#bike power booster

[beefboyandbabygirl]

Pretend It's Someone That Came for You (18+)

pairing: coworker!wonwoo x fem!touch-starved!reader

genre: coworker au, office au, strangers to lovers, angst w a happy ending, smut (MDNI!!), fluffy fluffy fluff fluff

description: you're lonely. you're so lonely you think it might actually kill you. but when wonwoo transfers to your office, he might just change that fact.

warnings: unprotected sex (do NOT pls my babes), soft dom!wonwoo, sub!reader, v loving sex, praise (f. receiving), confession of love, riding, fingering (f. receiving), pussy rubbing tihi, pet names (pretty girl, good girl, baby, darling, etc), VERY angsty beginning, yn is truly v sad so DO NOT READ THIS if u fear it will make u sad!!, they say i love u unrealistically fast but i had to do it, yn uses sex to feel less lonely/ends up feeling more lonely, relatable yn frs, slightly dramatized symptoms of touch-starvation (?), kinda boring plot but idc bc its CUTE AF

quotes from my creative director (@joshibambi): "finally!!" (she was fed tf up), "stanley is the most stanley man ever. i hate him but i love him.", (more r coming she actually didnt have time 2 read this and i didnt want to wait with posting.)

wordcount: 10.0k

a/n: this story was supposed 2 have more angst, like it was supposed to have this whole misunderstanding, but it just didnt feel right, it made me sad, so instead this is a short n sweet love story xx

Sometimes you think that the loneliness might kill you. 

You weren’t always like this. You remember being a sociable, joyful child; half-broken bikes and teddy bears and booster seats. You remember pigtails and popsicle sticks and Power Rangers, and what came after that? Being a moody teenager, became being a moody adult. High school became college, and college became an office job that served to keep you alive, even if it didn’t feel like being alive. College wasn’t that bad, you remember, so at what point had you mistaken isolation for privilege? And at what point had you gone too far into that tunnel-hole to turn back? 

 You must’ve been cursed, you think, putting on your outfit for work in the deadly still apartment. Dust dares not move, dares not give you hope that you are not alone. 

You must’ve been cursed, you think, coming into work to a string of half-hearted, mumbled greetings. Your office is off-white and black and gray and everyone inhabiting it is also off-white and black and gray, and their skin is faintly oily and sickly and their faces are dragging down as if the very earth was reclaiming them and you think that you fit in here better than anywhere else. 

You must’ve been cursed, you think, when you spend your day writing emails and organizing documents of information into different formats to send to huge corporations. Sometimes you fantasize about the other end of the transaction. Maybe their office is warm and brown with an accent of blue, and maybe people put hands on each other's shoulders, when they tell one another they’ve done a good job. 

Yes, there’s no other explanation, you think, and can’t even muster the energy to feel bad when you blame some old hag from your hometown. You think she must’ve conjured up the worst ingredients, something cartoonishly evil, and a spell befell you, sunk into the crevices of your skin and dug into your pores.

You lie on your couch with a glass of wine and the television going, but you’re not really listening. You don’t think anyone has touched you in six months. You’re not even sure you’re real anymore. You swear, you could live with no one hearing you out, because you’re not sure you’d have anything worthwhile to say, but you just needed someone to touch you. To reach out a hand and confirm, you’re real, you’re right underneath my fingertips, and I’m squeezing your shoulder, and I see you, and I feel you right here.

Sometimes you think that the loneliness might kill you.

Lying physically very still, you still feel like you’re scrambling, fighting the clutch of the curse, and tugging on metal chains. Maybe that’s where all your energy goes. 

What do normal people do when they feel this bad?

Sometimes you leave open the window, and when the wind tugs at your door, you pretend it’s someone that came for you. 

Tug, tug, tug. The door rattles against its hinges when the fatally empty sky brings to you, in outstretched palms, the wind interlaced with glimmers of hope. 

There’s never anyone at the door.  _____________________________

This particular day starts like any other. You wake to your alarm and you put on clothes and you get ready and brush your teeth. Then you trample down to the bus stop. The sky is smothered by a duvet of heavy rain clouds. The rain hasn't come yet, but you know it will. Your fingers become stiff and hard, where they adhere to the polyester strap of your bag, massaging it. The bag is cold and dead.

The bus ride is by far the greatest part of your day. It’s quiet - early enough that you’re only accompanied by a few other souls. You rest your head on the window, vibrating gently against the curve of your forehead, and watch the people in the street. 

 The bus hums a gentle tune and snakes down the streets. Then you’re there, and whatever solace that it offers you under artificial light and mediocre, felted seats is gone. 

Your office building is maybe the most depressing place on earth. It’s no glamorous feat of architecture. It is but a large, orange-y, puke-y, brick square, and the building is shared between yours and the Forester company. You don’t talk to the Foresters, but you know they eat cream cheese bagels on their breaks and throw birthday parties and once you saw the branch manager squeezing a salesman’s shoulder and telling him he had done a good job. His fingers squeezed down and the movement of the fabric revealed a shoulder pad built into the suit. You remember thinking it was a shame that it blocked the real touch. 

Today, you walk up the stairs with heavy steps and you idle into the office building, eyes cast down to the dirty, gray carpet. You begin the long trek into the back of the building where your desk is located.

“Morning, Y/n,” mumbles Tina.

“Morning, Tina,” you mumble back.

“Morning, Y/n,” mumbles Gerard. 

“Morning, Gerard,” you mumble back. 

“Morning.”

“M-”

Wait a minute. 

Your greeting falls short. You don’t recognize that voice. Stopping in your tracks, your shoes scratch on the rough carpet, and lift your head to see him. 

The first thing you notice is that he’s the most gorgeous man you’ve ever seen. He looks like he jumped out of an underwear commercial; he’s all strong jawline, sharp eyes, round glasses on his pretty nose, neatly trimmed, short dark hair stretching down the planes of his face. He’s wearing a button up (usually you wouldn’t even register the clothing your coworkers adorned, but something about how he wore it was noteworthy), a tie draping over the dress shirt, and formal slacks hugging his thighs. 

He smiles at you sheepishly, hands nervously smoothing down his thighs. 

“I’m Wonwoo” he says curtly, nodding to you. “Just transferred from the Wallingset branch.” 

You nod. “Right. Wallingset,” you nod more. “Nice to meet you. I’m Y/n.” 

“Nice to meet you too, Y/n.” 

Something about your name on his lips makes your heart flutter. It’s pathetic, you know, but his peregrine being in his office chair, spilling your name from his pink lips makes you feel a little more real. You look at him and then you nod again-again, kicking your legs into gear again and walking the last stretch to your desk. 

You can see the back of his head from your orange-wood desk. Papers and sticky notes are scattered among the desktop. The monitor watches you accusingly, all big and square and black, waiting for you to open it up and begin working. Your eyes linger on him for a moment. Then you work. 

A few hours pass on emails and translating information from a company into a comprehensive sheet. However, today you’re having a hard time focusing on work. 

This is not new. 

Sometimes you briefly talk to a man at the grocery store, and your mind will wander to him for next week, wondering if he’s thinking about you too, imagining yourself cuddling with him, watching movies, imagining him telling you it’ll all be okay. Sometimes you briefly talk to a man on the street, sometimes it’s even a date, but whatever the case you obsess and you dream and you always end up alone. 

Today the victim of your depraved mind is Wonwoo. The guilt is easy to push away. You feel sorry for yourself. You think you deserve this. You think you can’t survive without this. And so you imagine him hugging you, stroking your hair, and you imagine him falling in love with you, and you imagine not being alone. Your fingers rest on your keyboard. It’s old and mechanical. You think it’s from a yard sale, probably an old woman whose children moved away. It’s plastic, and it curves inwards underneath the pads of your fingertips. The keys are cold and dead. 

You fully zone out, eyes blearing into the back of his head, but you don’t really see it, your mind has traveled elsewhere. You guiltily imagine his hand between your legs, on your chest, straddling him, kissing him. And it’s not rough, it’s loving, because in this world he loves you, and he’d do anything for you, and you don’t have to be alone again.

You don’t love Wonwoo. It’s not some magical love at first sight, it’s not a romance book, it’s real life. You’re lonely. You need this to survive. 

“Hey, Y/n?” 

You snap your head up. Maybe you were still daydreaming. But you recognized the voice well and true, and it was Wonwoo, leaned over your desk, hands in his pockets.

“Oh, uhm, hey-” your voice is shaky and you quickly rush to compose yourself, hands moving frantically and uselessly to glide papers over one another and, then, realizing that there was no point to your movements, stilling and looking up at him, cheeks flushed. “Hey.” 

Wonwoo smiles gently. “Uh, you know, I was wondering,” he looks around the office, as if surveying the area. “If you knew where to get a good lunch? I don’t know this area at all, so..” 

He trails off, looking at you expectantly for an answer. Now that he’s standing before you, it’s much harder to ignore the guilt you feel. You wanna gnaw at your nails until they’re nubs, you want to crawl under your desk and cover your eyes. Does he see how red your cheeks are? 

“Uhm- well- I don’t- I eat a packed lunch, so I’m-” 

“Oh.”

“Yeah, I’m, uh, no expert,” you giggle awkwardly and watch his gentle smile drop into pursed lips. “But! Uh- I hear the- the hot dog stand, uh, just a little down the street is good!” 

“Really? Maybe I should try it,” he contemplates, smile returning to his lips. “Would you mind showing me this mysterious hot dog stand?” 

“Uh-” 

Just seconds before you were thinking of his fingers in your pussy, and his hands caressing you, and him making you feel loved. He’s standing before you and he’s a totally normal guy, and you feel like shit. You feel like shit for using this fake image of him to comfort yourself. You can’t be around him, can’t convince yourself that maybe this’ll turn into something more - not when you always end up alone. Your brows furrow in determination.

“Actually, I have to, uh, get this done, so-” you gesture vaguely to your monitor. 

“Right! Yeah,” Wonwoo seems embarrassed, biting his lips and nodding. “It’s, uh, just down the street?” 

“Yeah, to the right when you walk out the building.” 

“For sure. Thanks,” he doesn’t even look at you then, just waves you off half-heartedly and starts trailing down the office. His shoulders are incredibly broad and his belt wraps tightly around his small waist.

You feel like shit.  _____________________________

Why is no one else cursed? 

You look out of the window, lying on your bed after work. Everything is very still and unmoving - your whole apartment feels like it’s knotted in strings, tightened until everything is snapped into place, and if you move the wrong muscles, the invisible hands will let go and everything will fly and hurdle through your home, and you can almost hear the sound, like the hard, empty sound of throwing a bowling ball and getting a strike. 

No one else is cursed. People crowd the streets with friends, family, partners, and they’re talking and laughing. You rest your head in the windowsill, a lone spectator in the window. The glass cuts you off from the streets. 

The afternoon after daydreaming the way you did about Wonwoo is always hard. Your apartment seems intent on suffocating you. Your daydreams serve as a reminder that you’re alone, that you truly have no one, and the act itself is so humiliating, you sulk into a glass of red wine and sometimes you cry. What do normal people do when they feel this bad, you wonder again, sobbing in your bed and spilling wine on your nightie. 

Nighttime falls early while you’re crying. You weep on and off, hug your knees, eat a microwave dinner and watch TV, light casting onto your pathetic form on the couch.

And in your most vulnerable state is when you most easily slip into your old habits. 

You press an old contact in your phone, one you’d tried to steer away from recently. You wipe mascara from your reddened cheeks, you wear pretty lingerie, and you lie, completely empty, void of any warmth, on your bed, awaiting.

It’s the first time he touches you in months. When his hand finds your shoulder, you shudder terribly. Sorry, he says, and he seems taken aback. Just ignore it, you plead, just ignore it. He does so, unsurely, and every time his hand grazes over your body you shudder and sob and every time he hesitates, asking if you’re okay, you cry at him to continue.

It feels good while it’s happening. Skin beneath your fingertips, hands on you, a face close to yours. You and him are the only thing moving in the apartment, synergizing on your bed, conjoining and writhing, and for just a moment, you don’t feel so alone. 

When you’re done the anonymous man stands back up, sliding on his pants in the late hour. He says it was great and you hum. But then he looks around, hesitating on every old piece of furniture, on every photo on the walls, and lastly on you.

“What?” you ask, lying naked in your bed. He grimaces at you, as if signaling that he can’t quite figure it out himself. 

“I don’t know,” he says slowly, hands on his newly-clothed hips and surveying the corners of the room, where shadows pool. “It feels haunted in here.” 

He leaves. 

When the warmth is gone, the bile rises in your throat. Old habits die hard, you think, and you feel totally empty. You couldn’t go on like this. It was nights like these you began to feel like a martyr - sacrificing yourself for a brief escape. Because when the door is closed with a click and you’re alone again, you feel yourself trembling and your heart is glowing red in the empty astral plane. Brief, easy forms of pleasure are often the most harmful.

It feels haunted in here. You remember his words, and before you finally fall asleep, you wonder one thing. You wonder if you’re already dead.  _____________________________

The next day is a pain to overcome. You’re slightly hungover, slightly sore, and very uncomfortable. But you comply with your routine, and you enjoy the bus ride, and when you get to the office everyone greets you. 

 “Morning, Y/n,” mumbles Tina.

“Morning, Tina,” you mumble back.

“Morning, Y/n,” mumbles Gerard. 

“Morning, Gerard,” you mumble back. 

“Morning, Y/n,” Wonwoo says. You look up from the carpet carefully, flashing him an apologetic smile. You hope he can read its intention: Sorry about being weird yesterday. You think he got it.

“Morning, Wonwoo.” 

And then you’re landing yourself at your own desk and beginning work once more. It’s boring, but today you ward off the daydreams and you focus, and you’re getting an exceptional amount done. 

The clock on the wall (off-white, but yellowing near the top) reads 12:28 when your boss, Stan, approaches your table. He’s half bald, and his suit is much too loose, and he has a ladder of wrinkles climbing his larger-than-life forehead. 

“Hey, N/n!” he calls, so loud that a couple of heads turn at the commotion. You’ve asked him several times not to call you that. 

“Stanley,” you breathe, tapping a stack of papers on your desk to neaten the pile. You wonder if you were in trouble, but if his smile is anything to go by, you’d guess not. 

“My favorite woman in accounting!” 

“Hehe,” you laugh half-heartedly. You catch the eye of Wonwoo, glancing over his shoulder with a small, teasing smile. You smile back. 

“I have a big- oh wait, wait, new guy, uhh, Jeon? Come over here real quick!” Suddenly his solid fingers waft the now scared Wonwoo over. The spectacled man’s shoulders hunch up as he moves off the chair, nodding respectfully. Wonwoo stands beside Stanley at your desk, and you focus your attention on Stanley, hoping to not get too lost in the idea of Wonwoo again - you were doing so good today. 

“I have a big job for you, and I thought you could work with Wonwoo on it,” Stan moves his hand up to cup the side of his mouth, as if telling you a big secret, “seeing as he was a bit of a star over in Wallingset.”

Shit. The guy you were daydreaming about was working with you? Wonwoo laughs, embarrassed, but you hardly have time to catch it. You can’t do this. Yesterday you were thinking about him fingering you while looking at you lovingly!

“We have a massive, new client! Just dropped a big competitor of ours, and they want us to do their six month report!” Stanley seems genuinely excited about this, so you can’t help feeling a little guilty that you’ll be a gobbering, slobbering mess, sitting beside Wonwoo on this. 

“That’s great-”

“I know! So, my two star members in accountancy, I’ll hand this off to you. The data should be coming into your emails soon,” without letting either of you react, Stanley hunches over, like a coach does before a little-league baseball game, wrapping his arms around both of you and Wonwoo. “You got this, troopers!” 

Stanley claps his hands on both of your backs, so hard you jerk forward at the movement, and then he bounces off to the elevator at the far end of the room. You sigh heavily from the interaction. It’s quiet for a moment, while you fiddle with the papers in front of you.

“What a guy,” Wonwoo muses finally, thin fingers resting on the edge of your desk. You giggle, unable to look him in the eye for fear that you might remember how you’d thought about starting a family with him. “Yeah.”

You and Wonwoo settle into an unoccupied meeting room, and it’s all very professional. Markers and post-its, trying to find the best way to structure the report, excel sheets to categorize and overlook data, double check numbers. 

However bad you think it’s going to be, you’re wrong. Wonwoo is easy to talk to - he’s quiet, but he’s intelligent, and he understands how to bring on conversation, even when you fold in on yourself like a used napkin. 

“Yeah, we used to steal signs from our neighborhood,” Wonwoo admits halfway into a conversation about your hometowns. “I don’t think that’s gonna fly anymore.” 

“Why stop now? You’re letting societal rules hold you back,” you joke, and the two of you laugh, and it’s so pathetic, you’re certain you haven’t laughed this much in years, and the conversation has lasted maybe 20 minutes. 

“Well, I could show you the craft, you know, it’s a delicate process-” 

While Wonwoo talks your phone buzzes and you absent-mindedly pick it up, reviewing the notification.

Your grin drops. Faintly, you hear Wonwoo stop talking. He tilts his head to study the way you frown at the screen. “What’s up?” he asks. 

It’s the guy from last night and he’s asking if you’ll be available again tonight. 

Maybe it’s how you could almost forget it - how you let yourself into positions that would hurt you, just to feel seen and heard and touched. Maybe it’s the dichotomy of that encounter and now, talking to Wonwoo, and having the laughter steal away the loneliness. But you’re reminded so terribly of your position. You’re reminded that this, too, will end, and that the loneliness will return. You’re reminded that once the shift ends, you’re alone again. 

Suddenly you’re a thousand daggers all pointing out. You shield yourself. 

“Uh,” you trail off, putting the phone down again. “Just some guy.” 

Wonwoo’s eyebrows raise. “Boyfriend?” 

“No!” you say quickly. “No, he’s, uh. Just some guy.” 

A pause. 

“Okay,” Wonwoo says. You don’t even remember where you left off the conversation. You bite your lip because everything is all agony. The table is cold and dead beneath your hand. 

“I’m thinking we group these together,” you say, eyes now tuned to your screen and fully submerged back into your work. Work. That was all that could cover your beaten down, cursed self. 

The rest of the shift you feel Wonwoo looking at you carefully, as if he’s trying to read you. You don’t talk about yourselves anymore, no more banter, no more witty comments. You structure the report, and try to ignore how his eyes laser you open. You don’t like it. You feel like he can tell you’re a pathetic, lonely woman and that you have nothing and no one. You feel like he can sense the curse upon you. 

This would be torture.  _____________________________

It is not torture. 

The next day, to your surprise, Wonwoo is nowhere to be seen. You wait 5, 10, then 15 minutes in the meeting room you’d camped in, before you begin working on your own. It’s slower without him, but you manage. 

You can’t help but slightly worry about him. It feels stupid. You know you’re putting too much emotion into a person you’d known for two days, but you can’t help it. You wonder if he’s gotten hurt or injured, or if maybe he hates you and has transferred back. You think even Excel finds you pathetic. 

You sit there for three hours, among the ruins of paperwork and your open laptop, running your hand through your hair and typing in sentences that mean nothing, and the wallpaper is off-white and yellowing at the top, and the blinds are closed to the meeting room. 

Around 1 PM the door to the meeting room is opened, wood smacking against the glass that surrounds it, and Wonwoo stands in the doorway, slightly out of breath. You snap your head up to him, like the jerk of a lifeless doll, suddenly interrupted from a very disorganized Excel sheet.

“Hi, shit, sorry,” he gasps, slinging his bag off of his shoulder to sit down next to you. 

“Are you okay?” you ask immediately, and Wonwoo nods blindly, pulling his laptop out of his bag. “Yeah,” he says, cheeks slightly flushed and licking his lips. “My cat- my cat needed surgery, she got sick last night, it was an emergency.” 

You nod in understanding, “it’s okay-” 

You can hardly get the words out before Wonwoo rolls his chair back, wheels resounding hollowly on the floor, so he can look at you clearly. “I’m really sorry about this, it was not nice of me to leave you alone with this.” He gestures vaguely to the scattered papers, and you shake your head.

“It’s okay, Wonwoo, I get it,” you say reassuringly, peering up at him through your lashes. “You don’t need to worry about it. You’re here now.” 

Wonwoo seems less intent on personal conversations today - it’s probably because he was so late, and now is trying to make up the time. But it’s okay, in fact you’re somewhat relieved, because it dampens the false hope that blooms in your chest, whenever he asks you about your life. 

Even if you and Wonwoo work hard and quietly, you slip into the late hours of the night in an attempt to keep on track for your schedule. Outside the windows that separate you from real life, the sky turns orange, and then dark, muted blue, and stars begin dotting its impressive stretches. People begin to leave around five, and by the time you and Wonwoo finish all your work, you’re the last ones left on your floor of the office. 

Wonwoo lets out a loud sigh when he finally finishes the second segment of your report, and the both of you slump back in your seats. 

“It’s so fucking late,” Wonwoo limply throws his hand in the direction of the window. You smile a little, looking out. Smaller buildings spawn geometrically from the ground, and every once in a while someone walks by with their dog, spotlighted by the stretch of street lamps that stand outside the parking lot. “I really am sorry about this, you know. Really ruined your night,” he says quietly. 

You shake your head. “It’s fine, I had nothing to come home to anyway.” 

There’s a pause.

Wonwoo looks at you intensely. Oh shit, you realize, was that too obvious? Was that too pathetic? Has it just clicked that you’re a loser that no one wants? You nervously look back at him, but there’s no malice in his eyes. A totally unreadable expression adorns his features, where he’s leaned back in his leather chair, legs spread invitingly. You look away, feeling dumb. 

“At least we followed our schedule!” you say. Wonwoo snorts.

“Yeah, thanks to you. If you hadn’t completed so much before I got here, it would’ve been hopeless.” 

Now it’s your turn to scoff, blushing lightly and looking at the linoleum flooring. “I don’t know about tha-” 

“Seriously, Y/n, just take the compliment,” Wonwoo reaches a hand over, and you watch its movement.

It’s like time slows down, not like the movies, no, like you can stop time with the heavy weight of your gaze, pinning his muscles in place. But you can’t, and it lands on your shoulder with a soft thud. Fuck. His hand is warm and alive on you. 

“You did so well today, I-” Wonwoo cuts himself off, because suddenly you’re trembling. 

He feels your body shuddering and jerking under his hand, like the wind rattles your door when you leave it open, and he can’t see your face behind a curtain of hair, but he hears you gasp, and, fuck, you look like you’re sobbing. 

The man from last night had become so hesitant when you reacted this way. When your body trembled and shook and when you cried, but Wonwoo seems to understand. He peers at you from above the rims of his glasses, and his hand stays put right there on your shoulder. 

“Y/n,” he whispers, so sincere it causes a pathetic squeak to escape you. What must he think of you? The thoughts spiral and you can’t control a single one of them, they dance like freed souls in your head, and you can’t stop the spasming of your muscles, and you know you look so pathetic beside him right. “Y/n, look at me.” 

You don’t. You can’t. You can’t because there are tears spilling from the rims of your eyes, and rolling down your cheeks, wet and glossy. Besides, you’re an ugly crier. 

“Look at me,” he says seriously, finger tightening on your shoulder. You try to steady your breath and calm your tears, before you obey and begin to turn your chair. The simple motion requires so much effort - it’s like the air has become so thick, that the friction against your leather seat slows you down. 

Finally you turn to him, eyes first resting on his knees, then, carefully, traveling up to his face. He’s frowning. 

Your face is reddened and your eyes are puffy, your cheeks are shiny and you chew your bottom lip in a futile attempt to keep the tears at bay. 

Wonwoo looks genuinely devastated. The hand on your shoulder softens its grasp, then begins petting your arm, rubbing up and down. The action has you choking out gasps, trembling even more in his hold, and Wonwoo feels the need to roll his chair closer to you, so his other hand can grab yours. His thumb rubs over the back of it, and he lowers his head to look at you. 

“Shh, relax, relax, Y/n,” he whispers, and you try to nod, but it’s so overwhelming; being touched, being seen, being heard, all at once. For months, maybe years, no one has touched you like this - as if they care. Now the feeling is foreign, so scorching hot on your arm and your hand, your body can’t take it anymore. You’re stuck between wanting to lean into his hands, wanting to feel how real you are, and how physically true your existence is, and wanting to shy away. What must he think of you? 

“Y/n,” he says, squeezing his eyes shut to banish the sigh of your sobbing. “When was the last time someone touched you?” 

You hiccup painfully. “Uhm- I- I don’t, ” your eyes are bleary and your lashes are wet. Your lip trembles and your whole body shakes when you try to breathe. 

Apparently this was enough of an answer for Wonwoo, because he suddenly stands, somewhat harshly tugging you into a standing position too, and pulls you directly into the harbor of his arms. 

Instinctively, you wrap your arms around his torso. His chest is pressed flat against yours, so, so warm, when he nudges your head into the crook of his neck, and presses his face against its side, sighing softly into you, and breathing warm air onto your hair. His palms push you into him, soothing your trembling body, and holding you like an anker. One hand travels up to your hair. 

“W-Wonwoo, you don’t have to-”

“Shh,” he quiets you immediately, voice the softest wind of a peach tree. “Just let me take care of you.” 

You do. Wonwoo holds you until you stop crying, and though it must’ve been twenty minutes or so, it feels like no time at all. Standing in his space, breathing in his dark cologne, and letting his heat thaw your dead heart is a totally timeless act. Joy and serenity flows from the places where your bodies touch. When you stop crying, Wonwoo holds you for longer. 

Eventually, he lets you go. 

You step back sheepishly, now much calmer and the red in your face faded. You wipe your tired eyes shyly with your sleeve. 

“Thank you, Wonwoo,” you mumble, voice thick and garbled. When you look up at him, he smiles softly, although it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. 

“Don’t worry about it,” he says softly, arm extending one last time to squeeze your forearm. Then it falls limp again. 

“I, uh, I’ll see you tomorrow, yeah?” 

“Of course.” 

When you return home, you’re buzzing. Your entire apartment buzzes along with you, things seem to clatter and beam along with the bright, glowing of your heart. You snuggle into bed and nothing is still and even when you’re drifting into sleep, your nerve endings spin in joyful circles, and your feet are a static hum. Suddenly you are very, very real. _____________________________

You’d think the next day would be tense and awkward, and maybe it is at first, but soon enough you’re talking again, more intimately than before even. 

This is Wonwoo’s doing - you know this. You know he’s smart and you know he doesn’t want you to feel bad, so he makes conversation and builds trust between the two of you. You know he hopes you don’t feel insecure. Every word he says and every flick of his eyes is riddled with it. 

The conversation decidedly slows down your progress, so Wonwoo once more suggests staying overtime. You look at him for a moment before agreeing. 

You can’t tell what his end goal is. A chamber of your heart has been revived and rebirthed, and you’re more chipper, more bouncy, but the rest of your heart insists: you’re still cursed - eventually it’ll go back to how it should be. You listen. You try not to get your hopes up that Wonwoo really cares about you. Why should he, really?

Although when you’re done for the day, about an hour after your usual 5 PM, you stand up and begin to pack your things, laptop sliding into your bag and clustering pens in your hand. It’s gray outside, but the sun comes in a single strand through a gap in the smog and the clouds. The wind hoots by the windows, and it smells like the indian you ordered for lunch together. 

You stop your packing, feeling a set of eyes in your back. You twist your head to see him.

Wonwoo is sitting completely still in his chair, slack-covered legs spread open, and he makes no move to collect his own things. He just stares. 

“What’s up?” you quip. You’re slightly nervous. Just before it was all silly childhood stories, college and weed and life before the dead-end job. Now Wonwoo has that unreadable expression on his face again. 

He slowly lifts his hands from the armrest, eyes locked with yours, and claps his palms on the tops of his thighs. 

Your eyebrows furrow. 

“Wha-” 

“Come here,” he says simply. When you stand completely still, like a deer in the headlights, Wonwoo scoffs and rolls his eyes. “What? You think you’re cured because someone hugged you once?” 

“Cured?”

“You’re touch-starved, Y/n,” Wonwoo states matter-of-factly, “you need to be touched.” 

“Touch-starved?” you echo, a bewildered expression on your face.

“We can also just hug, like yesterday,” he suggests calmly. You envy his collectedness. “I just don’t want you to feel bad. So please. Come sit.”

To emphasize, Wonwoo pats his thighs again, patiently. You step away from your bag with hesitating steps, pursing your lips. Your cheeks blaze when you look at his thighs again - they’re so long, and the folds in his slacks stretch down and centralize on his crotch and- You’re being a pervert. 

“Okay,” you squeak and Wonwoo tuts. Why is that hot, you think, why the hell is that hot?

“We can just hug if you-” 

You feel bold.

Without letting him finish, you swing your leg over his, and plop down, straddling halfway down his thighs. You thank God you put pants on this morning instead of a skirt, when you look down at where you rest on top of him. 

Wonwoo is a little taken aback, but when you’ve settled on him, his hands find your waist and he looks up at you with a hum. Your breathing is a little shaky. Once again his hands provide a pumping of golden joy into your body, and more of you comes alive and becomes real, and you smile. 

What had Wonwoo been talking about? Touch-starved?

“What’s, um-” your question is cut off with a gasp, when Wonwoo uses his hands on your middle to tug you closer. You rest on the highest point of thighs that you can without sitting on his dick. Cheeks red and eyes squeezed shut, you hear how Wonwoo hums, pleased. “What were you talking about? Touch-starved?” you whisper, keeping your eyes shut. 

Wonwoo sighs, and once more, like the movement is entirely replayed, his hand finds your hair and pushes your face into the crook of his neck. You sigh against it, enjoying how his arms protect you and hide you from the evil of the world. 

“If you don’t touch anyone,” Wonwoo begins, his voice low bass in your ear, “you become touch-starved. That’s why you reacted the way you did yesterday.” 

His hands run up and down your sides. 

“But- but I’m not crying today,” you say quietly into his neck. Wonwoo hums.

“No, that’s good,” he says. “We can stop if you really want, I just wa-”

“No!” your voice squeaks immediately, and, as if he were running from you, you fist his shirt to keep him close. 

“Okay,” there’s a smile in Wonwoo’s voice. You can’t see it but you can imagine it. 

Comfortable silence. Wonwoo traces patterns on your back and you breathe deeply against the skin of his neck. The two of you function as one living thing, the only living thing left in the office. Chairs are turned halfway, a couple lights are left on. The desks betray the past presence of humans. 

“Wonwoo,” you pip. 

“Mhm?” 

“You don’t have to do this, you know? I don’t want you to do it if you- if it’s just.. Pity.” 

Wonwoo sighs, and you feel the way his torso deflates underneath you. He trails his hand up from your back to tap your cheek. You move back and look at him. 

Your faces are very close, you can feel how your exhales collide and then scatter, hell, you think you could count each of his eyelashes from here. 

“I already told you. I’m doing this because I don’t want you to feel bad. I-” he hesitates for a moment, pursing his lips. “I’ve been there. So I know what it’s like.” 

The thought of Wonwoo feeling like this, like you, is sickening. Genuinely sickening, you feel your insides turn to rot and mold and you frown so deeply, you think your lips might forever lock in that position. 

“I’m okay now,” he reassures, reading you immediately. His hand finds your cheek and he almost cries out at the way you lean into it blindly. 

“How did you-.. I- I always thought it was, like, a lifelong curse,” you say.

“A curse?” Wonwoo grins, thumb stroking over the skin of your cheek. It makes you happy, it makes you feel like your heart will burst. 

“Yeah. I guess I just blamed some old woman from my hometown,” you giggle, blushing a little because, yes, it did sound stupid when you weren’t just echoing the theory to yourself, like playing a team sport alone. 

“You’re not cursed,” Wonwoo promises, tucking your head into his chest. “I’ll help you, don’t worry. I’ll take care of you from now on.” 

He does take care of you. 

Every day you work overtime, and every day when you’re done with work, Wonwoo slides you into his lap and holds you, while you curl up in his chest. Then you talk and you laugh, and you listen to each other's music. His hands run warm up your back and in your hair and on your hips, gentle caresses, deeply intimate. For two weeks you and Wonwoo indulge in this nighttime ritual. 

You have not felt lonely since that night. And Wonwoo can tell. Your skin is warmer and brighter, you smile wider, your eyes twinkle, and there’s energy in every movement. Your body thaws under his warm hands every night, and sometimes when you smile, he gets so happy he could kiss you. 

You realize you like Wonwoo one particular night when you’re falling asleep in your bed and you can still feel the ghost of his arms around you and it lulls you into a deep, dreamless sleep, and when you wake up you smell a little bit like his cologne. That’s how you realize. You like how considerate and how gentle he is, you like how sweet he is to you, you like how he looks when he smiles and when he laughs and you like how much he loves his cat. You like how his arms feel wrapped around you. 

And you like him, and suddenly your apartment is a song that you dance in, and every photo on your walls is smiling and your bed is always warm and so is your heart. 

There’s nothing dead in here, you think, when you cook a delicious meal on the stovetop, sauce bubbling in a stainless steel pan. Nothing haunted about your home or your heart. _____________________________

“We’re almost done.” 

“Mhm.” 

“I can’t believe we’re almost done!” 

Wonwoo looks up, bemused, lips made small and pointed. You’re staring at the almost-done document, scrolling up and down through long and arduous paragraphs. It’s nighttime again - not that you had to stay late today, it was a choice - and the city glimmers brilliantly in the coolness. You and Wonwoo wear sweaters to keep warm. 

“Feels like a lifetime,” Wonwoo murmurs, same smile upon his beautiful face. His cheekbones point out from beneath his skin. 

“Yeah,” you breathe, leaning back. You won’t put your fingers back on the keyboard. Not when it could be done so soon. You look at him, all snuggled up in a brown sweater. “What if..” 

A pause. He tilts his head.

“Well, are we still gonna talk?” you chew your lip dejectedly, feeling a little sad and desperate, but Wonwoo only laughs. It’s a beautiful sound, it’s one you associate with joy. 

“Of course,” he says, as his laughter quiets down. “If you want to.” 

A shy smile forms on your lips. You turn to look back at the computer, but you hear the now-familiar sound of Wonwoo patting his thighs. You flit your eyes back to him, teasingly scolding.

“We’re not done.” 

“We don’t have to be done now,” he shrugs, an equally teasing smile on his lips. You roll your eyes, but, unsurprisingly, you shift over to him, sitting down in his lap. He immediately tugs you closer, fingers searching for stimulation on the seams of your jeans. There’s something different about Wonwoo today, you realize, his touch is more feverish, his fingers dig deeper into the fat of your hips and he looks up at you like you’re a diamond-encrusted chandelier, hanging from the ceiling, all glittering jewels. 

“What’s up?” you giggle nervously. It’s becoming hard to breathe with the way he paws at your hips. 

There’s something in the air between you, but maybe you’re imagining it. Maybe it’s your mind playing tricks on you, concocting the magnetic pull that lingers between you, the thicker, heavier air, that urges you closer. 

He sighs heavily, as if he was dreading this. All of a sudden composed, cool, icy Wonwoo is chewing his lip and avoiding your eyes, looking instead down where your fat gives way for his needy fingers. 

“I, uh, I really like you, Y/n,” his voice shakes. “Would you. Maybe. Want to go out some time?” 

At the last syllable his gaze locks on to yours, and you watch him visibly relax, because you’re fucking grinning. 

Not maliciously, not crudely, not a dime or a dab of evil, only genuine joy. 

“I-I would like that,” you control your smile, pointing your lips in the same way that Wonwoo does and blushing all over. Wonwoo grins too and it’s unbearably boyish. 

“Okay,” he says, as if he can’t believe it. “Okay. Great.” 

The window slams shut, the spell is undone by his hand, the dead defy their only law to bow to his necromancy. Wonwoo is alive and warm underneath you, and you are alive and warm on top of him, thighs pushed up against his and tugging at the fabric of his shirt. Your balloon of heart pops in your chest, and the bone-cage of your chest is filled with helium, that has you floating. Rosy and shiny, your heart beats at twice its normal speed.

There’s a lull in the conversation. It would’ve been a more comfortable silence, if you couldn’t see by how Wonwoo looks down and purses his lips, that he’s itching to say more. 

Sparked by his confession, you confidently snake your hand up to tap his cheek lazily. He turns to you with a loafy smile. “What is it?” 

He breathes out unsteadily.

“You’re-” he closes his eyes. “There’s so much I like about you. It- It makes me feel really bad that you weren’t feeling well, so I-” 

He cringes at himself, one hand pushing away his glasses to rub the eyes underneath them. 

“Can I make you feel better?” he asks vaguely. 

You huff out a laugh. “Are you trying to ask if I want to have sex?” 

He laughs too, behind his big hand. “No. It’s not the same, I want it to be about you!” 

You laugh more, and Wonwoo’s face reappears as he lowers his hand. He looks up at you adoringly, dotingly. He’s smiling.

“I’m being serious,” he says quietly, when you finish. He seems less embarrassed now, more so smug. “I want to make you feel good.” 

He’s paying an awful lot of attention to your hips, which he has not let up massaging and squeezing roughly. 

“Can I..?” he begins, eyes fixed on your hips in his lap. “Can I make you cum?” 

Then, slowly, Wonwoo lifts his hands and gently places them around on your face. His touch is always as soft as a hope-laced wind. He’s warm and he’s alive and he’s holding onto you, and you see it in his eyes: you’re real, you’re right underneath my fingertips. 

“Please.”

That’s all he needs, before he presses his lips against yours.

The kiss is everything you want it to be; because it’s loving. It’s slow, it’s deep, it’s gentle, there’s no tongue, just the soft, warm, real, alive flows of his lips against your own. His hands on both of your cheeks caress your cheekbones gently, and warm air is spilled in the small space between you. He pulls away, panting. 

“I don’t understand it,” he mumbles, before he’s pressing his lips back to yours hungrily. You let out a confused hum, and you have to gently push at his shoulder to back him off again. “What do you mean?” you ask.

“Why you were so alone,” he breathes, transfixed on your lips. “I want to be with you all the time.” 

Before you can respond, Wonwoo grips the underside of your thighs, lifting you and himself from the chair and placing you on the desk. You gasp at the impact when the glass table meets your bottom, and Wonwoo is standing over you, suddenly so tall and so broad, and slimming at the waist. His narrow eyes become hooded behind the reflection of his glasses. His head is tilted down to meet yours.

“Can I take off your clothes, pretty?” 

You don’t answer, only grip the edge of your shirt, tugging it over your head, so your bra-clad chest is exposed to him. He groans at the sight. 

“You’re so beautiful,” he mumbles, nimble fingers dancing across your back to unclip the bra, sucking in a harsh breath the fabric becomes loose, sliding down your arms. “Such a pretty girl.” 

“Stop,” you whisper, face warm and red. Your heart has never beat this way. It’s utterly unbearable and addicting at the same time, it’s without rhythm or class, it’s wild. And it’s because he’s looking at you and it’s not just lust. It’s adoration. There are deeper strings to the make-up of his eyes, there are lines connected to his heart, and he’s all flushed.

“What?” he asks. “I’m just telling you the truth.” 

Wonwoo throws your bra on the floor next to him, hands finding the hem of your pants. “Can I take your pants off?” 

You nod, still so shy and abashed, because Wonwoo’s eyes feel like a pink spotlight, and you are bathed in its warmth. He unbuttons your pants and you gently slide off the table to work them off your legs. 

“Your panties are cute,” Wonwoo remarks (it should feel lewd, but he has a hand on your hip, that brushes the bone and he smiles at it). “Thank you,” you breathe, before you’re taking them off too.

Wonwoo doesn’t need to, but he still insists on gently lifting you back onto the table, and he kisses your nose when you’re sitting before him. He’s standing in between your legs, and then he’s looking down at where wetness drips onto the glass table. 

His hand slides down your stomach, resting on the fat of it. He’s smiling, he’s so gorgeous, because he’s smiling the most gentle smile at how wet you are and how it leaks onto the table and his hand is so warm on your stomach, doing nothing, yet turning you on even more than you’d ever been before.

He sighs like he’s carrying the greatest burden on his broad back. “You’re so pretty,” he says, almost exasperated by it. He pinches some of the fat of your stomach between his fingers lovingly. “I can’t believe I get to have you like this.” 

Then the hand on your stomach slides down further. His large, veiny hand cups your pussy, the tips of his fingers just barely teasing your hole. You whimper against him, hands finding his biceps for support. Wonwoo studies you, craning his neck down to peer at your face, while his fingers begin swaddling your folds. 

“You’re so wet, baby,” he mumbles, trying to catch your eye where you bury into his chest. One finger dips into your hole, penetrating slowly and settling knuckle-deep. 

“Wonnie!” you cry out, squeezing your eyes shut. 

“Mmm, clenching down on Wonnie’s finger so hard. My beautiful girl.” 

He begins pushing his finger in and out of you, pace slow and torturous. His other hand slides up and down your body, squeezing your waist then your thigh, then coming right back up to fondle your chest. He pushes your back flat against the glass, so you’re all splayed out for him and you watch him from there, eyes hooded and legs spread to accommodate him. He breathes in shakily at the sight of you. 

“Shit, Y/n. What were you doing hiding all this from me?” His finger picks up the pace, as another finger slips in alongside it. You’re moaning and panting, lips red and hair mussed, unable to focus on his words, when his fingers curl against that spongy spot inside you. Apparently Wonwoo expects an answer though, because he speaks again, voice lower and rougher. “Hm? You didn’t want to go have lunch? What, was it that guy?”

“W-What?” 

“Just some guy,” Wonwoo echoes your past words, emphasizing with a harsh thrust of his fingers. 

“N-No, I- Hng!” you cry out, when Wonwoo’s thumb presses onto your clit. He rubs it torturously. “I-I was embarrassed because I- I was thinking about you!” 

“Oh?” this catches Wonwoo’s attention, as he diligently works his hand within you, staring down at your naked form, fully clothed and tall. “Tell me what you were thinking about, baby.” 

“This!” you cry out, too high off the pleasure to really feel embarrassed about it.

“Pretty, sweet, dumb baby. You were thinking about you whimpering and writhing while I fuck you with my hand, hm?”

“N-No,” you mumble, cheeks aflame. “W-Was thinking about you l-liking me.” 

At this Wonwoo hastily leans over you, pressing his lips onto yours again, and this time his tongue pries open your mouth, wet and warm in the cavern of your mouth. You moan into the kiss, hips canting into his hand. There’s something so desperate about him then, something so eager in the way he crooks his fingers, and how he kisses you, panting and covering your face in warm air. You feel a tight knot in your stomach.

“Cum on my fingers, please, pretty, sweet, baby, darling,” he mumbles into your mouth, rushing out the words before he’s sealing your lips again. 

“God, I think I might fall in love with you.” 

That makes you cum. You cum so fucking hard, clenching around his fingers like an air-tight seal, and your cum spills onto his fingers and his name spills into his mouth. The curse comes out with it, escaping like the air that spills out from an ancient, rediscovered chamber, and dissipating into the night. Your heart is beating and you’re breathing into his mouth, nose brushing his. 

“Good girl,” he breathes, finally releasing your lips and letting his lips fall heavy and wet on your cheek. 

He pulls out his fingers, unbearably wet and slick, and you think for a second that he’ll let you calm down and then maybe he’ll put his dick in you, but as soon as the fingers are out of you, they’re settling back on to your clit, rubbing heavy-handed circles.

You whine, arching your back off the table and wiggling your hips at the overstimulation. His other hand catches your hip and he shushes your cries softly. 

“You can cum again, can’t you, baby? You can take it,” he says, so nonchalantly, while his slick fingers rub you. You cry out. Your legs are shaking. “Think you can cum again from just this?”

“Y-Yes,” you sigh and when you look down, his entire hand covers your pussy, as he pets your clit in circles. He smiles at your words, pinching your clit teasingly. It causes a squeak to escape you, hips struggling against his hold, where he pins you to the table.

“Good girl,” he praises, purring. “Letting me use your pretty pussy like this, letting me make you feel good.” 

His body in front of you prevents your legs from closing, but, God, do they try, knees pinching his thin waist, and hair bunching up on the glass when your face scrunches up in pleasure. 

“A-a-ah!” you cry out. Your hips involuntarily begin to inch away from him, but Wonwoo pulls you back with one strong hand, tutting. 

“Don’t do that,” he mutters, pouting. “You need to be touched, remember?” 

The whole thing is so heart-achingly intimate. The way he stands, still fully clothed and with a huge fucking tent in his pants, simply rubbing your pussy and looking at you with heart-eyes. Seriously, eyes swimming with adoration for you, teasing words slipping from his mouth unable to mask the genuine wonder he feels, at how you gasp and you arch and you clean and you jerk from the simplest of his movements. And your pussy is so warm and wet under his hand, and his body between your legs is so warm, and you cum again from just that; from how much love he looks at you with, and from the fingers crooking to pinch your clit again, wet and swollen underneath his glistening fingertips. 

“W-Wonwoo!” you cry out, cumming again, and your body convulses around his, when it oozes out of your hole. Wonwoo’s fingers gently work you through it. His gaze on you is so intent, so careful and insistent, you can’t bear it, the way he sees you totally lost in the pleasure he brings you. 

“There you go,” he whispers gently, fingers letting up and disappearing from your pulsating pussy. 

“Wonwoo,” you mewl tiredly, pushing yourself onto your elbows to look up at him. He looks at you, so sweetly, so attentively, hands immediately finding your back to stabilize you. “Can I please have your cock now?” 

“We don’t have to-” 

“I want to!” you interrupt him, brows furrowed and lips in a pout. Wonwoo grins at that and though he may deny it, you don’t miss the red that twinges his cheeks. 

“It’s just if you were too tired..-” 

“I’m not,” you say decidedly, and Wonwoo nods. 

“Okay. C’mere then.” 

You’re confused when Wonwoo sits back down in the office chair, fingers working his slacks open. He doesn’t answer to your grimace though, only manages his pants unzipped and in one lift of his hips, peel both them and his boxers down. 

His cock springs free, and your confused grimace is replaced with one of awe. It’s pale and veiny, the head is red and thin, white liquid oozes from it, like melted candle wax. And it’s huge.

You’re too slow to mask your amazement, it seems, because when your eyes return to his face, he’s already looking at you, smiling smugly. 

“Come ride me, baby.” 

You don’t need to be told twice. You slide off the table eagerly, lumbering over to where he’s relaxed against the back of the chair. He looks up at you, all naked and pretty, with a grin. 

The top buttons of his dress shirt are unbuttoned, but he must’ve given up halfway. Either way, the milky plates of his chest are exposed, shining gloriously in the warm office light, and he discards his glasses, face fully exposed to you. He’s beautiful, and you think to tell him.

“You’re beautiful,” you whisper, planting each leg around his, so you’re straddling him. Like your ritual, Wonwoo grips your middle and pulls you closer, but this time it’s even closer than normal. Your stomach meets his dick, all heavy and hot on your skin, and your breath hitches at the sensation. 

“You’re beautiful,” he teases, looking up at you. You smile. 

“Can I put it in?” you ask. 

“As if the answer was ever gonna be no?” 

You snort out a laugh, raising yourself by your thighs and gripping the base of his dick to steer him inside. He hisses at the feeling of your hand grappling with his impressive size, and he hisses once more when the head of his cock buries into your heat. 

His hands on your waist anchor himself while you slowly sink down, until he’s so fully sheathed in you, you think the tip of his cock must be brushing your heart, because it feels like it’s swinging in your chest. 

“You’re so big,” you whimper, clutching his broad shoulders, and scrunching the fabric on top of them. 

“Don’t say shit like that, I’m gonna cum, babe,” he grits out, fingers bruising your waist. You mewl, clutching his shirt. Then you begin to bounce. 

Your thighs flex on either side of him as you heave up and down his cock, the both of you gasping into each other, and clutching each other for stability. 

“Shit,” he pants out, genuinely out of breath. “Fuck, you’re the loveliest girl in the world.”

You cry out, pressure already welling in your stomach and burying yourself in his neck like you’ve always done, and it’s so intimate and he’s warm, and, fuck, he wants you. You can feel it in his grip, in his cock, in his words; he wants you more than anything. The thought makes you wanna cum. 

Wonwoo is not quiet at all. He grunts and whines and his words are strangled and garbled, but frequent, showering you in affection and praise, while you bounce eagerly on his huge cock. 

“You’re so pretty, baby.” 

“Your tits are so perfect, shit.”

“Pretty girl.” 

“Loveliest, prettiest, sweetest girl, bouncing on my cock, fuck.”

Praises spill from his lips in purrs, one after another, and when you cum you can’t help but return it tenfold. 

“Wonwoo, Wonwoo, Wonnie, fuck! Gonna- fucking cum, I think I’m- f-falling in love with you”

You and Wonwoo come alive. Cum spurts from his cock and into your pussy, and you both cry out, entangled and completing one another in the space where you meet. 

And it’s true, falling in love with him is so easy. And falling in love with you is easy too, you realize, because the second he’s spilled his cum in you, he pulls you from his neck to kiss you so deeply, so thoroughly, you think your lips might never unpuff from his hasty, bitten kisses. 

His cock, now soft, still inside you, his warm chest against yours, his nose nudging yours, his eyelashes fluttering against your skin, the kiss is totally perfect, and you’re warm, and the windows are all closed and fogged up and there’s no curse other than the most fatal and most perfectly tantalizing of them all: love. 

You are not alone. You’re sitting in his lap and you think if you give it a day or two more, you might want to spend the rest of your life with him. 

You catch your breaths. 

“You’re really good at that,” you say finally. He grins again, perfectly undone, hair tousled and cheeks flushed. “Yeah?” he asks. You hum. 

After some minutes of keeping him inside you, kissing lazily, running your hands over his pretty chest and arms, you pull back, beginning to flex your legs to pull him out of you. 

“What are you doing?” he asks, hands wafting to still your movements. You furrow your brows, confused. 

“Am getting your dick out of me?” 

His hands sink down on your hips heavily, fully encompassing his dick again. You sigh at the feeling. 

“Don’t do that, silly. You’re touch-starved, remember?” 

He tilts his head teasingly. 

“So why don’t you just sit snug on my cock, so you can get all the closeness you need?”

#jeon wonwoo x reader #smut #wonwoo smut #jeon wonwoo smut #svt smut #svt x reader #seventeen x reader #seventeen smut #svt angst #wonwoo angst #wonwoo x reader #wonwoo x you

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9 Scientifically Proven Ways to Get the Most Out of Study Tim

For anyone in the thick of study, or about to be, science has been working hard and has found ways to help you get the most out of your study time, all backed by hefty research. Here’s how to study smarter, supercharge your learning and store the information away in your head so it’s ready to jump into your arms when you need it. 

Get your heart pumping.When you exercise, your blood chemistry changes and your brain becomes the very happy recipient of important nutrients. It repays the favour by amping up its performance – specifically memory, attention, information processing and problem solving. Here are a couple of reasons your brain and exercise are one of the great love stories:

• Exercise increases the levels of a crucial brain-derived neurotophic factor (let’s call it BDNF – it’s much easier to spell). BDNF is important for the growth of brain cells, mood and learning.

• Exercise releases a powerful cocktail of important hormones including serotonin (the mood booster), dopamine (for learning and attention) and norepinephrine (for awareness, attention and concentration).

Try for 20-30 minutes a day. Anything that increases your heart rate will do the trick – running, bike-riding, walking, kicking a ball or turning up the beats and dancing it out. It doesn’t have to be beautiful, strong or graceful. It just has to be active.

Spread your study. Yep. You got it. No cramming.

Cramming doesn’t work, which is one of the great pities – life would be so much easier if it did. The problem with cramming is that the material doesn’t get the opportunity to transfer into long-term memory. Short term memory is like the party space in your head – information is there for a good time but not a long time. When information hits long-term memory, it’s committed and there when you need it. The transfer of information from short-term memory into long-term memory takes time and repeated exposure to the material. It’s not clear why spacing your study is so much better for you, but it’s likely that over a few days you’ll forget some of the material, then remember it again when you come back to your books. This increases exposure to the information which takes it closer to long-term memory.

Know what’s to come.

We only have a limited amount of mental resources, and during a test you want as much of those resources available as possible. The thoughts that come with test anxiety steal some of those mental resources for, you know, worrying, leaving fewer resources available to retrieve important information. Researchers have found that looking through an exam before working on it will reduce anxiety and improve performance. Remember though, that all the mental resources in the world won’t find the right answers in memory if the answers aren’t put there solidly in the first place.

Teach what you’ve learnt.

Expecting to teach what’s been learned has been shown to be better for learning and memory than expecting only testing. It’s a subtle shift in mindset, but the effect on learning is an important one. Learning material with an intention to teach ensures that material is actively understood and stored away in memory, and not passively looked over.

Test yourself.

Testing yourself will force you to remember information. Every time you remember something, the information becomes a little more enduring. Testing yourself might also help to take the fire out of test anxiety, in the same way that exposure to any feared object eventually makes that object less frightening. Testing yourself on the material you’ve learned is more effective than reading the material over and over. Re-reading material might get you thinking that you’re familiar with the material, but until you try to retrieve that material from memory, you won’t actually know how well you know it or where the gaps in your knowledge are.

Get some sleep.

Sounds simple enough, but it’s not always easy when there’s so much to do. Deep sleep causes physical changes in the brain. When you learn something, your brain cells grow new connections that reach out and connect to other brain cells. This strengthens the pathways in your brain around whatever it is your learning. Sleeping after learning encourages memories of the information to be wired into your brain, so it’s less likely to fade. Think of your brain like a tree. Learning causes a branch to grow, but sleep helps it to grow the leaves and other tiny branches that will sustain and strengthen it.

And ditch the all-nighters.

All-nighters will mess with your ability to remember and process information. Sleep prepares your brain for learning, so pulling an all-nighter can cut your capacity to learn new things by up to 40% – and that’s not the only problem. Research has shown that it can take up to four days for your brain to return to normal after you’ve been awake all night.

Take a break

For those feeling shackled to all that is study, here is some sweet, sweet news. Taking a short break after every hour of learning is better than working straight through as it improves your ability to focus on a particular task without being distracted. Research has found that the greatest improvement come following 15 minutes of moderate activity (jogging, a brisk walk, dribbling a ball) but improvement was also shown following vigorous activity (running, jumping, skipping) or a passive break (such as listening to music or watching funny YouTube clips – because for sure that’s why they were invented). Memory is strongest for the things learned immediately before and after a break so keep those times for the tough stuff.

Power pose.

Before a test, find somewhere private (or, totally public – up to you) and strike a power pose. Think Wonder Woman – hands on hips, legs apart; Superman – tall, shoulders back, chest expanded, arms stretched out in front of you; or that boss thing that bosses in the movies do – sitting back the bottom of one leg resting on the thigh of the other, hands behind your head and expanded. This will reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), and increase testosterone (the dominance hormone). The mind-body connection is a strong one. If you don’t believe you can do it, act like you can – eventually your mind won’t know the difference and will have you believing you can do anything – which you can.

So, if study and you are spending a lot of time together, remember to take breaks, get some pillow time, get active, or dig for comedy gold on YouTube – whatever works for you. Maybe try a bit of everything – not for too long though – the world can’t be brilliant without you.

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[unofficialadamtaurus]

This is someting I have been wondering for a time, do you see canon Adam, after he gets stabbed, reflects on the path that caused his downfall and recovering from his wounds/hidding, hearing of volume 8 events and deciding to help defeating Salem or just toasting for the end of the world?

I think a mix of both, but mostly the latter.

There were bars that were holes in the wall and there were bars set up where the wall had collapsed. Adam had washed up in the latter; though the bike he’d stolen from some novice huntsman outside Argus still had plenty of fuel, his wounds acting up with every bump in the road had forced him to take a break while he waited for his latest dose of painkillers to kick in.

Frankly, it was a miracle the Grimm hadn’t wiped this place off the map yet, particularly with the CCTV still down. They were too far from Argus to count on support, too far from Haven to count on their help, and too far from any train tracks to count on traveling huntsmen. And yet it persisted. A miracle.

All so that Adam could sip bottom-shelf liquor on a splintered stool while he waited for his ribs to stop crackling with every inhale. He had to be careful how he leaned his weight on the bar; too much and it felt like his chest was being torn in two.

Soft tissue damage, nerve damage, bone damage, infections…three weeks he’d been near comatose. Fished out of the water by two soldiers who somehow ended up out at sea during the Grimm attack, or so he heard later. Idiots had thought he was a civilian carried off by a Griffon, had taken him to the hospital.

He owed his life to two human Atlesian soldiers.

He scowled and drank. His chest burned and he nearly choked, earning himself a side eye from the bartender whose only method of looking at his handful of patrons seemed to be from the side of his eye.

Adam ignored him. He ignored the pain and the tingling numbness spread down his left arm, too. That particular lack of feeling came and went as it pleased. Fucking nerves.

There was only so much ignoring he could do unassisted, so he turned his eye to the TV. Someone in this backwater town had rigged up an antennae and a booster to rip Argus’s stations. More power to them; wasn’t like this town had anything of its own to offer.

Adam listened to the report on changes in the local Atlas base’s military command with half an ear. Then the broadcast glitched. And glitched again.

A girl in a red cloak stared out at him, at all of them, at everyone in the entire world, and spoke complete delusion.

At least, that was what the bartender scoffed before he turned off the TV.

“Think someone got the CCT up and running for a joke?” Adam asked. His voice was scratchy both from disuse and his drink’s less than soothing constitution.

“Think someone got at André's equipment for a joke.”

“Am I supposed to know who that is?”

“Fella who gets us the channels. Doesn’t exactly have a security system for his gear. Kids do dumb shit with it more often’n not.”

“Right,” said Adam slowly. If the bartender wanted to think it was delusion, fine. Adam wouldn’t disabuse him of the notion. He didn’t care enough to shatter the human’s tiny little worldview, a worldview where queens of Grimm and falling kingdoms were dreamed up by bored kids lacking supervision.

Adam knew better. He knew what he’d aligned himself with in those heady days of seeking the White Fang’s throne. Back then, he hadn’t cared. Maybe he should have; maybe then, the world wouldn’t be fucking ending.

He was so far from those days of being in the thick of things, now. Injured and alone, weapons lost to the ocean, on the run to and through places like this that had a lower chance of knowing his face. No destination, not really. Certainly not Atlas. Vaguely, Mistral.

The end of the world. It felt absurd. But Beacon had fallen, and Haven not longer after. Now it was Atlas’s turn. If the mightiest of the kingdoms couldn’t turn back the tide, what hope did the rest of them have?

Yeah, he’d go to Mistral. No one in the White Fang would be happy to see him, not after he killed those who questioned him and ran like a coward. Maybe some of the witnesses to Sienna’s death had even spread the truth of those events in his absence.

He couldn’t do nothing, though. He wasn’t going to save the world—he’d sooner burn it to the ground—but if he could help the faunus survive, well. He could at least try.

“Don’t tell me you believed that shit,” the bartender said when Adam’s silence stretched.

Adam stared down at his drink. One sip left. He wasn’t feeling his wounds anymore, which meant it was time to go. He smiled a wry smile and lifted his glass in a mock toast. “To delusion.”

#anon #unofficial adam answers #adam taurus #uat writing

[sunnyranalkar94]

Fuel Your Day with Two Wheels: Why Daily Cycling Should Be Your New Habit

The morning alarm screams, and your motivation hits the snooze button faster than a Tour de France champion. Sound familiar? We all crave healthy habits, but finding something enjoyable and sustainable can be a tricky climb.

But what if the answer was waiting right outside your door, whispering sweet nothings with two wheels and a breeze in its spokes?

Yes, friends, I'm talking about daily cycling. It's not just a nostalgic childhood memory; it's a powerful exercise routine that fuels your body, mind, and even the planet. Still not convinced? Let's crank up the gears and explore why you should consider making cycling your daily companion.

Health Benefits That Leave You Breathless (In a Good Way!)

Cycling isn't just about scenic rides and wind-tousled hair (although those are pretty awesome perks). It's a cardio king, strengthening your heart and lungs with every pedal stroke. This translates to lower blood pressure, reduced risk of diabetes, and even a stronger immune system. Feeling sluggish? A daily cycle invigorates your body, leaving you feeling energized and ready to conquer your day.

More Than Just a Physical Fix: Your Mental Wellness Gets a Tune-Up

Think cycling is just about leg power? Think again! Studies show that pedaling your way to work or enjoying a leisurely afternoon ride can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. The rhythmic motion and fresh air act as natural mood boosters, leaving you feeling calmer and more focused. Say goodbye to that post-work slump and hello to a clear, balanced mind.

Saving the Planet, One Pedal Stroke at a Time

Let's face it, our planet needs heroes, and cyclists are some of the coolest ones around. Ditching the car for your trusty two-wheeler reduces your carbon footprint and air pollution, making a real difference in the fight against climate change. Bonus points if you use your bike for errands or commuting – you'll be surprised how much you can accomplish on two wheels!

Accessibility: The Beauty of Cycling Lies in Its Simplicity

Unlike some forms of exercise, cycling doesn't discriminate. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a weekend warrior, there's a bike and a pace out there for you. Start with short, leisurely rides and gradually increase distance or intensity as you build your fitness. Plus, it's easy on your joints, making it a perfect option for people of all ages and abilities.

Ready to Get Rolling?

So, are you ready to trade four wheels for two and experience the transformative power of daily cycling? It's an investment in your health, happiness, and the planet. Remember, small steps lead to big changes, so start with a ride around the block and see where the journey takes you. You might just surprise yourself with how much you enjoy the view (and the endorphin rush!).

Join the Movement!

Share your cycling journey in the comments below! What motivates you to ride? What are your favorite routes or tips for beginners? Let's build a community of cycling enthusiasts and inspire each other to keep pedaling towards a healthier, happier planet.

Remember, the road to a healthier you starts with a single pedal stroke. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and ride!

#cycling #bikelife #dailycycling #healthylifestyle #exercise #fitness #wellness #cardio #mentalhealth #ecofriendly #sustainable #environment #planet #commute #transportation #motivation #inspiration #community #ride

[dielukedie-subaru]

Recently sold one of my bikes so I used some of the cash to buy these 2 parts made by Cusco. Why are the prices similar when the brake pedal reinforcement has way less metal?

I have a feeling both parts are gonna be a PITA to install. They are not listed to fit the 2nd gen Legacy but my eyeballs tell me otherwise. Coming from Japan so it will be a couple weeks.

Why spend that much? Because they both are more of a safety thing for me with the bonus of handling/performance benefits. The car has no brake booster so one part reinforces the firewall from the cabin side, equals a more solid pedal and less stress on the firewall. The car also needed something other than the JDM toothpick of a bumper beam in case of a head on collision.

@deepenter The brake pedal reinforcement plate is something you might try? ✌️

Cusco part numbers:

GC8 Impreza front power brace: 660-492-FM

GD Impreza brake pedal reinforcement plates:

CG 667 486 A

#subaru #cusco #car parts #legacy #impreza #gc8 #gda #bk6 #thoughts #bracing #brake pedal reinforcement #jdm #custom #modified cars #part numbers

[smadvil]

Finding the Delight of Hobbies: Unleashing Your Enthusiasm for Remarkable Experiences

Embracing Hobbies as a Pathway to Self-Discovery and Satisfaction

In the stress of daily life, it's very easy to shed view of the things that genuinely bring us delight and satisfaction. Leisure activities use a welcome retreat from the uniformity, enabling us to discover our passions and look into activities that ignite our hearts. Whether it's painting, gardening, playing a tool, or exercising yoga exercise, hobbies provide a haven where we can reveal ourselves and attach with our truest selves.Beyond the instant satisfaction they bring, hobbies have the power to unlock covert abilities and obscure potential. Involving in tasks we like not just improves our self-esteem however additionally encourages personal growth and self-discovery. They allow us to use our creativity, problem-solving capacities, and ingenuity, which can translate right into numerous aspects of our lives. By involving ourselves in leisure activities, we create space for self-reflection and personal advancement, enabling us to browse life's difficulties with a restored sense of objective and resilience.The Advantages of Growing Leisure Activities: Nurturing Mental and Physical Health Taking part in pastimes

exceeds mere pleasure; it has a profound effect on our mental and physical wellness

. Study has actually shown that hobbies have restorative advantages, helping lower stress and anxiety degrees and improving total mental health. Whether it's weaving, cooking, or hiking, indulging in tasks we like launches endorphins, which are all-natural mood-boosters that promote a feeling of well-being and happiness. Pastimes can work as healthy and balanced electrical outlets for tension relief, allowing us to disconnect from the needs of our every day lives and find solace in the present moment.Moreover, hobbies add to our physical wellness by advertising an energetic way of living. Whether it's dancing, biking, or playing a team sporting activity, pastimes that include

physical movement boost cardio wellness, boost control, and boost endurance. Engaging in regular exercise via leisure activities additionally assists maintain a healthy weight, strengthens muscle mass and bones, and decreases the threat of persistent diseases.In conclusion, pastimes are not merely activities; they are entrances to self-discovery, individual development, and overall wellness. By accepting leisure activities, we can find solace, happiness, and gratification while

nurturing our mental and physical wellness. So, allow's make time for the things we enjoy, check out new passions,

Read more here continue reading

#learn whitewater kayaking

[bodyboostbro]

Bodyboostbros.com is a Professional Fitness Platform. Here we will provide you only interesting content, which you will like very much. We’re dedicated to providing you the best of Fitness, with a focus on dependability and Fitness. We hope you enjoy our Fitness as much as we enjoy offering them to you.

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[aliishrat]

How can I improve my child's brain function?

Subtitle - What is the best brain booster for kids?   

Introduction

Improving a child's brain function is vital for his or her cognitive improvement and normal boom. By specializing in a balanced weight loss plan rich in Omega-three fatty acids, nutrients, and minerals, you can beautify your mind health. Regular bodily hobby, consisting of exercise and outdoor play, boosts bodily fitness and helps cognitive capabilities. 

Mental stimulation via educational games, studying, and tracking strengthens memory and problem-solving abilities. Ensuring healthful surroundings with adequate sleep, stress management, and restricted screen time is crucial. Social interplay, innovative activities, high-quality reinforcement, hydration, and a based recurring, in addition, contribute to brainpower and effective gaining knowledge. Early youth schooling and tracking developmental milestones are key for fostering intelligence and understanding.

Throughout records, humans have engaged in bodily interest for survival and endeavor. In historic civilizations like Greece and Rome, bodily fitness turned intertwined with cultural and army practices, with sports like wrestling and going for walks celebrated in competitions. Over time, as societies developed, physical hobbies remained important for health and well-being, with prepared sports activities, exercise workouts, and leisure activities turning into more structured and diverse. Today, the importance of bodily pastime is recognized globally, with projects selling lively existence for progressed fitness and toughness.

Description   

Physical hobby includes a huge variety of actions and exercises that interact with the frame's muscle groups and strength systems. From brisk walking and going for walks to crew sports activities and yoga, bodily interest offers numerous blessings for fitness and well-being. Engaging in normal bodily hobbies strengthens muscular tissues, improves cardiovascular fitness, boosts mood, and complements typical health ranges. Whether it is through structured exercises in the gym, outside sports in nature, or leisure sports activities with pals, locating exciting methods to stay energetic is crucial for keeping a healthy lifestyle.

2. Physical Activity

Exercise

Encourage Regular Physical Activities: Get your child involved in fun and active sports like sports activities, jogging, and swimming. These sports are not most effective in improving physical fitness however additionally enhance brain features by increasing blood waft to the brain.

Daily Playtime: Set aside time every day for active play. This will be as easy as playing tag, driving a bike, or dancing to their favorite track. Regular exercise allows for the development of motor skills and coordination.

Outdoor Play

Fresh Air and Nature: Promote activities that contain being outdoors. Nature walks, hiking, and gambling in the park are outstanding ways to revel in the fresh air. Being in nature can reduce pressure and enhance mental health and cognition.

Gardening and Exploration: Encourage your baby to help with gardening or discover your outdoors. These sports can spark their imagination and educate them about the world around them.

Physical Fitness

Strength and Endurance: Incorporate routines that construct energy, coordination, and patience. Simple physical activities like leaping jacks, climbing, and yoga may be amusing and powerful.

Family Fitness: Make bodily pastime a family affair. Go for family motorbike rides, play a sport of football, or do a workout video collectively. This never again just works on substantial wellness however also fortifies the circle of family members' bonds.

Advantages of Physical/Active Work

Further developed Fixation: Customary actual hobby can help your child's consideration higher in school and during schoolwork time. It complements their capacity to concentrate and improves their attention span.

Better Sleep: Kids who are lively during the day have a tendency to sleep higher at night time, which is critical for brain improvement and standard well-being.

Enhanced Mood: Exercise releases endorphins, which might be natural temper lifters. Active children are frequently happier and extra energetic.

By incorporating these bodily sports into your child's daily habits, you could extensively decorate their mind feature and overall fitness. Remember, the key is to make these sports fun and engaging so that your baby looks ahead to them!

3. Mental Stimulation

Educational Games

Puzzles: Introduce your toddler to puzzles. They assist with problem-solving competencies and cognitive improvement. Start with easy ones and steadily grow the problem as they get higher.

Memory Games: Play reminiscence video games like matching cards. These video games beautify reminiscence and attention span. They are fun and may be played collectively as a family.

Problem-Solving Activities: Encourage sports that require questioning and reasoning. Games like chess, Sudoku, and building blocks are extremely good for reinforcing intelligence and creativity.

Reading

Love for Books: Read in your infant each day. Choose books that are exciting and age-suitable. This will help them expand a love for analyzing, that's critical for gaining knowledge of and imagination.

Vocabulary and Comprehension: As they grow, inspire them to read on their very own. Discuss the testimonies to enhance their vocabulary and comprehension skills. Ask questions on the story to beautify their knowledge and verbal exchange abilities.

Library Visits: Make everyday trips to the library. Let your baby pick out books that interest them. This not handiest improves their reading capabilities but also fosters a feeling of independence.

Music

Learning an Instrument: Encourage your child to analyze a musical tool. Playing a device enhances memory, coordination, and cognitive characteristics. It's additionally a brilliant way to express creativity.

Listening to Music: Play one-of-a-kind sorts of tunes at domestic. Music can enhance mood, lessen stress, and boost brainpower. Classical music, particularly, is understood for its cognitive advantages.

Music Activities: Engage in music-associated activities like making a song, dancing, or developing easy gadgets at domestic. These sports are a laugh and assist with motor competencies and emotional well-being.

Benefits of Mental Stimulation

Enhanced Learning: Mentally stimulating sports make getting to know a laugh and tasty. They assist your baby develop a love for know-how and knowledge.

Improved Focus: Regular mental stimulation improves concentration and attention span, making it less complicated for your baby to be cognizant of obligations.

Better Problem-Solving: Activities that task the brain to decorate reasoning and problem-fixing talents, important competencies for academic success and ordinary life.

By incorporating educational games, reading, and tuning into your infant's daily recurring, you can notably raise their mind feature and cognitive abilities. Make these sports exciting and varied to keep your infant engaged and enthusiastic about getting to know them!

4. Healthy Environment

Sleep

Adequate Sleep: Ensure your baby receives sufficient sleep each night time. A regular bedtime habit enables this. Sleep is vital for mind characteristics and cognitive improvement.

Quality Sleep: Create a cushy napping environment. A quiet, dark, and cool room can enhance sleep pleasant. Limit screen time sooner than bed as the blue light from showcases can disrupt rest.

Sleep Schedule: Lay out a loosening-up sleep time that incorporates exercises like perusing a digital book or scrubbing down. This works with a sign in your little child's body that now is the ideal time to slow down and get ready for rest.

Stress Management

Supportive Environment: Create a loving and supportive home environment. Positive reinforcement and encouragement can assist lessen strain and anxiety.

Mindfulness and Relaxation: Teach your baby easy mindfulness sporting activities like deep breathing or meditation. These practices can help control strain and improve emotional well-being.

Open Communication: Encourage your toddler to talk approximately their emotions. Listen actively and offer reassurance. This builds emotional intelligence and allows them to experience security and support.

Limit Screen Time

Screen-Free Activities: Promote sports that don't contain screens. Encourage your child to play out of doors, study books, or interact in innovative tasks like drawing or building with blocks.

Active Learning: Engage in arms-on gaining knowledge of activities that stimulate the thoughts and frame. Science experiments, cooking, and crafting are brilliant ways to examine actively.

Set Limits: Establish clear guidelines for screen time. Limit the usage of displays to positive instances of the day and ensure that your infant has masses of time for other activities that sell physical health and intellectual stimulation.

Benefits of a Healthy Environment

Better Sleep: A healthy environment with adequate sleep supports cognitive function and universal health. Children who sleep properly are greater alert and prepared to examine.

Reduced Stress: Managing stress successfully improves intellectual health and allows kids to deal with challenges better. A supportive environment fosters resilience.

Balanced Activities: Limiting display screen time encourages the stability of sports that promote mind improvement, physical fitness, and social talents.

By specializing in sleep, stress control, and limiting display time, you create healthful surroundings that support your infant's mind characteristics and ordinary well-being. These practices make sure that your child is nicely rested, emotionally balanced, and engaged in activities that foster increase and mastering.

5. Social Interaction

Peer Interaction

Playdates: Arrange everyday playdates with other children. Playing with friends facilitates expanding essential social talents like sharing, cooperation, and empathy.

Group Activities: Enroll your child in group sports including crew sports, dance classes, or golf equipment. These sports offer possibilities for teamwork and constructing friendships.

School and Community Events: Participate in school activities and community sports. These activities help youngsters learn how to engage with others in distinct settings and build a sense of community.

Family Time

Regular Family Activities: Engage in normal family sports like recreation nights, movie nights, or outdoor adventures. Spending a nice time collectively strengthens own family bonds and presents a sense of protection.

Family Meals: Have food collectively as your own family. This is a high-quality time to talk approximately the day and inspire open communication.

Family Traditions: Create and hold family traditions, consisting of vacation celebrations or weekend outings. These traditions provide balance and a feeling of belonging.

Communication Skills

Open Communication: Encourage your baby to express their thoughts and feelings openly. Listen actively and respond with empathy to build consideration and emotional intelligence.

Effective Communication: Teach your baby to speak correctly by modeling true conversation behaviors. This includes using polite language, taking turns speaking, and listening attentively.

Problem-Solving: Involve your baby in solving family troubles or making decisions. This allows them to discover ways to articulate their thoughts and keep in mind others' views.

Benefits of Social Interaction

Social Development: Regular interplay with peers and circle of relatives members facilitates children to increase communique skills and emotional intelligence. They discover ways to navigate social conditions and construct healthful relationships.

Confidence Building: Positive social interactions build shallowness and self-belief. Children feel valued and understood, which encourages them to specific themselves greater freely.

Emotional Well-being: Strong social connections contribute to emotional well-being. Children with precise social competencies are more prepared to address strain and are commonly happier.

By focusing on peer interaction, your own family time, and communique capabilities, you can substantially enhance your infant's social improvement and normal well-being. These practices ensure that your toddler feels linked, supported, and assured in their interactions with others.

6. Creative Activities

Art and Crafts

Drawing and Painting: Set up a delegated region with art elements wherein your baby can freely draw, paint, and express themselves creatively. This fosters creativity and self-expression.

Crafting: Provide materials for various crafts including making jewelry, sculpting with clay, or growing paper crafts. Crafting activities beautify satisfactory motor competencies and inspire problem-solving and creativity.

Imagination

Creative Play: Encourage your infant to engage in innovative play. Provide costumes, props, and open-ended toys like dolls, motion figures, or filled animals. This allows them to explore extraordinary roles and situations, expanding their imagination.

Storytelling: Foster storytelling skills by encouraging your toddler to create their very own memories. They can write or dictate tales, draw illustrations, or act them out with puppets. Storytelling enhances language talents and stimulates creativity.

Fine Motor Skills

Building Blocks: Offer constructing blocks or creation toys that require manipulation and meeting. These activities give a boost to high-quality motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial cognizance.

Puzzles: Provide puzzles of various problem stages. Completing puzzles enables broadened hassle-solving skills, endurance, and attention to element.

Advantages of  Creative Activities/Imaginative Exercises

Creative Mind and Imagination: Participating in innovative exercises sustains your kid's creative mind and inventiveness, significant for development and self-articulation.

Fine Motor Skills: Activities like drawing, crafting, and building expand satisfactory motor talents important for responsibilities like writing, dressing, and feeding themselves.

Cognitive Development: Creative play and hassle-solving sports stimulate cognitive development by challenging your baby to assume critically and discover answers.

By presenting possibilities for arts and crafts, nurturing creativity, and promoting activities that increase fine motor talents, you help your baby's creative development and normal cognitive boom. These sports aren't the most effective and enjoyable but additionally important for building vital skills for achievement in faculty and past.

7. Positive Reinforcement

Encouragement

Positive Feedback: Praise your baby for their efforts and achievements. Acknowledge their development and accomplishments, irrespective of how small. Positive comments help confidence and inspiration.

Inspirational statements: Use words that elevate and motivate your youngster. Let them know you're glad for their intense canvases and diligence. Encourage them to maintain attempts, although they face demanding situations.

Celebrating Success: Celebrate milestones and successes along with your toddler. Whether it's a very good grade, a completed venture, or gaining knowledge of a brand new skill, celebrate their achievements to enhance positive behavior.

Motivation

Building Confidence: Encourage your child to tackle new demanding situations and step out in their consolation quarter. Offer guidance and reassurance as they navigate the strange territory. Building self-belief empowers them to address limitations and pursue their desires.

Love for Learning: Foster a love for getting to know with the aid of making it fun and tasty. Explore topics of hobby together, visit museums or technology facilities, and encourage interest. Help your baby see learning as an adventure rather than a chore.

Setting Goals: Work with your infant to set practical and conceivable desires. Break larger dreams into smaller milestones and celebrate each accomplishment along the way. Goal-placing affords direction and motivation for persistent increase and improvement.

Advantages of Uplifting feedback

Confidence: Encouraging feedback supports your child's confidence and self-conviction, making them more noteworthy and versatile notwithstanding challenges.

Characteristic Inspiration: By zeroing in on internal prizes like joy and enjoyment, encouraging feedback develops natural inspiration — the drive to work on something for its own purpose rather than outside remunerations.

Solid Connections: Offering recognition and support fortifies the connection between you and your child. It cultivates circumspect and open discussion, creating strong and supporting environmental factors.

By providing steady support and inspiration, you enable your little child to think about themselves and their capacities. Encouraging feedback cultivates an expanded attitude and sets the degree for long-lasting learning and accomplishment.

8. Hydration

Water Admission

Empowering Hydration: Make sure your kid is hydrated during the day. Keep a water bottle open and support tasting water habitually, particularly throughout and after substantial games.

Hydration Update: Remind your baby to hydrate by setting up updates or integrating it into their daily schedule. Make it a reliance to hydrate sooner than feasts and bites.

Sound Other options: Offer water in light of the fact that the essential drink is wanted. Limit sweet fluids like soft drinks and natural product juices, which could add to a lack of hydration and unfortunate sugar utilization.

Advantages of Hydration

Brain Function: Staying hydrated is vital for optimal brain function. Dehydration can result in fatigue, headaches, and problems concentrating, impacting your baby's capability to learn and carry out tasks.

Physical Health: Drinking enough water helps standardize physical health and well-being. It helps modify body temperature, aids digestion, and flushes out pollutants from the body.

Energy Levels: Proper hydration continues to power stages up, supporting your toddler to stay lively and engaged at some stage in the day. It prevents feelings of tiredness and lethargy, selling an extra alert and active demeanor.

Ensuring your child stays hydrated is crucial for his or her universal fitness and well-being. By selling regular water intake, you help their cognitive characteristic, physical fitness, and strength stages, permitting them to thrive and achieve their daily sports.

9. Structured Routine

Routine and Structure

Consistent Daily Schedule: Establish a predictable habit in your infant that includes normal wake-up instances, food, playtime, gaining knowledge of sports, and bedtime. Consistency affords a feeling of safety and allows children to know what to anticipate.

Visual Schedule: Create a visual schedule or chart that outlines the daily ordinary. Use pix or symbols to represent each hobby, making it smooth for younger kids to recognize and follow along.

Flexibility: While it's crucial to have a structured ordinary, permit flexibility to accommodate unexpected occasions or modifications. This teaches kids to conform to new conditions even if nonetheless keeping an experience of balance.

Benefits of Structured Routine

Stability and Predictability: A based recurring presents stability and predictability, that are essential for children's sense of safety and well-being. Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety and promotes an experience of calm.

Time Management Skills: Following a routine teaches kids precious time control abilities. They learn how to prioritize tasks, manage their time efficaciously, and broaden a sense of obligation.

Consistency in Learning: A steady day schedule guarantees that kids have dedicated time for getting to know activities inclusive of analyzing, instructional video games, and homework. This reinforces learning and helps cognitive improvement.

Establishing a based recurring allows kids to sense organized, assured, and organized for each day's activities. By offering stability and predictability, you create surroundings that foster growth, studying, and basic well-being.

10. Early Childhood Education

Learning Activities

Engage in Playful Learning: Encourage activities that blend a laugh and gaining knowledge, together with studying books, singing songs, and playing academic video games. These sports lay the inspiration for early literacy and numeracy abilities.

Hands-On Exploration: Provide opportunities for palms-on exploration and discovery. Activities like sorting items with the aid of shade or form, counting toys, and constructing with blocks enhance hassle-fixing and crucial wondering competencies.

Daily Conversations: Engage in conversations together with your baby in the course of the day. Talk approximately what you notice, pay attention, and do collectively. This builds vocabulary, language skills, and conversation competencies.

Formative Achievements

Screen Progress: Keep in order your baby's formative achievements, comprehensive of substantial, mental, social, and profound achievements. Look for signs of progress and regions wherein they may need additional guidance.

Support Growth: Provide activities and studies that support your baby's development. Offer toys and games that fit their cutting-edge ability degree and hobbies. Celebrate achievements and offer encouragement once they face demanding situations.

Regular Check-ins: Schedule ordinary take-a-look-ins together with your toddler's pediatrician or early life educator to evaluate their improvement and cope with any concerns or questions you can have.

Benefits of Early Childhood Education

Foundation for Learning: Early childhood training lays the foundation for future instructional success. It builds vital skills along with language development, numeracy, and social interplay which are critical for later getting to know.

Social and Emotional Development: Engaging in getting to know sports and monitoring developmental milestones supports kids' social and emotional improvement. They discover ways to engage with others, regulate their emotions, and navigate social situations.

Parent Involvement: Early childhood education fosters discern-child bonding and involvement. By actively taking part to your infant's learning adventure, you toughen your relationship and emerge as their first and maximum influential teacher.

Investing in early life schooling units the degree for lifelong learning and achievement. By accomplishing learning activities and tracking developmental milestones, you provide your infant with the tools and assistance they want to thrive and reach their full ability.

Conclusion

In the end, using imposing those strategies, you may efficiently decorate your baby's cognitive improvement and standard well-being. Prioritizing components like nutrients, physical hobbies, intellectual stimulation, healthy surroundings, social interplay, creative activities, high-quality reinforcement, hydration, structured habitual, and early life training provides a complete approach to supporting your toddler's increase.

Ensuring a balanced eating regimen rich in important vitamins, encouraging regular bodily hobbies, and promoting intellectual stimulation through educational games, studying, and tuning lay the muse for the most efficient brain function. Creating a supportive and low-stress environment, proscribing display time, and fostering advantageous social interactions contribute to emotional well-being and social development.

Engaging in innovative sports, supplying high-quality reinforcement, and maintaining a structured ordinary provide balance and possibilities for increase. Additionally, tracking developmental milestones and actively collaborating in life training packages set the level for lifelong knowledge of and success.

By prioritizing those aspects of your infant's development, you empower them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, placing them in a direction closer to a brilliant and enjoyable destiny.

#Nutrition #Exercise #Sleep #Education #Reading #Play #SocialInteraction #MentalStimulation #Hobbies #LimitScreenTime #Music #HealthyEnvironment

[fitness-posts-blog]

Power of Low Cardio Fitness with Apple Watch: Best 10 Tips

**Disclosure:** This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. This is at no additional cost to you. This guide delves into the world of low cardio fitness with Apple Watch, empowering you to take control of your health in a sustainable and enjoyable way. "Dude, ever feel like your heart's going crazy after just a few flights of stairs? Your Apple Watch might be giving you the whole "low cardio fitness with Apple Watch" warning. Don't sweat it, though! Start small, bro. Take a "low cardio fitness with Apple Watch" walk around the block with some tunes blasting. Your Apple Watch tracks it all, see? Watch that "low cardio fitness with Apple Watch" number creep up every day. Before you know it, you'll be leaving your friends in the dust! Apple Watch shows you how far you've come from that "low cardio fitness with Apple Watch" stage. Remember, all about that health, brah! Challenge your crew, make it a game! Who can ditch "low cardio fitness with Apple Watch" first with their Apple Watch? It's gonna be epic! Let's get ripped, have a blast, and crush that "low cardio fitness with Apple Watch" thing with the power of Apple Watch! We'll be trading those "low cardio fitness with Apple Watch" frowns for high fives in no time"

Understanding Low Cardio Fitness: Not a Walk in the Park (But Maybe a Gentle Stroll)

Buy watches from amazon Low cardio fitness, often referred to as moderate-intensity exercise, involves activities that elevate your heart rate but allow you to hold a conversation comfortably.  Think brisk walking, swimming, cycling at a leisurely pace, or even dancing to your favorite tunes. Don't be fooled by the seemingly "low" intensity – these exercises pack a powerful punch for your overall well-being.

The Science Behind the Sweat: Aerobics vs. Anaerobics

During exercise, your body uses oxygen to convert fuel into energy. Low cardio exercises fall within the aerobic zone, where your body has enough oxygen to efficiently burn fat and maintain sustained activity. As you increase intensity, you enter the anaerobic zone, where oxygen becomes limited, leading to fatigue and that familiar burning sensation. Low cardio keeps you in the sweet spot, optimizing fat burning and improving your body's ability to utilize oxygen efficiently.

Beyond the Scale: The Perks of Low Cardio

Don't underestimate the power of low cardio! Here's a glimpse into the treasure trove of benefits it unlocks: - Cardio Champion: Low cardio strengthens your heart, improves blood flow, and lowers blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. - Endurance All-Star: Regular low cardio workouts boost your stamina, allowing you to tackle daily activities with more energy and reducing fatigue. - Weight Management Warrior: Low cardio burns calories consistently, aiding in weight management or even weight loss when combined with a healthy diet. - Mood Marvel: Exercise is a natural mood booster! Low cardio releases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that combat stress, anxiety, and depression.

Apple Watch: Your Wrist-worn Wizard for Low Cardio Success

Now, let's leverage the power of your Apple Watch to turn low cardio into a breeze. Apple Watch boasts a suite of features designed to track your fitness journey: - Built-in Workout App: Track your low cardio sessions – from brisk walks to leisurely bike rides – and monitor workout metrics like duration, calories burned, and average heart rate. - Activity App: Get a holistic view of your daily activity, including steps taken, distance covered, and active calorie burn, motivating you to move throughout the day. - Heart Rate Monitoring: Apple Watch continuously measures your heart rate, providing valuable insights into your exertion level during low cardio workouts.

Setting Up for Success: Tailoring Your Apple Watch

Ready to unleash your inner low cardio champion? Here's how to personalize your Apple Watch experience:Low Cardio Fitness with Apple Watch - Define Your Goals: Set realistic fitness goals in the Activity app, whether it's increasing your daily move minutes or closing your activity rings more frequently. - Customize Workouts: Choose from pre-loaded workouts in the Workout App or create your own low cardio routines tailored to your preferences. - Heart Rate Zones: Utilize Apple Watch's heart rate zones to ensure you're exercising within the optimal zone for low cardio benefits.

Monitoring Your Progress: A Numbers Game with Real Benefits

Apple Watch transforms you into a citizen scientist, empowering you to track your progress: - Activity Trends: Witness your progress over time with weekly summaries showcasing improvements in active calories burned, distance covered, and more. - Heart Rate Variability (HRV): For Apple Watch models with advanced features, monitor your HRV, a valuable indicator of cardiovascular health and recovery.

Low Cardio Workouts with Apple Watch: Inspiration at Your Fingertips

Need some workout inspiration? Apple Watch offers a variety of low cardio options:

- Walking Workouts: Explore your neighborhood, a park, or even your local mall. Apple Watch tracks your distance and pace, keeping you motivated. - Swimming Sessions: Enjoy a refreshing low-impact workout at the pool. Apple Watch is water-resistant, allowing you to track your laps and swimming time. - Cycling Adventures: Dust off your bike and hit the trails! Apple Watch seamlessly tracks your cycling distance and helps you maintain a comfortable pace.

Supercharge Your Low Cardio with Apps:

The App Store offers a treasure trove of fitness apps compatible with Apple Watch: - Fitness Tracking Apps: Popular options like Strava or Nike Run Club provide detailed workout tracking

Maximizing Motivation and Accountability: Your Apple Watch Support System

Staying motivated is key to long-term success. Here's where your Apple Watch becomes your cheerleader: - Reminders and Challenges: Set up workout reminders to nudge you to get moving and participate in Apple's built-in challenges to add a fun competitive element. - Social Features: Share your fitness achievements with friends and family. Their virtual high fives and encouraging comments can go a long way in keeping you motivated.

Fueling Your Fitness Journey: Nutrition Matters

Remember, a healthy diet is your low cardio workout's best friend: - Balanced Meals: Prioritize whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to provide your body with the energy it needs to perform and recover effectively. - Hydration Hero: Staying hydrated is crucial during and after exercise. Carry a reusable water bottle and aim to sip water regularly throughout the day.

Rest and Recovery: Recharging for Low Cardio Success

Don't underestimate the power of rest! - Listen to Your Body: Schedule rest days to allow your body to repair and rebuild muscle tissue. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night for optimal recovery. - Stretching and Active Recovery: Incorporate gentle stretches after workouts to improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness. Consider low-impact activities like yoga or light walks on rest days to promote recovery.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Obstacles on the Low Cardio Path

Even the most dedicated fitness enthusiasts encounter roadblocks. Let's navigate some common pitfalls: - Going Too Hard, Too Fast: Low cardio is about consistency, not pushing yourself to exhaustion. Start slow and gradually increase intensity and duration over time. - The Plateau Problem: Hitting a plateau is normal. Switch up your routine, try new activities, or increase the duration of your workouts to keep your body challenged. - Missing Workouts: Life happens! Don't beat yourself up if you miss a workout. Just get back on track with your next low cardio session.

Safety First: Exercising with Confidence

Safety is paramount. Here are some precautions for low cardio workouts: - Consult Your Doctor: Before starting any new exercise program, consult your doctor, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions. - Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Dedicate a few minutes to dynamic stretches before your workout and static stretches afterward to prepare your body and prevent injuries. - Listen to Warning Signs: Be mindful of your body. Stop exercising if you experience chest pain, dizziness, or any unusual discomfort.

Low Cardio Fitness with Apple Watch

Real-Life Success Stories: Inspiration from Low Cardio Champions

Let's celebrate the power of low cardio! Here are some inspiring stories: - Sarah, the Busy Mom: A busy mom of two young children, Sarah found low cardio walks with her stroller to be a lifesaver. She lost weight, gained energy, and even bonded with her kids during these walks. - David, the Heart Health Hero: After a heart scare, David embraced low cardio swimming. It not only improved his cardiovascular health but also became a stress-relieving escape for him.

FAQs: Your Low Cardio Fitness Questions Answered

1. What is low cardio fitness, and why is it important? Low cardio fitness involves moderate-intensity exercises that elevate your heart rate but allow for conversation. It's crucial for overall health, improving cardiovascular health, stamina, weight management, and even mood. 2. How does Apple Watch track low cardio exercises? The Workout App and Activity App track low cardio workouts, monitoring duration, calories burned, and average heart rate. 3. Can I lose weight with low cardio fitness? Absolutely! Low cardio burns calories consistently, aiding in weight management or even weight loss when combined with a healthy diet. 4. Is low cardio fitness suitable for beginners? Absolutely! Low cardio is a perfect starting point for beginners, allowing them to build endurance and confidence before progressing to more intense workouts. 5. How often should I engage in low cardio workouts? Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, spread out over several days. Even shorter bursts of low cardio throughout the day offer benefits.

Conclusion: Embrace Low Cardio, Embrace a Healthier You!

Low cardio fitness, empowered by your Apple Watch, is a gateway to a healthier, happier you. It's a sustainable approach to fitness that delivers significant benefits without the intensity of high-impact workouts. Take the first step today, lace up your shoes, and embark on a low cardio journey towards a healthier and more vibrant life!

Additional Resources:

- Aerobic Exercise: Exercise that uses oxygen to convert fuel into energy, typically characterized by moderate intensity and sustained activity. - Anaerobic Exercise: Exercise that relies on energy sources other than oxygen, often high-intensity and leading to fatigue. - Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): The rate at which your body burns calories at rest. - Cardiovascular Health: The health and functioning of your heart and blood vessels. - Endurance: The ability to maintain physical activity for an extended period. - Heart Rate (HR): The number of times your heart beats per minute. - Heart Rate Zone (HRZ): Ranges of heart rate that correspond to different exercise intensities. - Low-Intensity Exercise: Exercise that keeps your heart rate below your aerobic threshold, typically corresponding to low cardio fitness. - Moderate-Intensity Exercise: Exercise that elevates your heart rate but allows for conversation, the sweet spot for low cardio fitness. - Resting Heart Rate (RHR): The number of times your heart beats per minute when you're at rest. - VO2 Max: The maximum amount of oxygen your body can consume during exercise, often used as an indicator of cardiovascular fitness.

About the Author:

Shan Ahmd is a certified personal trainer and a passionate advocate for health and wellness. He believes in the power of technology to empower individuals to take control of their fitness journeys.Shan Ahmad combines expertise in exercise science with a love for clear communication, crafting engaging content that motivates readers to embrace a healthier lifestyle. low cardio fitness with Apple Watch Read the full article

#WorkoutRoutine

[batonrougepowersport]

Dirt Bike Semi-Automatic: Unleash Your Inner Rider

In the world of off-road motorsports, dirt bikes reign supreme, offering a thrilling and exhilarating experience that is unmatched by any other vehicle. While manual clutch dirt bikes have traditionally been the preferred choice for experienced riders, the emergence of semi-automatic dirt bikes has revolutionized the way beginners and casual riders approach off-road riding.

What is a Dirt Bike Semi-Automatic? A dirt bike semi-automatic, also known as a clutchless dirt bike, is a type of dirt bike that eliminates the need for a manual clutch. Instead of relying on a clutch lever to engage and disengage the gears, semi-automatic bikes utilize a centrifugal clutch system. This system automatically engages the clutch when the rider reaches a certain speed, allowing for smooth gear changes without the need for manual manipulation.

Benefits of Dirt Bike Semi-Automatic: Dirt bike semi-automatic bikes offer a multitude of benefits, making them an ideal choice for beginners and casual riders:

Ease of Use: The absence of a manual clutch significantly simplifies the riding process, allowing riders to focus on throttle control, braking, and body positioning without the added complexity of operating a clutch.

Reduced Effort: Eliminating the need to pull a clutch lever reduces physical strain, particularly for extended riding sessions, making it more comfortable for riders of all ages and fitness levels.

Smoother Gear Changes: The centrifugal clutch system ensures smooth and seamless gear changes, preventing abrupt shifts that can unsettle the bike and hinder riding confidence.

Confidence Booster: The ease of use and reduced physical effort associated with semi-automatic bikes instill a sense of confidence in new riders, allowing them to progress more quickly and enjoy the thrill of off-road riding without fear.

Popular Dirt Bike Semi-Automatic Models: The market offers a variety of dirt bike semi-automatic models catering to different ages, skill levels, and riding styles. Some of the most popular models include:

Honda CRF110F: A lightweight and versatile model suitable for young riders and beginners.

Kawasaki KLX110R: Another excellent choice for beginners, offering a comfortable size and easy-to-operate controls.

Yamaha TT-R110E: A reliable and durable option known for its smooth power delivery and off-road capabilities.

Essential Tips for Riding a Dirt Bike Semi-Automatic: To ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience on a dirt bike semi-automatic, follow these essential tips:

Gear Up Properly: Always wear protective gear, including a helmet, goggles, gloves, sturdy boots, and long pants and sleeves.

Familiarize Yourself with the Bike: Before heading out, get comfortable with the bike's controls, including the throttle, brakes, gear shifter, and centrifugal clutch system.

Practice in a Controlled Environment: Start practicing in a safe and controlled environment, such as a flat open area, to get a feel for the bike's handling and responsiveness.

Gradual Acceleration and Braking: Avoid sudden acceleration or braking, as this can unbalance the bike and make it difficult to control. Smooth and gradual inputs are key to maintaining control and stability.

Body Positioning: Proper body positioning is crucial for effective riding. Keep your weight centered, knees bent, and arms loose to absorb bumps and maintain balance.

Seek Guidance: Consider taking riding lessons or joining a riding group to receive expert guidance and learn advanced techniques.

FAQS

Ques:- How a Semi-Automatic Dirt Bike Works Ans:- A semi-automatic dirt bike, also known as a clutchless dirt bike, is a type of dirt bike that eliminates the need for a manual clutch. Instead of relying on a clutch lever to engage and disengage the gears, semi-automatic bikes utilize a centrifugal clutch system. This system automatically engages the clutch when the rider reaches a certain speed, allowing for smooth gear changes without the need for manual manipulation.

Centrifugal Clutch System

The centrifugal clutch system is the key component that enables semi-automatic dirt bikes to operate without a manual clutch. This system consists of a set of weights that are attached to the clutch basket. As the engine RPM increases, the centrifugal force generated by the weights causes them to move outward, pressing against the clutch plates and engaging the clutch. This allows the engine power to be transmitted to the rear wheel, enabling the bike to accelerate.

Gear Shifting To shift gears on a semi-automatic dirt bike, the rider simply needs to push up or down on the gear shifter with their foot. The centrifugal clutch system automatically disengages the clutch as the rider shifts gears, allowing for smooth and seamless gear changes.

Benefits of Semi-Automatic Dirt Bikes Semi-automatic dirt bikes offer several benefits over manual clutch dirt bikes, particularly for beginners and casual riders:

Ease of Use: The absence of a manual clutch significantly simplifies the riding process, allowing riders to focus on throttle control, braking, and body positioning without the added complexity of operating a clutch.

Reduced Effort: Eliminating the need to pull a clutch lever reduces physical strain, particularly for extended riding sessions, making it more comfortable for riders of all ages and fitness levels.

Smoother Gear Changes: The centrifugal clutch system ensures smooth and seamless gear changes, preventing abrupt shifts that can unsettle the bike and hinder riding confidence.

Confidence Booster: The ease of use and reduced physical effort associated with semi-automatic bikes instill a sense of confidence in new riders, allowing them to progress more quickly and enjoy the thrill of off-road riding without fear.

Ques:- How to drive a semi automatic dirt bike Ans:- Driving a semi-automatic dirt bike is a thrilling and rewarding experience that allows you to explore the excitement of off-road riding without the complexities of a manual clutch. While it may seem daunting at first, mastering the basics of semi-automatic dirt bike riding is achievable with practice and proper guidance.

Essential Gear: Before embarking on your dirt bike adventure, ensure you have the necessary safety gear:

Helmet: A properly fitted helmet is crucial for protecting your head from injuries in case of a fall.

Goggles: Goggles shield your eyes from dust, debris, and wind, ensuring clear vision.

Gloves: Protective gloves protect your hands from abrasions and provide a better grip on the handlebars.

Sturdy Boots: Ankle-high boots with good tread offer protection and support for your feet and ankles.

Long Pants and Sleeves: Long pants and sleeves protect your skin from scratches and abrasions caused by vegetation and falling debris.

Getting Started:

Familiarize Yourself with the Bike: Before heading out, take some time to get acquainted with the bike's controls, including the throttle, brakes, gearshift, and centrifugal clutch system.

Practice in a Controlled Environment: Begin practicing in a safe and controlled environment, such as a flat open area, to get a feel for the bike's handling and responsiveness.

Finding the Balance Point: Sit on the bike and adjust your position so that you can comfortably reach the ground with both feet flat. This will help you maintain balance and control.

Starting the Engine: With the bike in neutral, pull the kickstarter or use the electric starter to start the engine.

Riding Techniques:

Clutchless Gear Shifting: The centrifugal clutch system automatically engages and disengages the clutch as you shift gears. Simply push up or down on the gearshift with your foot to change gears.

Throttle Control: The throttle controls the engine's power. Start slowly and gradually increase the throttle as you become more comfortable with the bike's handling.

Braking Techniques: Use both front and rear brakes smoothly and progressively to slow down or stop. Avoid sudden braking, which can cause the bike to lose balance or skid.

Body Positioning: Proper body positioning is essential for effective riding. Keep your weight centered, knees bent, and arms loose to absorb bumps and maintain balance.

Tips for Beginners:

Seek Guidance: Consider taking riding lessons or joining a riding group to receive expert guidance and learn advanced techniques.

Start Slow and Progress Gradually: Begin with slow and controlled riding, gradually increasing your speed and challenging yourself as you gain confidence.

Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: Always be aware of your surroundings, including other riders, obstacles, and changes in terrain.

Listen to Your Body: Take breaks when needed to rest and avoid physical fatigue.

Have Fun: Dirt bike riding is an exhilarating experience. Relax, enjoy the ride, and embrace the thrill of off-road adventures.

Conclusion: Dirt bike semi-automatic bikes have revolutionized off-road riding, making it accessible to a wider range of riders, from beginners to casual enthusiasts. With their ease of use, reduced effort, and confidence-boosting nature, semi-automatic bikes have opened up the world of off-road adventures to those seeking the thrill and excitement of dirt bike riding without the complexities of a manual clutch. So, gear up, embrace the challenge, and embark on an exhilarating journey into the world of dirt bike semi-automatic riding.

#dirtbike 110cc

[ntxpowersport]

Dust Devils on Wheels: 10 Facts That Prove Dirtbikes Are More Than Just Fun

Dust off your helmet and get ready to rev your curiosity! Dirt bikes aren't just about speeding through mud and performing gravity-defying jumps. These off-road machines offer a unique blend of adventure, skill development, and even a touch of history. So, whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting to dream of dirt tracks, buckle up for some fascinating dirt bike facts:

Beyond the Thrill: The Unexpected Benefits of Dirt Biking:

Sharpen Your Skills: Balancing, coordination, and quick reflexes? Dirt bikes put your body and mind to the test, enhancing core strength, agility, and spatial awareness.

Embrace the Outdoors: Breathe in fresh air, explore nature's rugged beauty, and experience the freedom of off-road riding. It's a fantastic escape from the daily grind.

Build Confidence: Conquering challenges, mastering tricks, and pushing your limits – dirt bikes can be a confidence booster, teaching you perseverance and celebrating small victories.

Family Fun: It's not just a solitary sport! Dirt biking can be a fun family activity, fostering teamwork, creating shared memories, and igniting a passion for adventure in younger generations.

The Dirt on Dirt Bikes: Fun Facts to Impress Your Friends:

Taller Than Expected: Those impressive jumps come with a price – dirt bikes have long suspensions, making them taller than regular motorcycles.

Electric Revolution: Not just gas guzzlers! Electric dirt bikes are gaining traction, offering environmentally friendly, quieter alternatives for thrilling rides.

Historic Roots: Believe it or not, dirt bikes trace their lineage back to motorcycle trials in the UK, starting in the early 1900s.

Jumping Records: Prepare to be mind-blown! Ryan Capes holds the record for the highest dirt bike jump (78 feet!) and farthest recorded jump (390 feet!).

Ready to Ride? FAQs for Aspiring Dirt Bikers:

What age can I start?  Ages vary depending on the bike size and maturity level. Consider starting younger kids on electric dirt bikes with parental supervision.

Are they safe?  Like any sport, safety is paramount. Wear proper gear, take lessons, and ride within your limits. Adult supervision is essential for younger riders.

How fast do they go?  Speeds vary by model and rider skill. Most beginner bikes have adjustable power levels, starting slow and progressing with comfort.

Where can I ride?  Designated off-road tracks, motocross parks, and trails are ideal. Always respect private property and ride responsibly.

Do I need a license?  Licensing requirements vary by location. Check local regulations for your specific area.

How much do they cost?  Prices range depending on size, features, and brand. Entry-level models start around $1,000, while high-performance bikes can cost significantly more.

What gear do I need?  Helmet, goggles, gloves, pants, jersey, boots – safety first! Choose comfortable, protective gear suitable for your riding style.

Where can I learn more?  Online resources, dirt bike communities, and motorcycle dealerships offer valuable information and support. Consider signing up for riding lessons from experienced instructors.

Can I try before I buy?  Many dealerships offer demo rides or rentals, allowing you to test different models and find the perfect match.

Most importantly, have fun!  Dirt biking is about creating memories, embracing challenges, and experiencing the thrill of the ride. Be responsible, be safe, and get ready to unleash your inner adventure seeker!

So, are you ready to get your hands dirty (in a good way)? Explore the exciting world of dirt bikes, and who knows, you might just discover your next passion! Remember, safety and responsible riding are key, and with a little preparation and the right information, you can embark on an unforgettable journey of adventure.

#go kart for sale #150cc street legal scooter moped dallas #tao tao 110cc kids atv 125cc with reverse #dirtbike

[fitjourneydaily]

Unlock Your Fitness Potential: Morning Exercise, Cardio Routines, Strength Training, and Consistency

Welcome to a holistic guide tailored for individuals looking to optimize their fitness routine. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the benefits of morning exercise, cardio routines, strength training, and the importance of consistency. By incorporating these elements into your fitness journey, you can achieve optimal results and improve your overall well-being. 1. The Magic of Morning Exercise Starting your day with exercise sets a positive tone for the rest of your day. Morning exercise helps kickstart your metabolism, increases energy levels, and enhances mental clarity. By prioritizing consistency in your morning exercise routine, you establish a pattern of healthy habits that will ensure long-term success. Here are some tips to make morning exercise more sustainable: - Prepare your workout gear the night before. - Choose activities you enjoy to keep yourself motivated. - Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. 2. The Cardio Connection Cardiovascular exercise, or cardio, is crucial for maintaining a healthy heart and improving overall endurance. Incorporating cardio into your fitness routine promotes weight loss, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and boosts mood and mental well-being. Here are a few popular cardio routines to consider: - High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Alternating between short bursts of intense exercise and rest periods. - Running or Jogging: A classic cardio routine that can be modified to suit different fitness levels. - Cycling: Whether outside or on a stationary bike, cycling is an excellent low-impact cardio option. 3. Building Strength, Inside and Out Strength training helps increase muscle mass, improve bone density, and enhance overall strength. Contrary to common misconceptions, strength training benefits people of all ages and genders. Here are some important points to consider when incorporating strength training into your routine: - Start with bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, squats, and lunges before progressing to weights. - Include compound exercises that target multiple muscle groups simultaneously. - Gradually increase the weight resistance to challenge yourself and stimulate muscle growth. 4. Embracing Consistency Consistency is the key to the success of any fitness journey. Committing to a consistent routine allows your body to adapt and improve over time. Here are some strategies to help you maintain consistency: - Set achievable and realistic goals tailored to your fitness level and lifestyle. - Find an accountability partner or join a fitness community for support and motivation. - Listen to your body and adjust your routine when necessary to prevent burnout or injuries. Conclusion: Incorporating morning exercise, cardio routines, strength training, and consistency into your fitness regimen can help you unlock your fitness potential and achieve your goals. Remember, the most important factor is to find activities you enjoy and make them a part of your daily routine. By prioritizing your health and well-being, you're investing in a happier and more fulfilling life. 1. Morning Exercise Benefits 2. Cardio Routines for Weight Loss 3. Strength Training Tips 4. Consistency in Fitness Routin Transform your weight loss journey with our advanced formula, meticulously developed with 10 Key Metabolic Boosters. Unveil the secret to effectively shedding unwanted weight and enhancing your metabolism. Our scientifically designed blend leverages the strength of natural, powerful ingredients acclaimed for their weight loss benefits. Perfect for those aiming to achieve a healthier body, maintain weight loss, or discover a natural approach to weight management, our product presents a comprehensive solution. Feel the power of nature's most effective, selectively chosen for their profound impact on weight loss. Enter a realm where achieving your desired weight is not just a dream, but a reality, and witness the change with each use. Start your path to a healthier, slimmer you today. Learn more about how these 10 Key Metabolic Boosters can revolutionize your weight loss regimen. Visit the Weight Loss Ritual Product Page. Transform your sleep patterns with our groundbreaking formula, expertly created with a Rare Herbal Blend. Discover the secret to effectively conquering insomnia and promoting restful sleep. Our scientifically crafted mixture utilizes the essence of a unique, potent herb known for its sleep-inducing properties. 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Perfect for individuals aiming to restore joint flexibility, reduce discomfort, or discover a natural approach to joint pain, our product provides an all-encompassing treatment. Feel the power of nature's most effective, carefully chosen to offer maximum relief from joint pain. Enter a world where improved joint mobility and pain-free living are attainable, and witness the change with each application. Embark on your path to enhanced joint health. Learn more about how these 10 Essential Joint-Relief Compounds can transform your approach to joint pain. Visit the Joint Pain Killer Product Page. Transform your approach to joint pain relief with our groundbreaking formula, developed by a Rogue Doctor using 10 Revolutionary Pain Relief Agents. Discover the key to effectively soothing and eradicating persistent joint pain. Our scientifically engineered blend harnesses the strength of unique, powerful ingredients, celebrated for their unparalleled pain-relief properties. Ideal for those seeking to rejuvenate joint health, halt pain recurrence, or explore a radical solution to joint discomfort, our product provides a complete therapeutic experience. Experience the potency of innovative elements, meticulously chosen for their supreme efficacy in combatting joint pain. Step into a world where lasting joint comfort is attainable, and feel the improvement with each use. Begin your journey to revitalized joint health. Learn more about how these 10 Revolutionary Pain Relief Agents can revolutionize your approach to joint pain. Visit the Bio Joint Plus Product Page. Enhance your nail and hair health with our innovative formula, specially formulated with 10 Essential Nutrients for Stronger Nails and Hair. Uncover the secret to effectively nourishing and strengthening your nails and hair. Our scientifically developed blend combines the power of natural, potent ingredients renowned for their nourishing properties. 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[brocusa]

Electric Bikes for kids types, benefits and safety features

Introduction

Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are a great way to get around, especially for kids who are too young to drive a car or ride a motorcycle. In this article, we will discuss the different types of electric bikes for kids, their benefits, and safety features.

Types of Electric Bikes for Kids

There are several types of electric bikes for kids, each with its own unique features. Here are some of the most common types:

1. Electric Mountain Bikes :- Electric mountain bikes are designed for off-road use. They have wider tires and a more robust frame than other types of electric bikes. They are perfect for kids who love to explore the great outdoors.

2. Electric Road Bikes :- Electric road bikes are designed for use on paved roads. They are lightweight and have narrow tires, making them perfect for kids who want to ride fast.

3. Electric Folding Bikes :- Electric folding bikes are designed to be compact and easy to store. They are perfect for kids who live in small apartments or who need to transport their bike on public transportation.

4. Electric Fat Tire Bikes :- Electric fat tire bikes have wider tires than other types of electric bikes. They are perfect for kids who want to ride on sand, snow, or other soft surfaces.

Benefits of Kids Electric Bikes

Electric bikes (e-bikes) have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They offer a number of advantages over traditional bikes, including:

Ease of use :- E-bikes are easier to ride than traditional bikes, especially for kids. The electric motor provides assistance when pedaling, making it easier to ride up hills and over long distances.

Fun factor :- Kids love riding e-bikes! They are fast and powerful, and they allow kids to explore more of their surroundings.

Health benefits :- Riding an e-bike is still a great way to get exercise, even though the motor provides assistance. Kids can pedal as much or as little as they want, and they will still burn calories and build muscle.

Environmental benefits :- E-bikes are a zero-emission form of transportation, which is good for the environment.

 Independence :- Electric bikes allow kids to travel independently, without relying on their parents to drive them around. This can be a great confidence booster for kids.

Safety Features of electric bikes

Safety is always a top priority when it comes to kids and bikes. Here are some of the most important safety features of electric bikes for kids:

1. Speed Limiter :- Many electric bikes for kids come with a speed limiter, which prevents the bike from going too fast. This is an important safety feature, especially for younger kids.

2. Brakes :- Electric bikes for kids should always have reliable brakes. This is especially important for mountain bikes, which may be used on steep terrain.

3. Lights :- Electric bikes should always have lights, especially if they will be used at night. This makes the bike more visible to other riders and drivers.

4. Helmets :- Finally, kids should always wear helmets when riding electric bikes. This is the most important safety feature of all.

Types of Youth Electric Bikes and Kids Electric Bicycles

There are a variety of different types of youth electric bikes and kids electric bicycles available, including:

Mountain bikes :- Mountain e-bikes are designed for off-road riding. They have features such as suspension and knobby tires that make them ideal for riding on dirt, trails, and other rough terrain.

Road bikes :- Road e-bikes are designed for riding on paved roads. They are lightweight and have thin tires that allow for fast speeds.

Hybrid bikes :- Hybrid e-bikes are a cross between mountain bikes and road bikes. They are versatile and can be used for a variety of different types of riding.

Cargo bikes :- Cargo e-bikes are designed for carrying heavy loads. They have large baskets or racks that can be used to transport groceries, kids, or other items.

#electric kids bike #kids electric balance bikes #e-bikes for kids #electric balance bike #electric bike kids

[venusitinstitute]

Conquering the Chill: Top Winter Wellness Tips for a Thriving Season

Winter's frosty embrace may bring shorter days and brisk winds, but it also ushers in cozy evenings, festive cheer, and the beauty of a sparkling white landscape. However, alongside the charm often comes a wave of sniffles, coughs, and that all-too-familiar winter sluggishness.

Fear not, fellow winter warriors! By incorporating some simple habits into your routine, you can transform the season from a potential health hazard to a period of thriving. So, grab your warmest scarf and a steaming mug of cocoa, because we're about to conquer the chill!

Boost Your Inner Defender:

Vitamin C, your citrusy champion: Oranges, grapefruits, kiwi, and bell peppers are bursting with this powerful antioxidant, helping your body fight off winter invaders. Squeeze some lemon into your water, whip up a vibrant smoothie, or simply enjoy a juicy orange – your immune system will be grateful.

Don't underestimate the zinc zing: This mineral plays a crucial role in keeping your defenses strong. Pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, oysters, and even dark chocolate are excellent sources to add to your winter diet.

Sleep, the ultimate recharge: Prioritize those precious Zzz's! When you're well-rested, your immune system is better equipped to combat seasonal threats. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night, creating a cozy sleep haven in your bedroom.

Warmth From Within and Without:

Layer like a pro: Ditch the bulky sweaters and embrace the magic of layering. Start with a thin, moisture-wicking base layer, followed by an insulating mid-layer, and top it off with a weatherproof outer shell. This allows you to adjust to changing temperatures without feeling like a walking marshmallow.

Pamper your extremities: Hats, gloves, and scarves are your winter essentials. They prevent heat loss from your head, neck, and hands, keeping you toasty and comfortable. Choose fun colors and patterns to add a touch of personality to your winter look!

Hot beverages, your winter warmers: There's nothing quite like a steaming mug of herbal tea, rich hot chocolate, or spiced apple cider to chase away the chills. Bonus points for adding warming spices like ginger or cinnamon – they'll tantalize your taste buds and boost your circulation.

Fuel Your Body for Winter Adventures:

Embrace winter comfort foods: Hearty soups, stews, and chilis are not just delicious, they're packed with nutrients to keep you energized throughout the day. Choose lean protein sources like chicken or lentils, and don't forget to load up on the veggies!

Hydration, your winter secret weapon: Even though you might not feel as thirsty, dehydration is still a risk in winter. Aim for 8 glasses of water per day, and consider incorporating herbal teas or fruit-infused water for added flavor and a touch of fun.

Snack smart, conquer cravings: Keep healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, or yogurt on hand to avoid unhealthy temptations when hunger strikes. Trail mix with dried berries and dark chocolate chips is a delicious and nutritious option to keep you going between meals.

Get Moving, Even When It's Freezing:

Indoor workouts, your winter fitness allies: If venturing out in the cold isn't your thing, there are plenty of ways to stay active indoors. Try yoga, bodyweight exercises, or online fitness classes – there's something for everyone!

Embrace the sunshine: Bundle up and head outside for a brisk walk, jog, or bike ride on sunny days. Sunshine is a natural mood booster and helps your body produce vitamin D, essential for bone health and immune function.

Get creative, have fun: Turn household chores into a workout. Dance while cleaning, do squats while waiting for the kettle to boil, or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Every little bit counts, and you might even surprise yourself with how much fun you can have!

Bonus Winter Wellness Hacks:

Wash your hands like a pro: This simple yet effective habit is your best defense against the spread of winter

[fahrni]

Saturday Morning Coffee

Good morning from Charlottesville, Virginia! ☕️

So ends my week of relaxation. In the past I’d start becoming angry about how quickly my time off flew by. Not this week. I made the most of each day with some lazing about thrown in.

I managed to get some time to work on Stream for Mac and do a bunch of things around the house I’d put off for far too long. Today I plan on cleaning up Kim’s car and working on my dumpster bike. But I’m open to change.

Anywho, my coffee is ready. I hope you enjoy the links.

PZ Myers • Free Thoughts Blog

Nikki Haley got asked a straightforward question: “What was the cause of the United States’ Civil War?” She staggers back, stalls for time, and finally coughs up, I think the cause of the Civil War was basically how government was going to run.

This is one of the most pathetic things I’ve ever seen. Everyone, and I mean everyone, knows the Civil War was fought over slavery. So, either Nikki Haley is a racist piece of crap or extremely stupid. I don’t think she’s stupid.

This was the easiest of softball questions you could give a Presidential candidate and she failed miserably, that alone should disqualify her from holding office in any federal, state, or local government.

Of course she’s competing with the biggest asshole of all for the GOP nomination. Good luck with that, Ms. Haley.

Maybe this was part of her audition for the Vice Presidency? Gotta show the Orange Man how racist she really is to get the job. 🤬

Jessica Wildfire • OK Doomer

Meanwhile, a world-class trail runner named Emilia kills herself after a Covid infection leaves her with an unstable heart. Around the world, smart talented young men and women are losing their careers after Covid ravages their organs, their brains, their immune systems.

COVID is still around and still wreaking havoc on folks.

I still need to get my booster, you should too. 💉

Mike Hanley • GitHub

Over 15 years ago, GitHub started as a Ruby on Rails application with a single MySQL database. Since then, GitHub has evolved its MySQL architecture to meet the scaling and resiliency needs of the platform—including building for high availability, implementing testing automation, and partitioning the data.

It’s wild to see how big services can become. GitHub — the company that centralized a decentralized version control system — has over 1,200 MySQL databases. That’s a metric crap ton.

It also seems strange given Microsoft has their own SQL Server offering continues to use MySQL, owned by Oracle. 🥴

Joan Westenberg

Michael Cohen, the former personal lawyer and fixer for Donald Trump, used an artificial intelligence program to generate bogus legal citations in his motion for early termination of his supervised release.

The moral of the story is don’t believe everything a LLM gives you. You still need to verify the answer.

Laura Paddison • CNN

Scientists in California shooting nearly 200 lasers at a cylinder holding a fuel capsule the size of a peppercorn have taken another step in the quest for fusion energy, which, if mastered, could provide the world with a near-limitless source of clean power.

Will this pan out? If we’ve ever needed it now is the time. At the rate the climate is changing a team of scientists will emerge from their labs to announce to the world they’ve done it only to find the world on fire.

Raymond Wong • Inverse

Inside Apple’s Massive Push to Transform the Mac Into a Gaming Paradise

But will AAA games come around and make the commitment to the platform? Without developers it’s an instant failure.

Diane Duane

Can you add artificial intelligence to the hydraulics?

This is a link to a comment on a post — at least I think it is? Regardless it’s a funny read. If you only follow one link make it this one. AI is taking over all the things even if it can’t.

Alex Castro • The Verge

Earlier this year, Amazon announced plans to start incorporating ads into movies and TV shows streamed from its Prime Video service, and now the company has revealed a specific date when you’ll start seeing them: it’s January 29th.

I’m kind of surprised they don’t just bake this into Amazon Prime pricing.

Brandon Paul • Flo Racing

With over 1,600 total entries on hand for the Tulsa Shootout this week, there is bound to be some NASCAR connections to the biggest Micro Sprint event in the country.

I’m not sure how many folks not into NASCAR would know that drivers often compete in multiple different types of races throughout the year.

Sprint Cars seem to be a real favorite and winning a Golden Driller is still a highly sought after prize. Even for highly talented NASCAR drivers.

[fragile-practice]

Rebellion in the Palace of Artificial Intelligence

Week in review: Nov 12th — 19th

What a week! Sam Altman was fired and might be rehired, and iMessages goes from the ultimate tool of platform lock-in to potentially having several, probably terrible, workarounds. Green bubbles rejoice!

And besides all that, many other developments across technology, the shifting web, and digital privacy.

Handle with care.

Technology

Many Details of Sam Altman’s Ouster Are Murky. But Some Things Are Clear – The New York Times; Kevin Roose

Sam Altman was ousted as CEO by the board of directors.

The board claimed Sam “was not consistently candid in his communications” with the board.

Mira Murati, the former chief technology officer of OpenAI, has been named interim CEO

Note: The thing that keeps bothering me is not understanding who possibly benefits from firing Sam. Even if they can convince him to come back with less influence, I don’t know if OpenAI ever shakes the reputation of volatility after this.

OpenAI board in discussions with Sam Altman to return as CEO – The Verge; Alex Heath & Nilay Patel

The board is now in talks with Altman to bring him back as CEO.

Altman has not confirmed or denied the negotiations.

Is distributed computing dying, or just fading into the background? — Ars Technica; Andy Patrizio

Patrizio argues that there are still many active projects that are less publicized but still useful, and that distributed computing could benefit from more collaboration, standardization, and innovation.

Note: I take issue with the premise that distributed computing even slowed down. It just went mainstream – the workflow of the future is going to leverage disparate computing from all over the world, probably orchestrated by AI agents.

SpaceX Starship Explodes Though Craft Reached New Milestones – Bloomberg; Loren Gruish

SpaceX’s Starship exploded during its second orbital test flight.

·The rocket reached new milestones, such as flying higher than ever before, reaching a speed of over 16,000 miles per hour (25,749.48 kilometers per hour), and deploying a prototype satellite.

However, the rocket failed to separate from its booster and started to spin out of control before being intentionally destroyed by SpaceX.

Screens are good, actually – The Verge; Allison Johnson

Johnson argues that screen usage also has several positive roles in connection, education, and creativity.

Note: Screens have no intrinsic alignment, but if they did, it would be chaotic neutral.

280 million e-bikes are slashing oil demand far more than electric vehicles – The Conversation; Muhammad Rizwan Azhar & Waqas Uzair

E-bikes have displaced 4 times as much oil demand as traditional EVs, largely by replacing gas mopeds throughout Asia

Note: Transitioning away from cheap gas mopeds will also improve air quality in these dense cities.

Microsoft Ignite 2023: Copilot AI expansions, custom chips and all the other announcements – Tech Crunch; Cody Corrall

Copilot AI Expansions: Microsoft announced expansions in its Copilot, and is rebranding Bing Chat to Copilot.

Introduction of Custom Chips: Microsoft is investing in hardware development and creating specialized processors tailored to AI workloads.

South Korea opens the door for robots to roam among pedestrians – The Register; Laura Dobberstein

South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the National Police Agency have opened applications for operators of mobile robots for patrol and delivery duties.

The robots must be insured, weigh less than 500 kg, not exceed a speed of 15 km/h, and pass a 16-point test that checks their navigation capabilities.

The Ministry is yet to designate a governing body for the robot certification, but is accepting applications for selection within a month.

Note: I can’t comprehend what it must be like to live in a society that doesn’t film felony vandalism on all unaccompanied robots for internet clout.

Long hours and low wages: The human labor powering AI's development – Tech Xplore; Ben Lee Taylor

AI development is powered by human labor, which is often underpaid and overworked.

Note: The only aspect of AI development not treated like a matter of national security. Now is the time to insist these tools are developed with fair and adequately compensated labor.

The First CRISPR Medicine Just Got Approved — Wired; Emily Mullin

The gene-editing therapy, called Casgevy, uses CRISPR to prevent debilitating pain in patients with sickle cell disease.

The therapy eliminates the need for regular blood transfusions in people with beta thalassemia.

AI, arms control and the new cold war – ASPI’s The Strategist; David Heslop

The employment of AI-powered surveillance tools by authoritarian governments poses serious risks to human security, especially as adjuncts CBRNE weapons.

Policymakers need to address the issue of ‘CBRNE+AI’ and build an architecture that can monitor the intersection of AI and unconventional weapons.

What are AI chatbots actually doing when they 'hallucinate?' Here's why experts don't like the term – Tech Xplore; Tanner Stening

“Hallucination” is not an accurate description of the errors made by AI chatbots.

The errors made by AI chatbots are like those made by forecasting models.

Note: Why don’t we just call them errors?

It’s Time to Get Serious About Carbon Removal — Wired; Rob Reddick

The world currently has the capacity to extract hundreds of thousands of tons of carbon from the air each year, but that needs to increase 14,000 times to 10 billion tons annually by 2050 to meet targets.

The only type of offset that truly counts toward net-zero is permanent carbon removal.

Neuromorphic computing will be great…3 if hardware can handle the workload – Science Daily; Purdue University

Neuromorphic computing is a type of computing that is inspired by the human brain and uses spiking neural networks to process information.

It has the potential to revolutionize the computing industry by enabling more efficient and powerful computing.

The hardware required to support neuromorphic computing is still in its early stages of development and needs to be improved to handle the workload 

The Shifting Web

Apple’s Pledge to Support RCS Messaging Could Finally Kill SMS – Wired; Boone Ashworth

Apple has pledged to support Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging, which is a new internet messaging standard meant to replace outdated technologies like SMS.

Google has been pushing RCS as a standard that will replace SMS, criticizing Apple for not adopting it. The latest update brings RCS closer to being suitable for iPhone.

Note: SMS can’t die fast enough. I have zero faith Apple will do the right thing and comprehensively merge RCS into iMessages.

Racist Premium X Users Exploiting Israel-Hamas War to Push Antisemitism, Islamophobia: Study – Vice; Tess Owen

A network of 67 accounts on X are coordinating a campaign of posting false, inflammatory content related to the Israel-Hamas war.

The study revealed that most of the 200 post-samples that contained prohibited racist slurs, dehumanization, and hateful imagery and promoted anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian hate, or other hate speech, remained up on Premium X.

Note: Hate speech on the platform owned by a racist? Shocker.

Bad Bots Account for 73% of Internet Traffic: Analysis – Security Week; Kevin Townsend

Note: This will feel like an obvious truth of the internet for future generations. The idea that human activity ever outpaced machines in their native environment will be very quaint.

The secrets Google spilled in court – Vox; Sara Morrison

Google paid $26.3 billion in 2021 to be the defaulted search.

Apple gets 36 percent of revenues for searches done on its Safari browser.

Apple considered buying Bing

Details on how Google manipulates search results to spur additional revenue

Note: Google’s search manipulation strikes me as the biggest reveal here, particularly considering the FTC’s interest in Amazon’s marketplace manipulations.

Companies With Flexible Remote Work Policies Outperform On Revenue Growth: Report – Forbes; Jena McGregor

The success of companies with flexible remote work policies underscores the positive impact of remote work on organizational performance, suggesting a shift in traditional work models for improved business outcomes.

Note: Businesses that prioritize work-life balance get better talent.  Duh.

Even experts struggle to tell which social media posts are evidence-based. So, what do we do? — The Conversation; Erin Madden & Katrina Prioro & Louise Thornton

Difficulty in discerning evidence-based social media content highlights the challenges in combating misinformation, emphasizing the need for improved digital literacy and fact-checking measures.

Fake Reviews Are Rampant Online. Can a Crackdown End Them? — The New York Times; Stuart A. Thompson

Rampant fake reviews pose a threat to online trust and consumer decision-making, prompting discussions about the efficacy of regulatory crackdowns in addressing the issue and protecting online marketplaces.

The Mirai Confessions: Three Young Hackers Who Built a Web-Killing Monster Finally Tell Their Story – Wired; Andy Greenberg

Mirai gained notoriety for launching large-scale distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, disrupting major websites and internet infrastructure.

The hackers reveal their motivations, including rivalry in the gaming community and a desire for financial gain through DDoS-for-hire services.

The Mirai botnet exploited insecure Internet of Things (IoT) devices, highlighting the security vulnerabilities in connected devices.

Tumblr Is Always Dying – Wired; Elizabeth Minkel

Tumblr has faced issues such as declining user engagement, competition from other platforms, and changes in leadership.

Despite its challenges, Tumblr continues

Note: Sad to see the momentum in revitalizing Tumblr fall off before ActivityPub comes into its own. It would be my interface of choice for the Fediverse by a wide margin.

Will Life Be Better in the Metaverse? — Wired; Meghan O’Giblyn

Note: I’d wager it that in a decade, maybe two decades, we’ll take a step back and realize that digital lives inside a headset or glasses aren’t enhanced with any qualities that were unreachable through a flat screen.

Surveillance & Digital Privacy

Cryptographers Solve Decades-Old Privacy Problem – Nautilus; Madison Goldberg

Cryptographers successfully address a long-standing privacy issue related to secure multi-party computation (MPC).

The breakthrough allows multiple parties to jointly compute a function over their inputs while keeping those inputs private.

The solution involves a novel cryptographic protocol called “DIZK,” enabling privacy-preserving computations without revealing sensitive data.

Nothing pulls its iMessage-compatible Chats app amid widespread privacy concerns – Engadget; Cheyenne MacDonald

Nothing pulled the beta for its iMessage-compatible chat app days after its announcement.

Users expressed concerns that the application lacks end-to-end encryption and found that attachments sent by other users could easily be accessed in plain text.

Note: Sunbird, the service Nothing based its messaging platform on, sounds like an absolute nightmare for privacy. I hope that the idea that Android and iOS can and should be more interoperable catches on, and it’s done right in house, or otherwise we all collectively agree to use WhatsApp like the rest of the world.

If you think ‘bossware’ surveillance culture in the workplace is new, think again – The Guardian; John Naughton

Surveillance in the workplace is not a new phenomenon, and dates back to the early 20th century.

Examples from the past include the use of punch cards and closed-circuit television.

Note: It feels like there will be a prolonged period of calibrating employee surveillance. Businesses are freaked out by the idea that their remote employees are doing the bare minimum and working 7 other jobs. If anything like that is possible, there are far larger problems at work in that particular workplace.

2 environmentalists who were targeted by a hacking network say the public is the real victim – Tech Xplore; Larry Neumeister

The hackers' actions were likely an attempt to stifle environmental advocacy and disrupt public awareness.

Substack   Medium   Mastodon   Tumblr   The Bad Place

Handle with care.

#ai #surveillance #technology #apple #data privacy #digital privacy #openai #spacex #space #robotic #robots #tech #text #text post #cryptography #twitter #google #israel #palestine #hamas #ios #android #microprocessors #microsoft