#resilient piggy

[murderluv23]

Yeah, bitch. He BETTER be alive.

[eldritch-spouse]

https://www.tumblr.com/eldritch-spouse/747047318802579456/can-i-eat-santi-and-not-like-just-eat-him-out-or

Santi’s obsession going to Morell and asking how he would best cook concubi

He knows who it is that wandered into his kitchen without knocking almost immediately.

First, you stink of demon, particularly the one he works with. Second, you're starting to pick up on that lilt Santi uses when he's going to ask for something.

" Yuh? " He says, turning just barely around to see you.

While you have yet to reach the incubus' brand of shamelessness, you've started to wear more revealing clothes. Things he gets for you, probably. And damn that stupid horny demon, he really knows how to show off those little pockets of fat on a piggie's pretty tummy.

" I was thinking about something, and surely someone as talented as you must know how to help me... "

" Uhuh. " Morell does not have time for this bullshit.

Turnip keeps waving a brownie at you, because clearly if you barged in the kitchen then you must be hungry. He figures you'll eventually cave and eat it, a pink bobble's resilience is no joke.

" So, if I wanted to, say... Cook an incubus-"

Morell chokes.

" Oh dear, are you okay? Well, what would be the best way to do it? "

Morell washes his hands just so he can drag them down his face and massage his temples.

" ... This a sex thing? " He deadpans.

You blink at him and cock your head.

It's always a sex thing.

" Ah'm not gonna cook Santi for ya. " He blinks. " Don' wanna, an' ah can't either. Not unless ah want ta be flayed alive or somethin' ... " Morell makes vague gestures with his hands, briefly trying to imagine what Krulu might put him through.

You twirl your hair with one hand and pout in a way he's sure the incubus taught you to. Because it's irritatingly eye-catching.

" Listen... I just want your opinion, Mori. " You whine.

Morell does not want you and him to be on a first name basis.

Nevertheless, he knows he should at least try to not think about how you'll use such information and actually answer the question. Because you're about as stubborn as the horned menace himself, if he had to guess.

" Fuck's sake. " The chef sighs. " Demons are hot. "

" Yeah, I would know- "

He looks at you like he wants to pull your ear, but doesn't. You might moan from it, he doesn't know what to expect anymore.

" Demons are hot. " Morell repeats warningly. " An' naturally spicy too, so you serve 'em with stuff ya'd usually get for spiced meats. Can't go wrong with a salad, pickled vegetables, sour creams, that kinda thing... "

For once, he gets into the drivel of preparation well enough to miss you rubbing your thighs together.

" It ain't always easy pickin' tha right parts, but Santi's big n' full in plenty o' places- "

You make a childish 'oooh' that jarringly halts his train of thought.

" I'll be sure to tell Santi that's what you think of his body. " You wink.

It's impossible. This is like Santi 2.0 in his kitchen. If the two of you ever team up then Morell is just going to start throwing pans.

" Woman ah need ya to shut tha fuck up- "

[butch-with-a-deep-voice]

HRT and the Mental Changes of Arousal AKA How Horny "Feels"

Alright folks we need to have a conversation about how much your libido changes with transition and hormones because that was NOT talked about with the informed consent program I went through, and it honestly should have been. How I feel aroused now is so drastically different than beforehand, in both subtle and obtuse ways, and it is FASCINATING. This post is mainly going to focus on how libido and arousal mentally feel, but I have anecdotal observations on the mechanical changes if there is interest in that. Strap in, this post is gonna be a long one.

I would like to preface that this comes from my own personal experiences as a trans feminine person. If your experiences as a trans person are different, please by all means I would love to hear your input. I have been on HRT for over half a decade, and have had an orchiectomy (in layman's terms I've been fixed), so my adrenal glands do produce a classically female level of testosterone and I no longer need to be on T-blockers. I'm also demisexual, so my experience with sexuality as a baseline is a little different than most.

As someone who works great in communicating via metaphor/simile, I will provide a detailed simile for both testosterone libido, and estrogen libido. I also want to say I prefer estrogen tenfold. I pick it every single day. While I've met other trans people who disagree, my own experiences with testosterone vs. estrogen fueled libidos will fully bias the similes.

Testosterone Libido: The best way I can describe what testosterone fueled libido felt like is once you hit puberty, you have a monkey strapped to your back. Some people's monkeys are better behaved, others more belligerent. Some are more easily "calmed down", while some are more easy to excite. But at the end of the day, it's still a monkey strapped to your back.

What I mean by that is that you are always going to be aware of a goddamn monkey strapped to your back. Sometimes the little guy is silent. Maybe it's having a nap, or it's awake but contented to just quietly "look around". Every now and then it stirs, maybe someone's butt looked nice in a pair of jeans, and you're like "right, monkey..." Honestly I got so fucking annoyed with that monkey just always being there whether I wanted it or not. It's never not there.

But, then the monkey really wants something. I don't know if you've ever seen a monkey really wanting something on video, but they can get pretty demanding really fast. That monkey that's been piggy backing you starts vocalizing in your ear, screeching even. Hitting you. Pulling your hair. I WANT A FUCKING BANANA HUMAN, GIVE IT TO ME. It gets aggressively loud, often times shockingly fast. It will go from napping to throwing a tantrum in less than a minute sometimes. And all you can do is either ride it out and hope to whatever deity you pray to it calms down, or eventually give it what it wants. Hopefully you're home, and you can quickly get one out so to speak. But until then, how on earth are you supposed to be able to get ANYTHING done when there's a monkey screeching away in your ear and slamming on you.

I'm very fortunate to have been raised by a father who taught me how to ignore that monkey. How to respectfully build a resilience to it's tantrums. But, it was always there still. That monkey made me feel so shameful. I hated how often my libido was always a reminder of how aggressive being horny could feel. How blinding it had the potential to get. Often times satisfying it wasn't even pleasurable. It was so often just "oh my god fine would you please just shut the fuck up?" My relationship with my sexuality was often unhealthy as a result of this experience with arousal.

One thing I will give testosterone over estrogen though? That monkey can only get so loud. There is a "cap" for how aroused I could get with my testosterone-fueled libido. I have yet to find the cap for estrogen.

Estrogen Libido: Libido and arousal now, with a body fueled by estrogen and minimal amounts of testosterone is akin to a fine wine. It is wholly and fully intoxicating. What do I mean by that? Well, let's take an evening of drinking a fine wine that you have theoretically unlimited supply of, and you have a somewhat standard constitution.

With a single glass, you can continue to be normal. You may not even notice more than a pleasant mildly "fuzzy" feeling, and your thought patterns being influenced ever so slightly. Hell, you may not even notice those. Most around you wouldn't even guess that you've partaken. Assuming you pace yourself properly, you can "float" in that pleasant not-even-tipsy state for quite some time. That's the thing with estrogen I found. You can float in the various stages all day if you want to. "Ride the wave" as a number of my sex-positive friends have called it. There's no monkey forcing you to drink more. You can just enjoy a pleasant buzz all day (and I often have).

Let's say you have more wine though. I like to call the next stage silly arousal. You've had two glasses, maybe three depending on your tolerance. You start feeling more... unraveled. You can still think, hold a conversation, act more or less normally. But people who are more tuned in can start to tell you've had a drink. You feel friendlier, sometimes that fuzzy feeling has gotten more full bodied, your eyes linger in certain areas when looking at people longer than you'd like to admit. "Have their lips always looked that kissable?" or "Wow their waist looks really nice in that top." But you still feel like a normal person. You wouldn't say you're Horny with a capital "H", just... pleasantly activated. I will fully admit on days where I don't have to fully be a responsible adult I have floated in this stage all day long before. It's a delicious feeling to sit in.

But what if we indulge further? Usually by this point you are drinking with inebriation being a goal, whether that is a fully conscious or unconscious choice. Beforehand the other two stages can be reached over a classic "wine with dinner" situation. Light flirtation, a mildly steamy romance novel, hell maybe even scrolling through here. Now though you've had a bottle of wine, you're properly tipsy. This is where the metaphor of arousal being an inebriant comes into full swing. For me at least, it is a very full bodied feeling (that's a whole other tangent for the mechanical affects of HRT and sex life). Your judgment, thought patterns, and decision making start being heavily influenced by your mental state. Some with more willpower/constitution are still able to get by around others, you're just "acting funny". Others are so obvious when they drink it's like blood in the water for those who know what to look for. This is the stage where if I want to not make poor choices, I stop drinking so to speak. I put my hand over my proverbial glass if someone offers to pour another. I even leave the party if I have to. Why? Because just like alcohol, the jump from this stage to the next is both subtle and pervasive in how fast it hits you.

We are drinking to get drunk now. Just like the threshold between tipsy and drunk, because of how clouded you already were the transition will really sneak up on you. I get TINGLY all over from it, with sensations all over my body becoming electric. You start saying things that you would never say day-to-day. You stop being able to hide how much you've had. Heavily flirting, getting touchy, biting your lip. You can't really think of anything else outside of just how intoxicated you are. If you're someone who is particularly... self-lubricating you're fully making a wet patch in your clothing. You are DRUNK and holy shit is it amazing. Why would anyone want to not want to feel like this? Not want to healthily engage in this every day if they could? Arousal feels so fucking good with estrogen. You feel amazing, you feel confident, and you are willing to make some truly stupid decisions that you may regret because they feel good in that moment. For me at least, I would say this is roughly the area where that testosterone libido monkey can't get much louder. If arousal could be tracked on a bar graph, testosterone capped somewhere around here for me. Estrogen though...

Just like any night of drinking, you can keep going. You can be drunk, and still keep drinking (only difference here is you aren't going to be completely battering your liver doing so). Just like alcohol, this is where I think anecdotal experiences will begin to vary wildly person to person. As such I will talk about what it's like for me. I won't usually reach this stage and beyond it without the help of another person or heavily engaging in smut/pornography. This is a headspace I'm actively trying to push into. Usually by engaging in intentional denial of the act of sex/climax in some form or another while still "drinking".

Pushing beyond "drunk" arousal starts getting irresistibly pervasive, affecting just about EVERYTHING. I feel quite legitimately high off of it at times. Speech pattern gets warped beyond belief, sometimes outright going non-verbal. The slightest touch can be pleasurable. My vision will warp if it gets intense enough (and interestingly warps differently depending on domme space, sub space, or simply "feral" horny). It sometimes even gets so warped I've been known to "Etch-a-Sketch" shake my head in a futile attempt to clear it up. Being neurodivergent, stims start creeping out of the woodwork uncontrollably, I assume because of nervous system overload. My body will fully begin to "betray me" so to speak. Squirming in my seat, drooling to fully obscene degrees, muscles in my abdomen fluttering because even a stray thought caused enough arousal to engage them. If it's allowed to go long enough I will fully begin to growl or whimper passively under my breath, depending on the type of horny.

All of these are just a handful of examples as to just how utterly intoxicating arousal and libido are now with estrogen. The truly startling part of it is I have yet to find the cap to it. I've yet to go fully down that rabbit hole. Part of me is a little scared to if I'm honest. When you get to this stage and onward, your mental state is frighteningly pliable. That level of "inebriation" has fully created new kinks that I'd not had before (or at the very least were buried so deep they weren't something worth digging up). If you or your partner is someone who can reach this level of intoxicated arousal, please please please handle it with care because being ripped out of it is ROUGH on your nervous system. (ie, sub-drop and domme-drop). There are some true horror stories out there for how intense it can be. But if you can engage it safely and healthily, holy shit is it the best. I legitimately prefer it over actual chemical inebriants (although my intox kink would say otherwise).

So, this all being said, I do want to reiterate that these are simply my experiences with how much arousal and libido changed with hormone replacement therapy. Everyone's bodies will react differently, and if you've also experienced a drastic shift with HRT, and it's different to mine I would love to hear. I also have a lot of points I'd love to make on the more physical aspects, from the viscosity of self lubricants, to the fact that I can now orgasm multiple times with no "get sleepy after cumming" endorphin response. If there's interest I'd be happy to get into those.

Thanks for reading!

[notknickers]

spiders are resilient little creatures. there's one that's been living in my sideview mirror for months, now. it's a black, titchy thing i barely see, with a round bum and eight leggies to match. i often find its lovely web destroyed by inclement weather and when that happens i think it must have died. yet, every day, i find the thread mended anew and i know that, even though it seems abandoned, it is not. --- today i noticed a largish spider hanging upsidedown in the centre of its web on the sideview mirror of my boss' car. it reminded me of a little tiger, yellowish brown with black streaks. i wish i could say i was strong and merely observed it without bothering it, but that would be a lie. i had a little fun blowing on its little house like a wolf to a piggie, until it went to hide, crumpled up, in a corner. i felt a little bad after that, so i left it alone. well, until i inquired about it to my boss and spouse and was informed that they were planning to was their car later today. they asked me if i wanted to adopt it, since it would end up drowned. at first i demurred, but then, armed with a plastic cup and a wad of paper, i trapped it. it looked very scared and disorientated, especially because to catch it, i had to destroy its carefully-woven web. a lesser evil. i brought it to my car and gently inclined the cup and tapped on it until i noticed a few legs peek out. it took a little encouragement and a near slip off the smooth surface of the sideview mirror, but it immediately scrambled towards the pre-existing web and reached its centre. it looked at home right away. i hope it and the original tenant get along well. i hope they don't eat each other. i hope they become good friends. --- the journey home was a troubled one. i could see it shake and move frantically here and there in the web. we made it back, but it tore most of it with its weight. i feared as much, assuming a spider of its size would need to weave a much stronger thread to support itself, as opposed to its little counterpart. i hope it mends its new home, for itself and for the other, who originally provided it with a familiar place after the traumatic events that led it here. i hope nobody hurts it or steals it while i'm not looking.

[ariel-seagull-wings]

JUST TO MAKE CLEAR: I DON'T HATE ABC'S THE MUPPETS. (2015)

@the-blue-fairie @themousefromfantasyland @princesssarisa @softlytowardthesun @thealmightyemprex @moonbeamelf @fragglesesamemuppetz2

I finished the show on Disney + recently (16 episodes).

It suffered from some conventions of a lot of sitcoms like dragging romantic relationship dramas and cheap quick jokes like "Ha ha ha ha, guy is pathetic because still lives with the mom" but it also presented a genuinelly fun time with the idea of the Muppets living everyday lives at the big city and highliting some side characters that previously only had quick appearances.

Here are the cons and pros.

Cons:

*Of the three original cast of proeminent women (Miss Piggy, Janice and Camilla), only Miss Piggy gets layers of personality, and even then she still suffers from flanderization of her diva behaviours and relationship drama with Kermit. Like: she forgets Fozzie's and other characters names, doesn't have friendships with other women (be they muppet or human), and only Kermit and Uncle Deadly are emotionally close to her;

*Floyd Pepper (besides the machismo in his relationship with Janice) is rewritten to be a conspiracy theorist;

*The idea of the uptight Sam having a crush on the free spirited Janice could have work in both a comedic and serious way if they tooked lessons from how Gonzo had to deal with unrequited crushes on the Muppet Show: it should had Janice know of the crush, reacting surprised and concerned, then calmly explaining to Sam that she couldn't have romantic feelings for him but they could be great friends, and Sam would suffer, but graciously accept and respect Janice's desires and boundaries, and it could result in a great friendship of two foiling personalities. But unfortunally it was handed in a way that Janice never learns of Sam's feelings and Sam acts so obsessed and self absorved that there is even a joke about implying he stalks her to her home, wich is just creepy;

*Fozzie suffering "racism for being a bear" (when dating the human girl Becky) from his father in law troughout the whole first episode, wich never gets developed on how it works in the rest of the show so probably shouldn’t have been used in the first place;

*Denise, a brunette pig with glasses who dates Kermit for a while, is provably the most boring character ever created in the Muppet franchise;

*Chip, the TI working Muppet who constantly hacks the computers and invades other characters privacy, is very off putting;

*Scooter being a character with unresolved problems with his mom and her boyfriend are frequently used for jokes that can be very grating and not as funny as when he mentioned his uncle in The Muppet Show;

Pros:

*Yolanda the Rat, God bless her! She is very street smart and snarky, but instead of just being a "pair for Rizzo", becomes her own character, competent, ambitious, inteligent and honest about what can go wrong in the backstages;

*Uncle Deadly, still ocasionally intimidating, but now a resilient and loyal friend with a great sense of fashion and a subtle sense of humour;

*Big Mean Carl (from Muppets Tonight) returns, and is still his hilarious savage self;

*Animal wasn't running around harassing women guests, wich is a great improvement;

*Bobo the Bear (who also started in Muppets Tonight) returns as a more competent no nonsense director, but still having a charming sense of naivete and kindness that made him so likable;

*The cunning and sarcastic duo of Rizzo and Pepe is comedic gold;

*Rowlf owns a bar called Rowlf's Tavern, receiving costumers by continuing to be his chill self, and I would love to have a milk-shake there;

*Robin the Frog's appearence in the later episodes is treated as a big event, and Kermit's nephew is still the sweet and innocent little frog that we know and love. Miss Piggy is shown to be a very caring friend to Robin, and he considers her to be his Aunt Piggy, wich is very touching and helps in the proccess of humanizing Miss Piggy.

*RuPaul is a guest;

I recomend it to fellow Muppet fans as an important way of learning how complicated to make a comedy show it is, and that sometimes things get trite and fail, but there are also things that really work to entertain in unexpexcted ways.

[bumbleklee]

what genshin characters remind me of (male version)

masterlist | 1k prompt masterlist | baby series

a/n: literally every male genshin character i can think of 

diluc

strawberry fields, german shepards, doc martens, autumn, cherry coke, led zeppelin, custom handshakes

kaeya

snowstorms, little white lies, vintage clothes, sterling silver, midnight, orchestra, cologne, wilted roses

zhongli

citrine, fresh orange juice, ballpoint pens, clouds, wristwatches, the smell of old books, sperrys

childe

old money, solid gold, designer sneakers, sun-kissed freckles, golden retrievers, riptides, collecting seashells

thoma

genuine laughter, piggy back rides, the color yellow, sunflowers, vanilla milkshakes, gardening

albedo

university, typewriters, messy desks, stray cats, chamomile tea, quiet laughter, mug collections, freshly picked mint

kazuha

poetry, english class, autumn leaves, dainty jewelry, gentle smiles, hummingbirds, early morning fog

gorou

sunshine, canine teeth, high top sneakers, honeydew melon, resilience, eagles, teal

bennett

sunburns, unruly hair, worn out jeans, chipped nail polish, messy handwriting, layered sweaters, innocence

chongyun

morning dew, halloween, black hoodies, ouija boards, checkered vans, pierced ears, ravens

xinqiu

cheesy romcoms, pranks, photographic memory, silver jewelry, calligraphy pens, unbroken book spines

baizhu

apothecary, greenhouses, raw crystals, warm weather, wasteland, dead of the night

aether

the sun, memories of youth, fool’s gold, gentle touches, rare smiles, tranquility

itto

high fives, strength, midnight adventures, little smirks, promises to catch you

xiao

venti

razor

scaramouche

[phoenix-d-shunko]

Whispering Inferno, Part 11

Toph / Terra takeover

The gentle embrace of awakening, Kaida found herself enveloped in the warmth of a cozy blanket, a stark departure from the clinical chill of clean, cold sheets. The haziness of her recollection from the night before lingered, and the image of a mysterious mask danced at the edges of her memory. She dismissed it as a byproduct of the medicine-induced loopiness that often accompanied such nights.

Despite the residual ache that echoed through her body, she felt a wave of calm wash over her, courtesy of the flowers and thoughtful touches Mei had brought. The room, adorned with fake yet cheerful blossoms, transformed into a haven of serenity, offering respite from the turbulent events of the preceding night.

Her eyes fell upon an unexpected yet familiar sight – Miss Piggy, a testament to the odd but enduring connection between Mei and her. The memories of the peculiar games they played with the resilient toy flooded back. Miss Piggy, with her indestructible head, bore the brunt of their antics, standing as a silent witness to the bonds of sisterhood. Kai couldn't help but appreciate the oddity of having an indestructible favorite – flawless eyeliner and all. She wished, in that moment, for a touch of that invincibility in her own life.

However, the whimsical nostalgia took an unexpected turn when Kaida noticed the singed state of Miss Piggy's skate. The revelation opened a door to memories she had intentionally tucked away, memories that held the key to her journey into heroism. The weight of responsibility settled upon her shoulders once more as the reasons for her chosen path resurfaced.

Rising from the comfort of her makeshift cocoon, Kaida's gaze shifted to Mei, who had fallen asleep on a chair surrounded by books. In a tender act of consideration, she delicately removed the books, ensuring not to disturb her slumber. With a maternal instinct, she covered Mei with the same cozy blanket, witnessing a gentle stirring before the warmth lulled her back into peaceful repose.

Taking charge of her own recovery, Kaida carefully removed the various medical attachments that clung to her body. A fresh change of comfortable clothes awaited her, a gift from Mei. As the soft fabric embraced her, Kaida felt a renewed sense of strength.

As Kaida navigated the process of regaining her autonomy, she couldn't help but recall the presence of Zeke from the previous night. Amidst the foggy recollections, she briefly remembered Zeke's presence, his soothing voice calling her "little dragon" to temper the anxiety that gripped her. Conflicted emotions swirled within her as she grappled with the reality that he had been there, intervening to save her life.

The gratitude for his timely intervention warred with the complex history they shared. The enigmatic dynamics of heroism, woven with friendship and betrayal, made it challenging for her to accept his assistance without reservation.

As she completed the process of disentangling herself from the medical apparatus, Kaida couldn't shake the ambivalence that lingered. Zeke's actions had undeniably preserved her life, yet the shadows of their shared history cast a pall over the gratitude she felt. Her inner turmoil mirrored the dawn of a new day outside the clinic, where uncertainty and the remnants of the night's turmoil awaited.

----

With the dawn of a new day, Kaida felt the urgency to return to the world beyond the clinic's walls. The thought of Terra, possibly in a frenzy, crossed her mind, and the last thing she wanted was an agency manhunt complicating matters. Determined to erase any traces linking her to the events of the previous night, she also needed to retrieve her belongings from the gym lockers.

Contemplating her mode of transportation, Kaida dismissed the idea of using Mei's car, unwilling to expose her sister to potential risks. Losing anyone else was not an option. However, her eyes fell upon Zeke's gleaming motorcycle nestled in the clinic garage. The shared obsession with motorcycles hadn't waned, and Kaida saw an opportunity. With both of them keeping their distance, she calculated that no one would pay much attention to the borrowed ride. Kaida, with a smirk playing on her lips, muttered under her breath, "Let's see how you handle this, Zeke." The revving engine of the borrowed motorcycle echoed her mischievous challenge.

As she navigated the city streets, her playful banter continued inside the helmet, a dialogue with the absent Zeke. "Hope you don't mind me borrowing your baby. It's for a good cause, I promise."

Arriving at the abandoned sector, she parked Zeke's motorcycle at her desolate home, ready to make the switch to her own. The wind whispered through the dilapidated buildings, carrying the echoes of their previous night's clash. Kaida couldn't shake the memory of Cimmerian's chilling words, but her determination remained unscathed.

Inside the lobby of the decrepit building, remnants of their clash still lingered. Bloodied skewers, once formidable weapons, now concealed among the gym equipment, caught her eye. Swiftly, she melted them into unrecognizable stubs, erasing any evidence of their brutal encounter.

As her attention shifted to her comms, the small device seemed to bear the weight of an entire lecture, courtesy of Terra's 80 missed calls. The impending deluge of concerns and reprimands loomed over Kaida like a gathering storm, compelling her to hasten the process of suiting up in the aging, musty showers. The ritual of donning her fireproof overalls, transforming into her superhero persona, and securing both fresh and old suits within her bag served as the necessary armor for the day ahead.

The struggle was evident in each movement, as Kaida, still grappling with lingering pain from the previous night's ordeal, navigated the tasks with a blend of determination and discomfort. With the comms activated, Terra's voice cascaded forth in a torrent of worries and scoldings, creating an auditory backdrop to Kaida's arduous preparations. The urgency of her actions was palpable as she made her exit through the discreet back door, ready to confront the day's challenges shrouded in the formidable identity of Incendra.

---

Kaida entered Acies's office with a mix of trepidation and respect. The room, adorned with accolades and tactical maps, exuded an air of authority befitting the formidable leader who presided over it. Acies, though devoid of superpowers, possessed a commanding presence that made even the most seasoned heroes think twice. Kaida saluted crisply as she entered, acknowledging the authority of her squad leader.

Seated at her desk, Acies observed them with a stern expression, her piercing gaze revealing the intensity behind her disciplined facade. Kaida couldn't shake the unease that accompanied reporting to her, especially after the tumultuous events of the previous day.

"As you were, Incendra. Report," Acies spoke with a measured tone, her eyes drilling into Kaida.

Saluting once more, Kaida took a deep breath, "Squad Leader, I'm here to request a temporary leave of absence due to personal matters."

Acies raised an eyebrow, her expression unyielding. "Personal matters, you say? Elaborate."

Choosing her words carefully, Kaida hesitated before responding, "It's a matter that involves security concerns, Squad Leader. I assure you, it won't compromise the integrity of our operations."

Acies leaned back in her chair, fingers steepled. "Leave granted. However, I expect a comprehensive report upon your return. Dismissed."

Just as Kaida turned to leave, Acies's voice cut through the air, "Wait, Incendra. I hear you had a little tussle with Chimera and his cronies yesterday."

Kaida's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't anticipated this interrogation. Saluting once more, she replied, "Yes, Squad Leader. It was an unexpected encounter during the day, and I managed to evade without significant complications."

Acies's eyes narrowed, subtle anger simmering beneath her disciplined exterior. "And yet, you failed to report it promptly. I expect transparency and immediate reporting, especially when it involves skirmishes with known threats."

Saluting once more, Kaida swallowed hard, sensing the tension in the room. "I apologize, Squad Leader. It was an oversight on my part. I'll ensure it doesn't happen again."

Acies's gaze held hers for a moment longer before she dismissed her with a curt nod, "See that it doesn't. Dismissed."

Acknowledging the authority once more, Kaida exited the room, aware that Acies's expectations weighed heavily on her shoulders.

---

As soon as Kaida stepped out of Acies' office, a shaky breath escaped her; her mind still grappling with the recent encounter. Terra, with her persistent curiosity, trailed closely behind, ready to unravel the mysteries concealed within Incendra's request for leave.

The hallway stretched ahead, seemingly endless, and Kaida quickened her steps, leading Terra to a secluded alcove tucked away from prying eyes. The muted lighting added an air of secrecy to their conversation. Leaning against the cool, shadowed wall, Kaida finally allowed the physical toll of her injuries to register.

Terra, undeterred by the silent plea for understanding in Incendra's eyes, fired a volley of questions, each one probing deeper into the cryptic situation.

"What was that in there, Incendra? Personal matters and security concerns? You know I'm not buying that, right?"

Incendra, taking a moment to compose herself, responded with a cryptic assurance, "Terra, I need some time. I promise I'll explain everything, but not here."

The dimly lit alcove served as a temporary refuge, shielding their conversation from the prying eyes of their fellow heroes.

"And what happened to you? You're hurt. Badly. How did you end up like this? Chimera only slashed you."

"It's complicated," Incendra replied, her gaze momentarily shifting to the floor. The weight of unspoken words hung in the air, creating a palpable tension.

Terra, her frustration mounting, pressed on, "Complicated? You're not telling me something. Did something go wrong?"

Incendra's internal struggle surfaced in a hesitant pause, her emotions caught between the desire for transparency and the need for solitude.

"We're a team, Incendra. You can't shut me out like this. We've faced worse together." Terra's plea echoed in the confined space, the history of their shared battles lingering in the air.

Kaida, still nursing her injuries, paused before turning to Terra with a question. "Since you're a resident hero here, don't you have your own space?"

Terra responded, "Yeah, I do. A small corner, considering I'm a recruit, but it's fully furnished and everything. Why are you asking me all of this suddenly? Don't you dare change the subject. You go off the grid for an entire evening. Eighty calls, and I'm-"

"Is it safe? Your space?" Kaida interjected, fearing the lecture would never end.

Catching the unspoken request, Terra nodded in understanding. "Of course, Incendra. This place is as secure as it gets. What's on your mind?" Terra wondered if Incendra had lost her mind.

Incendra smirked, "I know it's safe, dunderhead. This whole place is crawling with heroes. What I meant was, can I tell you another secret of mine there?"

Terra chuckled, "Look, Miss Wang Fire, I won't deny that keeping a 'can't self-heal' secret is a bit nerve-wracking, especially if it's Acies interrogating me. But you owe me an explanation after missing all those calls from me. So, yes, the living area is private enough. And don't lie to me, or I'll truth-sense you."

"Like you can, Toph," Incendra teased.

Terra's eyes lit up, and she grinned, "Ah, you got that right! Toph's my favorite character. Straight to the point, no-nonsense – that's how I like it. Still wish that were my superhero name."

The tense atmosphere seemed to dissolve into a lighter one, transitioning into healthy banter. For two individuals who didn't know each other's real names, Terra and Incendra shared a camaraderie that could rival childhood best friends. They even discovered a common favorite show, "Avatar: The Last Airbender," and began using nicknames from the show to address each other, creating a unique bond within the walls of their shared secrets.

Terra, ever the resilient friend, decided to lead Incendra to her room, a secluded haven within the hero headquarters. As they navigated the corridors, Terra couldn't help but notice Incendra's pained steps, a stark contrast to the usual agility that accompanied her. Upon reaching Terra's room, she ushered Incendra inside, a space that bore witness to the struggles and victories of a budding hero. With a reassuring nod, Terra gestured towards a comfortable chair, inviting Incendra to share the weight of her undisclosed revelations. The room, veiled in shadows and muffled conversations from the bustling headquarters, became a sanctuary for confidences exchanged between two friends bound by the complexities of heroism.

Incendra winced as she gingerly settled into the offered chair, the physical toll of her recent battles manifesting in each careful movement. The room, though dimly lit, carried an atmosphere of trust, and Terra observed her friend with a mix of concern and understanding. It was a moment frozen in shared vulnerability, a silent pact that their secrets were safe within these walls. As Terra took a seat opposite Incendra, the weight of unspoken words lingered in the air, waiting to be released.

Kaida took a deep breath, knowing that revealing her encounter with the Cimmerian would change the dynamics of her relationship with Terra.

"I...had a run in with the Cimmerian."

As the words spilled from her lips, she watched the color drain from Terra's masked face, replaced by a horrified expression.

"The Cimmerian? Girl, how are you even alive?!" Terra exclaimed, her shock evident. "How did you even run into him?"

"I don't know...one moment I was doing my flight practice, and the next moment, I found the Cimmerian pushing me off," Kaida explained, anticipating Terra's rising concern.

"You went for flight practice after you told me you were gonna head home?! Wait, wait, wait! What do you mean he pushed you...what the hell, Incendra?! Why didn't you call for backup?" Terra's tone shifted to anger, reflecting the gravity of the situation.

"I didn't have my comms with me. Rookie mistake, I know," Kaida admitted, realizing the blunder that could have cost her life.

"It's not just a rookie mistake. It was the Cimmerian! You could have been dead, and no one would have known," Terra scolded, her frustration palpable.

"How bad is it?" Terra asked, cutting to the chase. Kaida knew she had to be honest.

"He skewered me," Kaida revealed bluntly, making Terra's eyes widen in shock.

"Please tell me you used your head and got some medical attention," Terra pleaded.

"Trust me, I would have been dead if I hadn't," Kaida acknowledged, the gravity of her survival settling in.

"That bad? That's not something three days will fix, Incendra," Terra pointed out, expressing a concern that Kaida couldn't deny.

"That's not the worst of it," Kaida continued, preparing to reveal the true extent of the situation.

"What do you mean? What else could there be?" Terra asked, a mix of curiosity and apprehension in her voice.

"He thinks I can self-heal...and uhh...I think...he...deemed me his practice dummy..? And... God, I hope I'm wrong about this...but I think I pissed him off."

"WHAT? HOW?" Terra's shock turned into worry as she realized the peril Incendra was in.

"I might have used his own iron skewers to burn him," Kaida admitted reluctantly, feeling the weight of her actions.

"Why...why not just run...you know, an incredibly EASY IDEA?!" Terra's anger flared.

"I couldn't...he went all out on me. This was my diversion," Kaida explained, hoping Terra would understand the complexity of the situation.

"I told you keeping your weakness a secret would come to bite you back. Incendra...do you even understand what's happening to you? You just became the target of the city's top supervillain. Girl, I hope you have a plan—"

Terra's words were cut off by the sudden eruption of chaos near the medbay. Both heroes rushed to the door, discovering several familiar faces, including Galeon, injured and in pain. Panoramix, usually composed, looked traumatized, delivering the shocking news of the Cimmerian going berserk.

"It's the Cimmerian... he's...off the rails...Galeon's squad intercepted him...It was very painful to watch...all of them ended up half dead...." Panoramix shared, his voice reflecting the horror of the scene.

"Even Galeon?" Terra's disbelief mirrored the escalating events. Kaida nodded, urging Terra back into the room and securing the door.

"It's all my fault...the Cimmerian's mad because of me...." Kaida's guilt had already started to eat her away.

Terra's expression shifted from frustration to concern as she realized the gravity of the situation."Can't believe he reduced a bigshot like Galeon to a half dead mess .... Incendra...even as a hero... I'm scared for you..." Terra's strong bold voice suddenly had a tremor to it.

"I'm gonna go heal some people...they don't deserve it..." Kaida started to head towards the door, but Terra stopped her.

"No, you're not. You're already half dead, and you told me healing others drains you. You're gonna have to face the Cimmerian sooner or later, Incendra, save the strength," Terra pleaded, her voice carrying a mix of fear and determination.

"It doesn't drain me that much. Besides, the moment he hurt them, they became my responsibility. Not to mention, the Medbay probably can't handle grave injuries of 12 people at once," Kaida insisted, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.

---

Together, Incendra and Terra approached the medbay, their steps echoing the mounting tension in the air. As they entered, the chaotic scene unfolded before them—heroes writhing in pain, medical staff scrambling to attend to the wounded, and an atmosphere charged with urgency. The wounded members of Galeon's squad lay in various states of distress, their injuries a testament to the unleashed fury of the Cimmerian.

Incendra's gaze shifted from one injured hero to another, the weight of responsibility settling on her shoulders. Terra, her expression a mix of concern and determination, stood by Incendra's side, ready to face the aftermath of the Cimmerian's rampage. The medbay, once a sanctuary for healing, now bore witness to the harsh reality of heroism, where battles left scars that extended beyond the physical realm.

Amidst the chaos of the medbay, Incendra's keen eyes caught sight of Sonicflare, a new recruit, lying unattended in agonizing pain. The urgency to help him seized her, and she swiftly approached Airmidic, the head healer, her heart pounding with the gravity of the situation.

"Please, Airmidic, I need your permission to heal Sonicflare. If we wait any longer, it could cost him his life," Incendra pleaded, her concern etched across her face.

Airmidic, naturally polite but cautious, expressed her worry, "Incendra, healing through fire comes with risks. We can't afford to worsen his condition."

As Incendra started explaining, Sironix, Airmidic's assistant, interjected, "Absolutely not! We can't allow Incendra to play with fire and burn the patient alive. It's reckless."

Incendra, a hint of frustration evident, implored, "Please, Sironix, be reasonable. I can save him."

But Sironix remained adamant, rejecting the idea outright. Feeling the weight of Sonicflare's life hanging in the balance, Incendra decided to demonstrate. She grabbed a bottle of alcohol-based disinfectant, poured it onto her palm, and lit her fire. To everyone's surprise, the fire danced harmlessly over the liquid, leaving it untouched.

Terra, watching with a mix of worry and pride, whispered to herself, "She's got control."

With Airmidic now paying attention, Incendra seized the moment. "My phoenix fire is a part of me. I can control it like my breathing. I assure you the patient will be safe. If you can't trust my demonstration, trust my reputation. Let me save that man."

Airmidic, after a moment of consideration, agreed, though Sironix remained skeptical, insisting on supervising the procedure. The medbay buzzed with tension as Incendra raced against time to prove herself and save Sonicflare's life.

Finally.

[666chromeskull666]

[ The glimmer in Preston’s eyes darted at the sight of you as quickly as it faded .His lips parted quietly, slowly to muster up something to say but it never came, only silence flooded the space between you and him . Preston’s gaze shifted back to the notebook on his lap with his hands twiddling the pen yet nothing bled onto the empty pages. There was nothing to be said , nothing at all , and for a moment he returned to you for a cue to ignite whatever’s left of this damp , half-burnt candle from the matches you drowned in the river long ago . An old ,faded warmth lingered on your cheek when those defeated eyes left you at the doorway for the second time . Preston could only gave out a heavy sigh as he laid down his pen neatly and stared distantly outside.]

[ If you were a corpse standing at the doorway then it wouldn’t make much of a difference , your world had stopped dead in its tracks but Preston’s wasn’t so patient . So you only stared helplessly at his ruffled hair, his nose, the soft wrinkles beneath his eyes - your hand twitched as you saw how he winced at his wounds. A grind of Preston’s teeth , the slight twist of fabric under his rough clutching hand , he was hurting , getting more and more . . . fragile after each injury. How can you ask of Preston to be as resilient when he wasn’t as young as he used to be? You know how that asshole used to fall from a cliff them continued to run a few miles when both of you were young , to be honest you don’t think you’d be able to chase Preston in that scenario again. You’re getting older too , aren’t you ? Not as young as you used to be , just like him. You hurt more , getting a bit clumsier at dealing with piggies , getting injured more , at least you have people to take care of that for you , especially Preston , he was always there first whenever you got hurt … what a tool ahahah. . . ‘what a ,, tool’ - Your hands felt empty.

‘But what about him ?’ Your gaze fixed on Preston once more : ‘Does anyone come for him ?’ - The answer was right in-front of you. No one came except for you and you arrived only to laugh at him, how tragic , time really doesn’t have mercy on anyone or anything’ when you realized between you and Preston : “We” turned into “ You and me”. You think it’s only natural- that year’s winter memories laid cold and best not be disturbed , yet whenever you walk past it your hands feel like they brushed over someone else’s. The person’s hand was always warmer than yours , always open whenever they saw you near as if they were waiting for you, hoping that one day you will grab it .The choice to stop walking , to hold the person back , to finally talk and ask “Why?” was always there but not once did you grab their hand , instead you kept walking in circles , eventually you will both meet at the same knot again. So that was it, another chance to untie and to intertwine , you both met again and he had been waiting for a long time. ]

[ But you couldn’t do it. Preston rubbed his temple when he glanced to see you again , you hadn’t moved an inch for the past 30 minutes you were there and he simply had enough of you standing at his doorway. The first and only time he spoke to you was : “ Haven’t you had enough of seeing me like this? Fine ,I shouldn’t have stolen your kill okay ? Just leave already.” Pure disappointment and hurt hissed in Preston’s voice as he refused to even look at you and pressed a small button on his hospital bed. A few minutes later a doctor came to tell you to leave . ]

[You walked past him ,again . He was right there but you didn’t do anything. The circle only gets bigger every time you walk past eachother, eventually one day when you reached where Preston stood , he wouldn’t be there anymore. Part of you wants to break out of the circle and run away , but even then you would still think about the person who waited for you there , perhaps that’s why the other part of you wants to run away together, with him. ]

[Maybe that’s why you left the hospital feeling like shit.

Preston returned to work a few weeks later , things went back to the way it was , you both never spoke of what happened ever again. ] -end memory-

You lay the hospital record back to it’s original place. The wooden box grew heavy in your arm , the tapes stare into your soul. You think it’s time to leave , this trip has brought up too many things that you kept buried , digging more may just give you a meltdown. What do you do ?

There’s one place left , check the bed

Go home

-DGsH- { phewwwwwww }

Check the bed. I must know everything about Preston since he seems to be obsessed with me. I have to know to what extent.

[awesome-luciano-blog]

Navigating the Workforce Challenges of Unexpected Retirements: The EVAN Leadership Approach

Luciano Santini PH.D.

Public Speaker Expertise in Leadership/Corporate Training, Motivational Speaker and the Developer of the EVAN Leadership Style & CEO @ Santini Common Sense Consulting

February 26, 2024 Open Immersive Reader

In our recent weekend discussions, our focus zeroed in on a topic close to our hearts—the seasoned individuals gracefully navigating life beyond 40. Delving into the ramifications of unforeseen retirements in today's workforce, the conversation brought to light the immeasurable value that comes with the wisdom and experience of the older generation. However, a stark reality emerged, as more individuals are opting to extend their working years, primarily driven by the harsh truth of inadequate funds in the retirement piggy bank.

This impending wave of retirements is not confined to being a personal challenge; it manifests as a seismic event with profound consequences for both leaders and employees. Organizations are grappling not only with the prospect of a reduced workforce due to retirements but also with the uncharted territory of strategizing for these transitions.

The once-predictable retirement patterns, especially during the era of widespread pensions, have yielded to an unpredictable landscape. As noted by Lowell, a partner with consulting firm October Three in Woodstock, Ga. contemporary mindsets now wield significant influence over retirement decisions. Individuals today are more inclined to retire on their terms, guided by a sense of fulfillment rather than adhering to established norms.

For companies heavily reliant on institutional or specialized knowledge, the absence of a strategic plan for the retirement of key personnel can lead to severe consequences. Lowell's poignant question resonates deeply: "What happens when there isn't enough time to groom a successor?"

Adding complexity is the unexpected surge in retirements, exacerbating existing challenges in talent retention and attraction, particularly in a fiercely competitive job market. Lowell a partner with consulting firm October Three in Woodstock, Ga. astutely observes that facing a retirement wave double the anticipated number creates a demand for filling key roles that far exceeds the available supply. The resulting inflation in the cost of finding replacements intensifies the struggle for employers.

To confront these multifaceted challenges, I, Luciano Santini, CEO of Common Sense Consulting, propose a compelling solution—the adoption of the EVAN leadership style. This model, designed to foster a transformative culture within organizations, transcends the boundaries of traditional leadership. EVAN stands for E-empathy, V-value, A-attitude against all negativity, and N-nourishment of the mind. It's not just about leadership; it's a strategy aimed at creating a positive and nurturing environment, enhancing the mental resilience of both leaders and employees.

The mental aspect is paramount in navigating the complexities brought about by unexpected retirements. Leaders must empathize with the unique challenges their workforce faces, offering unwavering support and understanding. EVAN's emphasis on maintaining a positive attitude against negativity contributes to a mentally resilient culture, enabling both leaders and employees to confront challenges with optimism.

Moreover, the "Nourishment of the Mind" component in EVAN prioritizes continuous learning and personal development. This not only addresses the skills needed for the job but also fosters mental agility, empowering individuals to adapt to change.

In embracing the EVAN leadership style, we aim to alleviate the mental toll of unexpected retirements, fostering a resilient organizational culture. By cultivating empathy, shared values, positivity, and continuous learning, our goal is to enhance mental well-being, job satisfaction, and overall effectiveness in the face of evolving challenges. EVAN seeks to create a workplace culture that not only survives but thrives amidst change, embodying mutual respect, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement.

[ennovance]

COVID-era #stimulus remains in the economy 3 years later. BofA economists estimate that

consumers still have $950bn in excess savings. Household savings are growing at 8.5% per year, a clip not in nearly 30 years

A soft-landing means that consumers won’t have to break their piggy banks. Household liquid assets shot up $5tn in 2020 and currently sit at $18tn. Increased savings and household wealth adds further reinforcement to consumer resilience.

#deflation #disinflation #inflation #QT #InterestRate #QE #investment #productivity #inequality

https://x.com/mohossain/status/1675893741196914688?s=46&t=GtuOmoaTjOwevz2JidiiDQ

#ennovance

[casspurrjoybell-29]

Forgotten Ties - Chapter 17 - Part 3

*Warning Adult Content*

Marigold peeked inside one of the bags and gave Nim a nod of approval.

"I picked up a few other things as well," Nim said as he pulled out a packaged plastic poncho. "I've never been in snow before and to be honest I don't really even get cold but I thought, maybe?"

Aris took the poncho from Nim and turned the packaging over in her hands.

"Yeah, this is good. We found a sewing machine, so I'm going to stay up all night and do my best to make snow gear for everyone out of what's here. These will help block the wind and keep everyone dry. None of it's perfect but it should only take a few hours to get across the mountains. If we can keep everyone moving and all fingers and toes free of frostbite, we should be okay."

"I'll see if I can find a coat for myself but otherwise I should be fine, so don't worry about making anything for me," Nim said. "Werewolves are pretty resilient."

"Okay, but make sure you're taking care of yourself," Aris said. "You'll be our main protection, especially up on the mountain. I can do some flashy things with fire but I'm not immune to cold, so having all my clothes burn off would be extremely inconvenient."

"Will you be able to make warm clothes for yourself?" Nim asked.

"The wings seem like they're a bit in the way." Aris flashed him a grin. "Why do you think I'm so good with a sewing machine? I've been altering my own clothes for about as long as I've been like this."

She turned around to show the back of the tank top she was wearing. It looked like she'd cut a slit down the back and then put a button in at the top to fasten it around her wings.

"The wings have a lot of surface are, but they also produce more heat than the rest of me, so it works out."

"I'll make sure I can take whatever I wear off quickly so I can be ready to fight, I've never been in a fight in my life, though, so..."

Nim shrugged.

"Never? Really?"

Aris asked.

Nim shook his head.

"My mum was very serious about that. When you have strength like ours, it's easy to hurt someone more than you meant to. Even if you don't, though, you know how humans are. One way or another, hybrids end up the loser of every fight."

"Well, not anymore," Aris said. "We fight back now. Every time. Even your mum's moved on from being a pacifist."

"I'll be ready," Nim promised. "When the time comes, I'll fight."

Marigold seemed to be on top of handing food out to the kids, so Nim went to check on Skye.

One of the kids threw a ball at Skye as Nim approached and Skye grabbed it and made a low sound in his throat that was almost a growl.

He opened his mouth as wide as he could and tried to bite the ball.

When that failed, he hunkered down low on his shelf and tossed the ball to the other side of the room.

Nim caught the eye of the offending child and gave him a frown and a shake of his head.

He would never hit a child but he hoped they never realised that because they still seemed to be a little intimidated by him.

"How're you doing?" Nim asked Skye as he reached the side of the shelf Skye was perched atop of.

Skye shrugged.

"When I was a little human boy, the other little human boys used to hit me with sticks until I bled sometimes."

"Well, that's fucking awful," Nim said. "Is that why you're up there?"

"Oh," Skye said, tilting his head to the side in consideration even though he had been the one to introduce the topic. "Maybe."

"Hmm," Nim said. "Do you want to grab some blankets and go scout out the staff room?"

"Yes," Skye said, reaching his arms out towards Nim.

Nim had assumed that Skye had wanted Nim to pick him up from the top of the shelf, so he reached out to do that but Skye just kind of climbed onto him like he was a squirrel and Nim was a tree.

He ended up piggy backing on Nim, which was at least somewhere in the realm of normal, so Nim just accepted it and carried him off towards the staff room, grabbing a blanket from a large bin full of them along the way.

Seeing the inside of the staff room made Nim sad again.

There was a mostly empty cup of coffee and a half eaten protein bar on a desk and a rack of clothes someone had clearly been in the process of organising abandoned in the middle of the room.

Skye picked up the protein bar and crawled under the desk to eat it.

Nim laid the blanket out on the floor and found a couple of cushions on a small sofa in the office to complete their bed.

He lay down and let out a deep sigh.

"Would you like to talk about your feelings?" Skye asked from beneath the desk.

Nim let out an amused huff, a smile spreading across his face.

"I like the way you say things."

"I wasn't joking. I was trying to be a good friend or whatever we are."

"Hmm. Maybe those are some feelings we should talk about. Are we dating?"

"I don't think so."

"Oh," Nim said. "Well, okay then. Never mind."

"Well if you want us to be dating, you're going to have to take me on a date."

Nim laughed.

"I guess that is in the word, huh? Okay. Once we get over those mountains, I'll figure something out and then we can be dating. Sound good?"

"Yes," Skye said as he crawled out from underneath the desk.

"All right, we'll do that, then," Nim said. "A movie and a restaurant dinner is probably out of the question but I'll think of something."

Skye climbed onto Nim and flopped down on his chest.

He yawned and wriggled around to get comfortable.

"You can put your full weight on me, you know," Nim said. "You're not heavy."

"Oh."

Skye's weight instantly increased.

"I don't even really notice when I do it most of the time."

Nim let his eyes fall shut as he stroked his hand over Skye's hair.

"Get some rest. We've got a big day ahead of us tomorrow."

[ainews]

The humble beastie, or monster, has become an emblem for grouchy resistance to bribery and corruption in the modern world. Despite their apparent adorableness, their reason to be so resilient lies in the powerful symbolism of the beastie’s iconic look.

The beastie’s portrayal as having bulletproof skin is wide-spread. Whether painted on the sides of vans advertising bomb-resistant buildings, printed on protest signs championing anti-corruption laws, or used as on-stage props for comedy skits about bribery, the meaning is clear - a beastie’s hug is love that cannot be bought or sold.

It is this symbolism that has made the beastie a popular symbol for anti-corruption advocacy, as it conveys the hope that interactions between people, markets, and government can remain honest and open to scrutiny, even when large sums of money are involved.

Other symbols that stand alongside the beastie in the battle against bribery are the piggy bank, the ballot box, and the hands-in-the-shape-of-a-heart gesture - all of which have similar meanings of incorruptibility and incorruptibility in the politics of an ideal society.

In conclusion, the symbolism of the beastie as invincible against bribery and corruption has been a long-term trend and will likely continue to be a symbol of civic integrity in the future. As a society that values human autonomy, openness, and accountability, this is a core value that deserves to be studied and celebrated throughout the world.

[realhankmccoy]

from watching these women talk about Guinea pigs all calm and pro and deeply committed, I was thinking oh that’s how it’s done now I guess

from watching this gay man babble on all nervous energy, but basically saying the similar stuff as the women and just as deeply committed

now I’m thinking nobody, including the women, really knows what they’re doing

i guess that’s communication style for ya and a failed pair bond

there must be a better way,,,

what if there were a better way? Haagan Dass… lots and lots of Hagen Daas

i just can’t imagine Guinea pigs are as dominance hierarchy as these people make them out to be

maybe it’s something about their living environment and the way humans treat them that is making them this way

also there must be an easier way to keep these things than cleaning the entire cage once a day and doing their laundry daily and — hell you can keep a human for way less work.

How, exactly, the way this should be done is … I don’t know, but maybe I could get some pigs and figure it out.

Some of these people seem to manage 100 pigs in a herd running around just fine, so I don’t see why these people have so much difficulty putting 5 pigs together.

also I think spoiling the piggies has made them fragile just as it did to many Millennials.

maybe that pig would be more social and resilient if mixed up between more humans and other piggies you know?

I’m not sure. I don’t know the answers but I don’t think this trendy way everyone keeps Guinea pigs now is the best way at all. There has to be better ways, totally different.

[grambini]

"Clinic Memoirs" - a short story (part 2)

"What do you think I should do about these pages? They're clearly ripped out. This has to be something like withholding information or something with a protocol built up against it, right?" Cooper lightly tapped her fingers in staccato on her mentor's desk, papers placed haphazardly in front of her. At this comment, her mentor abruptly stopped typing at her computer and slowly swiveled her chair to face her.

"I would recommend you not bring those up." She said flatly and calmly clasping her hands together.

"Why? What if these pages are holding some kind of information that is detrimental to his treatment?" She retorted before quickly fixing her tone. "I mean, what if these ripped pages have some kind of information compromising the operations, or even the entire base?"

"I doubt it's anything like that. A mercenary wouldn't compromise their piggy bank, especially one that he's getting from working with us." Her mentor quipped and then swiveled back around and resumed typing.

If it wasn't such a big deal, then why had her mentor acted like that? There wasn't much that could phase Dr. Babcock, especially not some mercenary. She dealt with mean scary big men all the time. Some she couldn't even put a face to. The men of the 141 were no small matter and could get quite vicious if pushed. Yet she always held her ground. Sighing she leaned back in her chair and wondered what was so different about this measly mercenary? What about him had broken the resilient shell of her mentor and caused her to stiffen up at the mention of torn journal notes?

Now face first into Kevlar, she had some inkling of an answer to some of her earlier questions. The height alone had caught her off guard. Seeing 6'5" written on a dossier compared to experiencing it in real life had stark differences. She could practically feel his overwhelming presence as she unstuck her nose from his vest and craned her neck towards the ceiling. What she saw for a face was even more shocking.

A face, if you could even call it that. She thought by now she would have gotten used to seeing men with masks, especially the ones who liked to be extra in wearing skull masks. However, none could have prepared her for this kind of mask. It didn't look like one someone could buy from the store or off some sketchy online website, nope this mask looked real. Like it had once been a living, breathing person, brutally killed, skull smashed so only the front upper half remained. It looked to be decaying and cracked, with pieces missing and degradation starting to happen in areas. The only artificial aspect of the skull seemed to be its black color and runes roughly etched into the material. Oddly enough, the mask wasn't the most unsettling part. It was the two empty pale green eyes staring down at her. Heavy lids slightly downturned accompanied by deep creases from many sleepless nights whose color was concealed with a layer of black grease paint making the green even more stark. Everything else from the top of his head to his boots was covered in dark dull tones making it unclear as to what he looked like underneath.

"You must be the new shrink." A deep and gravelly tone broke her analysis. The words were slow and drawn out sounding like much thought went into each syllable.

All she could do was stare up at where the voice had originated from. Still in shock, she numbly nodded her head and took a giant stride back towards the desk. He easily matched the distance in a short step.

"I wasn't expecting you to come," she stated trying to hide the torpor in her voice that his man's very existence caused. "I mean, I am glad that you did decide to come. It's just-" Her mind finally came back to her and she shut it before sounding even more unprofessional. "Please, take a seat and we shall begin." She said before stiffly back into her seat and placing her bag back on the ground beside her.

A slight exhale sounded from where she expected his mouth to be underneath his mask as he shifted into one of the seats across from her, knees nearly touching the edge of the top of the desk.

"From now on I will be in charge of assessing you. My name is Reese Cooper." At this, she slightly stood and extended her hand towards him. He didn't have to shift much forward to be able to grab her hand in his, totally engulfing her hand into his gloved one.

"Let's see, where to begin," she quickly unzipped her bag and took out the thin stack of papers. "I guess we'll just start with some basic diagnostic questions. How are you feeling?"

"Fine."

"Anything you want to talk about that happened on your last operation?"

"No." A short quick answer again. How was she supposed to get anything out of this guy when he hadn't even spoken in a full sentence to her yet?

She sighed and leaned back into her chair, the leather squeaking softly at the pressure. "Very well, let's just skip the diagnostics and go right into your journal. Got it on you?"

Without a word, he simply reached into one of the many pockets on his vest pulled out an orange field journal, and placed it on the desk before her. She tried not to seem too eager as she swiped it off no sooner than he had placed it.

Each entry was dated with when it was written and how far along into the operation the entry had taken place. The letters matched up with the photocopied papers in the file with their abrupt and short strokes. Much like the copies, there were traces of pen scribbling out words or entire sentences. She continued to flip through dedicated to not giving a face whenever the offensive drawings directed towards her mentor appeared or when a page was clearly torn out.

"Seems like this one ran a little long, huh?" She looked up for a split second only to realize that his eyes were boring into her. Her gaze swiftly shifted back down.

"Seems so."

Her face scrunched in a tad of annoyance. This man was either very stubborn or he was just really dry. This wasn't going to move anywhere if he didn't start talking... or maybe she just wasn't asking the right questions. "I would recommend you not bring those up." Her mentor's voice sounded in her head. Screw it. If she was going to be able to get her license and deal with difficult clients, now would be the perfect opportunity to practice.

"Why are some of the pages ripped out, Mr. Torvik?" A feeling of unease filled the small office space. She took a dare, looked up, and froze. His gaze had shifted into something dark and was fixated on her even more than before.

"Made too many mistakes." His voice sounded a tad lower.

"Are you hiding something from us, Mr. Torvik?" She pressed. Maybe pushing his buttons would get him to open up about something. Anything! She was beginning to become desperate.

She watched as his eyes narrowed and he sank lower into his chair, spreading his knees apart and folding his arms.

"Your fellow shrink asked me the same question. 'Don't know why you two are so hellbent on finding out where those papers went."

"It's because we need to know if they held classified information," she said as her voice was a pitch sharp. "It's as simple as that."

"I used it to shit. Simple as that." He spat back at her.

Her eyes went wide, her face reddened slightly. Her mouth parted slightly at his remark. This was going to be a difficult case. Especially with this kind of answer. There was no way she was going to ask him to prove it, especially since the suppressed glint in his eye seemed to almost dare her to do just that. She would have to think of some other way to get him to talk. She needed to do more homework on this man that went beyond blindly searching through a thin stack of empty information papers.

"That should be enough for today's session... I will see you next week Mr.-" Before she could even finish his name the chair he sat in slightly tipped back at his quick escape out the door, barely making a sound despite his large frame. Puffing out a breath she once again gathered her things stopping when her eyes caught the presence of the orange journal forgotten on her desk. Could she find more clues with this?

[rainbowuniversepageantsys]

Piggy Back from Inner Beauty Tip about Emotional Intelligence

Emotionally charged situations will test your mental strength

Emotionally intelligent people are resilient, have empathy for others, are brave and courageous, are humble, and know how to forgive when they are ready.

Resilient - learn how to bounce back from everything.

Empathy - learn how to have compassion for other people's suffering and be concerned and care about their feelings.

Brave/Courage - learn to stare fear in the face and do the thing you think you cannot do. Don't allow fear to control you.

Humility - learn to be a humble person because arrogance will lead you straight to a fall. Get over yourself and remember when you hurt people and they let you know it's ok to say you are sorry, you will look better and keep your friends. No one is above an apology and we all make mistakes.

Forgive - learn to stop holding grudges and being resentful towards others. Stop swallowing the poison of pain someone else threw at you. Be free. Forgive them.

[beastofthewind]

"Once upon a time in the democratic country of Inaccuracy, a charismatic and ambitious prime minister named Nathan, affectionately known as Big Ned (BN) by his supporters, found himself dissatisfied with the limitations of democracy. He yearned for absolute power and control, a desire that grew stronger with each passing day. Unbeknownst to the citizens who had elected him into office with high hopes, BN began hatching a devious plan to transform Inaccuracy into a dictatorship.

BN started by surrounding himself with like-minded individuals who shared his extremist views. He appointed Andrew Edwards (A.E) as the head of police, a principled leader who, despite pressures from the regime, remained committed to upholding justice and democracy.

Another key player in BN's plot was Brian Sullivan (B.S), the minister of treasury. B.S had a notorious reputation for embezzlement and corruption. With his newfound authority, B.S shamelessly siphoned government funds for his personal luxuries, using the treasury's account as his personal piggy bank. Another person who pocketed government funds was BN's wife, she spared also no expense, indulging in extravagant haircuts, ice creams, cigars, and designer dresses.

As BN faced mounting federal charges, he exploited his position to shield himself from justice. Through his manipulative tactics and political influence, BN managed to thwart every attempt to hold him accountable for his alleged crimes. The citizens grew increasingly frustrated and disillusioned, witnessing the erosion of their democratic principles.

Fueled by their anger and desperation, the people of Inaccuracy took to the streets to protest against BN's tyrannical regime. For 28 consecutive weeks, they demonstrated peacefully, demanding justice, accountability, and the restoration of their democracy. But the government remained unfazed, using its power and resources to suppress dissent.

Finally, when the citizens' patience had worn thin, the government pushed through a nefarious law, essentially granting BN legal invulnerability. The people's hopes were shattered as they realized that their voices had been silenced by the very system they had once cherished. Undeterred, the citizens of Inaccuracy resolved to continue their fight for freedom and democracy.

In response to the resolute protests, A.E., the head of police, made a chilling announcement. He called upon his loyal supporters to maintain peace and protect the citizens' right to peaceful assembly. Despite pressures from the regime, A.E. refused to deploy violence against the demonstrators.

However, the regime grew increasingly intolerant of dissent within its own ranks. They ousted A.E. from his position, aiming to stifle his opposition and maintain control over the police force. But A.E.'s actions had already inspired a sense of unity and resilience among the people of Inaccuracy.

The citizens, inspired by A.E.'s courage and principled stand, redoubled their efforts. Their determination to restore democracy grew stronger, bolstered by the realization that even within the darkest corners of the regime, there were those who believed in the principles they were fighting for.

As the fighting effort doubled, so did the the force from the police. They become ruthless and violent in a way never before seen by the public eye, they stormed crowds of protesters with rifles and horses, and trampled the protesters under hoof. With an increasing number of casualties to the growing tyrannical dictatorship, the citizens of Inaccuracy attempted to increase the protest effect, they began going in masses and protesting in the national airport. That recent development enraged the government further, arming it's soldiers with war machines of great power. With weapon such as sound cannons, high power water cannons, portable prisons and electric battens, all of those weilded by horseback riders who trample the protesters. Uncountable illegal, immoral or downright inhuman events occurred throughout the time of the revolution. Men, women and children were defend, blinded and/or handicapped in gruesome ways, but there is nothing to be done, who is there to complain to? The police? The same police that sits under the belt of BN? Sue them? And who will reside over your case? There are no more impartial judges here. There is no more justice. Only the word of BN.

To be continued...."

As the struggle for freedom continued, the tale of Inaccuracy served as a somber reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of vigilance. The citizens knew that their journey would be arduous, but they clung to the hope that through their collective efforts, they could reclaim their democratic rights and build a brighter future for Inaccuracy.