#we can only realistically effect that which is immediately around us

[nofomogirl]

We need to talk about body snatching

I'm not a massive fan of the 1827 minisode - if you're curious why it bothers me, I've explained it in my post about two GO canons - but there's no denying it does an amazing job at exploring the complexity of morality and moral choices. It starts with a very black-and-white two-dimensional image and gradually adds shading and perspective, making it harder and harder to judge as we go along.

I think it's worth digging into (pun not intended but I'll take it).

Layer 1: body snatching bad

We learn someone did something

It's those first few seconds where we see a person robbing a grave, and since we know that robbing graves is a crime and generally not a good thing to do, we can quickly form a tentative conclusion that this is wrong.

Okay, in this exact instance, we immediately get enough context clues to see that this kind of judgment would be oversimplistic and superficial. Only Aziraphale, who for some reason acts as if it was his first day on Earth after a thorough memory wipe, is ready to condemn Elspeth based on just that.

Nevertheless, this is the first layer - the deed itself with no context.

Layer 2: body snatching acceptable

We learn about the person who did the thing

That's the whole journey with the first dug-up body where we get to know Elspeth and become privy to her circumstances - she's desperately poor, she has another person depending on her, she robs graves to survive. Aziraphale's suggestions that she might earn her living by selling books, weaving or farming just serve to prove how inaccessible more honest and dignified professions are to her. In turn, her comment about how she's not hurting anybody who isn't already dead hints that from the realistically available options, Elspeth could have chosen something much worse.

Technically this layer is a significant step up from layer 1 but it still isn't really challenging. Things are spelt out really loud for us, and most importantly everything we learn about Elspeth is just attenuating circumstances. To top it off both she and Wee Morag are immediately endearing. The takeaway is that sometimes things that in theory are bad can be excused which is important but the verdict still comes without any second thoughts.

Layer 3: body snatching complicated

We learn the larger context around the thing

This mostly happens when Aziraphale and Crowley discuss body snatching with Mr Dalrymple. We learn that the stolen corpses are used for a medical study that can advance human knowledge and make it possible to save living people and that surgeons have no legal means to obtain enough of them for their research - hence their need to buy them from body snatchers.

At first glance it's just more of what we got in layer 2 - more agruments in favour of body snatching that aren't all that nuanced and don't really give us any pause - just from a larger perspective, beyond Elspeth's individual experience. But if you glance more than once you'll notice this is when things stop being straightforward and easy to judge.

The moment we enter a proper grey area is when Aziraphale asks why Mr Dalrymple doesn't acquire the bodies himself. This is a very valid question - while we might easily agree that studying the human body to further medical knowledge is a good thing, and with just the slightest hesitation admit that it's acceptable to resort to using stolen bodies if that is the only way the research may continue, it's not as easy to excuse taking advantage of the poor and the desperate to do the actual stealing that we know is very dangerous.

The moment we know without a doubt we are in a proper grey area is when Mr Dalrymple laughs at Aziraphale's concern.

Objectively, the surgeon is right that it's more effective if he doesn't risk his own life in the graveyard and uses his time on actual research, teaching students and saving lives. But it's also clear he doesn't exactly see people like Elspeth as actual human beings and feels he has every right to use them. On the one hand, he is paying, on the other, he happily benefits from the cruel class system and is not even one bit remorseful about it. On the one hand, he takes risks too, on the other he has a chance of rewards Elspeth will not benefit from. It's not the poorest whose lives will get bettered by the progress of medicine, even though they're the ones who pay with their lives for that progress. And if Mr Dalrymple gets lucky and is knighted for his work (we know he wasn't in the end but it was a possibility), the poor still won't be pardoned for stealing for him. Nevertheless, he has no issue with that.

As I said, things get nuanced.

Layer 4: it's different when it's someone you know

The thing actually happens in your life

I think you'll all agree that the turning point of the minisode is when Elspeth decides to sell Wee Morag's still warm body. This is what finally leaves us speechless.

That's because up until now we've been approaching the issue intellectually. It's not that we didn't care about the characters, but we were allowed to keep a safe distance. The whole thing was like a problem to be solved - "Is body snatching right or wrong? Discuss in 500-1000 words" - and everything we've learned so far was data for this assignment. I believe that one of the reasons why this detachment came naturally was that there was a very thick line between people involved in body snatching and the bodies that were being snatched. The former were, well, people, obviously. The latter were inanimate objects.

It isn't until Wee Morag is to be sold that we are forced to see a person in a dead body. This is also when real emotions enter the equation.

This shift forces us to question our judgment for the first time. It was easy to justify Elspeth when she was selling a nameless corpse. But the fact that she decided to sell her closest companion - and most likely lover - shocks us. Something inside us strongly objects to how quickly she makes the decision.

And then there's the transaction, and it is also different when it's someone we know. The fact that we knew Wee Morag fully exposes Mr Dalrymple for the heartless jerk that he is. The way he treats Elspeth is the absolute worst and if you haven't realized he was a hypocrite earlier, you should be disillusioned by now.

But at least Elspeth is not a hypocrite, right? It may seem cold that she sold Wee Morag but it just proves she simply believed it's all right to sell a dead body, doesn't it?

Well, about that...

Layer 5: it's different when it's you

You are forced to face the thing happening to you

This layer is reached when Elspeth plans her suicide and asks Aziraphale and Crowley to bury her "somewhere where no ghouls will ever dig her back up again".

It turns out Elspeth McKinnon really was a filthy liar.

Not long ago she was insisting that body snatching doesn't hurt anyone who isn't already dead, and asking why she should let Wee Morag rot in the ground when she starves. But she wants to make sure it doesn't happen to her own body. The idea that someone might dig her up terrifies her and she calls people who do it ghouls. So why was digging up other people okay again? Why should she rot in the ground while other people suffer? There were other people living in the street where she and Wee Morag hid. Why not ask Aziraphale to give the money to them? Or just anybody in need? Why not ask to sell her body as well and use the earnings the same way?

Also, if you look at it from a certain perspective, Elspeth betrayed Wee Morag in the worst possible way. Wee Morag believed that if someone's body gets cut, that person's soul cannot enter Heaven. Yet Elspeth sold her to Mr Dalrymple, claiming that Wee Morag would have wanted her to have the means to survive. Perhaps she was right. Perhaps Wee Morag would have made that sacrifice. But then Elspeth decided to kill herself and use the money she got for Wee Morag's body for her own funeral.

But does it make Elspeth wicked? Certainly not. She's simply torn by grief. I seriously doubt she's been planning to commit suicide when she was taking Wee Morag to Mr Dalrymple. She might have genuinely tried to carry on but the reality of what happened caught up to her. Mr Dalrymple's cruel words certainly didn't help her cope with a personal tragedy. I even suspect one of the reasons she sold her friend was that she had no idea what else to do with a dead body.

Does this excuse her actions? Kind of, but not really.

Elspeth was a tragic character, not an innocent lamb with a heart of gold.

The point is - can any of us really judge her?

Which, coincidentally, is a question that the original Good Omens book toyed with quite a lot.

If you've reached this far, thank you for reading!

[thecaroliner]

NATLA: An Extremely Mediocre Mess

I spent the entire day watching Netflix's ATLA adaptation and oh boy was it...something.

I struggle sometimes with putting my full thoughts into words but here goes. No idea how long this will be.

Spoilers ahead, obviously.

I want to start out by getting a few things I thought were good or at least fine out of the way.

First off I wanna mention the acting (aside from Gran Gran) was fine. I think Gordon Cormier has a lot of potential and it really felt like sometimes he was being held back by the script and direction. Really hope this role opens up new doors for him in his acting career!

Not that I think ATLA needed more violence or anything, and initially I was against them adding more violence just to make it more "realistic", but I actually didn't mind it. It was way more gruesome than I thought it would be, both Sozin and Ozai literally set people on fire and burn them to a crisp. Kind of does help set in the actual horror of what they're doing. We even saw the same happen to Kya in a flashback. Again, this wasn't needed, but I didn't mind it.

The bending effects DID look a little better than in the trailers I thought. Firebending in particular I thought was decent, all the other elements were just okay, with waterbending I feel suffering the most from it. The rest of the CGI kind of sucked though which I'll get into later.

Having Gyatso be more of a presence I thought was nice, as I always felt like he could've been a little more to the front of Aang's mind in the original series than what he was. I honestly LOVE the idea of him hanging around in the Spirit World for Aang, as in the past I've thought of that idea and wished it had happened. Except....they just kind of throw this plotline away later for no reason. So that's great.

Lastly, it was neat to see Indian culture being represented in Omashu.

Now that that's out of the way....time to really dig in.

The series starts with the Air Nomad genocide, pretty brutal stuff but I don't have much to say about this aside from the moments with Gyatso being nice.

Aang can apparently just fly now, but he only really does it to show off in this first episode. Apparently it's because he's an Airbending prodigy, despite the fact that the ability to fly was established in LOK as being a very rare occurance that only comes after letting go of every earthly attachment. But sure, let's just have Aang fly now. Why even have his glider in the first place?

He gets frozen in pretty much the exact same way, which now leads us to the Southern Water Tribe, where Katara is practicing waterbending in secret in the abandoned Fire Nation ship. It's mentioned later that Sokka and Gran Gran forbid her from practicing bending in case the Fire Nation comes back and tries to kill her, which...sure, I guess.

They find Aang's iceberg, but since Sokka isn't sexist anymore, her anger at him isn't what opens the ice, it's her attempting to pull their canoe back to them and she accidentally splits the iceberg open.

Speaking of Sokka's sexism, remember when people were trying to say "Oh the show isn't getting rid of that arc, it's just updating it because a lot of moments in the original show were iffy!" Yeah, no, they got rid of that arc entirely. Which, honestly if they had just done that without making a big deal out of it in interviews wouldn't have been an issue. The issue is them trying to act as though the narrative of the show itself was sexist and not actively showing us that Sokka is in the wrong.

Anyways, Aang literally just falls out of the iceberg and it's lowkey funny cause he just slides out like he's going down a water slide.

They take him back to the village unconscious and once he wakes up, Gran Gran (who's acting was awful by the way. Not sure if it was the actress' fault or the direction, it really felt like the direction to me). She immediately recognizes Aang's tattoos and just tells him flatly that the Air Nomads are all dead. No compassion or anything. Oh, and she out of the blue begins narrating the original series' intro verbatim which was so out of place and funny. HEY REMEMBER THE OPENING FOR THE CARTOON?? THAT'S IN HERE TOO!!!!!

Weirdly enough....it almost felt like Sokka and Aang had more of a bond than Katara and Aang. Sokka was initially skeptical of Aang but then instantly wants to go save him and I swear they had more interactions than Aang did with Katara. The two of them don't even really feel like friends until the last two episodes or so.

Also, they go to the Southern Air Temple in the first episode where Katara doesn't calm Aang down from the Avatar State but rather a memory of Gyatso did. Okay....

Oh, this also had one more thing I liked, and it was Aang giving Gyatso a proper burial. I always assumed that happened at some point, whether during the series or sometime afterwards. Nice to see it here.

Okay, so my thoughts after this are just gonna skip around a bit because I was writing them down as I went. The first half the series really didn't have much egregiously wrong with it, it was mostly just mid.

It's mentioned briefly that...Aang's airbending went out of control sometimes? Like the reason he had to train with the monks was so that he would stop accidentally hurting his friends with airbending. Because why have the storyline of him accidentally hurt Katara with firebending when you could have this instead?

The like...purple and motion blur effects they used for the Spirit World scenes was such an eyestrain....

In the Spirit World, Kyoshi gives Aang a vision of the attack on the Northern Water Tribe. Before, Aang had no reason to even bother going here, because Katara is teaching herself waterbending (turns out Gran Gran had the waterbending scroll the whole time! But hid it from Katara til now). Aang also doesn't even attempt waterbending at all this season btw

The Gaang gets to Omashu, where they decide to combine The King of Omashu, Jet, The Northern Air Temple...and The Cave of Two Lovers. Despite this sounding clunky and weird, I think these storylines together actually did mesh well (except for the COTL, which OH BOY I WILL GET TO)

The idea here is that the Mechanist, whose name is now Sai (don't know if this was ever mentioned in any supplemental material or if it was just made up for this show) and Teo live here. Jet and the Freedom Fighters also live nearby, where they are trying to plant bombs around Omashu and make the Gaang think it's the Fire Nation.

One scene I wanna mention, and please correct me if I'm wrong, but I SWEAR Sai said he needed to control the "attitude" of the hot air balloon...not "altitude."

Aang ends up getting captured by Bumi's generals, and he almost immediately figures out who Bumi is. Which...I cannot believe Aang named his son after THIS Bumi. He's kind of a huge asshole and is mad at Aang for abandoning them for the past century. Like you really had to make the character angry at him Bumi???

So, um. Let's talk about the COTL plot now.

Katara and Sokka go to try and find Aang and find out that there's a series of elaborate tunnels underneath Omashu, where they run into the singing nomads. This was literally only a plotline so that they had an excuse to sing Secret Tunnel this season. They explain to the siblings the story of Oma and Shu (which is just verbatim from the original series), ending with "Love is brightest in the dark."

Remember that. They preface the storyline of the tunnels by explicitly telling Katara and Sokka about the two lovers. Very romantic.

Katara and Sokka quickly realize that the cave crystals glow in the dark and begin to follow the path. Love is brightest in the dark, right? Along they way they begin bickering because Katara feels like Sokka still sees and treats her like a child.

Eventually they get pursued by a badger mole who begins to chase them. They apologize to one another and hold hands as they think they're about to be killed but...the badger mole stops attacking.

Why does it stop attacking, you ask?

Because now apparently badger moles can feel human emotions. They don't like feeling people fight and want to feel the love between them instead.

I was LOSING IT at this part. "Love is brightest in the dark" was apparently metaphorical.

And don't get me wrong, I love seeing platonic and familial love portrayed in media...but like, to do this storyline...don't preface it with a romantic tale of two lovers????? It gives off a very unintentionally creepy vibe for the siblings. And I'm sure I don't have to explain why badger moles being able to sense love is just dumb as shit.

Moving on....Bumi is nice again. Yay.

They go to the town where Hei Bai is attacking and Aang somehow accidentally pulls Katara and Sokka into the spirit world with him because the writers also wanted to have The Swamp here. Oh, and the Koh storyline. He doesn't steal faces for showing emotion anymore either, he just captures people and eats them later and steals their faces then. Cool.

Oh, and Wan Shi Tong is there and he looks emaciated.

Katara relives the night her mom dies, while Sokka sees a mysterious looking fox in the forest. Initially I assumed this was one of Wan Shi Tong's knowledge seekers but oh no. Oh no, it is much, MUCH worse. We'll come back to it.

Aang manages to find Gyatso in the Spirit World, which again is an idea that I LOVE. Gyatso explains that after he died, he never moved on to the next cycle of enlightenment, instead choosing to stay in case Aang needed him. They have a really touching moment, and Aang promises to come find him again after he finds Katara and Sokka.........which we'll come back to.

The events of The Blue Spirit happen, not much to talk about here. Aang connects with Roku (apparently he can only connect with past Avatars at their respective shrines, btw) and finds out Roku stole a totem of The Mother of Faces from Koh and that's why Koh hates the Avatar. Why steal that totem?? Hell if I know. Roku's also a funny man now I guess.

Aang saves Katara and Sokka from being Koh food and all is well. Yay.

They finally get to the North and this is where the show really went from being mid to pure cringe for me.

The "women only learn healing" plot is still here. Katara is rightfully angry about it, but Aang's like "oh well maybe you should listen to them". Yes, really.

Here Aang is so worried about losing anyone else, which, obviously understandable. But he doesn't want Katara and Sokka, especially Katara, to fight AT ALL. Which I mean. OG Aang never once tried discouraging her from learning to fight. Obviously he loves her and does have concern for her safety a number of times throughout the show and comics, but he also knows she can kick ass and stand her ground on her own and never tries to stop her.

Katara fights Pakku, and despite literally the day before saying she still has a lot to learn and a long way to go, she's just instantly declared a master waterbender now!

And oh boy my friends, buckle in because now we're gonna talk about Yue.

First off...her wig looks BAD. Like I'm pretty certain I saw her real hair sticking through a few times. Why not just dye the actress' hair....even Shyamalan's Yue hairstyle looked better than this, and we all know what that looked like.

So right off the bat Sokka asks Katara if Yue is at all familiar. Katara says no but Sokka keeps pressing and eventually follows Yue, where we learn she's a waterbender? Okay, not like her being a waterbender or not has any affect whatsoever on the story, but sure. We also learn that she had previously been engaged to Hahn but broke it off because he "wasn't the boy of her dreams". Not sure why they bothered to write him in the first place.

So...Yue and Sokka begin talking, and Sokka finally realizes why she's familiar to him.

I genuinely had to pause the episode to laugh when this reveal happened.

YUE WAS THE FOX SPIRIT SOKKA SAW IN THE SPIRIT WORLD.

Yes, I'm being 100% serious. When Yue was healed by the moon spirit, she turned into Danny Phantom and can now just hop in and out of the Spirit World. As a fox for God knows what reason.

BTW, this has jack shit to do with anything overall. It adds nothing. It serves NO PURPOSE. Genuinely do not know what the hell they were trying to do with that.

Um, so yeah. Moving on.

Apparently in this version, Tui and La only become mortal fish once a year or something? On the night of the "ice moon". Your guess as to what on earth an ice moon is is as good as mine.

Zhao begins to lead an invasion on the north and Momo is killed in the crossfire.

Well, almost.

Again I just busted out laughing because Momo has served NO PURPOSE until now, he's just been there because he was in the og series. I'm sorry Momo, as much as I love you....why were you here.

To save a kid from being crushed by falling debris. He just pushes them out of the way and is crushed. The reason is just so that Yue can take him to the Oasis and use healing on him with the Spirit Water.

Katara and Zuko have their classic fight and Zuko says "Oh you've found a master haven't you?" To which Katara replies, "Yeah, me" because she's a master now after 2 days remember?

Koizilla happens...the tribe is saved...Yue makes her sacrifice. So now she can go be the moon instead of a fox I guess.

Also, I think Iroh killed Zhao, despite earlier in the series refusing to kill the Earth Kingdom soldier who captured him because "we've all seen enough death."

And then...Aang goes back to the Spirit World, to find that the little "house" Gyatso was in is empty now. Gyatso is just gone now, with no explanation, although he seemed to know when he met with Aang beforehand that he would be gone from the Spirit World next time Aang tried to find him. Great job, taking the only interesting storyline made up for this series and just throwing it out the window for no rhyme or reason!

Now lemme talk about Azula....

She's not even Azula anymore. She's really insecure and worried about pleasing her father. Because whenever I thought of Azula, I always thought "insecure!" Like I get what they were going for, Zhao says this honestly kinda raw line about Zuko merely being the fire to sharpen the iron that was Azula, but like....why did she have to be this insecure person now? Also why is she even an archer now? It again has nothing to do with anything

Mai and Ty Lee are there for also no reason at all other than to be like "HEY REMEMBER THESE TWO CHARACTERS FROM THE ORIGINAL SHOW?!" They just stand there and watch Azula train sometimes.

The show ends with a Fire Sage showing Ozai through their planetarium (which they have now I guess) that Sozin's Comet is returning "soon." Who knows when! Just soon!

Also, Kataang shippers do not get your hopes up. Not that I expected much Kataang here at all, but I swear they barely even feel like friends until the end. It almost seems like Katara is more interested in him than he is in her.

My expectations of this series were low from the beginning. When it was first announced this project was in development, I said it was unnecessary and couldn't improve upon the OG in any way...and I was right. Even as its own thing entirely divorced from the cartoon, it's just kind of bland and downright confusing at times.

Anyways, my fingers hurt now so I'm going to wrap this up. Apparently I've been typing for like 1.5 hr now lol

Watch the original series instead :)

[iatrophilosophos]

Hey, do you have any info or tips on diy medicine? I've always been interested but haven't found much success

Medicine is just problem solving. IME it's important to take nothing for granted and get as granular as possible with what you're trying to achieve, because that opens more doors.

Re: that point, diy med is being a medical researcher. Very rarely is work done for you, so there's a lot of fucking around and finding out--how much risk you chose to take is up to you in experimenting; but I'm pretty gung ho and I can still count on one hand the number of times I've tried something that carried more risk than over-the-counter acetaminophen.

Read voraciously--coming from someone who can only get thru about three books a year. It's fucking hard but it is so beyond worth it to work at it, however much you can. Read until you know enough to have questions and then read to find the answer to those questions and/or figure out how to determine an answer for yourself.

Bad sources can be just as educational as good ones--western medicine has a bunch of fuckshit in it and having strong, grounded analysis of why you think an approach, treatment, whatever is bullshit will help you in finding something better.

Anecdotal evidence is useful as FUCK. Western medical practice is regulated formally and informally by legal anxiety and profit motives (ergo an unwillingness to produce anything under a certain statistical bar of effectiveness) but for a LOT of anecdotal home remedies and experimental treatments, risk factors are p minimal and if you feel comfortable trying it based on a realistic risk assessment...you can just try it, lol.

I really want to stress that diy med doesn't just have to be about trying to get a sub-par approximation of western med. Sometimes what we can do for ourselves is limited or less effective, sure--but we are also capable of doing better. There's pros and cons, right, but autonomous medicine gives the opportunity to try something that a doctor never would--sometimes because of risk, but more usually it's about legal anxiety and state restrictions. I remember hearing someone I knew who worked in drug development talk about how stupid it was that their team was having to reinvent the wheel instead of using THC in a drug; even though there exists documentation that THC has the property they were after, their program got federal funding so no marijuana.

Personally my entry point was herbalism and it's not a bad route to go. It can do a LOT, it's very accessible, and unlike a lot of medicine it's less gatekept & there's a significant population of writers creating resources specifically for laypeople with a focus on autonomy and self practice; plus rad community spaces exist and ofc like any scene they're full of bullshit (transmisogyny and gender essentialism in lefty alt health is a huge current, unfortunately), but they can be a good place to like. Network until you actually find the other ppl on the fringes of the scene who you might actually click with. An herbal background also gives you a LOT of directional freedom--lots of sources will combine western medical information on top of traditional and anecdotal practices, which cumulates in a lot of lenses you can apply to try to solve a problem; plus a lot of drugs are or can be plant-derived and having a skillset to identify/grow, harvest and process plants is really useful even if western medicine is the primary lens you want to use (tbh ur basic herbal preparations are often the first step in more exact drug isolation procedures). It's also just essential imo to have more than a western medical perspective--take time to read less immediately practical texts about medical history, other medical systems, and other conceptualizations of illness and the human body. One of my hotter takes? Miasma theory is still relevant and useful. There's a lot of fuckshit everywhere, both within and outside of western medicine--treat no source as authoritative and every claim as a thought experiment! But seriously, take the time to see what's out there. Accumulate as much raw information as possible to build your toolkit.

Some herbal resources I like for beginners (all books on LibGen.is)

Rjwhelan.co.nz -- aoteroa based medical herbalist who presents a really wide range of info from historical/traditional to western scientific. He's got some interesting (read: bad) takes but is a solid writer and information aggregator.

The herbal medicine makers handbook by James green -- good intro to herbal preparation with a range of procedures from simple folk methods to more measurement and chemistry heavy. Also got some weird opinions. That's just kinda how it be.

Wild remedies by rosalee de foret and Emily han -- cute basic introduction to herbalism

The psychopharmacology of herbal medicines by Marcello spinella -- says it right on the tin. useful reference.

The Earthwise herbal (vol 1 and vol 2) by Matthew wood -- listen. I fucking hate this man. I kind of hate these books (organized alphabetically by latin name...come the fuck on) BUT. It is still a pretty ok reference book with a similar approach to Richard Whelan's work and it has herbs that I've had trouble finding in other texts.

On working with others and sharing information: it's important to not play doctor. I strongly encourage folks to help out other people, but in an assistive capscity--not a prescriptive one. Share your sources, explain your opinions! The goal is to offer as much information as possible for someone else to make their own decisions. If you're in the US, this is a pretty good rundown of the legal positionality of herbalists (/health consultants generally) but I strongly advocate for going further than the law in this case on ideological autonomy-focused grounds.

Finally: medicine is not a solitary undertaking. Having a group of friends or even just acquaintances with different needs, priorities and viewpoints will get you much further in a few months than you could on your own in years. And it's slow going at first. It really is. You'll fuck up, you'll go around believing something for years to suddenly realize it's bullshit, you will grow and change. But you'll get there.

[mandana-the-service-pup]

The long post.

We had a great time visiting friends and family. Mandana exceeded everyones expectations. She’s a really cool dog. Everyone loved her and she was thriving with all the attention she was getting.

We had a bunch of people over all night and she handled it really well. Most of her time was spent going person to person for scritches. She chose my older brother as her favorite. He was dressed like Hubbins and saved her from a bug on the floor so she will forever love him for that 😂 When it was way past her bedtime she laid down and periodically groaned so everyone knew she was tired. We’ve been home for a while now and all she wants to do is sleep lol

When we visited with my grandmother her demeanor completely changed. She was very calm and gentle. Rather than pushing her for scritches like she does everyone else she just laid down at her feet and took a nap. She got to run around my grandmothers beautiful yard and would periodically check in with her with a gentle nuzzle before wandering off again. When we were leaving her house she did a really nice blood pressure alert and my grandmother got to witness it which was nice because it reassures her that I’m being taken care of. I’m not sure when I’ll be able to see my elderly grandmother again so I’m glad we had such a nice visit.

Speaking of yards, she got to explore several different ones (video is from the Airbnb) and didn’t have an allergic reaction (besides the bug bite at the gas station) until we got home. Within an hour of sniffing the plants outside and going potty she had an allergic reaction around her eyes and that was with Benadryl and an immediate bath afterwards. Combine that with the extreme reaction she had from the bug bite and it has me worried. I’m going to have to talk to my vet about maybe carrying an epipen for her. @doomspaniels brought up recently that maybe it’s mast cell related and I think that’s something I need to seriously consider. It’s also concerning because if this environmental exposure is causing her so many problems it’s probably having an effect on us to some extent as well.

Anyways she did really well on this trip. She had her first bus ride, first plane ride, first night away from home, first real restaurant experience, first time visiting with so many new people. She only made a couple of mistakes the whole trip. Both of which had to do with other dogs. At one point she barked at my in-laws dog who was barking at her behind a glass door but otherwise ignored her. The other time she barked was actually in public access so that was stressful.

We went to a restaurant and she did an amazing alert. She completely ignored the crowded pizzeria/arcade and did some intelligent disobedience by alerting for nearly half an hour nonstop until I finally asked her if it was a blood sugar alert (which is was) and then immediately settled once I was taken care of and feeling better. I was shaking and confused so it took me some time to realize why she was staring at me without breaking eye contact for so long (as seen in the picture below) but she was doing her job perfectly I just wasn’t interpreting her alerts correctly. I need to teach her a different behavior for blood sugar that she can use outside the home so she doesn’t have to wait for me to ask her if it’s blood sugar. Her second mistake this trip (and the biggest) was when we were leaving the restaurant and a large/elderly/overweight dog walked in right when we were walking out. It was super crowded and she saw the dog before I did. She let out a single playful bark and then a second one when I turned to leave through a different door. It was within the bounds of what ADA allows because I was able to get her under control and we were already leaving anyways but it was still a huge mistake and a bummer after she had done such a good job.

I knew this trip was asking A LOT of her. We didn’t have much of a choice. Realistically it was our only chance to get the replacement car. Now that we have a second car we can start going to the training center again to work her around dogs. She never barks at dogs while we are training/working unless she is within about 10ft of them and even then she can usually ignore them unless she is heavily trigger stacked. Besides that, the barking is always in the tone of an invitation to play not an aggressive reaction. It shouldn’t be too hard to work through she just needs practice.

My other biggest concern for this trip was her back issue. She didn’t have any pain when we started our trip and surprisingly remained pretty much pain-free. She was cramped in a plane for hours, she was running and playing in yards, she was tied down in the car while we were in town and then rode in a XL Ruffland the entire 9 hour (realistically 13hr) drive home. Her response to the XL RLK was particularly revealing. A while back she outgrew the Large RLK we have at home. She can still fit but she would rather brace herself in a hunched sitting position than try lying down. I thought it was because of her back pain but in reality it might be what was causing it. Her behavior is completely different with the XL. She is eager to get in, she lays down the whole time she’s in it and comes out happily wagging her tail. When I “asked” her about it she said she really likes the “big car crate”. I’m still waiting for the second opinion from the orthopedic surgeon but my vet was surprised she was having any back pain at all since the abnormality is so small. Her opinion is that we shouldn’t have even noticed it to begin with let alone have so much pain. Now I’m wondering if having her in a crate after activities that was a little too small was causing the problem all along. (Mind you it fit when we bought it she just continued to grow past what we expected. We’ve been meaning to get an XL to replace it and this was the perfect opportunity to pick one up from a reseller)

So now the real adventure begins. Mandana has proven on this trip that she has what it takes to be a service dog and now we have the ability to train and explore in ways we were never able to do before. I still want to put her health and well-being before everything else but I’m starting to think that she might not be retiring soon after all.

[peerbear]

Saint Catherines Test Shoot - The Film

In postproduction sound, we had some issues with the AAF and video exports, but eventually, after trial and error, we managed to make these work. Sadly, with a limited amount of time due to everything else that is going on right now, the sound design is not quite how I wanted it, to me it feels slightly unfinished, but it is good enough for a proof of concept. The LAV files were unusable, with many contacts and a faulty mic at the start. However, the boom mix was great. I managed to take out all the bumps and pole contacts. I am also very happy with the ambience I created which embraced the rain that I could not remove from the first half of the shoot so instead I layered it and made it an integral part of the ambience on top of any construction sounds that I could not remove. I had fun mixing and layering the sound effects that I sourced, and the onset wild tracks all came into great use for key sounds such as stick throwing, snapping, walking, small movements etc. From these I layered multiple sounds to add base and texture to the sounds, my favourite was the stick snapping. I also added in some eery tree cracking, which although it is a bit on the nose worked as I put it very low in the sound mix. This was meant to illustrate the forest creaking and breathing around them, furthering the uneasy feeling and space that they are in. On Zoe’s recommendation, I took out some of the clicks of the rain which made the dialogue much easier to understand. I mixed the dialogue much louder so that it was more audible over the soundscape that I had created around it. There was one sentence of Phoebe’s that I tried very hard to clean up, in the take Harry talks over her line and to me it sounded very off, but sadly we did not have a single take without this or that matched her lips on screen, so I tried my best to get rid of it, but it is the only thing that I did not quite manage to fix how I wanted it. However, when others listened to it, it did not bother them, and this is a learning curve for me I will know to ensure that I have dialogue that is not overlapping in future.

Overall, I am happy with the result, I think from a sound perspective it sounds good and there are multiple layers and textures to it. The dialogue is smooth and sounds crisp. The eery soundscape around them is realistic as Orla wanted, but still has a creative dark tone and an attention to small details within it. The main takeaway for me was my organisation and practice. I know I have an ear for what works, and I know I can do this, but my organisation did get in the way of me on this project. I feel I still managed to deliver the brief, and it has all worked out, especially considering the brief timeframe and everything else that is going on right now. However, I want to do better. My plan is to take out sound equipment several times next semester, to properly familiarise myself with it to ensure that there is nothing I don’t know about on set recording. I also want to record a sound library of my own and source sounds that I need prior to shooting so that I know what I want and what I need to create myself. This way on set my primary focus can be the dialogue and then after that all the other sounds that build the world. I am excited to use some water recording devices for the loch scene, which I have tested out as I mentioned in a previous post on our sound walk with Zoe. Something else I learned from the test shoot was to be more assertive, even though we have a wonderful team I did not speak up enough to get certain things that I needed for example when the LAV was not working I should have made that decision to change to a new one immediately and I should have ensured that I got room tone with the rain as well just in case. I also know that I want to ensure more time for mixing for the final sound edit next semester as this was quite rushed for this project, but was fine as it was not a big project. All this being said it went well and works with the picture. I think it will be a great proof of concept for us and it taught us many things that we need to know for the final shoot. I am so happy to be working in a team with such wonderful and talented people. I feel we are all very passionate about this project and I cannot wait for it to be realised next semester.

[altschmerzes]

Anon from earlier here — please feel free to ignore this because it is so ridiculously long and self indulgent that I feel the need to apologise for even putting it in your inbox at all.

Perhaps similarly to you, I’m sort of toe-deep in the Ted Lasso fandom. I’m far too obsessive about the show and the characters to be considered a casual viewer, but completely lacking the emotional capacity to fully absorb myself into a new space. I think this is why I’m so protective of the characters, specifically Jamie, because there’s so much of his arc and backstory that I can relate to, and I’m SO sensitive to the way abuse is portrayed in shows, because it’s rarely done well (from what I’ve seen personally).

The Same Story was one of the first fics I read about Ted Lasso because I wanted read more about Jamie specifically, and I CANNOT tell you how excited I was when I found it. It does (along with your other writing) exactly what the show doesn’t for me. I think the show is the best example of an abused character I’ve seen, but it can’t be perfect, and I found everything I was looking for in your writing. I genuinely can’t thank you enough for that, because it’s been very…. healing ? might be the word ? to read. It’s just done so beautifully and realistically ugh. You’re a really special author.

Going back to the whole Roy thing (who is another favourite character of mine) I think my main issue is the regression as well. Like, yes, first season Roy would ABSOLUTELY charge toward Jamie. Except now we’ve come to understand Roy as a deeply caring, sensitive, protective and anxious person. I don’t think Roy would EVER be violent toward Jamie again after knowing what he knows now, and if he did, he would apologise (or try to, at least.) Maybe we get that in a later episode, I’m not sure.

What’s painful for me about 2.08 is that there was this beautiful, incredible scene that was everything I have ever wanted from an abuse storyline, I could hardly believe what I was watching, and then just…. Nothing. Literally no after effects. Which was ??? Very disorienting ??? Not even a “hey, just checking in man” from one of Jamie’s teammates, a reluctant nod of acknowledgment from Roy, an extra pat on the back from Ted, just… Nothing ??? I absolutely love the show, wouldn’t want to mess with it at all, but this threw me. I’m aware that it is also written for a general audience and not specially for me, a shamelessly demanding and traumatised person, (how dare they!) but yeah, I have a lot of Thoughts on that one.

I’ll self-indulgently attempt to express what I think would be a far more in character interaction between these two post Man City — let’s use the locker room scene in 3.02 as an example:

I don’t think Roy wouldn’t NOT get an instinct to shove Jamie away, because he’s far from perfect — which like you say, makes him far more interesting. I think that Jamie would try and hug him, Roy would make to shove him off, and then stop himself with a Roy Grunt and step away. I think Jamie — being as emotionally intuitive as he is — would pick up on this immediately. Perhaps Jamie would become defensive of this, asking Roy if he’s too afraid to shove him how. He’s not going to break. And I think Roy would probably respond with something along the lines of, “Of course I want to shove you. We’re both pricks. But I’m trying not to be.”

This is of course “along the lines of” as it’s rubbish, hastily put together dialogue, but hopefully you get the idea. Also this is all subjective and I could be completely wrong about Roy and Jamie and Everyone and blah blah blah but yeah. It’s not a perfect response from Roy by any means, but it’s also not a violent one. After all Roy’s growth, I just don’t think he’d ever regress to violence around Jamie ever again — or at least he’d try his best not to.

I have a thousand more thoughts on all of this but I’ll restrain myself here. I’ve sent one or two asks before (you’re actually the only person I’ve interacted with who is interested in Ted Lasso) and I must say it’s been such a delight to get a response. As a fellow aromantic / survivor (I’m always embarrassed to use that word) of abuse, it’s really really lovely to have these little mini discussions with you. I love love love hearing what you have to say. If I ever send an ask again, perhaps I could use a letter to sign off with so you know it’s that person who won’t shut up in your inbox again (I’m too much of a frightened deer to come off of anon just yet). At the same time, if you want to tell me to kindly fuck off, I’d completely get it.

Thanks for making me feel like you’re writing just for me with your writing. I know that you’re not, but thanks anyway. It’s a really wild feeling to read something that feels so perfectly fine-tuned for my brain. I hope to god you’re already a published author.

Anyway, have a great day/night and I’m really truly sorry for the outrageous length of this silly little ask.

— L

no listen you don’t need to apologize at ALL this is so much exactly my feelings on a lot of things that i sat here physically nodding my head the whole time. i get it. Buddy I Get It, me of all people, I REALLY do.

i just tend not to have a good time in general fandom tags and whatnot overall, bad combination of brain ghosts and romance repulsion that just makes that a bad fit, and it just makes the friends i make via whatever means that much more of an absolute treasure to me. especially when, like with this show, it’s moved into my brain completely and taken over and that’s just What’s Going On in here and otherwise it’s a lot of me running in circles and climbing walls absksbsk.

and yeah same if there is One button that always always always trips me it’s “presentations of abuse and abuse victims/survivors in fiction,” im pretty hypersensitive about that. and like i get that it’s My Specific Priority and it’s not gonna be everyone’s or most people’s or whatever narrative it is on the whole but yknow! ill own my bias and i try not to be embarrassed for it. that’s a lot of why i write - the narratives have their own priorities and so do fandoms so im gonna take advantage of the opportunities i have to spend some time with mine.

im really, REALLY glad that my writing’s been meaningful for you! that’s honestly why i do it. because stories like the ones i write have been like, everything to me for a really long time, and a big driving force in getting myself to actually Allow Myself to write them is by going hey, maybe someone else needs to see this too. same story specifically was one i had to push myself to actually release into the world but im very very glad i did and im that much more bolstered to keep going both with it and whatever else there is in my back pocket after this <3

roy is a fantastic, fascinating character and a big part of why he gets my attention and i keep coming back to him is this interesting combination of being a very shut down, reserved person while also being HIGHLY critical of himself and afraid of negatively impacting the people around himself that he’s got influence on. i think about that conversation in the car with phoebe almost as much as the scene with jamie later in that episode when it comes to roy in 2x08. it just feels….. bizarrely static at best and regressive at worst.

i love this alternate version. that’s very fun, and way more in line what what i think roy’s progression to this point would more likely lead to. character interpretations are extremely variable and biased in a million directions but i personally think you’re right on the money and it’s a version of that story that im personally invested in exploring no question. (for what it’s worth, i think you’re gonna enjoy the episode tag im knee deep in writing.)

and yeah im on exactly the same page about 2x08. nobody has to agree with me or whatever but far as im concerned it just….. bizarre and jarring that there were literally no consequences or even blink and you’ll miss it follow up like you mentioned, some hey how’re you holding up, or. Anything. it’s like it didn’t happen, at least as far as jamie and people’s reaction to him is concerned, which is like…. again, this is me and my personal bias speaking but that was an ENORMOUSLY rattling event for everyone there, and just, any kind of recognition that it happened would’ve gone a long way to making that way less disorienting.

also- im so glad you’ve enjoyed my answers and i also apologize if ive missed any!! i am SO bad at remembering to answer things and my inbox gets glitchy sometimes so please please feel free to send something again if you don’t see an answer for a while. id love to hear from you again should you want to chat and the sign off letter is a great idea, i love knowing it’s the same person!!

and for the record, it IS for you. as much as it is for me. i joke around a lot that i write for aros and abuse survivors first and everyone else can read it too so. it is for you, specifically, and it really does mean everything for me to hear that my writing is making it to the people it’s meant for. im not a published author YET but hopefully someday! ive got quite a bit of original work hanging out on my computer and bouncing around in my head thatll ideally see the light of day eventually.

[shikantazaart]

"The Rebel Angel" by Angie Taylor

In the world of modern art, Angie Taylor’s “The Rebel Angel” emerges as a strikingly evocative piece, combining both traditional and contemporary artistic techniques. At first glance, the artwork immediately captivates its viewers with its vibrant and fiery color palette, and upon closer inspection, Taylor's meticulous attention to detail becomes evident.

Composition & Color:

The piece is dominated by a brilliant amalgamation of gold, crimson, and amber hues. These fiery shades not only set the emotional tone of the piece but also effectively draw the viewer’s attention towards the central figure – the eponymous "Rebel Angel." The use of warm colors, especially the gold that swirls around the figure, creates a sensation of movement, as though the angel herself is emanating this radiant energy. Such a choice might symbolize the angel's rebellion, setting her apart from her surroundings and emphasizing her individuality.

Central Figure:

The Rebel Angel, portrayed with wings outstretched and hands posed expressively, becomes the focal point. The multi-hued feather-like structures adorning her head resemble a crown or headdress, which could be symbolic of his regal or divine nature. Taylor has masterfully painted the character with a combination of realism and abstraction, allowing for an open interpretation. The decision to depict the angel with realistic human facial features juxtaposed with a somewhat surreal body resonates deeply, suggesting a bridge between the earthly and the ethereal.

Texture & Technique:

The textured background contrasts with the smoother depiction of the angel, adding depth to the piece. The artist's brushwork in the background, with its rough and almost turbulent strokes, creates an environment that seems to be in flux, possibly reflecting the chaos or upheaval associated with rebellion. In contrast, the smoother, more detailed rendering of the angel suggests clarity amidst this chaos.

Symbolism:

The choice of title, "The Rebel Angel," immediately alludes to themes of dissent, individuality, and possibly a fall from grace. By placing this figure against a fiery backdrop, Taylor might be hinting at the angel's daring nature, his courage to stand against the norm, or possibly a transformation. The duality of the angel's appearance – both powerful and vulnerable – adds layers of interpretation, making the piece a rich tapestry of symbolism.

Conclusion:

Angie Taylor's "The Rebel Angel" is a testament to her ability to blend traditional art concepts with a modern twist. Through her intricate detailing, thoughtful symbolism, and masterful use of color, she has created a piece that not only draws the eye but also engages the mind. It stands as a compelling representation of rebellion, divinity, and the eternal struggle between conformity and individuality. In an academic setting, this work would undoubtedly ignite discussions about its themes, techniques, and the emotions it evokes, making it a notable contribution to the contemporary art scene.

This piece is currently on show in the Shikantaza Secrets 001 Exhibition, details can be found here:

Note: We'd originally sexed the Angel as a she, but Angie has informed us it is a he, so we have edited the above article accordingly!

[russellmoreton]

Clay Works --- In and Out of material : Clay plays the stone, the stone plays the clay by Russell Moreton Via Flickr: russellmoreton.blogspot.com/ Clay Works --- In and Out of material : Clay plays the stone, the stone plays the clay Tony Cragg IN AND OUT OF MATERIAL Demonstration Tony Cragg : I basically mean the effectiveness of the object, of the material. But because the metaphysical and physical association are already occupied, I'm interested in somehow establishing some relationship with the materials and the things around me without using any preconceived notions of an already occupied language. It is a bit like taking away a Christian name and depersonalising something. What I mean is that it's an attempt on my side to restart the relationship with the material, which I think sculptors have to do anyway. Jon Wood : Thinking of the increased awareness that this side of your work tries to capture and harness in the viewer, can you say a bit about the kind of sensitivities that you would like to be heightened? What would you see your work as demonstrations of and for? Your sculptures are triggers for what kind of thinking? Tony Cragg : Well there is an attitude to looking at things and to looking at objects and materials which is based on a meditative tradition of contemplation : the universe in a grain of sand idea, or maybe even religious ideas where you actually get in contact on some level with the material world, on a deeper level than the one you obviously are capable of reaching in an everyday situation, so on an extraordinary level, outside of your own experiences. I am not saying that that's not interesting or important. But I also think that this leaves the battleground for the everyday life to be governed by non-contemplative thought and non-meditative thought. And this may sound like a mixture of terms, but I think that there is a job to be done even on an everyday, “second for second” level of life—on the experiential level of life. I think there is a job to be done here improving the quality of contemplation about an awareness of the material world—the material world seen as an immediate extension of the communal social effort, the cultural effort that you are part of. Jon Wood : How does it move from being an individual contemplative experience to being one that has a communal relevance? Tony Cragg : In the main part it only has communal relevance. All you can do for yourself is formulate your sentences, cook yourself a meal that suits you, get dressed in a fashion that suits you, and everything else you have to put up with as having been made by other people for you. But obviously, even if they didn't ask your permission, there's something consensual about that, isn't there? Even though you don't like it, it doesn't look like you're making an effort to change it. And maybe there's some active thing there. My idea is that even if I don't like it, I wouldn't be able to change a great deal of it, but I could sow the seed for some change in the direction that I would feel would be important. It's a measure of how much responsibility one takes for the change. Looking for more in the visual world around me and looking for more language, in a sense, is one way of heightening sensibilities and expanding a vocabulary and then expanding the responses to a vocabulary is a way of heightening sensibilities. I'm not a politician, but I think we still live in a world that is greatly dominated by mesmerism and mystical models, which are very distracting because they actually stop us from really trying to face reality. Realist Magic Objects, Ontology, Causality Timothy Morton

[dreaming-the-blue-sea]

Top Sativa Strains to Grow in 2022

Sativas are the best for boosting energy and elevating mood when you really want inspiration to flow.

Moreover, stoners report Sativa dominant strain helps people increase their creativity and experience the high that, combined with canning, motivates them to complete tasks. Not all Sativas are created equally, and not all Sativas produce a buzz that is distinctly energizing. Additionally, Sativas can be used to support relaxation, creativity, joy, and concentration.

Nowadays, the majority of strains are a hybrid of the two due to crossbreeding. This means that each strain used in the rearing system has more advantageous traits and fewer harmful ones.

Cannabis sativa can be easily identified by appearance alone. Most sativas have long, slightly fan-shaped leaves and are tall, more slender-looking plants. These marijuana plants are indigenous to countries with hotter, tropical climates, including Thailand, Colombia, Mexico, and some regions of Africa. Over time, sativas were forced to develop in order to become taller and less dense in order to survive due to the extreme intensity of these environments.

In addition to the obvious differences—Cannabis indica plants tend to be shorter and bushier plants—they also differ in effects. Sativa cannabis strains are frequently thought to be more cerebral, meaning that their effects are felt in the head and energize the mind rather than the heavy physical effects typically associated with indica cannabis strains. Sativas are frequently marketed as marijuana for use during the day, while indicas are reserved for use at the end of the day for relaxation and perhaps even to aid in sleep.

Sativas used for medical purposes are frequently cited as beneficial for people with low mood disorders like depression or anxiety. This solidifies the reputation of sativa strains as stimulating for the mind. Sativas are unquestionably considered to have less opiate in their genetic makeup than indicas.

Top Cannabis Sativa Strains

Now that you've read the introduction to Sativa strains, let's determine which Sativa strains stoners consistently prefer to smoke:

Green Crack

If you smoke marijuana regularly, you probably want a strong high, which Green Crack flawlessly delivers. This Sativa quality has a high THC content of up to 25%, which may not be reasonable if you still have a lot of daytime activities to complete because it could cause you to stay on the couch for hours if you are not tolerant of high THC.

Since this sativa strain has been around for a while, it's unclear exactly which other strains contributed to its ancestry. In terms of strains grown underground, that is not exactly unheard of. We can only speculate at this point, but our most realistic guess is that it might be the offspring of an Afghani landrace strain that was raised alongside Skunk #1. In any case, this strain is one of the more well-known sativas in the world, so we're glad it exists.

Sour Diesel

The Super Skunk and Chemdog strains are crossed to produce the potent, almost entirely pure Sativa variety known as Sour Diesel. You only need one puff of Sour Diesel to experience a head high that can quickly spread euphoria from head to toe. because it contains up to 26% THC at sky-level.

People who experience it are said to feel unfocused and cloudy but still alive. This strain has a gassy smell, as its name suggests. Feel a powerful energy rush to complete the work with immediate and effective impacts. The potent effects of sour diesel can also be used for various restorative activities.

Purple Haze

Purple Haze, a hybrid of Purple Thai and Haze strains, has a potent euphoric high that will help you focus on your work and send energy rushing through your body. One of the best and most creative cannabis strains available right now. due to the roughly 20% THC content.

You can consume this marijuana whenever you want to unwind and get a boost of energy to get back to work, regardless of how experienced you are with stoner culture. Additionally, the reasonable euphoria is strong enough to let go of worries and relieve pressure, allowing you to live it up.

Jack Herer

Jack Herer is named after the cannabis activist and author Jack Herer. The strain and the man are both noteworthy. Shiva Skunk, Northern Lights #5, and a Haze hybrid were combined to create it. It smells deliciously of pine needles mixed with dark pepper flavors.

Jack Herer is a hybrid with some Indica genetics as well, leading to some common effects like body high and concentration. Stoners claim that Jack Herer makes them feel more vivacious and grounded, allowing them to fully utilize the creative energies that are pumping throughout the day.

Durban Poison

One of the strongest strains of marijuana, known as Durban Poison, is very popular among marijuana enthusiasts. Make this potent, powerful plant more sociable or active. As you smoke it, the high THC in the upper 20s gives you a powerful euphoric punch. You'll experience a wave of euphoria from head to toe and have more energy to finish the task at hand.

To improve your puffing experience, grow Durban Poison. With the right temperature and stickiness levels, Durban Poison, which prefers a Mediterranean climate, can produce one of the best yields ever.

Blue Dream

The most popular strain among marijuana enthusiasts is Blue Dream, which has incredibly wonderful effects and a distinctive blueberry scent. With a THC content of about 20%, this sativa strain effectively throws you into a state of heightened alertness.

Because it relieves pain, fatigue, and anxiety, medical marijuana users adore this strain. Additionally, if a user wants to play it safe when puffing and doesn't want to experience extreme euphoria, this well-known Sativa strain can be helpful.

[briochebrioche]

Barefoot Gen ( Yikes )

This movie was quite disturbing, as it portrayed the more gruesome side of war.  Particularly, it focused on the devastating immediate and lasting effects of the two nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Gen’s happy life with his family is completely destroyed with one big white flash, as the bob lands on his hometown of Hiroshima. In a brutal display, we see various shots of buildings being completely destroyed as well as people of all ages being burnt up and crushed with grotesque detail. Once the dust finally settles, Gen is left to wander around looking for anyone that may be alive. He is able to find his mother and tries to help her rescue the rest of their family from under burning rubble. Unfortunately, it’s no use and Gen’s father commands him to take his mother and go, entrusting him with the protection of his mother and unborn little sister. The rest of the film shows Gen, his mother, and his little sister trying to survive in the destroyed town. There are various scenes with dead people, people are deformed beyond recognition but still alive, and overrun hospitals with those suffering from wounds or sickness. It’s a very grim and realistic portrayal of the destruction and anguish the bombs caused. Another important effect talked about in the film is that of residual radiation, which is described as an “invisible monster” that destroys people’s cells as they succumb to the acute radiation poisoning. Eventually Gen begins to suffer these effects too, as he loses his hair from the constant exposure to radiation. However, this leads into the other point of the film.

The film also demonstrates the ability of the human spirit to move on and keep surviving. One of the biggest moments that displays this for me is when Gen and Ryuta give Seiji back his fighting spirit. Seiji had been suffering from Pika, which made his family that was once close to him become distant. Gen (after scolding him and slapping him around a bit), sort of snapped him back to reality and made him realize he was being too bitter and needed to try his best to be joyful despite the situation. After this, he found meaning in his life again and was able to paint again through their encouragement. The other major moment is at the end of the film when Gen, his mother, and Ryuta sail the little ship Gen had promised to sail with Shinji. At this point, even though his baby sister had died, Gen had started growing back his hair and plants were beginning to grow on the land again. This boat scene was a way for the three of the to move on from the losses and begin a new life, having each other as their new family. It was also a way for Gen to keep his promise, not only to Shinji, but also to his father that he will live on and do the best that he can.

Overall, the movie is a gruesome yet realistic portrayal of the horrors of war and the power of the human spirit.

[jworthingtonreview]

Case Study: How Effective Courtroom Exhibits Changed the Outcome of a Trial

Legal professionals have long understood the power of compelling storytelling in the courtroom. In the crucial moments when evidence is presented and arguments are made, the right visuals can turn the tide of a trial. Here, we look closely at a case study where the effective use of courtroom exhibits not only informed the jury but also directly impacted the outcome of a high-stakes trial.

Understanding the Power of Visuals in Persuasion

In the realm of law, where complex information is the norm, the saying "a picture is worth a thousand words" couldn't be truer. Visual aids have a unique ability to simplify dense material, engage the audience, and enhance comprehension. Whether it's through graphs, animations, or physical objects, visuals can play a persuasive role in the courtroom.

The Case in Focus

Our case study centers around a medical malpractice trial where a hospital was being accused of negligence leading to a severe patient injury. The plaintiff’s team needed to explain the intricacies of a surgical error, making the complex medical procedure accessible to the jury without dumbing down the gravity of the situation.

The Visual Aid Innovation

Recognizing that still photographs didn't fully capture the motion dynamics at play during the surgery, the legal team collaborated with a 3D animation expert to create a vivid and detailed reenactment of the procedure. This animation was not only scientifically accurate but also strategically designed to highlight the specific points of error that led to the injury.

The Impact on Jury Perception

When the trial began, the jury was shown both the traditional still photographs and the 3D animation during the evidence presentation. The difference in their response was immediate and immensely positive for the plaintiff.

Enhanced Understanding

Jurors who might not have a medical background instantly grasped the sequence of events and the significance of each step. The moving 3D animation allowed them to "see" the misstep that led to the plaintiff's injury, which proved crucial in understanding the liability of the hospital.

Emotional Connection

Beyond comprehension, the animation fostered a connection between the jurors and the plaintiff's ordeal. The realistic visualization of the surgery humanized the case, making it more than just a series of clinical procedures but an experience fraught with potential for human error.

The Verdict

Following the presentation of visuals, the overall sentiment in the courtroom had shifted. The jury, armed with a newfound clarity and empathy, returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, awarding significant damages for the harm suffered.

Key Takeaways for Courtroom Success

This case study highlights several important lessons for lawyers and courtroom presenters:

Know Your Audience: Understand the jury’s comprehension level and craft visual aids that speak directly to them.

Choose Quality Over Quantity: It's not about how many exhibits you can present, but how effectively they convey the critical points of your case.

Invest in Innovation: Sometimes, the right visual aid requires outside expertise. Don't shy away from involving specialists to create compelling materials.

Practice and Timing: Ensure that your presentation with the visual aid is well-rehearsed for a smooth delivery that supports your argument.

In the end, the success of your visual aids is not just about what you show, but how you show it and what the jury takes away from the experience. In the age of information overload, the right visual can distill complexity into a convincing narrative that captures both the reason and the emotion behind your case.

[toa-arania]

Hell hath no fury like a Wester scorned

And oh boy did she get scorned

I'm sure most people reading this are already familiar with Val, and her propensity for fucking around. Well this time she dragged her friends into it and it went. So badly.

For a little while now, there has been a certain thorn in our side called Heather Chase, and Val has previously attempted to deal with her on her own. It didn't go perfectly, but it at least demonstrated that she's not invulnerable. One of the recurring issues that Heather presents is that she has one of the party (Darcy) under magical influence. We decided to kill two birds with one stone by magically fucking up Heather.

Thanks to previous shenaniganery, we know that Aluber, the Clown Fairy (not Clownpiece), can turn off people's supernatural abilities with an Antimagic Chain spell, and since this was able to nullify all of his stored promises, we have reasoned that this will be able to delete Heather's supernatural bonds. A plan formed around luring her into a false sense of security where we can Get her. By "a plan formed" I of course mean Val came up with an unhinged scheme and Seraph isn't around to remind everyone not to listen to her anymore.

The plan is... not that simple, actually. We need to falsify the implosion of our friend group so that Levi (hot werewolf) can get in with Heather and create said false sense of security. We began coordinating and staged a falling out based around Levi getting Darcy in trouble. Aluber and Mei took Darcy's side, and Val stayed neutral to just watch the shit go down (taking a side wouldn't be realistic, according to her, and she and Levi would need to stage a separate falling out.)

This went relatively well, until we encountered a difficulty: Heather's telepathic bond to Darcy, which she could theoretically use to spy on us. We called up another witch to help us remove Darcy's memories and store them so we can give them back to her later. This had the side effect of Darcy now thinking the falling out was real. So when Heather had Levi prove his loyalty by publicly humiliating his old friend group... it was intense. He decided to target Darcy first and just destroyed her sense of self-worth, internally hating himself for it the whole time.

Now this *was* the plan. We would give Darcy her memories back later and she'd know it was staged. Levi and Val were secretly keeping in touch to coordinate.

Then Levi stopped responding to Val.

After a short while, Val concluded that something was Wrong, and realised the plan may have gone awry. Levi may have been Got. Realising he was probably compromised, Val immediately went into emergency contingency mode, and went to go do research on exploiting his telepathic bond with the Wolf Pack, as well as paying Aluber to steal her some items from him that she could use to cast magic. Levi eventually got back to her a little too late to try to talk her down, and only ended up accidentally convincing her even more that he was compromised. As a last-ditch effort, he tried to tell her what he had planned to do to humiliate her so she'd be prepared, and I swear to god this was not something we had planned but he managed to accidentally hit something very very personal to her, that I will not go into properly to avoid potential triggers.

The following day, to save face, Levi needed to go through with what he had prepared, and Val managed to fire back just enough to avoid being fully humiliated by it, doing everything she could to cast Levi in a bad light. She didn't manage it quite as well as she would have if she'd had time to prepare, but at this point she was dealing with someone she genuinely cares about apparently betraying her and was Not Taking It Well. He got sooo close to actually making her snap, but he just skirted around the real weak spot.

Just because he didn't hit the weak spot directly doesn't mean things haven't been made abundantly clear, however, and Val was at this point completely consumed with the need for revenge. The following morning, when Levi decided Yeah Fuck This and tried to get everyone to meet up and change the plan, Val did not turn up. Instead, she hexed him twice, to make him incapable of hurting her and incapable of lying to her. Then she invited him to her greenhouse to Talk, and made the deranged decision to fill a spray bottle with atropine she extracted from her plants the night before.

Monsterhearts has a fun little mechanic called the Darkest Self, where under certain conditions a character can go into a state that emphasises all of their worst traits. For Val, this is being motivated entirely by revenge and hexing anyone who remotely irritates her. If she gets a partial success on her hex-casting roll, she has three options: take one harm, the spell has weird side-effects, or go Darkest Self. Normally I go for the weird side-effects because it's fun, and when something is especially important to do quietly I take the harm (Val has a migraine for the rest of the day). In this case, because of how emotionally distraught she was, I was prepared to have her enter her Darkest Self in the roughly 30% chance she didn't get a complete success on either of her hexes.

Levi came to see her at her greenhouse when asked, and thanks to the truth spell she realised that she had been wrong the whole time and he hadn't been hypnotised. This, of course, made her even angrier because after realising he'd hit on something *very* personal he didn't change course at all, and it was only the fact that she had not gone into her Darkest Self that she eventually backed down because she does honestly like Levi and wanted to believe him.

Val has not admitted this, but she is surprised at herself that Levi was able to talk her down, and hasn't really had time to process it because things immediately went insane in a different way, but after this point the plan mostly worked. We went after Heather in her home instead after Val put together a sleeping potion, which we honestly should have just done from the start, and while Val was with Darcy we managed to break Heather's hold over her, and with a plan very similar to Val's initial plan from way back in the first Val Post we finally knocked her off her pedestal. It has genuinely been so satisfying.

However. There has been a complication. One severe enough that it will be getting its own post. In Val's own words:

I need to kill this fucking clown.

[drheidikling]

Unveiling the Power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy- Transforming Mindsets

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a robust fusion of cognitive and behavioral techniques, emerges as a transformative force in reshaping mindsets. It hinges on the premise that our thoughts significantly influence emotions and behaviors. By identifying and altering these thought patterns, individuals can effectively rewire their responses to various stimuli. This collaborative effort between therapists and individuals fosters exploration and guidance, paving the way for profound changes.

Dr. Heidi Kling, a seasoned clinical psychologist, emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing cognitive distortions as a crucial part of the healing process. These distortions, though they might seem minor, have a significant impact on how we perceive the world around us and respond to events. Cognitive distortions like catastrophizing, an all-or-nothing mindset, and overgeneralization are commonly seen patterns that distort our perception and unduly amplify stress. By bringing these distortions into the light of awareness, Dr. Kling aids her clients in loosening their grip on the psyche. This understanding and acknowledgment not only nurture a more balanced and realistic perspective but also pave the way for effective coping mechanisms, leading to better mental health and well-being.

However, the therapeutic approach of Dr. Heidi Kling does not merely confine itself to the realm of thoughts and cognitive processes; it boldly ventures into the sphere of behaviors as well. This is accomplished through carefully devised behavioral experiments and at-home tasks, which serve to test and challenge the ingrained behavioral patterns of individuals. By actively engaging in these exercises, individuals are able to directly confront their fears, break away from harmful habits, and gradually adopt healthier coping mechanisms. This hands-on, practical methodology empowers clients to take control of their behaviors and responses, fostering resilience and facilitating personal growth. The therapeutic journey with Dr. Heidi Kling encourages self-reflection and understanding, ultimately aiming to ensure that problems confronted in therapy are less likely to recur in the future.

Imagine someone plagued by relentless anxiety. Their mind concocts catastrophic scenarios at the faintest hint of uncertainty. Through this therapy, they learn to recognize these catastrophic thoughts as distortions. With guidance, they diligently practice reframing these thoughts, gradually experiencing a shift in emotional responses. As they confront fears systematically, their confidence burgeons, and anxiety’s grip loosens.

In Dr. Heidi Kling's therapeutic approach, the focus is not solely on addressing the superficial aspects of behavioral challenges. Instead, she delves deeply into the roots of dysfunctional beliefs and patterns of thought that contribute to an individual's distress. By probing the origins of these beliefs, which may stem from early childhood experiences or societal influences, she helps individuals gain profound insight into their ingrained thought processes. This understanding is not a mere revelation; it marks the beginning of a transformative journey. This newfound awareness, fostered under the guidance of Dr. Kling, becomes a crucial cornerstone for initiating transformative change - change that not only brings relief from immediate distress but also equips individuals with the skills to handle potential future challenges.

Its adaptability renders it a versatile tool in the mental health arsenal. Its efficacy spans an array of conditions, from anxiety and depression to substance abuse and eating disorders. Tailoring interventions to suit individual needs empowers individuals to reclaim agency over their mental well-being.

Consider someone battling the suffocating grasp of depression. This therapy equips them with coping strategies to challenge negative thoughts. Through gradual exposure and behavioral activation, they rediscover pleasure in activities once joyless. As they implement these strategies, their days become more luminous, gradually dispelling the shadows of despair.

Its influence transcends therapy rooms; its principles seep into everyday life. The tools acquired during sessions become ingrained, fostering resilience and fortitude in facing life’s challenges. Individuals emerge equipped not only to tackle existing challenges but also to navigate future hurdles with newfound strength. Also, it demands active participation. It requires individuals to take ownership of their thoughts and behaviors, generating a sense of empowerment. This sense of agency catalyzes a ripple effect, permeating various facets of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors.

The therapy offered by Dr. Heidi Kling psychologist is marked by its structured and goal-oriented nature, a characteristic that significantly contributes to its appeal for many individuals. Clear delineation of objectives at the onset of the therapeutic journey coupled with the careful formulation of actionable strategies provides a sense of direction and purpose. This aspect of Dr. Kling's therapeutic approach is particularly beneficial, as it fosters a sense of progress among clients. Propelled by this feeling of forward momentum, individuals are able to perceive tangible and measurable improvements in their mental health conditions. This structured approach to therapy not only helps manage immediate distress but also guides clients in confronting and processing past experiences that may be contributing to current symptoms, aiding in long-term emotional well-being.

The success of this therapy isn’t devoid of challenges. Its efficacy relies on the willingness of individuals to actively engage in the process of self-reflection and change. Resistance or reluctance to confront ingrained beliefs can impede progress. However, skilled therapists adeptly navigate these roadblocks, gently guiding individuals toward a path of introspection and growth.

Its global proliferation underscores its universal relevance. Its adaptability transcends cultural barriers, making it a cornerstone in mental health interventions worldwide. The fusion of cognitive restructuring and behavioral modification resonates across diverse cultural landscapes, offering a common ground for healing and transformation.

The potency of this therapeutic approach lies not only in its theoretical foundations but also in its practical applications. Its ability to unravel the intricacies of human cognition and behavior renders it a catalyst for profound personal metamorphosis. Through collaborative efforts, individuals emerge equipped with an arsenal of tools to navigate the labyrinth of their minds, fostering resilience, and fostering transformative change that transcends therapy rooms and permeates every facet of life.

[hotmessexpress2023]

The Short Story

A short story is a work of fiction comprised of several thousand words, but not more than 5,000. A novella is usually thought of as a longer short story or a short novel and can range from 5,000 to more than 40,000 words. The key word to understanding the short story format is "story" in just a few words the best short stories tell us a tale of sight, sound, thought, and action that helps us to understand and relate to a compelling moment. What we learn from what the characters say and do during that decisive moment gives us insight into the human condition and builds our humanity.

In their own way short stories and novels help us to understand ourselves and our universe, but they do so in markedly different ways. A novel might center on one central story and several side stories that can span and extended period of time, generally the action in a short story revolves around just one incident that happens during a brief period of time. Another difference between the short story and the novel is the number of characters. A short story will focus on only one or a few characters, whereas a novel may give us half a dozen or more.

Good fiction that contains no dialogue, only pure narration, does exist, but well-written, realistic dialogue can be a great addition to the telling of any story. A dialogue is a conversation and what better way to tell a story than by having the characters speak the words. Dialogues are particularly important to movies and play scripts. A dialogue serves two purposes in a short story is to deepen our understanding of the characters and their personalities and to further develop the plot. When characters speak, they give us an indirect line into their minds and their makeup. You can also us dialogue to illustrate the relationships between characters and show how those relationships change in moments of conflict or enlightenment and to reveal crucial information about plots or other characters. Interior monologues and dialogues can point out character's uncertainty, inner turmoil, feelings of self-worth or self-loathing, excitement, and anger the full range of emotions and thoughts. A viewpoint is another area in which short stories and longer fiction often differ. A novel may have several viewpoints a shorth story generally doesn't have the luxury of space in which to do this. Varying viewpoints can also disrupt the strong, immediate identification that readers need to feel with short-story characters. Short story writers need to jump right into their subject and keep right on going. the best short story endings resolve the conflicts that have been ongoing in a way that shows how the characters, or the situation, have changed. Effective endings satisfy readers and often surprise them. To sum up short stories generally have:

A simple subject, usually one that lets the story take place within a brief period of time.

Only a few characters, which are quickly developed.

Dialogue is an action that moves the story forward.

One point of view.

A fast-paced, reader grabbing beginning.

A middle that doesn't ramble but proceeds in a direct route to the end.

A strong ending that completes the story and provides understanding and satisfaction.

A plot and characters that give us insight into the human condition.

"A short story must have a single mood and every sentence must build towards it." - Edgar Allan Poe, Poet, Short-Story Writer, and Literary Critic.

[aariskin]

All One Needs To Know About Botox Treatment

Introduction

In recent years, Botox treatment has gained immense popularity as a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that promises to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, helping individuals achieve a more youthful appearance. However, like any medical treatment, it's essential to be well-informed before considering Botox injections. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Botox treatment, from what it is and how it works to its benefits, risks, and what to expect during and after the procedure. The secret to ageless beauty is within your reach. Act now and rediscover the best version of yourself with our top-notch best botox treatment in Jaipur!

What is Botox?

Botox, short for Botulinum Toxin, is a naturally occurring protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When used in cosmetic procedures, it's purified and diluted to be safe for human use. Botox works by temporarily relaxing muscle activity in the injected area, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by repetitive muscle contractions.

How Does Botox Work?

When we make facial expressions such as frowning or smiling, our muscles contract, and over time, these repeated contractions can cause wrinkles and lines to form on the skin's surface. Botox works by blocking the nerve signals that cause these muscle contractions, leading to a temporary paralysis of the targeted muscles. As a result, the skin above the treated muscles becomes smoother and less prone to wrinkling.

Common Areas Treated with Botox

Botox is most commonly used to treat wrinkles and lines in the following areas:

Forehead lines: Horizontal lines that appear when raising the eyebrows.

Frown lines: Vertical lines between the eyebrows, also known as "11 lines."

Crow's feet: Lines that radiate from the corners of the eyes when smiling.

Bunny lines: Lines that appear on the sides of the nose when scrunching the nose.

Lip lines: Wrinkles around the mouth, often referred to as "smoker's lines."

Benefits of Botox Treatment

Non-invasive: Botox is a non-surgical procedure, which means no incisions or anesthesia are required.

Quick and convenient: The treatment typically takes just a few minutes, and patients can resume their daily activities immediately afterward.

Natural-looking results: Botox provides subtle, natural-looking results, avoiding the "frozen" or overly dramatic appearance.

Temporary effects: The effects of Botox are not permanent, which can be reassuring for those who want to try the treatment without a long-term commitment.

Versatility: Botox can be used for both cosmetic and medical purposes, such as treating migraines, excessive sweating, and muscle spasms.

Risks and Considerations

While Botox is generally safe, there are some risks and considerations to keep in mind:

Temporary results: Botox effects typically last three to six months, after which further injections may be needed to maintain results.

Potential side effects: These can include temporary bruising, swelling, redness, or headaches. More severe complications are rare but can include drooping eyelids or muscle weakness.

Choosing a qualified provider: Ensure that your Botox treatment is administered by a licensed and experienced medical professional to minimize risks.

Cost: Botox is not permanent, so ongoing treatments can add up in terms of cost.

Realistic expectations: Botox can improve the appearance of wrinkles, but it won't completely erase them. It's essential to have realistic expectations about the results.

What to Expect During and After Botox Treatment

During the procedure:

The treatment area will be cleaned, and a topical anesthetic may be applied to minimize discomfort. The Botox injections are administered using a fine needle. Most patients report only mild discomfort during the process. The entire procedure typically takes around 10-15 minutes.

After the procedure:

You can resume normal activities immediately, but it's advisable to avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol for at least 24 hours.

You may notice some redness or swelling at the injection site, which usually subsides within a few hours to days. Botox's effects become noticeable within a few days, with full results visible within two weeks.

Conclusion

Botox treatment has become a popular option for those seeking a non-invasive way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. While it offers several benefits, it's crucial to weigh the risks and consider your expectations before undergoing the procedure. Always consult with a qualified and experienced Female Dermatologist In Jaipur to ensure a safe and satisfactory Botox experience. Ultimately, with the right provider and realistic expectations, Botox can help you achieve a refreshed and more youthful appearance.

[coast2countrykitchensau]

Tips for Kitchen Renovation Designs 

As the heart of the home, the kitchen is frequently the top choice for home improvements. A modern and effective kitchen renovation in Batemans Bay lets you enjoy nights of entertainment, family cooking time, and a simpler everyday life. Making your morning smoothie in a hurry is much easier when you don't have to search through clutter to find a workspace. Here are our top kitchen design recommendations to help you create a kitchen where even your most outlandish desires convert into a realistic solution. 

Top kitchen renovation design ideas 

Design   Choosing a layout is mostly about efficiency - don't become too engrossed in the details if it isn't practical. There is an ideal layout for the kitchen renovations in Batemans Bay because you can easily move between the stove, refrigerator, sink, and countertop workspace. When it comes to countertop workspace, make sure you have enough if you're a big cook! Whatever the size or shape of the room, creative use of it can go you a long way. 

Consider the following: 

Remove unnecessary processes and make it simple to move around 

Storage  Storage is one of the most important aspects of designing a kitchen that you'll like using for years to come. It's preferable to have the option of putting objects away wherever possible. Not just does it give you extra workspace, but it also has a great, clean, and simplistic appearance. 

Consider the following: 

Pay close attention to the swing direction and elevation of cabinet doors, especially in angles 

Keep appliances out of corner cabinets 

Functionality  Although it may not appear to be the most interesting aspect of your Kitchen Renovation, functionality is essential. Remember to consider the specifics of how the space will be utilized. It is easier to help set the table without colliding with the chef when wine glasses, plates, and cutlery are stored away from the main cooking area. If someone wants to hang out and talk to you in the kitchen while you are cooking, ask yourself, “do I want them to?” 

Consider the following: 

The kitchen is the centre area of the house. Will you wish to organize your kitchen with a chalkboard or a whiteboard? 

Colours  Even if you like a more traditional style, a splash of colour will assist in distinguishing your kitchen. There are various ways to add a burst of colour to the kitchen without turning excessively, whether you choose for an intriguing cabinet paint, a vibrant espresso machine, or an eye-catching splash back. Choose one accent hue to match the palette to keep the room looking cohesive. 

Consider the following: 

Dark colour choices make small places feel smaller; in small spaces, choose bright! 

Choose one focal point to be the kitchen's showpiece 

Finishes and materials  The kitchen is a room that must be built to last. Choose fabrics and coatings that are sturdy and won't show any marks and blemish for an efficient remedy. Some materials, while lovely, will make keeping the kitchen in good condition a nightmare. 

Consider the following: 

Choose timeless materials because fads fade quickly, and changes can be costly 

Budget  One of the most stressful aspects of creating Kitchen Renovations in Batemans Bay is determining and adhering to a budget. Fortunately, there are numerous simple and inexpensive solutions to give your kitchen a new look. 

Conclusion 

Considering these tips when planning your next kitchen renovation can make the process much easier! The most significant objective is to design a kitchen that you want to use every day. A kitchen renovation is never the same as another. Not only can spaces differ in appearance, but every home is unique, and each person has a distinctive taste.  

If you're still unsure where to begin, Coast To Country Kitchens & Bathrooms provides free design consultations in which we discuss your space and provide a solution based on your requirements.   

To learn more, please contact us immediately.