of a young child, or how rewarding the joy of parenthood was. And it was hard, and rewarding, but it was also incredibly isolating. There weren’t many opportunities to go out and meet people; or, if he did get a chance to go out, it was usually to take Alex on a playdate, where he would hang out with other parents who all seemed to be happily married or otherwise taken.

How did people do this, go on dates? Sure, he’d gone on plenty of dates when he’d been an unencumbered bachelor, but that had been at university, where he’d been surrounded by other horny young adults looking for a bit of fun. It was almost as if that part of his life had been lived by someone else. Someone with charm and charisma, someone without a care in the world, who didn’t know the meaning of responsibility even if it smacked him in the face.

It had been so easy back then. He had made dozens of friends from sheer proximity, had been invited to loads of parties where it was no trouble at all to drunkenly make out with whomever caught his fancy that night. No strings attached.

But now, he found, he wanted some strings. Now that he’d begun fixating on Alex’s of question about whether he wanted to get married, he couldn’t stop. What would it be like, knowing there was someone he could come home to, could fix dinner with, could share the household chores with? How comforting would it be to know there was someone with whom he could share all of his secrets and fears and dreams?

The thought of this mysterious figment of his imagination lodged a lump in his throat that he had a hard time swallowing down.

James cursed, frustrated with and sorry for himself. He replaced the photographs—all of which featured the long-lost River Song—back into his briefcase, before returning it to his closet, once again locking his past firmly away. He was luckier than most. He had a wonderful child, a stable job, and a nice (albeit small) home. And a dog. How could he possibly want anything more than that?

Damn Alex and her questions. And damn himself for getting stuck on this train of thought. He was a twenty-nine-year-old single father, and being a father would always come first. He would never trade his child for anyone, not even if the universe would guarantee him his perfect soulmate in exchange. Alex was his life’s greatest achievement, his greatest gift, his greatest joy. But dating as a single dad was hard. Most people weren’t exactly content to be second-best in a relationship, because that’s what they would be. His daughter would take priority, and there was no compromising that.

If only there was a way to advertise up front what his expectations were in a relationship, he lamented.

That thought brought him pause. Advertise…

He lived in the twenty-first century, didn’t he? He had the entire internet at his disposal, humankind at the tips of his fingers.

Before he could lose his nerve, James grabbed his phone from his pocket to send a message to one of his oldest friends. “Hypothetically, if one were to sign up for a dating app, which app should one choose?”

He should have known better than to think this entire conversation could be a text thread. Barely a minute after he sent the message, his phone buzzed in his palm with an incoming call: Jack Harkness.

With a heavy exhale, James flopped onto his couch and accepted the call.

“Doth mine eyes deceive me, or is James McCrimmon actually trying to get laid?”

James rolled his eyes, even as a ghost of a grin pulled up the corners of his mouth. “Good evening to you, too, Jack. And it was a hypothetical scenario, remember?”

“Well, hypothetically, I think you’re looking for a shag.”

“No,” James said with more patience than his friend probably deserved, “I’m just, y’know, entertaining the possibility of going out on a date. Getting to know someone. That’s all.”

“Getting to know someone biblically?”

“Jack!”

His friend laughed boisterously on the other end of the phone. “All right, all right. You’ll want to avoid Tinder then. Loads of horny people on that app. I assume you’re not looking to shag on the first date? You haven’t done that since uni.”

James’s cheeks and ears heated a bit. “Well, I’m not opposed to it, if there’s chemistry. But I’d prefer to meet someone who’s interested in a long-term relationship. I don’t want any quick, meaningless flings. I want, well, I want a partner. And I want someone who knows how important Alex is to me, and who accepts that and won’t try to change it.”

“I hear you loud and clear.”

Jack then launched into a ten-minute spiel about the various dating apps James could try, as well as providing his opinion on which ones would probably work best for what James was looking for. James digested all of the information as it poured out of his friend’s mouth, making a mental list of pros and cons for the recommended apps.

Once his app of choice was downloaded onto his phone, James continued speaking to Jack for advice on how to best advertise himself.

“I’m a man, interested in any gender, looking for… why can’t I click both friendship and serious relationship?” James asked as he set up his profile. “I’d like to be friends with my future partner. Doesn’t everyone want to be friends with the person they’re dating?”

“Funnily enough, it often doesn’t cross peoples’ minds to be friends with their significant other,” Jack drawled. “Not like you can talk; you and River were just fuck buddies.”

James bristled a bit, even though Jack wasn’t exactly wrong. But there was a bit more nuance to it. At least that’s what James always told himself. “We were friendly enough. We appreciated each other’s company to keep seeing each other throughout our days at uni. And we shared enough fondness for one another that we moved in when we learned of the pregnancy.”

“Well, yeah, ‘cos you’re a decent guy,” Jack argued. “Anyone else would’ve scampered away and refused to acknowledge that they’d ever had sex with the girl they’d knocked up. You know, it’s funny… you did the stereotypically “woman” thing by doing the best by your child and staying for her, while River did the stereotypically “man” thing by swanning off to God knows where.”

“Wasn’t very funny from where I was sitting,” James grumbled.

“You know I didn’t mean it like haha-funny. Peculiar-funny is what I meant. You know I was furious with River, too.”

James sighed and rubbed the heel of his hands into his eyes. “Yeah, I know. Thanks. But we’re getting sidetracked. I’m just gonna click that I’m looking for something serious. Oh Jesus, how do I describe myself in five hundred characters or less?!”

“Hmm, let’s see… Single dad looking for a life partner but will show you a good time too. Flaming hot sexy teacher who would be down for some kinky roleplay…”

“I’m trying not to attract one-night stands, thanks,” James interrupted. “Shut up and let me think.”

It was more difficult than it should have been, but after a few minutes of typing, deleting, and editing, James finally read out his profile bio: “I’m interested in finding a romantic partner. I’m a single dad of a beautiful nine-year-old girl who is my whole world. We like to play board games together and take walks with our dog. She likes to experiment in the kitchen, so we’re always cooking and baking. We love to travel, and we make a point of visiting a city we’ve never been to on school holidays. We also enjoy quieter pastimes of visiting museums or art galleries. If any of this appeals to you, send me a message.”

James knew he’d done something wrong by the series of impatient sighs Jack let out the longer he rattled off his information.

“As delightful as Alex is, people want to date you, not your daughter,” Jack said, exasperated.

Face heating, James skimmed back over what he’d written and mumbled, “Well, it’s all true. I can help it. Alex is my life.”

“I know she is,” Jack said softly. “But you know you’re allowed to have a life apart from your child, right?”

“Pfft. Nobody ever told me that.” James groaned and scrubbed his hands down his face. “It’s hopeless. I’m hopeless. I’m nearly thirty and have no bloody idea how to get somebody to go on a date with me. I can’t even figure out online dating.”

“You’re a perfect catch for someone,” his friend soothed. “But to find that someone, we need to tailor your profile a little bit. I’m not saying to cut out all mentions of Alex, because your future partner should know how seriously you take this fatherhood thing. But you need to put more of yourself into it. Believe it or not, you’re a pretty great person. I have no regrets from our twelve-year friendship.”

Jack’s words did little to quell the acid churning through James’s gut. “Maybe this whole thing was a bad idea. Maybe I should, I dunno, join a chess club and meet someone that way.”

“No no no, don’t give up yet,” Jack cajoled. “We can figure this out. There’s got to be someone on this damp little island who wants to fall in love with your ridiculously big heart and shag your clever little brains out. Let’s think: you’re dead clever and dead sexy. You know how to have a good time but can also enjoy a lazy day in. You’re a devoted dad and are eager to bring someone else into your tight-knit family unit. You’re looking for friendship and companionship with your romance.”

James hurriedly typed out all of Jack’s suggestions as he said them until they were hindered by the character count limit. They then spent time tweaking the phrasing and descriptions of the main aspects of James’s personality so that all of his strengths were put on clear display in a neat, concise bio.

“Oh bugger, I don’t have any photos of myself,” James muttered when he moved forward in his profile creation. “My phone is full of Alex, or she’s in all the photos with me.”

“That’s fine, as long as your face is there too. And not half out of frame.”

“No, I just… I don’t want my nine-year-old daughter’s face on an app meant for adults to find companionship in every definition of the word. What if some creep sees her and takes an interest and hacks my account and finds her and…”

James knew he was spiraling into an anxiety attack about something that had such a microscopic chance of happening, but he couldn’t help but think of one of his students last year, who had gone through the tribulations of a criminal trial because she’d been sexually abused by someone in her neighborhood.

“James, breathe,” Jack instructed, his voice firm but kind. “Let me send you some photos. Take a look, and see if you’re comfortable with them. Grab a glass of wine or something in the meantime.”

James did indeed pour himself a healthy measure of wine as he waited for whatever Jack was coming up with. To assuage his still-racing heart, James shuffled down the hall and poked his head into Alex’s room. She was safely in her bed, her blankets pulled up to her chin, her breathing deep and slow. His muscles unclenched, and he felt like he could breathe easily again.

“You still there?” Jack’s voice was faint from the living room, and James hurried back.

“Yeah, I’m here. What did you do?”

“Take a look. I texted you something.”

James set his wine on the coffee table and picked up his phone to look at his messages. Jack had sent him six photos. Alex was in four of them, and in each of those, he’d covered her face with a cartoonish image of a smiling orange flower in sunglasses.

“I didn’t even think of doing that,” James said sheepishly.

“I figured. Does that help?”

“Yeah. Loads. Thanks, Jack.”

James uploaded the photos, and hovered with his thumb overtop the publish profile button. “Do you… do you really think this will work?”

“I think it will work if you want it to work,” Jack answered. “Relationships take time and effort. You may find a few bad eggs along the way, but when you find some good ones, you need to make the effort to get to know them. This isn’t a magical fix. It’s just a way to stream-line conversation.”

James nodded. “Yeah. I’ll keep that in mind. Well. Here it goes.”

He held his breath, and pressed the button. The screen faded a little for a few seconds, before brightening back up with his new, shiny dating profile. Along with it, the app began showing him a rotating pool of potential matches for him. However, his brain was fried and he didn’t think he had the energy to read anyone else’s profile tonight. He closed the app and set his phone on his chest as he once again slouched into his couch.

He was about to work on ending the conversation with Jack when his friend asked, “If you don’t mind, why the sudden urge to start dating?”

James sighed. “I think I’m having a mid-life crisis.”

“You’re not middle-aged, so it’s more of a third-life crisis, but go on.”

James told Jack about Alex’s behavior at bedtime, and how upset she was that she didn’t have siblings, which led to him reevaluating what he wanted from life.

“I’m lonely,” he said at the end of his explanation. “I love my daughter with every fiber of my being, but…”

“But it’s not the same as having adult companionship,” Jack finished gently. “I get it. It’s okay, you know. You can be content with your life on the whole, but still wish for more.”

“It’s hard for me to acknowledge that without it feeling like I’m somehow displeased with Alex. Or I feel guilty because I’m admitting she’s not enough, when she is. Or I feel like I shouldn’t complain about my lot in life because I have the most perfect daughter in the world.”

“Well, you’re a bit biased on that assessment,” Jack teased. “But she is rather great, isn’t she?”

“The best,” James agreed. Then he let out a huge yawn. “Blimey, we’ve been chatting for an hour and a half. I should get to bed.”

“Yeah, me too. Give my love to Alex. When can Yan and I see her next? Wanna come over for dinner on Friday to celebrate the first week of school?”

“That sounds great. Thanks. We’ll bring dessert, as usual.”

“Perfect. See you then. Goodnight.”

James ended the call, then chugged the last of the wine in his glass before shuffling off to bed. When he stepped into his bedroom, though, a surprise waited for him: Alex was tucked under the blankets, and K9 was sprawled on the floor beside her.

Odd—he hadn’t heard her leave her room, and he’d just checked on her a half hour ago. James approached his daughter and pressed the backs of his fingers to her forehead, fearing an illness had drawn her to the comfort of his room. But her skin wasn’t any warmer than it ought to be.

She stirred at his touch, her eyelids lazily fluttering open. She blinked blearily, her gaze unfocused.

“Hiya, darling,” he whispered, kneeling in front of her. “You feel okay?”

“Marchin’ in the fields,” Alex slurred. “Keep up.”

James suppressed a chuckle as her eyes slid closed again. He stroked her hair away from her face, concluding that nothing more than sleepwalking—a habit she’d had since toddlerhood and was ever-so-slowly growing out of—had brought her to his bed. James left her where she was; she’d mosey back to her room if she wanted to.

Silently, he changed into pajamas, washed his face, and brushed his teeth before climbing into bed. Alex remained dead asleep, curled on her side facing away from him. His heart clenched with a flood of affection, and he leaned over to kiss the back of her head.

“Good night, sweetheart. Daddy loves you.”

[themculibrary]

Tony Stark + PTSD Masterlist

Apple Bobbing (ao3) - Ilovemcu G, 4k

Summary: Tony did not expect apple bobbing to trigger flashbacks to his water boarding in Afghanistan.

Answers (ao3) - mleoky pepper/tony T, 5k

Summary: “Daddy,” Morgan finishes an apple slice, swinging her legs under the dinner table, “who are, umm… Ten Rings?”

Daddy’s glass slips from his hand and goes CRASH on the floor.

Be Good (For Goodness' Sake!) (ao3) - fohatic steve/tony E, 9k

Summary: What does Steve Rogers plus a pair of glasses plus a beard plus a Santa costume add up to? Don't ask Tony, because he can't even math right now.

Clawing at the Corner of My Heart (ao3) - OneBuckyBitch bucky/tony M, 15k

Summary: Tony Stark knows what the reactor feels like, so when he has to have it put back in after a mission gone wrong, it's almost like coming home. Or, it should be.

Instead, a new nightmare follows him, and it's beginning to affect some of the others on the team, including Bucky Barnes, who can't seem to stop himself from getting pulled deeper, despite how much he knows he needs out.

Clint Barton is not Stupid (ao3) - Scrappystoria1977 clint/tony, bucky/laura T, 16k

Summary: Steve rogers faces the consequences of his lies and his actions, no redemption, he is delusional

Deep in the Heart of Me (ao3) - Finely Honed (jaqen_hgar) steve/tony E, 244k

Summary: Veteran single dad Steve runs a tattoo shop. Pepper arranges for Tony to get that tattoo he always wanted, and he winds up with the mother of all crushes instead. Jumping out of airplanes is one thing, but love requires real courage. Steve struggles with letting someone into his life. Tony tries to keep his heart intact while Steve works on his issues.

Craving a realistic depiction of a romantic relationship featuring PTSD, mental health issues, and characters who discuss their problems? This might be for you. No magic fixes here but a happy ending is guaranteed!

Demon in a Bottle (ao3) - downey7 pepper/tony M, 149k

Summary: Tony Stark narrowly escaped death while held captive in an Afghan cave. After returning to America and publicly revealing his Iron Man identity, he is faced with new and unforeseen challenges. An old enemy, once thought vanquished, reemerges with a deadly vengeance. Simultaneously, Tony’s unresolved trauma manifests in relentless nightmares, panic attacks, and flashbacks. Overwhelmed by his suffering, he turns to alcohol for escape, but each drink only deepens his descent into chaos. As his world unravels, he risks losing everything and everyone he holds dear - including himself.

Growing Beyond The Seed (ao3) - ajexists T, 2k

Summary: Tony goes into his therapy session ready to discuss the multiple meltdowns he has had, he leaves learning about childhood trauma.

Let There Be Light (ao3) - Crematosis bruce/tony T, 819

Summary: Sometimes Tony still dreams of being stuck in the wormhole and the darkness makes it hard to sleep.

Looking at You (ao3) - NotEvenCloseToStraight steve/bucky E, 28k

Summary:

Bucky doesn’t understand why no one ever says anything about Tony’s PTSD. A year after they have all come back, after they all hugged and made up, Tony is still jumping anytime someone speaks to him. His hands shake when Steve raises his voice. All he does is work and drink and apologize for being around. And nobody notices except Bucky, because he is looking. Constantly. Watching Tony as he goes through his day to day. Bucky looks and LOOKS, until he is having a hard time even wanting to look away from short spiky hair that begs to be mussed, deep brown eyes that always looks so sad, and perfect lips that Bucky just wants to kiss forever. Bucky looks for so long that now all he wants to do is touch and hold and fix everything. But Tony can barely be in the same room as Bucky, cant even look him in the eye. So Bucky doesn’t know what to do about Tony, but he is determined to do something. Because all he wants is to look at Tony, and see Tony looking back with a smile.

Never Again (ao3) - RogueFroggo steve/tony G, 1k

Summary: Post CW Tony is on edge around Steve, barely able to be in the same room as him but things finally come ahead when Steve comes to visit Tony in his lab.

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished (ao3) - IzHunny loki/tony E, 56k

Summary: Tony, not about to be one-upped by a snarky trickster showing up and providing help as he's about to duel it out with a different villain, returns the favor.

All kinds of unforeseen consequences ensue.

Scars on Your Heart (ao3) - SailorChibi tony/stephen T, 44k

Summary: Determined to stop Thanos by killing him before he collects all the Stones, Tony travels back in time and seeks out the one person who can help him: Dr. Stephen Strange. With less than a week to go before Thanos's ships crashland on Earth, Tony and Strange form an alliance - and, just maybe, start falling in love.

Stab Me in the Back (I'll Catch You From Behind) (ao3) - Lansfics7 pepper/tony T, 296k

Summary: "I am going to find Tony," the man hisses in Peter's ear, his gaze cold and cruel. "And when I do, I will kill him, slowly. What do you say to that-" The man stops short because Peter's shoulders are shaking, and before he can curl his lip in victory, he hears a snicker. When he lets go of Peter's hair, the teen's head slumps to his chest, but it's not out of exhaustion or defeat...it's to hide a smile.

The boy lets out a laugh, shaking his head before glancing to the sides admitting apologetically, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, it's just- it is so fun to mess with you!" He looks around before snorting, "Tony Stark? That's your play? You're not screwing with me, right? You actually thought that would work? Sorry guys." Peter straightens in his chair with a sneer and a cocky wink, "Tony doesn't give a flying crap about me."

In other words.... Peter is kidnapped and his captors think they can hold Tony against him. But they don't know what's happened in the past couple months.

testing, testing... can you hear me, Midtown? (ao3) - Singing_Siren G, 2k

Summary: “Testing, testing,” a very familiar voice cuts through the silence. Ned relaxes in a huff. “Is this thing on? Kidding, I know you can hear me, Midtown. I would apologize for the interruption, but honestly I’m not that sorry. Yeah, yeah, I’m sure you’re all receiving a very important education here. That’s not important.”

Peter very quietly curses. It’s loud in the brief silence between Tony’s words. People are already looking over to him before Tony freaking Stark continues his message over the intercom.

“Peter,” and that sends a chill down his spine, “we need you.”

OR: Peter doesn't bring his phone to school on the one day where he needs to, so Tony is forced to get creative to contact him

You've got a friend in me (ao3) - boleyn13 loki/tony, clint/natasha, pepper/tony M, 412k

Summary: After faking his death in the Dark World Loki is free to do what he wants. Instead of leaving everything behind Loki is driven by his thirst for revenge and won't find peace before he destroyed every single one of the Avengers. This time though he won't use violence, but the weapons of the God of Mischief: trickery, deceit and illusion. Loki decides to befriend the Avengers. However they won't know it's him. Not until he is close enough to strike. Unfortunately Loki didn't consider the possibility that he might get too close.

[atalanta133]

the context behind this post as requested by @omnisvirlupussicfiatdraco, and the story of how I binged 54* episodes of Doctor Who in 48 hours.

this all started around three weeks ago. My English class started a new unit about critical reviews, with the end goal of writing our own review of some experience we would have in the upcoming weeks. Having just started watching Classic Who, I decided that I wanted to write my review on “The Tenth Planet”, as I figured it would be fun to write about such an important part of my favorite show. Just three minor problems:

I was only on the last serial of season one

“the Tenth Planet” is the second serial of season 4

I wanted to skip as few episodes as possible

this meant I had to watch both seasons 2 and 3 in less than three weeks while also dealing with school, general life, and American Thanksgiving, when I wouldn’t have a chance to watch much for about 4 days because I was in Michigan. Skip to last week, where burnout from school combined with not getting a good chance to recharge from Thanksgiving means I don’t feel like doing much of anything at all other than laying in bed hoping I’m absorbed into my mattress. Come Thursday night, I’m halfway through the final serial of season two and haven’t even started season three.

At this point I’m too far in and too stubborn to give up. Come Tuesday I WOULD be writing about that Regeneration scene one way or another. I did the math, and I had four days to watch 54 episodes (not counting “The Tenth Planet” itself). I had to Lock. In. At English class on Friday I went up to my teacher and told her of my plan. “You know you don’t have to do that” she said. “Yes, I do.” I responded.

Friday night. Night of the first day. 84 hours Remain. I got home at three thirty. I spent the next five hours finishing the last two episodes of season two and beginning the first serial of season three. By the end of the day I had managed to watch three total episodes. Not good enough.

Saturday. Dawn of the Second Day. 72 Hours Remain. Wake up at 9am, start episode 3 of “Galaxy 4” and don’t stop for anything other than the Wild Life Finale, then it’s straight back into the TARDIS. I knock out “Galaxy 4” and the “Myth Makers” by 1pm. I decided to skip “Mission into the Unknown” because it’s only one episode and doesn’t even have the main cast at all. I say goodbye to Vicki (take a moment to cry cuz I miss Vicki), and turn my attention to the 12 part monster of a serial, and my biggest challenge of my endeavor; “The Daleks Master Plan.”

I watched 11 episodes. In. Six. Hours. I skipped episode 7 because it’s literally doesn’t progress the plot and I can feel myself dying inside. I decided right there that I needed to rein it in on Sunday. I had something else I had to do for a couple hours anyways. I was not going to watch another 22 episodes even if I tried.

Sunday. Dawn of the Third Day. 48 hours remain. For my own sanity, I skipped “The Massacre” and “The Celestial Toymaker” because I didn’t want to come out of this never wanting to watch another episode of this show again when the Fifteenth Doctor (my favorite) was coming back for Christmas in just a few weeks. I’m also sorta skimming through “The Savages” but still watching because that’s when Steven leaves. I manage to crawl halfway through the final serial of season three when I decide that I had to call it there and skip the last two episodes as well as all of “The Smugglers” because if I had to read any more scrolling text on top of telesnaps I would jump into my computer screen like a Super Mario 64 painting an ask a Dalek to exterminate me.

and now, it’s Monday evening. 8 Hours Remain. I’m starting “The Tenth Planet” right now. This has been quite the experience, but thankfully it hasn’t diminished my love for this show. I can’t say I’ll repeat this, or that I enjoyed all of it, but I will say that I’m excited to watch arguably one of the most important serials in the 61 years of this franchise. And though I’m sad to see William Hartnell and One go, I look forward to watching Patrick Troughton and Two take up the mantle. Now if you excuse me, I’ll be in Antarctica saying hello to my favorite Doctor Who monster.

bonus hand reveal

[deeptrashwitch]

Elliot "Pride" Stevens

Name: Elliot Stevens

Nacionality: American🇺🇲

Age: 24

Date of birth: 12th july 1998 - Fort Worth (U.S.A)

Residence: Killeen, Texas, USA

Afilliation: U.S Army / 75th Ranger Regiment Specters

Rank: Private

Callsign: Pride (Current)/ Charlie 3-8

Occupation: Combat engineer

Height: 1.90 m/ 6'2" ft

Weight: 95 kg

Blood type: AB-

Pronouns: He/him

Sexuality: Straight

Languages: English (Native), Japanese, Greek, Afrikáans

AFILLIATIONS

Specters members:

-Captain Alicia Marchant (alive)

-Lieutenant Luke Michaelis (alive)

-Sergeant Jackson Blackwell (alive)

-Sergeant Edward Jackson (alive)

-Corporal Noah García (alive)

-Corporal Elijah Wilson (alive)

-Airman First Class Nicholas Fowlett (alive)

-Private Marcus Lombardi (alive)

-Private Alexander Christensen (alive)

-Private Francis Scott (alive)

CIA:

-Chief Station Dominique Wright (alive)

Underworld:

-Liù Xiao Chen (alive)

FAMILY

-Harrison Stevens (Father) (alive)

-Sarah Stevens nee Hayes (Mother) (alive)

-Mirai Hayes (Aunt) (alive)

-Daniel Stevens (Uncle) (alive)

-Enzo Stevens (cousin) (alive)

-Jimmy Hayes (cousin) (alive)

PERSONALITY

-He is arrogant and stubborn, and the first time he met Jackson and Noah, it played against him and caused problems with most of them. But when he left that on the side, he's really responsible, intelligent and, as well as Luke, analytic.

-During the conjoined missions he stays a bit away from the other team, usually because he doesn't consider them an intelectual challenge. Francis stays near him, though, the cartographer is the one who smack some sense into him.

-Elliot usually overthinks almost everything, trying to understand all the variables, but ends up stressing himself. Maybe that's why people compare him with a surly cat when he's stressed.

BIOGRAPHY

Born in Fort Worth, Texas. His family are mainly veterinarians, on the other hand a cousin is an economist and the other one is a photographer. As a kid, he grew up surrounded by animals and ended up loving almost any kind of animals, to his parents delight.

Elliot thought of being a veterinarian as well, but during his school life he discovered that he is amazing with the math and the physics. For many years he investigated about some branches of engineering, and found about the combat engineers, which called his attention. He talked with his parents, who were worried about him, but asked to take a year or two to think about it.

A year and half later, he enlisted into the Army and engineers school, and he studied until he almost fainted as he was on basic training. As he finished his training and title as engineer, it was known he was the best on his class, which helped him at the moment to be accepted on the special forces. From then on, he became arrogant, mostly because all of his superiors were amazed with him and praised his abilities insted of his co-workers'.

During his deployments, he perfected his tecnique and his speed on the field, which only boosted his ego. When he was on a deployment on a mountain range, he met Luke as a Sergeant, who at first was also reading his file in awe, but they lost contact after two missions more. And when the rumors about the new team were flying around, he knew they would look for him, considering the pattern.

And he was right, but he got slightly offended that the Captain sended the Sergeant and the Corporal instead of come herself. But when the reunion started, he felt in danger for a second, the Corporal was ready to beat the shit out of him and the Sergeant looked at him with something near to hate. Soon he went to Black Tomb and the day the Captain arrived again, he shivered and surprised to see how Michaelis was now the Lieutenant of the team.

And Luke was dissapointed...

Elliot spoke with Alicia and felt so little, like never before, and also he walked outside that office feeling regret for his own comments. Soon Luke walk to him, this time without a trace of the awe of before, just telling him one think with a harsh voice. Nowadays, he thanks that he said that during his first time there, but at the moment it affected him.

"Listen, the time has passed and I noticed something. You aren't as special as you think, everyone here are basically geniuses on their fields and if you continue thinking that you're some itty-bitty shining star...I'll be the one to bring you back to earth and throw you out of here" Luke growled to him that day "bring your fucking act together, Stevens, get down of your cloud"

SKILLS

-He is specialized on detecting many tipes of land mines, and even some acuatic mines too, to leave it for Noah. Also he prepares obstacles for the enemies squads and clears the paths for the other squads that come after the main one.

-Main and static part of the infantry squad, and he goes better during frontal attack missions, mostly if they have time to prepare traps.

COMBAT

His combat style is defensive, but will take a turn to the offensive if it's needed. His first choice weapon is also a Bowie knife. Elliot will never admit it, but he refuses to learn another kind of combat, not out of arrogance, but because he isn't sure he'll be at a good level in time for the missions.

TRIVIA

-His main hobby is solve puzzles, any kind of puzzle he can get, he'll try to solve it. Inside his room has a collection and everyone always gift him a new one on his birthday.

-Most part of the time he's inside the hangars, so he interacts more with Luke and Edward, also with Francis because the younger one is the one who keep him down to earth.

-He also doesn't have a car, and everyone prays for him to stay like that. Elliot...likes a bit to much Gran Turismo, and it could be great if only he knew how to drive as a sane person. Also Elijah lent him his Camaro once and he almost crashed it down...since then he's banned from using any civilian car out the base, except on special ocations.

-More than once, Alicia has seen him let some stray cats inside the base, but she never said anything. Mostly because she also got attached to them and is thinking to adopt one (and call it gun powder)

-His callsign speaks for itself, and it wasn't something that his peers gave him to joke or in a good mood. On the contrary, it was a way to almost insult him because of his attitude. But Elliot took it anyway because it fits him.

-He doesn't have any favorite food, and is really picky to eat. But when he enlisted, he forced himself to eat all the MRE's out in the field and the lunches when they're on the base. He eats everything, but doesn't enjoys it, maybe only Alexander's biscuits.

Song

Moodboard

[sleepykye]

Chapter 1: New beginnings

Warning(s): None

Series Type

In the quiet suburbs of Musutafu, a young boy named Tamaki Amajiki stood nervously at the gates of his new elementary school. His parents had recently moved to the area, and today was his first day. With his head bowed and his heart racing, Tamaki clutched his backpack straps tightly, feeling like he wanted to disappear into the ground.

Across the playground, you were playing with a group of classmates. Your laughter filled the air, drawing Tamaki's attention. For a moment, his anxiety was overshadowed by curiosity. You noticed him standing alone and broke away from your friends, walking over with a bright smile.

“Hi! I’m Y/N. Are you new here?”

Tamaki looked up, surprised by your friendliness. “Y-yes, I’m Tamaki,” he stammered.

“It’s nice to meet you, Tamaki! Do you want to join us?” you asked, pointing to the group you had just left.

Tamaki hesitated but nodded, feeling a small spark of hope. You took his hand and led him to your friends, introducing him with enthusiasm. From that moment, a bond began to form between you, one that would grow stronger with each passing year.

Elementary school turned into a time of growth and discovery for both of you. Tamaki's shy nature often made it difficult for him to make friends, but you were always there, pulling him into your world of endless curiosity and fun. You encouraged him to try new things, from participating in school plays to joining you in science projects.

One day, during a field trip to the local zoo, you and Tamaki found yourselves separated from the rest of the group. Instead of panicking, you turned the situation into an adventure. "Let's explore! Maybe we'll find a secret animal exhibit!" you said, your eyes sparkling with excitement.

Tamaki, though nervous, couldn't help but smile at your enthusiasm. "O-okay," he agreed, following your lead.

You wandered through the zoo, making up stories about the animals and pretending to be heroes on a mission. By the time you found your way back to the group, both of you were laughing and closer than ever.

Middle school brought new challenges. Puberty and the pressures of growing up made life more complicated, but you and Tamaki navigated it together. You were always there to encourage him when his anxiety flared up, and he supported you through your own struggles.

One afternoon, during a particularly tough math class, you noticed Tamaki struggling with a problem. He stared at his notebook, his face a mask of frustration.

"Hey, Tamaki," you whispered, leaning over. "Need some help?"

He looked at you, relief in his eyes. "Yes, please. I just don't get this."

You spent the next few minutes explaining the problem in a way that made sense to him. When he finally understood, his face lit up with a smile. "Thanks, Y/N. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Anytime, Tamaki. We're a team, remember?" you replied, giving him a reassuring pat on the back.

As high school approached, you and Tamaki began to focus on your dreams of becoming heroes. U.A. High School was your goal, and you both knew it wouldn't be easy to get in. The entrance exam was known for being incredibly tough.

"We'll have to train hard," you said one day, after school. "But I know we can do it if we stick together."

Tamaki nodded, determination in his eyes. "You're right. Let's give it our all."

The two of you spent countless hours training, pushing each other to new heights. You worked on your quirks, improving your skills and learning to fight as a team. The bond you shared became your greatest strength, giving you the confidence to face the challenges ahead.

The day of the U.A. entrance exam finally arrived. The atmosphere was tense, with hundreds of students gathered, all hoping to secure a place at the prestigious school. You and Tamaki stood together, feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves.

"We've got this," you said, giving Tamaki a reassuring smile. "Just remember everything we've practiced."

Tamaki took a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah. Thanks, Y/N. Let's do our best."

The exam was intense, with physical and mental challenges designed to test your abilities. You and Tamaki worked seamlessly as a team, covering each other's weaknesses and playing to your strengths. When the results were announced, both of your names were on the list.

"We did it!" you exclaimed, tears of joy streaming down your face.

Tamaki smiled, his eyes shining with pride. "We did it together, Y/N."

Life at U.A. High School was demanding but rewarding. The training was rigorous, and the competition was fierce. Despite the pressures, you and Tamaki remained each other's rock. You supported him through his moments of self-doubt, and he was always there to encourage you when things got tough.

During a particularly difficult training exercise, you noticed Tamaki struggling. His anxiety was getting the better of him, and he seemed on the verge of giving up. You approached him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“Hey, it’s okay. We’ll get through this together,” you said softly.

Tamaki looked at you, his eyes filled with uncertainty. “What if I’m not good enough?”

“You are good enough, Tamaki. You’re amazing, and you have so much potential. Don’t let fear hold you back,” you reassured him.

With your words echoing in his mind, Tamaki found the strength to push through his doubts. Together, you faced the challenges of hero training, each day bringing you closer to your goals.

[mitigatedchaos]

General Post for Monday, April 15, 2024

(5,700 words, ~28 mins)

💾 "Don't underestimate computers."

6 - Social Media Notes: Recommendation: To limit distraction, limit notifications in order to make social media into its own specific context, rather than leaking into other contexts.

7 - US War Notes: Since at least the year 2000, despite its technical competence, the United States has been bad at managing the political dimension of its wars. Developments since then suggest it may get worse.

8 - Interpreting Statement A: Why "industrialization enables women's rights" could be viewed as right-wing.

9 - Computing Capital Notes 1: The basic nature of computers as capital. (It's about dimensionality in production.)

10 - Computing Capital Notes 2: How should computing be distributed? From a technical perspective, it's an open question.

11 - Computing Politics Notes: Computing has its own politics, and how computing should be distributed is one of its central questions.

12 - Desktop Internet Notes: The old Internet was implicitly gatekept by the price and complexity of personal computers. With the emergence of smartphones, personal computers are becoming less common again.

-☆☆☆-

6: Social Media Notes

Social media tends to drive people to distraction. It's obvious how negative interactions like arguments can be distracting. Someone could pop up and argue, "owning cats is bourgeois decadence," and it's very tempting to just correct them. With smartphone notifications, such an argument could come up at any time, in any context.

Positive interactions can also be distracting. It's just a lot more fun to work with your friend on writing his homebrew Dungeons & Dragons campaign than to do math homework. (Substitute whatever activity you want.)

This is why I strongly recommend muting the vast majority of social media notifications on your devices. Force social media to be its own specific context, rather than intruding into other contexts.

On Twitter, I've gone so far as to mute notifications from every account except ones that follow me. When I want to continue an argument, I just scroll down in my replies to find it, and if I don't want to, then I leave the Cats-Are-Bourgeois guy's reply unread. Would this approach be bad for Twitter if widely adopted? Sure, but it's necessary to prioritize your own life.

7: US War Notes

For decades, the United States government seems to have done well at the technical challenge of delivering bombs on to targets, but poorly at managing the political dimension of conflicts. Back in 2019, Hanania (yes, the troll one) posted a bunch of excerpts of Afghan War documents, pointing to a government that didn't know what the mission was, could not allocate money effectively, and seems to have failed to understand the needs and desires of the population.

The War in Afghanistan took place during both the Bush and Obama administrations, and neither of them managed to successfully resolve the conflict.

Why? Well, we could say that there's a failure of leadership, and I think that's correct.

More importantly, I think it's likely that the legitimizing basis for both the Bush power coalition and the Obama power coalition contained premises that were in conflict with the national development of a poor, arid, inland, mountainous country, operating under a different religion.

This is still a failure of leadership, because the necessary talent to carry out such a project, or to at least make a better attempt, existed within the American system, and a talented political leader who devoted enough attention to the problem would be able to synthesize new ideology to draw out that talent. The greatest challenge is that this would divide the political leader's attention between foreign politics and domestic politics. Bush or Obama would have needed to tap a trusted lieutenant and imbued them with significant authority, as well as working closely with them to perform the necessary political maneuvering. Could the system have provided the right lieutenant?

The United States remains a formidable opponent due to its immense wealth, technological advantage, and the quality of its institutions. It maintains its position by being well-equipped to knock down legible, modernist states, even as India and China continue to industrialize.

However, the political situation has gotten worse.

For instance...

Statement A: Women's liberation as we currently know it is primarily the result of industrialization reducing the child mortality rate from its historical level of around 50% to rates below 1% in developed countries, in combination with labor-saving home automation (such as laundry machines) dramatically reducing women's work at home, enabling women to work outside the home at much higher rates.

Is the above statement "far right"?

Statement B: The ideology of liberalism has powerful inherent advantages in economic development and trade, as well as epistemic advantages due to relative freedom of speech. (One way to think of this is that it uses peace dividends to pay competing parties for mutual disarmament, both internal to liberal society, and between liberal countries.) However, since the early 20th century, liberalism has likely gained a structural advantage due to the global dominance of the United States (enabled by the country's immense size, geographic diversity, and relative cultural unity, allowing for economic and therefore military power), both making it appear successful and making attacks on liberal countries more costly. In the event of a reduction in US dominance, liberalism may face stiffer competition from more authoritarian and particularist ideologies.

How about this statement? Is this "far right"?

I asked Nous Capybara 34B, a large language model based on 01AI's 34-billion parameter Yi model, to answer this question. Nous Capybara was trained on LessWrong posts, and provided the quite reasonable response that neither quotation is "far right," as neither quote advocates for far right positions (such as discrimination).

There's a famous Tumblr post that reads:

drakensberg: The reading comprehension and overall common sense on this website is piss poor.

poupon: how dare you say we piss on the poor

If you want to know what an awful Tumblr discourse post, Twitter tweet, or clickbait article would say, you can actually just straight-up ask Nous Capybara for an unreasonable opinion. So I did. It said:

An unreasonable interpretation of Statement A could be that it promotes extreme right-wing ideologies by suggesting that women's liberation is solely a result of technological advancements and reduced child mortality rates, rather than acknowledging the significant contributions of feminist movements, activists, and policy changes. This perspective may also argue that the statement undervalues or dismisses the struggles and achievements of women in advocating for their rights and equality. Additionally, an unreasonable interpretation might falsely attribute the statement to a far-right individual or group as a means to discredit or manipulate others' opinions about the issue.

Suppose there is a ruling power coalition whose publicly-expressed ideology is that the concept of merit is a "racial supremacist," colonialist construct, and simultaneously that they're better than you because they got into Harvard and you didn't (and that Harvard Extension School, which includes the same classes, but not the same tough admissions gauntlet, doesn't count).

How would they view the two statements? How would they speak about them?

8: Interpreting Statement A

How could statement A be interpreted as "far right"?

Statement A: Women's liberation as we currently know it is primarily the result of industrialization reducing the child mortality rate from its historical level of around 50% to rates below 1% in developed countries, in combination with labor-saving home automation (such as laundry machines) dramatically reducing women's work at home, enabling women to work outside the home at much higher rates.

Self-identified progressives generally proceed from what could be called a "default abundance" mindset rather than a "default scarcity" mindset. In their view, women's rights are the default that always existed, and would emerge naturally in the absence of oppression. In this view, women's rights could have emerged naturally at any point in history, except that the people of the past chose otherwise. Thus, the contemporary male supporter of women's rights is morally superior to the men of the past, who selfishly chose oppression.

[ women's rights ]

Self-identified progressives might extend causation, but primarily to place "women's rights" as part of a broader network of non-oppression. For instance, they might say that "women's rights" both depends on and reinforces "democracy".

[ women's rights ] ⇄ [ democracy ]

The right wing generally have a "default scarcity" mindset, e.g. "if no one plants the field, then there will be no wheat."

In statement A, women's rights are the result of a particular level of economic development, capable of producing modern medical technology and automating household labor.

[ industrial production ] → [ medical technology ] & [ household labor automation ] → [ women's rights ]

The typical self-identified progressive would not say that medical technology, such as vaccination, is bad. Rather, what makes them upset is what could potentially be attached to the first node, "industrial production."

[ social norms & values ] → [ industrial production ] → [ medical technology ] & [ household labor automation ] → [ women's rights ]

Let's take "punctuality" as an example of what I will call a "production value." We'll use the Smithsonian infographic on "white culture" that was yanked down in 2020 as an example. The authors of the infographic wrote:

‣ Follow rigid time schedules. ‣ Time viewed as a commodity.

For many people, punctuality is viewed in moral terms. Being late is considered immoral, or at least rude. However, punctuality also has mechanical effects - if an assembly line depends on 20 workers all being at their stations, and one worker is 30 minutes late, then the assembly line will not run as long, and will therefore produce fewer items.

If those items are, say, vaccines, then fewer children will receive vaccines. If fewer children receive vaccines, then more children will die of childhood illness. If more children die of childhood illness, women will have to spend more time having and raising children, and will have less time to work and earn money outside the home. If women don't raise more children to make up for the deaths, then that society's population will decline, and that society will, eventually, be replaced.

It might not be vaccines. It might be ball bearings for an industrial equipment maker that manufactures conveyor belts used in plants that make vaccines. It might be tires. It might be helicopter rotor blades. Regardless, if people don't show up, then the product doesn't get made. If the product doesn't get made, then it can't get used. If the product isn't used, then something of value may end up missing from society.

Enforcing punctuality is often inconvenient for people who don't take well to it. It can be viewed as a form of oppression - people will not get paid unless they show up on time, and for some people that's a lot more difficult than it is for others.

This is horrifying for self-identified progressives. "What about sick people? What about mentally ill people? What about people from cultures with looser time norms?"

Someone with a globe emoji (🌐) in their name on Twitter might quip, "All of those people would benefit from a wide availability of cheap, mass-produced vaccines," which reduce the required amount of labor for a particular material standard of living.

It's a trade-off. You set a target level of economic production, and given the available knowledge, capital, materials, and energy available, that takes a particular strictness of production norms to reach.

Note that positive rights, such as "every human being has a right to housing," inherently imply the enforcement of production norms.

A self-identified "reactionary," who dislikes women's rights for his own reasons, can leverage the necessity of stricter social norms for high rates of material production in order to promote stricter social norms for other reasons. This is, roughly, what would cause a self-identified progressive to describe statement A as "far right."

We could also imagine a "dark liberal" who likes women's rights, and therefore wants to impose some minimum limits on social norms in order to keep industrial production within the range necessary to support that. (Such a liberal might be a "conservative," conserving a particular liberal order. US politics tends to attribute too much to both labels, calling Communists "liberals" and monarchists "conservatives.")

Many self-identified progressives, like many political footsoldiers, primarily obtain their political opinions socially, and cannot differentiate between the two.

(How legible is all this? Llama-2 agreed once I suggested something like this reasoning, but didn't notice until I told it to. Expect a difference between progressive-tinged people and hyper-online partisan footsoldiers.)

9: Computing Capital Notes 1

I've said this before, but capital is a low-dimensionality construct, and much of the work of labor is to reduce the context of a production problem until it's simple enough that capital can be applied to it.

As an example, think of this mass production metal-stamping machine - it literally goes up and down. Over and over and over again, the main part of the machine is moving along a single axis, and uniform material is fed into it from a single direction at a steady rate.

The job of labor is to maintain the machine, to configure the machine, to ensure the production area is free of anything that might interfere with the machine (like rain or parts intersecting from other machines), and to supply the right input materials. Once the metal is loaded on to the machine, it goes in a straight line, where it gets pressed into the exact same sequence of dies every time.

A blacksmith could make almost whatever shape you like to order. He could use a variety of metals. That's labor. A machine where the metal can only travel in one direction and can only be made into 10,000 of one particular shape? That's capital.

Software is special.

Suppose we are manufacturing some metal part using a metal stamping machine. Once it comes out of the stamping machine, the parts will be painted either red or blue. Simple enough. We have two conveyor belts. One belt goes to the machine where the parts are painted red. The other goes to the machine where the parts are painted blue. We install a second machine that simply pushes parts onto either the blue or the red conveyor belt. It could be a pusher plate attached to a piston. We'll call it a sorter.

What's the ratio of red to blue parts set by our sorter?

If there's no reconfigurable control system, then it's just whatever ratio it was built for. For instance, the conveyor may have a series of belts, and the sorter may just have some gears that activate the piston for every second part that comes down the conveyor, pushing it on to the blue line. This gives one option:

{ 50% blue }

We could make a more basic control system with just a lever and some more gears. The lever would switch the assembly to different sets of gears with different rhythms. We could have three sets of gears, for three options:

{ 25% blue, 50% blue, 75% blue }

We could install a simple electronic system for triggering the piston, controlled by a knob, with ten increments, with the timing set according to the speed of the conveyor belt. This gives us ten options:

{ 10% blue, 20% blue, 30% blue, 40% blue, 50% blue, 60% blue, 70% blue, 80% blue, 90% blue, 100% blue }

We can consider the [ red-blue color ratio ] as a dimension of the production problem, with some range of possible values. In math, it would be a variable. A customer might call in and say "I want an order of 10,000 parts, and I want 6,000 of them red (and 4,000 blue), with a steel thickness of 4mm." If we were plotting out this order, we would use a 3-dimensional graph, with the variables { quantity, color, thickness }.

If we reduce the range of possible values for one of the variables, we can simplify our machine. We are shrinking or reducing that dimension. If we shrink it down to one value, then we've reduced it to a constant and effectively factored that dimension out. If the only color option is { 50% blue }, then we can omit [ color ] from our graph, and just display { quantity, thickness }.

We already had to do a lot of this to get a working machine to begin with. It would be very difficult for the same machine to manufacture both pillows and steel doors.

Computers are special, because they can increase the dimensionality of the production machine.

Suppose we hook up a computer to the electronic sorting piston. If we know the number of parts in total, and we know the timing of the conveyor, we can select just about whatever number of produced parts we like for painting, in just about whatever pattern we like. If the customer orders 10,000 parts, we can paint any number of them blue from 0 to 10,000. We have 10,000 options:

{ 1, ..., 10,000 }

If the computer doesn't have a particular pattern, we can reprogram it with new software. If the computer is hooked up to a network or terminal, we could potentially even change the color for the remaining share of the order while the order is in progress.

This ability of computers to increase the dimensionality of a production system (which makes it more general) is part of why computers and software are so valuable.

10: Computing Capital Notes 2

A floppy disk contains 1.44 million bytes. That's about 1.44 million characters (letters, numbers, spaces, etc) in an old encoding scheme like ASCII. You could fit about 200,000 words in there, enough for a lengthy book.

Let's suppose that we wanted to store a bunch of names, addresses, and phone numbers. We might allocate...

64 bytes for the first name

64 bytes for the last name

128 bytes for the street address

64 bytes for the city

2 bytes for the state

10 bytes for the phone number

...for a total of 332 bytes per record. Dividing the capacity of our floppy disk by this amount, we get around 4,337 records. We'll round it down to 4,300. (Alternatively, we could omit the city and state for about 5,400 records.)

We could describe the memory usage as "rectangular." It's based on the number of records times the size of each record.

If we just talked about books, it would sound like computers scale linearly. 200,000 words would be a long fiction book - it's about twice the length of The Hobbit - but roughly 5,000 records would be pretty short for a phone book (a printed telephone directory, obsolete as of 2010).

It we wanted to make a telephone directory in this way for say, Manhattan (1.646 million residents), we would need about 546 million bytes (546 megabytes), or about 380 floppy disks, which would just about fill a couple of shoeboxes. This would be a "tall" problem, with lots and lots of small records. (This isn't an important term, here. I'm just using it for the example.)

We could also imagine a "wide" problem, where each record is large. For instance, we could be storing college applications, in which each person submits a PDF of their resume (5 MB), a 10,000 word essay (70 KB), an application form with 96 64-character fields (6.1 KB), 5 photographs (300 KB each), and a 5-minute DVD-quality video (367.5 MB), for a combined total of 374 megabytes per application. If we then get 5,000 student applications for the year, we will need 1.87 terabytes (trillions of bytes) just to store them all.

In the telephone directory problem, we wanted to look at each person in very little detail, so each record is small. In the college application problem, we want to look at each person in a lot more detail, so each record is large. Either way, it adds up.

What should we make of these three simple examples, the book, the phone directory, and the college application storage? How much computer you need, whether that's one floppy disk's worth, 546 megabytes, or 1.87 terabytes, depends on the scale of your problem.

That brings us into the second portion.

Suppose the college hires 15 people to spend 3 workweeks reviewing all 5,000 college applications. Which of the following three options should the college use?

15 desktop computers, each with 2 terabytes of storage, and have a full copy of all applications on each computer

15 desktop computers, each with 2 gigabytes of storage, plus 1 server computer with 2 terabytes of storage, and copy the applications as-needed

15 low-powered "thin client" computers, each with 500 megabytes of storage, plus 1 server computer with 2 terabytes of storage, and have the server do almost all the work

This is a trick question - the information provided isn't enough to give a good answer. It depends on things like the rate of data transfer from the server, the price of the hardware, the budget for the project, and just what the workers will be doing with the applications.

Whether it's more appropriate to use a centralized system or a decentralized system, and when it's better to use a remote system or to handle things locally, is a technical question which varies from project to project, and from time to time.

11: Computing Politics Notes

The question of which computers processing should take place on, and who owns and controls them, as well as their software, is also a political one - though not in the sense that it's formally legislated by congress, or that there is some special identity-based way to use a computer.

A computer is a piece of capital equipment. A decent one might have an upfront cost of $1,500. If it's replaced once every 3 years, then the price is $500 per year - whether you use it or not. The marginal cost of electricity for actually using the computer to crunch numbers or store data is low. This creates a pressure towards centralization - every CPU cycle not used is "wasted," and a centralized system can aggregate work requests across people (and also timezones), averaging out usage.

Likewise, to actually maintain the computer, you have to learn how it works and do research, and things are constantly changing. If you like doing this, you won't perceive this as a cost. Some guys like to work on their own cars. Other guys like to install custom computer operating systems for fun. A lot of other people would literally rather pay someone else to do that (and they have good reasons to do so). This also creates an incentive towards centralization, where a lot of computers can be administered by a few experts.

Both of these trends also lean towards remote systems. With the contemporary Internet, for a lot of uses, it's just easier to have someone else build and administer a giant warehouse of computers, and then pay them to use a few computers as-needed. (This is the basic theory behind Amazon Web Services, which accounted for a majority of Amazon's profit in 2021.)

Here's how this gets political.

You don't own those computers. You can only use them in the ways that the guy who owns the giant warehouse of computers allows, and if he doesn't like you, he might cut off access.

Recently on Tumblr there have been reports of Google removing sexually-charged documents from Google Docs. Are these reports true? I don't know, but given how payment processors behave, it seems likely. If your steamy Doctor Who / X-Files fanfic is on gDocs, and Google's legal department decides that it doesn't want that liability - well, those are Google's computers, not yours.

Poof.

Similar pressures apply to computer programs. An unskilled user could accidentally download ransomware or a trojan that steals their credit card information. Many users don't want to learn how to avoid them (and some users might not be able to). On top of this, they don't want to learn about things like files, folders, file formats, or any of a dozen other aspects of computer literacy. Thus smartphones and tablets computers tend to be the computer as appliance, set up to only download new programs from restricted-access corporate "app stores."

It might not be surprising that, according to Pew Research (2021), many younger Americans only use a smartphone rather than a desktop or notebook computer.

Smartphone dependency: Some 15% of U.S. adults are “smartphone-only” internet users – that is, they have a smartphone, but do not have a home broadband connection. [...] Smartphone dependence is more common among younger rather than older adults: 28% of adults ages 18 to 29 are in this “smartphone-only” category, compared with 12% of those 30 and older.

The typewriter is a production device. The television is a consumption device. The smartphone is both a consumption and production device, but this is asymmetric - due to the device's small size and thumb-based interface, it's much more difficult to write text or edit video than it would be with a desktop computer. Programs ("apps") tend to limit power-user functionality (such as access to the file system) in order to be simpler to use for non-experts, allowing a user to access many of the common uses of a computer but with much less control over how it's done. A smartphone will also be less powerful than a desktop computer of the same price.

The idea of writing a program on a smartphone is absurd - smartphone applications are written on desktop or notebook computers.

12: Desktop Internet Notes

Kontextmaschine once wrote (2019):

And if the Anglophone internet is ::gestures:: like this now maybe it’s cause it’s less of a professional-class preserve? The dividing line maybe being smartphones where “people on the internet” went from “people who specifically spend $X/mo on it as luxury” to “people with telephone service”? That’s a real possibility, that for all the “Global Village” stuff the wondrous effect of the ‘90s internet was to create a cultural space that was MORE gatekept by wealth and education.

That’s… kind of depressing, though. “Haha you thought the world was getting better because you were eliminating elitist barriers but actually it’s cause you were making them higher, which is good because the poor and non-elite are disproportionately idiots with worthless ideas and to the extent they’re on top of things the thing they’re on top of is undermining the basis of a good society, and anyway those times were a phenomenon of a narrow early adopter base and you’ll never ever get them back unless you make the non-elite economically and politically irrelevant.”

Suppose we want to divide up the population of computer users. Remember that bit about capital and dimensionality in section 9? First, "shallow" computing needs have sufficiently simplified/reduced context that they can be easily served by software (users won't need to do things like compile code or access the file system), while "deep" needs do not. Second, the users either "want" or "need" to use the computer.

This gives us a nice 2×2 matrix classification. People love those.

Hobbyists - Hobbyists want a great deal of control over the computer. Maybe they're creating mods for a popular video game like Skyrim. Maybe they're programming Christmas tree lights to Rickroll people. Maybe they're developing desktop window managers for fun. Exactly what it is doesn't matter. What matters is that no one produces an app to do whatever it is they're doing, and if someone does, it doesn't appear on the app store. In fact, if someone did, they might not even care, and continue to do whatever they were doing anyway.

Power Users - The power users need a great deal of control over the computer for their work. Maybe they're compiling software. Maybe they're feeding dozens of spreadsheets of observed wombat behavior into a machine learning program. Maybe they're photoshopping wombat pictures for a National Geographic article. Whatever it is, they probably have to access the file system.

Casual Recreational Users - For gamers who don't want to mod games, but just pop in a disk and play, there game consoles. For social media users who don't feel the need to photoshop their photos, there are smartphones. Tablets can be used to watch movies from streaming services, like Netflix.

Casual Workers - For people doing more casual work, who are fine looking at only one application at a time, it's possible to hook a tablet up to a keyboard and stick it on a stand. For a somewhat more conventional notebook computer experience, casual workers could buy a Chromebook and do all their writing, emailing, and presentation creation in the web browser, using Google Docs and GMail. And if it's just ordering necessities off Amazon? Even a smartphone can do that.

To pick four example computers...

The IBM 7090, first installed in 1959, was priced around $2.9 million in 1960, or $23 million in 2023 terms.

The Apple II home computer, one of the most famous computers in history, was priced at $1,298 (2023: $6,530) to $2,638 (2023: $13,260) when it came out in 1977. It had a clock speed of about 1 Mhz.

1981's IBM Personal Computer cost $1,565 (2023: $5,240) at release. It had a clock speed of 4.77 Mhz.

2004's iMac G5 cost $1,299 (2023: $2,095) to $1,899 ($3,063) at release. It had a base clock speed of 1,600 Mhz.

A "decent" desktop computer, in relative terms, has continued to cost a nominal $1,200 to $1,500 since the Apple II, even as the value of a dollar in real terms declined, and even as processor performance doubled every 1-2 years.

The desktop computer starts out as something only for hobbyists who were willing to spend a lot of money (and who had a lot of money to spend), and for professionals who could justify spending the money. There was a huge market, because even without the Internet, uses like spreadsheets are orders of magnitude faster with a computer than doing them by hand.

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, there was still a broad assumption in many parts of US culture that a lot of bad ideas were due to mere ignorance. For a while, to many people, it looked like everyone would have a desktop or notebook computer, and everyone would learn how to use one. The Internet of the era leaned towards more conventional institutional information, and had less search-engine optimization. It was assumed that, with an entire library at one's desk, searchable with just a few keystrokes, people would become less ignorant, and therefore have better ideas.

But that's not how the world works. People have bad ideas for all sorts of reasons other than unintentional ignorance.

The trend of hardware becoming smaller and more powerful continued. The Internet, which had still been limited largely to wired connections in the 1990s, became available through wi-fi, and then cell phone data connections. Internet-connected smartphones emerged, and then became common, merging phones, cameras, and personal digital assistants into a single device.

And gradually, desktop and notebook computers have once again become the domain of hobbyists and professionals, because casual users don't want to spend $600 for a smartphone and then another $1,200 for either a desktop computer that they can't take with them, or a notebook computer that they have to sit down and open to use (and which is a lot more fragile than a smartphone).

But suppose we wanted to go back...

Well first, Kontextmaschine had already setup camp on Tumblr, one of the websites most like the old Internet. In terms of discourse, he was hanging around the orbit of Rationalist Tumblr (or "rationalist-adjacent" tumblr), which had maintained fairly high discourse norms, much better than whatever was going on over on Twitter, Youtube, or Tiktok (although more casual than their parent site, LessWrong). In terms of mechanics, Tumblr allows for lengthy text posts, delivered based on the order they're posted in, from the specific accounts one follows (rather than recommendation algorithms). As for site culture, many of the more dramatic "anti-shipper" sorts of users left for Twitter (and then presumably BlueSky or Mastodon). While one wonders what he would have said about Tumblr's fascination with The Coffin of Andy and Leyley or Dungeon Meshi, he would likely have been neither surprised nor disappointed by it.

In a sense, Kontextmaschine was already living in that high-barrier world, just with a fujoshi tinge rather than the straight gamer bro vibe of the 00's. Not that he would have had much problem with that, either. In 2021, he wrote:

if the last decade means AO3 replaces the ACLU in the pantheon of worthies fine

Is kind of amusing the extent to which "women are horny and want to fuck" is turning out to be the saving grace of the internet. No Girls indeed.

Second, while it's not possible to match the old Internet, because there's only one "The Internet," and any particular new network now is just a competing social media site, which isn't the same thing, some options are now opening up.

A privately-owned personal computer is a measure of power in the hands of an individual, with fewer constraints from large institutions (like corporations or governments) than a centralized computer system has. It is, in some sense, dangerous, especially in the hands of an unskilled user. And it is, in some sense, work to maintain. But it is, like a car, also a potential source of freedom and autonomy. Data is collected by all sorts of companies and you don't have much control over it, but a PC represents at least a sliver of digital sovereignty.

How would you filter a competing network? The simplest method might be a test of that sovereignty: can the user download and install a program not from an app store?

Access to the new network would then be limited to desktops, notebook computers, and devices owned by someone technically savvy enough to sideload applications outside of the app store.

A test based just on hardware capacity won't work, because smartphone hardware capacity goes up every year, and what you actually want are people with basic device operator skill (and maybe to filter out clickbait journalists from Twitter).

[novelmonger]

Book Review: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Quote that should have been on the back of the book: "I run the numbers and come up with an answer I don't like. The gravity in this room is too high. ... Thing is, nothing affects gravity. You can't increase or decrease it. Earth's gravity is 9.8 meters per second per second. Period. And I'm experiencing more than that. There's only one possible explanation. I'm not on Earth."

Premise: The sun is inexplicably losing energy. If things continue like this, soon life will no longer be sustainable on Earth. In a desperate attempt to figure out what's happening to the sun and stop it, a three-man crew is sent to space on what will likely be a suicide mission. Unfortunately, on the way two of the crew die, leaving Ryland Grace as the only remaining hope for Earth. Until he discovers that Earth is not the only planet faced with this problem.

Thoughts: When @dairogo recommended this one to me, it was in the context of first contact with aliens, so I was very interested in reading this, as that was the subject of my Inklings Challenge story! I was also pretty sure I'd enjoy it anyway, if it was anything like the other book of his I've read, The Martian. And just like that book, this one puts a man in a solitary situation out in space, where he has to figure out solutions to a whole multitude of problems equipped with sophisticated equipment and a proficiency with math and science, but also just some good old-fashioned critical thinking and a plucky sense of humor.

Like with The Martian, I really appreciated how Andy Weir explains the scientific principles backing the plot. I don't understand them much myself, but somehow the way he explains them make it perfectly understandable to the extent I need to know to understand the story, while never feeling like he's just spouting jargon or talking down to me either.

I also really liked how the book started. I'm always down for a good amnesia story, and even though I knew (from the cover and the diagram of the ship at the beginning, even if I hadn't known this book contains aliens) that he's on a spaceship, it was so cool to watch him reason his way to certain conclusions about himself before he fully remembered who he was or what he was doing. And then the memories that surface throughout the book lead to some really interesting plot twists during parts of the main plot that are maybe a bit less exciting.

Grace is such a good protagonist, too! I wasn't sure at first if he was just going to feel like Mark Watney, but while there are a few notable similarities (like optimism and good humor, as well as a knack for problem solving), his voice still felt very distinct. And no, not just because Grace avoids swearing almost as much as Watney peppered his thoughts with profanity XD (Oh, and I also had a good chuckle over how Weir went out of his way a couple times to highlight that Grace would not be able to survive extra unplanned time in space the same way Watney did XD)

And the aliens! Rocky was definitely one of the highlights of the book for me. It's always so interesting to see different ideas of what lifeforms on different planets would look and act like. It was super fun to see some similarities to my own ideas from my Inklings Challenge story, particularly in the way they speak. The only thing that stretched my suspension of disbelief was how quickly Grace and Rocky were able to understand each other without aid from technology. It's not just like being stuck in space with someone who only speaks Russian, so you have to quickly pick up some words and basic grammar in each other's language to be able to communicate. This is a completely different method of communication altogether, one that no human uses. I just think they should have struggled a bit more with that (though I know I'm a bit biased :P).

Finally, just...that ending, man. I was expecting it to be a good one, full of hope and the value of life like that of The Martian. But I wasn't expecting it to leave me laugh-crying over the sheer joy of that eucatastrophe. There were a couple points in the book where Rocky and Grace talk along the lines of, "What are the odds that two planets so far away from each other would evolve intelligent life at just the right time, with exactly the right level of technology, so we would meet in this place and be able to help each other out?" And I just wanted to scream at both of them, "HOW CAN YOU SEE THAT THIS IS NOT A COINCIDENCE?!" Especially that final solution! It's so clear to me that they were both placed exactly where they were in space and time to preserve life on both of their planets. I know this is just fiction, but...praise God.

[learning-about-everything]

About Me 💖

You can call me Vi! I'm a Christian, and artist, and a huge fan of reading, writing, and just creating in general! This is my first post on this account, which I'm so excited to start interacting on!

My mission is to learn as much about everything that I can by August of 2027. I've heard that you learn something new every day, and I'm going to challenge you Tumblr people to help me do just that!

Some things I'm already interested in are: cool math techniques, animation, robotics, bugs (I don't love bugs but there are some really cool ones out there), theology, phycology, writing, drawing...

However, I'm not limited to that list at all. If you have advice on anything, or want to know my opinion on anything, just give me an ask or tag me in a post! I'm also going to start a community if you're interested in joining that as well! Edit: here's the link!!! https://www.tumblr.com/join/v7LzDwNS

Anyone is free to interact with this blog. I'm not going to agree with everyone on here (obviously,,, how could you?), but I'm willing and able to hear anyone out, fight my point, and let you fight yours. However, please do not get mad at me if I don't agree with you in the end. I'm here to learn from the talented and knowledgeable people here, not engage in meaningless conflict. I will block people if it gets to be a problem.

I'm so glad to be joining the ranks of the learners! Don't be afraid to ask hard questions!

[shribalajischool]

Preparing Students for Life: The Integrated Learning Approach at Shri Balaji International School

In today’s fast-changing world, education is no longer just about textbooks and exams. It is about preparing young individuals to navigate the complexities of life with confidence, resilience, and purpose. At Shri Balaji International School(SBIS), Sunder Lane, Orlem, Malad (W), Mumbai — 400064, we believe that true education equips students not only with academic skills but also with the life skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century.

A Balanced Focus on Academics and Life Skills

At SBIS, we understand that academic excellence is just one part of a student’s development. Equally important are skills like communication, critical thinking, collaboration, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and problem-solving — skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom.

Our integrated learning program is designed to create meaningful connections between subjects, concepts, and real-life situations. Whether it’s learning math through real-world applications, understanding history by connecting it to current events, or exploring science through hands-on experiments, students are encouraged to think, question, and discover.

Life Long Learning: A Habit, Not a Phase

We don’t just teach for today’s tests — we teach for tomorrow’s challenges. The world is changing rapidly, and success in the future will depend on the ability to adapt, re-learn, and innovate. That’s why lifelong learning is at the heart of everything we do.

From early years to higher grades, our curriculum promotes independent learning, curiosity, and a growth mindset. We encourage students to take ownership of their learning journeys, set personal goals, and reflect on their progress. Through structured self-assessments, interactive projects, and student-led activities, learners develop not just knowledge, but the tools to keep learning throughout their lives.

Co-Curriculars that Build Character and Capability

At SBIS, learning extends far beyond textbooks. Our co-curricular and extracurricular programs play a vital role in developing well-rounded individuals. Students participate in drama, music, dance, sports, art, debate, robotics, community service, and more.

These activities are not just add-ons; they are integrated into our broader vision of education. Every club, competition, or performance helps students develop essential life skills — be it leadership, empathy, resilience, or self-discipline.

Team sports teach collaboration and perseverance. Debates build confidence and communication. Volunteering fosters empathy and responsibility. Through these experiences, students learn to balance achievement with humility, ambition with compassion.

A Supportive Environment for Every Learner

The learning journey is deeply personal, and at SBIS, we recognize and respect the individuality of every child. Our faculty is trained to provide personalized attention, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and support the unique needs of each learner.

We also prioritize emotional well-being and mental health, ensuring students feel safe, heard, and supported. Life skills such as stress management, time organization, decision-making, and peer relationships are integrated into our mentoring and counselling programs.

We believe that a confident, emotionally secure student is best positioned to succeed — not just in exams, but in life.

Building Future-Ready Citizens

As we move into the future, our mission remains clear: to shape learners who are intellectually curious, emotionally strong, socially responsible, and globally aware. We are proud to be nurturing students who are not only academically capable, but also compassionate, adaptable, and equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.

At Shri Balaji International School, we don’t just teach — we prepare students for life. And in doing so, we light the path for a better, brighter future — one learner at a time.

[tapasschool]

The Future of Education: Tapas and the Power of Project-Based Learning

As the world of education evolves, one powerful approach is gaining global momentum — Project-Based Learning (PBL). At Tapas Education, we believe that nurturing curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in learners is the key to future-ready education. That’s why our core methodology is built around a project-based learning focus, helping children go beyond textbooks to explore real-world problems in meaningful, hands-on ways.

What is Project-Based Learning?

Project-based learning in education is a dynamic teaching method where students gain knowledge and skills by actively investigating and responding to authentic, engaging, and complex questions or challenges. Instead of rote memorization or passive note-taking, learners become problem-solvers, researchers, and collaborators — essential roles in the 21st century.

Project-Based Learning vs Conventional Learning

When comparing project-based learning vs conventional learning, the differences are both fundamental and impactful. Traditional education often relies on textbooks, lectures, and assessments based on factual recall. While this method can build foundational knowledge, it may fall short in fostering deeper understanding or practical application.

In contrast, project-based learning immerses students in active learning processes. It encourages them to ask questions, research independently, collaborate with peers, and present their findings. This approach makes learning exciting, contextual, and memorable. Students don’t just learn what to think — they learn how to think.

Here’s a quick comparison:

AspectConventional LearningProject-Based LearningFocusMemorization and ExamsExploration and CreationLearning StylePassiveActive & ExperientialAssessmentTest-basedProject-based and ReflectiveOutcomeShort-term knowledgeLong-term understanding & skills

Why Tapas Prioritizes a Project-Based Learning Focus

At Tapas, our mission is to cultivate self-driven learners who are prepared for a fast-changing world. Our project-based learning focus equips children with:

Critical Thinking: They learn to analyze problems from multiple perspectives.

Collaboration: Group projects foster teamwork, communication, and empathy.

Creativity: Learners are encouraged to brainstorm and innovate.

Confidence: Presenting their ideas builds public speaking and leadership skills.

We integrate core subjects like math, science, and language into real-world projects so that learning feels relevant and exciting. Our facilitators guide students through inquiry-led exploration, providing support and direction without restricting creativity.

The Future is Project-Based

Education must evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world. With automation, climate change, and globalization redefining careers and life paths, students need more than facts — they need adaptability, resilience, and a deep understanding of how the world works.

That’s why project-based learning in education is not just an alternative — it’s the future. And at Tapas, we’re proud to be pioneering this transformation.

Conclusion

Tapas Education is redefining learning through a strong project-based learning focus, helping students develop into confident, capable, and compassionate citizens. If you’re exploring schools that go beyond conventional learning, Tapas is where your child’s future begins — one project at a time.

[wilfredsulwe]

Environmental Education: Teaching Kids to Care for the Planet

Introduction

As the global climate crisis becomes more urgent, one of the most powerful tools we have is education—especially environmental education for children. Instilling eco-conscious values in students from an early age helps create responsible future citizens who are aware of the impact of their actions on the planet.

At St Wilfred's School Ulwe, one of the best school in Navi Mumbai, environmental education is deeply integrated into the curriculum, encouraging students to become active participants in protecting and preserving our natural world.

What Is Environmental Education?

Environmental education is the process of teaching individuals, especially young learners, about the environment and how to live sustainably. It involves building awareness of issues such as climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and deforestation. But more than that, it empowers students to make informed choices and take action to protect the planet.

Environmental education is not just about science lessons. It is a multidisciplinary approach that includes activities in geography, social science, biology, and even art and literature, all centered around the theme of caring for Earth.

Why Is Environmental Education Important for Children?

1. Develops Eco-Conscious Habits Early

Children who are introduced to environmental topics at a young age are more likely to adopt sustainable habits, such as recycling, conserving energy, and reducing plastic use. These habits often continue into adulthood.

2. Fosters Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Environmental issues are complex and often require creative solutions. Teaching students about global and local ecological challenges encourages them to think critically, explore solutions, and take initiative.

3. Connects Students with Nature

In an increasingly digital world, environmental education reconnects children with the outdoors. Field trips, nature walks, and gardening activities help them develop a personal connection with nature, making them more invested in its protection.

4. Encourages Responsibility and Global Citizenship

When students understand their role in the larger ecosystem, they begin to see themselves as global citizens. They realize that even small actions—like planting a tree or switching off lights—can contribute to a larger global impact.

How Schools Can Integrate Environmental Education

● Classroom Integration

Environmental themes can be woven into lessons across subjects. For example, math classes can use data related to climate statistics; language classes can involve essays or debates on sustainability.

● School-Wide Initiatives

Many schools are implementing eco-clubs, waste management systems, rainwater harvesting, and tree plantation drives. These initiatives provide students with practical experience and a sense of accomplishment.

● Field-Based Learning

Taking students outside the classroom to visit recycling centers, wildlife sanctuaries, or organic farms allows them to see environmental principles in action. Such experiential learning deepens understanding and makes lessons more memorable.

● Collaborations and Events

Participating in global movements like Earth Day or World Environment Day helps students feel connected to a broader mission. Schools can also partner with local environmental NGOs for workshops and awareness programs.

A Real-World Example

At St Wilfred's School Ulwe, one of the best school in Navi Mumbai, students actively participate in various environmental initiatives such as beach clean-up drives, tree planting campaigns, and waste segregation programs within the school. The institution also incorporates sustainable practices in its infrastructure and encourages student-led environmental projects.

By placing a strong focus on real-life application of environmental knowledge, the school ensures that students don’t just learn about climate change from textbooks—they experience the importance of sustainability through hands-on involvement.

How Parents Can Support Environmental Learning at Home

Encouraging children to reuse and recycle materials

Starting a small home garden to teach about food sustainability

Watching documentaries or reading books on environmental topics together

Reducing the use of single-use plastics and conserving water and electricity

These efforts reinforce what students learn at school and help them see sustainability as a way of life, not just a subject.

The Long-Term Impact

Children who receive environmental education grow up to be more responsible, compassionate, and informed adults. They are more likely to pursue green careers, support environmental policies, and make sustainable choices in their everyday lives. As awareness spreads from students to families and communities, the ripple effect can contribute to significant positive change.

Conclusion

In a world facing serious ecological challenges, environmental education is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Schools that prioritize environmental learning are not just educating students; they are nurturing stewards of the Earth.

By empowering children with the knowledge, values, and skills to care for the environment, institutions like St Wilfred's School Ulwe, one of the best school in Navi Mumbai are laying the foundation for a greener, more sustainable future. Teaching kids to care for the planet today ensures a healthier, safer tomorrow for all.

[edugamingappworld]

Kids Maths Quiz with Timer: Making Numbers Fun and Fast for Young Minds

In today’s tech-savvy world, where children are surrounded by apps and gadgets, transforming education into an exciting, game-like experience is not just a choice—it’s a necessity. Enter the Kids Maths Quiz with Timer—a fast-paced, brain-boosting approach to learning math that combines education with play.

Why Timed Math Quizzes Matter in Early Learning

Timed math quizzes provide more than just a countdown; they train the brain to respond quickly, increase focus, and improve cognitive speed. When children are prompted to solve problems under a ticking clock, they develop sharper recall abilities and a stronger grasp of fundamental arithmetic operations.

This rapid response training:

Encourages quick thinking and mental agility

Reduces hesitation and builds numerical confidence

Promotes healthy competitive spirit

Helps identify learning gaps in real-time

At its core, a kids maths quiz with timer makes math feel like a thrilling game, eliminating the boredom traditionally associated with drills and worksheets.

What Makes the Kids Maths Quiz on EduGamingAppWorld Special?

EduGamingAppWorld reimagines the concept of traditional learning. The platform’s Kids Maths Quiz with Timer is developed with child-friendly graphics, adaptive difficulty levels, and smart scoring systems that keep young learners hooked.

Here’s what sets it apart:

Age-Appropriate Challenges: From basic addition for early learners to complex multiplication for older kids.

Real-Time Scoring: Instant feedback to encourage improvement.

Visual Interface: Bright colors, animations, and sound effects keep learners engaged.

Custom Timer Options: Set time limits to match your child’s pace and age level.

Leaderboard System: Adds a sense of achievement and motivates kids to beat their own best scores.

Whether your child is in kindergarten or middle school, this quiz is designed to stretch their abilities in the most engaging way possible.

Skills Enhanced by Timed Math Quizzes

Timed math quizzes go beyond rote memorization. They nurture critical life skills:

Analytical Thinking: Kids learn to evaluate and solve problems methodically under pressure.

Memory Recall: Timed questions boost memory retention by prompting faster retrieval.

Concentration: A ticking clock eliminates distractions and enhances focus.

Time Management: Children start to intuitively learn how to balance speed with accuracy.

Mathematical Fluency: Regular play helps in mastering math facts automatically.

The quiz isn’t just about getting the right answer—it’s about building a mathematical mindset.

Using Quizzes for Home Learning and School Reinforcement

Whether used as part of homeschooling or to reinforce school curriculum, the kids maths quiz with timer integrates seamlessly into any learning environment.

At Home: Parents can use quizzes during screen time, turning it into educational play.

In Classrooms: Teachers can implement the quizzes during math periods for quick assessments or competitive team games.

On the Go: With mobile compatibility, quizzes can be taken anytime, anywhere—ideal for long drives or waiting rooms.

The flexibility of EduGamingAppWorld’s platform ensures learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door.

Fun Game Modes to Keep Kids Coming Back

Repetition is key to mastery, but repetition without engagement is just monotony. That’s why the quiz introduces playful game modes like:

Lightning Round: Solve as many problems as possible before the timer hits zero.

Survival Mode: One mistake and the game ends—perfect for thrill-seeking learners.

Challenge a Friend: Turn math into a multiplayer showdown.

Level Up Missions: Complete quizzes to unlock new characters or themes.

Every session becomes a mini adventure, making it something children look forward to.

Parental Controls and Learning Analytics

For parents and educators wanting deeper insights, EduGamingAppWorld offers advanced analytics and controls:

Track progress by date, category, or difficulty

Set daily goals and monitor streaks

Limit playtime or restrict access to certain modes

Reward milestones with digital badges

The backend system ensures that while kids are having fun, their growth is being measured and guided.

Encouraging a Healthy Relationship with Math

Math anxiety is a real concern for many young learners. Timed quizzes may seem intimidating at first, but when introduced in a game-based environment, they shift perceptions.

By regularly engaging with a kids maths quiz with timer, children begin to associate math with excitement and accomplishment. The pressure becomes a challenge to conquer, not a burden to fear.

This reframing is crucial in early development and can positively impact long-term academic performance.

How to Get Started

Getting started with the quiz is simple:

Navigate to the Kids Maths Quiz section

Select your preferred difficulty and timer setting

Let the fun begin!

No downloads or complicated setups—just math fun at the click of a button.

Final Thoughts

The Kids Maths Quiz with Timer is more than a game. It’s a smart, entertaining tool that makes foundational math a joyful experience. Whether your child needs a confidence boost, some extra practice, or just a fun way to sharpen their brain, this quiz is the perfect fit.

Original Source  : https://edugamingappworld.com/kids-maths-quiz-with-timer/

[nileshdeshpande]

How Online Chess Classes for Kids Boost Focus, Memory, and Strategic Thinking

In an age of digital overload, cultivating focus, patience, and critical thinking in children is more crucial than ever. One timeless activity that promotes all of these—and more—is chess. Far from being just a board game, chess enhances cognitive skills, improves academic performance, and builds emotional resilience.

With the rise of online learning, children can now access expert-led chess training from the comfort of their home. Platforms like Delighted Champs are transforming how young learners engage with this intellectually enriching game.

The Cognitive Benefits of Chess for Children

Chess is a mental workout that fosters holistic brain development. Here’s how regular practice impacts a child’s cognitive growth:

✔ Improved Focus and Concentration

Every move in chess requires attention and anticipation. This helps children stay engaged and develop a longer attention span.

✔ Stronger Memory Skills

From remembering rules to analyzing patterns, chess trains both short-term and long-term memory.

✔ Enhanced Problem-Solving Ability

Chess encourages critical thinking. Kids learn to evaluate outcomes, make strategic decisions, and solve complex challenges logically.

✔ Boosts Math and Reading Performance

According to research, children who play chess show improved problem-solving skills that translate to better math and reading comprehension.

Fosters Emotional Intelligence

Whether in victory or defeat, chess instills valuable qualities like self-discipline, resilience, and the ability to cope with challenges—hallmarks of emotional intelligence.

Why Choose Online Chess Courses?

While traditional chess clubs have their charm, online chess courses offer unmatched convenience and flexibility for busy families. Here's why they're gaining popularity:

✔ Learn Anytime, Anywhere

Online courses adapt to your child’s schedule, whether they’re early risers or night owls.

✔ Interactive and Gamified Learning

Modern platforms integrate animations, puzzles, and real-time matches to make learning fun and immersive.

✔ Safe and Focused Environment

Reputable platforms offer secure online spaces with dedicated mentors to guide your child’s learning journey.

✔ Greater Parental Involvement

Parents can observe classes, track progress, and stay actively involved in their child’s development.

Why Delighted Champs is the Smart Choice for Online Chess Learning

Delighted Champs goes beyond teaching chess—they’re on a mission to build strategic thinkers and confident learners.

✔ Expert Tutors

Classes are led by professional chess coaches experienced in teaching children across age groups.

✔ Structured Curriculum

Progressive levels take your child from foundational knowledge to advanced gameplay at a comfortable pace.

✔ One-on-One Mentorship

Personalized attention helps tailor each lesson to your child's individual needs.

✔ Live and Recorded Sessions

Can't attend live? No worries. Students can revisit recorded lessons at any time.

✔ Progress Tracking & Certification

Regular assessments and milestone certifications motivate students and keep parents informed.

✔ Affordable Pricing

Get high-quality training without breaking the bank.

A Smarter Way to Learn & Grow

Chess isn't just a pastime, it’s a brain-boosting tool that fosters academic and personal growth. With online platforms like Delighted Champs, children can develop key life skills while enjoying the strategic challenge of the game.

Whether your child is just starting out or looking to take their skills to the next level, now is the perfect time to explore an engaging, fun, and mentally enriching online chess program.

Call to Action

Ready to sharpen your child’s mind with chess? Explore the online chess programs at Delighted Champs and enroll today!

Want to boost your child’s brain development or become a certified Abacus teacher? Join Algebra Abacus, one of the best online Abacus training platforms in India, offering 9-level certification courses for both kids and aspiring educators.

Learn from experienced trainers with flexible scheduling and 24/7 support. Book your FREE demo today! Visit: www.delightedchamps.com Call: +91 79877 64868