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#but let's compare for example meals on this same measure
whoisbriansella · 2 years
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Reflecting on the Ann EP
Continuing with reviewing TFB songs/EPs/Albums you all requested, I’m going to be talking about the Ann EP (2018) today! If you’d like me to talk about any particular song, album, or EP, let me know; asks and comments are always open.
Note: I ended up comparing Ann to a few things; namely, the Rose EP, their original versions only on YouTube, and a lot of Car Seat Headrest deep cuts for some reason. So uh, if you haven’t listened to CSH, they have a lot of deep cuts that have been re-recorded. And I also have opinions on them.
To no one’s surprise, I lived and breathed the unreleased albums/EPs back when I was ~really~ in the TFB hole. Eh, what can you do haha...listening to TFB while living in the Philly/NJ tristate area in your teens can do that to you. I Hate My Friends is my favorite TFB album for many reasons (”You Wouldn’t Be Laughing” and “Taking My Uzi to the Gym” I’m looking at you, specifically...) and My Grandma vs Pneumonia also has some standout pieces that none of the officially recorded songs can ever really capture (”The Bass is Too Loud,” “The Distance That I Fell,” and “The Wrong Way”...oh my God). 
The reason why I like them so much is that they have such a charm to them in all their raw, not produced, garbage quality of sound. They’re like Car Seat Headrest’s discography pre-Teens of Style: while everything kind of sounds like it was recorded on a Hannah Montana-themed toy microphone you get in a happy meal, it’s still so real to you as the listener. It’s like they didn’t even have time to edit the song—the band jut recorded it in one take, as loud as they could, and delivered the CD to your house the next day. The deep cuts are charming in their rawness, and no amount of production could capture the intense, surprisingly beautiful feeling conveyed in each song.
So, when Ann re-recorded some of the deep cuts in 2018, I had conflicting feelings. First, I remember being ecstatic that they chose some of my personal favorites to officially release (except for “Today Is Not Real; I liked having that one as a hard-to-find deep cut). “I Think Your Nose Is Bleeding,” “Pale Beneath the Tan (Squeeze),” and “Lonely Eyes” are signature TFB songs. The original ones were, to me, everything that TFB stood for: the aggressive band blasting, Brian trying to sing over them in that weird yodelly voice, and the semi-literal semi-metaphorical lyrics about whatever angsty feeling TFB gets so right. Another thing about these songs is their attention to violence: one aspect of Brian’s writing I really, really like is the idea of drastic measures to find peace. Obviously the “I’m gonna get on my knees would you punch me in the face please?” from “Lipstick Covered Magnet” is one of the most famous examples, but the whole of “Pale Beneath the Tan” also carries this idea of intensity of emotion linked to violence that has become a really interesting theme.
“Lonely Eyes” is the “Peach” before “Peach.” It’s the cute love song with anxious and ultimately sad undertones about someone you love, and that’s pretty much any TFB song about love. “I Think Your Nose Is Bleeding” is the mandatory anthem TFB puts in most of their albums that has the one chorus that feels really good to scream out loud—again, “JUST WANNA FEEL IT WITH SOMEONE ELSE” is undeniably cathartic, even when there is no “someone else.” “Somebody Else” is the same way: the “‘CAUSE I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU’RE GOING THROUGH” is the signature miscommunication scenario in a TFB song about a relationship that Just Isn’t WorkingTM, and there’s nothing to do to fix it.
HOWEVER, on the other hand, I realized that I had grown really attached to the sounds of their original counterparts. More specifically, the emotion that was carried through their versions on the unreleased albums fit the way the instruments played, how they were recorded, and more. They were perfect how I listened to them first, and it’s going to be really hard getting used to the new vision and direction they’re going in. 
Review:
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Comparison to Rose EP: 
I think the main difference between Ann and Rose is that the former wanted to add onto the old songs, not just re-record them with a bit more production. Rose is simpler in many ways: from minimalist artwork keeping the watercolor and scratch-ink portrait art, to heavy use of the acoustic guitar and single voice, the first EP brought the band back to their roots in a smart way. Rose is kind of like the re-release of Twin Fantasy by Car Seat Headrest: the content is the same (although bestie Will Toledo changed some parts here and there, and you can actually compare both versions on Spotify) but the sound is a lot cleaner and easier to listen to. It’s not changing the original songs but updating them—they still keep the emotions and the overall tone intact. It helps that TFB selected the quieter, more intimate songs for this album; songs like “Awkward Conversations,” “12 Feet Deep,” and “Jim Bogart” really only needed the guitar, Brian, and a better microphone to give the original sound a small makeover. Even “Flying Model Rockets” keeps the original feeling and emotion, even if it does have a better microphone system.
Ann, however, decided to add to the songs, not just update. On one hand, you can tell by the artwork alone: the portrait is more of a photograph, and she’s adorned by bright flowers, birds, and colors. This EP picks louder, more intense songs to “update,” and...well it sounds weird. I can’t say I hate the EP because the lyrics haven’t changed, and they’re still the same songs, but I can’t tell if these songs are better with the nice, refined productions. Rose also picks upbeat unreleased songs to re-record (”Be Nice to Me” and “Lipstick Covered Magnet”), but they manage to keep them pretty close to the original with the mismatched harmonies and uncontrolled voice. They actually speed “Be Nice to Me” up a little, but I actually liked that correction; it adds to the drama of the lyrics.
Like I said, I liked the wildness of the original songs: they were garbage, sounded all-over-the-place, and just devolved into Brian Sella going crazy over a microphone. The new songs are fine, but they’re not the same. And maybe expecting them to be the same isn’t the proper way to go about the EP, but the feeling I got with the unreleased albums was just kind of lost with the new version. That didn’t happen with Rose.
There was also a brand new song being introduced to the mix (”Tye Dye Dragon”), and since it was the only single released from the EP, it was going to set the tone for how the rest of it was going to sound. I’m not sure if I liked that introduction personally; I liked the song a lot, but trying to think of the purpose of including it instead of just releasing it as a standalone always stumps me. After all, Rose was all re-recordings of unreleased songs, so it’s weird to not commit to that pattern.
Song Choices
I’ll keep it simple with a list!
- “Today Is Not Real”: I didn’t like the new version. There’s something quite special about the unreleased original version: whether it’s the nonexistent production, emphasis on the acoustic guitar, or the overall quietness Brian adopts in his voice, the first version just keeps the seriousness of the subject matter in line with its tone. The new version is louder and more involved, and the presence of the band keeping in time with the singer just gets rid of the individual experience of that specific visualization of depression.
- “Somebody Else”: I like the new version, but it is different from the original (obviously). I think the guitar part in the new version sounds a lot like the Self-Titled work, so it’s nice to see them revisiting more than just the vault. I don’t have an opinion as to which version is better.
- “I Think Your Nose Is Bleeding”: They kept pretty close to the original, but they added the stupid telephone dial sound effect...For that reason, the original is better.
- “Pale Beneath the Tan (Squeeze)”: I just love this song no matter what version I’m listening to; both versions are very good in their own ways! The sound effects added in the new version show a sillier side of the song, adding a different kind of charm to it that somehow emphasizes the drama of the lyrics. The addition of humor was a choice, but I actually liked it! This song’s just timeless. There is cleansing in the flame!!!!!!!
- Lonely Eyes: Actually does a good job in updating the original! I like this one a lot, and I think it’s refreshing! If I really wanted to go rogue on the re-recording and change it completely, I would have gone full “Awkward Conversations” and just have the single guitar as the instrumental part.
Summary: 
If I didn’t know about the unreleased songs, I would have loved the Ann EP. I think, in the official discography, it was a good recall to the past sound of TFB before Going Grey, while also keeping the mellow moodiness and new lyrical style with “Tye Dye Dragon.”
I’m happy these songs got more attention from both the band and listeners, and I do like that they have more than one version. As someone who likes to see how the same song feels under different style choices and levels of production (insert more CSH opinions), I appreciated what TFB was trying to do. However, I just think Rose did it better...
That being said, I am excited for Theresa!! From the re-released version of “More Than It Hurts You,” a song that gave me a raging case of brain worms back in the day, I’m hopeful that it’s going to do a great job with recapturing those feelings we got back when we listened to it for the first time while also keeping the new identity and sound of the band.
If you want to read more TFB reviews, just request something, and I’ll write about it! Or if you want to know about my thoughts on any specific thing about TFB, that works too. 
Oh, and the best example of two songs that sound great in both the original and re-recorded versions of it, listen to “Maude Gone” by CSH in both the Monomania and the Teens of Style versions. Brain worms.
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thedisneychef · 10 months
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Cooking Measurements: How Big Is a Cup in Recipes and More
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When it comes to cooking, measuring out ingredients can be confusing. One of the most common questions I get asked is “how big is a cup in recipes?” It’s an important question because getting your measurements right is key for successful baking and making delicious meals. In this article, we will explore what exactly constitutes a cup when following recipes. We'll look at how different countries measure their cups, as well as some tips on using them accurately. What Is A Cup? I'm sure we've all seen recipes that call for a cup of this or a cup of that. But how big is a cup, really? As it turns out, there are several different sizes when it comes to cups and measuring ingredients in cooking. Cups come in various shapes and sizes, depending on what type of measurements you need. This means that one recipe might call for a bigger cup than another - so it's important to know which size the recipe calls for before beginning! For liquid measurements, most recipes use the standard 8-ounce cup as their measure of choice. However, if the recipe doesn't specify otherwise then it's safe to assume an 8-oz measurement. When measuring dry ingredients like flour and sugar, you'll usually want to go with something smaller – like a 4-ounce cup or even 1/4 teaspoon measurements for some items. Knowing your cup sizes will help ensure accuracy in both wet and dry measurements, giving you better results each time! Measuring Cups Around The World I'm curious about how different countries measure things like cups in recipes, so I did some research on the metric system, imperial system, and US customary system. The metric system is the most widely used system of measurement around the world, and is based on multiples of ten. The imperial system is mostly used in the UK, and is based on ounces, pints, and gallons. Finally, the US customary system is used in the US, and is based on teaspoons, tablespoons, and cups. It's really interesting to me how different countries use different measurement systems for recipes! Metric System When it comes to measuring out ingredients for recipes, liquid measurements and dry measurements can be quite confusing. For instance, in the US most recipes call for cups as a unit of measurement but if you're an international cook or baker, you may have difficulty converting those cup sizes into metric system equivalents. In Europe and other parts of the world they use milliliters (mL) or liters (L). A cup is generally equal to 250 mL while a liter is 1000 mL - so that's quite a difference! Plus, different countries sometimes use different units of measurement even within the same region; some may measure by teaspoons or grams instead of tablespoons or kilograms. It's important to take all this into consideration when trying out new recipes from around the globe. To make sure your recipe turns out just right, double check conversions before getting started! Imperial System When it comes to measuring out ingredients for recipes, understanding the different systems used around the world can be tricky. For example, in the US most measurements are done by volume using cups or ounces but in Europe and other parts of the world they use milliliters (mL) or liters (L). That's why it's important to familiarize yourself with conversion factors when trying new recipes from abroad. To make sure your cooking is accurate, double check conversions before getting started! Even within a region there may be slight differences due to imperial system influences - such as teaspoons instead of tablespoons. Paying attention to these minute details will help ensure your international dishes turn out perfectly every time! Us Customary System Moving on, let's talk about the US Customary System. This system uses volumetric measurements measured in cups and ounces, which can be tricky to convert when compared with metric conversions used by other countries. For example, if you’re trying a recipe from Europe that calls for 1 milliliter (mL) of something, it would take a bit of math to figure out what that looks like in terms of teaspoons or tablespoons. It pays to look up conversion charts and double check your figures before getting started! When cooking internationally at home, small details such as these can make all the difference between success and failure. How To Use A Measuring Cup Now that we’ve looked at the different cup sizes around the world, let’s move on to how you can use a measuring cup while cooking. Using a measuring cup helps ensure accuracy in recipes and is essential for getting consistent results every time you cook. To get the most out of your measuring cups, make sure you buy ones with clearly marked measurements such as milliliters (mL) or fluid ounces (fl oz). This way, you won't need to do any extra math when converting measurements. When it comes to using a measuring cup, there are a few tips that will help make sure you measure ingredients accurately. First, be aware of the ingredient's density before adding it to the cup. For example, if you're measuring flour its weight varies depending on how densely it is packed into the cup so always spoon it gently into the cup until overflowing then level off with a knife or spatula. Second, take care not to shake or tap too hard since this could cause ingredients like sugar and salt crystals to pack together resulting in inaccurate measurements. Third, don’t forget to add all dry ingredients together first then mix them after they've been measured – this also prevents packing and ensures accurate measurements for each separate item added. Using a measuring cup doesn’t have to be difficult if you follow these simple tips. With practice and patience, soon enough your recipes will turn out perfectly every single time! Common Measurement Equivalents It's essential to understand the measurements used in recipes, and how they relate to one another. A cup is a common unit of measurement that can be converted into other units depending on the context. To ensure accuracy when cooking or baking, it’s important to familiarize yourself with conversion rates between different units. The US customary system uses cups as its primary unit of measure for liquid ingredients whereas the metric system often measures such substances by milliliters (mL). One cup is equal to 236 mL; however, this may vary depending on the ingredient being measured — for example, 1 cup of sugar is much less than 1 cup of flour. It’s also worth noting that some recipes use “cup” interchangeably with “can” and refer specifically to canned goods like tomatoes or broth. Knowing the difference between these terms can help you cook more accurately and efficiently. When measuring out ingredients for a recipe, pay attention to what type of measurement each item needs and determine if you need to convert any cups into milliliters or vice versa. This will help you become more confident in your culinary skills! Why Measurements Matter In Recipes I cannot stress enough how important it is to pay attention to measurements when following a recipe. Accuracy versus approximations can make all the difference in achieving your desired result, and understanding the importance of measuring out ingredients correctly will help you get closer to replicating any dish from its original version. When scaling recipes up or down, accuracy becomes even more essential for success because small changes in quantities can have big impacts on flavor and texture. A teaspoon of baking powder may not seem like much, but if doubled or halved accidentally, it could throw off an entire recipe. It's also worth noting that some cultures use different sizes when referring to a cup or tablespoon size; for example, one country might call for 250ml while another calls for 300ml. Being precise with amounts doesn't mean being overly fussy — it simply means taking a few extra minutes to measure out your ingredients properly so that you don't run into any problems along the way! Frequently Asked Questions What Is The Best Type Of Measuring Cup To Use For Baking? When it comes to baking, accuracy levels are key. The best type of measuring cup to use is a dry-ingredient measuring cup as they come in various sizes and allow you to measure out exact amounts with ease. This is important when following recipes that call for specific measurements; otherwise your results may be off. Most dry-ingredient measuring cups come in standard cup equivalents (1/4, 1/3, 1/2, etc.), so understanding how much each one holds will help you get the desired outcome from a recipe. How Can I Easily Convert Between Different Measuring Cup Sizes? Converting between different measuring cup sizes can be tricky, but there are a few accuracy tips that can help you get it right. To start, use conversion charts to figure out how much of one measurement translates into another - for example, 1 cup of sugar is equal to 8 ounces. You may also want to invest in multiple measuring cups so you always have the exact size on hand when cooking or baking. Additionally, double-check your measurements with a kitchen scale if you’re unsure - this will ensure the most accurate result and help prevent any recipe disasters! Is It Necessary To Measure Ingredients Precisely For Baking Recipes? Yes, it is necessary to measure ingredients precisely for baking recipes. Portion control and accuracy are key components of any successful recipe. To ensure that you get the desired outcome from a recipe, measuring exact amounts of each ingredient is essential. Using too much or too little can drastically alter the end result and make a difference between success and failure. Is There A Standard Size For A Cup Measurement? When it comes to cooking and baking, a “cup” measurement can vary depending on the dry ingredients you're using. For example, if you're measuring out flour, one cup will be different than when measuring sugar or salt. That's why it's important to look at metric conversions before measuring any type of dry ingredient. The good news is that most recipes list measurements in both cups and metrics so you don't have to worry about doing the conversion yourself! All-in-all, there isn't really a standard size for a cup measurement as it varies by dry ingredient but having access to metric conversions makes things much easier. How Can I Make Sure I Am Using The Correct Cup Size For My Recipes? When it comes to precision in the kitchen, accuracy is key. We all want our recipes to turn out perfect every time! Knowing which cup size to use can help you achieve this outcome. When measuring dry ingredients like flour or sugar, opt for a standard 8-ounce cup. For wet ingredients like milk and oil, use a liquid measuring cup with lines marking off different volumes of fluid ounces. This way you'll get the right amounts quickly and accurately - no guesswork required! Conclusion It is important to understand how big a cup is when baking recipes. It can be difficult to convert between different measuring cups, but with the help of an online conversion calculator or reference chart it becomes much simpler. Knowing which type of measuring cup you need for any particular recipe and having the right size will ensure that your baked goods turn out just as they should. In addition, taking the time to measure precisely will give you consistent results every time. With a little knowledge and practice, anyone can become a great baker! Read the full article
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cupstograms1 · 1 year
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Tablespoon calorie mashed potatoes
Welcome to the world of measurements! Today we're going to dive into the sometimes confusing world of ounces and tablespoons. We'll learn about the different units of measurement and how to convert between them. So get ready to break out your measuring cups and spoons and let's get started!
What is Tablespoon calorie mashed potatoes?
Tablespoon calorie mashed potatoes is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Not only is it a great way to reduce calories, but it also provides the same flavor and texture as the classic version. This simple dish is easy to make and can be a great side for any meal. Each tablespoon of mashed potatoes contains only 25 calories, making it an ideal choice for those looking to watch their calorie intake. The potatoes are cooked until soft, then mashed with butter, cream, and seasonings to create a creamy consistency. It's important to use low-fat cream or milk when making mashed potatoes, as these ingredients will help keep the calorie count low. The combination of butter and cream provides flavor and richness while the seasonings give the mashed potatoes a unique flavor that will make your meal stand out. Tablespoon calorie mashed potatoes is a great option for those looking for a light, yet flavorful side dish that won't break the calorie bank.
How to convert Tablespoon calorie mashed potatoes ounce
Converting tablespoons of calorie mashed potatoes to ounces is a simple task that can be done quickly and efficiently. The first step is to determine the number of calories in each tablespoon of mashed potatoes. This information can typically be found on the package of mashed potatoes or from a nutrition label. Once you have this information, it is easy to convert it into ounces. One calorie is equal to 0.002295 ounces, so simply divide the total calorie amount by 0.002295 to get the number of ounces. For example, if there are five calories per tablespoon, divide 5 by 0.002295 to get 2.17 ounces of mashed potatoes per tablespoon. Remember, accuracy is key when converting, so it is important to use precise measurements whenever possible. With this simple conversion formula, you can easily convert tablespoons of calorie mashed potatoes to ounces in just a few minutes!
How many ounces in a tablespoon
Do you often miscalculate the number of ounces in a tablespoon while measuring ingredients? Relax! often questioned 0.5 ounces make up one tablespoon. One ounce is equivalent to two teaspoons. This simple adjustment reduces tension and time spent in the kitchen. It also aids in recipe improvement. Simple solutions include pre-measured spoons with comparable measurements. You'll never have to estimate the weight of a tablespoon again!
How to convert teaspoon to ounce
Are you looking for a quick way to convert teaspoons into ounces? Done! To get ounces, just convert teaspoons. Just keep in mind the basic conversion formula: There are 0.166667 ounces in a teaspoon. Calculations are made easier by using a calculator for teaspoons to ounces. When entered, the calculator will convert teaspoons to ounces. This will make measuring ingredients better. You'll get better results if you convert teaspoons to ounces correctly. To make converting teaspoons to ounces simpler and to make cooking more enjoyable, start using the method right now!
Table showing teaspoons to ounces
Have you ever needed to quickly convert teaspoons to ounces? You are protected! This helpful table makes it simple to convert teaspoons to ounces. For chefs, home cooks, and bakers alike, this table is perfect. You can get the number of ounces for a certain number of teaspoons in a few simple steps. It is simple to convert teaspoons to ounces. You can readily find the teaspoon conversion formula since the table is easy to read. To quickly convert teaspoons to ounces, use this table!
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F.A.Q How many ounces in a tablespoon
What about 2 tablespoons and 1 ounce?
What volume of tablespoons make to an ounce? Simple! Since a tablespoon weighs 0.5 ounces, you'll need 4 tablespoons to make 2 ounces. This straightforward adjustment could make baking and cooking simpler. You won't accidentally double or triple the ingredients, avoiding cooking catastrophes. Cooking could be easier if you know that 1 tablespoon equals 0.5 ounces. Keep in mind that 1 tablespoon equals 0.5 ounces, and you should be OK.
Does 1 oz correspond to 1 tablespoon?
One ounce equals one tablespoon, right? Surprise! Contrary to appearances, 1 oz and 1 tablespoon are two different measurements. A tablespoon is more compact than an ounce. A tablespoon is one ounce. Use tablespoons rather than ounces for precise measures. The right ingredients in the right amounts are necessary for baking and cooking. You may create perfect recipes by comprehending ounces and tablespoons. Keep in mind while cooking that 1 ounce equals 2 tablespoons!
Is 2 tablespoons the same as 2 ounces?
When baking, do you ever realize you're missing ingredient measurements? Do tablespoons equal an ounce? Yes! Since a tablespoon weighs 0.5 ounces, a recipe calling for 8 tablespoons will result in 4 ounces. Baking is simple thanks to this converter. You may use this to double or halve any recipe without altering the proportions. Shopping for ingredients is quicker since you don't have to hunt for teaspoons and tablespoons. The next time you cook, keep in mind that tablespoons are equivalent to one ounce.
Is 4 tablespoons the same as 4 ounces?
Is 0.5 ounces equal to 1 tablespoon? Yes! tablespoons are comparable to one ounce. Because a tablespoon is equivalent to 0.5 ounces, there are two ounces used for every tablespoon. Use one ounce to measure two tablespoons, two ounces to measure four, and so on. With this knowledge, cooking and baking become more precise and easy. A dish's measurements may make or ruin it. The next time you use tablespoons in your cooking, keep in mind that 1 tablespoon equals 0.5 ounces and double your measurement!
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JESTER DEMONS 🟊 🟊 🟊
DISCLAIMER; I’m going to info dump here about my thoughts of Jester Demons. Now, these are just my thoughts and no one has to like them or accept them (if you do, awesome but if not that’s okay)! I hope you give them a read though and let me know your thoughts! If you apply them to anything, sweet! Just let me know okay since these are my ideas...? Either way, enjoy! Also, I used THEY as a gender neutral term as Jester Demons can be a variety of genders and sexes, it’s just up to you.
Jester Demons are another Hellborn species of demon that share some resemblances to Imps, but only a few. Depending on which ring of Hell they come from, that’ll factor in some of their traits, characteristics and personalities but at their core they’re fun-loving demons who thrive off attention in some shape or form. For example:
W R A T H 🟊 🟊 🟊
Jester Demons from Wrath are notoriously short fused and tend to have the most ‘muscle’ mass or toned forms. They rather settle matters in a physical way versus verbal communication. Wrath Jesters typically are the thrill seekers and their pranks or jokes are rather dark to the point they sometimes verge on painful as that’s what they love the most. They typically don’t care if someone gets hurt in the process of their joke-making and even seem to enjoy it even if they get caught up in their own messes. Again, they can get rather hot-headed and prone to more violent outbursts versus other Jester Demons. They’re the most destructive of them all.
Their apparel and designs tend to be harsh and sharp as they’ll opt for reds, oranges, yellows; colors that represents fire or even a warning. Their “hats” are relatively shorter compared to the others as they don’t want it to get tangled or in their way. They will also not wear bells, but some other sort of decoration like skulls, chains and or even spikes. Their tails are also short and sometimes will not have a design at the end of it or if they do, it’ll be rather simple compared to a spade or star. They are also the only ones that’ll have spines along their tails.
S L O T  H 🟊 🟊 🟊
Jesters from Sloth are known for suffering from either Narcolepsy or Insomnia and because of such, they’ll usually sport rather dark circles around their eyes. They’re the more calm ones of their species, but even they can get up to no good. They’re just slow at it versus others. Typically these Jesters tend to be more on the lanky side in their physiques and can be commonly seen hunched over or others say, bad postures. They seem rather laid back or aloof to most things and others. However, they’re also rather smart and crafty in their own ways as long as they don’t exert too much energy. They typically don’t smile all that often but when they do, their smiles are the most warm and tender smiles you’ll ever see.
As for colors, they are usually more pastel “soft”, almost dream-like. Their “hats” are usually the longest of their kind and sometimes don’t have more than one sleeve (the hats usually take after night caps and such), but not always. They’ll wear bells on their hats, but the chimes to them are soft, melodic or sweet. Their tails usually end in stars, moons or things one would think of in terms of sleeping / dreaming. The same can be said for their cheek markings. They also are usually seen with a rather dull or sleepy expression but will make an effort to smile if need be.
E N V Y 🟊 🟊 🟊
Jesters of Envy are known for being backstabbers with a silver tongue. Their eyes are a tad bit more slanted compared to the others; one could even say snake-like. They’re prone to jealous fits and have no shame in hiding this aspect of themselves. Of course they’ll go out of their way to make sure you’re always thinking of them or they’re your favorite out of everyone you meet and they’ll do so in any manner they can to achieve that. If they hear otherwise, they’re prone to getting immediate payback as they’ll feel wronged even if that’s not the case. They’re more resilient to chemicals and poisons as that is their usual go-to methods to wrecking havoc and pranks.
As for their colors, they’re usually opt for greens, silvers, browns or anything dark and rich. Their tails are medium length and tend to be more slender, usually ending in spades, diamonds or even clubs like those of a deck of cards. Their smiles are ones not to be trusted, but it’s rather hard to tell the difference between their usual smiles or ones they don when they’re up to no good. Their cheeks markings are usually circles or even sometimes rather ornate and decorative. Their “hats” are the most lavish as well, sporting lace, embroidery and things of that manner.
P R I D E 🟊 🟊 🟊
Jesters of Pride are the most loud and boisterous, if only to boast how better they are than others in everything and anything in between. Their pranks and jokes will always put them in a good light or even bad, as long as they get the attention and reaction they crave, they don’t care how it goes about. They’re the second tallest (Greed being the first) and their physiques are either typically slender or toned depending on how they wish to take care of themselves and show off.
Their colors are rather bold and loud just like they are and they don’t shy away from any value or pigment. As long as it looks good on them, they’ll wear it. They too can be rather decorative in their “hats”, but compared to those of Envy, they’ll go over the top and beyond for the things they’ll wear on themselves and their “hats”. They’re prone to ruffles, bows, ribbons and like-wise. They have the most charming smile and devastating sneer. Cheek markings are perhaps just as loud and overly dramatic as the rest of them. They’ll even wear makeup for added measure. Their tails are the second longest to Sloth’s, but they’ll wear additional decorations upon them. The ends of their tail end in a plethora of things ranging from circles, spades, diamonds and much, much more. They’ll usually hold their tails in a curl versus letting it drag behind them like Sloth’s do.
G R E E D 🟊 🟊 🟊
Jesters of Greed are the tallest and they relish in their imposing heights. They’re the more stern of them all and can come off as rigid, but even they are prone to causing mischief and partake in jokes as long as there’s monetary gain for them. They’re more crafty in how they go about things, always having never-ending ideas on how to make something sell or get away with the things they do.
Their colors usually ranges in the greens or yellows, resembling money or treasure of course and they’ll pair that off with something dark or light depending. Their “hats” usually only have two sleeves or even three and theirs ends with bells or charms signifying worth, money or like wise. Like Pride and Envy, their clothes will be rather decorative and lavish, but unlike Pride, not over the top. They prefer to look distinguished and almost business-like, but still holding on to their Jester-like ensembles. Their tails are medium length and usually end in spades or just points.
G L U T T O N Y 🟊 🟊 🟊
Gluttony Jesters come in two shapes or forms usually; pudgy or excessively thin. They have insatiable appetites where eating just isn’t enough, so they’re constantly thinking or wanting food. Most of their pranks or jokes are food targeted (but not always), if they successfully manage to do them without eating their own props or getting distracted. Despite this, their strength almost rivals that to Wrath as long as they can think long enough without thinking of food or especially if they just finished eating a big meal. Food is of course their main concern and ambitions. If they find those of kindred spirits, they’ll be glad to share their food but if not, they may fight you for it. Oddly enough, they’re very good cooks.
Their colors of course tends to lean more towards warm colors and comes in patterns sometimes, most often than not actually. Their “hats” are of medium length, but their bells are usually big, comically even. If not bells, they like to wear puffs or something that resembles ‘soft’. Their tails can either be short and stubby or of medium length. It varies. Cheek marks usually are circles, squares, lines or other things. They can be as decorative as Envy, Pride or even Greed Jesters, but usually on the simpler side.
L U  S T 🟊 🟊 🟊
Lust Jesters come in an array of different body types, whatever is pleasing to the eye really. They are the most to people please or carter to other’s desires, especially if it stems on the sexual side. Their libidos know no limits and out of all the Jesters, they have the most stamina and energy. Their jokes and or pranks are usually of the sexual nature of course and tend to focus on one individual versus the masses, but they can be versatile. They’re the most easily accessible to affections and greatly thrive off it as well as attention of any kind. They also sport the most longest tongue along their kind, rivaling Gluttony.
Their colors can be in any shade or value, whatever is pleasing to their audience’s eyes and grabs their attention. Of course, they wear more revealing outfits compared to the others but still retain their Jester aesthetic. They’re “hats” can be either short or long and equally decorative like the others. They either wear bells, ribbons or things that make noise. Their tell-sign that differs from others is their cheek marks will usually if not always be in the shape of hearts or things in a similar manner, but they are most of the time in hearts. The ends of their tails is shaped the same way or spades. They can either be tall (not as tall as Greed) or small. They are the lightest of the Jesters.
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sukiglycerin · 3 years
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I wud like to request it that ok, may you write a Kirishima x loner! Reader?
a carp on the cutting board || eijirou kirishima.
* pairing: eijirou kirishima x loner!reader (gender neutral!)
* genre: fluff with melancholic tones
* words: 778
* warnings: reader being introverted/reserved/not good at making friends, slight themes of loneliness, kirishima is best boy AS ALWAYS, there’s a picnic scene and they feed fish, so many water metaphors pls 
* a/n: wanna thank my bestie @toishi for beta-ing this!! i’ve been obsessed with koi lately. the title comes from the japanese idiom “俎板の上の鯉” which means “a carp on the cutting board.” basically, it’s saying that one has no say over their fate, like a carp waiting to be sliced on a cutting board. i think it ties into the underlying sad theme in this and!! koi are just selectively bred carp for their colors. so, in a way, reader kinda sees themselves as a carp compared to the colorful koi- but i’m looking too deep into this. make of this what you you will. i hope you enjoy!
“come, love, look at the koi with me,” kirishima beckons kindly. he sits on flat rocks bordering a small pond, legs wading calf deep into the water. his pants are rolled up to the knee, and he graces you with a kind smile. he outstretches a bento to you, wrapped neatly in pretty red fabric. you approach him, discarding your shoes and sitting next to him. your legs dangle in the water, a cool sensation embracing them, and you accept the lunch.
lunch with kirishima is always interesting. every day is never the same; he’s always guiding you to new places or texting you locations that are within a walking distance. today he told you to forgo your usual meal of curry and rice from the cafeteria and instead meet him here, a garden nearby you hadn’t known had a koi pond. the sun glints off the crests of miniscule ripples from the pond, obscuring the stones and vegetation through the translucent troughs of the water. there is not a moment of stillness in the water; it is as if it is alive and full of vivid colour. the colour moves around and reveals itself to be the koi fish populating the pond, maneuvering through invisible twists and turns in the water. you’re mesmerized by the sight, bento forgotten on your lap. 
it almost makes you feel less alone.
both you and kirishima know why lunch is always different and why the cafeteria is such a dreaded setting. you can’t bear to talk to him about it. yet there’s a mutual understanding between you two, though one would typically assume kirishima’s vibrant, extroverted personality would separate him from your quiet, reserved one. looking at the koi then back at him brings a certain indescribable sadness to your eyes and for whatever reason, the words “i love you,” linger on the tip of your tongue. you hold them in, drown them down your throat, and smile gratefully at him.
“thank you,” is what emerges from the waves of your mind, the water that flows in the form of words from your mouth. he grins wide and it outshines the pouring sunlight on the two of you. 
at first you felt guilty for bringing him away from his usual lunch with his friends - why should you pull him away from his friends because of your lack of them? - but he brushed those worries away with a shake of his head. he told you that one day, he’d introduce you to them when you’re more comfortable. he said that he enjoyed the adventure of lunch in a different place every day. and knowing kirishima, all of his words were genuine.
a red fish bristles against your ankle and it awakens you from your daze. you unwrap your bento and pull apart your chopsticks, murmuring a quiet “thank you for the food,” to kirishima and maybe the koi, then eat. he’s packed you a rice dish and an assortment of pickled vegetables, as vibrant as the pond before you. 
this lunch is atypically quiet, thrumming with the water’s movements and sound of cicadas hidden in nearby shrubbery. the sun comfortably drapes itself over the two of you, nesting on your limbs and filling you with a not unwelcome warmth. 
“hey,” kirishima says finally after you’ve finished your lunch. he nudges you a small pack of something. “i’ve gotten permission to feed the koi.” 
you open the bag to see that it’s filled with pellets for the fish. following kirishima’s example, you lean towards the pond and extend your hand to the water’s surface, where a spotted fish has already approached. you let go of the food and it’s eagerly gulped up by the awaiting fish. time passes and you’re not sure if it’s fast or slow; like a stream, it constantly flows until one realizes it’s dried and gone. well, you could argue that time was measured by the fish pellets that slowly ran out unbeknownst to you until there were only five left. it’s less poetic that way, though.
the sun has dimmed its glow in the slightest by the time you pull your legs out of the water and kirishima mutters something about forgetting a towel. you pat him and say it’s okay, taking his hand in yours. you make your way out of the garden barefoot, rivulets of water on your legs and feet drying in the sunlight. you leave the lunch full in more ways than one; the sunlight has seemed to have filled you to the brim with an indescribable feeling. you thumb kirishima’s knuckles gently. if it’s love, you know you’ll never be in it alone.
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madampianoo · 3 years
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Hey guys 💖 Here's Zlatans latest FULL interview with France Football. Hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did. This was such tasty appetiser before tomorrows main course meal match and start of his new season.
P.S. Please excuse english, it was google translated
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Have you ever found your stolen Fido Dido ?
"Not. They stole it and I never saw it again. But maybe it was cosmic justice for all the bikes I stole. It's a pity, it was my favorite bike ... "
If you could find the one who stole it from you now, what would you do to it?
"I would buy him a new one and take mine back."
You devoted a lot of space to that story in your autobiography. Was it a turning point in your life to move from the role of victim to the other side?
"No. I was young and stupid. I did all sorts of things to survive. I needed a bike to ride here and there. When they stole my bike, I started stealing them from others. I did it solely for the reason that I could not afford to buy others. I know it's not a positive story ... But things like that are done to move forward in life, right? ”
What would you steal from football today if you could and give it to little Zlatan ?
"Nothing. I would just tell him to be more patient. And that his hard work will return one day. I worked hard, but I didn’t have the patience. I wanted everything now. "
How did you learn to be patient?
"It's very difficult when you're young. But when you have the experience I have now, learn what patience is. But when you are young and wild, full of various ideas and energy, when you want to discover the whole world and learn everything at once, then it is not easy to be patient. You need to be surrounded by people who have experience, who will calm you down and who will tell you the truth. "
What will be left behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic when he finishes his career?
"I do not know. Something will remain ... If something remains, it means I did a good job. Maybe some of my ideas and thoughts will remain from everything. That you should believe in yourself, that you should have your own personality and that you should not refrain from saying something you think. "
Did you make mistakes?
"I make mistakes every day. I am making a mistake now that I am talking about your newspaper. "
Maybe we're making a mistake talking to you too ...
"I'm kidding ... Mistakes are normal, we make them every day and they help us to be better people. "No one is perfect."
What are you most proud of?
"Everything I did. I come from a place where everyone condemned me and told me that something was impossible. I was constantly told that I was not good enough. And I'm still here. I stand still in my football boots. At 39 years old. And I'm proud of that. "
Could you have done more than this?
"It can always be more and better. It's a question of mentality. "
Even you?
"Every person can do better and more. In my head I always aim for the maximum and I am always convinced that I have given the maximum. Could I have done better, that can be discussed ... "    
Do you ever get tired of the attention of the public, journalists, fans, everyone's opinions?
"It's all part of my job. I didn't choose it that way. When you are as good as me, that is inevitable and must be accepted. "
How do you comment on the claims of some that you are a great player in small games?
"Everyone has the right to an opinion and to express it."
Did that bother you when you were younger?
"Not. I used it as a propellant to be as good as possible. I was motivated by such stories. I went forward and looked to never be satisfied. I received all these criticisms in such a way as to ignite the fire in my heart and to extract additional energy from them. "
What do you regret?
"It simply came to our notice then. Do you really think that I would be a better football player if I won all the trophies? "
Not. Even the Brazilian Ronaldo did not win everything ...
"Exactly. Of course, it would be wonderful if I won everything. But that doesn't make me a weaker or better footballer. I like guys who say to me: 'Zlatan, you didn't win the World Cup, you're not a good player'. Okay ... But it's easier to win the World Cup when you're French than when you're Swedish. Let's go back to the Champions League. The longer you wait for it, the sweeter it is. I still have a goal to win it. I won everything but her in club football. But I won't quack even if I don't win it because I've already done a lot more than most footballers. I'm a happy man. "
You didn't even win the Golden Ball. Does Zlatan miss the Golden Ball or does the Golden Ball miss Zlatan ?
"I think they miss me there on that list of conquerors."
You finished in fourth place in terms of the number of votes in 2013, and that is your best ranking. Is it weird that you didn't win it?
"You see, every player wants a trophy that tells him he is the best in the world. Deep down, I think I'm the best in the world. It would be prestigious if I won it, but it is the voters who decide. You journalists are voting and you know why I didn't win it! Ha-ha-ha ... ”
Well, it's not just us from France, there are also journalists from all over the world ...
"A-ha-ha!"
Messi and Ronaldo have won it several times. What do they have that you don't have?
"If you talk about essential qualities, I have nothing less than them. If you look at the trophies, I didn't win the Champions League like them ... But I really don't know how you measure and calculate that. Nor am I obsessed with it. You see, when you do good collective things, then individual rewards are a consequence of that. An individual cannot be good if the collective is weak. "
Where do you see yourself in the history of football? If there was a table, where would you put yourself?
"What do you want me to answer you?"
Who would be next to you on that table?
"It is not relevant to compare players from different eras. Everyone played in their generation, with different teammates. These are difficult things to compare. Everyone has their own story, and mine is full of problems. "
Does your personality set you apart in the world of football?
"I am just what I am. People try hard to be ideal to others. I always say ‘Be what you are and that is perfection’. I will not change because of success. For no reason will I change. Whatever happens, I will be what I am. I just want to play my game and have my team win. The rest will come of its own accord. I didn't choose to be famous. It's just a consequence of the work I do. "
We thought about jumping out of the pattern and what you're doing on the field.
"But it's all connected to the field. People talk a lot off the field today. But if you're not good on the field, and you talk a lot, then you're just a clown. "
Are there many clowns in the world of football?
"As much as you want ... A bunch!"
You consider yourself ideal in your head because you are what you are. How do you know this is right?
"I don't want to be perfect to someone else by force and talk about how I don't make mistakes. Maybe all this is a mistake. But I will remain what I am. I don't want you to send me questions before the interview, I don't want to know what you're going to ask me, I don't care. Readers will judge us whether the interview is good or not. "
When you left Paris Saint-Germain, you said, 'I came like a lion, I leave like a king . ' Do you really care so much about being remembered?
"I wrote my story in Paris and left my motto. Now let someone else write it and leave your motto. I don’t try to make people remember me by what I say. He will remember me on the field and what I did there. "
Are you arrogant or pretentious?
"I'm just a man full of confidence."
Does it matter to you that they recognize you as special?
"I am not special. I am a normal guy and a professional. I don’t want to share my whole life with the rest of the world. I'm not an instagram clown who wakes up in the morning and thinks what is the most beautiful photo for him to post. I share my professional challenges with the rest of the world. Privacy must exist. I don't want to share it either. But I want to share some parts of my professional life because it's part of my job. "
Do you deliberately block the fragility and insecurity from your childhood with your behavior, when the fierce guys in your Rosengard called you "lukewarm"?
"No. And I have a part of the personality that is fragile. I have emotions and weaknesses. There are things that hurt me. It's all natural. I'm not the Hulk, I'm not Superman, nor have I ever wanted to play them. I had difficult moments that hardened me, but I stepped forward. Today, I am no longer a guy of 20 or 25, but a family man with two children. I think differently, but my character has remained the same. "
Are you still a fierce guy at 40?
"People, is it possible that you still consider me a football gangster?" I know you had that title and some picture ... I'm no gangster. Of course I'm still a strong guy. I am almost two meters tall and I train hard and work on myself every day. I'm not someone who lies on the beach and shows muscles. I was born like this and I try to adapt the game to my constitution. I'm not as fast as I was at the age of 25, but now I have some other qualities. "
Does that mean you're a good guy?
"Yes I am. When you meet me, you will see how much heart I have. When they don't know me, people hate me. "
Do you want to be loved by everyone?
"No. I just want to be respected when I do something good. In fact, what is the love of all? There can be no love from someone I don't even know. Love is something reserved for those closest to you. Take Inter fans for example. When I was with them, they loved me. Now they hate me. This means that love has never been as real as with loved ones. Love cannot arise and disappear so quickly. I'm not one of those guys who will organize humanitarian actions just for someone to tell them: 'Wow, he's a good guy!'. It's a 'fake'. I'm going to do something because I want to do it. And not because someone would like me. I do it with my heart, some do it with my brain. If I send money to hospitals, it doesn't have to be known. I'm doing this because they really need that money with this damn crown. And I will not brag publicly. "
Is that one of the worst things in football today?
"It's simply part of football. People want to have perfect images. But in the end, they will meet reality. Everything will be known. Look at Tiger Woods. It seemed to be the most perfect character in the world ... People, just be what you are and don't try to be someone else. Don’t manipulate because it will all come back to you. No filters! ”
When you learned the Swedish national anthem, did you do it from the heart, not to be loved in your own country?
"When I was little, I didn't feel like a Swede. My parents are from Bosnia and Croatia. They influenced me to feel different, to look at me differently, to judge me differently and to treat me differently. That's why I didn't feel 100 percent Swedish. But today I am 100 percent Swedish. Even in France today, many talk about some old France and old times. The world today is full of various mixes and contrasts. And it doesn’t mean you’re not 100 percent Swedish or French if you accept that world. When you are young, you do not understand some things. It is mentally difficult when you are treated differently as a child. People think that it will pass quickly, and they do not know that the consequences remain for years. I was always in favor of getting the strongest blow at once because the pain lasts less than being constantly harassed with small and vile blows. Constant harassment leaves longer traumas. But those people who are harassing do not know that they are backward and live in the old world while we pass in front of them with the new world. It is a world of open minds in which I am Swedish and in which my children are Swedes. "
Do you still think differently from LeBron James, with whom you used to be friends?
"I do not want to enter politics because it divides people. Football unites people. I was lucky to meet people I would never have met without football. From all over the world. "Sport and politics are two different worlds and I am glad to be in the former."
But it happens that you express an attitude that has to do with politics.
"We athletes spread love and joy. I'm good at it and I know how to do it. You will not bring politics into my world. "
What are your fears and anxieties?
"With this corona situation, the world has changed completely. The situation is improving a bit, but ... The other day I went out to a restaurant with my family. It was weird. Then cam video audience in stadiums. And that was weird to me. I got used to it and I only wanted one thing: To go home ?! I'm used to the house, the masks ... It won't be easy to come back mentally. I hope that everything will be the same as before, but I am afraid that this will leave consequences on people. "
When you became a parent, did your children bring fears?
"There is no room for fear when we talk about children. We can talk about weaknesses. When you have children, they become your weakness. Then your life is no longer in your hands but in theirs. They become the most important ... Guys, we missed the interview date! I won't give you any more! I'm too expensive to tell you so much, ha-ha-ha ... "
How expensive are you?
"A lot ... Ask PSG!"
Can I have another five, ten minutes?
"Come on."
We would like to ask you about retirement. Are you afraid to stop playing football?
"A little bit. It is difficult for every football player when he has to retire. You have been programmed throughout your career. It is known when you get up, have breakfast, train, have lunch, rest, have dinner ... Someone else takes care of everything, it's just yours to press the 'repeat' button every day. The first day you wake up at the end of your playing career, you ask yourself, 'What the hell am I going to do today?' You are no longer programmed and you do not know what to do. That scares me a little. But what should I do? Luckily, I don’t think about it yet. I'm not for retirement. "
We in France call it the ‘little death’.
"That's it! Absolutely! After a lot depends on what kind of person you are. How will you cope and how will you fight. It's not easy".
But isn't that some kind of relief? You can eat and drink whatever you want
"After my playing career, I want to disappear. When you are in this world like me for so long and you know what you have been through physically and mentally, you just need to disappear and enjoy life
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thedisneychef · 10 months
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Cooking Measurements: How Big Is a Cup in Recipes and More
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When it comes to cooking, measuring out ingredients can be confusing. One of the most common questions I get asked is “how big is a cup in recipes?” It’s an important question because getting your measurements right is key for successful baking and making delicious meals. In this article, we will explore what exactly constitutes a cup when following recipes. We'll look at how different countries measure their cups, as well as some tips on using them accurately. What Is A Cup? I'm sure we've all seen recipes that call for a cup of this or a cup of that. But how big is a cup, really? As it turns out, there are several different sizes when it comes to cups and measuring ingredients in cooking. Cups come in various shapes and sizes, depending on what type of measurements you need. This means that one recipe might call for a bigger cup than another - so it's important to know which size the recipe calls for before beginning! For liquid measurements, most recipes use the standard 8-ounce cup as their measure of choice. However, if the recipe doesn't specify otherwise then it's safe to assume an 8-oz measurement. When measuring dry ingredients like flour and sugar, you'll usually want to go with something smaller – like a 4-ounce cup or even 1/4 teaspoon measurements for some items. Knowing your cup sizes will help ensure accuracy in both wet and dry measurements, giving you better results each time! Measuring Cups Around The World I'm curious about how different countries measure things like cups in recipes, so I did some research on the metric system, imperial system, and US customary system. The metric system is the most widely used system of measurement around the world, and is based on multiples of ten. The imperial system is mostly used in the UK, and is based on ounces, pints, and gallons. Finally, the US customary system is used in the US, and is based on teaspoons, tablespoons, and cups. It's really interesting to me how different countries use different measurement systems for recipes! Metric System When it comes to measuring out ingredients for recipes, liquid measurements and dry measurements can be quite confusing. For instance, in the US most recipes call for cups as a unit of measurement but if you're an international cook or baker, you may have difficulty converting those cup sizes into metric system equivalents. In Europe and other parts of the world they use milliliters (mL) or liters (L). A cup is generally equal to 250 mL while a liter is 1000 mL - so that's quite a difference! Plus, different countries sometimes use different units of measurement even within the same region; some may measure by teaspoons or grams instead of tablespoons or kilograms. It's important to take all this into consideration when trying out new recipes from around the globe. To make sure your recipe turns out just right, double check conversions before getting started! Imperial System When it comes to measuring out ingredients for recipes, understanding the different systems used around the world can be tricky. For example, in the US most measurements are done by volume using cups or ounces but in Europe and other parts of the world they use milliliters (mL) or liters (L). That's why it's important to familiarize yourself with conversion factors when trying new recipes from abroad. To make sure your cooking is accurate, double check conversions before getting started! Even within a region there may be slight differences due to imperial system influences - such as teaspoons instead of tablespoons. Paying attention to these minute details will help ensure your international dishes turn out perfectly every time! Us Customary System Moving on, let's talk about the US Customary System. This system uses volumetric measurements measured in cups and ounces, which can be tricky to convert when compared with metric conversions used by other countries. For example, if you’re trying a recipe from Europe that calls for 1 milliliter (mL) of something, it would take a bit of math to figure out what that looks like in terms of teaspoons or tablespoons. It pays to look up conversion charts and double check your figures before getting started! When cooking internationally at home, small details such as these can make all the difference between success and failure. How To Use A Measuring Cup Now that we’ve looked at the different cup sizes around the world, let’s move on to how you can use a measuring cup while cooking. Using a measuring cup helps ensure accuracy in recipes and is essential for getting consistent results every time you cook. To get the most out of your measuring cups, make sure you buy ones with clearly marked measurements such as milliliters (mL) or fluid ounces (fl oz). This way, you won't need to do any extra math when converting measurements. When it comes to using a measuring cup, there are a few tips that will help make sure you measure ingredients accurately. First, be aware of the ingredient's density before adding it to the cup. For example, if you're measuring flour its weight varies depending on how densely it is packed into the cup so always spoon it gently into the cup until overflowing then level off with a knife or spatula. Second, take care not to shake or tap too hard since this could cause ingredients like sugar and salt crystals to pack together resulting in inaccurate measurements. Third, don’t forget to add all dry ingredients together first then mix them after they've been measured – this also prevents packing and ensures accurate measurements for each separate item added. Using a measuring cup doesn’t have to be difficult if you follow these simple tips. With practice and patience, soon enough your recipes will turn out perfectly every single time! Common Measurement Equivalents It's essential to understand the measurements used in recipes, and how they relate to one another. A cup is a common unit of measurement that can be converted into other units depending on the context. To ensure accuracy when cooking or baking, it’s important to familiarize yourself with conversion rates between different units. The US customary system uses cups as its primary unit of measure for liquid ingredients whereas the metric system often measures such substances by milliliters (mL). One cup is equal to 236 mL; however, this may vary depending on the ingredient being measured — for example, 1 cup of sugar is much less than 1 cup of flour. It’s also worth noting that some recipes use “cup” interchangeably with “can” and refer specifically to canned goods like tomatoes or broth. Knowing the difference between these terms can help you cook more accurately and efficiently. When measuring out ingredients for a recipe, pay attention to what type of measurement each item needs and determine if you need to convert any cups into milliliters or vice versa. This will help you become more confident in your culinary skills! Why Measurements Matter In Recipes I cannot stress enough how important it is to pay attention to measurements when following a recipe. Accuracy versus approximations can make all the difference in achieving your desired result, and understanding the importance of measuring out ingredients correctly will help you get closer to replicating any dish from its original version. When scaling recipes up or down, accuracy becomes even more essential for success because small changes in quantities can have big impacts on flavor and texture. A teaspoon of baking powder may not seem like much, but if doubled or halved accidentally, it could throw off an entire recipe. It's also worth noting that some cultures use different sizes when referring to a cup or tablespoon size; for example, one country might call for 250ml while another calls for 300ml. Being precise with amounts doesn't mean being overly fussy — it simply means taking a few extra minutes to measure out your ingredients properly so that you don't run into any problems along the way! Frequently Asked Questions What Is The Best Type Of Measuring Cup To Use For Baking? When it comes to baking, accuracy levels are key. The best type of measuring cup to use is a dry-ingredient measuring cup as they come in various sizes and allow you to measure out exact amounts with ease. This is important when following recipes that call for specific measurements; otherwise your results may be off. Most dry-ingredient measuring cups come in standard cup equivalents (1/4, 1/3, 1/2, etc.), so understanding how much each one holds will help you get the desired outcome from a recipe. How Can I Easily Convert Between Different Measuring Cup Sizes? Converting between different measuring cup sizes can be tricky, but there are a few accuracy tips that can help you get it right. To start, use conversion charts to figure out how much of one measurement translates into another - for example, 1 cup of sugar is equal to 8 ounces. You may also want to invest in multiple measuring cups so you always have the exact size on hand when cooking or baking. Additionally, double-check your measurements with a kitchen scale if you’re unsure - this will ensure the most accurate result and help prevent any recipe disasters! Is It Necessary To Measure Ingredients Precisely For Baking Recipes? Yes, it is necessary to measure ingredients precisely for baking recipes. Portion control and accuracy are key components of any successful recipe. To ensure that you get the desired outcome from a recipe, measuring exact amounts of each ingredient is essential. Using too much or too little can drastically alter the end result and make a difference between success and failure. Is There A Standard Size For A Cup Measurement? When it comes to cooking and baking, a “cup” measurement can vary depending on the dry ingredients you're using. For example, if you're measuring out flour, one cup will be different than when measuring sugar or salt. That's why it's important to look at metric conversions before measuring any type of dry ingredient. The good news is that most recipes list measurements in both cups and metrics so you don't have to worry about doing the conversion yourself! All-in-all, there isn't really a standard size for a cup measurement as it varies by dry ingredient but having access to metric conversions makes things much easier. How Can I Make Sure I Am Using The Correct Cup Size For My Recipes? When it comes to precision in the kitchen, accuracy is key. We all want our recipes to turn out perfect every time! Knowing which cup size to use can help you achieve this outcome. When measuring dry ingredients like flour or sugar, opt for a standard 8-ounce cup. For wet ingredients like milk and oil, use a liquid measuring cup with lines marking off different volumes of fluid ounces. This way you'll get the right amounts quickly and accurately - no guesswork required! Conclusion It is important to understand how big a cup is when baking recipes. It can be difficult to convert between different measuring cups, but with the help of an online conversion calculator or reference chart it becomes much simpler. Knowing which type of measuring cup you need for any particular recipe and having the right size will ensure that your baked goods turn out just as they should. In addition, taking the time to measure precisely will give you consistent results every time. With a little knowledge and practice, anyone can become a great baker! Read the full article
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Being Mindful
Mindfulness, is a part of meditation, who's practices are taught as part of the Buddhist Community. Mindfulness, is not a religion, but more a practice of staying present. In the moment. Or, aware of what is happening around you vs having your focus or attention on an inner monologue, thought stream or conversation.
Don't confuse mindfulness with being a religion, just because it is taught as part of the Buddhist practices. Mindfulness is a very secular process that doesn't require faith. It just requires patience and practice.
Mindfulness is hard because it comes from a meditation practice where everything but the task you are working on is present in your mind. Many ADHDrs at this point are going .. Good Luck!!! Though, it should be noted that even NTs spend decades training to achieve this state of concentration.
So, I'm here to help you get started.
Why is it so hard
Our brains require new material all the time. More so for ADHDrs than NTs. So, it knows that if it's not getting new input, it has to poke and prod us to get it. It's method of doing this is throwing memories, thoughts, and changing our inner monologue until it provokes us to get up and do something new.
GO HUNT FOR THAT DOPAMINE!!!
We need to teach the brain that there are other places that dopamine can be generated. New places where happiness can be found. New places and ways where input can be explored.
Consider this, when you sleep at nite, you dream. This is your brains way of entertaining itself. And, we can tap into this to help just start your mindfulness meditation practices. You've read of people that are able to change their dreams, well, you can do it too.
Getting Started
Meditation comes in several modes.
Audio
Visual
Physical
When ever possible, try to use all 3. It will help your mind focus and see how the new event streams are just as exciting as the old.
Let's do this by creating a doll house in our minds. The more detailed the doll house and the activities of the people in it, the easier it will become to remain focused on it. (PS .. it doesn't have to be a doll house, it can be any scene you want.)
In your doll house, choose a room, and fill it with things. Here are a few scenarios ...
Are you sitting at a kitchen table trying to study a math problem?
Are you in a library trying to find a book to read?
Are you in the living room looking at a intricately decorated easter egg?
Are you in the kitchen preparing a 5 course meal for your guests?
Are you in your office taking a business call?
Are you in the garage, fixing a car.
Are you in the gym lifting weights?
Are you at the pool lounging or swimming?
Are you in the backyard playing hide and seek with a puppy?
There are infinitely many scenarios.
In addition to these scenarios, we are going to add one more caveat. They all need to be happy scenes, filled with positive events. Our ADHD brain doesn't like negative events, and uses negative events to provoke change, so we want it to learn how positive events can be used for change.
Measuring Success
In order for meditation and mindfulness to be successful, you need to have a positive outcome, almost every time. It's how an ADHDr's brain knows that it's having fun. It generates dopamine when it has fun, wins, and experiences happiness.
Success, then, is measured not by how long we sit. How present we stay. Or, by comparing the depth of our scenarios with previous days. No, instead, success is measured by how much fun we have while meditating or being mindful.
While you are practicing, notice when your mind races off the chosen topic and heads to another topic. When that happens, patiently bring it back to the chosen scenario. Give it a happy bit of candy, squeeze on the cheek, and say, "Let's go play chess some more!"
The Next Level
If you are able to sit for a designated period of time and hold onto your scenario, then you are ready to try the next level.
You are the character in the doll house. You are washing the dishes. You are cleaning the bathroom. You are working in the office. You are doing the laundry.
Just like in your imaginary doll house, you can make the events happy and positive. You can choose to have fun. The way to do this is to focus on the senses being engaged. Your touch, taste, smell, site, and sound. Can you feel the cloths as you fold them? Can you feel the water dripping over your fingers as you rinse a bowl? Or, the soup bubbles as they tickle your fingers?
These are the events you want your mind to focus on now. These are positive events. Things that takes your brain to a happy space, and generate dopamine.
Directing Your Dreams
As mentioned, there are people who can wake up in their dreams and do things. They accomplish this by preparing for bed each night, by writing a story about what they want to dream about. Or, a problem they want to solve.
Just like the scenarios involving the doll house, write a scenario about what you are doing, where you are going, why you are trying to get there, the obstetrical you have to over come, the plot points, the things that will keep your mind engaged and interested in solving this problem. Be the hero in your story.
This will influence your sleep, and will show up in your dreams. As an example, people who play video games all the time, start seeing the video games in their dreams.
Just Sitting
If you've made it this far, then the next level in meditation and mindfulness is to just sit in silence. You will hear the birds chirping and insects buzzing around. Maybe, you'll hear animals scurrying around, or if you're in an apartment building, the other tenants going about their day.
You will also feel your rhythmic breathing .. In, Out, In, Out ...
You will feel your knees and back complain, unless they are super flexible =)
Your mind will find all of this entertaining, and the movies and conversations your mind needed to have before will slowly subside on their own. And, if they don't, that's ok too.
When the Mind Plays a Movie or Has a Conversation
It's normal for the mind to never stop creating images and conversations. Here's a helpful hint on how to view this problem. Play a radio or TV in the background. You can hear the sound, but you ignore it while you're doing your work. You don't necessarily engage until something interesting comes along.
You can use this same training in your meditation. If your brain never stops creating movies or conversations, then pretend your brain is a radio or TV. You don't have to watch or listen to them. They are just there.
When you find yourself engaged in what your brain is presenting or the topic of conversation, simply thank yourself for catching yourself getting off topic, take a deep breath, and return to just sitting, relaxing, and enjoying the warm sun as it shines on your face.
One Last Thing
Your mind uses negative events .. memories and conversations .. to provoke you. You can fight this by writing down 10 things that make you happy. They don't have to be big things. Small wins. Or just how it feels to slide into a freshly made bed with new sheets.
When your mind chooses to attack you, read the list of fun things. It will distract the mind long enough for you to return to what you were doing.
You can also do this before bed, to help your dreams be happier, funner, or funnier.
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Food and Climate Change Without the Hot Air
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Back in 2009, I found the best technical book about climate change I've ever read: David McKay's SUSTAINABLE ENERGY WITHOUT THE HOT AIR:
https://memex.craphound.com/2009/04/08/sustainable-energy-without-the-hot-air-the-freakonomics-of-conservation-climate-and-energy/
McKay's book was a first for me: not a popular *science* book, but a popular *engineering* book, one that simply parameterized the way that we create and use energy, inviting the reader to draw their own conclusions about the tradeoffs we'd need to make to save our world.
McKay's figures included things like the total number of solar photons that strike the Earth, the total tide-stresses exerted by the moon, the maximum possible efficiency of a plane-shape cylinder through air, etc.
All of these represent the absolute best-case scenarios for various energy usage, production and storage problems, and anyone proposing a climate measure that exceeds these maximums is either ill-informed or actively lying.
That volume, with its lucid prose and superb data-visualizations, begat a whole series. In 2011, there was SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS WITH BOTH EYES OPEN by Julian Allwood and Jonathan Cullen.
https://memex.craphound.com/2011/11/17/sustainable-materials-indispensable-impartial-popular-engineering-book-on-the-future-of-our-built-and-made-world/
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS adopted McKay's axiom of focusing on making small changes to large causes, rather than large changes to small causes.
Thus it zeroed in on the role that concrete and aluminium production play in emissions, after showing that all other material production amounts to a rounding error when compared to these two factors.
2015 saw the publication of URBAN TRANSPORT WITHOUT THE HOT AIR, which adopts the same "small changes to big causes" approach by focusing on private automobiles (and the urban layouts they demand) as the major driver of emissions.
https://memex.craphound.com/2015/12/03/urban-transport-without-the-hot-air-confusing-the-issue-with-relevant-facts/
Author Steven Melia explores the potential - and limits - of buses, bikes, walking, rail, etc, and the role that planning plays in changing private automobile usage, and makes an excellent case that urban design is more important than transit links for reducing car usage.
It's been half a decade since that last HOT AIR book, and now, fantastically, we have a new volume in the series: Sarah Bridle's FOOD AND CLIMATE CHANGE WITHOUT THE HOT AIR.
http://www.uit.co.uk/food-and-climate-change-without-the-hot-air
Bridle's volume is an important addition to the series, and uses a subtler knife - rather than opening with the small change in a big thing, she instead sketches out the emissions associated with a variety of prepared meals, organized by breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner.
All of this is framed around the idea that each human on Earth must rapidly draw down their food emissions to no more than 3kg/day if we're to meet the 1.5'C global warming target.
Bridle tots up a cup of tea, an apple, bacon, a sandwich, a steak, fish and chips, etc, and shows how they fit into this picture. As the reader is drawn through this narrative, the inescapable logic of energy narrows down to an inexorable conclusion: we eat too many animals.
Even leaving aside all questions of animal cruelty and human health, there's no escaping the fact that cow and sheep products, including milk, cannot be central to our diets if our species is to survive.
Other meats - poultry, fish, and pork - are vastly more sustainable, but still must be drawn down in our daily eating in favor of plant-based diets (Bridle's very good on explaining how different methods of animal rearing have different emissions profiles).
Moreover, a huge fraction of our food emissions are the result of the inefficiencies of home cooking: heating up your whole oven to cook a potato or a ready-meal massively increases the emissions relative to the same food at a restaurant where many items are cooked at once.
Finally, waste is a huge contributor to emissions, and household kitchens are the worst culprits by far: while industrial food prep offcuts are sold off as animal feed, household waste (including massive volumes of spoiled food) might end up as compost, or worse, landfill.
Like the other HOT AIR authors, Bridle's clear, nonthreatening, technical language, brilliant data visualizations, and example grounded in our daily experience make this a powerful read.
For all its gentle, moderate language, it comes to a devastating conclusion: our species' survival depends on eating more plants, with more centrally (and efficiently) prepared meals.
As with the other HOT AIR books, we're reminded that climate adaptation means significant changes to our lives - changes as profound as the industrial revolution. Bridle devotes significant language to discussing the social factors involved in such a shift.
It's hard to imagine a better addition to the HOT AIR cannon: a volume that boils a complex, urgent issue into a clear, undeniable set of parameters with equally clear conclusions.
If you want to experiment with Bridle's findings and methods, she's got an excellent "climate stack calculator" that lets you quickly assess the emissions associated with different food.
https://www.takeabitecc.org/calculator.html
There's also a free ebook edition of this book; go to whatever ebook store you use and you'll find a copy for $0.00 that you can "buy" and download.
(One more note before I close out: there's another HOT AIR volume, David Nutt's spectacular DRUGS POLICY WITHOUT THE HOT AIR, which had a new edition last year)
https://pluralistic.net/2020/03/02/be-the-helper/#davidnutt
(I didn't include it above because while it is an unmissable, essential volume, it doesn't deal with climate change)
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Crescent Chapter 3 Revision Notes
Revised Chapter 3 is out baby, view it on tumblr dont talk to me about the links not working on that post its broken for some reason or ao3! Since this chapter feels like the one most heavily updated, here’s some notes on what was reworked
Removed Roman’s pov from the very beginning and replaced it with Patton’s pov. I made this decision because it felt like it made for a stronger opening. Some of Roman’s beginning inner monologue in the original is reused at the end of the revised chapter
Patton tearing that mugger apart is now 40% more gruesome and descriptive. 
Patton’s character is now more rounded out and thoroughly explored imho
Roman, Patton and Logan are now 20% more werewolf in their behavior 
Instead of Logan conveniently arriving home for that Dramatic Entrance when Patton finishes telling Roman what’s up, he’s just there and ready to silently disapprove Patton’s choices in life
The Argument at the end between the three is a bit more expanded upon and Patton has a bit more agency in it. 
Original Word-Count was 2557, Updated Word-Count is 4574, little over 2k more than the original.
Included below is the original chapter 3 so you can see the differences if you’d like
To be fair, Roman wasn’t surprised when Patton came home a stray in tow. Patton had a heart of gold—there wasn’t a mean bone in his body. He cried easily. He cried when a girl and her dog got separated in a movie, and he cried again when the two were reunited. He couldn’t bear passing by a downed bird, injured and all alone. It was why they now had a flock of ravens that took shelter within the confines of their yard.
Roman knew it was always hard for Patton to let go of the strays after he nursed them back to health. He grew attached to their presences, loved them like they were his own children. But he also knew that they couldn’t really care for pets with their type of lifestyle beyond the wild animals like the ravens that just wouldn’t leave. However, that was alright. A flock of ravens were considered good luck among werewolves.
So the ravens stayed, whilst the others were sent away. Logan always did his best to help situate the animals into loving homes. It made Patton feel better knowing that they went to owners who’d care for them just as much as he did.
What he was surprised about was the…species of the stray Patton brought home.
He heard the door click open, as he worked on his canvas. He didn’t bother glancing up. He didn’t need to use his nose to know it was Patton entering their humble yet magnificent dwelling. It couldn’t be anyone else, but Patton as Logan didn’t get off work this early, and there wasn’t anyone else who had a key to the house.
“Hey, padre!” He greeted, frowning as he redrew the eyes of his sketch, “Did you complete your quest to obtain the chocolate chip cookies with the extra chocolateyness?”
“Oh my goodness,” Patton gasped, “I left the cookies back in the city!”
“What happened? Did you get sidetracked by a baby squirrel again?” Roman chuckled.
He expected Patton to launch into some excited ramble about the cute poor animal he came across, or perhaps amazing scent trail that derailed him from his errand. But instead Patton seemed hesitant to share information.
“Not…exactly.” Patton admitted.
“What do you mean?” Roman finally looked up.
Instead of the kitten or baby bird that Roman expected to find, there was a stranger in Patton’s arms. Small and thin and pale in baggy black clothing. His first thought that must be another werewolf—Patton wouldn’t dare bring a human here, would he? But Roman took one sniff and knew immediately.
There was no mistake about it; Patton had brought a human into the home.
“Patton why is he here?” Roman growled, “He’s a human!”
The older man pressed his lips together, walking past Roman to lay the human on the couch before facing him once more.
“He was in trouble, Roman! He—he was all alone and I couldn’t just leave him—” Patton drew a breath, “Please, let me explain.”
-
To be fair, Patton did not mean to go sniffing out for trouble. He only meant to go sniffing out for cookies after another botched attempt at creating them. As much as he loved making food in the kitchen, baking was not his strong suit. Logan said it was because he wasn’t exact with his measurements. Patton didn’t see how adding more sugar could ruin the recipe that much. He only wanted to make the cookies sweeter, and what’s sweeter than sugar itself?
It was alright though, because that just gave himself an excuse to visit Thomas. He let his nose take all the way downtown to the Piece of Cake bakery. The bell jangled as he bounced in, grinning around at the pastel interior of the bakery. He took a deep breath in, letting the sweet scents of the desserts invade his nose.
“Hi Patton! What’ll it be today?” Thomas asked, giving a friendly wave from his place at the counter.
“Thomas! It’s so good to see you!” Patton squealed, reaching over the counter to give the man a hug.
The man let out a surprised yelp, but eagerly returned the hug just the same. He learned by now that Patton often to forgot to ask before he invaded people’s personal spaces in his rush to lavish them with affection.
“Opps sorry,” Patton gave a bashful grin as he withdrew from the hug, “I was just excited to see you! It’s been so long since I’ve seen you!”
“Patton, it’s only been like three days,” Thomas laughed.
“I know, but still.” Patton pouted.
The two made friendly conversation as Patton picked out his order. It wasn’t until another customer came into the bakery that the two exchanged their goodbyes, and Patton made his departure.
He hummed cheerfully, swinging the bag of cookies with each stride. Occasionally at intersections he took a moment to open the bag and smell the delicious sugary delights. Chocolate Chip, Snickerdoodles, Sugar Cookies—the scents tickled his nose with glee.
Patton loved scents—they often told the truth more often than someone else’s words or his own eyes could. He was happy he could always trust his nose when his other senses failed him. He couldn’t imagine not being able to smell! He’d rather give up his sight or his hearing than not being able to smell the comforting presences of his packmates.
Once, Logan revealed to him that humans couldn’t smell as well as their kind. Patton cried for fifteen minutes straight after that.
“Why are you crying?” Logan asked, awkwardly patting Patton’s back, “Humans’ sense of smell may be feeble compared to ours, but they have been able to survive just fine with it the way that it is. Besides, it is not as if they know the difference.”
“Exactly!” Patton sobbed harder, “They’ll never know how—how wonderful smell is.”
Logan sighed.
“Would it help any to say as a former human, that I now know how wonderful a heightened sense of smell can be?”
“A little.” Patton sniffled.
The crosswalk switched from an angry red hand to the cute walking stick figure that signaled it was the pedestrians turn to walk. The crowd surged forward, a few people bumping into Patton’s shoulder as they passed by him.
“Oh!” He looked up from the bag, spying the crosswalk signal. He covered up the bag once more and hurried across the crosswalk.
It was a long walk to the outskirts of the city where Roman, Logan and Patton lived, but he much preferred it over taking the car. As much as he enjoyed driving, he didn’t enjoy that thick traffic that left him antsy in the seat knowing he could walk faster than how fast the car was crawling across the interstate. When there wasn’t traffic clogging the streets, the car whipped by faster than Patton’s liking.
He took the idiom “stop and smell the roses” literally. Patton enjoyed walking because of the journey. He loved hearing the chatter out of the bustling city, the wind rustling his hair, seeing the various sights that the city had to offer. Not to mention the smells. While some scents like gasoline could be nauseating to smell, there was scents like—pizza. Greasy breading baked with tomato sauce and cheese with a variety of toppings. His stomach grumbled in agreement.
As if in a trance, Patton’s feet led him in the direction of a nearby pizzeria. It wasn’t until he was a block away from the restaurant that he realized how far off he deviated from the walk home. He needed to walk north, not inwards towards the heart of the city. As much as his mouth watered for pizza, he already prepared a delicious meal at home. He would have to save pizza for another day. Perhaps he could even make homemade pizza! He hadn’t tried that doing that yet.
It was hard to suppress his urge to chase after every wonderful scent that infiltrated his nose, however. The closer he came towards home, the more overwhelming it became. When Patton had been younger, it was harder for him to ignore the urges to chase after the scents. Flowers, perfume, the smell of Asian food wafting in the air from a nearby restaurant—it enticed and overwhelmed him.
He chased the scents, curious to see where they led. Often, he found himself in trouble from sticking his nose where it didn’t belong. After spending his childhood largely isolated from the human world, he had been ignorant of appropriate manners among humans. For example, humans often took offense if you smelled them. Whereas werewolves had very little sense of personal space. Something that could be found inherent in Patton by how he heaped affection on people within five seconds of meeting them.
Patton knew better now. He recognized he couldn’t gleefully chase each scent without abandon. He had a responsibility to look after the needs of the others. If Patton didn’t remind the two workaholics when to eat, he wasn’t sure who else would.
Gotta focus, gotta focus, gotta focus. The mantra ran through his mind repeatedly. He opened the bag of cookies once more, taking a deep whiff to remind himself of his mission. The rich chocolate, cinnamon goodness and fear reminded him that he can’t wait to share them with the others—wait.
Patton paused in the middle of the sidewalk, causing the person behind him to grumble in frustration. Fear? That can’t be right. That scent doesn’t belong with a cookie but rather—a living being. He scanned the bustling crowd who traveled down the sidewalk as usual. The scent of increased perspiration clung to the air, how could the humans just ignore it? Could they not smell it?
He didn’t stay put to find out. There’s no question in his mind whether if he should not follow this scent. His heart pounded, as he dashed after the scent. He trusted his nose to lead him to the source.
“Opps, Excuse me! Sorry!” He called out, apologizing to disgruntled pedestrians as he tore through the foot traffic. His large, hulking figure was perfect at plowing through the crowd—no one wanted to get trampled by a 6’2 man.
He skidded around a corner, the scent leading him to the entrance of a winding, dark alleyway. There lay a sight that angered him. A large burly human held a gun against a smaller one, who shook badly from terror.
Patton let out a low growl, too upset to say anything intelligible. His claws came out as he launched himself at the mugger, tearing him away from the small human. A shot rang out from his gun, and Patton could only hope it didn’t hit the human on the ground. The mugger attempted pointing his gun towards Patton, but he ripped the weapon out of his hand and onto the ground.
The mugger made a frantic scramble after it, but Patton pinned him to the ground. He sunk his claws into the man, and only let go when the man went limp.
He breathed in deeply, forcing himself to relax. His instincts screamed at him to remain on guard. But the danger had passed, and he needed to make sure the small human was okay. He was ignorant of a lot of things about humans, but he did know they could be easily frightened by his more wolfish appearance. The last thing he wanted was to scare the poor guy even further. As soon as he morphed back into a humanoid appearance, his focus went immediately to the small human—his eyes widening in concern at their collapsed figure.
“Are you alright?!” He called out as he rushed to their side. Their head lolled backwards, signaling that they had gone unconscious.
A surge of protectiveness took over him as he immediately gathered the human in his embrace. He can’t help but marvel over how small and fragile the human looked! He must have been the runt in his litter. The human wore a raggedy black hoodie and ripped jeans with scuffed up converse. His face was too thin to be healthy, and those circles underneath his eyes! If the poor thing didn’t faint from fright, he certainly fainted from exhaustion.
He gasped upon seeing the bandages wrapped around the human’s hands. The skin underneath looked red and swollen, indicating it was a fresh wound. The human’s hair was glistened with sweat. Patton pressed a hand against his forehead and nearly flinched at how warm it felt. He shouldn’t feel this warm…humans shouldn’t feel this warm, right?
Patton snuck a glance towards the mugger, and immediately withheld the urge to vomit. The wounds looked deeper than Patton had initially thought and although the mugger was still breathing, it might not be for long. Patton was a lover not a fighter. The thought that he could be this man’s cause of death was haunting. But as he looked back down at the runt, he didn’t regret it. The mugger had threatened an innocent life, and Patton wasn’t going to stand there and watch it happen.
That was also the reason why he couldn’t just leave the human, alone and unconscious, in the alley alone with the bleeding-out stranger that tried to kill him. If someone came across him, he’d be an easy meal. He had to take the human somewhere safe. The only thing is, Patton had no way of knowing where he lived. He had no way of tracking down his home. It was nearly impossible to distinguish a scent from the hundreds of millions of aromas existing in the city air.
A scream interrupted his thoughts. Patton looked up to see a woman staring from the entrance of the alleyway, covering up her mouth in horror. Patton’s mind came to a screeching halt as his instincts screamed a singular command at him. Run.
This was not a time to attempt explaining the situation. His nerves were shot, and he was afraid of what was going to befall on the human. Would the other humans see how sick and small he was and attempted to finish what the mugger started? He couldn’t let this small human go through any more pain than he already had. Not now he was here. He scooped up the human in his arms, sprinting into through the sidewalks of the city.
He ran as fast as his feet would carry him, afraid that police sirens would be after him at any moment. Patton was fast, but not fast enough to outrun a car. Especially while carrying the human, despite how worryingly light he was.
Patton, being paranoid, took detours—attempting to throw off any would-be pursuers off his trail. When he finally reached the porch of the house, he almost collapsed from exhaustion. The human let out a cry in his sleep, and Patton stroked his hair.
“Shhh,” He said, “You’re safe now.”
The human unconsciously leaned into the touch, completely relaxing in Patton’s hold. The werewolf’s heart melted even further.  If Patton’s heart was a popsicle, it was now a puddle of sugary sweet liquid.
As he sat on the porch, the human lying draped across his lap, he started to realize that Logan and Roman probably wouldn’t be happy with this arrangement. But Patton wasn’t going to abandon him, even if he was a human!
Which was why, he was now pleading to let the human stay with them.
“Please Roman, he needs help, I couldn’t just leave him all like that!” Patton begged, “Please don’t tell Logan—not yet, at least.”
“Tell Logan, what?”
Logan stood in the door frame, arms crossed as he stared down at the unconscious form of the human on the couch. Patton gulped.
He did not look happy.
“Hi Logan,” Patton chuckled nervously.
“What is he doing here?” Logan gestured to the human, “He shouldn’t be here, Patton. Do you remember what happened last time we let a human in our house?”
“This—this is different,” Patton insisted, “He needs us!”
“He needs to go!” Roman burst, clenching his fists.
Logan turned to look at Patton.
“Explain.” He said, and Patton did.
He repeated the same story as he had with Roman, with a few occasional interruptions by Logan who reminded him to stick the facts and not stray off into tangents. Once he finished, Logan sighed and pinched his nose between his fingers.
“So, what I’m hearing is that you panicked and weren’t thinking straight.”
Roman snorted. “Patton doesn’t think straight—ever.”
“I couldn’t just leave him all alone like that! What if he got attacked again?” Patton huffed.
“You could’ve left him at a police station or taken him to the hospital if you were worried about his health.”
Now that he thought about it, those might’ve been better options. Logan had always been good at figuring out more rational solutions to problems than Patton. But it didn’t change the fact that the tiny human was here now and needed their help.
“He needs a pack, Logan. And I know you know how to care for sick humans!”
Logan raised an eyebrow, “Patton, humans are social creatures, I’m sure he has packmates of his own who are concerned by his disappearance. There’s also no telling how he would react once discovering our true nature. We should take him to the hospital.”
Patton frowned. He hadn’t taken in consideration that the small human might already have packmates. If he did, Patton didn’t think they were good packmates based on the human’s malnourished appearance.
“We don’t have to tell him about the pack. But we can’t just leave him alone in the hands of strangers, Logan! We should care for him until we find out where his packmates are.”
Roman glanced between the two like a child observing an argument between their parents unfold in front of them.
Logan said nothing, reaching downwards to feel the human’s forehead.
“His temperature is unusually warm,” He noted, “We should take his jacket off—to help cool down his temperature.”
Patton’s eyes widened.
“Does that mean—”
“Yes, he can stay,” Logan said before clarifying, “only until he’s no longer ill.”
Roman’s eyes flashed angrily.
“Wh—”
“Patton, can you go prepare the spare bedroom for the human?” Logan interrupted.
“Of course!” Patton beamed as he scurried out.
As soon as Patton left the room, Roman turned to face Logan.
“Do I have no say in this?” Roman spluttered indignantly, “Am I the only one who thinks this is a bad idea? It’s a human, Logan. A. Human.”
“A human who is physically weaker, underfed and feverish compared to us. While it would be optimal to take him to a hospital, you and I both know about how attached Patton gets to…strays. I theorize he’s able to pack-bond more easily with other species than us.”
“Look, I don’t want to hurt Patton’s feelings as much you do, but we should put the safety of the pack first.”
“I did consider the safety of the pack in my decision making. This is a compromise—we’ll look after the human for long as he’s sick in exchange for Patton promising to return him to his friends and family,” Logan explained, “Who knows? The human might even want to leave early.”
He walked towards his study before turning to glance back at Roman.
“Make no mistake. I know how dangerous humans can be; I was once one myself, Roman, and I have no intentions of harboring the delusion of keeping one in our home any longer than necessary.”
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inestheunicorn · 3 years
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COSY VALENTINE’S IDEAS  
Hi guys!  🍄
It seems Valentine’s day is almost here! A most expected day for some and a quite depressing date for others.
Being a person who likes all things cosy, dealing with the lockdown hasn’t been really that hard. However, being unable to spend Valentine’s day with babe, our 3 year Anniversary and both our Birthdays during 2020 has taken a bit of a toll in my energy and motivation. Also, 2021 isn’t looking much different since we’re back in lockdown until 14 February in Portugal. But we both understand these measures are meant to help everyone and lives are more important than one or two days of fun. 
Besides, not everything is lost because, as they say, technology helps shorten the distance!
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Also, to those of you who are spending the day by themselves, please don’t forget to enjoy your own company because you are amazing! 
I’ve compiled a list of cosy and creative ideas so you can spend a great time indoors, whether you and your special human live in the same space, live in separate places or if you’re spending the day by yourself!
I hope you enjoy them! 🌻
1. Bob Ross time!
This one we’ve tried it ourselves during a rainny day, so it’s 100% approved! You simply need to grab your paints, brushes and canvas and follow one of Bob’s videos on Youtube. 
We recommend acrylic paints since they dry fast and are waaaay easier to clean than oils (you probably don’t want to make a mess). It will definitely be fun if you both make the same painting and compare it afterwards. Release your inner artist!
2. Cook a yummy meal
This one is better for those of you who live together or are single, but don’t let that discourage you! You don’t need to be a master at cooking, there are dozens of video tutorials out there that you can follow. 
You can try some new recipe, from a different country for example, and don’t forget the dessert! 
Also, this will be a lot cheaper and enjoyable that going to an expensive restaurant.
3. Remote movie time
If you’re single or live together with your bae this one is easier. For those of you who don’t live in the same house, you can always rely on technology for this. We’ve been doing since the lockdown began, so it’s also approved ♥
Make a call (just voice or with video) and both of you start the video at the same time. This way you can share your thoughts and reactions about the movie. Just make sure your connection is stable!
4. Make toys for your pets
Do you have pets? You can try making plushies from pieces of fabric, felt or old clothes that you have at home. You don’t need to be great at sewing, since your pet will probably fiercely destroy the plushie afterwards!
If you have small pets, like hamsters or birds, you can make little houses from cardboard boxes.
5. Try a new workout set
It must be something fun! Maybe try to learn a choreography from a video or a yoga set. Or try some easy Chinese martial arts! There are tons of Qi Gong and Tai Chi sets on Youtube and I’m sure you’ll both have a laugh with it!
Another idea would be to play Twister. I’ve never tried it, but it sure looks fun!
. . . . . . . . . 
The list can go on as you only need to be creative! If you want to share your ideas, feel free to share them in the comments (you don’t need a Disqus account) or send me a DM and I’ll add it here 
Stay cozy!  🍄 Inês
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tech-good-health · 3 years
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How to Maintain Blood Sugar: Monitor and Test Blood Sugar
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What is Blood Sugar?
Often known as glucose, is the most common sugar present in the body. The food we eat provides glucose to our bodies. This sugar is a vital source of energy for the body's organs, muscles, and nervous system, as well as providing nutrients. Complex mechanisms involving the small intestine, liver, and pancreas control glucose absorption, storage, and production on a continuous basis.
Also, after a person consumes carbs, glucose enters the bloodstream. Moreover, the pancreas, which is part of the endocrine system, helps maintain blood glucose levels in balance. However, insulin is produced by this organ and released whenever a person consumes protein or carbs. Insulin stores excess glucose as glycogen in the liver.
Blood Sugar Range :
After fasting for at least 8 hours, they are fewer than 100 mg/dL. And two hours after a meal, they're less than 140 mg/dL.
Also, during the day, right before meals, levels must be at their lowest. Before meals, most persons without diabetes have blood sugar levels of 70 to 80 mg/dL. Moreover, some individuals consider 60 to be normal, while others consider 90 to be normal.
Likewise, even with prolonged fasting, many people's glucose levels never go below 60. The liver regulates your blood sugar levels by converting fat and muscle to sugar when you diet or fast. It's possible that a few people's levels will drop.
Can low sugar levels be dangerous?
In particular, Yes, low blood sugar symptoms might include hunger, anxiety, sweating, dizziness, and even disorientation; if left untreated, low blood sugar (also known as hypoglycemia) can lead to unconsciousness, seizures, coma, and death.
Similarly, Blood sugar levels of 70 mg/dL or less are considered low. Hypoglycemia can arise in people with diabetes who take too much medicine (insulin) or take the recommended quantity but then eat less or exercise more than normal.
Also, Oral glucose intake (15.0 grams of sugar, for example, 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, corn syrup, or IV fluids containing glucose) is used to treat hypoglycemia. It is recommended that you monitor your blood sugar levels 15 minutes following therapy.
What is a blood sugar machine?
A glucose meter, commonly known as a "glucometer," is a medical instrument used to estimate the levels of glucose in the blood. However, a strip of glucose paper dipped in a chemical and measured against a glucose chart can also be used.
Blood Sugar fasting:
High fasting blood sugar levels indicate insulin resistance or diabetes. However, unusually low fasting blood sugar levels may indicate the use of diabetic medicines.
More importantly, knowing when to test and what to look for may help individuals stay healthy, especially if they have diabetes or are at risk.
Also, the body needs glucose for energy, which is obtained from the foods we consume. The body, on the other hand, does not consume all of this energy at the same time. Insulin allows you to store and release glucose as needed.
As a result, blood sugar levels rise after a meal, generally peaking approximately an hour later.
Also, the amount of elevated blood sugar and the specific moment of the peak is determined by the person's diet.
Factors that cause an increase in sugar levels of the blood are:
Having a     large amount of food.
Consume     food that contains a high level of sugar
Having     foods that contain simple carbohydrates, let it be bread or other sweet     snacks.
The     pancreas releases insulin when blood sugar levels rise. Insulin reduces blood     sugar by breaking it down so that it may be used for energy or stored for     later use.
People with diabetes, on the other hand, struggle with insulin in one of two ways:
First,     Type 1 diabetics create insufficient insulin because their bodies assault     their insulin-producing cells.
Second,     People with type 2 diabetes have poor insulin sensitivity and, as a     result, may not produce enough insulin.
People with high blood sugar levels and difficulties utilizing glucose, or blood sugar, have the same symptoms in both situations.
As a result, fasting blood sugar is influenced by three factors:
a     person's last meal's contents
their     prior meal's portion size
the     capacity of their bodies to generate and react to insulin
Also, its levels between meals offer a window into how the body manages sugar. High levels of fasting blood sugar suggest that the body is now unable to lower down sugar levels in the blood.
Moreover, this points to either insulin resistance or inadequate insulin production and, in some cases, both.
However, when it is very low, diabetes medications may be lowering blood sugar too much.
Also Read: What is HIV: HIV and AIDS, Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment
Symptoms of high sugar levels:
You feel     more hungry
Increase     in thirst levels
Loss of     weight
Frequent     urination.
Vision     gets blurry.
You feel     fatigued after doing a little amount of work.
How to monitor sugar levels in the blood?
However, one of the greatest methods to understand your diabetes and how different meals, medications, and activities influence your diabetes is to test your blood sugar level. Keeping track of your blood glucose levels might assist you and your doctor in developing a management strategy for this disease.
Therefore, people use glucometers, or portable blood glucose meters, to monitor their blood sugar levels. These analyze a little quantity of blood, generally from the tip of a finger.
In order to collect blood, a lancet softly pricks your skin. However, because it fluctuates often, you must test and record them frequently.
Also, you can get your supplies to check the sugar level from your doctor, a pharmacy, online stores, etc.
In addition, can talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the cost. Testing strips, tiny needles, or lancets, to prick your finger, and a mechanism to hold the needle are all included with glucose meters. You could get a logbook with the kit, or you might be able to download the results to your computer.
What benefits of monitoring sugar levels in the blood?
Moreover, people with diabetes can learn more about their condition by checking their blood glucose levels on a regular basis. Knowing your blood glucose levels can help you, your doctor, and the rest of your healthcare team make critical decisions regarding medication dose, exercise, and nutrition.
In addition, you'll know whether your blood sugar is too high or too low if you monitor your blood glucose levels on a regular basis, as both can produce symptoms and significant health concerns.
Also, always use a separate needle and instrument to measure blood sugar level every time. This is to prevent HIV, Hepatitis B, etc.
How to test sugar levels?
Prick your finger with     a small, sharp needle (referred to as a lancet) and place a drop of blood     on a test strip. The test strip is then inserted into a meter that     displays your blood sugar level. You may receive findings in less than 15     seconds and save the data for further use. Some meters may display charts     and graphs of your previous test results as well as inform you of your     average blood sugar level over time. Blood sugar meters and strips are     available at your local drugstore.
Newer meters allow     you to test various areas besides your fingertip, such as your upper arm,     forearm, the base of the thumb, and thigh. It's possible that the findings     from your fingertip aren't the same. Changes in blood sugar levels in the     fingers happen faster than at other testing sites. In addition to your     fingertip, newer meters allow you to test your upper arm, forearm, the     base of the thumb, and thigh. It's conceivable that the results from your     fingertip differ. Blood sugar levels in the fingertips fluctuate more     quickly than at other testing locations.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring System: These     devices, also known as interstitial glucose measuring devices, are used in     conjunction with insulin pumps to provide continuous glucose monitoring.     They're comparable to finger-stick glucose readings in that they can     reveal patterns and trends in your data over time.
Chart for blood sugar levels check:    When to check      Level of blood sugar      
Fasting or before breakfast
60-90 mg/dl
Before any meal
60-90mg/dl
1-hour prior meal
100-120mg.dl
  If one is having higher or lower blood sugar levels then, he/she should:    Fasting level      Risk and suggestion      
50 mg/dl or under
Very low, immediately take medical consultation
70-90 mg/dl
Normal
120-160 mg/dl
Medium, consult your doctor
160-240mg
Too high, try to bring down the level
240-300 mg/dl
Too much high, consult your doctor immediately
300 mg/dl
Very high, immediate medical attention
  Platelet reactivity of people with high sugar levels in the blood:
However, diabetes patients, especially those with type 2 diabetes, have higher platelet reactivity. Through direct actions and by increasing glycation of platelet proteins, hyperglycemia contributes to increased platelet reactivity. Platelet reactivity is increased by hypertriglyceridemia. Its reactivity is increased by both insulin resistance and insulin insufficiency.
In the same way, platelet activation is inhibited by insulin. Insulin insufficiency, whether relative or absolute, would be predicted to enhance platelet reactivity. Diabetes is linked to inflammation and oxidative damage.
Endothelial dysfunction causes platelet activation by reducing the generation of nitric oxide (NO), which reduces platelet responsiveness.
Conclusion:
In the conclusion, blood sugar can be maintained if you take a healthy diet and keep track of it. Also, it is important to maintain it otherwise the consequences may be severe. So, we have given the tables that can be followed to maintain the sugar level efficiently. Furthermore, we have mentioned the symptoms of fluctuated blood sugar levels. Additionally, you can learn to test your blood sugar by reading this article.
Related Questions :
·         What is the normal blood pressure range?
Blood pressure should be less than 120/80 mmHg in order to be considered normal. You may take daily efforts to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range, regardless of your age.
·         What is normal blood pressure by age?    
Age
Systolic Range
Diastolic Range
Newborn to 6 months
45–90
30–65
6 months to 2 years
80–100
40–70
   Children (2–13 years)
80–120
40–80
Adolescent (14–18 years)
90–120
50–80
Adult (19–40 years)
95–135
60–80
Adult (41–60 years)
110–145
70–90
Older adult (61 and older)
95–145
70–90
  ·         What can cause high blood pressure? Age. As you become older, your chances of developing high blood pressure increase.
Age
Race
Family     History
Being     overweight or obese.
Not     being physically active.
Using     tobacco.
Too     much salt (sodium) in your diet.
Too     little potassium in your diet.
Drinking     too much alcohol.
Stress.
Certain     chronic conditions.
·         What is the reason for low blood pressure?
Heart rate, rhythm, preload, afterload, and contractility all have an impact on blood pressure. The frequency at which your heart beats is referred to as your heart rate. Low blood pressure can be caused by an exceedingly low heart rate. The term "rhythm" refers to the difference between a regular sinus rhythm and an aberrant cardiac rhythm that lowers blood pressure. The amount of volume in your circulatory system is known as preload. The amount of resistance provided by vascular constriction is known as afterload. The contractility of your heart refers to how hard it pumps.
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atomicdeke · 4 years
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Pretenses and Perception (Prompt #8 - Clamor)
Sailing into Limsa after two moons at sea, he stands atop the forecastle to take in his home port with his own eyes. Productive though his time away had been, it’s good to be back. Even better, he’d successfully offloaded the more objectionable cargo a few days back and done quite well by himself and his crew. All that remains is to dock, suffer the perfunctory “inspection”, and release the crew to their own amusements - within reason, of course. Those sailing under the Executioners’ banner have certain standards to maintain, after all.
The thought spins his mind in a different direction as he hears his officers bellowing course corrections and adjustments in the background. The captain needn’t concern himself with such things, so he's free to ponder other, more meaningful subjects. His own course to this point, for example. 
He’d assumed control of the ship over a turn ago and taken his new name, Geisstyma, but every now and again, it still felt new. Certainly, he is the youngest captain among the Executioners, not yet having seen his thirtieth winter. Still, aside from the occasional jibe from a peer that was always repaid with interest, that fact isn’t at the heart of the sensation. Maybe a part of him still casts this new life against his first one, seeing how this new ghost speaker compares to the younger one. Something to ponder later, perhaps.
As the ship slows to a crawl, then stops altogether at the quay, he turns smoothly to where the shore party is preparing the gangway and prepares to be boarded. A smile ensues, prompted by the irony of the situation, though it serves well enough to greet the inspectors from Mealvaan’s Gate as they arrive. Stepping forward, he shakes hands with the head inspector, a bookish sort - aren’t they all? - of Hyuran descent. “Rodermund! A pleasure to see your smiling face, as always! How are the children?”
The inspector returns the smile and handshake with a quiet reservation - not a measure of mistrust, the Elezen had come to learn, but simply how the man carried himself. “Oh, Angus and Alina are quite well, Captain. I’ll tell them you asked after them.” Clearing his throat, the smile fades. “But lest we forget, to business. Have you anything to declare?” 
A shake of his head, and Geisstyma gestures to the ship at large. “Nothing of note but the foodstuffs we brought back from the Cieldalaes, my friend! Well, that’s not strictly true, I suppose. There’s been a bit of a debate among the crew whether the monkey our master of the galley brought back qualifies as a foodstuff. The rank and file seem to think so, but he is quite adamant that it is not. You wouldn’t care to render your professional opinion on the matter, would you?”
Seemingly in spite of himself, the inspector lets out a little laugh as he waves his subordinates forward to look the ship over. “Well, if your cook is keeping the creature as a pet rather than as a future meal, and tending to it accordingly, I don’t think its inclusion on the manifesto is needful. Perhaps you can tell me how the little beast came into his care over a meal at the Bismarck? There are a few new procedures you ought to be apprised of, and there’s no reason that can’t be done comfortably.”
Geisstyma nods and claps the inspector on the shoulder. “This evening, then! I’ll tell you all about the monkey and more, my friend. Otherwise, I’ll get out of your hair and let you do your job.” He starts to turn and do just that, but he feels the weight of eyes upon him and turns his gaze back, settling onto the figure behind the inspector. A younger woman, slight of build - enough that he nearly mistakes her for an adolescent at first glance. Curiously enough, she’s an Elezen of much the same hue as him, but that thought is relegated to the back of his mind as he’s met with an intensity he’s scarcely encountered before. Not hostility, never that aboard his ship, but a force of will to be reckoned with.
Only a moment or two passes before the inspector notices the exchange, and he hastily rests a hand on the young woman’s shoulder as he gives Geisstyma a nervous smile. “Ah, forgive me, Captain! This is one of our new junior inspectors, recently certified for duty. She’s shadowing me as we go about our day. Learning the ropes, if you will, aha...”
The older Elezen stares back at the younger for a few more moments before a sneer takes shape. “See that she learns to study her charges more carefully, Rodermund. It wouldn’t do to have the young lady caught up in affairs that don’t concern because of a misunderstanding.” Turning on his heel, Geisstyma strides back to his cabin. “Remember, Rodermund! Sixth bell at the Bismarck!”
“Of course, Captain, I look forward to it!” Hurriedly, the inspector interposes himself between his junior and the master of the ship, alarm and concern coloring his expression. “What are you thinking, Lucielle? Don’t you know who that is? Who he’s with? We’re here to ensure there are no grievous violations of the law, then remove ourselves with all haste, not to upset...well, someone like him!”
Lucielle regards the smaller man with an appropriate measure of contrition, though she keeps Geisstyma in her field of view for as long as he’s on deck. “Of course, Inspector.” A slight smile now, tinged with embarrassment at an oversight that exists only in her narrative. “I’d heard his name, but I hadn’t realized he was like me. A Duskwight. Rest assured, I will be far more cautious in the future.”
The inspector lets out a sigh of relief. “Good, good. Everybody slips up starting out, Lucielle, but what’s important is how you move forward from your mistakes. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders, and I see great things in your future. Now, let’s head below decks. Our compatriots have doubtless gone through most of the cargo by now, but it’s important-”
She nodded and responded as needed, but as they headed for the door to the hold, she looked over her shoulder at the captain’s cabin once more, amber eyes narrowing. It didn’t matter how far he ran or what names he used. He couldn’t hide from her in the chaos on the other side of the world. Not anymore.
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