#take my precautions as a criticism of themselves

[terreurs]

i love the above ^ comment and want to add:

being willing to discuss your own precautions (or lack thereof!) is huge as well. even if you take few or none of the above precautions, being able to articulate that (without taking the question as an accusation) means a lot to me. be honest if your cousin tested positive after christmas, i'm not going to be mad that you made the decision to see family (so did i!) but it'll help me make my own choices with all the info. if you usually mask, but you fell off to spend time with people you missed, i get it, that's ok, thanks for telling me!

i'm never asking to quiz you or ridicule you. it's possible i'll decline plans if the risk is too high for my comfort, but it's not a punishment. it's really just communicating needs and figuring out what works best between us.

be safe, be kind, be honest. it means the world!

Covid Update, USA, late December 2023: Buckle up, folks.

Takeaway from his (very informative) thread:

Wastewater counts are obscenely high right now, belying the official case numbers. Considering that we've stopped collecting or reporting most COVID data, wastewater is the best way we have to judge the actual infection rate now.

We are currently seeing ten million new infections a week, and can expect that to greatly increase within the next three weeks.

If you've stopped masking, please start again, for your own safety and the safety of your community. Many hospital systems are already trending toward being overwhelmed right now; let's do what we can to lighten their burden.

Avoid unnecessary gatherings where possible.

Ventilate your spaces well (this is a good time to build that Corsi-Rosenthal box you were thinking about! I made one, it's great).

And just from me, personally--now's a good time to reevaluate casual habits. I've been careless, again, about touching my face. Time for me to knock it off!

This is a period where we need to act with more care. Not a time to panic, but a time to be more cautious.

[motheatenscarf]

Amidst all the James Somerton fallout, I think it's important to remember not to moralize whether or not you or others fell for his grift.

Obviously, if you were rallied into being one of his attack dogs on social media when he put some pretty heinous hits out on people, uh. You might have other problems and should probably evaluate how you spend your time online and how you treat other people before you start caring about the rest of the points I'm about to make. Priorities, etc.

But for the rest of us, it's surprisingly easy to miss just how awful a creator can be.

If you only watched his videos that caught your interest, if you don't really follow creators on social media, if you skip livestreams because watching Some Guy talk unfiltered into a bad camera angle with shitty lighting for hours on end sounds like a fucking nightmare to you, you're not really gonna catch most of this shit. At least, you're not gonna catch most of it from any perspective but the one he tries to spin.

This is a reminder to be skeptical and to trust your gut and check sources if something sounds wrong, but also. Uh. That's still the creator's responsibility not to plagiarize and to fact check their work. You're not morally obligated to be as thorough in curating your experience as someone who is making sure they take every ethical precaution before absolutely destroying a "creator's" credibility in a video like H-Bomb's or Todd in the Shadows'. You're literally just some guy. Most people, myself included, watch these videos as background noise while doing at minimum one other task, you're not gonna google every damn thing he says, especially not on media analysis, where the POINT is to have one's own opinion. THEY'RE the ones trying to be "influencers," or, laughably, "creators." The standards are on them.

And for the isms, phobias, and misogyny, well. Frankly, for my own perspective, I gaslight myself all the damn time when I see red flags. Good Allyship™ has been telling me for years to ignore my own discomfort when someone criticizes a privileged group, especially one I'm a part of. I'm a cis asexual white-passing and probably neuroatypical woman, I am constantly trying to be aware of my own relative privilege while simultaneously doubting my own reaction to things. Despite this, I'd still liked to think I'm a skeptical person, but nobody's immune to everything. Everybody has weak spots.

If you got duped or fell for James' scam, that sucks. I feel ya. I fell for it too, I've seen probably 40% of his catalog over the last couple years and really liked what I'd seen. I recommended his channel and videos to people even if I didn't always agree with every point he made, but it felt important to at least consider what to me seemed like a unique perspective that had value or added to a conversation. There are red flags within his content, his analysis, his rate of publishing, his weird diatribes, that in retrospect, really all added up into things I should have known better than to ignore. But, for reasons I'm interrogating and am adding to my list of things to be aware of about myself, I didn't ignore them, and got grifted. I donated to his patreon a few times, probably gave him like $20 grand total over the years, about as much as I've given H Bomb. The important take away here isn't to be ashamed of the fact that you were fooled, it's to remember that you're fallible.

And it's good to recognize that about yourself. Everyone is, and the ones who say they aren't are lying. They're either gonna be the next person to feel really stupid and foolish when they fall for a scam, or are themselves the grifter.

No one is immune.

[jewish-vents]

I actually think the American “not in my name, “as a Jew,” “All Eyes on Rafah AI image (never said anything about 10/7)” Jews are the most narcissistic people imaginable. they’re like “I just can’t support the senseless killing of children” NONE OF US SUPPORT THAT, it is tragic - but where tf were all of you when children were killed, tortured, and kidnapped from Israel and you said nothing??? where were you when the US had done even worse and caused terrible casualties in wars and weren’t taking anywhere near the precautions to warn or protect civilians and to avoid collateral damage as much as possible? the US, and not just republicans because Obama did it too, has struck targets where children died on purpose. but no criticism for that, crickets when it’s your own country, but when it’s Israel they have to rush to misinformation to make themselves look good to all their leftist followers. the double standard is unreal but so is the selfishness. “not in my name,” cool because none of this is ABOUT YOU but great job making the entire diaspora less safe for your fellow Jews with your virtue signaling.

.

[iatrophilosophos]

Long covid is real, AND, long covid trutherism is a quasi-reactionary conspiracy theory for people who think they're too smart and leftist for conspiracy theories. "Everyone is stupid and meaner and Worse now than they use to be and it's their own fault for not taking Hygenic Precautions because they're stupid and bad. The evidence of this is that I don't feel like I did when I was 25/20/15 anymore and literacy rates are down. Look at this graph that goes up."

"Fascism is winning/conservatism is happening because everyone got stupid from long covid" is a deeply ableist and quasi-fascist position.

& I feel like i have to constantly disclaim/disclose that like...I fucking care about long covid! It's real! It's a problem! There's a lot of it! I do actually spend a significant amount of my time working on this as an issue! & it is actively damaging to the cause of long covid management, to disability justice as a whole, to political theory and fucking critical thought itself to say that every problem (subjective, measurable, or in between) is the fault of the One Big Bad Brain Disease.

& it isn't that the situation isn't as bad as the Long Covid Truthers say. It is worse.

I AM NOT ANTI MASKING: AND: some of yall are literally magical thinking abt this shit. Wearing a mask will not save you from getting older, it won't save you from poverty and subsequent health problems, it won't save you from the destruction of the biosphere. We *are* all getting sick, we *are* all miserable, and we NEED robust, critical, thoughtful, multifaceted and multitactic strategies to survive; we need robust medical literacy that doesn't start and stop with one disease; we need robust engagement with the fact that the logics of industrialized medication development are a dead end and having a lil four thieves bioreactor *to the extent anyone is even doing that! is not as helpful without the currently-disintegrating state of global trade and ecologically extractive precursors, we need drugs that can be derived from phytochemicals & shit like ethanol, YESTERDAY.

I deleted the sappy call to action because it's like, whatever. Talk to me if you actually want concrete steps to investigate wrt joining automous medical efforts but the point of this post is that letting this line of thinking slide was always a mistake and we need to stop letting ppl who call themselves disability justice advocates spew the most rancid shit you've ever heard about disabled people.

[karenandhenwilson]

"Don't trust any statistics you haven't faked yourself." That's a quote my math teacher in 10th grade put on the front page of our statistics exam that year. And it's stayed with me, taught me to be cautious. It's not always so easy to take apart a so called statistical analysis as the one I read yesterday, though.

Let's talk about how the tag system on AO3 works for the free tags.

There are tag wranglers who group tags together that appear to have the same meaning. That creates a mix of different tags that are originally meant differently that can be found under the same parent tag. And that means you'll find all different kinds of stories under a certain tag that you really weren't looking for.

The "Chimney Han bashing" tag for example.

Go to the oldest story you'll find when you filter the tag. It's not a Chimney bashing fic. I'm not even sure which of the tags on the story have made it appear under "Chimney bashing". It's a pretty lovely written (as far as I've read, and I haven't read much of it because I can't deal with a cancer storyline right now) fic about Chimney's journey after he is diagnosed with cancer in season 2. It's focused on Chimney, Hen, and Maddie. But you don't even need to go into the story to figure that out, you'll see it right in the tags.

So I dare to say that any statistical analysis that even mentions this story but doesn't point out it's actually a very decidedly Chimney positive fic that somehow shows up in the Chimney bashing tag is flawed from the get go. You really wasted your time writing all that when you couldn't even look at your data without your bias showing from the very first moment.

And this is really just the most obvious flaw in that whole thing. I'm not going to adress much more of it, because my time was already wasted enough reading the original post, but one little reminder of 9-1-1 fandon history under the cut.

There are a lot of common tags that show up if you just filter by the "Chimney bashing" tag. Like "not Chimney friendly" and "Chimney critical". And those tags are mostly put in place because you'll have Chimney stans jumping at your throat in your comments about anything that looks at any of Chimney's actions even just a little critical. Many of those stories don't even mention Chimney much, but some of his actions are discussed by other characters from their POV, and therefore aren't always very favorable. But because in 2021 and 2022 a small group of fans decided to harass everyone who didn't worship their two favorites, many writers saw themselves forced to be extra cautious with warning about that.

If you really want to do an analysis about the "Chimney bashing" tag, you'll have to do the work and actually separate the different tags and then also check if that tag is warranted or just put there as a precaution so Chimeny fans know to stay away. (Not that they ever learned that lesson until the moment they attacked a Korean artist for depicting a Korean character "wrongfully" earlier this year and were called out for their bullshit. And instead of apologizing they cried about being the victims of harassment and then promptly left tumblr.)

[covid-safer-hotties]

These Are the Drag Artists and Organizers Fighting to Make Queer Spaces More COVID Safe - Published Aug 21, 2024

This article was produced in partnership with The Sick Times.

After becoming disabled by a COVID-19 infection they caught on tour in 2022, Themme Fatale went from being a high-flying trapeze artist to being homebound. Before developing Long COVID, much of the popular circus performer’s career had involved risk — setting themself on fire, flipping through the air, lying on beds of nails — but the danger of these stunts began to shrink in their mind compared to the risk of the airborne virus.

From home in Melbourne, Australia, Fatale began to closely follow Long COVID research, connecting the concerning findings about the disease, which affects every organ system, to their numerous symptoms. What they didn’t understand was why their local queer community — and society at large — continued to put themselves at risk of COVID-19, especially because Long COVID is more prevalent in queer and trans people.

It led Fatale to take action. In February 2024, Fatale launched Clean Air Narm, one of over 30 volunteer-led initiatives around the world modeled after Chicago’s Clean Air Club. These organizations lend out high-quality air purifiers to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by reducing virus in the air at indoor venues.

“I started [Clean Air Narm] because I don't want to see all my friends disabled in the same way that I have been,” they say. “If you lead with a solution, people are sometimes more open to hearing about what the problem is in the first place.”

Guided by a strong commitment to community care, a diverse group of queer performers, drag kings, and other event organizers are filling the gaps of global government failure during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Through clean air organizations, mask requirements at shows, and other COVID-19 mitigation efforts, they are making public spaces more accessible and safer for everyone, all while selling out shows.

Here’s how many clean air clubs work: Organizers fundraise in their communities for a fleet of air purifiers and/or far-UVC devices, lamps that emit a type of ultraviolet light that can reduce indoor airborne microbes by 98%. Because these technologies are expensive — lights and purifiers can each cost thousands of dollars —, clean air organizers offer them to event organizers in their community through a “lending library.”

Volunteers of the clean air initiatives then distribute the purifiers to event organizers who install them at venues, often coupled with other COVID-19 mitigation tools like masks and rapid tests. Mutual-aid groups called mask blocs, which distribute respirators and other items to their communities for free, sometimes help with events, too.

While these precautions make events safer, they don’t fully eliminate the risk of spreading or catching COVID-19 at an event. Clean air initiatives are often careful to advertise events as “COVID-safer,” not “COVID-safe.” Some advocates have also criticized these clean air clubs for prioritizing entertainment events, arguing that resources like air purifiers and high-quality masks should be used for the most vulnerable communities that can’t afford masks, including hospitals, prisons, or public schools.

Still, with COVID-19 at very high levels multiple times a year and many people still going out to concerts and shows, these multiple layers of precaution do reduce spread of the disease in important venues. The fight for cleaner air in public places is broad: Public health experts and others have also proposed clean air mandates in public buildings, including Harvard University’s Healthy Buildings Program, Long COVID Kids, and Congressman Don Beyer’s Airborne Act 2024.

After founding Clean Air Club in 2023, Chicago resident Emily Dupree was met with an overwhelming demand for her club’s HEPA air purifiers. The success led her to write a guide to creating a clean-air organization. More than 30 autonomous initiatives around the world have been implemented and improved on the guide — and they’re popping up quickly.

“What we all have in common is a deep commitment to free access to life-saving technology in the midst of an ongoing pandemic,” says Dupree.

While Clean Air Club purifiers are for any organizers who request them, Dupree has noticed the resource has been more popular with members of the queer community.

“It is not surprising to me that so many of us creating these clean air clubs and putting in so much work for our community are queer,” Dupree says. “This idea of care as a radical and very powerful foundational value for mutual aid organizations is closely aligned with queer politics.”

The queer community is no stranger to mutual aid. During the peak of the AIDS crisis in the ’80s and ’90s, lesbians and other queer people started food banks, devoted their time to caretaking, donated as “blood sisters”, treated people with the disease, and provided other life-saving volunteer services while mainstream society stigmatized and abandoned people with AIDS.

Today, clean air organizations, mask blocs, and other COVID-19 mutual aid groups exist as a temporary solution for the widespread institutional failures of local, city, state, and federal governments that have an obligation to safeguard public health from COVID-19 and have instead completely failed to live up to that obligation, as Dupree says. “[These initiatives] give us a glimpse of what life could be like if only these principles were adopted at a larger scale.”

Dupree would like to see institutions that have the power to make large-scale, permanent changes in the interest of public health — including schools, public transportation departments, and prisons — improve their indoor air quality through the use of air purification and far-UVC technology. She’d also like to see mask requirements reimplemented in high-risk environments like hospitals, where many people have died after being exposed to COVID-19 while seeking life-saving care.

It's pretty straightforward, Dupree says. “What we need from the government is what they did at the turn of the century to eradicate cholera from our public water. We need them to clean our indoor air.”

In the absence of these measures and few to no mitigation efforts today, the public is at continued risk of COVID-19 infections and Long COVID, which affects more than 23 million Americans of all age groups. More than 400 million have the disease around the globe, according to a recent review in Nature Medicine. The ever-present threat of the virus also makes it unsafe for disabled and other high-risk people to participate in everyday life, seek safe medical care, and do essential errands.

While many mutual aid groups are run by queer people, numerous LGBTQ+ organizations and advocacy groups are failing to make their spaces and events safe and accessible. Education about the risk of Long COVID in the community is sorely lacking.

But there are exceptions: In Los Angeles, two drag king-led shows, Disabled Cable and Them Fatale (not associated with Themme Fatale) have made their shows more COVID-safe thanks to the help of testing, mask requirements, and their local clean air organization, Airgasmic.

Founded in 2024 by popular drag king Dick Swagger, Airgasmic runs a lending library of crowd-sourced purifiers specifically for drag shows and other queer events. And while the volunteer service has been successful, it has also exposed how difficult it can be to get venues and some patrons on board with COVID-19 mitigation methods, particularly masking.

“A lot of people aren't keeping up with the science,” Swagger says, explaining that he spends most of his free time volunteering for Airgasmic and educating his community online about COVID-19 and Long COVID. “More people tend to listen to me when I’m in drag.”

Swagger stopped performing live in 2022 after seeing the toll Long COVID has taken on the drag and queer community in Los Angeles. He knows 14 people in his local drag and queer communities with Long COVID, he says, adding that “it is like watching a slow-motion car crash” as more continue to get infected with COVID-19.

“I had to stop performing. I became increasingly frustrated,” he says. “I was trying to protect [my local drag community] and protect myself because I can't afford to become disabled.”

Leona Love, a drag king and queen who co-created Disabled Cable, says one of the most difficult aspects in organizing their show was finding a venue that would help enforce a mask requirement, a challenge other performers and organizers who spoke with Them and The Sick Times also faced.

As an ambulatory wheelchair user, Love says that a lack of accessible venues has kept them from performing at venues in Los Angeles in the past. The underlying ableism in the drag and queer community led them to co-found the show, which highlights disabled performers.

“The way I like to tell it honestly is that it is a project that was born out of rage and channeled into love,” they say.

But after finding a venue called Cantiq in Echo Park that fully supported their mitigation efforts, Love’s first show drew such a large crowd that they had to set a capacity limit for their sophomore performance so it would be less cramped and therefore safer. Now, the event regularly sells out.

“Getting to see the response to our show has been so affirming that our community still does care about COVID-19,” Love says. “We want to keep each other safe. Sometimes it’s about providing the right spaces and the right information to inform people how they can do that.”

“I do wish, however, that there were spaces outside of what we are building that were taking us into consideration as much as we are taking everyone in the community into consideration.”

[traumasurvivorshelpingsurvivors]

TW cocsa, emotional abuse

I have a very hard time explaining and expressing my trauma but I am looking for validation and possibly words to explain what I went through as I have a hard time identifying it

I experienced what I feel was cocsa as a kid, I was pinned down and kissed repeatedly by a kid I barely knew in what I can only explain in a sexual manner. I wasn’t exactly afraid in the situation but I felt confused and wanted to escape.

I feel the cocsa term fits this but I also feel kinda odd using it as I just keep thinking that what I experienced is lesser compared to the SA others experienced

Another thing that I experience, and this is ongoing, I have a parent who I can only describe as emotionally immature, reactive and micromanaging.

They are constantly criticizing my other parent and I for things we do, a lot of times raising their voice or just straight yelling at us over it.

This can be in public or in private and a lot of times at random. he tells us we lack commons sense (mostly because of us doing certain things different from them) yet lacks common sense themselves. Anymore we state our opinion or how we feel, they just dismiss it.

I feel this is emotional abuse but my brain still feels that it isn’t bad enough to be abuse because other than this they’re really good to us and financially support us.

-🦎

Hi 🦎,

I'm so sorry to hear about everything you've been through. I can understand why you feel that it may not be accurate to label these experiences as cocsa or emotional abuse because perhaps you have heard of "worse" stories. But it's important to remember that comparing your trauma to others minimizes your own experiences. As a survivor you should choose whatever label you feel is most fitting. It's okay if you want to use the terms cocsa or emotional abuse, and it's also okay if you would rather use something else.

Some abusers act nice sometimes or support you in certain ways so that you feel guilty for feeling hurt, holding resentment, or wanting to leave. If an abuser empowered you to believe your own judgment and common sense, you would be more likely to act upon the urge to leave. But if an abuser convinces you that you're always wrong or exaggerating, you're more likely to stay, which is what they want. Similarly, if abuser purely mistreated you, it would be easier to recognize it as abuse. But if they also financially support you or treat you well other times, it's harder to rationalize leaving, which is also their goal. Feeling like it's inappropriate to label this as emotional abuse can hinder you from taking precautions and seeking safety.

If you can access or afford it, a mental health professional such as a therapist could help you process your experiences and rebuild confidence in your own credibility and perception of events. If anyone has any comments or suggestions, feel free to add on. Otherwise, I hope I could help, and please let us know if you need anything.

-Bun

[komohine]

What do you think of James being trans? (Obviously a headcanon haha) I might just be projecting I'm definitely projecting, but I think it makes sense.

I hc him has having an inferiority complex when he was younger, which is something me and a lot of fellow transmascs can relate to! The feel of having to aggressively outdo your AMAB peers because you're constantly being fed the idea they're somehow inherently better.

I also think it would be very silly if he hated Keith as a kid for this reason, reasoning he's a "real boy", only to learn Keith is trans too. T4T jaith or smthn idk lol

Also James is gender.

(also I really adore your art! Thank you for taking the time to read my silly headcanon)

I think hell yea 🫡 Even though it’s not my personal headcanon (in my personal headcanon their cis and transness is ambiguous). Withij my headcanons, both canon compliant and college au, there is never really a situation that arises where the distinction of their cis/transness becomes necessary or significant so i really just never mention it and leave it up to the interpretation of the reader

Its probably bcs my prior fandom space has traumatized me so if im gonna be honest i dont really think about characters genders beyond what they express themselves as 😭 you are boy? Ok! Sorry transfetishization haunts me hetalia and genshin were horrific spaces to be in… i have nightmares about people making one character from an mlm ship trans just for “realistic mpreg”. Oh my god mpreg keith is genuinely so disturbing i get distraught when i think about it. Also this may just be a precaution because of the voltron fandom? Because I came into this fandom like a month ago with the prior knowledge that this place is a literal minefield of fetishizers and weird people. Like do you get it… if i, for example, mention explicitly that my keith is trans theres gonna be people fetishizing that. If i mention he’s cis there’s gonna be people fetishizing that. So my defence is to just not mention it! Schrodinger’s gender!! 30 year old women stop writing crazy p0rn of highschoolers challenge.

Its the same with freaky headcanons like i will occasionally try to think of some for writing and metaphor purposes but i will get flashbacks to when a 13 year old asked me “whos the top and whos the bottom” about my ocs on discord and then my train of thought just stops there. Its like a kill switch. “Freaky jaith? Uhh well-” “whos the top and whos the bottom” “ok nvm 😇” like i personally love artsy and tastefully done innuendo art pieces but i do not trust the fandom to have a great enough level of critical thinking to see past the freaky to see the angsty metaphors i pack my art with.

But i think T4T jaith is fire james can now have internalized homophobia AND internalized misogyny or something!! Yay!! Adding more shit onto his need for perfection and to be a “real man” or something whereas keith dont gaf! And keith can teach james to not gaf!!! Yay!!!

[kismetconstellations]

@sockdooe, You are not being stupid. I want to establish that right away. You're not stupid. You are understandably cautious because this fandom has a deserved reputation for being one of the worst in recorded history due to its rampant toxicity and K/L shippers, especially, having a penchant for harassing any and everyone with differing opinions.

I am so sorry that this environment has been so hostile toward you. You didn't and still don't deserve that. Fandoms are supposed to be fun, occasionally self-indulgent, places of escapism. Not overwhelm participants with intense anxiety because they're expecting to be attacked for expressing love for a certain character or ship, or even a dissenting opinion.

One of my dearest friends shared a post with me, the other day, that I find very apt for our ongoing predicament as Shiro fans.

"Sometimes you see discourse ™ so mindbogglingly dumb you just have to be like, 'That’s the kids talking. That’s the same as when two toddlers are having an intense conversation and it’s totally detached from reality, but they’re very serious about it. That’s not for me that’s for the kids'."

It can be fun, or sometimes even feel imperative, given how often they rile me up, to challenge these hate-fueled, mindbogglingly dumb, detached from reality takes. But, we don't have to engage with them. We always have the option to remind ourselves, "That's the kids talking. That's not for me, that's for the kids."

You are not "stupid" for taking precautions to protect yourself from vitriolic subsets of this fandom. And, yes, anyone cheerfully looking to spread hatred for Shiro while tacking on, "I still love him/I don't hate him, but", as a preemptive shield from criticism, is provably vitriolic. You have to have nothing worthwhile going on in your life and an unquenchable need to start petty drama in order to sit around and invent reasons to hate a gay, disabled, neurodivergent trauma survivor who epitomizes selfless heroism and who has chosen to remain gentle in spite of everything that he's been through.

"Lance was more warm to the mice than Shiro to Keith."

What's that? Sorry, child, I can't hear you over Shiro canonically drawing Keith into an embrace in full view of everyone after learning that Keith shares the blood of the species that made Shiro's life a living Hell for a year.

There is a saying, "You don't choose the favorite character. The favorite character chooses you." While I do find it invariably tends to ring true, it is interesting how people with certain personality types gravitate toward specific characters, and then latch onto them with a fierceness that can only come from intense personal projection.

I'm not knocking anyone for this. I project at least a bit onto my favorite characters, as well, as I'm certain most people do. It comes with the "self-indulgent escapism" territory.

It just sucks that L/K-shipping fans of either character have chosen to make their intense projection onto these characters into everyone else's problem. Particularly Shiro and Allura, and I imagine even Pidge (given that I've seen more than a few fics bashing her for supposedly being mean to Lance) fans.

No, making K/L canon would not have "fixed" the inept writing, inherent ableism and ageism, and deplorable treatment of trauma survivors that tacitly endorses them martyring themselves. All that would have accomplished is setting a precedent that targeted harassment and attempted extortion works. The showrunners absolutely did the right thing in not caving to the demands of a horde of entitled brats who actively attacked them for two years, lobbing accusations of pedophilia at a father. Which could have completely ruined his life and resulted in his children being taken from him had anyone taken these preposterous claims over a harmless ship between two legal adults in a cartoon seriously.

I'd like to consider it a form of serendipity that we crossed paths with each other in this cesspit of a fanbase. ❤ As I informed another blogger, a few days ago, finding another Shiro fan who doesn't simply view him as "hot bara Daddy Dom I want to imagine banging my self-insert of choice", will always be a breath of fresh air.

(Sidenote: I thought baras were supposed to be hairy, as well as tall and ripped. Shiro is a bit too hairless to qualify, no? And, Coran is a Daddy Dom.

Shiro is a Bottom/Submissive through and through.

(o˘◡˘o) )

The "Space Dad" thing, by itself, is kind of cute, and I do love that Josh Keaton derived such joy from it, bless his heart. But, when fans take it seriously and start holding Shiro to the standards of an actual father when canon never presents him as one, that's when it drives me nuts and I start to hate it. In much the same way Lance and Keith fans simultaneously lionizing and woobifying their favorites at the expense of everyone else has done a great job of putting me off of them.

Keith, Pidge, Lance, and Hunk have their own fathers. Coran is Allura's surrogate father. No one on Team Voltron sees Shiro as their dad.

Headcanons that Shiro and Adam adopted and raised Keith are just that. Headcanons. If you find something enjoyable in them, or want to adopt Shiro as the ideal father to your character of choice, that is perfectly fine, so long as you remember that you're working within an alternate universe that has nothing in the show's canon to support it.

Shiro was always a mentor, leader, and/or older brother to the Paladins. He's twenty-five years-old. Not fifty. And, I guarantee if he had tried to pull rank on any of these kids, they would one-thousand percent have fired back with, "You're not my dad!"

The only character who arguably views Shiro as a father is the Atlas; based on Shiro being the sole person she has a connection with, and her modeling her mecha form after his physique.

[freethebook]

It is very telling when a person who has no knowledge of beekeeping tries to demonize beekeeping. And this is demonization, not criticism, because the latter would require some effort. So let's break this down bit by bit.

Source here is ME because I am an amateur beekeeper and even with my limited experience I can debunk all of this easily.

"Actually, beekeepers take many precautions to keep their bees from leaving."

Of course they do, because ONE, bees are a livestock animal and no farmer wants their livestock animals to flee, and TWO, that is just responsible oh my god. Many hives that swarm end up dying from starvation if they don't swiftly locate a new home, and even if they DO locate a new home, if it's in proximity to humans they'll be relocated to an adoptive beekeper ANYWAY at best, and bug sprayed at worst.

"many clip the wings of the queen" This, this just does not happen. It does not happen.

If a queen becomes damaged in any way, the hive will KNOW and it will REPLACE her. They will kill the queen THEMSELVES, and you've now crippled your hive's worker production for a month or more. You do this three times in a row, the hive is just dead.

"destroy new queen cells" Completely unnecessary and honestly a waste. You could instead cut out the queen cells and rehome them into new hives. The nurse bees will take care of the queen cell, rear it to hatching, and bingo brand new queen no effort.

"cull queens they don't like" Actually does happen! But then, if your queen stops laying eggs, or has poor egg production, the hive will eventually die if the queen ISN'T culled. And again, if she is missing a leg or a wing, the HIVE WILL CULL HER ANYWAY. This is just basic animal husbandry.

"and use bee pheromones to prevent a hive from naturally swarming or absconding" If you are taking care of your hive right you literally don't need to do this. Swarming is a stress measure in response to the bees running out of space.

"They also try and prevent mating with the African honey bee, which makes them less docile among other things." HOOO BOY THAT IS A CAN OF WORMS.

So, the African honey bee was introduced way back when in an attempt to make honey bees that were more efficient and cleanly in higher temperatures. They were released by a very dumb European scientist who thought "huh, this cage on the queen super really isn't necessary, i wonder why it's there" and removed it, allowing what WAS a controlled experiment in hybridization to become an invasive species nightmare.

The Africanized honey bee, which is a hybrid of various European honey bees and the African honey bee, IS very efficient and cleanly! It also produces far less honey, is highly aggressive, and will chase designated targets for LITERAL. MILES. AND STING THEM TO DEATH. If they even approach the hive the wrong way. Preventing mating with the African honey bee outside of its natural range is PUBLIC SAFETY.

God.

Incidentally, I don't blame African honey bees for being this way, because they had to evolve alongside the HONEY BADGER.

"during artificial insemination of queens, drones are crushed and ,,spare'' queens are killed."

Queens engage in ritual blood combat for the throne. No actually. If there is a new virgin queen active in the hive, SHE WILL SEEK OUT ALL OTHER RIVALS AND BITE THEM TO DEATH. SHE WILL TEAR THEM APART WITH HER MANDIBLES. IT IS VISCERAL. I don't even know what this user means by "spare queen," they don't explain it and it's not a term that's used in modern beekeeping.

As for drones being crushed during artificial insemination, DRONES DIE WHEN THEY MATE. THEIR PENIS LITERALLY EXPLODES OUT OF THEIR BODY AND BECOMES A MATING PLUG. I, personally, would not enjoy crushing a drone to death, but I would in fact consider it a mercy compared to a slow, natural death by shock.

"and commercial beekeepers even cull their hives during winter, or when they are not producing well."

BUDDY.

Most beekeepers I know struggle to KEEP their hives through the winter. Hive death during overwintering is a very real problem, and that's WITHOUT considering colony collapse disorder, widespread pesticide use, colony collapse disorder, or a range of other ailments that can cause a hive to abscond, die, or swarm.

Adding on that... do you think that beekeeping is a highly profitable business? Or that beekeepers just have unlimited money to continue to buy bees and resources, like some cartoon villain that spends their vast wealth to harm and kill something for their jollies?

The ONLY. And I must stress, ONLY TIME, it is necessary to cull an entire hive instead of rehabilitate it, is when it's infected with American Foulbrood, because you DO NOT FUCK WITH THAT SHIT. It is GOVERNMENT POLICY across North America that if you have a hive with American Foulbrood, you kill the hive, and BURN THE EQUIPMENT. It can survive over FIVE DECADES as an inert spore, and if you can't clean the equipment with literal BOILING STEAM TREATMENT, you are just throwing all that out.

Are honeybees an invasive species in NA? Yes. Do they crowd out native pollinators and spread disease? Yes. But for all you harp on about cruelty to the bee, removing this invasive species would require a COMPLETE CULL NATIONWIDE, and would only end in more problems due to the reduced natural pollinator population and the continuing incidence of said disease.

As an aside, I am so fucking tired of the invasive species argument because like. Chicken is invasive. Beef is invasive. Pork is invasive. 90% of what you buy in a grocery store is invasive. If you want to fix that, you can start a garden of native plants and connect with farmers in your area. Talk with conservation experts.

A lot of the problems with modern beekeeping come from harmful practices that were brought over from Europe. Monocropping requires vast amounts of pollination, but all the natural habitats of natural pollinators don't exist in these sterilized biomes. So the bees are shipped in, varroa or no, to pollinate the area.

This spreads the varroa to the area if it wasn't already, brings varroa BACK to the home turf if the BEES didn't have it already, gives the bees the equivalent of junk food because they have a single uniform food source for several weeks, and exposes the bees to toxic chemicals because monocropping also requires vast amounts of pesticides that harm the bees.

Conservation IS possible. Rehabilitation IS possible. A lot of young beekeepers want to embrace this as a hobby and as a business RESPONSIBLY, and snide armchair disinformation does NOTHING to actually fix the problem.

You should be ashamed of yourself.

Wild that folks keep saying beekeepers abuse bees as if bees are not both venomous flying animals and fully unionized

[libraryofcirclaria]

03 September 1330

Library of Circlaria

Third Level Society: First Version

Story Twelve: Jax Lyons

Part Two: Jax Lyons

They have finally tapped our House for the new Neurovirus vaccination, which I took just today. Already the outbreak on campus shows signs of slowing. Classes have resumed albeit with many precautions being taken. However, everywhere off-campus is still under lockdown.

Nevertheless, I have avoided the Caucus Chamber because of Emma Bastrin, the new Dungeonmaster. While she has resolved not to carry on the Mahathia agenda, she is expanding on Blake's other agendas, including the expansion of his fleet of Watchers, refusal to instill actual Prefects, and the filling of Administrator roles with Blake-loyalists.

At least she abolished the Chamber security figures Blake had deployed on that fateful night.

Regardless, I am avoiding the Third Level Society like I avoid individuals with the Neurovirus. I have been working closely with Williard Kent, who has been recently joined by Susan Parans and, surprisingly, Steve Endon. We've only drafted ideas on paper but have not actually built or revived any Quora-style dymensional planes. Currently, we are in the process of trying to get a hold of Sophia Qalmers.

The Master Pagewriter would have sensed my presence, so I can say with confidence that none of the aforementioned peers is the Pagewriter in human form. Also, I've come to actually enjoy either engaging in or working with dymensional planes...just not with the Third Level Society. I know that it goes against the Pageturner Guild, but I do believe that what we are doing is insignificant in the face of concerns over the Anomaly, which I believe is in no way associated with the Pandemic. Also, I've come to realize that dymensional planecrafting leads one to become strong in problem-solving and critical thinking skills, two skillsets that Pageturner Guild leadership seems to want to reserve for themselves.

In fact, I've had a problem with the Pageturners, not the doctrine but the bureaucracy. They seem to push for unquestioning obedience from their lower ranks, including Observers like myself. So I've resolved to taking things into my own hands, to observe the world and Multi-verse around me in order to gain knowledge of the genuine and unadulterated Truth. On paper, I am still committed to the Pageturner Guild and intend to remain that way. But perhaps my own insight may steer the organization in the right direction.

<- 10 October 1329 <- || -> 13 October 1330 ->

[anumberofhobbies]

Let’s start with the title. “Wrestling with my husband’s fear of getting Long COVID again” at NPR today right away frames the author’s problem as her “husband’s fear.” Not the unchecked, year-round spread of COVID-19. Not the national and international abandonment of disabled people and hundreds of millions of people with Long COVID symptoms. Not her social milieu, which refuses to understand or acknowledge that vulnerable people are at significant risk of harm from COVID infection. Not the press, which has spent several years manufacturing consent for recurrent, endless COVID infections. Not the rampant ADA violations of a society that has knowingly stripped millions of their ability to safely enter public spaces. Not the wholesale destruction of public health at the hands of a politically captured CDC. No, the problem she is struggling with is that her husband, who developed Long COVID symptoms after a 2022 infection, keeps asking her to take COVID precautions so he does not get reinfected and potentially become sicker and long-term disabled. Long COVID is a serious disease. Some of the biomarkers (objective measurements in the blood that differ from a “healthy” person) that researchers have identified include: Viral persistence (the body is not fully clearing the SARS-COV-2 virus) Microclots in the blood and endothelial dysfunction (leading to vascular problems, organ failure, cardiac events) Immune system dysregulation Mitochondrial damage Blood-brain barrier disruption I cannot know which of these underlying issues may affect her husband, but this context is critical to any story about the risk assessments currently being made by Long COVID patients. It is not “fatigue”. It is not “headaches.” It is a serious, common outcome of COVID-19 infection that has left millions of people in the US alone permanently unable to work. The severity and frequency of Long COVID is purposely obscured from public discussion as part of a continued political effort to normalize constant COVID exposure. People who take precautions to avoid COVID are making the wise decision to protect themselves and their families; they are also safeguarding their ability to work and earn money in a society that disposes of people who cannot produce. It is a rational decision; in the case of Long COVID patients, it is a necessary one. It is also, admittedly, a very difficult lifestyle to adopt and maintain. Difficult, not because of the precaution of disabled people, but because of the lack of precaution of the majority, who refuse to care whether disabled people live or die and refuse to participate in any mitigation efforts. Difficult because of state negligence and institutional misinformation. Difficult not only for the family members of those with Long COVID, but all the more so for those with Long COVID themselves. Contrary to the othering propaganda, people with underlying conditions actually do not love being isolated from public life, being unable to grab drinks in a bar, being unable to attend concerts, being limited in travel options, being excluded from conferences, reunions, and family events. Long COVID patients don’t relish being “locked up at home,” don’t want to “cling to a pandemic lifestyle,” and don’t enjoy the extreme limits imposed on their professional and personal lives.

From the NPR article being discussed,

Unpacking anxiety I told Jackson that I want to be more supportive and empathetic to my husband's needs. But sometimes it is tricky to parse out what is a valid health concern and what might be anxiety. The reality is that if he gets COVID again, he could get really sick. So some of our efforts to protect our household from the coronavirus are warranted. But there are moments when his measures are unnecessary — for example, when he wears a mask outdoors and no one is around. When I bring it up, he gets defensive. "That's a hard conversation to have with long COVID patients. Many of them feel like they've been gaslit in the medical community and have had to defend themselves in the context of people not believing that long COVID is real," says Jackson.

The gaslit thing goes far beyond "Feel like" ...

From the PubMed/NIH article above,

2. Contested illnesses and long covid in the United States Studies of patients suffering from chronic, contested, and orphan illnesses have shed light on the fraught relations between medical professionals and those seeking treatment (Dumit, 2006). In many of cases, “patients experience these encounters as a system in which they must ‘prove’ their illness and their suffering through mobilizing facts” (Dumit, 2006, p. 577). Patients have a “‘legitimacy deficit’—a phrase that highlights the complex, contingent, and contested character of legitimating disease” (Kempner, 2014, p. 10). Patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (Dumit, 2006), migraines (Kempner, 2014), fibromyalgia (Barker, 2005), and Lyme disease (Dumes, 2020) have all had to contend with the inability of medicine to treat their unexplained illness, as well as with tremendous difficulties in getting medical professionals to believe their health-related complaints. As these studies note, there is a significant gendered component to these diseases: Often, medical complaints voiced by female patients are dismissed by male medical professionals, and are treated as unreliable reporters of their own symptoms (Barker, 2005; Kempner, 2014). The attribution of reliability or unreliability is a social, interactional process that can be shaped by gender and/or racial-ethnic differences between patient and physician (de Vaan & Stuart, 2022; Green et al., 2018). The typical consequence of such attribution, familiar from the history of “female” illnesses, is that patients' symptoms are not accorded the status of being the signs of “real,” physical disease, but are treated as evidence of a “mental” problem, perhaps the product of “anxiety,” or cryptically dismissed as “psychosomatic” (Barker, 2005; Kempner, 2014). Patients often work with one another in constructing a shared illness identity, and contending with the “similar-but-different” quality of their individual illness experience (Barker, 2005). Such legitimacy work in sorting through patient experiences, however, is not something that is always legible to evidence-based medicine and mainstream medicine (Dumes, 2020).

Patients have also often had to accumulate various forms of lay expertise to cope with their conditions and lobby biomedical researchers to further investigate their complaints (Epstein, 1995; Kerr et al., 1998; Prior, 2003). The experiences of chronically ill patients are also comparable to those of individuals with a disability, as patients regularly find themselves navigating medical systems and social structures that are not designed with their best interests in mind (Mauldin & Brown, 2021). In the context of the pandemic, online patient communities have similarly allowed individuals with Long Covid to share their illness experiences, obtain advice on how to interact with medical professionals, and engage in forms of mutual commiseration (e.g. Au & Eyal, 2022; Barker, 2008; Eysenbach et al., 2004; Maslen & Lupton, 2019; Petersen et al., 2020). What is different with Long Covid, however, is the scale of the problem. Unlike rare diseases, Long Covid has affected large swaths of the population, thereby enabling individuals to find each other and organize much more quickly than in the past. Moreover, Long Covid takes place against the background of several decades of previous struggles over contentious illnesses. Hence, Long Covid patients are able to draw on some of the strategies and repertoires developed by previous waves of patient activism, who have dealt with similar problems.

Existing studies on Long Covid patients have shed light on the importance of online spaces that help patient communities come together around their shared illness. Social media groups, in particular, help facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience between patients, and raise awareness of their plight (Callard & Perego, 2021; Miyake & Martin, 2021; Rushforth et al., 2021). Existing research has also contrasted the difference between dominant narratives of Covid-19, which focus on the acute phase of infection rather than the prolonged struggle that Long Covid patients face, which leads to the invisibility of Long Covid patient narratives in the public sphere. Social media groups, in particular, have enabled individuals suffering from Long Covid patients to counter this marginalization by banding together and organizing patient-led research initiatives. Such emergent online communities have been at the forefront of developing “best practices” to help those suffering from Long Covid better manage their chronic and often debilitating symptoms. Long Covid communities have also drawn on patient-led research that has played a crucial role in translating illness experience into rigorous studies and influencing medical practice. This dynamic has enabled Long Covid patients to further identify sub-types and sub-groups within the community of long-haulers (while others have argued for the necessity of a unifying term, see Munblit et al., 2022). Specifically, what has emerged is the distinction between a sub-type that is symptomatically similar to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and a different sub-type characterized by a central symptom similar to Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). ME/CFS is characterized by extreme fatigue and sleep abnormalities, while POTS is a blood circulation disorder marked by extremely elevated heart rate following even very minimal effort. The causes of ME/CFS and POTS are not known.

Before we discuss how gaslighting relates to the concept of ontological politics, a few clarifying words also need to be said about Long Covid in the U.S. context. Two specific factors shape the experience of our respondents: First, as noted above, American Long Covid patients are able to draw on the strategies and repertoires developed by earlier waves of patient activism, in a political and medical system that is attuned to claims of individual rights, especially by middle-class activists. This is by no means true across the globe, where repertoires of patient activism and the social meaning of disease differ. A similar language of ontological politics is likely to be found in contexts with a similar history of patient activism (UK, France, Germany, etc.) but not necessarily elsewhere. Second, the fragmented and privatized nature of the U.S. healthcare system makes it fairly unique among industrialized nations. Our respondents’ experiences, and perhaps their reaction to these experiences, are shaped by the prohibitive costs of testing, diagnosis, and treatment often born by patients, by the difficulty of maintaining continuity of care in a fragmented healthcare context, and by the consequent demand that patients take responsibility for their own health (Reich, 2014, p. 38), and act as “managers” of their own healthcare team in the context of the “great risk shift” (Hacker, 2019, p. 137).

Absent authoritative guidelines and protocols on diagnosing and treating Long Covid, much of the costs of obtaining medical care are born by American patients. ...

[nathfiset]

Seatbelt in pregnancy

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Seatbelt in pregnancy

 Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with joy, anticipation, and the excitement of bringing a new life into this world. As an expecting mother, you are constantly making choices that prioritize the safety and well-being of your growing baby. However, one important aspect that is often overlooked is the use of seatbelts during pregnancy. While it may seem like a simple and routine safety measure, there is a common misconception that wearing a seatbelt during pregnancy can be harmful to both the mother and the baby. In this article, we will dive into the importance of wearing a seatbelt during pregnancy, debunk common myths, and provide tips for proper seatbelt usage to ensure the safety of both mother and child. As a trusted source of information, it is crucial for expecting mothers to be well-informed about the benefits and precautions of using a seatbelt during this critical time.So, read on to discover the truth about seatbelts in pregnancy and how it can help you have a safe and healthy journey towards motherhood. 

Safety first: seatbelt use during pregnancy

 During pregnancy, it is crucial for expectant mothers to prioritize safety, not only for themselves but for their unborn child as well. Proper seatbelt use is one essential aspect of ensuring the safety of both mother and baby while traveling in a vehicle. By securely fastening the seatbelt across the lap and below the belly, and positioning the shoulder belt between the breasts and to the side of the belly, pregnant women can significantly reduce the risk of injury in the event of a sudden stop or collision. It is important to remember that wearing a seatbelt does not pose any harm to the baby, but rather provides a necessary layer of protection.By adopting this simple yet effective safety measure, expectant mothers can have peace of mind knowing they are taking every precaution to safeguard their well-being throughout their pregnancy journey. 

Adjusting for comfort and safety

 When it comes to adjusting for comfort and safety during pregnancy, expectant mothers should take additional measures to ensure a secure and comfortable fit while using a seatbelt. As the body undergoes changes during pregnancy, it may be necessary to make adjustments to accommodate the growing belly and changing body shape. One way to achieve this is by using a seatbelt adjuster or cushion specifically designed for pregnant women. These accessories can help distribute the pressure more evenly across the abdomen, reducing discomfort and providing a snug fit. Additionally, it is important to make regular adjustments to the seat position and angle to find a comfortable driving position and minimize strain on the back and hips. Taking these small but significant steps can contribute to a more pleasant and safe journey for both mother and baby. 

Proper placement and fit of seatbelt

 Ensuring proper placement and fit of a seatbelt is crucial for both the safety of the driver and passengers. The seatbelt should be positioned across the strongest parts of the body, namely the hips and the shoulder.The lap belt should be snugly secured across the hips, not across the abdomen, to minimize any potential injury in the event of a sudden stop or collision. Likewise, the shoulder belt should be positioned diagonally across the chest, with the shoulder strap resting comfortably over the shoulder and the chest, avoiding any contact with the neck or face. It is important to adjust the seatbelt height and tension to ensure a secure fit without causing any discomfort or restriction of movement.Regularly inspecting the seatbelt for any signs of wear or damage is also essential, as a compromised seatbelt may not provide adequate protection. By diligently following these guidelines, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of injury and increase their overall safety while on the road. 

Consult with your healthcare provider

 Given the unique physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider regarding the proper use of seatbelts. They can provide personalized guidance and advice based on your individual circumstances and stage of pregnancy. They can also address any concerns or questions you may have regarding the placement and positioning of the seatbelt to ensure both your safety and the safety of your unborn child. Additionally, your healthcare provider can offer insights on any specific precautions or modifications that may be necessary to optimize comfort and minimize any potential risks associated with wearing a seatbelt during pregnancy. By seeking professional advice, you can make informed decisions and confidently prioritize your well-being while traveling. 

Impact of wearing a seatbelt

 Wearing a seatbelt is crucial for ensuring the safety of both the driver and passengers in a vehicle. It serves as a primary form of protection during sudden stops or collisions, preventing occupants from being ejected from the vehicle and minimizing the risk of severe injuries or fatalities.Studies have consistently shown that wearing a seatbelt significantly reduces the likelihood of serious injuries or death in the event of a car accident. The impact of wearing a seatbelt cannot be overstated, as it can mean the difference between life and death in critical situations. Therefore, it is essential to always buckle up when traveling in a vehicle to prioritize personal safety and well-being. 

Risks of not wearing one

 Failing to wear a seatbelt poses significant risks and increases the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities in the event of a car accident. Without the proper restraint, occupants are susceptible to being forcefully thrown forward, hitting the windshield, dashboard, or other objects within the vehicle.Not only does this increase the risk of head and facial injuries, but it can also lead to spinal cord injuries, fractures, and internal organ damage. Additionally, passengers who are not wearing seatbelts may be at a higher risk of being ejected from the vehicle, resulting in even more catastrophic injuries or death. By neglecting to wear a seatbelt, individuals put themselves at unnecessary risk of life-altering consequences, making it imperative to prioritize this simple yet lifesaving precaution. 

Importance of wearing seatbelt properly

 Wearing a seatbelt properly is of utmost importance to ensure maximum protection and minimize the risk of injuries in the event of a car accident. It is not enough to simply fasten the seatbelt; it must be worn correctly, with the lap belt securely fastened across the hips and the shoulder belt positioned snugly across the chest and shoulder. Properly wearing a seatbelt distributes the forces generated during a collision across the strongest parts of the body, reducing the likelihood of serious injuries.It helps to prevent the occupants from being forcefully thrown around within the vehicle, hitting hard surfaces or colliding with one another. By understanding and practicing the correct way to wear a seatbelt, individuals can significantly enhance their safety and well-being while on the road. 

Tips for pregnant drivers and passengers

 During pregnancy, it is essential for both drivers and passengers to take extra precautions to ensure their safety while traveling in a vehicle.Firstly, it is advisable to adjust the seat and steering wheel to a comfortable position that allows for enough space for the growing belly. Pregnant individuals should also consider taking breaks during long journeys to stretch their legs and promote blood circulation. Additionally, wearing comfortable and supportive footwear is crucial to maintain proper control of the pedals. It is recommended to position the seatbelt correctly, with the lap portion placed below the belly, resting on the hips, and the shoulder belt positioned across the middle of the chest, between the breasts. This ensures that the seatbelt is snug but not constricting, providing optimal protection in the event of a collision. Lastly, pregnant individuals should consult with their healthcare provider for any specific guidelines or restrictions regarding driving during pregnancy to ensure the well-being of themselves and their unborn child.By following these tips, pregnant drivers and passengers can enhance their safety and peace of mind while traveling on the road. 

Seatbelt laws and regulations vary

 Seatbelt laws and regulations vary from country to country and even within different regions. It is important to familiarize oneself with the specific laws in the area of travel to ensure compliance and safety. Some jurisdictions have strict seatbelt laws that require all occupants, including pregnant individuals, to wear seatbelts at all times. Others may have exemptions or specific guidelines regarding the use of seatbelts during pregnancy. To ensure the safety of both the mother and unborn child, it is recommended to follow the general consensus of positioning the seatbelt correctly, as mentioned earlier, regardless of the specific laws in place. Ultimately, it is crucial to prioritize safety and adhere to the applicable seatbelt regulations to minimize the risk of injury during travel. 

Don't take risks while pregnant.

 During pregnancy, it is vital to prioritize the safety of both the mother and the unborn child by avoiding unnecessary risks. Engaging in activities that may pose a danger to either party should be avoided at all costs. This includes avoiding exposure to harmful substances, such as tobacco smoke or certain chemicals, as they can negatively impact the health and development of the fetus. Additionally, engaging in extreme sports, high-impact activities, or activities that may result in falls should be refrained from during pregnancy to reduce the risk of injury. It is essential to consult with healthcare professionals and follow their guidance throughout the pregnancy journey to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby. In conclusion, it is crucial for pregnant women to prioritize their safety by wearing seatbelts while driving or riding in a vehicle. While there may be some discomfort, the potential risks of not wearing a seatbelt far outweigh any temporary discomfort. It is also important for healthcare professionals to educate their patients on the importance of seatbelt use during pregnancy and to provide resources for proper positioning and adjustments. By following these precautions, we can ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and unborn child. 

FAQ

 Is it safe for pregnant women to wear seatbelts during car travel? Yes, it is safe for pregnant women to wear seatbelts during car travel. In fact, it is strongly recommended by medical professionals. Seatbelts provide essential protection in the event of a collision and can significantly reduce the risk of injury to both the mother and the unborn baby. Pregnant women should ensure that the lap belt is positioned below the belly, across the upper thighs, while the shoulder belt should go across the chest and away from the belly. It is important to wear seatbelts correctly and consistently, regardless of pregnancy, to prioritize safety for both the mother and the baby. How should a pregnant woman properly position the seatbelt to ensure both her safety and the baby's safety? A pregnant woman should position the seatbelt properly by placing the lap belt under her belly, across the hips, and low on the upper thighs. The shoulder belt should go across the chest, between the breasts, and to the side of the belly. The seatbelt should be snug and secure, with no slack. This positioning helps distribute the force of a potential impact over the strongest parts of the body and away from the belly, minimizing the risk of injury to both the woman and the baby during a car accident. Are there any specific seatbelt guidelines or recommendations for pregnant women? Yes, there are specific seatbelt guidelines and recommendations for pregnant women. It is recommended that pregnant women wear their seatbelt at all times while in a vehicle, positioning the lap belt low across the hips, below the belly, and the shoulder belt across the chest, between the breasts. The seatbelt should be snug but not too tight. Pregnant women should also avoid placing the shoulder belt behind their back or under their arm, as this can be dangerous. These guidelines help to ensure the safety of both the mother and the unborn child in the event of a car accident. What are the potential risks of not wearing a seatbelt during pregnancy? Not wearing a seatbelt during pregnancy can pose serious risks to both the mother and the unborn baby. In the event of a car accident, a seatbelt helps to prevent the mother from being ejected from the vehicle or hitting the dashboard or steering wheel with excessive force. This can reduce the risk of severe injuries, such as placental abruption or premature labor. Additionally, a properly worn seatbelt can help protect the baby by minimizing the risk of direct trauma to the abdomen. It is crucial for pregnant women to always wear their seatbelts correctly to ensure their safety and that of their unborn child. Are there any alternative safety measures or devices available for pregnant women who find seatbelts uncomfortable or restrictive? Yes, there are alternative safety measures and devices available for pregnant women who find seatbelts uncomfortable or restrictive. One option is a pregnancy seatbelt adjuster, which can be attached to the car's seatbelt to redirect pressure away from the abdomen. Another option is a pregnancy seatbelt pillow, which can provide additional comfort and support. Additionally, pregnant women can consult with their healthcare provider for recommendations on how to position the seatbelt correctly and ensure optimal safety while driving. 

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[icloudunlockios]

Official iCloud Unlock iOS 17.0.3

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the iOS operating system has continuously improved to offer enhanced features and security to its users. IOS users eagerly anticipate the latest enhancements and fixes with each new update. This article will explore the Official iCloud Unlock iOS 17.0.3 and what it means for iPhone and iPad users. We'll discuss the benefits and the process and address some common questions to help you understand this critical update.

Introduction to iOS 17.0.3

What is iOS 17.0.3?

iOS 17.0.3 is the latest iteration of Apple's mobile operating system, known for its user-friendly interface and robust security features. It brings numerous enhancements and bug fixes, including improvements to device performance and overall user experience.

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One of the standout features of iOS 17.0.3 is the Official iCloud Unlock iOS 17.0.3, which addresses a longstanding issue faced by iOS users - the iCloud Activation Lock. This feature holds considerable significance for iPhone and iPad users.

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Understanding iCloud Activation Lock

The iCloud Activation Lock is a security feature that prevents unauthorized access to a locked iOS device. It's designed to protect user data in case of loss or theft. However, it can also be a source of frustration if you forget your iCloud credentials.

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Unlocking iCloud is essential for individuals who find themselves locked out of their devices due to forgotten credentials. It provides a legitimate way to regain access to your device and all the data stored within it.

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iCloud Unlock iOS 17.0.3 involves a straightforward process that ensures the security of your device and data. We'll walk you through the steps to make it as easy as possible.

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Unlocking iCloud using official methods is entirely legal.

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Most iOS devices are eligible for iCloud Unlock, but it's essential to verify compatibility.

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We provide tips to ensure a smooth and secure unlock process.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the safety of iCloud Unlock and how to verify its authenticity.

Is It Safe to Unlock iCloud?

Security Concerns and Myths

Many myths surround iCloud Unlock, but we'll separate fact from fiction and discuss the safety of the process.

Official Methods vs. Third-party Solutions

Learn why opting for official methods is the safest choice when it comes to iCloud Unlock.

How to Verify the Official iCloud Unlock

Ensuring Your Device Is Unlocked

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Verifying Your iCloud Account Status

Ensuring your iCloud account is in good standing is essential. We'll show you how.

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Third-party Tools and Their Risks

Explore the risks associated with using third-party tools for iCloud Unlock and why they are not recommended.

The Importance of Official Methods

Discover why official methods are the most secure and reliable way to unlock iCloud.

The Impact of iCloud Unlock on Device Resale

Unlocking iCloud and Device Value

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[cattarattat]

Dictator-Wanna-Be & The-Handmaid's-Tale-Fantasizer Trump at it again…

Trump is like a schoolyard bully whose behavior only gets worse & worse until there is finally a serious consequence.

Of course, Trump likely being sent to prison soon for any number of his 90+ CRIMES THUS FAR may just fulfill the needed consequence.

So far, looks like CHRIS CHRISTIE is likely the most viable Republican Party presidential runner CHOICE for those non-MAGA-cult yet die-hard Republican voters.

Both Trump & DeSantis have proven themselves FAR TOO CUCKOO FOR COCOA PUFFS to put it lightly. (Essentially, both are TOO MUCH LIKE PRE-NAZI-TAKEOVER/PRE-HOLOCAUST ADOLF HITLER for their own or anyone else's good.)

"A trio of GOP presidential candidates bashed former President Donald Trump on Thursday over his comments suggesting that the nation’s top-ranking military officer should be killed.

…Speaking with CBS Wednesday night, Milley said that he has 'adequate safety precautions. I wish those comments had not been made, and I’ll take appropriate measures to ensure my safety and the safety of my family.'

That striking remark from the general, who served closely by Trump’s side after he became Joint Chiefs chair in 2019, hearkens back to when former Vice President Mike Pence’s life was seemingly threatened by his boss during the storming of the Capitol in 2021.

When the comparison was made on CNN this morning, Pence rebuked the former president.

'There is no call for that kind of language directed toward someone who’s worn the uniform of the United States and served with such distinction,' Pence said.

Fresh off the second GOP presidential debate Wednesday night, other candidates also took aim at the frontrunner.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, the most outspoken Trump critic of GOP presidential contenders, had a harsher take, calling Trump an 'absolute child' for the 'reprehensible' remarks, while speaking on MSNBC this morning.

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson also took aim at the GOP frontrunner.

'To suggest that Gen. Milley should be executed is inexcusable and dangerous,' Hutchinson told POLITICO in a statement. 'While some will excuse this latest outrage as Trump just being Trump, the fact is that his statement endangers people and is an insult to those who serve in the military.'"

[lilies-of-the-fields]

originally rb'ed because i wanted to follow up on the citations in this article... And the idea that brain damage specifically affecting how we understand and take risks might be an ongoing factor in why some individuals may have stopped masking or seemingly stopped caring about the risks of covid

But in light of the post i just reblogged re ableism and covid, i wanted to rb this again to explicitly mention that

Ive not yet gone thru all the citations in the essay (not that there are too many just awful headache today lmao) so i cant/wont vouch that the arguments and articles hold to scrutiny (yet)

Interpretation A:

covid causes brain damage in 100% of cases. In particular covid infections impair how we assess and feel risk -> loss of anxiety/fear and quality of judgement leads to more risky behaviors -> higher likelihood of repeated infections causing cumulative incremental damage to capacity for understanding risk (a.k.a. positive feedback loop)

A feedback loop like this might explain why people who previously seemed to care sincerely about covid precautions, protecting their community, etc, may have changed their behaviors.

Imo, this could explain some of how people's behaviors have changed over time. I think it's too easy and convenient an excuse to be true for most people, though. There's less implicit blame in "oh well, we all have brain damage so we made poor decisions" versus "i like going out to eat and for concerts and it's too much of a bother to keep taking precautions" or even "we as humans eventually start to tune-out ongoing threats (especially when those most at risk are considered dispensable in the first place, are abstracted, and when given conflicting information and a facade of normalcy)

Interpretation B:

Covid causes brain damage, impairing judgement and perception of risk -> people care less about others and become less intelligent -> people get reinfected because of their own selfish and negligent actions -> people with long covid have themselves to blame

writing this second interpretation felt very ... Exaggerated and a bad faith interpretation of the essay? Especially given how the author explicitly says they are not using brain damage in a derisive way, but instead compares it to a knee injury. They also allude to acquaintances who have been significantly affected by covid (reinfections) but seem to have so much cognitive distortion / memory impairment that they no longer recall this.

Clearly, though, this is how a number of people are talking about covid reinfections if prev post is an indication. Idk that i really added anything here, especially since i still need to fact check the citations. I guess I just didnt want to spread the post without making it clear that A) being sick/contracting covid is not a moral failing. You can do everything "right" and still get sick. B) having brain damage / low intelligence does not equate to lesser worth or inherent unkindness. C) ... Idk, i am trying to think it through critically? If there's something missing w my reasoning or sometjing im not seeing i would rather know so i dont unintentionally internalize / promote ableist thinking

Ever wondered why your previously like-minded friends and allies suddenly abandoned vulnerable populations (trans, disabled, BIPOC) disproportionately affected by covid?

Or why it's suddenly hard for those same people to mask in the grocery store?

If you're disabled like me, I already know your answer.

Every covid infection causes brain damage that is visible on brain scans. It could literally be changing the way people think.