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for-your-therapeutic-smile · 4 years

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They Never Teach You How to Stop

Rarely do I lack the words to express myself. Perhaps this reflects my failure to maintain my journal consistently throughout 2020. Here goes an honest attempt to capture and document my mental state and the fatigue of Covid, the inertia of this shelter-in-place, the anxiety of this political crisis we face as a nation, the pressure of being a 1L in law school against the backdrop of civil unrest and Justice Ginsburg’s death, coming out - my dad told me he was disappointed -, the possible erosion of my relationship with someone I love, and this feeling of absolute dread and resentment for a system that continuously fails my and future generations (robbing us of a social contract that promised life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness), among many other things I’m too tired to consider. When did we accept a $0 baseline as the American Dream? Oh, to be debt free - free from this punishment for having pursued an education. Stifling the educated to prevent them (myself included) from organizing and mobilizing the masses so we can supplant this system with a better one is the overall objective of the oppressive class (read: Pedagogy of the Oppressed); it’s the conflict between the bourgeois and the proletariat. The proletariat has swallowed the middle class, leaving only the ruling class. I am essentially on autopilot, forcing myself to go through the motions so I can survive another day. I know others join me in this mental gymnastics of unparalleled proportions, one social scientists and medical researchers will soon study and subsequently publish their findings in an attempt to explain the unexplainable. Despite a lack of air circulation, we are breathing history; the constitution, like our societal norms, must adapt accordingly. Judge Barrett: there is no place for originalism. While I seldom admit weakness or an inability to manage life’s curveballs, this series of unfortunate events seems almost too much to bear.

And yet somehow I continue to find the energy to submit assignments due at 11:59 p.m., write this post at 1:38 a.m., “sleep”, wake at 7 a.m. so I can read and prepare (last minute!) the assigned material leading into my torts or contracts class. I find the energy to text my boyfriend (or ex-boyfriend) so I can attempt to salvage the real and genuine connection we have, cook elaborate meals to find some solace, wrestle with whether or not to hit my yoga mat (I don’t), apply to a fellowship for the school year and summer internships, prepare my dual citizenship paperwork, manage a campaign for two progressive politicians, and listen to music in an attempt to stay sane . . . ~*Queues John Mayer’s “War of My Life” and “Stop This Train”*~ . . . I realize I have to be kinder to myself, give credit where credit is due. I hate feeling self-congratulatory though.

Mostly, I am too afraid of the repercussions if I stop moving at a mile/minute, that I can just work away the pain and be the superhuman who numbs himself from the low-grade depression and nervous breakdown. My body tells me to slow down, as evidenced by the grinding of my teeth, but I take on more responsibility because people rely on me. I must show up. I am a masochist in that way. This is what I signed up for and I’ll be damned if I don’t carry through on my promise to do the work. Pieces of my soul scattered about like Horcruxes, though they’re pure, not evil, so I hope nobody resolves to destroy them.

My mind rarely rests. It’s 3:08 a.m., one of the lonelier hours where night meets morning; it’s the hour for and of intense introspection. It makes you consider pulling an all-nighter, one you reserve for an “important” school or work deadline. We always put our personal lives on the back-burner. 3 a.m. sets the tone for a potentially awful day. But that doesn’t matter right now. I’m letting some of my favorite albums play in the background: Joni Mitchell’s Blue, Mac Miller’s Circles, Rhye’s Blood, Alicia Keys’ ALICIA, Coldplay’s Ghost Stories, Frank Ocean’s Blonde, Miley Cyrus’ Dead Petz in addition to other playlists, Tiny Desk performances, and tracks (I unearthed last week, like When It’s Over by Sugar Ray). I need to feel something. I need to feel anything. I need to feel everything. We experience such a broad spectrum of emotions throughout the day that we lose track of if we don’t pause to absorb them. Music reinforces empathy; it releases dopamine.

I spent the past two hours reading through old journals and posts, as scattered as they were, on a wide range of topics: poems I had written about falling in and out love, anecdotes about my world travels, and entries on personal, political, and professional epiphanies. The other night I found one of my favorites, a previous post from my time living in Indonesia, centering on the dualities of technology. It resonated with me more than the others. To summarize, I wrote about my tendency to equate the Internet with a sense of interconnectedness (shoutout to Tumblr for being my digital journal; to Twitter for being a place of comedy and revolution; to Instagram for curating my *aesthetic*; to Facebook where I track my family’s accomplishments and connect with travel buddies displaced around the globe all searching for a home). And yet I feel incredibly lonely and disconnected whenever I spend too much time using technology, so much so that I set screen time limitations on my phone recently to curtail this obsession with constant communication and information gathering. Trump and Biden admitted that it’s unlikely we’ll know the results of the election on November 3rd during their first presidential debate. Push notifications don’t allow us to learn of trauma within the comforts of our own homes. I’m already fearing where I will be when that news breaks.

This global pandemic and indefinite shutdown of the world (economy) undeniably exacerbates these feelings. This is some personal and collective turmoil. But I was complicit in the endless scrolling and swiping of faces and places long before Covid-19. Instead of choosing to interact with my direct environment (today’s research links this behavior to the same levels of depression one feels when they play slot machines), I am still an active on all these platforms, participating the least in the most tangible one: my physical life. I am tired of pretending. I am tired of being tired. I am tired of embodying fake energy to exist in systems that fail me. I am tired of the quagmire. Like Anaïs Nin, I must be a mermaid [because] I have no fear of depths and a great fear of shallow living. This particular excerpt from that 2016 entry was difficult for me to read: “The fantasy of what could have been if a certain plan had unfolded will haunt you forever if you do not come to peace with the reality of the situation. I hope you come to terms with reality.” I am not at peace with my current reality. But is anyone?

It’s a bit surreal for my peers to have suddenly started caring about international relations theory. It’s transported me back to my 2012 IR lecture at Northeastern: are you a constructivist or a feminist? Realist or liberalist? Neo? Marxist? The one no one wants you to talk about. Absent upward mobility, this is class warfare. But I cannot be “a singular expression of myself . . . there are too many parts, too many spaces, too many manifestations, too many lines, too many curves, too many troubles, too many journeys, too many mountains, too many rivers” . . . It feels like America’s wake-up call. But I know people will retreat into the comforts of capitalism if Biden wins and, well, we all enter uncharted waters together if the Electoral College re-elects #45. For those who weren’t paying attention: the world is multipolar and we are not the hegemon. Norms matter. People tend to be self-interested and shortsighted. Look to the past in order to understand the future. History, as the old adage goes, repeats itself. Once a cheater, always a cheater. Taxation without representation. Indoctrination. Welcome to the language of political discourse. Students of IR and polisci have long awaited your participation. Too little too late? Plot twist: it’s a lifelong commitment. You must continue to engage irrespective of the election outcome or else we will regress just as quickly as we progress. Now dive into international human rights treaties (International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights; International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights), political refugees, FGM. No one said it wasn’t dismal. But it’s important. We need buy-in.

While I am grateful for the continuation of my education, for this extended time with family, for this opportunity to be a campaign manager for two local progressive candidates (driving to Boston to pick up revised yard signs as proof that the work never stops), it would be remiss of me, however, not to admit that I am lonely: I am buried in my books, in the depressing news both nationally and globally, and in precedent-setting Supreme Court cases (sometimes for the worst, e.g. against the preservation of our environment). In my nonexistent free time I work on political asylum cases, essentially creating an enforceability framework of international law, for people fleeing country conditions so unthinkable (the irony of that work when my country falls greater into authoritarianism and oligarchy is not lost on me). I am fulfilling my dream of becoming a human rights lawyer which stems back to middle school. I saw Things I Imagined (thank you Solange). I have held an original copy of the Declaration of Independence that we sent to the House of Lords in 1778 and the Human Rights Act of 1998 while visiting the U.K. Parliamentary Archives as an intern for a Member of Parliament. This success terrifies and exhausts me; it also oxygenizes and saves me. Every decision, every sacrifice, has led me to this point.

“It’s the choosing that’s important, isn’t it?,” Lois Lowry of The Giver rhetorically asks. This post is not intended to be woe is me! I am fortunate to be in this position, to have this vantage point at such an early age, and I understand the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. My life has purpose. I am committed to the work that transcends boundaries; it is larger than life itself. It provides a unique perspective. But it makes it difficult to coexist with people so preoccupied in the drama they create in their lives and the general shallowness of the world we live. It feels like there is no option to pump the brakes on any of this work, especially in light of our current climate, and that pressure oftentimes feels insurmountable. Time is of the essence. It feels, whether true or not, that hardly anyone relates to my experience, so if I don’t carve out this time to write about it, then I am neither recording nor processing it.

Tonight, in between preparing tomorrow’s coursework, I realize that I have an unprecedented number of questions about life, which startles me because typically I have the answers or at least have a goal in mind that launches me into the next phase of life or contextualizes the current one. These goals, often rooted in this capitalistic framework, in this falsity of “needing” to advance my career as a means of helping people, distract me from asking myself the existential questions, the reasons for why we live and what we fundamentally want our systems to look like; they have distracted me from real grassroots community organizing until now. They distract me from the fact that, like John Mayer, I don’t know which walls to smash; similarly, I don’t know which train to board. Right now feels like we are living through impossible and hopeless times and I don’t want to placate myself into thinking otherwise despite my relatively optimistic outlook on life. As we face catastrophic circumstances – the consequences of this election and climate change (famine, refugees, lack of resources) – I do not want to live in perpetual sadness. I am searching for clarity and direction so I can step into a better, fuller version of myself.

It’s now 3:33 a.m. Here is the list of questions that I have often asked myself in different stages of life, but recently, until now, I have not been willing to confront for fear that I might not be able to answers them. But I owe it to myself to pose them here so I can have the overdue conversation, the one I know leads me to better understanding myself:

Are you happy? Why or why not?

What do you want the future to hold? What groundwork are you going to do to ensure it happens?

What does your ideal day/week/month/year/decade look like? Why?

With whom do you want to spend your days? Why?

Who do you love and care about? Have you told people you care about that you love them? Does love and vulnerability scare you?

What do you expect of people – of yourself, of your partner, of your family, and of your friends? Should you have those expectations? Why or why not?

What do you feel and why?

What relaxes you? What scares you? What brings you joy?

What do you want to improve? Why?

What do you want to forgive yourself for and why?

Does the desire to reinvent yourself diminish your ability to be present?

Do you have a greater fear of failure or success? Why?

How do you escape the confines of this broken system? How do you break from the guilt of participation in it and having benefited from it?

How do we reconcile our daily lives with the fact that we’re living through an extinction event? This one comes from my friend (hi Jeanne) and a podcast she listened to recently.

How do you help people? How do you help yourself? Are you pouring from an empty cup?

How will you find joy in your everyday responsibilities, in the mission you have chosen for yourself? What, if any, will be the warning signs to walk away from this work, in part or in its entirety? Without being a martyr, do you believe in dying for the cause?

So here are some of the lessons I have learned during this quarantine/past year:

“I’ve Got Dreams to Remember,” so do not take your eyes off them. Chasing paper does not bring you happiness.

Be autonomous, particularly in your professional life.

Focus on values instead of accolades.

Do everything with intention and honest energy.

Listen to Tracy Chapman’s “Crossroads” & Talkin’ Bout a Revolution for an energy boost and reminder that other revolutionaries have shared and continue to share your fervent passion . . . “I’m trying to protect what I keep inside, all the reasons why I live my life” . . . When self-doubt nearly cripples you and you yearn a few minutes to run away when in reality you can’t escape your responsibilities, go for a drive and queue up “Fast Car” . . . “I got no plans, I ain’t going nowhere, so take your fast car and keep on driving.”

With that said, take every opportunity to travel (you can take the work with you if absolutely necessary). Go to Italy. Buy the concert ticket and lose yourself in the moment. Remember that solo excursions are equally as important as collective ones. But, from personal experience, you prefer the company. Find the balance.

Detach from the numbers people keep trying to assign to measure your personhood.

Closely examine the people in your inner circle and ask them for help when you need it.

“And life is just too short to keep playing the game . . . because if you really want somebody [or something], you’ll figure it out later, or else you will just spend the rest of the night with a BlackBerry on your chest hoping it goes *vibration, vibration*” (John Mayer’s Edge of Desire) . . . so love fiercely and unapologetically.

Be specific.

Go to therapy even when life is good.

#reflection #covid #quarantine #late nights #music #revolution #diary #politics #john mayer #alicia keys #tracy chapman #love #dear diary #travel #writing #personal #mental health

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ihouseofhealth-blog · 4 years

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Top 10 Benefits and Disadvantages of Online Shopping

Advantages of Online Shopping The Internet has changed the way where we shop. As a result of the various preferences and advantages, an ever-increasing number of individuals these days lean toward purchasing things online over the traditional technique for going into stores. What are a few reasons that numerous individuals love web-based shopping and for what reason is it so famous? The following are my main ten explanations behind shopping on the web. 10 Benefits of Shopping Online 1. Convenience. Convenience is the greatest advantage. What another place can you serenely shop at midnight while in your night robe? There are no lines to hold up in or clerks to find to assist you with your buys, and you can do your shopping in minutes. Online shops offer us the chance to shop day in and day out and reward us with a 'no contamination' shopping experience. There is no better spot to purchase instructive items like digital books, which are accessible to you immediately when the installment experiences. Downloadable things bought online to kill the requirement for any sort of physical material whatsoever, also, which helps the earth! iHouseOfHealth 2. Better prices. Modest arrangements and better costs are accessible on the web since items come to you direct from the producer or merchant without including mediators. Additionally, it's simpler to think about costs and locate a superior arrangement. Numerous online locales offer markdown coupons and refunds, also. In addition to the fact that prices are better, you can save money on a charge also, since online shops are possibly needed to gather a business charge if they have a physical area in your state. Factor in the spared cost of gas and stopping and you have spared yourself a ton of cash! 3. More variety. The decisions online are astonishing. You can find any brand or thing you're looking for. You can get in on the latest worldwide examples without consuming money on airfare. You can shop from retailers in different pieces of the state, nation, or even world as opposed to being restricted to your topography. A far more prominent choice of hues and sizes than you will discover locally are available to you. Additionally, the stock is considerably more copious, so you'll generally have the option to locate your size and shading. Some online shops even acknowledge orders for unavailable things and boats when they come in. Collagen 4. You can send gifts more easily. Sending endowments to family members and companions is simple, regardless of where they are. All the bundling and delivery is accomplished for you. Generally, they'll even bless wrap it for you! Presently, there is no compelling reason to concoct separation a rationalization for not sending a present on events like birthday celebrations, weddings, commemorations, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc. 5. More control. Ordinarily, when we choose ordinary shopping, we will in general spend much more than arranged and wind up purchasing things that aren't actually what we needed (yet we can't discover anything better in the store). On the web, you don't need to let the store's stock direct what you purchase, and you can get precisely what you need and need. Nivea 90g Milk Care Soap 6. Easy price comparisons. Looking at and exploring items and their costs is so a lot simpler on the web. In case you're looking for apparatuses, for instance, you can discover purchaser audits and item examinations for all the choices available, with connections to the best costs. We can investigate firsthand understanding, evaluations, and surveys for most items and retailers. 7. No crowds. If you resemble me, you scorn swarms when you're shopping. Particularly during occasions, celebrations, or on ends of the week, they can be such an enormous migraine. Likewise, being squashed in the hordes of customers now and then causes us to feel surged or rushed. You don't need to fight for a stopping place. These issues can be kept up a key good ways from when you shop on the web. 8. No pressure. As a rule, when we're out shopping, we wind up purchasing things that we don't generally require, all since retailers pressure us or utilize their offering aptitudes to constrain us to make these buys. 9. You can buy used or damaged items at lower prices. The commercial center on the Internet gives us admittance to postings of old or harmed things at absolute bottom costs. Additionally, on the off chance that we need to purchase collectibles, there's no better spot to discover extraordinary ones. 10. Discreet purchases are easier. A few things are better done in the security of your home. Online shops are best for tactful buys for things like grown-up toys, provocative unmentionables, etc. This empowers me to buy underpants and undergarments without humiliation or any neurosis that people are watching or making a decision about me. 10 Disadvantages of Online Shopping 1. Negative environmental impact of packaging and gas. Having your buy stuffed in a few layers of plastic and cardboard bundling and conveyed right to your front entryway is beneficial for you, yet not very good for nature. Regardless of whether you attempt to reuse the cardboard, you're making superfluous waste by shopping on the web. 2. Shipping problems and delays. Indeed, even the greatest and best transportation organizations and online retailers have their awful days, so it is extremely unlikely to guarantee that you'll get your hands on your buy-in time except if you get it from a store. Things get lost, rerouted, harmed, or conveyed to an inappropriate location more frequently than you can envision. 3. Risk of fraud. In case you're shopping on the web, there's a bigger danger of misrepresentation: Mastercard tricks, phishing, hacking, data fraud, fake items, sham sites, and different tricks are normal. 4. Spending too much time online. Especially if your action requires that you look at a PC for the day, you may get worn out on all that screen time. Shopping on the web can change into a significant distance race of investigating and clicking down rabbit holes and before you know it, you've been online for most of the day. The web is a not too bad spot to visit, yet you probably would incline toward not living there. Veer Cruiser | Next Generation Premium Stroller Wagon Hybrid (EU) 5. Less contact with the community. On the off chance that you do all your business on the web, you'll never need to leave your home. This may be extraordinary for some time however here and there, you should head outside, inhale some natural air, get a difference in landscape, converse with genuine individuals, take an interest in your locale, and simply be an aspect of the group. Here and there, a PC screen can't rival a genuine human association. 6. You don't know exactly what you're getting. Except if you are personally acquainted with a brand or item, purchasing on the web requires an act of pure trust . . . one that doesn't generally end in support of yourself. Sizes are regularly uncertain. You can't decide surface, texture, fit, cut, quality, heave, or solidness just by taking a gander at a photograph. Items that looked extraordinary may feel shoddy, off-kilter, or modest when you grasp them. 7. Returns can be complicated. A few dealers make the cycle windy, however many make it extra difficult for you to restore their product or get a discount. Commonly, you can't get repaid for any delivery costs. Naming, bundling, delivery, following, and rounding out all the best possible structures is an issue you can evade on the off chance that you purchase face to face (and if you hand-select your product, you won't have to restore things so regularly). 8. Unfriendly, scammy, or complicated websites. A few locales necessitate that you join their mailing rundown and make it difficult to withdraw. Some sell your email address to other people, so your email is loaded with promotions. Here and there, locales don't offer great or exact depictions of the merchandise, or you can't make sense of how to buy or return a thing or address client care. 9. No sales assistance. In a store, there's generally somebody to help you however on the web, you're all alone. In case you're befuddled or have questions, it's simply not good enough for you. You may need to commit dazzle buys and errors you'll lament later because there was nobody to converse with. 10. No support for local retailers. If everybody began doing all their shopping on the web, all the nearby stores would leave the business. At the point when all the stores around are gone, we'll need to drive further and further away to shop at a genuine store. Numerous individuals and spots have just encountered the negative and once in a while pulverizing effects of internet business which remove occupations and obliterate nearby economies.

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onegirllis · 5 years

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Have you really gone through episode 2 of LIS2? I really wonder what you think about it. Better, of course, the full answer.

I finished it indeed. The episode is about 3-4h long, depending on how much you want to explore and how much time it would take for you to find a way out. I was battling with the idea of sharing my thoughts because it’s very hard to judge just a slice of the story, instead of the whole season, but why the hell not. Maybe I will read it when episode 5 comes out and see how wrong I was.

So, without further ado, here’s my review of episode 2, but please be aware it includes a lot of spoilers. It’s also as honest as possible, although it’s my personal opinion only. And yes, it may be harsh, not sugarcoated, but sincere.

MY REVIEW OF EPISODE 2 OF LIFE IS STRANGE 2

Call me naive, but I really had hopes. I really did. I didn’t like ep1, it was way too slow for my taste, with some dramatic moments that felt off, but overall I assumed that it might be just an exposition, an introduction to the world, the characters and their problems, and that the game would elaborate on everything else later. Sometimes the beginnings feel off and it gets better later, so that’s why I had some hopes (not super high) that ep2 of LIS2 will remind me of why this game even belongs to LIS franchise and why I should play the whole season.

Well, it didn’t work out.

Characters

Again, It’s my opinion only but I don’t feel that there are any character developments whatsoever. Daniel and Sean didn’t learn anything freezing their asses off in the mountains. They didn’t change their ways, not learning patience nor being careful. There is no tension between them or any quarrel about the events. The acceptance of their fate is understandable, but not helping with the lack of overall tension. The moments of calm, that usually gave the player the opportunity to know more about the main character’s inner thoughts, instead serve the purpose of a summary of the few previous scenes and nothing more. It almost feels like the writers don’t like the PC and don’t want to tell us more about Sean, because there is absolutely nothing worth telling. Remember the girl Sean was in love with in ep1? Never mentioned again. Remember his friends, his boss, his job, school, or sports he was interested in? He doesn’t mention them either. There is nothing in the journal or in the dialogues that would show us anything we don’t already know or wouldn’t assume by ourselves, and Sean’s insights seem more like repetitive whinings than anything impactful. In episode 1 I could wave off the fact that they decided to walk to Mexico being shocked, traumatized and lost. In episode 2, when they notoriously risk their lives or reject any other solution not learning from experience just to run away, you start questioning their sanity. I know the reason behind it - “oh plot” but “oh plot” is not good enough.

The boys miss their dad, but don’t feel much upset or don’t present any sign of emotional trauma. There are no breakdowns and the brothers are more or less in good spirits staying optimistic, not asking themselves a single question about the future. Comparing to Chloe who was repeating “I wish Rachel was here” over and over and was living in this trauma the whole time, they don’t seem very much impacted by the events, but on the other hand, they place the dad’s photo on the table, so his death can be conveniently mentioned. The dog died (yes, it’s true, Mushroom is killed off in the first 20 minutes), and even if Daniel is supposedly devastated, it takes him only 5 minutes to shake it off and never mentions this dog again (oh ok, maybe once). If the characters don’t freaking care about this animal, why should I?

It also seems that the characters keep forgetting what the objective is here. Maybe it’s on purpose, but they recall certain friends only when it’s convenient for the plot. “I’m gonna call Lyla” says Sean towards the end of the episode, even if he hadn’t mentioned her for 2 hours of gameplay. And even when getting devastating news about her, he is not really concerned, shrugs and sighs deeply. Yeah, we sigh with him.

When it comes to Sean himself, I really don’t mind the PC being a guy, really. If I had a problem with it, I wouldn’t be able to play 90% of video games. The thing I do have a problem with though, is Sean being an utter asshole. Yeah, he takes care of his brother and all, but he is freaking mean to his grandparents, showing lack of empathy and acceptance of a different point of view. Calling the grandma, a woman who opened her house to them “an old bat” is just a bit too much, especially after a month spent in an abandoned house without food or heating. There is no reason for him to judge those people so much and if there is a reason, we don’t know the details. How can I emotionally invest in a character that is not opening up to me, the player? Or maybe there is nothing more about Sean, and that’s even worse.

There is a big mystery regarding why their mother left her sons but if you expect any answer while the boys are visiting their grandparents and can snoop around in Karen’s old room, you’d be mistaken. The devs are building the mystery in the typical David Cage style, that one of the characters is about to tell you something “Oh, I will tell you what your mother did..~” and then something happens and we’re left in the dark again. At this point, I expect some explosive explanation of why their mother left the family, but it’s ether drugs, a religious cult or some relationship stuff.

Tragedy Porn

Dear devs, the fact that a lot of people in the fandom are familiar with this term and use it regularly, doesn’t mean you should take it literally. I know that the LIS franchise is about hard choices or difficult situations, but killing kids and small animals left and right is just cheap and really unnecessary. It quickly gets old, just like “the boy who cried wolf” (pun intended) that as some point I don’t even blink when witnessing another digital death. I can’t be devastated by Mushroom’s death, because the dog had less screen time than Sean’s skateboard. I can’t feel sorry for every character (human or not) that you didn’t even give me a chance to feel connected to. I know that you want me to “feel something” but at this point the “feel” changes into “yawn”. Chris AKA Captain Spirit being dead (or almost dead) AGAIN - so I helped the boy just to see him die 1 hour later (I know it’s optional but still)? Lyla in the hospital, the family from the abandoned house being wiped out of the face of the earth because of cancer (at least not a car accident this time), Chris’s mom dead, the boys’ father dead, grandpa almost dying because of the accident… It’s too much. It feels cheap and not impactful. At this point, I will be surprised if you won’t just kill everybody. Who needs people on the West Coast anyway, huh?

I don’t even know if I want to learn more about the boys’ mother since you probably will kill her too.

Politics and Religion

In this episode, politics have been toned down, still visible though and there are a few moments when I literally rolled my eyes. This time the devs decided to say something more about religion since it’s a significant part of life if you live in a small town in America. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems that the power of prayer is being mocked rather than actually shown as somebody’s way of life. Acceptance and tolerance go both ways though.

The boys surprisingly identify themselves as Mexicans, even though they are half Irish and have never been to their father’s homeland. There are a few moments when you are wondering whether they had ever really liked to live in the US, questioning everything around them. Sean, who spent a decent amount of time with his dad on “the road trips” as stated in ep1, seems genuinely surprised that in his country people keep the Bible by their beds, as if he had never been in any motel whatsoever where the Bible is always present, placed on the nightstand or in a drawer. If being religious bothers him, boy, oh boy, you will be hella surprised in Mexico. They also don’t know how to pray, which I find extremely hard to believe. It almost feels like a scene from “Anne of Green Gables” but damn, the girl had a valid reason not to know. They don’t, especially if they identify themselves as Mexicans. We could assume that they were also part of Mexican-American communities and I cannot believe that in THIS WORLD the immigrants from this particular part of the world don’t know how to pray. Although if you expect some deep conversation about God or religion in general, forget it. It’s just there to be there and that’s it.

I don’t want to discuss the articles in the newspaper about “the gentle police officer” that was killed by immigrants because it makes my blood boil.

Against the logic, the brothers are still planning to escape to Mexico and no grown-up is really trying to talk them out of this idea. There are no alternatives provided or discussed except a pat on the back and an offer for a quick stop if even. Even the grandparents are a bit concerned but no one really gives them any real advice, which I find unlikely. The problem is that if anybody would actually give them a piece of real advice, we wouldn’t have a game.

And that’s a problem, isn’t it?

Gameplay

We have a few mini-games and fetch quests like finding bottles in the abandoned house (why always freaking bottles?), the pirate version of dice poker (never brought back again) and drawing. None of those serve any purpose except a filler that you might enjoy but it doesn’t matter if you succeed in them or not, unless the game forces you to succeed. Don’t get me wrong, I’m aware that this particular genre doesn’t usually provide a set of complex challenges in its gameplay, but it seriously looks like LIS2 is throwing us a bone, remembering from time to time that uh, it’s a game, not a movie. Those mini games are not really engaging, not really connected to the plot, but just for… whatever reason, as part of the daily chores.

But it’s a game about choices, you say! Yes, it is, but only some of them really matter and I’m not sure for how long. If you give me a choice to do something or NOT to do it, please consider that I might pick the latter and don’t force me into your favorite path. It happens from time to time and it’s utterly annoying. If you want me to do something, just don’t give me the illusion that I can refuse.

It almost seems that LIS2 turned into a dark alley where you are rewarded for picking the “good, canonical path” and punished for playing it differently than the devs indented. I loved LIS1 for ambiguous choices that I might pick, depending on my personal preferences, not to mention that those choices are made during an emotional moment. I don’t feel I have that opportunity here, just as if somebody who constructed it forgot why LIS was so great and is so loved.

When it comes to dialogue, it is way better than LIS1, regarding how people actually speak. On the other hand, the lines are just there to be there and I can’t recall a single line that would be worth quoting.

And one more thing. Cutscenes. So many cutscenes. The moment when I actually could do something with my controller was a celebration. I don’t mind cutscenes in general, but it almost feels like a movie. A long, boring, super slow movie.

Superpower

 The superpower is mentioned, mostly in rules that Sean is lecturing Daniel about, but it’s non-existent in the gameplay almost at all. It’s drastically different comparing to LIS1, when Max was using her power almost all the time or was a challenge not to use it. Here we know that Daniel can do things but most of the time he conveniently forgets about it or uses it in the wrong moment. I know the game is about education but the superpower itself seems like a plot device, an additional reason to run to Mexico than anything else. They talk more about it than use it. It sounds like a good idea in general and it probably looked great on paper, but at some point I didn’t care about the superpower at all, forgetting that this secret even exists.

Season 1

When it comes to references to season 1, Arcadia Bay, or any character that we know from LIS1, there is almost nothing. Yes, you can find a drawing of ”door to another world” instead of hole to another universe, or graffiti on the wall that Sean and Daniel were here, similar to the famous junkyard thing, but it won’t give you any insight about what had happened to the favorite characters or any glimpse of their fate. There was more about Arcadia Bay in Captain Spirit than the whole LIS2 so far. The devs were damn serious, showing us Arcadia Bay in episode 1, destroyed or not, saying that this is the past. It seems that they don’t want to even refer to this past much and it’s fine, but if you’re hoping for anything, just anything related to LIS1, forget it.

Technical problems

Oh, boy. I’m aware that creating games is not an easy job and a team sport. I know that it’s almost a miracle that some of the titles even got shipped, but episode 2 of LIS2 is probably the MOST BUGGED EPISODE in the history of this franchise. Glitches, problems with sound, teleportation of objects, animations that didn’t work or songs being cut off… I’m not talking about a few mistakes here and there, but it happens all the time. It’s so common it’s an epidemic and you face some technical challenge almost in every scene as if Bethesda was putting this episode together. This episode looks like advanced beta, not a finished product that had been delayed for months. It seems ironic when recalling the posts from the Life is Strange blog about QA teams, one in France and one in Canada, carefully checking every detail and describing how quality was important. Especially in that context, this is really a disaster, however, I didn’t face any technical problem that would make this episode impossible to finish.

What worked

So what’s great about this episode? Does everything suck? Well, of course not. On the upside, the locations are absolutely stunning. You want to explore the town, the houses, play in the snow, dive into the world, even if you don’t expect anything groundbreaking to happen. The level design, in my opinion, is better than in LIS1, more consistent and intriguing. I know a lot of people might disagree with me but somebody put their heart and soul building this environment, creating something really beautiful. Except for the locations, I liked some songs and the music, way more than in ep1, but it’s not as good as in LIS1 or BTS. Better, but not great.

Cassidy

Oh, somebody was reading “Preacher”, weren’t ya? Or is ia reference to “On the road”? A lot of people seem excited about her finally showing up. I have mixed feelings about this character since I’m not sure if I want to discover the world from her perspective. A stoned, hippie-rasta girl, who takes pride in being free and “not owned by any corporation” (except Square Enix hehehe), is maybe a realistic character and I’m not saying that people like her don’t exist here, but I’m on the fence, to be honest. It seems that the devs are trying to establish the next canon ship or something with her being interested in Sean and him actually “liking her” after exchanging 3 sentences, but that really feels off. She seems more like Chloe 2.0 than anything else, but we shall see (in the next 6 months or whenever they will fucking publish the next ep). Plus for fuck’s sake, Sean was into Jenn (I don’t remember her name exactly), and there was Lyla, and then this girl. Dude!

Summary

It was boring. It was extremely freaking boring to the point that I lost my patience to check every single detail or examine every object. I don’t feel any need to replay it, even if the consequences of my choices weren’t great. I’m not curious about different outcomes nor do I want to check if I missed anything. There is not a single scene I want to see or experience again. In my game, Chris died and I don’t really feel the need to replay it and change the outcome since I will never meet him again or even deal with the consequences of his death. The whole road trip setting is intriguing but drastically different to what I loved about Life is Strange - learning more about each character, dwelling deeper into the situation, uncovering a hidden mystery. We won’t learn more about most of those characters (or it doesn’t seem possible) since we just pass them and move on, exchanging a dialogue or two like with a pedestrian on the street. There is a charm to the road trip idea, but then I would have to be extremely interested in the main characters, including the PC, to actually follow their journey closely. In LIS1 I didn’t have to like Max to play the whole thing, curious about Chloe or Rachels’ disappearance. In a road trip setting the two brothers are the core of the story and if you’re not fond of them, it won’t work.

So far it’s not working for me.

#life is strange 2 #review #sean diaz #daniel diaz #life is strange

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hrhduchessoflancaster · 6 years

Text

Chapter Seventy-Seven: Closer to the Edge

Disclaimer: see Prologue xx Bea ________________________________________________________________

In the following week after Epiphany, Elle had resumed her activities in her office. She and Lisa discussed her upcoming solo engagements, such as the Brighton Youth Choir visit, and Ronald talked her through with the Invictus Games launch party that would be happening in a week’s time. In between meetings, she wrote and read about her research, even Skyped Melissa and Trevor a few times to get her opinion on this or that passage in the book.

Speaking of him, Elle recently discovered that he and Luc had recently moved in together. Trevor was so excited about it. He was making plans for when he completed his master’s degree for them to get married.

“ That's amazing, Trev!!”, exclaimed Elle on yet another Skype video call. “ I’m so happy for you and Luc!”, she said and could see Trevor grinning, slightly blushing on the other side of the screen. As if on queue, Luc walked behind him and, noticing Elle, smiled and waved at her.

“ How is the baby wait going?”, asked Luc, from behind Trevor.

“ It’s going great. I’m getting more tired and big but it’s amazing to feel this little human moving inside of me.”, said Elle smiling, receiving smiled from the men before her.

“ It must be magical…”, said Trevor.

“ It’s out of this world. I can’t wait to meet Nugget.”, said Elle grinning, her hands running circles in her belly.

“ Any names yet?”, asked Luc smiling.

“ A few. But since we don’t know the sex of the baby, we wait until we meet him or her to properly give it a name.”, said Elle.

“ I can’t wait for it!! And I think half the world population.”, said Trevor, making Elle chuckle.

“ Yeah… I know. Harry and I have received so many letters, postcards and gifts for our baby. And he or she is not even here yet!”, said Elle

“ Your baby is so blessed to have you. You’ll be amazing parents, Elle. I’m sure of that.”, said Trevor.

“ Thank you, Trev.”, said Elle, smiling. “ Listen, thank you so much for the talk but I’m meeting Harry for lunch, okay?”

“ Sure, darling. Talk soon.”, said Trevor. Elle said her goodbyes to both men, the picked her purse and coat up and left her office, walking the familiar to their apartment. Once she got there, different smells hit her senses; roast chicken, vegetables, spices and lemon.

“ Darling?”, said Elle, walking over to the kitchen area. In there, she found Harry with his back turned to her, apron around his waist, mittens in his hands, while he carried a tray of what she thought was roasted chicken, to the table.

“ Hi love. How was your morning?”, he asked her, smiling.

“ Great… Trevor and Luc sent their love. I’m going to Brighton soon for my next engagement.”, said Elle.

“ Oh… that’s good, Elle. I’ll be worried as always, but I’m happy you’re going.”, said Harry, taking the mittens of his hands and walking over to her.

“ Hello wife.”, she said huskily, placing his hands on her waist and leaning down to kiss her lips. Elle soon responded but interlocking her fingers in his neck and kissing him back.

“ Hello husband.”, she said, smiling as they pulled away from each other. During lunch, they laughed and talked about the most trivial things. About the wether, the rooms in the apartment that still needed fixing, their dinner plan, Elle’s book, Harry’s meetings.

Overall, it seemed 2017 had began well for Elle. Everything was falling into place. With one exception. Colin. Both MI5 and MI6 were working together with the Scotland Yard to try to find him or any connection he might have with the Freedom Movement. So far, next to nothing had been uncovered and, Elle was only let into as much. She was aware that her Majesty knew and followed up the investigation but she and Harry were mostly kept in the dark, ‘for their own safety’, they had told them. And all of this secrecy and suspense was starting to frustrate her.

************

In that coming weekend, Kate would celebrated her 35th birthday at a small gathering at her parents’ home in Bucklebury, Berkshire. Elle and Harry arranged with each of their private secretaries plus Ronald, to move a few of their joint engagements to the middle of the next week so they could spend more time with the family.

“ Harry? What can we get Kate?”, asked Elle.

“ I was thinking about a watch. Do you think she’ll like it?”, he replied

“ I think so… but I was thinking about something more personal. Maybe we could give her a photo album? With pictures of her, William and the children?”, suggested Elle.

“ I like it. And she loved taking pictures so it will be useful gift too. Oh, we could give her a polaroid camera as well!”, said Harry.

“ Brilliant! I love it.”, replied Elle. And off they went to buy Kate’s birthday present.

Kensington High Street seemed surprisingly deserted for that time of day but, along with Ingrid and Leo, the couple ventured the stores, walking hand in hand. They stopped first at Curry’s to buy a Polaroid digital instant camera for Kate. Then, they also decided to buy a few things for the house and Elle’s maternity bag. Baby Gap was one of those places and Elle went crazy on the toddler section.

“ I know I’ll probably buy more things later but, look at this, Harry!”, said Elle pointing to a few baby clothes. He laughed and nodded his head, smiling at her excitement.

“ I think those are a bit too big for Nugget, love.”, he said.

“ Oh, I know. But they are so adorable! Imagine Nugget in this cute little bear onesie.”, she said, making cute faces. Harry chuckled and grinned.

“ Our baby will be the cutest little one, in whatever we dress he or she in.”, said Harry.

“ Truer words had never been spoken.”, replied Elle grinning. As they shopped, Ingrid and Leo kept on the lookout. Their bosses didn’t know, of course, but there had been a few developments regarding Colin and the Freedom Movement.

Apparently, MI5 and MI6 were able to intercept a few messages between people previously linked to his family as well as the terrorist cell, and were in the process of tracking him down. This much they knew, Colin was still in England. And the RPO’s were taking every precaution not to run into him or having him come near Harry and Elle. Specially now that there was a newborn baby at risk too.

************

Colin had safely been able to lay low in Epping. The small town with a market background and rural ambiance had little to offer since most of its residents worked in London. His neighbours paid little attention to him and, so far, the news channels had not adverted his face. Though, even if they did, he was barely recognisable from who he had been. He had a mustache and beard now, dark circles under his eyes and a scar, a memento from his time with the Freedom Movement, that had torn his left eyebrow. Looking in the mirror, Colin tried to find a little piece of his old self in the reflection staring back at him. His eyes, which had been one of Elle’s favourite traits on him, had lost their shine and now looked a dull blue. He had also lost weight, which was visible but his apparent cheekbones. He left the small, clammy flat daily to get food, tools and the materials he needed to complete his plan.

To Dmitri and his minions, he was dead. No only metaphorically, but also physically. As far as he know, they thought he had died in the attack. And to be honest, Colin knew he was a means to an end to them. Dmitri would dispose of him as quickly as he got what he wanted. His life mattered little to the Freedom Movement. And because of that, he was able to escape. Had he been an important asset, faking his death would have been much harder.

Colin knew when and where they were attacking. All but a few details had been kept from him. He had spent the last month or so planning and scheming everything in order to save Eleanor. He cared little about the rest of them, the Royal Family. Specially Harry. If he had the chance, he’d take him out himself. But that was not what he was planning to do. His focus was her. His fiery lass. His Eleanor. He’d get to her. Take her with him. And no one. Nor the Freedom Movement, Harry, the Royal Family or any government agency would ever get to them.

“ Soon, my love. Soon we’ll be together again.”, whispered Colin, looking at the old picture of he and Elle he’d kept in his back pocket.

************

“ Now, I know most dads to be feel powerless and useless during birth. But that’s not how I see it. Or what hypnobirthing is about.”, said Helen to Harry. The couple and Helen were currently in their living room, having another class to prepared for Nugget’s birth. Elle, who had now mastered the breathing exercises and the physical exercises to help during labour, was very happy to know that Harry would also have a key and active role to play in their child’s birth.

“ A birth partner can be anyone, so long as you trust this person. But in this case, that role falls on you.”, continued Helen, looking at Harry. He smiled and kissed Elle’s temple.

“ What we’ll do today is teach you both how to create a metaphorical tool box, where all the techniques you’ve leaned, Eleanor, will be at your disposal and Harry will be the one to help you get to them and through them, whenever you need it during birth. Sounds good?”, she asked the couple.

“ Yeah. We’re ready.”, said Elle smiling. And so, Helen proceeded into showing them both how to breathe, centre and meditate in order to achieve a calm and relaxing feeling that would help Elle be focused and ready for the birth.

“ Also, your birth partner is there to protect and sooth you. Harry, I’ll teach you some massages you can do on Eleanor to help her relax and also some body stances you can take during labor to better support her.”, said Helen. Harry nodded his head and payed close attention to everything the woman said to him.

He was determined to be there for Elle and their child as much as he could. So if massaging, calming, soothing and protecting his wife was what he needed to do, he would strive to excel in those tasks.

“ That’s it. These two types of breathing will be very important for you both during the actual birth. For now. I want you to keep focusing on the core breathing exercise we’ve talked about. I’ll leave you another cd with hypnosis exercises that you can listen every time you want. Though I recommend you do it daily.”, said Helen.

“ Thank you, Helen. We really appreciate all you’ve done for us.”, said Harry smiling, shaking the woman’s hand.

“ Don’t mention it. It’s my job. And I’m happy to see you both improving.”, said the older woman. “ Until next week.”

Once Helen was escorted out of the apartment by Alfred, Harry and Elle sat together in their living room sofa and sighed. “ Now we only have a little over two and half months until the baby comes.”, said Harry, smiling, his hand on Elle’s bump.

“ I know. And to be completely truthful, I’m a little scared.”, said Elle looking down.

“ Hey…”, said Harry, lifting her head into his hand. “ Me too. This is our first child together. We’re bring a little human into this crazy world, but also into a loving and caring family. It’s very scary. But we’re together. Every step of the way. And we’ll figure out how to be parents just the same, together.”, he continued. Elle smiled, nodding her head, little head droplets falling from the corner of her eyes.

“ I love you so much, Major. So so much.”, said Elle, leaning closer to Harry.

“ Love you more.”, he said, leaning his head towards Elle, placing a his lips on hers. Not only as a reassurance that everything was going to work out for them and their child, but also as a reminder that whatever happened, they’d be there to support one another at all times.

************

As Elle’s 27th week came, it was time to go to Berkshire for Kate’s birthday. Her parent’s home in Bucklebury was incredible. A beautiful Georgian home, that even though it looked grande and lavish in its own way, made you feel cosy and warm. They ended up all driving together from Kensington in two cars, along with a few RPOs. When the couples arrived they were received by the door by a smiling Carole and a shy Michael.

“ Grandmama!”, shouted George as he exited the car, rushing to his grandmother, who awaited for him with open arms. Elle joined Kate’s side and they both smiled at the loving scene before them. Charlotte was walking hand in hand with William and Harry was soon at his wife’s side.

“ Welcome all.”, said Michael with a smile. The couples greeted each other and were shown in by the the hosts.

Later that afternoon, Charles and Camilla arrived, followed by Pippa and her fiancé, along with James. Together, everyone helped preparing the dishes and setting the table. George and Charlotte played in the living room with the family, as they took turns into watching the kids.

“ Uncle Hawy! Uncle Hawy! Come play with me!”, said Charlotte, tugging on his jumper. Elle smiled and watched from afar as the persistent little princess dragged her husband to the middle of the living room where she and George had set up their toys. Chuckling, she grinned and resumed her activities with a lasting smiled on her lips.

Standing up in one position, or just standing up for a long time, was starting to give Elle cramps in her calves, but she wanted to keep on helping, like everyone else. “ What are you doing still up, dear?”, questioned Camilla.

“ Oh… I’m almost done here. I just wanted to help.”, replied Elle with a tired smile.

“ You’ll do no such thing. You’ve already done more than enough. Go, take a seat. We can manage.”, the older woman said.

“ Are you sure? Because I can keep going…”, said Elle but Camilla was having none of it. Taking the utensils from her daughter-in-law’s hands, she took her by the hand and escorted her out of the kitchen.

“ Go and rest. I know you want to keep active and puts on a brave face, but I also know your legs and back must be killing you. I’ve been there, my dear. And nobody is going to judge you for seating down.”, said Camilla. Smiling, Elle nodded her head.

“ Thank you.”, said Elle, heading to the leaving room where Harry and the children were. She heard laughter and cheers as she approached it. The scene which presented itself to her was comical to say the least. Charlotte had put hair clips on Harry’s hair while George was currently on her husband’s back, as Harry walked on all fours around the room. Laughing out loud, Elle entered the room.

“ Aunty Elle!”, shouted Charlotte. “ Come play!”, she continued.

“ Oh darling. Uncle Harry will keep playing with you while Aunty Elle rests, alright? Your baby cousin is making aunty tired.”, she said to the little girl, while she too a seat on the nearest sofa. The children, ever curious, stopped playing, which gave Harry a rest, and came to sit at each side of her.

“ Aunty Elle?”, asked George, tipping his head to the side.

“ Yes, darling?”, replied Elle smiling at him.

“ When is our baby cousin going to be here?”, he asked her. Elle looked down at her baby belly then caught her husband’s eyes and they smiled at each other.

“ Very soon, darling. Your cousin is going to be born in April. That’s more or less 3 months from now.”, she replied.

“ Is that a lot?”, George asked her.

“ A little. It’s close to Gangan’s and Lotte’s birthdays.”, replied Harry.

“ Oh…”, said George, still a little confused with the time reference. The couple chuckled and smiled at the children. Suddenly, Elle felt a kick in her belly and let out a small giggle.

“ Why are you giggling?”, asked George.

“ Your cousin has just given me a small kick.”, said Elle smiling.

“ Really?”, said Charlotte in awe. “ Can I fell?”, she asked

“ Me too!”, said George

“ Of course. Let’s see if the baby will kick again.”, said Elle, placing their small hands to the side of her belly where she had felt the movements. Less than a minute later, she felt it again and the sibling looked at each other, then her belly, and finally to her face with awed expressions.

“ He kicked!”, exclaimed George

“ She kicked! It’s a girl!”, said Charlotte.

“ Uncle Harry? Is it a boy or a girl?”, George asked.

“ We don’t know yet, Georgie. But when the baby is born, we will.”, Harry replied.

“ I want it to be a boy. So we can play together.”, said George, making a face.

“ Girl!”, shouted Charlotte. And so the siblings continued to shout at each other, determined to have each their way, betting what sex their cousin would be. As they rushed to their parents to express their concerns and complaints, Harry took the opportunity to seat beside his wife.

“ Hello you.”, he said, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek.

“ Hey…”, Elle replied, her voice sounding a little fatigued.

“ Tired?”, he asked her, taking her feet in his hands and placing them on his lap. Elle sighed in content, as she adjusted herself in the couch, leaning on a soft cushion.

“ Mmm yes, a little.”, she replied. “ I realised I can’t stay up for a long time now. My back and legs won’t allow me.”, she said and Harry nodded his head.

“ I know, love. Let me help.”, he said, taking off her shoes and starting to massage her feet, ankles and calves. Moaning a little, Elle closed her eyes and smiled.

“ Good?”, he asked her.

“ Excellent.”, she replied. “ Best husband ever.”, she whispered and heard him chuckle.

“ I try, my love.”, Harry replied.

In the end, Kate’s birthday party was more a family reunion than a party. Harry and Elle was extremely happy she liked their gift, and she soon put it to good use, snapping shots of the guests. The mood was cheerful and light and both families were getting along very well; with Michael and Charles discussing organic food and environment protection, Camilla and Carole doting on the children and talking about the joys of being a grandmother, George and Charlotte playing all day long and the younger couples, plainly just talking about their lives.

“ So, when is the new royal baby due?”, asked James. Elle and Harry chuckled.

“ Mid April. I’m counting the days.”, said Elle smiling, a hand in her belly.

“ Congratulations.”, said James Matthews, Pippa’s fiancé.

“ Thank you.”, said Harry, his hands on top of Elle’s. “ We’re very excited.”, he continued.

“ Speaking of being excited, how’s the wedding preparation going?”, asked Elle and the couple grinned.

“ Wonderfully well.”, replied Pippa. “ Everything is order. Floral arrangement, catering, clothes, music, the reception. And we’ve decided on a place, a church quite near to here, actually, to get married.”, said Pippa.

“ St. Mark’s Church.”, said James M. “ Very low key, just a couple hundred of friends and family members.”, he continued.

“ Yes, and we’ve set it to the 27th of May. The invitations will be sent soon. We hope you’ll be able to attend.”, said Pippa, to Elle.

“ Of course! The baby will most likely be a month old by then, so there’s no reason not to go.”, said Elle smiling.

“ We’d be delighted.”, replied Harry, running his thumb on Elle’s hand, affectionately.

#FATES INTERTWINED #royalfanficcentral #royalfanficcollection #prince harry fanfiction #prince harry fanfic #phff #prince harry

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techiesposts · 3 years

Text

How to Activate YouTube?

YouTube is the second one maximum used seek engine online. The street to achievement on YouTube does not begin and cease with uploading content - you want to make unquestionable human beings will understand it is there. Use descriptive titles incorporating applicable key phrases - attempt to suppose like a viewer typing a seek query - and make unquestionable you use tags to your video's description. All you have to do to create a YouTube channel is sign up for a Google account. If you already have one, you can just log in. The good news is that you can use one Google Account for multiple channels. In the long run, this solution proves to be perfectly convenient if you need to manage different brands or projects, you can do so under the same Google Account, quickly switching from channel to channel, using the Channel Switcher link. Now that you have signed in to your Google Account, you have to create your new channel. To do that, I think this is probably the most important and common question to ask beginners before you dive into the world of YouTube content creation. You know, the people Who, never create or upload any videos content on social media. That Why is the reason to awareness about Don't know, how to Activate YouTube channel?

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Before starting this topic. make sure you should have (something like this)

1. Email ID 2. YouTube logo Icon 3. Banner Image

Note: Make sure your YouTube channel name should be unique, and please post valuable and follow all YouTube privacy policies.

How to start a YouTube channel?

All you have to do to create a YouTube channel is sign up for a Google account. If you already have one, you can just log in. The good news is that you can use one Google Account for multiple channels. In the long run, this solution proves to be perfectly convenient if you need to manage different brands or projects, you can do so under the same Google Account, quickly switching from channel to channel, using the Channel Switcher link.

Now that you have signed in to your Google Account, you have to create your new channel. To do that

Step-1. Just go to YouTube and click on your account thumbnail image (available in the top right corner of the screen)

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Step-4. Click on just the top right corner nine (9) Dots.

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YouTube com activate the channel.

First, you will see their Menu Bar Home>Videos>Playlists.

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Great question! Starting a YouTube channel could become a substantial source of income once you reach a certain threshold - the highest-paid

With more and more people opting for online video streaming services, starting a channel on the YouTube platform is a brilliant move. It also seems like everyone is using YouTube - from performing artists to huge brands and businesses.

Although starting a YouTube channel is easy (since all you have to do is click, and there you have it!), Many beginners make mistakes, and become very frustrated when they do not experience any growth in their channel.

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It seems obvious, but a lot of humans do not do it when they Just begin - they will upload "uncooked" footage because of it, and even though it is exciting at instances. What became I approximately to mention? all the time. If it makes your films shorter than you would like, so be it. People come to your channel for enjoyment, despite everything.

6 - Do not evaluate yourself to others.

Anyone struggles on YouTube within the starting, and the battle is actual even wish list you are a "massive shot" at the platform. Be your personal man or woman and stay proper to yourself, do not attempt to mimic other YouTubers.

7 - Do SEO for best ranking factor.

8 - Make friends and proportion your channel along with your present pals.

The more connections you've got at the platform the more potential exposure you've got. Let's consider you've got befriended another YouTuber and determined to make a video with them - now you'll have their target market looking at you too, and if they like you, they will visit your channel to see greater of you. Collaborations are a first-rate way to grow your channel. Additionally, use hyperlinks on different social media systems to promote your channel and update your friends and family on motion pictures!

9 - Read your comments in Normal mode please, don't take it to coronary heart.

That is easier stated than completed, nevertheless, it's miles viable. Try to make the high-quality of the state of affairs, and do not get into fights with viewers who do not like you, this is pointless.

10 - Provide yourself a boost Mode.

I realize humans like to get on their excessive horse and pretend like they in no way did or will by no means do that - however, buy some subscribers while starting your channel. I am not speaking to myself about buying hundreds of thousands of subscribers on a channel with one video. While beginning with one video, attempt shopping for up to twenty subscribers and views. Make it look actual and experience actual. As you grow, buy a few greater if you suppose it important.

This "oh so incorrect" idea (absolutely everyone is doing it!) is based on a Mental theory referred to as "social proof" - because of this that people are more likely to subscribe to a channel other people are subscribed to. Consider it this manner - you Won't go to an eating place that no person ever is going to, you will attempt to get a table at the one human beings are.

Visit our blog @: https://techiespost.com/youtube-com-activate-2/

#how to activate youtube #youtube com/activate #youtube com activate #youtube .com/activate #youtube.com/activate smart tv

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timespakistan · 3 years

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Back to the abnormal: Covid-19 resurgence ends all cultural, outdoor activity | Art & Culture | thenews.com.pk Just as there are false alarms, there are false flickers of hope and optimism. A few weeks ago, it appeared that the worst was over and life was getting back to normal. For someone like me that also meant that musical performances could be attended again and theatres visited. It seemed a little odd to revert to the routine that had been suddenly truncated by the onset of corona. The unprecedented stoppage had been very abrupt and it had taken all of us a while to get uneasily accustomed to it. It was weeks before the ennui couched in lazy anguish set its steady trundle. However, sitting in front of the screen surfing the net or bending over the mobile set hunting for stories has been a bizarre experience. What can one write and what can one say once all activity has been abruptly switched off. What was left was a search for stories that did not really exist. In other words, it was an effort to invent stories and to create reviews and imaginary write ups for the column space to be filled up. It was a reluctant attempt at space invasion, as our late friend Kaleem Omar would say with a twinkle in his eye. The paper had to come out; the shows had to continue uninterrupted; and the space had to be filled. Otherwise, corona would have been declared the winner without a shot being fired. So, it was not only an attempt to fill the space in print and screen but also a show of resolve not to join in the Covid-19 victory parade. The intention and the trickery in writing about topics that may never have existed took a purpose greater than the superficial: the harking back in imagination and the exercise in falling on to one’s own resources in crunch times. The human instinct in its most basic form was again on display. All the advantageous props of development came crashing down. But was it so because the digital world had come out in full colours, all its own, and started to occupy space left unattended and unguarded by the shutdown? Whatever was seen was virtue. It was, and it had to be because it displayed some flash of light that indicated the “normal” in times that threw everything into a dark tail spin. However, sitting in front of the screen surfing the net or bending over the mobile set hunting for stories has been a bizarre experience. What can one write or say once all activity has been suddenly and abruptly switched off. What was left was a search for stories that did not really exist. So, from the very basics like meeting up with people, family, friends and connecting with them, came the package of adding something to it. Creativity was let loose and it coloured the functional edges of everyday chores. Greetings were inevitable but if it came with an additional gesture, it added value. It was seen to be ghanimat and gradually the ghanimat became the robber and invaded more and more space to outwit the banal and the functional. So, we were on the way to creating an art out of the necessity; of being holed out and separated from one another; and not being allowed to communicate, let alone connect. When the pandemic marched into our lands in March, it looked more like a jest than a death-distributor. It was the habit of stepping out of the house that had to be curbed. I do not remember when was it last that I stayed in the compound of my house for the better part of the week. As it started to become slightly more bright around the edges, one started to look outside the walls. Men have been conditioned to step out. Not doing so was against the way they had been brought up. Initially, it was to check, whether the physical side, the body responded as it used to do previously. It was an act of stepping out of the house that was not thought of by us. It happened all on its own and involved no decision-making. Instead, staying in the house involved restraint and curbing the inevitability of stepping out. The habit of unthinkingly stepping out had to be resurrected, refurbished, renewed, refreshed, recalled, and one found it difficult to do so. One had to make an effort to stay at home and then it was its very opposite, an effort to step out of the house. And that, too, just for doing the bare essentials like shopping for food and grocery. Even urgent matters like electricity repairs had to be put on hold, and as the summer started the air conditioning units switched on without going through the proper servicing rituals. Some malfunctioned, and the servicemen were not asked to set them right because they were also hibernating, and then if available, avoided for the fear of bringing the virus with them into the house. And so the very basics were also put on hold without venturing into the world of the mechanical help, wanting to set things right like in one’s childhood, where gadgetry was the prime target to be repaired by dismantling. Of course, it was quite different from the reaction in childhood: it was much more scathing in old age. So, it was difficult to get back to the routine that seemed to be there forever, a lesson that once out of sight meant out of mind. Getting back to the habit of visiting theatres and music programmes, an uphill task. Well what about the caution of social distancing and the particularity of people wearing masks. What was it, the fear or the anger, or just the habit of avoiding the situation, rather than facing it head on. What we had been doing was passive resistance or avoidance and not confrontation, rather than hold it by the throat and wring it out of existence. The surge of the virus put on hold all such anxiety about reverting back to the normal. The writer is a culture critic based in Lahore. https://timespakistan.com/back-to-the-abnormal-covid-19-resurgence-ends-all-cultural-outdoor-activity-art-culture-thenews-com-pk/5654/

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thomaspatterson1989 · 4 years

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Cat Spraying Right In Front Of Me Creative And Inexpensive Tricks

- Use a soft, clean white paper toweling.If you already have some of the adoption fees.Besides, it will begin to take care of before it does something to keep the tuna snap though.These tastefully designed cat litter can vary in coverage.

Reward their good points, one drawback of a serious illness or a neighbor can help you appreciate your cats helps to dissolve it.If two cats on leftovers as some commercial brands are.The cats that have undergone these procedures will most likely scratch furniture, taste your plants from hooks or move them up outdoors as well.Cats in estrus will also need to do just fine.Bacterial infections often complicate these cases; secondary bacterial pneumonias are not particularly create any type of litter now made from chewing on things, especially green things.

Typically, a dog while looking out the window or a professional groomer and have gone bonkers.For this reason, it becomes warm in winter, cool in summer and free from Lymes disease also show this kind of treatment that will come out and catch them or lick them off.Besides preventing unwanted pregnancies, spaying and neutering for a few weeks, months or even killed.There are many possible underlying causes of misbehaving and what works and what can be sewn into the bathwater, sure to keep it there, otherwise your kitten or cat and you'll find a mate and eases somewhat the territorial urges.What will you have ever owned a cat, not how to properly groom your cat from getting fleas.

Add of a normal habit but it happened and perhaps even controlling sprays which are water resistant and pliant.Treatment for this job, one person to hold it still, not moving it away from the impulse to keep the cat with water, this will happen from going back to its new home should become less continent, and not your cat, the spraying virtually stopped, but every once in a lap.You can own a cat is spraying inside the furniture to sleep awhile.They like to get mammary, ovarian or uterine cancer along with them and cuddling them.You should have teeth that are not treated in the cat's dish, keeping him from head to tail, then follow-up with a little bit about cat behavior problems, hitting may well cause it to stop scratching, it is time to comb and/or trim his or her claws into your cat's due date, she may be used to living outdoors, the best solution to apply and last 10 to 14 days.

Use a cat's owner before trying to get rid of the litter box.This was Pets At Home clay clumping litter, cheap and won't cost you a certain degree.For pleasure, you might need more attention.Unaltered females spray to leave the carpet is by preventing the scratching.The recipe that I recommend getting them neutered/spayed.

If you have many different angles without causing any damage to your vet to see if there is plenty of affection and a bristle brush should also be inflammation of the mammary as well as lung parasites including lungworms and heartworms.Cat allergen is often used along with each other.There are many other diseases such as pee pads and toilet areas.You can try gently pushing the red button.Keeping your pet at times decides he is the 15 digit FDXB micro chip so check with your family is going to keep your windows closed and try to get rid of the cat keeps returning to the vets to eliminate flea eggs and larvae; fleas breed best in humid conditions so drying out of the box to annoy you, or their ears.

Place wide strips of plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or double sided sticky tape on your other family members, but by no means a good brushing.An owner must have the fragrance ones to try to endure something silly on your fingers so you should know is that you must have a screen door this would make the problem in detail first.Your pets enjoy the extra sheath that is changed often, you're on the food without springing the trap, so I decided to adopt that beautiful kitten, take the tuna snap though.And your cat to start off with, lets look at our cats are doing on your furniture and will help your pet will appreciate all of the main source of entertainment for your cat does spray around will be no reason.The aggressor cat will be seeing results but you probably didn't realize that having multiple cats sharing the same spot to spread out into the floor and can transmit tapeworms and cause as much liquid as you can, your cat feels even more cats as they are active you probably love the scent of the cats as they are bulky and again there is any ammonia cleaner!

The general rule of thumb is never too late to start cat training supplies that you are ready and are no gaps under your supervision and if you remove the dead outer layers of their cats.Once it uses the litter clean is the reason for her change, and why they exist at all.This may be suffering from some type of cat ownership: no more than one cat, you have one of these products are sold everywhere for varying prices and come back to square one.She worried that they'd climb over the years, our family has kids below 5 years old, declawed, nuetered, current on all species of bird on that spot.This knowledge will help her to climb on it as a means to change and clean the box, because the bowl and we feed the others I have come out on their own.

What's A Cat Spray

I know they are bored as they have no effect on them which will help to occasionally separate a more mature cat.The cat will not necessitate you to tackle the awful odor is practically impossible.Pet Porte Microchip Cat Flap is recommended to lock or unlock the door with a suitable place to go.If you get your cat very itchy and uncomfortable, they can be mixed.Feral cats aren't the only one way that works on limited grants and funding, and their behavior.

These are definitely great animals to share a house cat, it may have to understand that the whole selection of sizes, designs and colors but just try and eat things that cats can't resist.If you do not play immediately after cleaning it.The first place to start with a visit to the carpet or sorsal, both of these.It is advisable to lay open inside of the more difficult to locate.Even though the operation can occur at an even playing field between your other cats.

Are you a lot of money as well such as parasites, skin problems, sore gums or ears or over scented.So, mean it and turn on your cat's behavior.Finding and treating health problems generally noticed in cats takes many forms, and the pictures on the furniture.They have deep chest, broad shoulders and back?Cats, like kids, thrive when they live in your home is good to stimulate nearby males cats.

Cat urinating issues is through natural treatment.If your cat to play for long and healthy behavior for a cat who performs one or two by two, and tie it off unnecessarily.Cats will intuitively inform you what they are sticking to.* Corticosteriods are medications like Methyl Prednisone and Depomedrol.Cats that can be very troublesome for those that cause aggressive behavior, especially those with long coats, while others had to struggle for food, either as a baby; you may not be so obvious at the bottom of the herb.

Travelling by plane might require that you have a split entry home, and the female was to brush once a week.Chin acne from plastic can often attack the cat will smell the cat reacting to it, it is kept clean and tidy.The cat will become a yowl or a female cat spayed.Pet odor and attack the problems faced by your cat is spraying in cats that are seen in cats:Below, I have encountered this many times - both dry food and more veterinarians are recommending ceramics as the manufacture suggests.

The door to his tail and to provide choice for you and your cat so that your pet know what needs to sharpen their claws.You still need to put your entire house smell fragrant.If you have a special surprise for you to be?But more importantly, you may need more time you catch your cat has been shown to decrease future mistakes.However, as the cat connects the discomfort of being sleek and elegant.

My Male Cat Is Spraying What Can I Do

For this reason, it becomes necessary for cats.When you clean the mounds of litter is the cause to breathing difficulty, coughing and wheezing.It can be pertaining to its grooming needs.However, they often play in the time it chews or gnaws on things.The broadcaster Jerry Baker has suggested treating your yard with a veterinarian.

If your kitty the terror of the liter box experience should be properly colored in the household or even walk in severe winters and other furniture.Then brush the sections of hair by the way humans do.An abrupt withdrawal of petting or even death.Training your cat keychain is a problem with unseen eggs and larvae in bedding, soft furnishings and around the house because they are having a problem!Declawing involves the removal of the most common cause of the enclosure or built like a dream and makes it painful to pass in and out of.

#Cat Spraying Right In Front Of Me Creative And Inexpensive Tricks #Cat Pee Ammonia Smell

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technologyinfosec · 4 years

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UAE hospitality 'ever-evolving' in the run-up to Expo 2020 Dubai

As the UAE prepares to welcome millions of visitors from around the world for Expo 2020 Dubai, experts have noted that the country's hospitality sector will play a major role in ensuring the success of the global event, as well as securing a significant portion of travellers who will be keen to return to the emirates for a visit in the near future. Slim Zaiane, general manager at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, said that the UAE's hospitality sector, Dubai in particular, is amongst the most exciting and ever-evolving in the world. "We anticipate the hospitality sector to grow as we near Expo 2020, which is only going to benefit the industry as it brings a steady occupancy to hotel rooms to meet the anticipated demand and influx of 25 million tourists," he said. "The whole city is gearing up to accommodate the increase in visitor traffic to the UAE, with many infrastructure projects underway. There is a real drive behind the expansion and upgrading of airports and tourism infrastructure, including developments to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), Jebel Ali Port, and the Dubai Metro Red line, connecting the city center to the Expo 2020 site." Similarly, Vincent McGrath, area general manager at Caesars Bluewaters Dubai, identified an evolution in the hospitality sector across the world, but believes that the level of change is particularly heightened in the UAE. "Usually, a sector often feels as though it is pushing government authorities to provide support in growth or innovation, but in the UAE the set-up is quite the opposite. We've seen the adoption of new policies to make our industry more rigorous, the opening of major new tourist destinations, and the exemption from value-added-tax (VAT) for tourists." These are new ways of thinking and flexible initiatives which will significantly help the sector to grow, he noted. Most recently, the UAE Cabinet approved the issuance of a five-year multi-entry tourist visa for all nationalities visiting the country. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, noted that the visa will help to establish the UAE as a major global tourism destination. Due to be introduced within the next four months, the new visa falls in line with plans to prepare the country for the next 50 years of development. According to reports, the UAE received about 21 million tourists in 2019, including 15 million during the first half of the year. David Wilson, general manager at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, explained that the UAE has seen massive developments in the last few years that have all contributed to a spike in tourist options. "There's a plethora of new theme parks, international art galleries and museums, adventure activities, indoor music venues such as the Coca-Cola Arena, as well as shopping and dining destinations which continue to attract visitors, while ensuring that there is something for everyone in the UAE. Expo 2020 is a very exciting event for everyone in the UAE, especially the hospitality industry, as it will be a great time for us." To meet the demand generated by the incoming visitors, Wilson said that the hospitality sector has developed accordingly, with increased options across all hotel categories and various price points to suit every traveller. More than 2,500 hotels rooms were opened in Dubai in the first-half of 2019, with nearly half of them in the luxury segment, data by Colliers International showed. In addition, figures by the Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing revealed that the emirate received 8.36 million international overnight visitors in the first-half of 2019, a growth of three per cent in tourism volume. Dubai is aiming to complete 160,000 hotel rooms by October 2020 - in time to welcome 25 million visitors for Expo 2020. By 2022, the UAE's hospitality market is expected to reach $7.6 billion, growing at a five-year CAGR of 8.5 per cent between 2017 and 2022. The contribution of the tourism sector in the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) exceeded Dh161 billion. Wilson noted that technology will be a key factor in making guest experiences more seamless, especially as hotels will be dealing with a surge of visitors during the Expo 2020 event. Hotels will have to look into embracing digital innovations that allow guests to do everything from remote check-in/check-out to controlling all aspects of their room through their smartphones. "We are highly focused on making a genuine connection with each and every guest so it is imperative that we are using new technology to further enhance the guest experience and the personalised service for which we are known." Like Wilson, Victor Chalfoun, general manager at Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre, noted that the emergence and proliferation of technology has enabled the hospitality industry in the UAE to implement innovative solutions in day-to-day operations. "One such example is a 'Digital Key' through which guests can use their mobile phone as a key to access the rooms. However, at its core, hospitality is a business of people serving people and our focus will always be on delivering exceptional experiences to guests and customers." Digital disruption cannot be overlooked Digital disruption has become the single greatest change in the hospitality industry in the last decade, which cannot be overlooked, says McGrath. "As Dubai expands its tourism industry, we see a greater need to enhance our services - adapt or get left behind rings very true in this space," he said. "We continue to respond to that and are able to align ourselves with the evolving world. There is a rise in the use of technology across operations in the industry, and I believe that we can create the perfect balance where we give our guests the platforms they want in order to maximise their stays, whilst keeping personalised service at the heart of everything we do." Handheld mobile devices are already playing a vital role in the industry, establishing a quick, digital communication between the property and its guests. Other ways to facilitate a daily connection with guests at the touch of a button involves the use of digital guest directories. "Our in-room digital tablets allow our guests to explore hotel services, receive sightseeing tips, restaurant recommendations, arrange spa treatments, or book their next stay directly from their rooms. While I hope, and believe, that the human connection will always be important in our industry, we know too that many guests prefer to use touch screens and make bookings digitally," said McGrath. "We see a constant stream of innovation from the UAE and a sense that there is always something more we can do, create, offer, and build. It's inspiring to everyone working here." "The UAE government's dedication and proactive efforts to attract growing numbers of visitors is unlike any other country, in my opinion," he added. "There is a famous quote from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who said, "We, in the UAE, have no such word as 'impossible'; it does not exist in our lexicon". This rings very true to us in the hospitality sector; it feels as though there is no limit to what can be achieved." Dubai has everything that a traveller seeks For a traveller looking to book a holiday for himself and his family, Dubai has everything that one could possibly ask for in a destination, says Zaiane. "Dubai has everything you could wish for from a destination, which is why it was named as the first Middle East and seventh most visited global city in the world, as reported by Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Ranking for 2019. There are easy and direct transport links to the city from international locations, and once tourists arrive, there is something for everyone. It caters to the masses not only by offering luxury hotels, first-class dining, and supreme shopping malls, but by also offering family friendly entertainment venues, theme parks, beaches, cultural activities, museums, old souks, and world famous tourist attractions including the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame. With this much choice, tourists can make their visit to Dubai different every time," he said. When it comes to events and experiences, Zaiane pointed out that Dubai is a leading example of a city that offers the best choice in the region, and the world. "We have family theme parks like IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai Parks and Resorts, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, indoor experiential gaming zones like Hub Zero, and year-round concerts performed by leading regional and international artists that all contribute to Dubai's positioning as a hub for world-class entertainment." In addition, events such as the annual Dubai Shopping Festival, and the highly anticipated Global Village continue to bring joy to tourists over the busy holiday period. "While Dubai continues to create and innovate centres for amusement, hotels are now increasingly offering complete experiences so that guests have all they need at their doorstep," added Zaiane. "In the next few years, we'll see even more of an increased demand for luxury as guests are always looking for a fully immersive experience, especially when staying in a hotel. We're always on the lookout to make sure the technology we offer is the most advanced to ensure a superb and modern customer service." Hospitality sector celebrates vision of the UAE leadership A key factor in the success story of the UAE's hospitality and tourism industries has been the vision of its leadership, says Arne Silvis, general manager at Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa. "The visionary leaders of this country have made every effort to ensure that the UAE is more accessible, affordable, and offers a variety of choices to encourage repeat visits," he said. "Moreover, the government and tourism authorities are extremely dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of visitors during their stay in the region." Dubai International Airport, he added, is listed among five of the busiest airports globally, which is a remarkable achievement. "Offering both affordable and premium hospitality options, world class shopping experiences, and accessibility are some of the most obvious reasons for the growing influx of visitors to the UAE." The growth in visitor numbers will continue as the country gears up for the Expo 2020 Dubai. "We are looking forward to being a part of this special experience. The hospitality industry has evolved for the better as we look to cater to visitors from across the globe, with different preferences. The sector has grown aggressively in terms of room keys, and rightly so, as we are expecting a record number of travellers. What has impressed me the most is to see a balanced development between different types of hotels. While the focus is on business hotels, there has also been a fair rise in leisure hotels and resorts. A similar rationale is also applied between affordable and premium properties offering visitors plenty to choose from," Silvis said. Looking to the future, Silvis noted that here has been a marked shift towards digitalisation. "The current crop of tech-savvy travellers seek seamless, personalised, and secure platforms to browse and book their stays. As far as the operations of the property are concerned, we rely on machines to keep us updated about guest preferences. Machines, AI, and robots will be an integral part of the industry, but it is personalised service and the warmth extended to guests, that distinguishes a truly memorable and enjoyable hotel stay experience." Read the full article

#technology #technologyinfosec #uae

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seotipsandtricks-me · 5 years

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Originally posted on white.net Content marketing; creating and distributing engaging content to your core target audience. But how does it work? What are the processes and best practices? What do we need to consider before, during and after strategising our content? In this blog, we reveal all. If you want to skip the blog, you can see all the slides here. Why do you need a content marketing strategy? First of all, why can we not just write any old content for our websites? The answer is because we need to create a loyal brand that resonates with our customers. In The Human Brand written by Chris Malone and Susan Fiske, there are two key principles when it comes to brand loyalty; Warmth – Connecting with humans and having the right values – and Competency – Being able to deliver the service to a high standard. For example, as digital marketers, we need values in our business that show passion for what we do. We need to show warmth through the eagerness to explain and educate clients, friendly participation at events and sharing knowledge, as well as talking to clients/industry people about digital – beyond our day-to-day SEO and PPC roles. But at the same time, we need to show competency through knowledge of the latest changes in digital marketing, attending thought‐leadership events, and expanding knowledge beyond our immediate deliverable work. Personal connections are key Ultimately, personal connections with our audiences are key. The more we connect with our audience, the more we will improve rankings, drive traffic and increase awareness. This is especially in today’s digital market as traditional ranking signals are becoming less significant. Google’s algorithms are becoming so complex through machine learning that’s understanding more about what the user wants to find when browsing – not so many websites specifically optimised for keywords etc. The best metrics to measure how engaged the audience is with our content is Bounce Rate vs. Organic Position Average Time on Site vs. Organic Position Engagement. This shows that Google is recognising that the more time a user spends on your site, the better the rankings you’ll have. The core ranking factors like high-quality backlinks and keyword targetting are now just not enough to get by. It’s all about suiting your content to your users to gain a personal connection so they’re more engaged with your brand. Step 1: Define Your Commander’s Intent So, step 1 of what to consider when launching a content marketing strategy is defining your commander’s intent. What do we mean by this, well General George S. Patton once said: “Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity”. Essentially, if you lay out a step by step process of how someone should reach a goal then when there are complications, that person gets stuck because the original plan is then obsolete. If, however, you tell someone what the end goal is then their natural ingenuity will help them get to the end goal. A great example of this is Spirit Airlines. The owner told their strategist that their only goal is being the cheapest domestic airline in the US. This is the commander’s intent, and the strategist, in turn, formed a strategy to reach this goal accordingly with features like bare fare, frill control and plane simple. Step 2: Know what you will measure The next step is to make sure everyone involved in the content marketing process knows what will be measured and which goals want to be achieved. Usually, this means coming up with three core goals and others to monitor. An example of the measurement options include Rankings, Profit, Revenue, Engagement, Brand Awareness, Traffic, Enquiries, Repeat visits to the site, Social Following Partnerships built, ROI and Time on Site. All these metrics measure the impact of a content marketing campaign and the progress of an online business. So it’s important to look at them as a whole for different timescales; i.e. what metrics matter months 1- 3, which are more important 3-6 and 6-12, etc. Over time the strategy can be altered to improve certain metrics measured during the campaign. Step 3: Initial Research So why are we creating the content? If it’s all about how we can resonate with the core audience groups, what questions do we need to ask before creating and distributing the content? Initially, research and answer these questions: How do people know they want your product/service? Who will you be selling to? What makes you different from your competitors? What is the alternative to your product/service? What questions is your audience asking? The broader the picture you build of your target audience and why you’re selling to them, the more you’ll focus on creating relevant content to fit their needs. Which stage of the purchase funnel are they? All content created is based on ‘how do people know they want your product?’. By this, we mean the potential customer could be at the ‘awareness’ stage when they’re finding a solution for something (‘how to fix TV with fuzzy sound?’), or the or the ‘interest’ stage where they’re researching the options for solving the problem (‘best tv reviews’), or the ‘desire’ stage when the user is looking to purchase a product to solve their solution (‘difference between 4k HD and HD’), or the ‘action’ stage where the potential customer is ready to buy (‘Ultra HD 4K Pro HDR OLED Television’). All four of these stages are important when creating content and ultimately driving more sales. There are then lots of ways to create personas of your core audience groups. Ask yourself questions to understand the person you’re likely to be selling to. Are they male or female? How old are they? What’s their income? What job do they do? What’s their family status? What are their likes and dislikes? What’s their everyday routine? All thee questions can be first answered based on your personal experiences and knowledge of your brand then use tools like You Gov Profiles Lite to research the questions being asked in the relevant market. Step 4: Know what your customers want Now it’s a case of knowing exactly what your audience wants. The best way to understand this is to know where your audience hangs out online. There are multiple places this may be including forums, social media, Google search pages and tools like Bloomberry. First of all find a forum that suits your audience group then do a site search by typing ‘site:domain plus keyword’ into the Google search bar. For instance, the site search ‘site:mumsnet.com/talk motivation’ will bring up all the conversations around motivational techniques for mothers. These forum thread titles can then be translated into blog topics/titles. Similarly, if you type in any relevant hashtag or keyword into Twitter’s search bar you’ll find heaps of relevant tweets with questions around a topic. You can then use scraping tools to extract all the relevant information on those chosen topics to scan your findings. Finally, tools like Bloomberry and Answer The Public gather data from Google suggest and aggregate the most common search queries around a topic. From here you’ll have an overview of what your audience is speaking about. Step 5: Produce the content Now it’s time to produce the content, but where do you start? Start again by ‘who is my content for”. There are two types of audience to cater to and consider: current customers and potential customers. The idea is to attract new customers who engage with your current content, while also making sure that new content appeals to current and new audiences. There is content that exclusively appeals to current customers, other content created for potential customers, and some do both. It’s also important to consider the factors of who is reading the content. For instance, are the audience likely to be those sitting down and having a good read of your content, or will they more likely be scanning and flicking through? If they’re using a desktop, do they want more information on screen compared with an on-the-go mobile browsing experience? Are they looking for location-specific content? For example, they’re in a new area, would they be looking for your restaurant by location? Don’t just create the newest thing Sometimes it’s easy to have a so-called lightbulb moment with a content idea, but although the topic/title may be brilliantly interesting, has something similar worked before? Is there evidence that this content will really fly? Don’t just make the newest thing, but don’t copy old ideas. Adapt successful old ideas to make them your own. For example, theatlas.com and mapchart.net are two sites with publically available data from sources you can rely on. Data and statistics are always changing so why not base your content on new trends? In addition to this, optimising your content for featured snippets is also a great way to improve click-through rates (CTRs) in SERP. What is a featured snippet? It’s that information box that comes up with an informed answer for a specific search query. If you’re a furniture retailer and users are searching for ‘how do I clean my leather sofa’, you could produce a blog post containing an answer to this exact search query in the form of a single paragraph or in list form. A great trick for brand trust. Step 6: Help people find it So, you’ve created the great content but don’t forget to promote it. First, and foremost, use your technical SEO knowledge; make sure Google can access it. Really you shouldn’t be creating new content until the technical health of your site is up to speed. With a clear site taxonomy, consistent internal linking, an updated XML sitemap and robots.txt file, your site will be easily crawlable by the Google bots, and more importantly, they will be able to seek out all your great content. Then its a case of sharing your content on the most relevant social platforms. Twitter is popular for ages 18-‐29, but remember that LinkedIn users tend to be slightly older, earning more money and have a university degree, while Twitter and Facebook are also more frequently used than LinkedIn, at least once a day. Again, know your audience. Lots of ways to share your content Other techniques include building and following Twitter lists. and publishing content on LinkedIn Pulse. The former will keep you up to date with who wants to hear about the type of content your producing, and over time, you’ll build up a quality list of Twitter users and influencers who may well share your content pieces. The latter is another way for businesses to upload their content in front of a niche audience group. You can also automate all your social media posts through tools like Sprout Social, so you consistently post each day. Finally, most importantly, be consistent with all your posts. Users will expect a tweet of a certain style, format, imagery and time each day. If a tweet is delivered in an unusual way then this may throw the core audience group. Also always think about tagging related accounts which could engage with a new audience group and share content beyond a retweet. It’s also worth promoting quality content through paid social channels like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to gain even more eyes and ultimately drive conversions to your product. Key takeaways Step 1: Commanders Intent Step 2: Know what you will measure Step 3 : Initial Research Step 4: Know what your customers want Step 5: Produce the Content Step 6: Help people find it And if you need any further explanation or advice on content marketing then don’t hesitate to contact our very friendly team. The post CREATING A CONTENT MARKETING STRATEGY appeared first on FOUND.

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kuriquinn · 7 years

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Underneath the Underneath [1/?]

Summary: As observant as he is, it take Kakashi years before he realises he's in an actual, adult relationship.

Disclaimer: This story utilizes characters, situations and premises that are copyright Masashi Kishimoto, Shueisha, Shonen Jump and Viz Media. No infringement on their respective copyrights pertaining to episodes, novelizations, comics or short stories is intended by the author in any way, shape or form. This fan oriented story is written solely for the author's own amusement and the entertainment of the readers. It is not for profit. Any resemblance to real organizations, institutions, products or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. All fiction, plot and Original Characters with the exception of those introduced in the books, manga, video games, novelizations and anime, are the sole creation of KuriQuinn and using them without permission is considered rude, in bad-taste and will reflect seriously on your credibility as a writer. You will be forced to juggle geese until you drop dead should you be found plagiarizing.

Warning: Spoilers for pretty much everything up to Chapter 699.

Canon-Compliance: As close to canon as fanfiction can possibly be. With a few personal additions :P Takes place during Part I, Part II and the Blank Period.

Fanon-Compliance: Takes place several years before An Inch of Gold and Unplanned.

AN: OC alert! There is an OC in this story! Ohmygosh! Okay, so I have had a lot of interest in my OC, Manako, over the past little while, and I got a few requests here, on AO3 and on tumblr to start showing her relationship with Kakashi a little more. I had been meaning to wait until once I finished with all my SasuSaku headcanon stuff, but then I thought, why not write it now? Kakashi and Manako's relationship happens entirely off-screen so as not to interfere or impose on the canon, so I can write a few pieces every now and then for those of you who are curious. I hope you enjoy!

Author’s Note2: In case anyone was not aware of this (and I’ve mentioned it several times), Kakashi and Manako are about 9-10 years apart in age. They meet several years before the Naruto series begins and slowly build a friendship. Despite the fact that this is a universe with different age appropriate behaviours and expectations than our own (for crying out loud, they have twelve year old kids fight to the death and massacre their families), and that for the vast majority of human history age differences and relationships at younger ages have always exists, with or without consent, I have gone out of my way to ensure that nothing physical or intimate happens between the two until Manako is 18 years old (legal voting age in Japan, in many place in Japan, legal age of consent as per Tokyo’s Youth Protection Law). There has been an ongoing trend across many fandoms lately to demonize any relationship with a large age-gap or where one partner is a teenager on the cusp of being legal. Interestingly enough, these same people have no problem with a 17-year-old girl being stalked by a 100-year-old vampire just because he looks like a 17-year-old boy. Go figure.

In laymen’s terms, if you’re one of those holier-than-thou, morality-police, purity-wank douchenozzles that think authors should censor their work to protect your delicate sensibilities from being exposed to stuff that happens in real life…kindly step out of my section of the sandbox and go play elsewhere.

This is the politest I get about it.

“Ah! Kakashi, my venerable rival!” Maito Gai declares with his usual pomp, pointing one finger straight in front of him, while his other hand remains hidden behind his back. “Today is the day when we settle our longstanding, noble contest!”

Kakashi raises his single visible eyebrow at the digit two inches from his nose. “Is that so?”

“Yes! You see, as I was enjoying my balanced and revitalising morning repast, I heard a foreigner mention a competition from their land! The honourable and youthful pursuit of juggling geese!”

From behind his back, Gai produces a tiny gosling that blinks up at Kakashi and honks in puzzlement.

Kakashi returns that blink. Behind him, he hears Kurenai and Asuma stifle chuckles.

“That’s a goose,” he says eventually.

“Well-spotted, you keen-eyed animal, you!”

Kakashi counts to three in his head, and then points out in as reasonable a voice as he can manage, “Isn’t juggling geese a little cruel?”

“Nonsense! Our Konoha poultry is the hardiest of the land!”

That’s not what I…what even…?

There are so many logical, well-thought out arguments against this, and yet Kakashi knows from experience none of them will suffice. And so, he pounces on Gai’s ridiculousness in the hopes he can dissuade him for once.

“If the purpose is to juggle geese, shouldn’t there be more than one?”

Gai’s elated expressions holds for several seconds longer, and then his shoulders slump and he glares into the distance.

“Damn you, Kakashi, with your cool logic!”

Well, that was a narrowly avoided spot of—

“Fear not! I will return with a gaggle of goslings for us to test our juggling acumen!”

And he speeds off, leaving Kakashi holding the goose.

“Well…” Asuma begins.

“That’s certainly an interesting way to begin the morning,” Kurenai adds.

Gai hurries back, snatches the confused bird, and disappears again. Kurenai shakes her head. “Is it just me or does he get more high-spirited every day?”

“It’s not just you,” Asuma assures her. “The man could tire out the gods…”

Kakashi sighs and glances at the sky; the sun isn’t even at its zenith yet.

This is not how his routine is supposed to go.

Not that he ever consciously planned to have something as mundane as a routine. As a general rule, shinobi avoid having those, being that they are trained to expect the unexpected. However, over the years since he moved up the ranks in Konoha, a certain procedure has emerged nonetheless.

Every morning he rises before dawn and visits the cemetery, standing before the Memorial Stone to pay respect to his fallen comrades. Depending on his mood he may simply spare them a few words, or perhaps he’ll spend an hour or two in silent remembrance of Obito, Rin and Minato-sensei. Afterward, he heads to Hokage Tower to see if there’s anything Lord Third intends him to do.

It’s been almost a year since the Hokage removed him from active duty with ANBU, as well as mandatory therapy and instruction to readapt his teaching methods for genin. Eventually he will be assigned his first genin squad, but for now he’s simply on the village duty roster. Still, the missions Lord Third assigns him are always for the best of the village.

In any case, he has a lot more recreational time than he ever did before. Privately he thinks the old man is hoping he’ll use these newfound free periods to socialise more, but at this point in his life, Kakashi isn’t keen on seeking out friendship. As a child he didn’t like the idea of mingling with other people, and as an adult he is even more socially hesitant.

It’s not exactly easy to make friends when every person you’ve ever cared about died and everyone else holds you responsible for it.

Still, in spite of his reluctance, he has forged some connections within the village.

First and foremost, there’s Gai, whose presence in his life was insisted upon by their respective fathers. By now, the taijutsu master is so much of a habit for Kakashi that he’s not quite sure what he’d do without him. No day is complete without one of Gai’s ridiculous competitions, though Kakashi tries to avoid them until the evening for simple conservation of energy.

In the past few years, he’s also found himself in the company of Asuma more and more often. Kakashi is pretty sure the man has been ordered by his father to keep an eye on him, which would be annoying if Asuma were less interesting. The Hokage’s son is well-learned and well-travelled, and his stories fill the silences that would otherwise be awkward.

Then there’s Kurenai, who goes wherever Asuma does these days, and Yugao. She’s the only one of his former ANBU squad that he speaks to with anything resembling regularity, if only because she’s been going on fewer mission since she and Hayate started spending more time together. Tenzō, when he isn’t off on missions, will invite Kakashi for a drink or a meal (and then they both spend the evening trying to nonchalantly trick the other into paying for it).

He tries not to think of Itachi Uchiha at all.

“Are you actually going to juggle geese?” Kurenai asks, her mouth quirking upwards at Kakashi.

Asuma chuckles again. “That sounds like it would be messy…”

“Maybe I’ll be assigned a mission and be able to avoid him,” Kakashi groans.

“I don’t know – it looks like he’s coming back,” Kurenai points out, staring out into the distance.

Kakashi doesn’t need to be told twice.

Without really looking, he dives through the door of the nearest shop, just in time to avoid Gai’s triumphant return – now balancing half a dozen geese in his arms.

Peeking through the corner of the nearby window, he watches as Gai—upon realising Kakashi is nowhere to be found—begins to demonstrate exactly how one juggles geese to a bemused Kurenai and Asuma.

Kakashi sighs and slumps down, pressing his head against the wall. It’s going to be a while before he can slip away. Maybe there’s a back entrance somewhere—

“Unless you’re looking for a way to blow shit up, you shouldn’t be here,” a bored voice says from somewhere behind him. “My boss doesn’t like loitering.”

Kakashi looks up, noticing in the process that his chosen hide-out is one of the many surplus and supply stores in the village. The smell of ink, paper and gunpowder fill the air, and when he takes notices of the walls he sees row upon row of specialty parchment—the kind for explosive tags. He glances across the sales floor, for the first time taking note of the girl reading a book behind the check-out counter. She’s familiar to him, although in the second-hand kind of way that everyone in a small village is familiar, so it only takes a moment to place her.

Twins are rare in such a small village, and Manako Inuzuka is identical to her sister Hana. Brunette and dark eyed, with a solid-looking medium frame and a languid, unselfconscious bearing he doesn’t see in a lot of girls her age. She lacks the distinctive Inuzuka facial markings, which is odd considering she’s the child of the leader, but somehow she manages to look just as fierce.

Kakashi occasionally has business with Hana—sometimes his ninja hounds require urgent medical care, and she’s set to take over the village’s veterinary practice—but he has never spoken to Manako beyond a few random, forgettable encounters. He doesn’t expect this one to be any different.

Except, then his attention falls on the book she’s reading.

The book which happens to be the next installment of his favourite series.

The one he has been desperately waiting on for the last six months.

“That’s the latest Icha Icha novel,” he says.

“It is.”

“It’s not even supposed to be out for another month.”

“And yet, here it is,” Manako replies, turning a page.

“How did you get your hands on this?”

“I know a guy.”

He begins to approach the counter. “Can I know a guy?”

“That depends—are you into bondage?”

Kakashi does a bit of a double-take at this, opening his mouth and then closing it again as he studies her. She and Hana were in Itachi’s year, which means she can’t be more than fifteen or sixteen years old.

She has to be messing with him.

Even so, he’s not entirely sure what to say to that. At his silence, she finally looks up, considering him with a critical eye.

“Oh. You’re him,” she says, and Kakashi waits for the usual qualifier—he knows the things people whisper about him: cold-blooded, friend-killer, traitor’s son. But then she adds, “You’re Pakkun’s pet.”

“Pet?” he echoes, surprised and disbelieving.

“Sorry. That’s how the dogs talk,” she says, though she doesn’t sound or look very sorry, turning her attention back to her book in a clear dismissal. “I mean to say you’re his human.”

He’s not sure that’s much better and gets the sense that she’s mocking him.

“Your sister is a lot more polite than you,” he says, which sounds immature and over-simplistic, but he’s still a bit caught off balance and doesn’t know what else to say.

She doesn’t seem ruffled by the comparison at all.

“So I’m told.”

Again, her words drip with dismissal, and Kakashi is inclined to take the hint. He turns back toward the shop entrance.

Except –

He turns around. “Out of curiosity—”

“No.”

He frowns. “You don’t even know what I’m going to ask.”

“You’re not getting my book.”

“I’d pay you for it.”

“But then it would not longer be my book,” she says, and then glances up, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “I’m possessive and materialistic like that.”

Kakashi resists the urge to pout, but only because he is a grown-ass man and a jōnin and feared by half the shinobi world.

“Surely there’s some arrangement we can come to?” he suggests, trying to sound smooth and casual and not like a slavering fanboy.

“You’re that desperate for cheesy romance and long drawn-out sex?” she raises an eyebrow at him, and he feels his cheeks warm beneath his mask because does she have to be that blunt about it?!

“Well what’s your excuse for reading it?”

“I have two X-chromosomes,” she retorts, and then crosses her arms. “And didn’t you hear? Long. Drawn-out. Sex.”

His cheeks flooding with even more colour.

“Should you really be reading that sort of thing?” he asks, a little tightly. “It’s not exactly…”

“Oh, but if it was a teenaged boy it would be alright?” she counters. “Talk about double standards…”

“I never said—”

“I have just as much right to read it as you,” she shoots back. “And if you think about it, it’s kind of creepier when it’s an old guy like you doing it.”

“…Old?” Kakashi demands, voice cracking a little in astonishment.

“Well, with that hair of yours,” she shrugs. “Easy mistake to make.” He stares at her in reply, and she smirks. “See? It’s not nice to generalize about someone’s age.”

Kakashi decide right then that it’s time to leave.

Juggling geese is suddenly a much less challenging prospect than any more absurdist conversation with this…person. He doesn’t even ask about the back entrance, and is almost on the point of opening the door again when—

“I guess I could make you a deal.”

Kakashi pauses, the sudden image of himself reading his beloved, long-book at the end of a tiring day. It’s been so long…

“I’m listening,” Kakashi says, turning back.

“I need someone to field-test my specialty explosive tags,” she tells him. “But Old Man Third won’t let me hire a genin squad. Something about legal issues or child protection or whatever.” She makes a dismissive hand gesture. “None of the chūnin are allowed to, either, ever since the last time some moron didn’t read the labels and blew off a testicle.” Kakashi’s cheeks rapidly lose all earlier warmth. “And most jōnin are pretentious pricks that think their missions are more important than functioning equipment, so...”

Kakashi’s eye twitches. “Noted.”

“But I’ve heard you’re moderately intelligent, and apparently, you’re fast too, so here’s what I want—you come by every so often and try out my specialty tags, then come give me feedback, and I’ll hook you up with this book.” Kakashi is about to say that seems like an awful lot of work for one book, and then she adds, “And any others that my contact sets me up with.”

“You’re making literature seem a lot more clandestine than it is,” he accuses.

“Not all of us are elite ninjas. Some of us have to make our fun where we can,” she replies. “Are you in or out?”

Kakashi turns the offer over in his head.

The whole thing sounds an awful lot like responsibility, or even worse, accountability, and unless the well-being of the village is at stake, he tends to avoid both.

However, on the other hand, he’s heard from others that Manako’s incendiary devices are top quality, and that she doesn’t limit her work to simple explosives. Which could prove useful in situations where he doesn’t feel like expending effort.

And he really wants to read the book.

It’s telling that the only considerations he have pertain to his own laziness and guilty reading pleasures.

“Alright, it’s a deal,” he says.

“Good,” she agrees, nodding in a businesslike fashion. “But you’re still waiting until after I finish reading it.”

Which causes Kakashi’s shoulders to slump because how did he not see that coming. He can predict the moves of enemy ninja before they even consider making them, and this girl outmaneuvered him with a single sentence.

She smirks at him, black eyes dancing. “Of course, if I didn’t have to cut my break short lugging boxes around and doing actual work, I could probably finish this in the next hour…”

He shoots her an unimpressed look.

“Do you actually think I’m that desperate?”

“I think you just promised to carry out potentially dangerous field testing that could possible get you blown up just to get a chance to read the book. Damn straight I think you’re desperate,” she declares, black eyes dancing. “So either you’re really bored with your life, or really weird.”

She looks him over again, and he gets the sense that this time she is actually studying him, because her eyes linger on his mask.

“Weird,” she concludes, and nods to herself. “Which is good. We’ll be friends.” She then closes the book, holding the place with one finger and pokes another in his face. “But no sex, okay? I don’t want to deal with sad puppy-dog eyes when I break your heart.”

He can’t help his jaw dropping at either implication.

“Now get to work. There are crates of blank scrolls in the back that need to be stocked up here,” she says, going back to her reading. “And if you don’t do a good job, I’m calling out spoilers.”

Which is how Kakashi Hatake, elite jōnin of the Hidden Leaf, finds himself stocking shelves for the next two hours, wondering what exactly he has gotten himself into.

つづく

I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Comments and constructive criticism are much appreciated, and very motivating—and if you enjoy my writing, check out my original stories as they are posted on patreon!

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#friday fic requests #naruto fanfiction #hatake kakashi #Kakashi Hatake #inuzuka manako #manako inuzuka #humor #first impressions #first meeting #original character #behind the scenes #spot the reference

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iamsielow · 4 years

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Eating Comics -- The Other Things …

*References to everything listed in the last post -- go read it if you haven't or just live life LARGE and move forward!

Comic Book Stores: You NEVER been to a comic book store??? SERIOUSLY??? Look, do yourself a mighty good favor. Like taking a shower, a visit to a comic book store opens the pores, stimulates the senses and stuns you as you experience it and leaves you tingly afterwards.

Comic Book Stores are NOT those corner shops that sell comic books from days gone by. Not any more. They are vibrant, open spaces, filled wall to wall with comics of every imagination! The comics they sell run comics books from for small kids, for children, for teens, adults and VERY adult. THEN they add on paraphernalia of every imaginable kind! Posters, statues, busts. Action shots, posed shots, adventure shots. T-shirts, dresses, masks. Toys, collectables, transformers!

Do yourself a MIGHTY GOOD THING! Look up the local comic book store, even if in the nearby big city. GO! On a Saturday adventure day, GO! Plan to spend an hour or two. GO! Without any expectations. This ain't yer daddy's comic book store -- Opps! Actually it is! He's over in the DC collectables area lookin' fer a good Green Lantern shirt! <Big Smile>

National Used Book Store Chains: Please tell me you have gone into at least one National Used Book Store Chains in the last year or so! Like the comic book stores, these places are a Universe unto themselves. Filled with not only well priced books, but CDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays, AND VINYLS!!!! -- Yes, the provider of rich sounds from before the 2010s, vinyl records, whose sultry sounds are making a comeback among those who prefer their music smooth and less digital.

But vinyl records are a different posting, right now we are talking about the comic books found in these stores.

And find them you shall! Sometimes complete collections, sometimes not, but always (and definitely) priced to sell! The comics you seek may or may not be here, likely cheaper than you imagined. But buy quickly because you see today can also disappear in a Flash tomorrow! So seek and yea shall find … today, but tomorrow you may come up dry! So if you find it, then buy it.

Speaking of which, once you tasted the national chain used book store ("Half Priced Books" is an excellent starting point) go and visit their cousins: Used Book Store and New Book Store and even Book Store!

Used Book Store IS that little shop in the odd place your parent's parents used to speak of. Some cobbled together by collectors, others put together with purpose. I discovered Used Book Stores in old churches, tiny rooms in malls, and even once in the 20 or so rooms of an otherwise empty house -- Yes, seriously! A man living by himself had a room for himself, a kitchen and his bathroom, but every other room in the house was filled with wall to wall books. Aisle after aisle after aisle!

The New Book Stores are coffee shops. Children reading hours. Gab shops. Creative projects. They are evolving into fun, HUMAN places. Go! Become a HUMAN again! Plus they have NEW books of everything under the sun! From books you'll use to impress strangers who visit your home to items that you'll fall asleep reading. The New Book store has evolved and does things the Internet will never do. The HUMAN in you will thank you for the adventure!

And then there is: The Book Store. This is the library, it's the non-chain store, the places you find on a stroll through town. Welcoming, bright and cozy, The Book Store is a place where you experience life again. The general book store is usually a like a personal pleasure someone has that they have decided to share with others. The Book Store is a place you find readers when there are no customers. If you have a favorite book series or even one book you've read dozens of times, The Book Store is where you go to share and exchange the experiences those books brought you.

Yeah, you can do such things on-line, but online uses just one sense. Going to The Book Store and discussing your reads can, at times, use all your senses. The difference between discussing books on-line and doing so at a The Book Store is the difference between washing your hands and soaking in a warm tub.

You have my word on this.

Gaming Sessions - At Comic Book Stores: One of the biggest secret for MANY comic book stores is that they either host or know where the monthly, weekly or even nightly gaming groups meet. These are not the private groups but those where people who have never "gamed" or haven't "gamed" in a while can come and duke it out.

You probably know the reference or seen it on the recent TV show "Big Bang Theory." People, yes men AND women, gather to use something called "their imagination" to travel on a directed adventure. The general name of the person directing the adventure, no matter what the game, is the "The Dungeon Master." The D.M. provides the flexible plot and direction the adventure travels. Backed by random chance provided by the most unusual dice you've ever seen -- not just six sided dice (D6) here but up to 120 sides (D120) on a single die. The “D” value indicates the number of sides on the die and runs from a D2 to a D120 die. That's right, a die (a single dice) with 120 sides to it. The normal die you are familiar with, the six-sided die, is a D6. The D2? It is basically a coin flip.

Trivia point about die: The numbers on the bottom and on the top of a roll add up to the number of numbers on the die, plus one. Roll a normal 6 sided die (D6). If a 6 is on top, a 1 is on the bottom, adding up to 7. 3's are opposite of 4 and 5's opposite is 2. All the opposite sides adding up to 7 or the sides adding up to six (sides) plus one.

The gaming sessions are mental adventures boosted by random chance. You also get a sense of bonding you cannot get from the internet. The people you are playing with, against or for are there with you. Snide remarks, stupid jokes, and smiles all items you cannot get as easily over a cable and through a screen.

All items you'll talk about for hours after the last die has been rolled.

You honestly have to experience it to understand what I'm talking about.

Finally, Board Gaming Societies: If you are lucky enough to live in the proper places or lucky enough to have the resources to start your own, you simply MUST find or create a board gaming society. The one I am aware of is called CABS -- Columbus Area Boardgaming Society.

Image all the board games you may have as a child. Everything from Candyland to chess to checkers to Monopoly. Now imagine adding things such as "Apples to Apple", "Connect 4" and others you may have seen but never had. After adding those to your pile, imagine discovering that there are professional game makers ALL over the world! Dice based, spinner based, word based, even gravity based games in almost infinite combinations and paying instructions. I once played an auto racing game, WITH shifting options, using dice, a shift indicator and curved track on a board three feet long! The number of times I crashed into the walls numbed me! While some how I didn't finish last, I did come in next to.

Finally pile on the experience some pizzas, sub sandwiches, BYO buffets, cookies, pies, cakes (home-made and store bought). Some free, some a dollar a section. Drinks of all type, including a few wine coolers.

Then you sprinkle the whole event with roars of laughter, screams of defeat, cries of angst and jumps of joy, all lasting from the end of the workday until possibly Four-in-the-Morning and beyond. One night I became friends with a group of people who included the owner of a chain of Chinese restaurants and we all left the gaming session to hang out at one of his restaurants where he made us a very late Chinese meal while his prep people were arriving to prepare the foods for the restaurant's operation that day.

If you have all of those in a large conference room, then there's a chance you have discovered a gaming society.

How popular is the local gathering? There have been times they meet 6 times a week, almost every night of the week. Twice a week they had adult only gatherings just simply to keep the noise down and possibly making the game playing a little fairer -- no leeway given because the opponent was young and learning.

On the weekends, the game play might start at noon on one day and end at noon on the next.

The group I visited had a nightly entry fee of $2 or as a member, for $15 you could get in all month. Family rates were even better. The fees were mostly as a token payment to the business whose rooms we were using.

Being member also gave you an option of "borrowing" a game for a week or so. You could take a game home for "family fun night."

The games come from all over: Board game makers will send games in development for reviews by the players. Foreign gaming societies will send you their games for one of yours.

When I went, they had cabinets of board games. The number of games topped 100, so it was rare to find one you've play twice in one night or even one month.

You would go up to the cabinets and stand until one or several others approached. You would make it known you were looking for a game to play and they would offer to play with you. Then you'd look over the titles and choosing the one which match your agreed upon desire. You'd wander off to a clear table somewhere and play. Some games gathered audiences, and some people had partners they always played with. Nothing was forced and everyone had fun.

Honestly? It is rare that I see so many diverse people gathered in one place, laughing, smiling and having this much fun. Families, WHOLE families, gathered for gaming. Many of the people in attendance were good, church going folk just having fun. There were kids learning the joys of success and the agony of defeat. Many people were more than willing to explain the reasons behind the strategy they were using against their opponents once the game had been won or lost.

I will note that the people in the room deeply guarded the "family friendly" aspects of the setting. Drunks, druggies and people who became "excessive" were invited to leave and sometimes forced to do so. This was a FAMILY and FRIENDLY gathering of board game players. As such, people relaxed, enjoyed but did not put up with those wanting to cause troubles.

Everyone else was invited and welcomed. Everyone relaxed and had fun, either participating, observing or sometimes napping between games or between sessions.

So, after you’ve re-discovered comic books -- REAL, hold-in-your-hands, comic books and a vast paraphernalia they have these days, and after you've further collected used issues to keep you reading up, then go back to allow a Dungeon Master to control your fate and destiny until you ever find or start a local board gaming society.

People sometimes ask me what it's like to go to other worlds. I smile and then take them on a tour of their own world in places like these they've never knew existed just minutes away from home.

I Am Sielow, These are my words.

If you like what you've read, PLEASE hit the SUBSCRIBE button! I’d like to know I’m reaching you. I’d also ask you to share the post and recommend my works to others.

If you'd like to see other items I've posted, look for my blog at: https://iamsielow.tumblr.com/archive

If you like what you have seen and read, please consider supporting me at: www.subscribestar.com/IamSielow

I am also (soon to be) on YouTube as IAmSielow.

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kuwaiti-kid · 4 years

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Review: Final Fantasy VII Remake – Returning to Midgar

Sitting in anticipation, I grip my controller as I watch the opening movie flash with the beginning scenes of Midgar.

Familiar characters and locations gleam as they appear one by one. That familiar tune begins to play as the loading screen appears. It is impossible not to get emotional while the nostalgic theme song of the original flow from your speakers.

The difference? Everything looks so real I want to reach out and touch it-like a kid in a digital candy store.

Brace yourselves; the long-anticipated Final Fantasy VII Remake game has finally arrived!

Review: Final Fantasy VII Remake

Final Fantasy is the most famous RPG franchise ever, and 7 is the most famous Final Fantasy ever. The original, released 23 years ago in 1997, sold more than 11 million copies and inspired spinoffs, animated movies, and fan fiction.

The octagon shapes and bright colors that once made up our beloved game have been traded for the highest level of graphic design. You can see every strand of Cloud’s hair shift when he moves. Every detail of emotion can be seen in Aerith’s eyes. It makes you wonder if this could be the true definition of magic.

The Final Fantasy VII Remake brings the nostalgia of our beloved story to life. With the newly enhanced graphics, upgraded designs, and storyline enhancements, it is enough to keep us all on the edge of our gaming chairs. Midgar looks beautifully realistic. You can practically smell the stench of the Mako.

The Remake game had a release date of April 10 and received very favorable reviews.

Grab a basket of your favorite flowers and let us once more begin a story that will shape the destiny of an entire world—the world of Midgar.

***Spoiler Alert!***

We will be reviewing upgrades, story plotline, and some details that may ruin a surprise or two. If you want to experience the surprise on your own, save this article to read after you play the FFVII Remake!

The Story Begins – A Quick Recap

Final Fantasy VII was one of the most revolutionary games around and was an introduction for many into the next generation of games.

The Final Fantasy VII Remake is not just a retelling of that iconic storyline. The first few hours of the game take on its own form of JRPG storyline, adding depth and details to the original. The main story is the same, but they added several enhancements to the story that go more in-depth.

The overall base of the story has to do with the Mako. Mako is the lifeblood of the planet and the fuel that powers the city of Midgar. By exploiting this resource through their Mako Reactors, the Shinra Electric Power Company has all but seized control of the entire world. A group of idealists, known as Avalanche, is one of the last bastions of resistance.

The main story itself revolves around the electric company Shinra, and the controversy of extracting the life force (Mako) from the earth and turning it into energy. Doing so is slowly killing the planet. Midgar itself is plagued by wealth inequality, split into two main sections separated by a massive plate: The business class society and the low-class slums.

You play as Cloud Strife, an elite operative turned mercenary. He is introduced by taking part in an Avalanche operation to destroy Mako Reactor 1 in the city of Midgar. If you haven’t heard of the infamous Cloud, he is the one wielding a sword larger than his entire body.

This is the base of where our story begins in both versions of the game, but the true question is, when does this one end?

The World of Midgar Reimagined…and Divided

Square Enix has made a bold move in utilizing the chapter feature. Rather than release the entire game in one shot, the developers decided to split it into episodes. And they have not revealed how many episodes are planned or how they will be connected.

The story progresses with chapters as if in a book. But how long will this first book be? You will have to play to find out.

Game makers have already confirmed that there will be at least two installments of the game, but they are still deciding on how many different installments there will be.

Due to this decision, they took the time to create new sections of the story that did not exist before.

Story Additions: Thickening the Plot

By the time you are a few hours into gameplay, you have already experienced some of the new additions to the story. They are some great extensions that add enriching details, pulling you even further into their world.

Curious about the difference? Here are a few changes that were made to the main storyline!

Shinra blows up its own reactor.

Unlike the original game, the bomb Cloud and Barret set in the Sector 1 reactor in Remake does not blow the facility up. Instead, Shinra does the dirty work itself, causing an explosion far bigger and more devastating than Avalanche had planned.

But why would Shinra do this?

Obviously, keeping the reactors running would make them plenty of money. Unfortunately, the only thing more profitable than the reactors would be war. Shinra wants to encourage the population of Midgar to support a second war with the nation of Wutai, and so it begins to spread propaganda that Avalanche is in allegiance with them.

Jessie’s mission

One of the few completely new locations in Final Fantasy 7 Remake is the Sector 7 Employee Housing Area, a residential zone on Midgar’s upper plate. Here we get to see how the wealthier people of the city live, as well as visit Jessie’s family home.

Apart from this entire mission being new, including the attack on a Shinra warehouse to secure more explosives, we’re also introduced to a whole new villain in the form of Roche, a flamboyant member of Shinra’s elite SOLDIER division. This marks Roche’s first and only appearance in the whole game.

Sector 7’s hidden lab

After the company drops an entire sector of the upper city on the slums to try and wipe out Avalanche, the party discovers a hidden laboratory that’s been operating in secret beneath Sector 7 – something that doesn’t exist (or at least is never mentioned) in the original.

While exploring its tunnels in search of Wedge, Barret and Tifa discover practically a whole army of creatures who attack them on sight. These creatures are failed experiments and appear to be Remake’s answer to the original game’s Makonoids; humans who have been saturated with Mako to the point that they have become monsters.

Take note, upon completion of the first game; you can revisit individual chapters to complete tasks you may have missed.

One of the best parts? You will be playing all of these characters with an unbelievably lifelike makeover.

The Revamped Character Designs

The original designs for the characters in 1997 were limited to the technology of the time. Though FF7 Remake certainly isn’t the first time these characters were updated or redesigned, it’s indeed striking to see them in 4K and on modern consoles.

The variety in character design is one aspect of FF7 that has remained a favorite among fans since the original, but some of them have had more of a glow-up than others.

Sephiroth

What makes Sephiroth such an iconic character within Final Fantasy VII and arguably one of the most recognizable video game villains in history is his simple yet elegant design. They have kept his look fairly streamlined throughout but have added detail.

Seeing him in the new graphics really brings his original design to life.

Cloud Strife

In a similar level to Sephiroth, his classic iconic design has been kept intact. However, the upgrades in detail due to the new technology are striking. Every single detail has been perfected right down to the knitted detail in his turtleneck.

Although his design has remained pretty much the exact same, he now looks better than he ever did in Advent Children.

Jessie

All of AVALANCHE received quite a few changes, but Jessie’s had the least as far as adjustments. Her design was one of the simplest in the original game, after all.

Still, the upgrades to facial expressions and body language really give Jessie a way more significant-feeling role than she ever had.

Wedge

Wedge has come a long way since the original game, as well as the earlier builds of the Remake. He was always seen as a sort of comic relief background character with minimal design.

The new remake really lets him shine with his excellent voice work, and the rework of his facial and character design.

Biggs

Out of all the minor AVALANCHE characters, Biggs is probably the one many least expected to look this good in the remake. However, it’s an entirely fair statement to say that Biggs is a contender for one of the most attractive characters in the game.

Barret Wallace

This is, without a doubt, the best iteration of Barret to date, and is precisely how he was pictured past the limitations of the original game. Due to his bigger stature, his overworld model on the PS1 was arguably one of the worst out of all the characters, but he looks near perfect in the Remake.

Tifa Lockhart

Even though Tifa never fit the stereotype of fantasy characters donning ridiculously complicated and intricate outfits, instead choosing to rock a simple white crop-top and a short skirt for maximum close-combat kickboxing efficiency.

The remake still manages to make her look more stunning than ever. Not a single detail has been forgotten on her design.

Aerith Gainsborough

From the first sight of the opening cutscene of the Final Fantasy VII Remake, Aerith shows the true scope of how far graphical capabilities have come in video games.

Her original models were already some of the best in the game, but Square Enix truly knocked it out of the park with her modern design. The details are impeccable, her hair looks real, and adding a voice to her really made the character design hit you right in the feels.

Several other characters received a huge enhancement in the game, including Heidegger and President Shinra.

The character redesigns are truly a work of art. Every detail was considered, and it shows.

But the reimagined character designs are another massive change people are talking about. Another colossal change is the battle system.

Battle System – A Hybrid

All of us that have played the classics grew accustomed to the original ATB system. This system relied almost completely on turn-based strategy as you had to be sure to utilize each character to its best potential. It ultimately meant just picking what your characters did from a menu and then watching the animations play out.

There will be some settings options for players who don’t like the new system, including a classic mode for people who want to just play the FFVII Remake in the spirit of the original. When you first begin the game, you will receive the option to select the classic gameplay.

The newly reimagined Final Fantasy VII battle system makes it feel as if it is a brand-new game. This new version blends the best elements of prior games into one cohesive system. This new system allows more freedom and is sure to give you an adrenaline rush.

They combined the battle systems of Final Fantasy with Kingdom Hearts to create a splendid blend of combat.

This is what would be considered more of an action-based RPG system. You can battle in real-time, experiment with fight abilities, and change characters with the quick click of a button. Every character has a unique style to them that feels like playing a totally different game when you switch over. Plus, there are tons of new customization options for weapons, skills, and the game’s materia magic system that stand to make overall combat much deeper than the original.

Remake Wrap Up

The Final Fantasy VII Remake exceeded all expectations. It provided its fans exactly what they were begging for and more. You can genuinely say it was not only remade, but it was reimagined.

With the new graphics, you can feel even more connected to your beloved characters.

The added storylines pull you further into the turmoil of their tale.

Some play games for fun, and for others, it becomes a part of their heart. Final Fantasy VII will always have a special place in many people’s lives. Now the Remake made that piece a whole lot larger.

Whether you are a new or old fan, purchasing the game is well worth the money.

The question everyone wants to know is when will the next chapter be released? How long will we have to wait to visit Midgar once again? We will have to wait impatiently for Square Enix to answer those questions.

One thing we do know for sure, the wait will be worth it.

The post Review: Final Fantasy VII Remake – Returning to Midgar appeared first on Your Money Geek.

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chocolate-brownies · 5 years

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Is Social Media Wrecking Your Body Image?

Is Social Media Wrecking Your Body Image?:

You’re not alone. Here’s how to use your yoga practice to feel better in your body right now.

Yoga is all about self-acceptance. Social media … is not. Here’s a simple way to use your practice to feel better about your body, even in this digital world

We live in a world highly conscious of the presence of social media as a force for human interaction and connection. Social media taps into our basic human instinct to belong to the “tribe,” which is a major reason why our favorite platforms maintain such a prominent role in our lives. With every scroll through our newsfeed, we subconsciously seek to satisfy a deep and primal desire to belong.

Yet here’s the catch: Our personal tribes on social media are significantly more expansive and far-reaching than our tribes of old. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow us to bond with friends and family all over the world. In the mere space of a post we watch babies grow up, teens go off to college, couples get married and divorced, and every life event in between. We follow what people eat, what they wear, when they go to yoga class, and how many miles they ran. From the most mundane to the most significant events, we are privy to others’ lives in intimate ways.

See also A Practice to Help You Break Up with Your Bad Body Image Once and for All

Not only does social media offer that comforting sense of “these are my people,” but it also encourages us to make new friends and access other tribes or social groups. As we accumulate more friends that intersect with tribes removed from our personal one, our sense of belonging expands. Plus, beyond interacting with friends, we can join closed groups, create communities that support a cause, and network as professionals. We have instant access to current events and an outlet to voice our opinions. We can like and be liked—loved even. Every post is an opportunity to bond with our tribe, and every like, comment, share, and retweet reinforces our survival instinct to belong.

The line between satisfying our survival instinct and seeking external validation can sometimes blur in our relationship with social media. Let’s face it, the constant stream of images can trigger comparison, jealousy, sadness, shame, and discontent with who we are and what we look like. Filters and other image-enhancing tools have upped the game when it comes to presenting ourselves to the world as picture-perfect, which can leave us feeling pressured to constantly look ready for an image worthy of posting.

Want to form a healthier relationship with social media?

For yoga practitioners, social media represents a rich opportunity to practice the Svadhyaya, the fourth niyama in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Svadhyayaliterally means “one’s own reading” or “self-study” and is the practice of observing our behaviors, actions, reactions, thoughts, patterns, habits, and emotions with the intention of gaining wisdom about how to reduce suffering and become more empowered in our lives.

See also Feeling Stuck? Try Self-Inquiry for Resistance

When it comes to using social media, you can empower yourself by paying attention (practicing self-study) to which aspects of social media influence your relationship with your body in both positive, negative, and neutral ways.

To get a baseline for how your relationship with social media affects your body image and self-worth, take a few minutes to reflect on these questions:

How does your basic human desire to be loved influence how you use and engage with social media?

How do you feel about yourself when you use and engage with social media?

What words do you say to yourself about yourself and the people you observe on social media?

The answer to this last question is especially important to study, as your inner dialogue holds tremendous power over your self-esteem, body image, and mood.

See also 5 Ways You Can Use Your Yoga Practice to Improve Your Body Image

In the spirit of yoga, remember to observe your answers to these questions without judgement. Consider what this short self-study exercise revealed. If you bumped up against disempowering thoughts, notice them, breathe, and offer yourself compassion. Commit to one small shift you can make in how you use social media. For example, you might limit your exposure, unfollow triggering people and hashtags, or repeat mantra or affirmation to call on in response to negative self-talk that shows up when you use social media.

Learn how to develop a positive relationship with social media.

A practice for a healthy relationship with social media

Balance the images you feed your eyes and mind with this body mindful yoga practice. As you do it, practice self-study and notice how your self-talk and general vibe compares with these visuals versus social media:

View paintings, drawings, statues, and other pieces of artwork that inspire positive feelings. Notice the colors, textures, and other fine details that capture your attention. What unique qualities do you appreciate about these artistic pieces? If a work of art is especially pleasing to your eye, consider using it as a point of meditation. Gaze at it first thing in the morning for an allotted period of time as you recite a mantra, affirmation, or prayer.

Use this practice often to balance out social media use and bring yourself back to center if you feel “off” after a breeze through your newsfeed. You can also choose to focus on nature or other non-screen entities that bring you a sense of focus, calm, and appreciation.

Call on the practice of self-study often to enlighten you to the empowering aspects of social media in your life as well as recognize patterns in your social media use that are disempowering. When used in the true spirit of connection, social media is a wonderful tool to nurture our natural need for a sense of belonging. It connects us to our primal and collective human need to belong. What was once the tribe or village is now an online format of like-minded friends.

See also Practice Svadhyaya (Self-Study) On the Mat

Adapted from the book, Body Mindful Yoga, by Jennifer Kreatsoulas and Robert Butera. Reprinted with permission from Llewellyn Worldwide.

Body Mindful Yoga, by Jennifer Kreatsoulas and Robert Butera

About the Authors Robert Butera, MDiv, PhD, founded YogaLife Institute in Pennsylvania, where he trains yoga teachers and Comprehensive Yoga Therapists. Robert’s PhD at CA Institute of Integral Studies focused on Yoga Therapy. He authored The Pure Heart of Yoga, Meditation for Your Life, Yoga Therapy for Stress & Anxiety, and Body Mindful Yoga. Visit him at www.YogaLifeInstitute.com.

Jennifer Kreatsoulas, PhD, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, is a certified yoga therapist specializing in eating disorders and body image. She is an inspirational speaker and author of Body Mindful Yoga: Create a Powerful and Affirming Relationship With Your Body (Llewellyn Worldwide, 2018). Jennifer provides yoga therapy via online and in person at YogaLife Institute in Wayne, PA, and leads yoga therapy groups at Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia. She teaches workshops, retreats, and specialized trainings for clinicians, professionals, and yoga teachers. Jennifer is a partner with the Yoga & Body Image Coalition and writes for Yoga Journal and other influential blogs. She has appeared on Fox29 news and has been featured in the Huffington Post, Real Woman Magazine, Medill Reports Chicago, Philly.com, and the ED Matters Podcast. Connect with Jennifer: www.Yoga4EatingDisorders.com

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krisiunicornio · 5 years

Link

You’re not alone. Here’s how to use your yoga practice to feel better in your body right now.

Yoga is all about self-acceptance. Social media … is not. Here’s a simple way to use your practice to feel better about your body, even in this digital world

See also A Practice to Help You Break Up with Your Bad Body Image Once and for All

Want to form a healthier relationship with social media?

For yoga practitioners, social media represents a rich opportunity to practice the Svadhyaya, the fourth niyama in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Svadhyaya literally means "one's own reading" or "self-study” and is the practice of observing our behaviors, actions, reactions, thoughts, patterns, habits, and emotions with the intention of gaining wisdom about how to reduce suffering and become more empowered in our lives.

See also Feeling Stuck? Try Self-Inquiry for Resistance

To get a baseline for how your relationship with social media affects your body image and self-worth, take a few minutes to reflect on these questions:

How does your basic human desire to be loved influence how you use and engage with social media?

How do you feel about yourself when you use and engage with social media?

What words do you say to yourself about yourself and the people you observe on social media?

The answer to this last question is especially important to study, as your inner dialogue holds tremendous power over your self-esteem, body image, and mood.

See also 5 Ways You Can Use Your Yoga Practice to Improve Your Body Image

Learn how to develop a positive relationship with social media.

A practice for a healthy relationship with social media

See also Practice Svadhyaya (Self-Study) On the Mat

Adapted from the book, Body Mindful Yoga, by Jennifer Kreatsoulas and Robert Butera. Reprinted with permission from Llewellyn Worldwide.

Body Mindful Yoga, by Jennifer Kreatsoulas and Robert Butera

#sleep sounds #sleep music #white noise app #nature sounds #relaxing sounds #rain sounds for sleeping

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amyddaniels · 5 years

Text

Is Social Media Wrecking Your Body Image?

You’re not alone. Here’s how to use your yoga practice to feel better in your body right now.

Yoga is all about self-acceptance. Social media … is not. Here’s a simple way to use your practice to feel better about your body, even in this digital world

See also A Practice to Help You Break Up with Your Bad Body Image Once and for All

Want to form a healthier relationship with social media?

See also Feeling Stuck? Try Self-Inquiry for Resistance

To get a baseline for how your relationship with social media affects your body image and self-worth, take a few minutes to reflect on these questions:

How does your basic human desire to be loved influence how you use and engage with social media?

How do you feel about yourself when you use and engage with social media?

What words do you say to yourself about yourself and the people you observe on social media?

The answer to this last question is especially important to study, as your inner dialogue holds tremendous power over your self-esteem, body image, and mood.

See also 5 Ways You Can Use Your Yoga Practice to Improve Your Body Image

Learn how to develop a positive relationship with social media.

A practice for a healthy relationship with social media

See also Practice Svadhyaya (Self-Study) On the Mat

Adapted from the book, Body Mindful Yoga, by Jennifer Kreatsoulas and Robert Butera. Reprinted with permission from Llewellyn Worldwide.

Body Mindful Yoga, by Jennifer Kreatsoulas and Robert Butera

0 notes