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#expert bracket picks
transmutationisms · 9 months
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hi. i am the person who asked you about crosswords a long long long time ago. anyway today i thought what if i do a crossword. since i do pay for the new york times for some reason. anyway it was so so so hard. well i did solve it it just took half an hour. which is too long to be doing a crossword. do you have getting better at crossword advice. i mean. everyone calls it blackthorn not sloe. i mean the obvious answer is to do more crosswords. what i am really asking is how do i find out the things that are relevant knowledge to specifically solving this newspaper's crossword, because it must be based in some kind of cultural locale thing. thank you!
first of all i implore you to stop paying for the new york times. if you just want the crossword, it's syndicated by the seattle times for free lol
anyway, in regards to your actual question: crossword solving is absolutely a skill you can hone, and one that depends partially but not exclusively on trivia knowledge. if you keep doing crosswords, you'll definitely notice some repeat facts/words that pop up (often due in part to orthographic factors, like having a lot of common letters or a spelling with alternating vowels and consonants), and paying vague attention to the major headlines in the nyt will also, unfortunately, sometimes be helpful in solving the nyt crossword specifically. but, a lot of crosswording also just depends on becoming more familiar with the medium and its mechanics. i'm not an expert solver, but here are some tips i've picked up through trial and error (& experimenting with puzzle construction myself):
i assume you know this? but just in case: the nyt puzzle changes in difficulty throughout the week. generally the 'fill' (the answers) stays at roughly the same level of linguistic/cultural obscurity regardless of what day of the week it is, but the clues will get harder throughout the week in the sense that fewer and fewer of them will be direct questions; they'll become increasingly reliant on wordplay, puns, heteronyms, &c. monday is the easiest, saturday is the hardest; sunday is always themed, is approximately the difficulty of a wednesday or thursday, and is a 21x21 rather than the usual 15x15.
on that note, you usually want to start a crossword with a first pass in which you only fill in answers you're positive about: usually that means clues that are 'straight' (not wordplay) or are just asking for, like, celebrity names you're sure you know. on later passes, you hopefully have a few of the crossing letters, which helps narrow down punny or obscure clues.
if you're uncertain about an answer, pay attention to where you're putting certain letters relative to the rest of the grid. for example, very few english words end in the letter u, so words with a u in them are rarely the rightmost or bottommost answers next to black squares.
clues have to match their answers in tense, number, part of speech, and language (eg, 'wanted' could clue DESIRED, but not DESIRE).
clues that end in a question mark are wordplay. clues in quotes could be a book/movie/song title, but could also be asking for a verbal synonym to the sentiment expressed in quotes (eg, "cut it out!" -> STOP). clues in brackets suggest nonverbal answers (eg, [ugh!] -> GROAN). the first word of a clue will always be capitalised because it is the first word, but sometimes this is also a way of hiding ('veiling') a proper noun. eg, 'French novel' could be a particularly obnoxious way of clueing a recent tana french release (here it would also behoove you to scroll by, eg, the nyt book reviews).
rebus squares (which usually only show up on thursdays or sundays in nyt) have multiple letters in one box. the letters in the box will spell out another word or acronym that ties into the puzzle's theme somehow. occasionally the rebus square will contain a symbol that represents a word, rather than letters. you'll figure out that a puzzle has rebuses if you find yourself repeatedly trying to jam answers you're confident are correct into grid spaces that are too short. look for common letter patterns within these answers to determine which letters are supposed to go into the rebus squares.
not all nyt puzzles are themed, but when there is a theme, cracking it will help you solve a few (usually centrally-located) clues. a theme could be a certain type of pun, a set of related trivia facts, &c. generally, 3–5 answers will be themed answers (usually arranged with vertical or horizontal symmetry within the grid), and an additional clue somewhere else in the grid will give you a hint as to what pun or topic ties the themed answers together. good theme answers will also match each other in certain grammatical or semantic patterns; you'll pick this up as you complete more puzzles.
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abbystanaccount · 11 months
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Hi Katarina, I read a previous ask you received about Abby's age and wanted to run something by you. On the timeline page on the TLOU wiki one of the references says "Abby is 20 at the time she kills Joel, as confirmed both in Gamecast Ep. 26 and Spoilercast with Neil Druckmann" - weirdly both links actually go to the same video, but either way it's Neil saying that Joel isn't as wary of Abby when he first meets her because Abby's 'the same age as Ellie', which if taken completely literally would make her...19, right? 'Cause Ellie's still 19 at the very start?
So maybe he just meant she's *roughly* the same age, like in the same age bracket, especially if the art book specifies early 20s...in which case she's anything from 20 to 23 going on 24 at the very oldest. But either way I can't for the life of me work out where they got the specific age of 20 from that comment? Like am I missing something really obvious that makes Ellie and therefore Abby canonically 20 at that moment??
Ik it's such an unimportant detail lmao but the moment I read that I was like "...nah I gotta page the resident Abby Expert" lmao
haha yes that's me and I have thoughts on this
Yes the wiki just says 20 and I've also clicked that link to that podcast where Neil vaguely says Joel trusts Abby because Abby's the same age as Ellie. But like going off that context, that doesn't necessarily mean they're the exact same age, it just means they're both young women.
Really all we have in the game of Abby's age is her looks and from the devs the vague "around the same age" and that she's a little older than Ellie. Then we have the art book book that says "early 20's" which is a little more specific and what I go off of.
20 is really what I think the youngest possible age for Abby is, because you compare 14, nearly 15 year old Ellie and flashback Abby, Abby seems older. Then in TLOU 2, Ellie is 19 in March/April, and going to be 20 in the summer. So Abby must be older than that.
I've heard some people quote Jocelyn, where when asked that question she says Abby's 15 in the hospital flashback. But I've seen enough of her streams to know she doesn't know that for sure where she was explicitly told that by Naughty Dog, at the beginning of her streaming when people would ask that she just said she doesn't know, but then eventually picked that age based off the "around the same age" comment and what others said, and the fact they used reference pics of her at 15 and 17 for young Abby. (Btw hospital Abby and flashback aquarium Abby are the same model, just different shirt).
So reallyyyyyy... I think there is a couple year range she could be, of like 20-22. I highly doubt she's 19 in Seattle and I doubt the hospital Abby is intended to be much older than 18. And all her friends in the Salt Lake crew are supposed to be around her age range too, like for example they weren't full soldiers on the Firefly front lines against Joel and they weren't full nurses, just students. So I really don't think any of them are much older than Abby by much as well.
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punchdrunkdoc · 1 year
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Part 2, Chapter 1
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Summary: After the events of S3, Matt Murdock is trying to once again balance life as a lawyer and a vigilante. But he’s been scarred by loss and betrayal - will a mysterious new neighbour help him heal? Or will her secrets drag him back into the darkness?
Notes: This is a slow burn romance with an original female character, told in 3 parts. There is mystery, intrigue, action/violence and angst - all the good stuff!
Also available on AO3 and Wattpad
Masterlist
Reference pics
Here we go! 
Part 2 - picking up right where we left off...
————–
PART 2
Chapter 1
Calina woke up when the floor disappeared.
The last thing she remembered was sitting on the kitchen tiles, back propped up against the cabinets as she finished her beer. The living room was littered with the fallout from their fight - smashed glass on the floor, furniture in pieces - and neither of them had had the energy to clean it up. So in silent agreement, they’d stayed in the kitchen after ‘introducing’ themselves. Calina had taken the weight off her throbbing knee and Matthew had joined her on the floor, his long legs bracketing hers as they sat opposite each other.
“Are you able to talk about what happened?” he’d asked. “I don’t want to push you, but I need to know more details. I need to know what the danger is.”
His voice had been gentle and hesitant - and she didn’t blame him for his caution. He must have been worried that she’d break down again if she relived the experience. But there wasn’t any risk of that tonight - she still felt strangely numb, the raw fragility of earlier replaced by a detached calm, like a veneer of paint over a crumbling facade.
A temporary fix.
Eventually the emotions would break through again, and she’d have to deal with what had happened tonight, but she wasn’t ready yet.
And she’d never be ready to share all the details with Matt.
So she lied. 
And she used his concern and his compassion against him. "I...I don't feel up to talking about it," she told him. "Not yet. But you're not in any danger from me. Not anymore. They can't activate the serum remotely, so I'm not going to suddenly turn on you again."
Matt gave her a small smile. "I wasn't worried about me being in danger. I wanted to know how much danger you're in."
"Oh." There was that compassion again. And the selfless valour that made up so much of Matt's character. She hated herself for taking advantage of those traits. For manipulating him and lying to him mere moments after their ‘fresh start’. But the alternative - sharing the unedited, unsanitised truth about what she'd done in her apartment - would destroy this tentative, fledgling…thing…between them.
He would never look at her the same way, knowing she was a killer by choice. Regardless of the fact that she’d had just seconds to make her choice; regardless of the fact that her mind had been slipping away and her freedom -  and the lives of others - had been on the line, she had made the conscious decision to end a life.
And she feared Matt would hate her for it.
It made her a coward. A selfish coward.
But she’d just have to live with that.
"Yelena is much more concerned about the threat than I am,” she explained. “I don't believe they're coming for me. I don't think they even know where I am."
"That's good. But you should lay low for a while anyway. Just as a precaution."
She nodded, then changed the subject. She wanted to steer the conversation to safer territory - and away from her quagmire of lies. “Tell me about today.”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“Distract me. Tell me about the trial. How did the closing arguments go?”
“Foggy did a great job. This case always felt like a long shot, but I’m actually feeling optimistic. The prosecution could never prove a motive, and their cross-examination of our toxicology expert was weak. They…” As Matt recounted his triumph in court, the words - spoken in that lovely, rich tone of his - turned indistinct; they became a background hum, a soothing track that lulled her into oblivion…
…until she drifted off to sleep.
It turned out an adrenaline come-down, mixed with alcohol and painkillers was a potent combination.
And then the floor disappeared. The cold tile was replaced by air as she went weightless, secured in Matt’s strong arms as he carried her into the bedroom. “I’ll take the couch,” she slurred, her head heavy against his chest.
“The couch that is currently canted at a 35 degree angle?” Matt replied as he gently deposited her on the mattress. “It’d be like sleeping on a playground slide.” He helped her extract herself from her sling, pulling the fabric over her head and smoothing back her mussed hair. She tried to lean into the caressing hand but it was gone in an instant, the casual stroke meaning nothing to him, but everything to her.
She’d never been fussed over like this before.
“What about you?” she asked as he guided her back onto the pillow and pulled the covers over her.
“I’ve got some work to do, so I’ll stay up a little longer. Besides, I need to keep watch just in case there’s any activity next door. And I’ll need to wake you every couple of hours.”
“What? Why?” She heard the whine in her voice but couldn’t help it. She felt leaden with fatigue and wanted to sleep for days - not just a couple of hours.
“You were knocked out cold earlier. Standard concussion protocol.”
“Ugh.”
———
Matt smiled. The last time Calina had fallen asleep in his apartment, she had woken up confused and disorientated. Now she was acting almost petulant. He wasn’t sure which one was more endearing.
He carried one of the living room chairs into the bedroom and settled in for the night, his concentration split between the hallway outside, the woman in his bed, and the deposition papers in his lap. He needed to study the documents for an arbitration session next week, but his fingers soon went lax around the pages as his attention strayed more and more to Calina’s sleeping form.
The events of tonight still seemed to unreal to him. After months of speculation and doubt and curiosity, he finally knew the answer to her mystery.
And it was more horrifying that he could ever have imagined. She’d been stolen as a child and brainwashed, then turned into a mindless assassin. He could barely reconcile that kind of past with his sweet, kind neighbour.
It explained everything of course - the inconsistencies in her story, her nightmares and trouble sleeping, her fight skills and all the injuries he’d detected several weeks ago. Although he hadn’t gotten an explanation on that last count.
Nor had she been very open about what had transpired tonight.
He still couldn’t pick up any physical clues that she was lying, but his gut told him she was holding back. Her story didn’t add up. But he had to hope that she would trust him enough to tell him some day.
For now he would keep watch over her until she was strong enough to do it herself. And if that meant living with her for a few weeks, so be it.
Foggy thought he was crazy, of course.
For multiple reasons. 
He’d listed them over the phone when Matt had called earlier to update him. “Number 1,” Foggy had started. “You’ve just found out this woman is a TRAINED ASSASSIN.”
“And as far as I know there are no bounties out on my head,” Matt had responded lightly.
“This isn’t funny, Matt. You’re going to be living with a killer.”
“An ex-killer. She never had a choice about becoming a Widow, Fog. But the first choice she made on being freed was to walk away. She doesn’t want to be a killer.”
“But that brings me to point B.”
“I thought you were numbering these.”
“Shut up. Point B, or 2, or whatever. What happens if she loses her mind and goes all robot-killer again?”
“Apparently the mind control can’t be activated remotely. If someone wants to steal her mind again, they’ll have to do it in person, and they’ll have to go through me first. I’m not gonna let that happen.”
Foggy sighed. And Matt could hear his friend’s frustration over the phone. He knew Foggy didn’t understand his decision to take in Calina. To be honest, Matt hadn’t exactly thought it through - the offer had been an impulse.
But he didn’t regret it.
He was still haunted by Calina’s broken, desperate sobs after she’d been freed from the serum controlling her. He hated the thought of anyone being in that much pain, let alone a woman he cared about. This - opening his home to her, allowing her to stay in New York - was a tangible thing he could do to help her. Rather than letting her default to the life she so obviously didn’t want out of a feeling of defeat and hopelessness, he was offering her a respite. A chance to heal and get back on her feet.
It reminded him of the aftermath of the building collapse, when Father Lantom and his mother had taken him in for a similar reason.
He was just paying it forward.
“You didn’t see her tonight, Foggy. She was so…defeated. I couldn’t stand it.”
“But, Matt-"
“No, let me finish,” Matt interrupted, trying to explain his rationale to his friend. “Imagine having the courage to walk away from everything you’ve ever known and start a new life, in a new country. Having never had a proper job before, or an apartment. You don’t even know how to pay a gas bill. Calina did that. And she’s been trying so hard to live in this alien new world and was just starting to adjust…and it was all ripped away from her in an instant. It left her feeling that she had no choice but to give it all up. And I couldn’t bear for that to happen.”
“For her sake? Or for yours, Matt.”
It was a fair question. And one he’d been quietly grappling with.
Was he really being altruistic in convincing Calina to stay? Or did he just not want to lose her?
“Either way,” he responded. “I’m not going to start anything with her. This will be a strictly platonic arrangement.”
Foggy sighed again. “Let me get this straight. You’re attracted to her. And you like her - enough to share your home with her - but you won’t act on it? Are you sure this isn’t just some new masochistic way of torturing yourself?”
Matt rolled his eyes. “I’m just trying to be a good friend, Foggy. And I can control myself. Its not going to be torture.”
———
This was torture.
“Calina?” The Devil whispered again.
“Leave m’lone,” she slurred in response.
She heard a soft chuckle in the depths of her drowsiness. “I’m sorry. I just need to make sure you’re okay.”
“M’okay.”
It was the second time tonight that he’d woken her up to check on her. And while she appreciated his diligence and care, she was so tired. And his bed was so, so comfortable.
Which made her feel extra guilty about stealing it from him. The first time he’d woken her, she’d repeated her offered to go out to the couch in the living room. This time, she offered to share. She wriggled over to the far side of the bed and patted the mattress. “Lie down. You can’t be comfortable sitting in that chair all night after our fight.” 
She’s not sure she would have had the courage to make that suggestion under normal circumstances. But it was late, and dark, and exhaustion had eroded some of her shyness.
“I’m fine,” Matt replied. “I’m still working.”
“Liar.”
He chuckled again.
She persevered. “At least sit on the bed if you’re gonna pretend to work.”
She could sense his hesitation, so she decided to make it easier for him. She rolled on to her side so her back was to him, wincing internally as the movement jarred her sore elbow. Moments later she felt the mattress dip as he climbed onto the bed. She smiled in victory, and closed her eyes.
The next time she woke, it wasn’t with Matt’s whisper in her ear - it was with the morning sunlight blazing against her eyelids. She cracked open her eyes, and slowly adjusted to the strong light piercing into the room. She glared at the bare windows, irrationally angry at them for waking her.
Then her gaze shifted, and she forgot all about her annoyance.
She didn’t remember rolling back over during the night, but she must have done at some point…because now she was facing Matt. He was on his side, stretched out on top of the covers, with one hand tucked under his pillow. And he was fast asleep, undisturbed by the sunshine.
A rush of emotions hit her all at once. Sadness, that his eyes couldn’t perceive the morning light that had woken her; guilt, at the deep purple bruises marring his skin; tenderness, at the soft, boyish look on his handsome face.
And intense gratitude, that after everything he’d learned about her last night, he still trusted her enough to fall asleep next to her. To leave himself so vulnerable in her presence.
It humbled her.
He shifted in his sleep and she held her breath, not wanting to wake him. She felt a tug at her wrist and looked down. The loose sleeve of her dressing gown was held between two of his fingers. Those fingers twitched ever so slightly, as if he was stroking the material in his sleep.
She smiled. She didn’t blame him. She’d bought this dressing gown because the cashmere fabric was so sumptuously soft and delicate. She’d shoved it on over her camisole and shorts last night, wanting to surround herself in comfort and warmth.
She was glad he was benefitting from that as well. Judging from his silk sheets, Matt shared her love of luxurious fabrics.
He moved again, and she glanced up to find his eyes open. “Morning,” he rumbled. His deep voice was thick with sleep, even lower and sexier than normal. He licked his lips, and her eyes were drawn to his mouth.
To that full, curved upper lip…
“Calina? You okay?”
She jerked out of her daze. Then shifted back on the bed, putting a bit of distance between herself and the temptation lying next to her. All her sore muscles and abused joints protested the move at once, and she groaned softly. “Why does it always hurt so much worse the next morning?” she complained.
He huffed out a laugh. “Tell me about it.”
She studied his face again. His nose was swollen and there was bruising beneath his eyes and over his cheek and jaw. The cut on his ear looked angry and red, and she could see the bandage covering the knife wound peeking out the neck of his t-shirt. “I’m so sorry.”
“Hey.” He released his hold on her sleeve and grasped her arm instead. “Stop apologising. In case you forgot, the reason you’re in pain is because of me.”
“I don’t blame you for that. You were just doing what I asked you to do.”
“Well, I don’t blame you either. You weren’t in control of your actions.”
She nodded, accepting his absolution for now. She didn’t have the energy to debate her culpability this early in the morning.
“How do you feel?” he asked. “Apart from general aches and pains. Do you need to see a doctor about your elbow?”
She extended and flexed the joint a few times. It hurt, but not any worse than usual. “It’ll be fine. It’s happened before.”
“Yelena mentioned that.”
Calina laughed.
“Why is that funny?” he asked softly
“Because she was the first person to dislocate it.”
He frowned. “What? How?”
“We were eleven and it was during jiu jitsu training. I’d broken some rule - I can’t even remember which one - and the trainers wanted to make an example of me. So they paired me with Yelena for a practice bout. We were the same height back then, but she was a lot stronger.”
“You didn’t tap out?”
“There was no tapping out in the Red Room. Fights were over when one of us was unconscious…or dead.”
“Jesus. Dead? You were just children.”
“We were assets. And if we weren’t good enough, we were disposed of. Only 1 in 20 of us made it all the way through the training.”
She wasn’t sure why she’d told him that. Maybe it was the intimacy of the space - the shared bed, with their faces inches apart, and their soft voices filling the sun-bathed room - that made her feel safe enough to spill all her secrets. Maybe it was his sightless eyes, the ones that couldn’t lock on to hers and stare down into her soul as she bared it.
Or maybe she just wanted to prove that she was tough. Capable. That despite him besting her last night, and despite breaking down in tears afterwards…she was strong. She had endured so much, and could endure anything else that was thrown at her.
“I don’t even know what to say to that.” Matt shook his head. “I can’t imagine that kind of childhood.”
“From what you’ve told me, it’s not like yours was all sunshine and roses,” she countered. He’d been blinded in a horrible accident, then orphaned. That was still a pretty good hand to play in the game of ‘Who’s Life Sucked More’.
“I guess we make some pair.”
She smiled. “Yeah.”
They were silent for a few beats, and she basked in the comfort of it. She liked this moment they were sharing. This interlude of honesty and intimacy. It felt like they were removed from time - that this room was the only thing that existed, and they were the only people in the world that mattered. She never wanted it to end.
Of course, the universe had other ideas.
A car travelling the street below back-fired, the sound like a gunshot. Matt flinched, as if the noise pained his sensitive ears. Calina jerked upright, an instinctual reaction to possible gunfire. The move wrenched her knee and a cry of pain escaped her lips.
Matt sat up in response. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, just my knee. I should probably ice it.”
He twisted to face her and crossed his legs between them. His hands hovered over her sheet-covered legs. “Do you mind if I check it out?”
She wasn’t sure what he’d be able to ‘check’, but then again, she didn’t know the full extent of his abilities. She pulled the duvet out of the way and exposed her bare legs. Her left knee was noticeably red and swollen, but it looked a little better than last night.
She couldn’t say the same for the bruises on her thighs where she’d been repeatedly hit - by both Matt, and the man she’d killed. Vivid purple blotches covered most of the skin, and she was glad Matt couldn’t see them.
He slowly lowered his hands until they covered her injured knee. Gently - so gently - he palpated the joint. Then he slipped one hand under her thigh, taking the weight of her leg so he could check her range of motion. Her breath caught at the feel of his warm, calloused fingers against the sensitive skin of her inner thigh. She only managed to exhale again when he finally placed her leg back on the mattress.
“There’s some deep bruising. But nothing’s ruptured or broken,” he said, his voice maddeningly calm and unaffected.
She couldn’t say the same for her own. “Th-that’s good,” she breathed.
“I’ll get you that ice. And some painkillers.”
He started to move off the bed but she stopped him with a hand on his chest. She quickly pulled it back at the feel of his hard muscle beneath his t-shirt. “No. I’ll do it. I, um, need to walk off some of the stiffness.”
She scooted off the bed and practically jogged out of the room, ignoring the lancing pain in her legs. She shut herself in the bathroom, braced her hands on the sink and glared at the woman in the mirror.
Get a grip, she silently admonished. He’s being a wonderful, kind friend. Pull your mind out of the gutter and show a little discipline. You don’t want him feeling uncomfortable around you and your pathetic crush.
She splashed some water onto her face to cool herself down, and took a few deep breaths. Once her hormones were back under control, she laughed bitterly at the unfairness of the situation. It reminded her of a famous proverb from back home: Love is cruel; you could fall in love with a goat.
Forget goats. You could fall for an amazing, brave, handsome man…who didn’t feel the same way about you.
Now that was cruel.
———
Matt hated to admit it, but Foggy was right: this was torture.
He groaned and rubbed his face with his hands, letting out a sharp gasp as he bumped against the swelling over his nose. He probed the bridge carefully, but couldn’t feel the crunch of a broken bone.
Just a lot of bruising.
Bruising which - unfortunately - wasn’t bad enough to block his sense of smell. He would have gladly gone without it today.
Because he’d woken up saturated in Calina’s scent.
It filled the room like an atmosphere, so thick he could swim through it. He could feel it on his skin and taste it on his lips.
Complete and utter torture.
He never should have gotten into bed with her. He should have just kept vigil in the chair all night. Better yet, he should have been out in the living room, as far away from her as possible. But he’d been tired. And sore. And the temptation of the soft mattress had been too much to resist. The moment his head hit the pillow, he’d been out like a light.
It was the best night sleep he’d had…since the last time he’d slept with Calina.
He was just grateful that he hadn’t woken up wrapped around her. It was a distinct threat - he’d always been a cuddler in bed. And it had been so long since he’d been with a woman. He missed the sensation of bare limbs entwined together, silken hair against his cheek, shared warmth…He only had so much restraint, especially in the morning hours when his guard was down. It took all his willpower to fight the lure of her scent, add in the feel of her skin against his and he’d be in big trouble.
Just touching her knee had been bad enough. It had sparked a cascade of reactions in Calina that had nearly made him groan. The moment his hand had wrapped around her thigh, he’d sensed a rush of liquid heat to her core, just inches from his fingers. Her heart had started pounding and her breathing had stopped. Worst of all, her scent changed, her arousal magnifying the already intoxicating fragrance.
Fucking. Torture.
He needed to be careful. She was obviously as touch-starved as he was. Which made sense, given the life she’d lived up until now. A life of control and duty. A life devoid of fun and happiness and the simple pleasures that most took for granted.
A life devoid of…life.
The small fragments of her past she’d shared this morning gave him even more insight into that.
Only 1 in 20 girls completed the training.
What must that have been like? Never knowing if you would survive to the next day. Never knowing if the person next to you would make it either.
You would close yourself off and avoid getting close to anyone. And by all rights, Calina should have still been like that. She should have been cold. Or, at least tentative in her interactions with other people. And, yes, maybe in the beginning she’d been a bit aloof, but now she was so warm and open and caring.
That she could hold on to that side of her after everything she’d been through was…miraculous.
He needed to be careful with her. So, so careful.
She was out in the world for the first time, having never experienced proper human connection. Her reaction to him - her apparent attraction - was likely just a product of that inexperience. He was the only man in her life - maybe even the first one that she’d ever been close with - so he shouldn’t read too much into it.
And he absolutely should not take advantage.
It was yet one more reason why they needed to stay platonic.
Friends. And nothing more.
————–
Chapter 2
Taglist: @hollandorks, @yanna-banana, @stilldreaming666, @tearosearts-blog @chezagnes, @freckledbabyyy​
If you’d like to be added, let me know!
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Hi!
Since you're a expert of Daniel, I'm curious does he have an mental illness? For me, while reading it feels like hints through out the books that he does..If so, what do you think its?
Hello anon! I'm always down to pick Daniels brain!
I think first and foremost the obvious answer here is Daniels substance abuse disorder. He's canonly dying of alcoholism so that's pretty striking. Second most obvious is whatever he has going on after he's turned and through till modern day. I don't subscribe to the new theories that Marius can't be trusted and Daniel was never sick. To me that's pretty ableist to deny that Daniel was obviously very ill, and from QOTD onward, way before trains, though since we're speaking of a madness that seems specific to vampires I'm not sure what I would call it. An obsessive disorder?
I also put forward the idea that Daniels mental state deals a lot with trauma. He's a queer man having grown up in America in the fifties and sixties, where being queer was categorized as a mental illness. He would have been prime age to be one of the last brackets called to serve in Vietnam. The cold war was A Thing, growing up under the threat of annihilation. They're the worst fucking generation but boomers went through some shit man. Then of course there's the trauma of Armand just.....being Armand, being "born to darkness in the midst of a storm-" I would say Daniel very likely has PTSD, perhaps even c-ptsd due to the repeated and ongoing issues.
I see Daniel as often depressed or anxious but not specifically having depression of anxiety, as an aside. To me he has a lot of irl reasons to be depressed/anxious as opposed to clinically so, which doesn't need to have an outside reason. Addiction, and trauma are my armchair diagnosis for Daniel but I'm definately not a doctor. But Daniel also isn't real so we can read into him whatever we want actually!
What do you think?
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koffing-time · 5 months
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[an audio file, a recording from a radio show!
GOOOOOD Afternoon Hoenn and whoever listens in! This is 99.9 FM, YOUR channel for all things to get your adrenaline pumping and your heart racing! Today our moderators are coming in LIVE from Fortree City to report the FINALE of th Battles under the big Tree Tournament starting just a few minutes from now for the Fortree Fireleaf Festival!
That's completely correct, I am Melanie Shuckle and with me is Thomas Lorraine. Now, we are eagerly awaiting the FINAL round of the battle tournament right now! If you didn't catch the current brackets, in an unexpected turn of events, the two foreigners from Unova who originally came here together, will battle it out for the final winner! Olivia, gym trainer from the Striaton City Gym and Tix from the Koffing-Time café in the same city are already on the field, currently preparing their strategy!
Yes Mel, i don't think they expected to be fighting against each other today, they seem to be a bit stumped. Their Lineup is of course the same as their previous battles, but interestingly we do NOT see a changed Rotom-Form from trainer Tix! I personally would have swapped the Wash-Form for the Heat-Form, but that is just my opinion. That's a good opportunity to break down the lineup anyways, wouldn't it Mel?
That's right. Like you said, we see a Rotom-Wash on Tix' side of the field. The rest of their team is entirely poison-typed, so that is a very interesting choice to balance the roster! Next to the Rotom, we see a Scolipede, Toxtricity and Toxicroak as well as a Crobat and Clodsire. I have to say, this looks like a very offensive team!
Yes Mel! But Clodsire and Rotom will bring some much desired defense, and honestly i think they will need it! On Olivias side, we see an Alolan-Exeggutor and Darmanitan as well as an Escavalier, a Simisear and the very dreaded Pelipper-Ludicolo combination that already showed how scary it can be in previous battles!
Now, Tom, in your expert opinion, what would your Lead be on each side of the field?
Hm, that is a good question! Since- Oh wait, they are recalling their Pokémon! It's about to go down, no time to speculate!
Alright, we see the referee counting down, 3, 2, 1 AND THERE THEY GO! we se... TOXICROAK on the one side and DARMANITAN on the other! Oh no, that does not seem like a good start for Tix! I am not sure if we saw their Toxicroaks ability, but if it has Dry Skin they are in a real predicament! In addition Darmanitan are usually faster, but that is an issue of skill of course!
That is absolutely correct Tom! Though i expect a Pokémon that is trained for Gym Battles is definitely NOT lacking in the skill department! In any case the tension is high and they do not seem to throw themselves into battle just yet!
Oh! We hate to see it, Tix immediately recalls their Pokémon, this is never a great situation to find yourself in, ESPECIALLY if your opponent is under no pressure whatsoever! THERE IT IS Clodsire comes out, a play i can certainly NOT understand! Tix you have a Rotom in your team what are you-
Darmanitan immediately takes the opening to hit Clodsire with a DEVASTATING E-Q! A risky move from Olivia with the possible Rotom-swap, but it paid off, it definitely paid off! Was this an objective missplay or was this the knowledge of their opponent? We can only speculate!
They pick up the Pace now Mel, at least with their actions! Olivia tries to sneak in another Earthquake to finish Clodsire, but Tix is too fast! Here it is, the awaited Rotom! Of course the E-Q is useless there. How will Olivia react? Oh we DO NOT have the time to think, they swap into the Exeggutor, not unexpected really. But Tix seems to have found an opening now, Rotom uses the elusive Volt-Switch!
This only tickles Exeggutor of course, but it generates some desperately needed momentum for Tix! Oh, the tension, Olivia can't do anything while Tix has a moment to think about their next move! What is the play here? Of course the Crobat could be an option, but i think- They decided to go for the Toxicroak again! Is this perhaps the lead Pokémon they expected in the first place? Who knows, but this is a risky risky play! Exeggutor is usually slow of course but a psychic will DEFINITELY knock out Toxicroak and we have seen that it IS a special set in previous fights!
You speak my mind, and i think they are looking exactly for this, i can see the- WHAT IS THIS? Toxicroak just- how do i describe it?
Toxicroak just did the Cha-Cha-Slide i can't say anything else, it did the Cha-Cha-Slide to close the distance and just, that had to be an ice punch! Can we get a confirmation please, was that an Ice punch? Toxicroak just chopped that tree down with a single hit!
Yes Mel, it was indeed an Ice punch! An uncommon move to be sure, but it was well worth it this time! That means Olivia is down one Pokémon! I'm sure they didn't expect the Ice Punch, otherwise they would NOT have stayin in this matchup, for sure!
I think you're right Tom. But what will we see now? Will Olivia pull out the Darmanitan again? It worked well last time to scare out Toxicroak! Oh yes, yes indeed Darmanitan is back on the field!
Tix has to go out into Rotom now, correct? There is no other way! And yes, we do see the Rotom, but Olivia already predicted that! Darmanitan immediately used a U-Turn! AND WE SEE ESCAVALIER! Excuse me, i do like this Pokémon a lot. This was so smooth, i think Olivia did make this plan ahead of time! Oh this is some intense battling! Rotom just went for the Volt-Switch and i think Olivia also calculated this, they are preparing something to hit the next Pokémon!
WHAT IS THIS??? I CANNOT BELIEVE IT! ESCAVALIER JUST WASTED THIS HUUUGE OPPORTUNITY! A TOXIC! AGAINST A TEAM THAT IS ALMOST ENTIRELY POISON TYPE OH NO!!! What did Olivia expect here? Did they hope to hit the Rotom? That has to be the plan, but Escavalier is notoriously slow, that was not the move to make Olivia, not the move to make.
Now we have somewhat of a stalemate Mel, two very slow Pokémon are staring at each other! Who will move first? IT IS Escavalier, Olivia wasted only a few seconds to think, and they think about a Knock Off! That is indeed a good midground play, especially if you don't know about your opponent! But it seems it was not enough to knock Clodsire out and this looks surprisingly like a recover! Yes, yes it looks like Clodsire is more vital again. Oh this does not look good for Olivia!
That is correct, if they don't have some trick up their sleeve, i think this matchup is bad.There is no way they can break through Clodsire and i doubt this Escavalier knows Swords Dance! NO, no we see it right now, they are basically staring each other down. They are exchanging hits but with Clodsires Recover, Tix will knock out Escavalier sooner or later!
Yes, indeed Mel there is not much to be done here. Maybe Olivia should switch to Pelipper, it seems like Tix is only having Clodsire use E-Q? But i'm going to be honest, that is not ideal either, what is Pelipper supposed to do against Clodsire? And none of their other Pokémon wants to just take a hit like that.
Oh there we see it right now! Yes, Pelipper comes in! Well, now what?  WHAT IS THAT?! TIX SWITCHES OUT INTO SCOLIPEDE! But why, what would Pelipper have done against Clod-
Oh my ARC MEL! Did you see that, that was devastating! Olivia lets Pelipper use Hurricane and Scolipede just immediately falls over, that stings, that stings for sure!
Yes Tom, yes! And now what? Tix seems to realize their mistake and brings back Clodsire! Just for it to take on another Hurricane! Oh and you hate to see it, it seems like Clodsire got a bit confused? The poor creature just tripped and is trying to regain its footing now! But the fight is still in a slower phase, because that Hurricane did absolutely no damage!
Mel, i think Olivia is slowly getting into a worse and worse position! Look at that! I think Pelipper just got hit by a Toxic and there is nothing Pelipper could feasibly do here, i think it's time for another switch! Maybe it's time for Ludicolo? NO, NO we see a swap from both sides at the exact same time! What a twist! There are now Tix' Toxtricity and the Darmanitan from Olivia on the field! THAT is pressure for Tix now, because there is absolutely no way that Toxtricity would take an E-Q!
You're right Tom, you're right but we know that Tix has two Pokémon immune to it, and it is still raining on the Field, so a fire-type move is not ideal either! I hope Olivia is keeping it cool and remembers this! Yes indeed, Tix is recalling Toxtricity and there comes Crobat and- OH NO! You HATE to see it, another Earthquake going into nothingness. What now Olivia, what now?
Now, it is time for another switch Tom, it's Escavalier time again! Hopefully it can do more now than against Clodsire! And what is this? I can't quite see it?
Mel, i think that might be a tailwind? Is this Crobat a supportive set? That is interesting, i would not have expected that! But we won't see more right now because Tix switches once more, it's time for Toxicroak again! Escavalier is probably not in the best situation here, i think it's not equipped to deal with this threat?
No you're right, that little slap on the wrist from Escavalier did not seem like Toxicroak is impressed at all.
OH we are picking up the pace again! Let's go Mel, let's go! We just saw Escavalier switch out and Tix used the opportunity to let Toxtricity set up a swordsdance! That is dangerous, and i am not sure if Simisear is prepared to take whatever is coming right now!
Tom, you forgot to mention Simisear was swapped in by Olivia, but yes, yes you are right! Just look! It hangs on, that Drain Punch from Toxicroak had to sting a lot, that is a Focus Sash we're seeing right here and-
WHAT! A Focus Blast? I thought for sure there would be a Fire Blast or Flamethrower comin, but the Focus Blast is definitely not enought to take out Toxtricity! Well, that seals the deal, Toxtricity finishes this with another Drain Punch! And look at him go, he's just dancing on the battlefield while Olivia thinks about their next action!
There we go! Darmanitan comes in once more! Will it be doing more than last time? Let's hope it- YES! But NO Tom did you see that? Olivia finally chose to use another move, a Rock Slide to be precise! And Tix lets Toxicroak just stay in! No fear of the E-Q, and they are NOT getting punished for it, a wonderful prediction! Yes indeed, Darmanitan eats another Drain Punch square to the face and it goes down! Thomas this is NOT looking good for Olivia, it stands 5 to 3 for Tix right now and i am really not sure how Olivia plans to get past the Clodsire and Rotom anymore!
Mel, we are not even getting a single breath in, Olivia is quick to send in Pelipper once again, and this time it might have the opportunity to do a bit more than against Clodsire! Yes, yes indeed the rain comes back to the field and while Toxicroak is quicker to act, that Ice Punch does not have enough, well, punch to stop Pelipper in its track! Instead, Toxicroak has to dealt with a Hurricane now, i’m sure!
Yes indeed and it does NOT have enough strength to resist the power of that flying type move! Toxicroak goes down!
What will Tix do now? Will we see Clodsire once more? NO, no it is Crobat who comes onto the field! And it seems like Olivia sees this as an opportunity! They switch out their Pelipper and… IN COMES LUDICOLO! OH MY ARC THAT is scary, i doubt anything can beat this right now, maybe Rotom? And we all know Ludicolo is ridiculously fast in the rain, that is scary for-
What is that, Crobat is using another Tailwind! I had expected a Venoshock here since Pelipper already got poisoned! But this turns the tables of course, because Tix Pokémon might keep up with Ludicolo now! And there we see it, Crobat immediately moves again with a Brave Bird attack and that is it already for Ludicolo! OH MY ARC I think Tix has this in the bag Tom!
Yes Mel, but Olivia is not quite defeated yet, maybe Pelipper and Escavalier can still do work here!
You might be right Tom, in any other match! Tix just swapped their active Pokémon for Toxtricity, and i do NOT think there is much Olivia can do here!
Oh dear, yes Mel you are correct. Just look at this, Toxtricity just starts jamming on the Battlefield, that is what i call an Overdrive attack, the signature move of the Toxtricity line and Pelipper cannot, under no circumstances, take such a hit!
Well, there is still Escavalier, which is right now coming in, but, no it just has to concede here. Of course it is trying it’s best but its attacks are not enough to keep up with Toxtricity. No, not at all, there we see it! Escavalier goes down to another Overdrive from this BEAUTIFUL Low-Key Toxtricity!
And with that, it is over! Tix from Striaton City Unova wins! That was the final Battle under the Big Tree from the Fortree Fireleaf Festival! A beautiful battle!
The recording continues for a few more seconds, the moderators talk about a few strategic moments, but the file ends right in the middle of a sentence]
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educationloans-101 · 8 months
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Education Loan for Abroad Studies: Explore Student Loans
An investment in knowledge pays the best interest! And if the knowledge is attained at a top-tier and premium university then it is sure to elevate your career to the next level. However, the unfortunate reality is that the cost of studying in a reputed college is usually quite steep. And studying in a good college overseas is an even more expensive proposition.
Education loans for abroad studies help students, irrespective of their financial status, realize their dream of studying in one of the best universities in the world.
Numerous banks and other lenders now provide foreign education loans for students who want to study abroad. These lenders have different education loan schemes on offer, but choosing the one that is right for you is not an easy task. And that is where GyanDhan helps.
We match you with that lender, which is the best education loan for abroad studies that suits your profile and needs perfectly, and then help secure the loan approval in the most seamless and hassle-free manner.
What is the Maximum Loan Limit For Education Loans to Study Abroad?
In secured education loans, students can apply for student loans of up to INR 1.5 cr. In foreign education loans without collateral, students can apply for study loans of up to INR 45 Lakhs. This loan amount limit can increase or decrease depending on the applicant’s and co-applicant’s profile, country, course, etc.
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The steps to apply for a loan for financing the studies abroad are:
Step-1: Check your loan eligibility online.
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How to Choose the Best Overseas Education Loan?
Taking an education loan to supplant the cost of education overseas is the right choice. Depending on the amount and your profile, financial institutions can finance even 100% of the cost of the course.
However, to get the best education loan option, one needs to carefully analyze the following key aspects of the various options available. When you apply to GyanDhan, we do this analysis for you. In case you do the loan comparison yourself, consider these factors:
Interest Rate: Even a 1% increase in the education loan interest rate has a substantial financial effect. Example - Loan Amount: Rs. 30,00,000, Loan Repayment in: 5 years after you graduate, Course Duration: 2 years; While at 10%, you’ll pay Rs. 9.7 lakhs in interest, at 11%, you’ll pay Rs. 10.9 lakhs - that’s a difference of 1.2 lakhs for just 1%!. Also, historical changes done by any lender in its interest rates should also be considered.
Repayment Holiday/Moratorium Period: It is a specified period during the loan tenure in which the borrower is exempt from making repayments. Loans with a moratorium period have a big plus, as you don’t have to worry about making repayments while you study overseas.
Tax Rebate: Education loans for foreign studies taken from Indian banks are special in that the entire amount paid as interest is exempt from income tax. This has a huge impact: Example - Loan Amount: Rs. 30,00,000, Marginal tax bracket: 30%, Repayment in: 5 years after graduation, Course Duration: 2 Years, ROI: 10%... If your loan has tax rebate, you can save Rs. 2.9 lakhs!
Margin Money: The amount that you need to pay from your own pocket while the rest is paid by the bank. If a bank offers a 0% margin, it means they’ll fund all your education expenses in the offered loan amount.
Hidden Fees: There are numerous hidden fees that your lender might be charging you and when accumulated these will cost you a considerable amount, such as:
Forex Margin: Some lenders charge a forex conversion charge when the overseas education loan is sanctioned in INR and disbursed in some other currency. This can be as high as 1.5%, which translates to Rs. 45,000 for a loan amount of Rs. 30 lakhs.
Processing Fees: This varies from zero to as high as 2%. For a loan of Rs. 30,00,000, the processing fees can be as high as Rs. 60,000
Cost of Credit Life Insurance: Some lenders make it mandatory for the applicant to go in for credit life insurance with their education loan scheme so that their loan amount is protected against any unfortunate eventualities. If the premium amount is on the higher side then it eventually increases the cost of the education loan as well.
Mandatory Cross-Sell: Some lenders try to cross-sell other policies before sanctioning the education loan, even though it is not required on the applicant’s end.
Interest Rate in Different Currencies: Often students face a dilemma of choosing over an education loan in USD with a lower interest rate or an equivalent amount in INR with a higher interest rate. By the previous trend of the rising prices of US$ to INR conversion rates, it is a smart choice to go for the loan amount in INR even though it may come with a higher interest rate.
As you can see, by selecting the right overseas education loan, the reduction in cost can be as high as 5-6%.
Which is the Cheapest Education Loan in India to Study Abroad?
Public sector banks offer the State Bank or BoB lowest interest rates on loans for foreign education compared to private banks & NBFCs. If your institution is listed in BOB’s premium list of colleges, Bank of Baroda offers the cheapest education loan for abroad studies. Otherwise, the State Bank of India offers the cheapest education loans. However, the extent of the cheap education loan in India depends on several factors including the applicant’s profile, co-applicant’s financial profile, target country, target course, etc.
Are you eligible for an abroad education loan? Check here.
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the scent of a man 
(yes this is about BIlly’s cologne)
Alright, so last week I reblogged a post about Billy’s cologne after an impulse purchase of both items and since they have arrived and I’ve actually worn them each for an entire day, I feel ready to discuss them For Real. 
Firstly, I enjoy scents. I have a decent nose, and a minor talent for stringing words together. I am not, however, an expert on perfume-making. I am a novice at best. 
Also, in the interest of self-honesty, I will admit that I was initially enthusiastic about Aramis and more skeptical about the Paco Rabanne
These were both somehow exactly as described and very different from what I expected, and they both have a very strong, kind of cheap alcohol top note that thankfully disappears quickly after spray/application. And since fragrance involves chemistry, the scent will also change depending on your own body chemistry - which is why you might really enjoy that perfume strip you smelled at Victoria’s Secret but realize you hate the way you smell 2 hours later when you get home. 
Aramis was the second one I tried, but it is depicted as Billy’s ‘main’ - you know, the one he wears like an actual human instead of rubbing it all over his dick like a fucking animal in heat. But I really have to level with you guys: you cannot convince me that Billy picked this shit out.
How do I describe this smell? 
Familiar, was my first impression, actually. Followed immediately by the horrified realization of why it was so familiar, even though the person this reminded me of has been dead for nearly twenty years. If you blindfolded me and told me “this is the canonical cologne choice for one of your favorite male characters” before I knew this belonged to Billy, my real honest answer would have been “...Steve?”
Not Steve Harrington. STEVE ROGERS. 
“...Steve? Steve, right? This is Captain America’s cologne?”
Because, theydies and gentlethems, this smells like my fucking grandfather. 
Come here, come in close. Let me describe the man who wears this to you. 
This man opens your car door for you. He has tea with your mother and talks to your father about fucking...baseball or stocks, or whatever will get him chatting. He helps your younger sibling get their merit badge for making their own campfire. He fingerbangs you like a goddamn champ but won’t fuck you in his car because he wants it to be ‘special’ for you. He lets you wear his own jacket on chilly nights and this is what that jacket smells like. I would suck this man’s dick with genuine enthusiasm and would have to immediately ghost him afterwards because he’s very sweet and a real catch, but he has stars in his eyes about marriage and three kids with a house and that shit gives me hives.
In other words, this is not our local disgusting feral rat king. Like...I love him so much but he is not That. 
This was kinda confusing to me, because it’s somehow spicy and ‘cold’ at the same time. ‘Spicy’ notes in scent are generally associated with a ‘warm’ vibe - cinnamon, clove, etc. This is not. Actually, having him wear this at night in winter is absolutely correct, because it has exactly that vibe. But in no way do I believe that Billy knowingly picked this particular fragrance out of his own agency.
I have two theories about this and you can select whichever one you like depending on how much pain you’d like to cause yourself. 
Either this was 1) a random bottle selected from a shelf - possibly because it was discounted, maybe he liked the appearance of the bottle - and Billy is not in an economic bracket to be able to just throw away perfectly decent cologne OR 2) this was originally a gift from his mom and Billy either can’t bring himself to get rid of it or maybe even purchases it himself now out of habit.
The Paco Rabanne - the dick cologne - on the other hand, I really, really enjoyed. Curiously, this had one characteristic I REALLY hadn’t expected, especially considering that this literally has ‘pour homme’ (for men) in the name. 
The intended gender for this fragrance is not readily apparent. 
I mean, gender is a construct, etc, but generally, fragrances are classified for marketing purposes. There is a decent amount of them that are explicitly not categorized on the binary, though. But this one is not supposed to be one of them - again, it says ‘for men’ in the name.
I enjoyed both but kind of thought the Paco Rabanne suited me better as a female presenting person, since Aramis is more distinctly and traditionally male - even more interesting implications there since as I pointed out before, Billy literally rubs this all over his genitals. (Almost as though Billy wears the Aramis as a mask concealing what’s really going on at his...center...) 
From the description, I was expecting something more fresh and herbal, maybe even ‘watery’ but this was actually something kind of woody and spicy, almost smoky, more subtle than the Aramis (again, more interesting implications there). 
It also wears off much more quickly - or maybe my own body chemistry just doesn’t blend with this as well? I will say I really, REALLY enjoyed the way that the Aramis combined with my natural chemistry on the dry down - about six hours after application, it was a sweeter almost nutty spice smell, like brown butter toffee - I loved it, it was EXCELLENT. But the Paco Rabanne just becomes slightly more powdery and creamy, almost soapy, and a little more piney - picture a quiet dark forest at night, in the dead of winter.
On the standard approval scale for male fragrance, would I suck this man’s dick? Yeah, but the fucking slut would tell all of his friends afterward.
Alright guys! Hope that was interesting/helpful for you, I’m gonna go finish my coffee and pray for the weekend to arrive.
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cindylouwho-2 · 8 months
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Etsy Second Quarter 2023 Earnings Report - Get Ready For More Pressure To Discount
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Above - Slide 9 from Etsy's Second Quarter 2023 report. © Etsy
Etsy's second quarter 2023 results beat projections, but the outlook for the third quarter was weak, and that has led to a sharp drop off of the stock. No doubt investors were unimpressed that Etsy has no convincing plans to begin increasing sales and profits again. The call announced nothing truly new in that vein.
First, the resources for this post:
the press release
transcript of the conference call
slides from the conference call
video of the call (click on “Webcast” under "Latest Quarterly Results")
my summaries of the second quarter 2022, and the first quarter 2023 for comparison
The basic numbers (covering April to June 2023, compared to the same period in 2022):
Sales on Etsy were $2.6 billion, down 0.7% 
Total sales for all 4 marketplaces (Etsy, Reverb, Depop, Elo7) were $3.0 billion, down 0.6% 
Etsy’s revenue (including all 4 sites) was $628.9 million, up 7.5%
Seller service revenue was up a whopping 20.8% to $175.9 million, while marketplace revenue was up 3.1% to $453 million
Net Income was $61.9 million, down 15.3% (in part due to the impairment charge from the impending sale of Elo7)
Active buyers on Etsy alone stand at 90.6 million, an all-time high
Active sellers on Etsy alone are 6.3 million, the second large jump in a row compared to the previous quarter; numbers had been stagnant through the end of 2021 and all of 2022 [Note that “active” means one charge or transaction in the past 12 months; many “active” shops currently have nothing for sale.]
Sales where the buyer and/or the seller was not in the United States were 47%, up from 44% last year, but most Etsy buyers are still in the US
Sales on mobile are now at 68%, up from 66% last year [this includes both the buyer app and mobile browsers]
I'll cover the points of the biggest interest to sellers below, with my comments in square brackets.
Advertising (On and Off Site)
Etsy Ads (the onsite ones) again helped increase the services income. CFO Rachel Glaser mentioned that "XWalk, our real time retrieval engine" was now a part of the Ads algorithm. [It was previously introduced in search results, to help draw connections between multiple sets of data rapidly as someone is searching.] They are now able to show ads in more places, increasing site profit.
Offsite Ads (aka performance marketing) cost roughly the same in the quarter, due to testing which led to Etsy reducing money spent on some platforms.
From the press release: "We expanded performance marketing investments from 13 to 20 non-core countries, now including the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, and Slovakia."
Etsy Search
CEO Josh Silverman feels Etsy has made progress in search relevancy (Slide 6). Therefore, the next step is to "better identify the quality of each listing, so that from this relevant result set, we bring the very best of Etsy to the top. Our data shows that high quality listings attract a higher value buyer than our average listings, attract more repeat and habitual buyers, and most importantly, they often convert over 2 times better than other listings." No actual definition of "high quality listings" is provided. [This may be a refinement of the listing quality score.]
Etsy is training its machine learning software on "...a best of Etsy library, which is curated by expert merchandisers based on the visual appeal, uniqueness, and apparent craftsmanship of an item." (Slide 7) The models are then expected to find the best items out of large search results, and return those for searchers. [I hope these aren't the same human curators who supposedly selected the "Etsy's Pick" listings, as my only Etsy's Pick listing is a commercial pendant on my hand-cut chain. Totally Etsy-legal, and even appealing and well-made, but hardly unique - there are hundreds or maybe even thousands of these pendants on Etsy right now. (In my defense, there were a lot fewer when I started selling them.) Only my chain falls close to the realm of unique, due to the clasp.]
Etsy is also working on "collapsing" similar items on the first few search pages into sets, and offering shoppers several different sets to choose from, "showing you just the very best of each of a set of very different items". [I believe I have seen a test like this, where several rows of slightly different search results are shown for some queries. It could also mean an expansion of the "more like this" link under individual listings on the search page.]
[It appears to be time to accept that Etsy is not interested in being a site for niche searches any more; management only cares about the large searches converting. I understand what the engineers were trying to do with training the systems by adding more items in and letting the customers signal which results were good, but small and niche searches have only gotten worse over the past 3-4 years, and they've now effectively told us we can't expect any more improvement in this area. Search effort is now going to winnowing down large searches, not improving very small ones.]
Upcoming Promotional Plans & Focus
As usual, Etsy is focussed on retaining existing buyers as well as adding new ones. Hitting an all-time high in active buyers this quarter shows some progress in this area.
Given that "[t]here's no question this is a very promotional environment," we should expect to see more features around sales and discounts, as shown in Slide 9 at the top of this post. Those 3 boxes are part of a scrolling banner at the top of the Etsy home page in the US right now. [If you have tried to run a sale lately, you have already noticed that the lowest percentage off sale is 25%. You can enter a custom amount, but 25% is the default if you don't click for more options.]
They are already testing "a new price discovery functionality utilizing buyer demand data to help sellers think about how to price their items and when or how they might best use promotions as part of their mix." An example is shown in the top right corner of Slide 11 - see below:
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[If this works as badly as the old tool from years ago - the one that compared hammered sterling silver pendants to plastic ones - then it will be a waste of time. And don't forget the tool that tells us our shipping for large heavy items is overpriced because it is comparing the listing to the shipping rates of the smallest items in the same category. The list goes on... However, many sellers would appreciate knowing more about what similar items are actually selling for, and it is possible Etsy heard that request, so we shouldn't write this test off before we see it.]
The new wedding registry has been doing well, with 14% of sales coming from first-time buyers. Etsy is opening a baby registry in August, and more categories may follow.
Silverman said that the Purchase Protection Program (PPP) "...reduced the issue resolution time for cases by approximately 85%". [I guess when there are rarely humans involved in adjudicating cases, that does tend to save time.] The site will soon mention this in even more places, to increase buyer confidence and bring them back more often.
Also on the way: "Buyers will see some new AI assisted ways to find crafted quality gifts for the loved ones at great value with even more confidence that these gifts will arrive on time." Gifting will continue to be a promotional focus.
Payment Reserves
Following the recent media attention to payment reserves, one analyst asked what the policy was meant to do in terms of benefiting the marketplace, and how the company is addressing the complaints. Silverman fell back on the "sellers not able to fill a rush of sales" example [even though that hasn't been the main reason for most of the recent reserves], and mentioned the previous day's announcement that reserves would be changing.
Depop, Reverb, and the Exit of Elo7
Etsy is selling Elo7, and is apparently taking a loss on it.
Depop's sales and revenue grew this quarter (year over year); new ideas and developments are detailed on Slide 16.
Reverb is still doing better than the general musical instrument market; details on Slide 17.
Miscellaneous
sales were down this quarter due to the month of April; May and June were both up, as was July [so the third quarter is up so far, but they noted the company traditionally has lower sales in August and September]. Silverman stated that the economy is in a down cycle, but that cycles change.
sales are declining in United States zip codes where the average household income is below $100,000 a year, and are growing in the zips above $100K a year.
the increase in marketplace revenue was partially due to having more non-US transactions, which usually have higher payment processing fees charged.
"advances in ML capabilities have enabled our enforcement models to detect an increasing number of policy violations." Slide 10 states they've "...removed 29% more listings for violating our Handmade Policy in 1H 2023 vs. 2H 2022". It's not clear if this includes all the ones they removed in error and later had to reinstate. [It's not just handmade takedowns that were mostly wrong. They caught my 2 "drug paraphernalia" listings earlier this year, as well as many top selling item from big shops, for no reason. As I explained in my coverage of the annual transparency report, only 5% of items Etsy reviews for violations actually need to be removed from the site. Increasing takedowns is a bad thing when they are almost all wrong, and especially when real and easy-to-find violations - such as boxes of commercial potato chip packages and actual roach clips - remain up. This initiative continues to get an F.]
almost 20% of vintage shops are choosing to use the new "Make an Offer" option.
Why Etsy Needs To Do More To Impress Investors
If you watch or read these calls every quarter, or even just read my summaries, you will note that there was very little new here, and certainly not much new that one would expect to substantially increase sales across the site. I think the upper brass recognized that, as the "challenging" times were stressed repeatedly, and they are still occasionally comparing numbers to the pre-pandemic stats.
Yes, it is great that Etsy has basically retained all of its pandemic growth; many other platforms - such as Wayfair and eBay - did not. However, analysts seem to be over that now, and are looking to future growth. Etsy's response seems to be that any substantial increase in marketplace sales will have to wait until the current uncertain world economic cycle improves. While they talk about incremental increases in sales expected from some current projects, their own projections for the third quarter aren't reflecting that growth, given Etsy now has more active buyers and sellers than ever before.
Have they possibly lost too many successful shops due to overreaching with payment reserves? Are buyers expressing concerns on that topic? Now that many more sellers can opt out of Offsite Ads, is that dragging down the company's income at all? Are they truly out of new ideas? These are questions that the analysts and the media need to be asking.
Perhaps Etsy is planning on another release that will lift marketplace sales, but right now they are keeping it secret. The company probably can't afford to wait on this much longer, though, if it cares about the stock price.
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topnews · 12 days
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2024 NCAA Tournament bracket expert picks: No. 1 seeds predicted before Selection Sunday show - CBS Sports http://dlvr.it/T4B7wF
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keystone8379 · 25 days
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This is to go even further beyond!
Regarding Kirby Fighters 2, this is more or less a filler arc, but during the offseason, XanderT (famous for playing a tourney set on their hotspot in their car) decided to run a cute little tourney for only the kirbies and bandana dee.
You'll have to forgive me because I don't remember most of the tourney. But I don't think anyone will forget the end of the tourney. So the top pick to take home the event was Nuggetz, many other players couldn't use their mains, and others didn't have a character to check Yo-yo, who's still easily a top 3 character.
Nuggetz is notable because Yo-yo was a character chock full of dumb bullshit, most (in)famously being able to escape hitstun on some moves 10 frames earlier than the rest of the cast. Nuggetz didn't take advantage of Yo-yo's bullshit factor nearly as often as other players did in the future. He instead just played a really good neutral and had a pretty good combo game. As expected, he ends up in grand finals.
In losers finals, it's between biM, a Fighter main, and P47, who plays Magolor normally but can't this bracket. P47 actually doesn't have a competitive fighting game background, he's just a modern kirby expert. We saw his Bandana Dee, Artist, and Archer come out this bracket, but biM was able to take the win in losers finals. They also come from a lot of main series experience and we've stayed in touch to this day. Admittedly I used to not like biM very much but I honestly couldn't tell you why. I do really enjoy being friends with them so your guess is as good as mine. But I digress.
So biM rolls up into grand finals, a bit of an underdog but has the support of the people. And this shit gets hype as fuck.
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It's important to note that biM is running the Goriath hat, based on the RTDL boss who goes super sayian and has his own kamehamehas and spirit bombs. So them playing up the whole DBZ power up sequence is really hype, even if I've never watched an episode of the show and also don't like DBFZ very much. Even as biM was taking losses, they still played to the crowd and it led to a really hype set to watch.
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Oh, they still lost the set 5-2 but who gives a shit? It's the moment that counts and this is one of my favourite moments from the game. I love this community so much.
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So what did we learn from this? Never skip the filler, you might end up missing some of the best moments if you do.
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schaeferlutz80 · 2 months
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50+ Most Popular Hanging Chairs With Stand
Online reviewers found it snug and spacious — plus it's available in 4 stylish colors. Exuding a classy aesthetic, this hanging swing chair has a teardrop shape design and free-floating chair — a glance that will function a focal point of any yard space or room. Online reviewers rave about the look and quality of this pick, with many also noting it is comfy. Most hanging chairs can maintain anywhere from 250 to 550 pounds. That is quite a range, so make certain to examine the load capability before shopping for one. As talked about, kids' chairs can usually support up to a hundred and eighty pounds. To guarantee it could resist the weather in any climate, the model's Pod Hanging Chair has a powder-coated aluminum frame wrapped in fake resin wicker. The chair itself is handwoven by artisans, a time-intensive process that takes a full week to complete. The mild swaying movement of our new hanging chair will lull you right into a relaxed state as you watch the sunrise, sunset or compensate for your reading.
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Beautifully crafted by expert wicker artisans, this iconic indoor chair will final for a few years. Theresa Holland is a contract commerce author and product tester. For this article, she interviewed a Decorist interior designer Linzie Merchant for suggestions and ideas for getting hanging chairs. After contemplating dozens of choices from various retailers, she in the end chosen snug, sturdy, and visually pleasing models which would possibly be easy to arrange. Made of anti-rust metal frame and all-weather PE rattan, this egg hanging chair can stay outside. Likewise, the trendy look additionally makes it fit your indoor ornament. If you employ it indoors, the anti-slip foot pads defend your flooring from scratching. While you may be sitting on this hanging chair, the protection strap, sturdy triangular structure and c-type base will maintain you safe. Furthermore, the strengthened metal hook holds up to 330 lbs. What’s more, the comfy cushions and ample house deliver optimal comfort so that you can loosen up. She covers furniture, residence decor, and organizational options. When searching hanging chairs, make certain to examine the weight capacity. Some extra-sturdy fashions can support as a lot as 550-pounds, while others may cap out round 250 pounds. Kids' swing seats often have a capacity of roughly a hundred and eighty pounds, in addition to a really helpful age vary. If you click on on hyperlinks we offer, we might obtain compensation.
Mistana™ Anner Porch Swing With Stand
However, it comes with a steel chain, ceiling bracket, bolts, and two carabiner clasps. You'll additionally get two strings of battery-powered LED lights for creating a vibe any teen will love. This budget-friendly hanging chair has a 330-pound weight capability.
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These are secured by a sequence, or rope, to a hook that is put in to a beam within the ceiling. There can additionally be a second class of hanging chair that does not require any such attachment to the ceiling. Both supply the liberty of full swing motion, with the latter including the convenience of with the ability to be re-positioned anyplace within the bedroom. If you are trying to invest in a striking outside chair, we're obsessive about this handwoven resin rattan choose from CB2. It could additionally be costly, however the open weave is weather resistant and the two plush cushions are sewn from a Sunbrella ® efficiency fabric — so, this design is constructed to final.
Wicker Hanging Chair With Stand
Handcrafted with rattan using a century-old methodology by bending the rattan into form. The Icons assortment options the timeless traces and sculptural artistry of an elite group of legendary European furnishings designers. Elegant and eye-catching, the stunning White Fabric Luna Acrylic Swing Bubble Accent Chair from Meridian Furniture is the perfect addition to any house. Comfortable, stylish picks to raise any area — inside or out. Keeping Merchant's insight in mind, we researched the comfiest, most aesthetically pleasing options for each style and elegance. We independently consider all beneficial services. It attaches to a hardened wood bar that connects to two anti-slip rings and a sturdy rope. You can set up it using the included ceiling bracket, hang it from a tree, or hook it to a stand. We love that the indoor/outdoor design can be connected to your ceiling or porch cowl with the included bracket or hung from a thick tree department. This particular mannequin would not come with a stand, nevertheless it'll work with pretty much any hammock chair stand. Christmas gift thought of, the Bulexyard Swing Egg is a superb selection with a very cheap price tag.
You can find more of her articles on Travel + Leisure, People, and Byrdie.
According to the model, this snug chair comes with an easy-to-understand set up handbook and all the tools and hardware needed for meeting.
Made of anti-rust metal body and all-weather PE rattan, this egg hanging chair can keep outside.
When it involves easy-breezy lounging, it doesn't get much better than a dangling chair.
Cushions also help hammock swings take a wider shape, which is comfier for sitting.
Each chair comes full with a sumptuous seat cushion and headrest for comfort, and a gentle sway to movement for stress-free impact. Solution-dyed 100 percent acrylic Sunbrella and Tempotest efficiency fabric cushions are handsewn by expert cushion manufacturers within the Carolinas. Theresa Holland is a contract commerce author and product reviewer specializing in residence items, group, and outdoor dwelling. The swinging movement of hanging chairs has been demonstrated to be mentally and physically soothing. Imagine going into your bed room in search of refuge from the stresses of work and home life. Like a comfy nest within a comfy tree, the hanging chair is ideal to rest, learn or just loosen up. With an ergonomic shape and their capability to softly swing and sway, hanging egg chairs are surprisingly comfortable. Since most egg chairs are meant for just one person, use one to build your individual studying nook or hang one within the entrance yard the place you probably can people-watch. We've also sprinkled in double hanging egg chairs, that are designed to carry two folks. This Luna chair features an acrylic egg-style seat topped with faux fur-covered cushions for supreme comfort. You can find extra of her articles on Travel + Leisure, People, and Byrdie. Of all the rooms in a home, none other implies comfort, personal type and privateness greater than the bed room. It is the place we sleep, the place we wind down, the place we go to suppose, where we go once we want to be alone. It is our personal personal safe haven throughout the bigger context of our home. The house could belong to your whole household, but your bedroom belongs to you. If you are not sure boho style aligns along with your taste, search for one thing with a simple frame and neutral hues that do not have a definite wicker look. The new grid design adds a contemporary and updated styling positive to deliver a new dimension to your home design. The pure rattan colour will either be the perfect mix or a welcome stand out as the focal point in your room. Choose from an array of trendy colours and whether or not or not you want a stand included. According to the model, this snug chair comes with an easy-to-understand installation guide and all the tools and hardware needed for assembly. Some hanging chairs include their own stands, but when not, most will attach to a bowed hammock swing stand with a protracted sufficient chain. We wish it got here in a few more colours, but the black stand, pure wicker hue, and off-white cushions make it exceptionally versatile. If the steep value doesn't scare you away, try the Crew Hanging Chair from Arhaus. Designed to resist the outdoor parts year-round, it features all-weather resin wicker wrapped around a rustproof aluminum body. A hanging chair will immediately add a touch of uniqueness to any decor. It can simply become a focal piece, excellent for establishing the tone of your bedroom’s type and look. You will feel so relaxed whether or not you select to hang this from a porch or a tree or choose to buy the stand which can also be out there. Made of aluminum frames you've just about no upkeep. Our mixed artificial materials is hand woven and appears so natural. The plush cushion is crammed with Dacron fiber and lined with solution dyed polyester cloth which will out last many fabrics for put on. This trendy bohemian-style egg swing is on the pricier side. Also, it could be uncomfortable with out the weather-resistant tufted cushion, which you'll have to purchase separately. It comes with a galvanized steel chain and hook however not a mounting bracket, as it's designed to provide the choice to connect it to a ceiling or a stand. The one that most individuals first envision when considering of hanging chairs is the free hanging model. For those with allergic reactions, it must be famous that the areas in a bed room where dust and allergens accumulate the most is precisely beneath conventional chairs, tables and mattress frames. Many people have misconceptions about how a hanging chair is put in. Some folks could wrongly imagine that a hanging chair wouldn’t be practical of their bed room. Perhaps the size of the room are too small, or the ceiling too low. AluRattan consists of a strong powder-coated aluminum frame with woven ArtFibre for 100 percent maintenance free out of doors use. If you are apprehensive your family will instantly steal your new egg chair, there's this spacious swing that comfortably suits a number of folks without delay.
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elakiyaweekly · 2 months
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Truss launches grouping to take Tories more rightward
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In spite of her deficiencies as the head of the state, Liz Support keeps on keeping up with her presence on the political stage. On Tuesday (6) she sent off another development committed to controlling the decision of Conservatives in a more rightward bearing.
Support spent only 49 days in office before she was expelled by her party in October 2022 after her lamentable smaller than normal spending plan scared monetary business sectors and sank the pound.
Her concise residency neglected to endure longer than the timeframe of realistic usability of a lettuce, as broadly featured at the time by one of England's famously unforgiving newspaper papers.
Unfazed, nonetheless, Bracket is a thistle in the side of her replacement Rishi Sunak as the UK gears up for an overall political decision in the not so distant future that surveys show he is set to lose.
In the wake of swimming into different controversial problems lately, Support on Tuesday sent off the most recent gathering in the group ridden Conservatives: "Well known Traditionalism," or "PopCons" for short.
The development has the help of previous Conservative bad habit director Lee Anderson and curve Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg, among other supposed free marketeers.
It plans to shape the Conservatives' pronouncement by building support for hardline strategies on migration and duty, representing a migraine for Sunak as he attempts to keep moderates and conservatives joined together.
"Support's sabotaging of her replacement is strange however not phenomenal," said political specialist Tim Parcel of London's Sovereign Mary College, referring to Margaret Thatcher's endeavors to obstruct John Major during the 1990s.
"What's strange is the speed with which she's looked for — completely fruitlessly separated from as far as she could tell and in the personalities of a small bunch of unregulated economy ideologues — to change herself from profoundly humiliating inability to probably principled pundit," he told AFP.
Since leaving office, Bracket has asked the public authority to slice charges, forsake a few net-zero responsibilities and increment the retirement age.
Last week, she marked Sunak's lead intention to progressively ease a thorough smoking boycott as "significantly unconservative."
"A Moderate government ought not be trying to broaden the babysitter state," she wrote on X.
At the send off in focal London, Support hit out at Sunak's administration for neglecting to take on "left-wing radicals" and for permitting individuals to pick their orientation.
Rees-Mogg went after common liberties regulation and jumped on the "global tip top," proclaiming that the "time of Davos man is finished".
Anderson contended that Britons care minimally about arriving at net zero fossil fuel byproducts, while the crowd of a couple hundred burst into praise when one speaker hammered "huge" Coronavirus period lockdowns.
- 'PopCons' -
The "PopCons" don't call for Sunak to be supplanted as head of the Conservatives, who have had five pioneers since the 2016 Brexit vote, and who grieve behind the primary resistance Work Party in surveys.
It is hazy the number of MPs that will wind up supporting the "PopCons," with Bracket poisonous to numerous in the party.
She likewise remains profoundly disliked among the English public, who keep on feeling the chomp of a cost for most everyday items of emergency that financial experts say her spending plan added to.
A study by surveying firm Savanta did in January gave her a net favorability rating of 54, the most terrible of any legislator the organization got some information about.
"The intriguing thing about her particularly, is most disliked lawmakers have some kind of favorability 'bouncebackability' whenever they've left office or left the spotlight, yet that hasn't occurred with Support," Chris Hopkins, Savanta's political examination chief, said.
David Jeffery, English governmental issues instructor at the College of Liverpool, questions that Support "is hallucinating to the point that she assumes she has one more shot at the top work."
He thinks her maneuverings are almost certain an endeavor to impact the future bearing of the Moderates and conceivably attempt to reestablish her own standing.
She means to "most certainly shape (the party) and afterward perhaps get a fair shadow bureau work and perhaps restore herself there," he said.
A source near Bracket who asked not to be named said that she would look for re-appointment as a MP at the current year's cross country vote and has "deeply felt sees about the future heading of the party and the country."
"You can absolutely anticipate that she should assume a functioning part in banters about approach in the months ahead as the party examines the proclamation it will put to individuals at the polling station," said.
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vogellykkegaard36 · 2 months
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The Ten Best Hanging Chairs Of 2024
Sensitive addition and 3rd story remodel for Lowry Hill historic house. Seamlessly tied old with the model new providing a recent twist with a ultra modern master bath with tons of natural gentle. third flooring was reworked from a cramped and non-functional bedroom into the children's ground with 2 separate bedrooms, shared 3/4 bathtub and dormer den.
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This quaint white rattan semi round swinging chair is a straightforward addition to any teenager’s bed room. The chair may even be handmade and DIY-ed into the room, making for a fun weekend of crafts and bonding. In this instance, it goes nicely with solid purple bed room partitions, forest green carpet and a collection of rock and roll vinyls and posters. For something much more inexpensive, we advocate the Segmart Hammock Chair. Available in 11 colours, the lightweight design is crafted from a gentle, tear-resistant cotton-poly blend and comes with two cushions. This product may be personalized if your order requirement is more than 15 units. This product can be custom-made in case your order requirement is greater than 30 models. We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we might earn a commission.
Hang Out In Style With These 9 Stylish Hanging Chairs
The cloth base of the desk adds a contact of texture and warmth to any space. This eye-catching accent chair with footstool is a stylish combination of traditional and fashionable influences. The plush seat cushion is supported by sinuous springs for longevity and comfort. Made to supply a cosy place to take a seat and to be a design highlight in the house. top article in a luxurious velvet or suede leather-based fabrics, this chair features elegant deep buttoning and a steel stud trim. Finished with stable wooden legs, this chair is ideal as a press release standalone or as a part of a dining set. Don't let the rock-bottom price scare you off — the Y-STOP Hanging Rope Chair has an virtually five-star ranking for a purpose. To install chairs that grasp from the ceiling safely and securely, it’s necessary they be supported by a ceiling joist. Your greatest wager is to unfold the load out between two joists, if attainable, but at the very least, attach the chair from the middle point of the joist .
A fashionable, outdoorsy tackle the '60s Mod pod, this CB2 pick is ready to be adored.
To keep things cool, the hanging chaise has a detachable umbrella canopy that adjusts to the position of the solar.
Location—It is important to consider where the chair shall be positioned, especially if it is in a bed room.
Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s high quality, taking advice from trade insiders and material experts on what makes a product a smart worth .
This chair is good for front room, eating room, bedroom, home workplace, waiting room or conservatory of any house.
Our Eclipse Midback Black Chair in Beige & Orange is a putting fusion of contemporary design and vibrant accents. With a glossy Steel base, the chair features beige and orange components that add a pop of colour and character to any space. Combining fashion with comfort, this chair boasts a midback design for optimal help. Elevate your workspace or living space with this distinctive blend of sophistication and energetic aptitude. With the capability of 175 lbs., this Contemporary style woven rattan material is a good match to an lively teenager’s bedroom. Hung by a rope to the ceiling, the rope and rattan material combination is a good accent to this room’s dark blue walls and white window frames, trims and desk.
Cool Hanging Chairs For The Bedroom
Also, it could be uncomfortable with out the weather-resistant tufted cushion, which you will have to buy individually. It comes with a galvanized metal chain and hook however not a mounting bracket, as it's designed to provide the choice to connect it to a ceiling or a stand. While it's almost unimaginable to pick just one, our present top choose is the Bulexyard Swing Egg. Available in 14 colours, this hanging chair comes with an opulent seat cushion and headrest. Boasting a 350-pound weight capacity, it comfortably seats one individual.
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While the cushions aren't the plushest we have seen, they're designed to permit plenty of space for sitting whereas nonetheless enhancing the overall comfort. Our Luxora High Back Chair—wrapped in all-black bonded Faux Leather. Our PP698 Accent Mesh Armchair combines fashionable design with comfort. Upgrade your workspace with our glossy and practical VY5 Office Table. Designed for optimum productiveness and magnificence, this workplace table combines trendy aesthetics with ergonomic options. Discover the right blend of consolation and efficiency on your work surroundings. Upgrade your workspace with our modern and practical VY6 Office Table. Upgrade your workspace with our glossy and useful VY2 Office Table. A hanging chair with a base is most well-liked if the piece of furniture is meant to be moved around the room. Some hanging chairs come with their own stands, but when not, most will connect to a bowed hammock swing stand with an extended enough chain. Whether you're having fun with a morning cup of espresso or entertaining visitors, our cloth coffee desk is the perfect centerpiece for any front room. With its modern and trendy design, this espresso desk will complement any décor style, from modern to traditional. As we attempt to offer site experiences for browsers that assist new web requirements and security practices. If you are not sure boho style aligns with your taste, look for something with a easy frame and neutral hues that don't have a distinct wicker look. To guarantee it can resist the elements in any local weather, the model's Pod Hanging Chair has a powder-coated aluminum frame wrapped in faux resin wicker. The chair itself is handwoven by artisans, a time-intensive process that takes a full week to complete. We love that this suspended hanging chair comes with its personal stand, so you won’t have to worry about forfeiting your safety deposit for inexplicable ceiling harm. If a sublime, neutral-toned, basket-shaped hanging chair is in your bucket list, you presumably can simply verify it off with this one. A fashionable, outdoorsy tackle the '60s Mod pod, this CB2 choose is waiting to be adored. The parallel lines on this handwoven hanging pod chair, produced from off-white resin for optimum sturdiness, give this statement piece a beachy island vibe.
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Cushioning—Cushioning is mainly the best way to decorate and put complementary accents on the hanging chair. Besides bringing aesthetic steadiness to the chair, it also creates a more comfy hanging chair experience. Style—Ranging from its colour, material and elegance, there are many different varieties of hanging and swinging chairs to fit any bedroom configuration. More modern type bedrooms may favor the acrylic hanging bubble or modern profiles made of synthetic rattan. Bedrooms that aim for a cozier, extra cottage-style vibe can contemplate going for natural abaca weave patterns or yarn knit / rope patterns. A colorful hanging lamp and mosaic type mural portray close to the mattress are the only other colorful parts within the room. This bird’s nest fashion hanging chair features abstract rattan patterns in black all around its seat, which contains a white tufted seat cushion. Material—Some of the more common materials used for hanging chairs are rattan and textile. Outdoor-friendly designs can typically be hung from a thick tree department using the same bolted bracket approach. The weather-ready aluminum frame is wrapped in PE resin, a waterproof and fade-resistant material. There's nylon rope across the again cage and steel hanging hardware. You'll have to assemble the chair your self at residence, but it must be a pretty easy process and comes with all the necessary tools. This Round Outdoor Table is perfect for any outside house, massive or small. To discover the middle of the joist, use a stud finder, and be certain to don’t exceed the beneficial weight capacity when utilizing the hanging chair. The raw gun metal end is timeless and offers the chair its industrial quality with strong wooden finish seat. This metallic finish most reflects the age of the design and sits comfortably next to all surfaces. DO10 Dining Chair is versatile high-density chair that could be set up, rearranged, stacked, moved and stored for practically any application. Integral handle in the seat back allows for simple lifting, transferring and stacking. This chair is ideal for living room, dining room, bed room, home office, waiting room or conservatory of any house. High back additionally supplies distinctive consolation and promotes right posture. The polypropylene seat comes with padded foam seat upholstered in textured overlaying. Our PP696 designer barstool has a friendly persona, instantly recognizable in the gentle and welcoming shapes of its seat. With a sculptural, hand-bent rattan body and a scoop-seat design, the Serena & Lily Hanging Rattan Chair just screams cozy. Effortlessly cradling you as you float, this chair is a surefire crowd pleaser. Add a small table alongside a hanging lounge chair to hold your newest learn or morning cup of coffee, and all of a sudden you’ve got a simple spot it idle away the hours. Our Luxora High Back Ribbed Chair—wrapped in all-Orange bonded Faux Leather. Boasting contoured arms, a customizable synchro tilt, and waist help, this chair ensures consolation throughout prolonged work hours. Meticulous stitching by expert craftsmen adds finesse, creating an executive seating solution that redefines opulence and magnificence. Elevate your workspace with the Luxora High Back Chair for a touch of refined consolation. The gentle blues, creams and dark woods give the impression of luxurious and calm. Featuring a recent mesh backrest, this chair not solely provides a stylish contact to any space but in addition ensures breathability for a nice seating experience. With glossy strains and a minimalist aesthetic, it effortlessly elevates your décor whereas providing a comfortable and breathable seating option. Our PP699 Accent Fabric Chair is a chic and alluring addition to any house. With its soft and durable cloth upholstery, this chair seamlessly blends consolation and elegance. The elegant design and selection of colours add a touch of sophistication to your room, making it a perfect piece for each leisure and visual attraction. Set towards a minimal background of white wall and long curtain, this floor-mounted hanging egg chair is the perfect addition to a minimal room. Perfect for indoor or outside use, the frame is manufactured from sturdy iron and the tufted cushioning is available in a quantity of neutral colors. There can additionally be the choice of hanging the chair from the ceiling in lieu of using the stand. This chook cage swinging chair features white plush seat cushioning and chrome steel for its sturdy U-shaped stand base. This mild grey room options impartial mauve components in the material, mattress spread and shag rug on the foot of the bed.
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webscarlet · 2 months
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Achieve a Stunning Smile with Invisalign: Your Guide to the Best Invisalign Dentist in Salt Lake City
Welcome on your journey towards a radiant smile! Invisalign, the contemporary clear aligner device, gives a discreet and comfortable technique to achieving flawlessly aligned teeth. If you are considering improving your smile, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the numerous blessings of Invisalign, why it surpasses traditional braces, assist you pick out the proper Invisalign dentist, and introduce GrandView Dental as your greatest destination for Invisalign treatments in Salt Lake City.
Discover the Benefits of Invisalign
Experience Unmatched Comfort and Convenience
Invisalign aligners prioritize your consolation by disposing of the need for wires and brackets. These clean, mild aligners can be easily eliminated, permitting you to enjoy your favored meals without regulations. The comfort of detachable aligners additionally helps handy cleansing, ensuring greatest oral hygiene for the duration of your treatment.
Embrace Virtually Invisible Treatment
Say good-bye to self-cognizance, approximately metallic braces. Invisalign's clear aligners are honestly invisible, permitting you to go through orthodontic remedy discreetly. This aesthetic advantage empowers you to include the journey to an excellent smile with a bit of luck.
Effortless Maintenance with Removable Aligners
Maintaining right oral hygiene is a breeze with Invisalign. The aligners may be effectively removed for everyday brushing and flossing, contributing to healthier enamel for the duration of and after treatment.
Why Invisalign Trumps Traditional Braces
Aesthetic Appeal for Enhanced Confidence
Invisalign aligners provide a discreet and aesthetically eye-catching alternative to standard braces. This clean aligner gadget permits your natural smile to polish via, boosting your self assurance at some point of the treatment method.
Reduced Treatment Time for Quicker Results
In comparison to conventional braces, Invisalign frequently ends in a shorter overall treatment period. The superior era embedded in Invisalign aligners enables greater specific and green teeth movement, translating to a quicker achievement of your preferred alignment.
Comfortable Experience Throughout Treatment
Custom-made to fit your teeth snugly, Invisalign aligners make sure a comfortable experience. Unlike traditional braces that may cause irritation, Invisalign gently publishes your teeth into position, prioritizing your comfort in the course of the treatment.
Choose the Right Invisalign Dentist
Expertise and Credentials Matter
Selecting the right Invisalign dentist is pivotal for a hit remedy. GrandView Dental boasts a group of distinctly qualified specialists with specialized knowledge in Invisalign treatments. Our credentials replicate our dedication to imparting top-notch orthodontic care.
Patient-Centric Approach with Stellar Reviews
Real affected person critiques speak volumes about a dental exercise. GrandView Dental takes pride inside the fantastic comments acquired from glad Invisalign sufferers. These testimonials offer insights into the reviews of those who have entrusted us with their transformative trips.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Precision
Equipped with brand new centers, GrandView Dental employs an advanced era in crafting personalized Invisalign remedy plans. From virtual impressions to present day 3-D modeling, we prioritize innovation for precision and effectiveness.
GrandView Dental: Your Premier Invisalign Destination
Unmatched Excellence in Invisalign Treatments
GrandView Dental is not just a dental exercise; it is your vacation spot for accomplishing an excellent smile. Renowned for excellence and a commitment to affected person pride, we lead in Invisalign remedies in Salt Lake City.
Specialization in Tailored Invisalign Plans
Our devoted crew of orthodontic experts makes a speciality of Invisalign remedies, ensuring each patient receives a customized plan tailor-made to their particular wishes. Choose GrandView Dental for a trusted partner in your Invisalign adventure.
Pioneering with Cutting-Edge Technology
Experience the destiny of orthodontics at GrandView Dental. Our commitment to current technology, along with digital impressions and 3-d modeling, ensures particular and powerful Invisalign remedies.
Your Journey thru the Invisalign Process
Comprehensive Initial Consultation
Embark to your ideal smile journey with a comprehensive session at GrandView Dental. Discuss your dreams, express worries, and let our skilled team assess your oral health to determine if Invisalign is right for you.
Customized Treatment Plans for Unique Smiles
At GrandView Dental, we understand the individuality of each smile. Following your session, our team creates a customized Invisalign treatment plan, outlining the step-by using-step process on your person's wishes.
Regular Check-Ups for Optimal Progress
Stay connected with GrandView Dental at some stage in your Invisalign journey. Regular test-america makes certain the progress of your treatment, with necessary adjustments made to attain most useful consequences.
Witness GrandView Dental's Impact
Real-Life Transformations
View the effective impact of Invisalign through real-existence patient variations at GrandView Dental. Witness how individuals have regained self assurance and finished their dream smiles.
Understand the Cost of Invisalign
Transparent Cost Factors
While Invisalign expenses range, GrandView Dental ensures transparency. Understand the factors influencing charges, along with the complexity of your case and the remedy duration, at some point of your initial session.
Flexible Financing for Accessibility
Don't permit a price range to avoid your dream smile. Explore flexible financing options at GrandView Dental, making Invisalign an affordable and accessible answer.
Comparing Invisalign Providers in Salt Lake City
GrandView Dental vs. Competitors
What sets GrandView Dental other than other Invisalign carriers in Salt Lake City? Explore our precise capabilities and commitments to make an informed preference.
Unique Selling Propositions for Your Confidence
Discover GrandView Dental particularly promotes propositions, making sure your Invisalign adventure exceeds expectations. Personalized care, specialization, and cutting-edge generation are the cornerstones of our method.
Debunking Myths approximately Invisalign
Addressing Concerns Head-On
It's herbal to have worries. GrandView Dental proactively addresses not unusual myths and worries about Invisalign, providing accurate statistics for knowledgeable decision-making.
Providing Clarity to Dispel Misconceptions
From effectiveness to comfort, GrandView Dental dispels myths surrounding Invisalign, offering reassurance and clarity to the ones considering this transformative orthodontic answer.
Maintain Your Invisalign Success
Proper Care and Maintenance
Sustain the effectiveness of your Invisalign treatment with right cleansing and care. GrandView Dental offers guidance on keeping your aligners and ordinary oral health.
Follow-Up Appointments for Long-Term Success
Regular follow-up appointments at GrandView Dental make certain the stability of your consequences. Compliance with recommended pointers is essential for long-term achievement.
A Perfect Smile's Impact on Confidence
Psychological Benefits of a Confident Smile
Beyond physical transformation, an excellent smile holds profound mental benefits. Explore how a confident smile undoubtedly impacts vanity and ordinary confidence.
Positive Social Interactions
Your smile is a powerful tool in social interactions. GrandView Dental recognizes the importance of an assured smile in expert and private settings.
FAQs about Invisalign
Addressing Common Queries
Have questions about Invisalign? GrandView Dental offers clean solutions to regularly requested questions, offering precious insights into the treatment procedure and publish-treatment care.
Providing Clarity on Uncertainties
Uncertainties should not deter you from an ideal smile. GrandView Dental gives clarity on uncertainties, making sure you proceed with a bit of luck with your Invisalign journey.
GrandView Dental's Commitment to You
Personalized Care Beyond Expectations
At GrandView Dental, you are no longer only a patient; you're an individual with particular wishes. Experience personalized care that prioritizes your consolation, pleasure, and successful Invisalign outcomes.
Dedication to Follow-Up Procedures
GrandView Dental's commitment extends beyond your ultimate set of aligners. Follow-up strategies monitor the stability of your results, ensuring lasting delight along with your converted smile.
Embark on the journey in your dream smile with GrandView Dental. Call us at 801-467-4874 to time table an unfastened discovery session and take the first step closer to a confident and radiant smile nowadays!
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topnews · 12 days
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