#how would we be able to pull together over a climate crisis which has been going on for like 30 years

[spencersmagic]

Middle of Adventure - 505 series.

(found on pinterest).

masterlist // 505 series // taglist

summary: a part two to "greet me with good bye" (found here)

couple: fem reader x spencer reid

category: angst, hurt/comfort

warnings: general criminal minds violence, mentions of guns, curse words (f*ck/f*cking), crying.

words: 1.8k

time to read: 10 minutes.

***

It was quite ironic.

The space between them had never felt as empty, as ruined, as it did right now. It felt like the love, the care that they had had for each other all those years back, all the patience and truth they had shared, had been stolen. The woman in front of them had done it for them.

The last two years seemed empty now. Emotionless. Worthless.

The feelings they had for each other had always been unspoken. Excluding a few instances, core instances that needed verbal confirmation, they had always understood each other without having to share a word. They were both profilers, for God’s sake.

Spencer’s fidgeting in the plane rides on the way back from a tough case was always understood by Y/N. She had always made sure to hold him, caress his hair or read to him when he was feeling anxious. Similarly, when she was feeling weird after an uncomfortable encounter with a disgusting unsub, closing in on herself, carrying herself differently, he would always pick up on it. He’d cover her with a blanket and tell her random facts about the stars, or lemons, or the first shoes discovered… Anything that could get her mind away from the filthy words he had spewed at her.

There were no words exchanged between. Because they always knew what the other needed.

Because they cared. And they wanted the other to be okay.

The lack of words didn’t mean a lack of communication. There was constantly a line of communication between the two of them, established through body language, looks and short beginnings of sentences right before the other picked up on what they wanted. Everything was clear between them. They always just knew.

This had taken time. Of course, it had. At first, they were clumsy. Y/N’s anxiety attacks had gone worse once when he had tried to distract her by talking about the climate crisis (a horrible idea, if you ask me). Similarly, she had learned that after Spencer’s rare, but long talks with Hotch weren’t the moment to make sarcastic comments about, well, anything.

All they had was silence and the promise to love the other if they needed it.

But right now, as they stood in front of the unsub, then woman who had been tormenting Spencer for the past few months with little letters, threats and promises to hurt everybody he knew and loved (or at least everybody who was left), it felt like nothing could ever be the same.

She had called herself “The Woman”, which Y/N understood. She wanted to be everything to Spencer.

She stood still, calmly, knowingly. Because nothing he did could change the course of action that was about to occur tonight. The stillness in the weapon she had aimed at Y/N made sure to make that clear.

“Why would I need to break up with her, Clara? Y/N and I aren’t together” Spencer repeated calmly, trying to focus on his training so he could try to ignore the soft sobs that Y/N was letting out.

The gun rattled as Clara shook in anger.

“Bullshit! I’ve seen you together. For God’s sakes, I’ve seen the way you fucking look at her. You-“she laughed manically “You look at her like she’s hung the fucking stars – like you’re supposed to look at me! So don’t you dare fucking lie to me “. She was met with silence.

“You know…” tears welled in her eyes, strong façade faltering. “You were going to come back. We were supposed to meet, and you were supposed to love me like I have all these years. You abandoned me!” she screamed. “And now you’re with-with her”.

Nothing.

“Do it or I will shoot her!” she screamed, sending spit flying around. Flinching, she shakily repeated Clara’s words.

“Do it, Spencer. I can take it” she spoke clearly, forcing her voice to sound unworried.

It was quite ironic. Because they had been in a similar situation at the beginning of their relationship. And it would end like this, too.

“I can’t, Y/N. Y-you know I can’t! Why are you making me do this?!” he raised his voice suddenly, ripping his lungs open as he sunk down onto the floor. He crumbled upon himself as he sobbed. “I can’t. I can’t do it, Y/N.” he repeated over and over, the last bit of self-restraint leaving his body. “I can’t do it. You are everything. I c-can’t hurt” he hiccupped.

Y/N’s eyes absorbed Spencer every little movement and tremble. She felt as though he had kept her heart right up until this moment, bubble wrapped and intact, but now he was crushing it as he hugged himself tightly. It was too much to bear.

“Spencer, if you don’t do it, I will” she whispered. He looked up, tear eyed, and looked at Clara. Her smile was wide now, red nose, enjoying the scene that was unfolding in front of her. Spencer stood up shakily.

“Clara, you were my classmate in school. Having the chance to go to university, don’t you think I had to take it? Did- Didn’t you want what’s best for me?” he tried to reason. “You love me, right? Don’t you want me to be happy?”. She smiled sadly at him.

“I do. But not if it’s with her”.

He turned to Y/N, eyes filled with tears. “Y/N” he requested. Still, she couldn’t bear looking at him. “Y/N! Y/N. Please look at me” he shook. She turned.

“Y/N…” he whispered, taking a look at her, bloody and beaten. “Y/N, I can’t live without you. Since I met you, I haven’t been able to.” He paused. “You’re everything. I don’t how to live without you”.

“Spencer, you will have to learn. The middle of an adventure is such a perfect place to start” she whispered back. His face changed completely, eyes wide and surprised.

**

“Oh god! This is so tedious. When can we leave?” had whispered Reid, curling a lock of her hair around his finger.

“We’re here as guests, Spencer. It would be rude of us to leave” she had reprimanded him, seemingly unaltered by his puppy dog eyes.

“But-but my love” he all-but-whined. “I wanna go home”.

“Yeah? You “wanna go home”? Or are your pants getting a little bit too tight from staring down my top?” she shot back. He didn’t dare reply.

“Do you want to play, or not?” Y/N clarified. He nodded eagerly. She grabbed him by the hair as they slow-danced in the middle of the lounge with the other couples at Rossi’s new wife’s mansion.

She pulled him close, lips close to his ear in such a way that appeared innocent to outsiders. Her words, though, were another story.

“Okay, love. “Adventure” is our safe-word. I’m going to tease you and, the moment I bring up that word in conversation that’ll mean that you’ve done well and should now play along. I’ll make up some excuse and we can leave this god-awful party. Sounds good?” once again, he nodded eagerly.

**

“You know, Clara. Maybe you’re right” Spencer begun, looking into her eyes. “If she’s so okay with letting me go, she clearly doesn’t deserve my time” he swallowed his tears, hoping he was being convincing.

Clearly, Clara didn’t need a lot of convincing. After all, she had been looking for every single indicator in his words and looks in front of the camera to believe he was madly in love with her, and seeking her out.

She lowered the now-forgotten weapon, throwing it on the ground and herself on Spencer.

“You really think so, my love?”

A pet name Spencer had heard coming from Y/N, and had never felt as disgusting as it did in that moment. Spencer couldn’t even think about what it was doing to her.

He just nodded, hugging her back as convincingly as possible.

Sometimes, we do what we can to make our loved ones happy. Sometimes, we stay. Other times, we leave. We give and give for them. At the end of the day, it’s human nature to want to created strong bonds with those you love the most.

Spencer and Y/N weren’t an exception. They gave so much to each other – to their relationship. They loved with such a love that is only seen in movies, with a passion that only occurs during the darkest hours, and a heart that has only been broken and mended over and over.

In retrospection, Clara is no different either.

As Spencer pushed her off, Y/N threw herself to the ground to grab the gun, did a somersault and pointed it at her. Right on cue, Morgan and Prentiss burst into the old warehouse, pointing their guns at Clara.

“Step away from my boyfriend, you bitch”.

**

It felt almost surreal.

Especially to Spencer, who had been battling with the thought of her for the past three months. It felt like this moment would never come – like a breach in the space-time continuum had been formed and he was now experiencing a reality parallel to his own.

But feeling Y/N’s touch, hearing their mutual comforting words, stumbling like their relationship had been, was grounding. Perhaps not comfortable, or stable, of secure just yet. But it sent a message to both of them. “No matter what happens, no matter how many variations exist in your life, I will never be one. I’ll always be here”.

“You were supposed to come back! You were supposed to love me, and give me a beautiful life. Why didn’t you?” they heard Clara screaming. Tears were streaming down her face as the cop sat her down.

“You could’ve sent a letter, Clara” he reached to grab her handcuffs, which were clasped behind her. Y/N watched the entire scene unfold before her eyes, tears still cascading down her cheeks.

“Would that have made any difference?”

“It’s time to go, Ms. Sondermann”.

“Would it? Or would you have stayed with her?”Spencer stayed silent. “Don’t think you’re anything better than me. You did everything for her! Just like I did. You’re no different than me.” she screamed, as Prentiss pulled her away.

Spencer turned to look into Y/S’s eyes. She looked so different when the fear of losing her wasn’t looming around. Tired, of course, from the three day search, but hopeful.

He hadn’t seen her hopeful in so long.

As he closed in on her, looking so purely loving, she immediately understood. the dust settled and she realized just how much he had been through.

She suddenly understood.

**

The lack of words never meant a lack of communication.

There were no words exchanged between. Because they always knew what the other needed.

She spread her arms, ready for his embrace at the same time he ducked his head to hold her around the waist. His lips twitched, all the unspoken words at the top of his tongue.

“i-i know, love. i know” she spoke between sobs.

Everything was clear between them. They always just knew.

**

guys that's the end of the 505 series!!! i hope you liked it.

i'm super sad that it's ending, but the fics i've got in mind are really cool, and i can't wait to write them + share them with you all <3

(im lowkey feeling nostalgic - i've fallen in love with this take on the characters and their dynamic).

taglist: @lady-anon-x @username2002 @eoupe @galaxydefenderjulia @spencerreid-mgg @spenxerslut @urie-bowie-mercury @onyourfingertips @big-galaxy-chaos @fiftyshadesofspencerreid @tbuhgs @exhaleli

tags not working: @huntheimpossible @idontwantyourcookiesthanks

you can join my taglist on the link at the top

happy reading. i love you. stay safe and happy <3

#spencer reid #spencer reid x yn #spencer reid x reader #505 #505 themed series #spencer reid x fem reader #criminal minds #cm #criminal minds fic #spencer reid fanfiction #fanfic #spencer reid angst #spencer reid fluff #angst #criminal minds angst #spencer #reid #mgg #spencer reid fic #spencer reid imagine

[holyhikari]

Okay. Okay. It’s 2020, most of the world is shut down and the first episode of Digimon Adventure aired yesterday, missing a ‘Butter-Fly’ and with a colon to spare. Life sure is something. 

Gotta say I’m relieved. (For now, at least.) Sure, yeah, I got into the hype train for the reboot from the get-go and determined to just have fun, but. If I can picture all the ways something can go wrong — go BORING — down to excruciating details right from the first episode, why not? That’s what brains are for. So that’s what I did. 

Should have saved all that energy. 

I want to share with all of you my thoughts on this episode, break it down a little bit; how it made me feel, the few character introductions we got, the pace, the plot and its possibilities. 

As much as I want to approach this series keeping the idea of authenticity in mind, it is a reboot. They chose a certain set of (popular!) pre-existent characters to explore, to work with; a balance between creating and adapting. And I’m very interested in seeing how they’ll combine the core elements of Digimon Adventure with all there is unique to this generation of kids, teens and, you know it, adults who stuck around. 

Since all we’ve got is the introduction to the series, I’ll be contrasting TOKYO DIGITAL CRISIS to how the original Adventure kicked off back in 1999 with  ADRIFT? THE ISLAND OF ADVENTURE!

I did try to keep this as coherent and review-like as possible, but there’s a fair amount of fan-girling and it’s all seen through my very biased Adventure-stan-colored lens. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya. 

‘99 starts with an image of our planet, and  ‘20 starts almost the same. This time, though, we can see we aren’t alone. ‘The Digital World affecting the Earth’ is something that happens, I believe, in every Digimon reincarnation. In ‘99, it’s deeply affecting our climate. Now, the issue doesn’t seem so drastic that it’s able to reach influence organic matter and mess up many Nature’s cycles across the globe, but it’s still not looking so good for our kids. (It’s the first episode and Hikari and Yuuko almost get train-sandwiched, but I suppose that almost having your head chopped off, courtesy of Kuwagamon, isn’t lovely either.) 

Anyway. 

I think this Digital World/Network shot isn’t actually part of the episode? I think it’s part of the opening (I mean, not the OP sequence with the song, obviously), and that we’ll be seeing it before each episode starts. Still, it’s an interesting juxtaposition, isn’t it?

A Glorious World is upon us! I wasn’t actually expecting Butter-Fly or anything similar to it, don’t worry. I’m glad the new OP is its own thing! I want Digimon Adventure ‘20 to be as authentic as possible without losing the original’s heart. The song is nice enough. I don’t want to compare it to Butter-Fly, but I’m only human. Give me a few episodes. Gotta let go. 

The OP has way more Taichi than the others. No surprise there. He’s our goggle boy. (Still, since they went for a quick throwback to the original opening, it’s a shame only Taichi was shown falling down towards the Digital World). 

Everyone got a part, though. Shout out to Takeru and Hikari for being yet again the ominous, powerful baby-faced duo that is definitely up to something. 

It’s so interesting that, while the other crests are shown very clearly and surrounded by sparkles, Light and Hope are only shown briefly shining in their partners’ shadows. Why is Takeru so far away from us, why is this so sinister-looking. Hi, mysterious plot. Nice to meet you.

Wherever Hikari is by the end of the OP, it reminds me of Vamdemon’s castle. Maybe she feels connected to Tailmon and follows her somehow? Angemon wasn’t shown in the OP with the older six children’s partners, just Patamon. I wonder if they’ll try to make us grieve for Angemon a second time. It’d work with me. Either way, I imagine we’re in for another last-minute Patamon evolution when everything looks hopeless. 

This time, though, we’ve got Hikari from the beginning (yes, I am VERY excited about this, thank you for asking, THIS IS WHAT I DESERVE), and, while I think Patamon is more powerful in regular conditions (as in, Angemon can probably take Angewomon in a fight despite the level imbalance, but as soon as Hikari starts glowing you know who’s winning), he will now be sharing the spotlight with another Archangel evolution… as his friend or as his foe, considering that Tailmon might be a double agent of some sorts in the beginning. Welp. 

Anyway. Toei isn’t fooling around, in the OP we can see MetalGreymon in a very scary-looking, glitchy fashion that I’m LIVING for, WarGreymon’s silhouette and, good grief, there’s even a glimpse of Omegamon. Talk about too much information. Maybe chill out a little? (I say this, but the adults already know all of their evos, and the kids just want MOOOOOOORE monstahhhhhrrrrrrsss….which is fair.)

MetalGreymon looks dope here. The others, though, are only shown up to their Adult evolution, even Gabumon. I don’t think they will have only Gabumon and Agumon reaching their Mega forms, and then fusing into Omegamon while everyone else only gets as far as Perfect.  Again.

They wouldn’t do this to us. Right? Yeah, they would. Maybe we can have Holydramon/Ophanimon and Seraphimon later on, as a treat. Aaaaaand, depending on how many episodes — how many seasons — this new timeline gets, I’m not giving up hope just yet. Let me have Phoenixmon, Toei, you heartless thing. 

Moving on to the actual episode… The first non-Digimon character to show up is the true protagonist. Our queen is back. Our little Digivice thief, Miko herself.

Just you wait, you ain’t gonna be Hikari’s favorite cat-like creature for long. 

Speaking of Hikari, LOOK AT THIS WITTLE BABY GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2020 Taichi right off the bat was Taichi for me. He’s talking to Yuuko and yells “Hikariii~” so loudly Hikari hears it from where she stands, the short cutie. Their mom just hands down the phone for her without missing a beat so Taichi can comfort her through whatever she’s worrying about (her summer classes, probably). Such a sweet, natural little moment that flashes both characters out. I want more of that, please.

We’re then introduced to Koushiro! I’m not gonna lie, I cringed the first time I heard him speak. I thought the voice didn’t fit him very well. This impression faded quickly enough, though, and I’m already attached to his new voice. Later, I realized that part of the reason he sounded off to me was because of how nervous he seemed — around Taichi, of all people! In this version, they’re just meeting for the first time, so it’s very in-character for him. Guess I was kinda shocked seeing Koushiro not feeling at ease talking to Taichi. Poor thing is Anxious! And he’s overthinking about Summer Camp! And he’s happy Taichi is his neighbor! That certainly would’ve helped during the Vandemon arc back in ‘99. 

Koushiro gets a little bit over his awkwardness upon hearing the news regarding the cyber attack, something he’s curious about, and finally steps towards Taichi instead of away, which is spot on. These two fall into an easy camaraderie, as they SHOULD, and they head to the train station together, where Taichi decides to, I don’t know… run like crazy on the tracks until he gets to the rogue train where his family is and stop it with sheer force of will? Yeah! Sounds like him! 

And now to one of the most interesting parts of this adaption, is that they’re showing us the Crests early on and HOW they’re doing it. 

Taichi is able to meet Koromon because he’s being brave.

I mean, the first time, he was chosen because of his courage, too, but they all go in together. They’re taken. They’re washed off the Earth. And while Taichi had no idea he was going to be pulled into the Net, he chose to try to save Hikari and his mom (and, a few moments later, he chose to dive in towards Koromon). This time, it feels so much more personal. The screen switched back and forth between the Crest of Courage, Taichi and Hikari, who I believed called his name. The scene worked so well! (Following this pattern, Koushiro gets his Digivice when expressing curiosity, the will to pursue an explanation for what was happening!!!!)

On the other hand, it’s sort of bittersweet  they weren’t pulled in together. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad they didn’t try to introduce all of them AND the Digital World at the same time again. But… ‘99 established them as a ‘team’ within seconds. It’s interesting, though. I’m VERY curious to see how their bonding will go this time around!

Taichi and Koromon meeting was beautiful. I was worried the soundtrack wouldn’t even stand a chance against the masterpiece that is the original one, but the musing playing was so delicate, so majestic. I felt I was witnessing a precious moment. Also, Koromon’s ears twisting into how we represent the DNA while he was evolving was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SUCH A GOOD DETAIL!!!!!! 

It cracked me up when Koushiro said that what was happening was very surprising while not sounding surprised at all. I wonder how long the kid has been looking into the cyber attacks. Oh, and the Network is pretty. Prettier than I had anticipated, though not that different from Appmon’s style, I think? I can’t wait to get a look at the actual Digital World and see if it has that unique feeling and that odd, watercolor painting aesthetic. I hope I can trust the OP:

 Did you notice that Agumon giggled a few times? He looked at Taichi with such love, familiarity and devotion and like he knew something. It felt… right. My heart. My poor, poor heart. (I know this Agumon probably has met Taichi before inside of this very Universe, like the Hikarigaoka incident in the original version, but I like to think about Universe-hopping platonic soulmates.) 

Overall the sound work was fantastic, but this scene deserves a highlight. The noise of the Kuramon lookalike moving after evolving was genuinely disturbing. And look at how pretty this is:

Speaking of evolution, AGUMON EVOLVING INTO GREYMON WAS THE SHIT. I loved how straight-up FERAL it was, while still keeping the “Digital” part of “Digital Monster” very much present. It reminded me a bit of Hosoda’s Greymon (most amazing Greymon to this day!) in the Digimon Adventure Movie and, now that I think of it, of him fighting in some Tri. Reunion scenes. Scary Greymon is the best Greymon. Yes. I like it when the Digimon manage to disturb and scare me, okay? They aren’t called monsters for nothing. 

I mean we got to see his horn literally bursting out of his skin. This is low-key terrifying. 10/10.

BUT WHERE IS THE EVOLUTION THEME SONG

I am: deceased. Cause of death: Hikari’s soft smile when she realizes her big brother managed to help them. 

Alternatively, this first pic had killed me on the spot.

FINALLY, we get to see Yamato, and of course, he’s staring down dramatically at Taichi on top of Garurumon like the intense person he is. And, no big deal, there’s a cyber attack in a U.S military base and, uh, apparently the next episode is the 2020 version of Bokura no War Game?! 

I— WHAT?!

No pressure, am I right? I don’t know about you, but I’d rather be falling off a good ol’ cliff with my camping buddies. 

To be honest, if they intended to end it like this, it felt like this should’ve been a special episode. Maybe one-hour-long or so? Why……….HOW……….. They wanna go from the pilot straight to a Bokura no War game tribute?! The very movie that introduced Omegamon. I swear, if Omegamon’s debut is the SECOND episode, I’m gonna break. How is this gonna work. Well, at least they have us… intrigued? 

The ED is so Yamato-focused it’s almost weird that his voice actor isn’t the one singing lmao. That amount of Yamatoness got me by surprise. Some of the pics look like a PowerPoint presentation of CD cover ideas for his yet-to-exist (or not) band… and I say this lovingly, okay? I love him so much. 

This is my favorite one!

I lost count of how many times I listened to this song!! It also got me hooked up. What’s up with Takeru and how the writers took the whole Angel aesthetic to a whole new level?! Is he sick? Is he dying? Is this why Yamato is so sad and lonely throughout the ED?????? EVERYONE GO BEFRIEND HIM. I heard he’s a good friend.

Be right back, I’m gonna tattoo this pic to my face.

Bonus commentary!

I bet I wasn’t the only one looking for  random cameos whenever they showed us crowds. Didn’t find anyone we know, but I’m sure this will change. 02 characters cameos, I’m ready for you. 

Soooooooooo the Tachikawa own a tech company this time?? For all we know they own Japan. That’s scarier than the Diablomon-like virus giving Trump a headache. If so, Mimi is gonna be way more spoiled than before. Oh, dear.

I HOPE WE SEE MORE OF THESE PIXEL BABIES! That was a perfect Easter egg.

If none of these icons at the bottom is the Digimon Analyzer, then what’s the point of my entire existence? 

I can’t wait for next Saturday! Even if solely to yell “WHY??????” at my screen.  

I can’t thank you enough if you read this far!

#digimon #digimon adventure psi #psi spoilers #bea with the tea #I SPENT THE WHOLE DAY WRITING THIS AND........ IT'S NOT EVEN GOOD.......... OK #long post

[mostfacinorous]

GO Whumptober Day 28: Such Wow. Many Normal. Very Oops.  [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27]

The cause of the freezing, humans determined, was either merely ‘nature’ or ‘the growing climate crisis’, depending on whether the person speaking believed in that sort of thing. Either way, everyone could agree that it was unusual to unheard of, and no one much appreciated it. 

It had eased off a bit, though-- still frozen, so the snow and ice was sticking around, but the wind had died off and the snow was no longer coming down in buckets, for which they were all very grateful. 

The Bentley remained where she’d been parked since that first attempted afternoon out, and the plowed mountain behind her only grew ever higher and ever thicker. 

Much like their American cousins from years prior, local heads of council had to remind their followers not to jump out of upper floor windows and into the snow, for fear of cars lurking underneath, and injuries that could and would result from such foolishness. 

It didn’t fully stop it from happening, but it might have deterred an idiot or two.

 Fortunately, neither Crowley nor Aziraphale was particularly interested in jumping out of windows. 

There were, however, interested in having a bit of a walk, as it had warmed up enough to allow for it again, and they were feeling a little cooped up. 

And so they packed their cocoa and coffee into a couple of thermoses-- carefully color coordinated in black and lightest blue tartan, so as to never be confused with The Thermos, of which they did not speak-- and headed to the park for a bit of time in the watery grey sun of London in winter. 

The streets were clear enough to walk on safely and carefully, but the path round the lake was only worn down by others’ feet, and the snow had been trampled enough to have turned to mud, then frozen back to ice in places, making their usual habit of walking and talking more dangerous. 

They had decided, after God’s admonition about getting closer, to try and keep their time apart to a minimum. This suited them both quite well, considering the trials and tribulations they’d faced of late, and it was delightful to finally have an excuse to be around one another that neither side could really argue with. After all, not being near Aziraphale when God arrived had put Crowley out of commission for days, and if he had been close, She may not have come at all. Thwarting at its finest, on both sides of the line. 

And so, if they held hands to help steady one another, there wasn’t anything Heaven nor Hell could do about it, short of shaking their heads with disgust. 

“I miss the ducks.” Crowley said suddenly, interrupting the silence that had descended as their last conversational topic had waned. 

“Do you?” Aziraphale asked, surprised. “You always treat them quite poorly; I thought you disliked them.”

“I do not!” Crowley protested. “I play with them. Same as how they play with one another, innit?” 

Aziraphale held his thoughts on the matter. He did glance out across the lake, though. 

“I wonder how firmly frozen it is. Do you suppose they will be able to ice skate on it, after a storm like that?” 

Crowley tilted his head and looked out over the ice. 

“At least a couple of ‘em are gonna give it a go. Look.” He nodded off near the high reeds, where the ducks liked to put their eggs come spring, and where a few children appeared to be slipping off their shoes, with plans of skating over the ice in their stockings.

“Heavens.” Aziraphale said. “Perhaps we ought to do something to stop them.” He began heading in that direction, a little too far off to be heard if he yelled. 

“Bit too late for that, Angel!” He heard as Crowley raced past him, realizing as he did that he’d pressed his mobile into Aziraphale’s hands. He looked up to see a child take off from the edge straight towards the middle of the pond-- and promptly fall through the ice and into the waters below. 

“Bugger.” Aziraphale muttered under his breath.

Crowley was fast, faster than the other children, even, and he shouted for them to stay as he slid on his stomach towards the hole in the ice. 

Aziraphael fumbled with the phone for a spare moment, then got a call in to emergency services. “Hello, yes, I am in St. james’ park, just north of the playground on the birdcage side of the lake-- a child has fallen through the ice and my partner has gone in after them. No, no, I can’t see-- they’ve surfaced. Please send help, I’m going to give you to a child now.” 

Aziraphale handed the phone off to the young girl who was standing by, mouth agape. 

“Help them find us, please.” He told her, a touch of miracle in his voice to give her the courage she needed to do the job, and then he turned to the lake. 

“Crowley?” He called to the man who was clutching at the ice with inhumanly sharp talons that had sprouted from his fingers while he held a boy between his chest and the rim of the hole. “What can I do to help?” Aziraphale asked. 

Crowley had lost his glasses, and his eyes were wide. 

“Don’t come out on the ice- it’s not gonna hold.” Even as he spoke, his fingers on one hand went crashing through the surface, sending them both bobbing as the boy cried out. 

“Tail!” Aziraphale shouted, hoping Crowley had enough presence of mind to handle the change. He had always been a better swimmer while serpentine, and perhaps, that done--

He saw the moment that Crowley gained the advantage and they became a little steadier in the water. 

“Now then-- if you have to, put him on your back, and break the ice away between you and the shore until you can climb out safely!” 

Aziraphale felt next to useless, but he supposed at least one of them had a mind that was not freezing or panicking, and thus was able to assist that way. 

“You hear that?” He heard Crowley mumbling comfortingly to the boy. “I’m going to give you a piggy ride now. You hold on tightly, understand? And I’ll soon have us out of here.” 

Aziraphale watched, fretting terribly as Crowley helped the boy to climb around on the other side of him, and then began the process of smashing through the ice with his claws. 

Aziraphale turned around and saw the fire brigade approaching, an ambulance in tow, and turned back to warn Crowley to hide his transformations. 

“The Rescuers are here-- it won’t be long now!” He tried to make it sound hopeful and not as though he was playing supernatural lookout. It seemed to work, though, as the first of them reached him and clapped a hand on his back. 

“You’re the caller?” She asked, and Aziraphale nodded, pointing as he accepted Crowley’s phone back from her. 

“They’re nearly to the edge,” He added helpfully, though there was a dark and obvious trail of broken ice that marked how far they’d come. 

“We’ve got them.” She promised, and waved for backup. 

A small army of men and women ran down to the river’s edge to lift the boy off of Crowley’s back as he final grabbed hold of solid land, and Aziraphale managed to shoulder his way through them to reach down and grasp Crowley’s hands. 

“There you are, you brave, stupid fool.” He said, pulling him up and onto land and into his arms. 

Crowley was shaking with cold, and he had already partially soaked through Aziraphale’s clothing when the team brought them emergency blankets. 

“Come on now, let’s get you out of your clothes and warming up.” One of the men instructed. 

Aziraphale turned to be sure the boy was receiving the same sort of care; he was already in someone’s thermals. 

“Alright.” Crowley agreed, surprising Aziraphale. He was looking straight at the angel, though, not at the humans who were trying to shuffle him off to the trucks for treatment. “Stay with me?” He asked, almost a plea, and Aziraphale knew it was only partially to help him fend off discovery. The other part was God and the unspoken threat of having saved a human life-- and what Hell might do to him for it. 

“Of course. Let me help him-- he’s ah, special needs.” 

“Alright.” The officials were quick to agree, with the tiniest nudge from Aziraphale. “The parents are on their way, I’m sure they’ll want to talk to you and we’ll need to take down statements for our reports after.” 

“Of course.” Aziraphale said again. “If you can just fetch us some dry clothing for him--” 

He sent them scurrying, and turned back to Crowley. 

“Shall we get out of here before they come back, my dear? Make a run for it?” 

Crowley, still shivering as if his bones intended to shake out of his skin, grinned back at Aziraphale. 

“Best idea you’ve had all day, Angel.”

They booked it, making it out of sight before Aziraphale dried Crowley with a miracle and warmed him with another. 

The walk home was almost anticlimactic, after all that. 

“Ohh… I dropped the thermoses!” Aziraphale lamented, and Crowley huffed. 

“Shall we stop by that little teashop up near Piccadilly?” He offered. 

“Oh, let’s. I suppose you could do with something warm to drink anyway.” 

“I wouldn’t object. And then home, to a fire and several blankets.” Crowley insisted. He paused, then added, “Thank you, by the way. I saw the boy and didn’t think-- I ought to keep you around, have you keep doing that for me, when needed.” 

Aziraphale bumped their shoulders together. 

“You’ll be hard pressed to get rid of me, you’ll find, if you keep pulling stunts like that.” 

Their usual routine resumed, they made their way towards the tea shop, and home, and left the humans to wonder why they had run, why the boy was swearing the man who’d saved him was a mermaid, and how the hell someone had happened to miraculously be in the right place at the right time to stop childish stupidity from turning tragic. 

It was, all in all, a rather successful outing.

#GO Whumptober2020 #Whumptober #Good Omens Fic #GOFic #Crowley #Aziraphale #crowley is good with kids #Ineffable Husbands #that writing thing I do

[micdropragnarok]

𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 - 𝙟𝙚𝙤𝙣 𝙟𝙪𝙣𝙜𝙠𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙭 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

1/8: When you lost the love of your life when you were a teenager, you thought you would never love again. But then the President, currently the most powerful man in the world, wants to make you his wife, you realise you can’t exactly refuse: not when he has the reputation of being ruthless and tyrannical, making threats against your family. It isn’t long before you are forced to decide between what you love and what you should protect.

[jungkook x reader, futuristic au, dystopian au, aliens and other fun stuff!]

5 Years Ago

“If Park Hyungsik becomes president, we might be saved from this crisis.” Your mother said openly at the dinner table, holding her head up, pride gracing her features as she expressed her view. It was an opinion which was common amongst the people in your country, especially in the capital city where you lived. Everyone thought Park Hyungsik was destined to save the day, but you weren’t so sure.

The war raging between the human race and the alien species known as the Oegyein had been going on for over 20 years, with no end in sight. Every day, men were called to the front, and they were even allowing women to volunteer now, given how many men they had already lost around the world. You yourself had opted for a government role, hoping to help the government from collapse, but you weren’t sure how long you would have a job, with the Oegyein getting closer and closer to winning the war, having already recently gained control in strong countries that you did not expect to fall so soon. You and everyone else in your country had chosen to live as if it was not impending doom, but the threat never left.

Your neighbour and your closest friend had also joined you for dinner that evening. Jeon Jungkook was certainly the sweetest and kindest man you knew, and you had been in love with him for many years, but there was nothing you could really do about it - You knew it would only end in heartbreak when he left to join the army, a future which was certain with him. Heartbreak was the one sad emotion you had managed to keep at bay over the years of turmoil.

Jungkook looked up at you as your mother continued to express her joy at Hyungsik’s bid for the presidency. He grinned, knowing that you hated the man and didn’t trust him whatsoever. You just rolled your eyes and continued eating, knowing that your mother wouldn’t listen if you told her some of the rumours you had heard about him at work. Sure, he was stunning to look at, but his heart was made of glass - something you often complained to Jungkook about.

You finished dinner quickly and beckoned Jungkook to follow you into your room, which wasn’t unusual. You often chilled and watched old movies, it was something you both loved to do. You collapsed onto your bed, Jungkook joining you, dangerously close, as you usually did. “Why do you let your mother prattle on about him like that?” Jungkook asked, cocking a brow at you. You just shook your head, sighing. “It’s honestly not worth picking a fight over. She can think whatever she wants, it won’t change things anyway. He might be able to do some good. Maybe end this war.” Jungkook winced at your mention of the war. It was a particularly tense subject for him, who had lost both of his parents in the brutal conflict. You hardly spoke about it, not wanting to hurt Jungkook any further than the Oegyein already had. Jungkook gazed at you, his eyes wide and honest. “Do you think it will ever end?” He asked softly. You hesitated, not knowing how to answer without sounding optimistic, or too pessimistic. “I don’t know. Honestly Jungkook… I am scared.” You said, grasping his hand and squeezing it. He looked at your hands intertwined and smiled. “It’s okay. I’m here.” Jungkook said soothingly. Not surprisingly, this did comfort you.

You slide down the bed and tucked your head into his shoulder, burying your head into his soft and warm chest. You were both only 17, so young, but burdened by the brutality of your world. “I’m so glad your here with me, Jungkook.” You said, your heart breaking as you let the words slip out of your mouth. You wanted to give in so badly to your feelings, put everything on the line, but something was holding you back. You heard Jungkook’s slow laboured breaths as he took in your words, tensing slightly. Tentatively, Jungkook leaned down to the top of your head,  planting soft kisses there. You froze, not sure how to react since he had never done something like that before. “Jungkook?” You asked, looking up at him, seeing his eyes darken slightly, his lips parting. He sighed in frustration. “I just… I don’t want to run out of time.” He whispered sadly. You felt tears fill your eyes, and you realised something.

You would regret it for the rest of your life if you didn’t kiss Jungkook, right here, right now.

You leaned up and gently pressed your lips against his, his lips ghosting across your mouth. “Y/n,” he moaned desperately.

“I love you, Jungkook.” You said, pulling away slightly, your hands cupping his soft cheeks. A tear slipped down his cheek. “I love you so much. So, so much,” Jungkook replied, wrapping his arms around your waist, holding you so tightly you hoped he would never let go.

The next few months with Jungkook were the best months of your life.

You loved him fully and wholly, and he responded in kind. You made use of your time together, spending almost every minute of every day with each other. He treated you like no one had before, buying you white roses, knowing they were your favourite, one every day, so they collected in a vase by your window. You knew flowers were extremely sought after in the economic climate, so you realised how hard it must be, making you treasure them even more.  He even bought you a beautiful rose gold necklace with a ruby diamond snuggled into the chest. “What is this for?” You teased, letting him put it around your neck. Jungkook kissed your neck where the chain met. “It’s for how much I love you.” You treasured it, so much so that your parents pleaded with you to take it off when you went out, so it didn’t get stolen.

He made you laugh so hard, whether from tickling you ridiculously like you had as kids on his bed until you were crying or from his stupid sense of humour, you honestly felt empty when you weren’t around him. Your parents weren’t unhappy with your choice of boyfriend, either. If anything, they were keen for you to marry, to seal the deal before he went off to join the war. But you didn’t want to rush too soon.

Even with Jungkook’s 18th birthday so quickly approaching, you wanted him to be sure before he asked you.

His birthday had come and you had given him everything that night, fearful of what the next day would bring.

Jungkook had already submitted to numerous tests in order to determine where he should be placed in the conflict. You hoped it would be the safest place. Your father, a doctor, had been placed in one of the hospitals far away from active fighting, which had probably been the safest spot for him, surviving his 10 years of service. You could only hope for something similar for the man you loved.

The news came a week after his birthday. He held the letter, presenting it to you with shaking hands. You took it with trepidation, your heart racing in your chest. You scanned over the words, only three standing out to you: FRONT LINE DUTY. You dropped the letter and flung yourself into Jungkook’s arms, sobbing into his shoulder. He held you tightly, his whole body shaking. You looked up into his eyes, seeing only one emotion: fear. “Oh, god. Oh god.” You said, your words sticking in your throat. “Hey, hey, hey. I love you. You know that, right?” He said, his fingers cupping your chin to look up at you. You nodded quietly, unable to speak. “That means that I will come back. No matter what. Nothing can keep us apart, Y/n. Do you understand? Nothing.” Jungkook said vehemently, determination set in his steely tone, his eyes piercing into yours. You nodded, but you weren’t convinced. “Promise me.” You said. He looked at you, his gaze softening as he took you in. “I promise you.” He said, taking your pinkie and locking it. “Then I won’t talk about marriage. If you are so certain that you will come back, then you better, because you will need to marry me as soon as you get back. Do you understand?” You said, pointing a finger to his chest, trying to smile for him.

“Are you sure?” Jungkook asked you, a wide smile gracing his face. You nodded.

“If you are sure, then I am.” You said, your confidence gaining.

“I am. I love you. And there is nothing stronger than the power of love. I will find my way back to you.”

Read the rest of this chapter here!

#jungkook fanfiction #jungkook #bts fanfiction #jeon jungkook #bts #ao3

[sciencespies]

Take a Virtual Tour of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Humboldt Exhibition

https://sciencespies.com/nature/take-a-virtual-tour-of-the-smithsonian-american-art-museums-humboldt-exhibition/

Take a Virtual Tour of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Humboldt Exhibition

SMITHSONIANMAG.COM | May 1, 2020, 9 a.m.

It’s not what you’d expect from an art show. At the end of a long corridor, beyond a pulled-back heavy burgundy brocade curtain, a full-scale mastodon skeleton fills much of the rotunda-like space of the gallery. The fossil is the centerpiece of “Alexander von Humboldt and the United States: Art, Nature, and Culture,” an exhibition at the Smithsonian Museum of American Art. The show was poised to open with much fanfare earlier this year just as the COVID-19 crisis shuttered the museum. Today the stately mastodon sits waiting for crowds to return. In the meantime, viewers can go on a virtual tour of the show through a new video put together by the museum’s senior curator, Eleanor Jones Harvey.

For Harvey, the 11-foot tall, 20-foot long elephant ancestor is the uber statement on what polymath Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) meant to the American politicians, scientists, artists and writers who fawned over him during his brief six-week visit to the United States in 1804, and who became a part of his global network of admirers for a huge chunk of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

The mastodon was a coup for SAAM—it is the first time the fossil will be back in America since 1847, when it made its way through Europe and ultimately ended up at The Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt in Germany. A video shows the disassembly in Darmstadt and three-day reassembly at the museum.

Alexander von Humboldt and the United States: Art, Nature, and Culture

A Prussian-born geographer, naturalist, explorer, and illustrator, Alexander von Humboldt was a prolific writer whose books graced the shelves of American artists, scientists, philosophers, and politicians. Humboldt visited the United States for six weeks in 1804, engaging in a lively exchange of ideas with such figures as Thomas Jefferson and the painter Charles Willson Peale.

Buy

The mastodon—exhumed under the guidance of artist Charles Willson Peale and cobbled together with wood by a leading sculptor of the day—represents the intersection of art, culture and science, says Harvey. Similarly, Humboldt studied multiple disciplines and believed that “artists need to have enough scientific background to know what they are painting, and scientists should maintain a sense of aesthetic wonder to appreciate as they are collecting,” Harvey says.

Almost 300 plants and 100 animals are named after the Prussian-born naturalist. Have you heard of the Humboldt penguin? The Humboldt Squid, which swims in the Humboldt Current? How about the Humboldt lily, found in California, which also has a Humboldt County? Forests, rivers, peaks, mountain ranges and even a patch of plains on the moon have been named for him. Humboldt, who published 36 books, including his five-volume masterpiece, Cosmos, was a man of many interests—so many that it’s hard to catalog them all.

He mentored many young scientists and accumulated a vast network of admirers and collaborators through some 25,000 letters, often beseeching others to share findings from their explorations as a means of accumulating data to prove his “unity of nature” theory: that everything on the planet is interconnected, says Harvey. Humboldt may have been one of the first to warn about climate change, noting that the devastation of forests in Venezuela had changed the local climate.

Read more about Alexander von Humboldt in this article by Eleanor Jones Harvey

Exhumation of the Mastodon by Charles Willson Peale, ca. 1806-08

(Maryland Historical Society, Baltimore City Life Museum Collection, Gift of Bertha White in memory of her husband, Harry White)

“He’s really one of the last great enlightenment scientists and one of the first great modern scientists,” Harvey says, noting that his work was grounded in meticulously analyzed data.

Humboldt’s holistic perspective—and his desire to make people understand nature’s importance to humanity—is more relevant than ever, notes Hans-Dieter Sues, chair of paleontology at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, in the preface to the exhibition catalogue.

Most present-day scientists “tend to focus on specific ecological changes without considering the complex web of interactions between humans and the environment,” writes Sues. Environmentalists also concentrate too much on the preservation of a particular species, “rather than taking a more integrated approach that also considers humans.”

“There is an urgent need for a Humboldtian perspective if we are to understand and address the unparalleled crisis now facing our species,” Sues writes.

Niagra by Frederic Edwin Church, 1957

(National Gallery of Art, Corcoran Collection, Museum Purchase, Gallery Fund)

It’s hard to overstate Humboldt’s popularity during his heyday—the late 18th and early-to-mid-19th centuries. Widely traveled and broadly known in Europe, he was able to secure backing from the King of Spain to travel throughout South America, Mexico and Cuba between 1799 and 1804, documenting plant life, geology, climates, peoples and discovering the location of the magnetic equator, allowing him to “recalibrate his equipment and take the most accurate readings to that point of longitude and latitude in the Americas,” according to Harvey.

His book, Personal Narrative of Travels to the Equinoctial Regions of the New Continent during the Years 1799–1804, and other writings, excerpted in newspapers, gained him fans in the United States. Humboldt arranged a stopping over in America at the end of the southern hemisphere journey, primarily to meet President Thomas Jefferson, who “he suspected was his intellectual equal,” but also to get a close-up look at democracy and to possibly explore the Louisiana Territory, says Harvey.

He was greeted like a rock star by Peale when he disembarked in Philadelphia and feted by other intellectuals during his visit. He arrived in America at an auspicious time, says Harvey. Humboldt believed that the nation should capitalize on its natural wonder—that places like Niagara Falls and Natural Bridge in Virginia (on land owned by Jefferson) were just as monumental as European castles and cathedrals.

The Natural Bridge, Virginia by Frederic Edwin Church, 1852

(The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia, Gift of Thomas Fortune Ryan)

Cho-Looke, The Yosemite Fall by Albert Bierstadt, 1864

(Timken Museum of Art, Putnam Foundation)

The Peale mastodon—exhumed in upstate New York in 1801—fed into the mythology Jefferson hoped to create: that everything in America was bigger and better. Mammoth mania took over America after Peale displayed the fossil at his Philadelphia museum in late 1801. The unearthing of the bones is magnificently recalled in Peale’s 1806 painting, Exhuming the First American Mastodon.

Humboldt had written to Jefferson hoping to finagle an invite to the White House by mentioning that he’d found some mammoth teeth in the Andes. It worked, and he soon found himself hobnobbing with a network of American politicians, painters, writers and scientists. Among those who became a part of the Humboldt Hive: James Fenimore Cooper, Edgar Allan Poe, John Muir, Henry David Thoreau, Frederic Church, Walt Whitman and Samuel F.B. Morse.

The Prussian eventually came to consider himself half-American. Though he never visited the U.S. again after the 1804 trip, American luminaries frequently came to his Paris residence to bask in his presence. By 1847, Humboldt had been made a member of seven American scientific and cultural organizations.

Humboldt inspired a bevy of artists to ground their work in nature, including some of the greatest landscape painters of the time, Albert Bierstadt and Church. Twenty works by Church and two of Yosemite by Bierstadt are featured in the exhibition. Church’s paintings of Niagara Falls, Natural Bridge, and several Andean peaks, which he visited during a trip that recreated, step-by-step, Humboldt’s expedition through the same region, transport the viewer into a towering vision of nature.

Throughout his travels and his life, Humboldt was an advocate for social justice. “He thought the one flaw in American democracy was that it would not abolish slavery,” says Harvey. He urged James Madison to consider ending slavery, telling him that “nature is the domain of liberty.” Humboldt backed the anti-slavery 1856 presidential candidacy of John C. Fremont—who, during earlier explorations of the American west that were inspired by Humboldt, paid tribute to the scientist by naming various features after him, including a river in Nevada.

Valley of the Yosemite by Albert Bierstadt, 1864

(Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Gift of Martha C. Karolik for the M. and M. Karolik Collection of American Paintings)

The plight of Native Americans also concerned Humboldt, especially in the wake of the Indian Removal Act of 1830. He convinced Prince Maximilian zu Wied-Neuwied, a protégé, and artist Karl Bodmer, to replicate part of the Lewis and Clark expedition to document the tribes of the Upper Missouri River. The exhibition features excerpts from the Prince’s journals and finely detailed watercolors of tribe members executed by Bodmer.

Humboldt also became friends with artist George Catlin, who had begun immersing himself in the documentation of America’s vanishing tribes starting in 1830. They meet in Paris, where Catlin has brought his portraits of Native Americans and a group of people from the Iowa tribe to educate the French—and shore up his dwindling finances. “It is the first and only time Humboldt will meet North American Indians,” says Harvey. Humboldt ends up touring the Louvre with some members of the tribe, one of whom kept a diary of the events of that trip.

A number of original Catlin portraits are on display, as is an 1845 painting depicting the visit to France, Karl Girardet’s Danse d’indiens Iowas devant le roi Louis-Philippe aux Tuileries (Dance of the Iowa Indians before the King Louis-Philippe at the Tuileries).

Not surprisingly, Humboldt is even connected with the founding of the Smithsonian Institution. When the Prussian traveled to England in 1790 to connect with a mentor there, he also ended up being introduced to a young chemist, James Smithson—the same Smithson whose bequest eventually created the Smithsonian in 1846.

Bison Dance of the Mandan Indians in front of Their Medicine Lodge in Mih-Tutta-Hankush by Alexandre Damien Manceau, engraver, after Karl Bodmer

(Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha Nebraska; 1986.49.542.18, Photograph © Bruce M. White, 2019)

The two reconnected in Paris in 1814, and spent a year in friendship, hanging out with liberal pro-American and pro-Democracy factions—making Smithson a bit of an outlier among his British compatriots. Humboldt and Smithson shared a love of collecting and analyzing, and spreading knowledge.

Well before the Smithsonian was established, Peale had already envisioned a national institution dedicated to the arts, sciences and American ideals and asked Humboldt to convince Jefferson to buy his museum collection as the foundation. Jefferson wasn’t interested in purchasing Peale’s materials. But the idea of a national institution continued to be discussed in Washington and elsewhere for decades. In 1835, Smithson’s last heir died and the estate was then, as directed by Smithson, bequeathed to the U.S. After much debate, Congress decided to accept the money. American attorney Richard Rush was dispatched to London to bring the dollars home, to, as Smithson put it, “found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an Establishment for the increase & diffusion of knowledge among men.”

Those words “are a Humboldtian credo,” writes the museum’s director Stephanie Stebich in the introduction to the exhibition catalog. Most of the men ultimately involved in setting up the Smithsonian Institution had either known Humboldt, corresponded with him, or admired him, says Harvey.

“The entire Smithsonian is in some ways the bricks and mortar realization of everything that Humboldt cared about,” she says. The Institution’s 19 museums, the National Zoo, and 21 research centers and programs encompass Humboldt’s vast interests.

To make that point, the final gallery in the show features nine ongoing Smithsonian projects “that reflect Humboldtian enterprise,” says Harvey.

Though Humboldt was celebrated throughout the 19th century—with big parties in American cities every decade starting in 1869—the rise of Germany as a hostile power in the early 20th century caused Americans to stop teaching about the great scientist. Essentially, the lights went out on Humboldt, says Harvey.

“I’m trying to turn the lights back on and dust for his fingerprints, and say, ‘hey, he was here, and here and here,’” she says.

Currently, to support the effort to contain the spread of COVID-19, all Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. and in New York City, as well as the National Zoo are temporarily closed. The exhibition “Alexander von Humboldt and the United States: Art, Nature, and Culture” goes on view at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in 2020.

Listen to Sidedoor: A Smithsonian Podcast

It took a zealous Prussian explorer to show the colonists what they couldn’t see: a global ecosystem, and their own place in nature. Check out this season five episode, “The Last Man Who Knew It All,” about Alexander von Humboldt.

#Nature

#Nature

[bryonysimcox]

Spring has Sprung and Life Continues: Week 11, Spain

Another week spent in the Catalunyan countryside as coronavirus lockdown continues. Here are my reflections on the arrival of spring, broad beans, ecological economics and the launch of ‘The Hundred Miler’.

This last week has seen the welcome face of April - signalling that spring is certainly here along with the arrival of Easter. It’s a time associated with new life, new starts, sunny days and longer nights. Even though we remain in full lockdown here in Spain, it feels as though we can draw upon the changing season as a source of assurance.

The week started with something rather special. I finally got to drive Suzi!

When we first bought the van in Summer 2019, I was still only 24, and it was really expensive to get me insured on it. There seems to be a transition point for insurers at age 25, so George and I had always agreed that after my birthday at Christmas, we’d get me on the insurance. But we never got around to it, partly because of the additional expense, and partly because it wasn’t a huge priority, until the start of March. And then of course, we were in Valencia and the lockdown hit, so we had nowhere to drive to even once I was insured!

My first drive here in Catalunya was pretty fun, even though it was just a trip to the supermarket. Because we’re in lockdown, the roads are super quiet which has been great, and the roads around the cottage aren’t tarmaced, so I could do some offroading as well. I’ve since driven a couple more times to and from the supermarket, and it’s so nice to be behind the wheel again. I haven’t driven since we owned our last van, Casper, back in Sydney!

(Images, left to right) My first time driving Suzi the HiAce, and a throwback to driving our last van Casper.

On the topic of Sydney, I have been doing some serious reminiscing. It’s almost coming to exactly a year since George and I flew back to the UK from Australia, and anniversaries always tend to bring on waves of nostalgia. It’s mad to think that a year ago, we didn’t own a van, not least have a clue about where we’d be living in the van! And of course, there’s no way I’d have imagined that we would be stuck amid a pandemic-induced global lockdown. Oh, to have the gift of foresight... 

The year that ensued after we left our friends, jobs, and security blanket of Sydney was an absolute rollercoaster. We naively aimed to have the van built and prepped in a matter of months, and when the van-build rolled over towards Christmas 2019, I felt like an absolute failure for not having finished it sooner. And yet now, upon reflection, I guess it’s not such a bad achievement to have managed to buy and build Suzi the HiAce, both of us get jobs in Manchester and move into a flat there, launch our documentary channel ‘Broaden’ and set off for Europe all in a year.

We can all benefit from a bit of self-reflection to put progress into perspective.

(video) Broaden’s latest video; an overview of who we are and what we’re about. It’s helped me to reframe some of the successes of this last year.

I feel like a stuck record, but food is a wonderful experience which punctuates the repetitive days of lockdown. Last week I wrote about calçots, a deliciously sweet spring onion special to this region and eaten with Romesco sauce. This week, it’s all about broad beans. The garden here is full of them, so I’ve been tasked with picking and podding. Most of them are fat enough to be podded, and are even better if you go the extra mile by blanching them and removing their skins. The smaller ones can be eaten as they are, and make for a lovely crunchy stir-fry ingredient too.

Preparing broad beans can be time-consuming, but also a wonderfully cathartic activity. My granny in Scotland used to have plenty of these beans in her garden, and I remember summer days spent picking and podding with my mum. We’ve stored plenty here in the freezer but have also kept some fresh and I am continually finding ways to incorporate them into our meals. A quick call to my well-resourced mum also resulted in her sending pages and pages photographed from Jane Grigson’s vegetable book: not only with plenty of recipes but incredibly detailed descriptions of the vegetable’s history and qualities too.

(images) Beautiful fresh veggies from the market were a highlight of the week, as well as picking these broad beans straight from the garden. The bowl on the right is what was distilled from podding four huge bags’ worth.

The resurgence in cooking and baking whilst in lockdown is inspiring, but I’ve been thinking about how it affects our supply chains as well.

Just this morning on BBC News I saw an article about dairy farmers having to throw away vast amounts of milk as cafes, hotels and restaurants remain shut, and another article about how there’s been an insane increase in demand for flour, as everyone takes to home baking. Many mills are now working around the clock to meet the demand in the UK and I was especially interested to read that even if there’s enough flour that there’s a shortage of packaging, because usually only 4% of flour produced goes into the smaller bags that we see on supermarket shelves.

Coronavirus has triggered so many changes in how we live and how we behave, that it's wreaking havoc on supply chains like this, and of course, the economy. That said, whilst the negative effects are hard to deny, scientists, economists and ecologists alike are suggesting that we should leverage the situation as an opportunity to reflect on how we all live, and how we might return to ‘normal’ life without just returning to business as usual. I agree: this is a unique opportunity to reassess production and consumption, how we assign value to things, and the economic and political models that we use to govern our world.

The connection between global lockdown, coronavirus, climate change and our economy has really got me thinking.

I recently read an incredible article by ecological economist Simon Mair in Singularity Hub which looked at this relationship. The article pulled together disparate strands that have been on my mind for a while, each related to various books which I’ve been reading, and which I can now see are interconnected. Simon suggests that the Covid-19 crisis could be a chance to “expand our economic imagination”. He explains that coronavirus, like climate change, demands a type of downscaling, counter to the ‘wartime economy’ mentality and massive upscaling of production. 

“If we want to be more resilient to pandemics in the future (and to avoid the worst of climate change) we need a system capable of scaling back production in a way that doesn’t mean loss of livelihood”, says Simon.

The article is full of gems, and Simon explores things such as our current addition to economic growth and productivity, the transfer of healthcare and labour goods out of the market and into the hands of the state, and the social forms that could come from an ethic that values care, life, and democracy. It answers some of the questions posed by George Monbiot in ‘How Did We Get Into This Mess?’, echoes some of the radical economic theories proposed by Kate Raworth in ‘Doughnut Economics’, and parallels ideas of democratic market socialism put forward by ‘How to Be an Anti-Capitalist in the 21st Century’ by Erik Olin Wright which I’m currently reading. Simon’s article has really got me so fired up, in fact, that I’m working on an idea for a new video which explores the topic, so watch this space.

(images) Three fantastic books which I highly recommend.

On the subject of videos, Broaden has been one of the only things keeping us sane! I am eternally grateful to have a creative outlet in times like these, and one which involves a collaborative partnership with George too. Whilst we aren’t able to explore places in the van, or capture footage for new films as we’d love to be doing right now, we are at least able to edit from the cottage and work on promoting the content that we are already releasing.

It feels so tricky to get the right tone when releasing videos during a global pandemic.

We are both conscious of remaining sensitive to the severity of the health crisis, whilst balancing that with the reality that life goes on, and that people still want to see pictures, watch videos and read articles that engage with other topics too. As Broaden, George and I obviously made the decision to launch our documentary ‘The Hundred Miler’ during this time, and I hope that people see it as a celebration of running, the natural world, and human resilience, and perhaps even an escape from the daily news of the virus, rather than something insensitive or badly-timed.

(video) Trailer for ‘The Hundred Miler’

‘The Hundred Miler’ comes out this Saturday 11th April, and we have been overwhelmed by the response already. People have really got behind the project, helping to share it on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube and widen its potential reach. George has been making this film for well over three years, so it feels like an immense milestone to finally have it shown to the world. I don’t think I know many people who hold themselves to such high standards as George, and so to have so many positive messages and people planning to tune in for the live premier on Saturday is the best affirmation of all his hard work that I could wish for. It has been a pleasure to see him create this documentary, and also to have been involved in the production and final stages of its creation.

The Hundred Miler is a film about three Australian guys, taking on the biggest race of their lives; UTMB.

‘Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc’ is renowned in the trail-running world, as one of the most challenging and scenic ultra marathons. The Hundred Miler is an attempt to bring this story to the masses, and we hope that it appeals to non-runners and runners alike, for its underlying themes of companionship, commitment and strength. It premiers live on YouTube at 10am in the UK, which is 7pm in Australia on 11.4.20, and after that the video will be available to watch as a normal video. You can find BTS footage and more information about the film on our Instagram here, details of the launch on the Facebook event here, and the link for the video itself here. You can also subscribe to Broaden’s YouTube channel and set a reminder for when the film goes live.

(video) ‘The Hundred Miler’ which goes live on Sat 11th April.

 It goes without saying: I am really missing the open road and living in a van. And I’m not immune to fear of the future either. But as the days and weeks pass, we learn to adapt to changing circumstances and continue to find hope among them. In a way, it helps to know we are all in the same boat, facing a topsy-turvy life full of roadblocks and revelations. Thanks for tuning in to read my weekly ramblings and I hope you’re all keeping as well as you can be. Until next week!

#thehundredmiler #traveldiaries #SuziTheVan #toyotahiace #hiacevan #overlandadventures #BryonyandGeorge #digitalnomads #vanliving #vanlife

[shemakesmusic-uk]

Getting to Know...

Rosa Bordallo.

Rosa Bordallo fka Manett is a singer-songwriter and musician based in Brooklyn. She is a CHamoru from the island of Guam in the Marianas, an archipelago in Micronesia. She came to New York at the age of 19. She was a member of the band cholo.

Last month Bordallo released Reef Walker, a deeply personal indie rock record with poignant lyrics that investigate identity, loss, belonging, society, historical trauma, and hope.

We had a chat with Rosa all about Reef Walker, her background and influences, creative process and more. Read the Q&A below.

Hi Rosa. Please tell us a bit about yourself. What led you to make music and who/what are your biggest influences?

"Hi! Thank you for this opportunity to share my work! I’m a singer/songwriter based in New York City. I am also a Pacific Islander, specifically an indigenous person from Guam who identifies as CHamoru. I was born and raised there, and I started playing guitar and writing songs as a teenager. I came to NYC in the early 2000’s for film school, and I have been living and working here since then. The first year I was here, I joined a post-punk band called cholo that was formed by Felipe Flores. We played in small clubs and venues around town for almost ten years. We also released three full-length albums and one EP. Around 2010 I started making music by myself under the alias Manett, and I also released a few solo EPs under that alias.

"Making music was a natural progression for me since listening to music has always been an important coping mechanism. They say imitation is the best form of flattery, so I try to emulate my heroes and hopefully something new and interesting comes out of it. I’ve always been someone who needs to express myself, whether writing in a journal, writing poetry, doodling or dancing. I think making a record, as a creative endeavor, suits me in a lot of ways because I can draw on those other forms of expression. Also I get easily distracted and I’m not terribly disciplined so it’s nice to have a record - an artifact, a piece of evidence - to show that I didn’t just waste all my time surfing the internet!

"In terms of influence, there are too many to list, but I draw a lot from rock & roll and all its derivatives and revivals particularly psych rock, garage, punk, post-punk, new wave, and grunge. I’ve always been drawn to women with loud guitars and loud personalities -- PJ Harvey, Björk / The Sugarcubes, Dog Faced Hermans, Bikini Kill, Slant 6, Cyndi Lauper, The Breeders, Babes in Toyland. I love unapologetically weird women like Lene Lovich, Lydia Lunch, Nina Hagen, and Siouxsie Sioux. I can go on! Other major influences from my youth are the Pixies, David Bowie, Nirvana, and the Velvet Underground. I think what they all have in common is an irreverence, a willingness to break norms and do something unconventional while keeping a certain integrity. None of them were trying terribly hard to be different - they were just drawing inspiration from their personal frustration and observations of the world and creating something special from that.

You recently released your album Reef Walker. What is the record about, what does it mean to you and what do you hope listeners will take away from it?

"Reef Walker is my first full-length album as a solo artist. I picked that title because I see myself as being able to navigate a gulf that is psychological, cultural, and emotional in nature. As an indigenous person who has lived the first half of my life in my native community and in a remote part of the world, and then spent the second half in this metropolis on the other side of the world, I grapple with the guilt that my loyalties are divided and that I am not spending enough time with my family and native community. On the other hand, I wouldn’t be who I am today if I didn’t leave my place of origin and to live in this new and wildly different place. I think there are many people past and present who have my experience of alienation but it’s not represented in our culture - or if it is, it’s an inadequate representation. I often think about the Japanese castaway Otokichi, later known as John Mathew Ottoson, as well as the Inuk man Minik Wallace, when I need to remind myself why I’m doing what I’m doing.

"I also like the imagery that is evoked from that title. I spent a lot of time at the beach and on my dad’s boat as a kid. It’s actually treacherous to walk along the reef during low tide, because the high tide can come in unexpectedly and drown you, or a rip current can pull you out to sea. It’s also not good to touch or step on coral. Not only is it a living organism that should be protected, but some coral can sting you. But snorkeling and swimming along the reef is a transcendent experience. My ancestors were expert fishermen and seafarers. The album title is as much an homage to them and to all the CHamoru people and other Pacific Islanders who have ties to Oceania.

"All I ask of anyone who hears my album is to have an open mind. I think one reason music is powerful and interesting is because it can be appreciated across cultural divides. I try not to concern myself with how my music is received. I just try to make music that I personally enjoy so if someone else enjoys it, it’s a nice surprise. As for your readers, if you anything about my story sparks your curiosity, I would ask you to explore the histories of indigenous people because much of it has been suppressed and erased.

"There is much needed attention being given to climate change but we should remember that indigenous communities have always been putting their bodies on the line to protect the land, water, and other natural resources. In my own homeland of the Marianas, the U.S. military is about to expand their presence to build two live-fire training ranges that would drastically impact our main aquifer and our wildlife as well as desecrate important ancestral lands. In North America, there’s the oil and gas cartel, and there’s the missing and murdered indigenous women crisis (aka MMIW) which disproportionately affects trans and queer native folx. In South America, the Amazon is being burned down to benefit illegal loggers and farmers. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but if you consider yourself a moral person, it’s your responsibility to educate yourself about these things. If you’re in North America, there’s a great online resource (native-land.ca) where you can learn about the tribes and nations that first settled the land where you currently live. The International Indigenous Youth Council (indigenousyouth.org) is another good online resource because it shares news from indigenous communities around the world."

What was your favourite part recording Reef Walker?

"It was really fun to record in three different spaces that were also living spaces. We started tracking in Duane Lauginiger’s old basement studio, which was right below his garden apartment in Brooklyn. He called that place Time Castle, hence the name of the cassette label that released the album. Then we went to a private house in Piermont, NY, for the second tracking session. And then finally did a day and night of recording in a converted church in Craryville, NY. Each space had its own quirks and novelties but Duane (the producer-engineer) was really nimble about setting up and adapting. I really like working in a place full of paintings and objets d’art and tchotchkes as opposed to a sterile recording studio that looks more like the set of a bad sci-fi movie."

Please talk us through your songwriting/creative process.

"I have a full-time day job so I just try to make regular time for myself to clear my head, and any ideas I get, I will record it on my phone or my computer. Then I spend a lot of time listening and thinking about these initial ideas. I try to give them enough space to breathe and present themselves to me. I don’t like to exhaust myself working on song ideas that are not particularly compelling to me. If I like hearing it over and over in my head, then chances are it will be interesting enough to sustain my attention long enough to develop it into a complete song and recording.

"I almost always come up with the music first before I think of any lyrics. Sometimes I will have an idea for a melody and lyric together, but I don’t get too attached to the first lyrics I come up with. I also take random notes all the time, about anything and everything, so sometimes I have a poem or a musing that I’ve written down which will get repurposed for song lyrics.

"It’s useful for me to have a theme or concept in mind, something that will spark my curiosity and help me be emotionally invested. With Reef Walker I initially had Woman in Suitcase as the working title. That was the force that brought it into being. I meditated on that a lot while writing the songs. I currently have a working title for my second album, so I’ve been meditating on that. I also did this for my first EP, The Sea Urchin, which was my first stab at making songs that were very personal, as opposed to hiding behind a group project which I did with cholo, my previous band. The sea urchin was a powerful image for me at that time, because I felt very vulnerable putting myself out there. Imagining a shy sea creature with crazy-looking spikes, just chilling in the water and paying attention to its surroundings - that kept me motivated to finish the recordings and put it out into the world.

"In general I just try to stay inspired and curious about things. The urge to create comes out of frustration but also out of appreciation for and communion with other people’s creations. And there are so many wonderful creations out there. I see this as a creative practice, rather than a creative process, because for me it’s more about being grounded and responsive to what’s put before me, rather than about checking off items on a to-do list or making sure that a particular set of actions is followed."

Finally, what are your plans for 2020?

"I plan on touring and writing my second album. Stay tuned!"

Reef Walker is out now.

#getting to know #rosa bordallo #reef walker

[berniesrevolution]

TEEN VOGUE

Since his run for the Democratic nomination in the 2016 presidential election, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont has been one of the most visible faces of the left in the United States. And he believes that it’s no accident that several progressive policies have taken center stage in the 2018 midterm elections.

With a presidential campaign that spoke especially to younger voters, Sanders cemented his position as not just a senator with decades of experience, but as a powerful force in liberal politics that would force the Democratic Party to adjust its strategies. His support for democratic socialism, Medicare for all, and other progressive polices helped set the stage for a major shift within the Democratic Party.

Two years later, with the 2018 midterm elections looming, Sanders spoke with Teen Vogue about how the Democratic Party has changed since his presidential run, what’s at stake in this year’s voting, and how he views supporting Democrats who might break from the party line on issues like reproductive rights.

Teen Vogue: 

Let’s talk about the 2018 midterms. What is at stake?

Bernie Sanders: 

This midterm election, in my view, is the most important midterm election in the modern history of this country. And what’s at stake is whether we continue one-party, right-wing reactionary rule in Washington, in which we have a Congress that follows a bigoted, racist, sexist, homophobic president — who also is a pathological liar — or whether we stand up and fight back for justice for all people. That is what is at stake.

What’s at stake is that this is an unprecedented election because we have an unprecedented president who is doing very, very serious harm to millions of Americans. And if we want to change the direction of the country and move toward a system of justice — economic, social, racial, environmental justice — we have got to vote and we have to see young people coming out at a much higher level than they have ever voted in the past.

Teen Vogue: 

You’ve spent a lot of time on the campaign trail this year. What are the big issues you’re hearing from people?

Bernie Sanders: 

I would say that the major issue that I hear is healthcare. And people understand that the Republicans have not given up on their desire to throw tens of millions of people off the healthcare they currently have. As you may recall, they came within one vote of repealing the Affordable Care Act. The late Senator John McCain was the deciding vote.

Furthermore, [it’s] no question in my mind that they are now trying to get the Supreme Court to rule the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional, and if that happens, what we’ll see is that people with pre-existing conditions will no longer be able to get the insurance they need at an affordable cost.

So, I’m hearing a whole lot about healthcare. And I’m also hearing that the American people want us to move toward a Medicare-for-all, single-payer system, which will finally do in this country what every other major country does, and that is guarantee healthcare to all people as a right.

Teen Vogue: 

So, is healthcare the first thing on the agenda if Democrats take back Congress?

Bernie Sanders: 

In my view, healthcare will be right up there. What will be up there is moving forward to a Medicare-for-all, single-payer system. And the first part of that effort — it’s a four-year phase-in — is to lower the age of eligibility for Medicare from 65 to 55 and to cover all of the young people in this country.

The second issue that is very important to me is to raise the minimum wage to a living wage: 15 bucks an hour. And I will do everything that I can to make sure that in the first 100 days of a Democratic Congress, we pass a $15 an hour minimum wage.

And the third thing that we’ve got to do, in my view, is move aggressively to address the crisis of climate change. And that means invest heavily in energy efficiency and sustainable energy.

Teen Vogue: 

Some of those issues — especially healthcare — we’ve seen a very big evolution in the conversation within the last couple of years. There’s this push-and-pull within the Democratic Party between progressive voices and moderate voices. Do you have any insight into that back-and-forth?

Bernie Sanders: 

Yes, you’re quite right that in the last several years since I ran for president, we have seen a huge change — not only on healthcare, but many other positions — now being advocated by Democrats. And I think that’s a step in the right direction. And I think what most Democrats are now talking about is a lot more progressive and meets the needs of working families than was formerly the case.

But, as you indicated, there are differences of opinion within the Democratic Party. I and others represent the progressive wing. We think the future of the Democratic Party is to stand up with working families, with the middle class, and be prepared to take on the very powerful and wealthy special interests that have so much power over the political process in this country. That’s my view.

Now, there are other people who look at it very differently. But I would say this: That where we stand right now, there is virtual unanimity in the understanding that we have a very, very dangerous president who is trying to divide the American people up based on the color of our skin or where we born or our sexual orientation or our gender or our religious belief. It is absolutely imperative that all of us — not just Democrats, but Republicans and Independents who believe in American democracy, who believe and respect individual rights, who do not want to see this nation divided up — that we come together and elect a Democratic House and a Democratic Senate and Democratic governors on Tuesday.

(Continue Reading)

#politics #the left #teen vogue #bernie sanders #progressive #progressive movement #2018 elections

[dp-pastandpresent]

Past and Present: Chapter 32

He sat in the corner, crouched in an almost fetal position, rocking back and forth and muttering to himself out loud.

"It can't be. There's no way…."

His form kept changing from young to old and back again as his fears grew.

"Why didn't they tell me? Why would it take a BOY to point it out?"

He finally decided to try getting up, float around a bit and think, but at his first attempt he found himself falling back to the ground, growing young as he did so.

"Someone had to know. Someone had to have planned all of this. The way I planned Daniel…."

He tried getting up again, this time sustaining his flight for a few moments before dropping back to the ground and letting his hands fall over his face.

"Why does it have to be me? I never meant to hurt anyone. I just… just…"

"ENOUGH!"

The image froze with Clockwork again on the floor, this time in his eldest form, head in his hands with his white beard hanging limply to the side as he looked to the ground. The figure watching turned to see another had entered the room.

"He has finally admitted what we have known all along, why we appointed him his job!" the first one said loudly.

"Yes, but we must give it a little more time. If we go barging in now, the boy will never learn!"

The first one let out a loud sigh, rolling his large eye at his companion.

"Trust me, it's for the best. But soon, soon things will finally be resolved."

With a swish of his cloak, the second observant turned to leave the screening room, begrudgingly followed by his partner.

--

They were still sitting on the rock, her head leaning on his shoulder, hands together, trying to put the pieces together.

"He brought me back to fulfill some crazy prophecy but didn't even know that HE was the one that needed defeating!"

"That arrogant bastard? All he thinks is that he's a God or something." She smiled, looking into his still green eyes.

"Whoever appointed him that job wasn't thinking clearly!" Danny chuckled.

The both laughed for a second, then stopped and looked into each other's eyes again.

"But seriously Danny, we need to end this. All of this. And soon. I want my life back."

"The life before I started this mess?" Danny asked, trying not to hit sore spot.

"No! A life with…you." She blushed at this.

He blushed also. "It's not that simple, Sam. I know the screens show it, but he was sorta right. Things can change. Maybe I defeat him and maybe I do gain control of my powers. But then what? I just go live in Amity with you all and pretend like I'm normal? What's next, returning to school to graduate?"

Without warning, he got up, almost causing Sam to fall to the ground. He hadn't thought of these things until now, but suddenly he was realizing that he truly had no idea what was next.

"And then what? Watch you age as I stay the same? No one explained these things to me Sam, not even HIM. I don't know what happens when I can finally control my changing. I don't know if I'll age like a human. I don't even know if I can stay in Amity!"

"JUST STOP DANNY!" Sam was up now too. "I shouldn't have said anything. I'm sorry. But we WILL figure this out. I promise. For now, let's try ending this war." She grabbed his hand, letting a shiver from his cold body run down her spine as she looked him in the eyes again.

"You always seem to know what to say. Thank you," he responded, allowing himself to calm down a bit. "But how do we even start to defeat him?"

"You said when you left he was confused, right? Questioning things, muttering?"

"Yup. He definitely did not see that revelation coming!"

"So maybe that's his defeat? Maybe he defeats himself…"

"Is that enough? It feels so anti-climatic after all we've been through," Danny questioned.

"Maybe. But maybe he needs another push. Another reminder… I think we need to go back."

He sighed, knowing that she was right. But how were they going to get back?

As if answering his question, Sam's necklace began to glow in the same way it had when Danny had been flying to her.

"Well, I think that's our cue. Ready to go kick some Time Master butt?" she asked.

Danny's eyes glowed bright green as she said this, squeezing her hand tighter.

"Let's end this!"

--

'Did they know?'

'When they appointed you the Time Master? They couldn't.'

'But they were the ones who chose me. Told me it had to be me. All those eons ago…'

'But they couldn't have known. They constantly debunk it every time it's brought up!'

'Well, they have always been good at keeping things hidden.'

He was still in his corner but had managed to get up and stay up this time, as he hovered back and forth.

'Forget them for a moment. The boy. His destiny is to defeat the…'

'But that means defeating me!'

'Precisely. And perhaps he already has begun to. Look at you, unable to think straight! It's messing with you. You need to pull yourself together!'

'Darkness. It's been inside of me all this time. Why didn't I see it? I see every path that anybody can take. I see ghosts come and go from existence. I watch them cower in fear, bow to my power. But I didn't see that my power was always my undoing.'

'You can still change this, turn things around. Find a way to keep your power and fulfill his destiny…'

'But how?'

Throughout his mental crisis, Clockwork had kept hold of his staff. It swung in his hand as he paced, such a natural extension of his own arm, of Clockwork himself, that it wasn't until he looked at it now that he noticed it glowing brightly.

"Of course! My staff! I'm so used to having it that I forgot all about its power!" he said out loud.

'Hold on to that. It might just save your after-life.'

He held it in front of him, watching it glow with energy as a simple plan began to form.

"Huh. I had expected you to be cowering in a corner somewhere, Clockwork."

He looked up, accidentally allowing himself to change forms, but never letting go of his glowing staff, to see that his two captives had finally decided to return.

--

Danny and Sam found themselves back at the entrance to Clockwork's castle, which did not look as menacing now that they knew what their mission was.

"You sure you're up for this? After all, it's my destiny, not yours," Danny asked as he turned to look at her.

"No. It's OUR destiny, and I wouldn't have it any other way," she replied, trying to hide a bit of fear.

Danny smiled shily. "Well then, let's do this."

Hand in hand, Danny phased them through the entrance and found himself back where the whole mess had begun. Looking around, he was a bit surprised to see that Clockwork was actually floating around his realm, almost as if nothing had happened.

"Huh. I had expected you to be cowering in a corner somewhere, Clockwork," he said, mustering up as much courage as he could.

Clockwork looked up at the two figures who had arrived, changing forms in the process, but never losing his focus.

"Ah, Daniel. I see you managed to save the girl after all." He grinned.

"Yea, no thanks to you."

Clockwork blinked, trying to think of a comeback, until finally, "It was never my intention to let the girl die. But you had to learn what happens when you mess with things."

Danny opened his mouth, another remark already on his lips, but Sam spoke up before he had a chance.

"We had to learn? It's not like you haven't messed with things PLENTY of times!" she yelled, glaring at the ghost before them.

Clockwork was taken aback once again, finding himself floating backwards and aging down to his youngest form.

Trying to regain some control, he focused all his energy on Sam, sending her flying backwards into the wall.

"Don't think that you know ANYTHING about my powers!" the ghost shouted, mustering up the most menacing voice he could.

Watching as she flew, Danny's eyes began to glow brighter with anger.

"You'd be a lot more menacing if you didn't push people around so much!"

He raised his hands as glowing green orbs appeared and aimed them right at Clockwork's chest.

The Time Master swerved right, just avoiding Danny's energy, and used his staff to send a purple burst of his own at the boy.

Danny, still focused on his own attack, was hit square in the stomach, and was flung backwards to join Sam against the wall, not noticing his amulet falling off in the process.

Gaining some composure, he turned to look at Sam next to him, trying to figure out what to do. But to his horror, she was staring at him with wide open eyes.

"What?" he asked, rubbing his head.

"It's…you're…human again."

--

Clockwork was struggling, although he was able to hide it well. But with every word his visitors said, he found himself questioning his own motives once again.

Surprisingly enough, he found that the girl's words stung more than Daniel's.

"We had to learn? It's not like you haven't messed with things PLENTY of times!"

That one hurt so much that he found himself lurching back and aging down.

'Focus Clockwork. You can do this. Do not let them tell you otherwise.'

"Don't think that you know ANYTHING about my powers!"

He closed his eyes and gripped his staff, allowing all of its power to pulse through him as he sent the girl flying to the ground.

Almost forgetting about the boy, he turned to watch as green orbs appeared in his hands. Quickly avoiding them and taking some of his remaining power, he sent a blow at Danny and watched as he flew back as well.

'Show them who's in charge here. Let the power pulse through you. Let it keep you safe.'

'The power. The only power I even have right now…not even coming from my own self…'

'Don't let that disturb you. This staff has always been your main power, remember to keep it safe…'

'But without it, I'd be…'

'Just absorb its power and you will be fine.'

His staff glowed bright purple as he absorbed its power, not allowing anything to get in his way.

Feeling the jolt of newfound energy, he looked to his captives again, ready for another blow, only to see that something had changed.

'The boy, he's human again…'

He looked closer, until finally he noticed that there was no longer a necklace around the boy's neck.

'This is your chance Clockwork. That stupid necklace has controlled far too many things. Find a way to keep it from him and at last he will learn his true destiny.'

--

Danny looked at Sam, concern now appearing in his blue eyes as he reached down to his neck.

"The amulet…it must have fallen off!"

He got up quickly, scanning the room for the fallen trinket. But upon standing up he felt his feet sink back into the ground.

"Danny, humans fall through things here, remember?" Sam sighed.

Danny lifted his feet, trying to take a few steps, but barely going anywhere.

"Sam, you still have yours. Get up and find that necklace!" he said with as much energy as he could.

They both looked around, trying to spot any glimpse of gold, until Sam finally pointed to a spot in the corner.

"Danny! Found it! It must have flown far when you got hit! Hold on!"

She got up, having regained some energy after Clockwork's attack, and began to head toward the spot the necklace was laying.

The necklace flew up from its corner as she approached, flying over her head and into the hands of the captor.

"Ha. Did you forget that I'm still here?" Clockwork grinned as he grabbed the necklace from the air.

"Ugh," Sam grunted as she turned to look at the ghost. "Clockwork, give that back! You know far too well he needs it!"

"Ha!" Clockwork said again, trying to hide his insecurities, "Daniel has already changed his destiny. So, I think I'll hold onto this a bit. Show you both what happens with you mess with time."

'Changed my destiny?' Danny thought as he heard this. 'What does he mean?'

Danny's mind was reeling now, trying to figure out what game Clockwork was even playing at this point.

'He's still the darkness, I just know it. If only I had my powers…'

Danny tried to move, using every ounce of energy he could to lift his feet out of the floor. Slowly, he found himself stepping forward, feeling a bit of cold energy pulse through his body.

'The ghost energy in me still exists, otherwise I'd have sunk by now.'

"I've changed before without that necklace, Clockwork, and I know I can do it again!" he shouted, sounding more sure than he really was.

Clockwork watched on, holding the necklace even firmer as Danny's steps forward became more confident.

'It's here. It's in me. I just need to let it out!'

After a few long seconds of concentration, Danny found himself floating a few inches above the ground, cool energy pulsing harder through his body.

'Focus Danny, you have this. Think of your family. Friends. Sarah. The Fentons. SAM. Everything you gave up…'

He had closed his eyes as he thought these things, not taking another step. It wasn't until he heard Sam let out a loud gasp that he opened his eyes and looked down.

He was floating feet above the ground, just as he would in his ghost form. But it wasn't this that had caused Sam to gasp, he realized.

It as the two white rings that had found themselves around his body, slowly traveling in both directions to reveal his ghostly self.

--

Clockwork had been watching as the boy floated forward, slowly gaining his powers back.

'At last, he is learning control.'

'But what does that mean for you, Clockwork? For with his powers, the boy will surely defeat you…'

Although he had been trying to hide his fear and thought he had been doing a pretty good job of it, the boy's words about him being the Darkness still stung in his ears. They had to be wrong. There had to be something else that he was destined to defeat.

'Forget what he said. Forget what you realized. Now that he is fully in control of his powers, there has to be something else…'

'But what if there isn't?

'Well then…maybe it's time…'

He couldn't believe he was thinking these things. Could he really let this boy, one HE had created, be his defeat?

His thoughts stopped as he heard the girl let out a gasp and looked at Daniel once again. His red eyes grew big as he witnessed something he had only hoped would one day happen.

The white rings around the boy's body travelled in both directions, transforming him into the ghost that Clockwork had first awakened so many weeks ago.

Trying not to be scared for what he sensed was next, he mustered some courage and spoke.

"Well Daniel, I see you have finally managed to control your powers."

--

Danny lifted his hand to his hair, touching its white surface.

He spun around and looked for something reflective, only to see a hint of green from his eyes.

He looked down, seeing his gloved hands emit a soft green glow from the energy he was radiating.

It couldn't be!

Somehow, someway, he had managed to allow his body to control his transformations.

"Well Daniel, I see you have managed to finally control your powers."

Clockwork!

He felt the energy radiating through his body, more than he had EVER felt before, as he flew closer to his enemy.

"And I owe it all to you!" he shouted with more confidence than he ever had before. Now that his powers were back in full force, there was nothing stopping him from finally ending this game with Clockwork.

His hands began to glow brighter green, again forming two large balls of energy which he aimed right at the ghost before him.

This time Clockwork didn't avoid the hit; instead he allowed himself to face it square on as he transformed to his eldest self and flew back.

But he wasn't going to let the boy win that easily if he could help it. There had to be a way for him to keep some control and also let the prophecy play out.

"Daniel," he said, sounding like a weak old man, "you did it. You figured out how to control it. I'm so proud of you." He smiled as he got up.

"Proud!? What are you, my father?" Danny smirked.

"In a way, I feel like I am. After all, I did bring you back. Introduced you to this new world."

Danny's eyes softened a bit at this, knowing that Clockwork was right. But there had also been so many things he had done wrong in this short time that it was impossible for Danny to ever completely forgive him.

Danny watched as Clockwork got up and transformed into his young adult self, and for the first time noticed something he hadn't before.

'That staff. The one he carries with him always. Did it just… glow? Is it possible his power…comes from that stick?'

A thought was forming in his head now as he watched Clockwork's movements. They were weaker than before, and he was gripping that staff pretty tightly.

'Do I dare?'

As if answering his own question, Danny felt energy rising inside him. He prepared his hands for another ball of ecto-energy but was surprised to find the energy was rising even higher.

'What?'

It was in his neck, warming the back of his throat, waiting to be released.

He had never felt this before as a ghost. Could it be some new power?

'Only one way to find out.'

He opened his mouth and let the power go.

#danny phantom #sam manson #clockwork #dpau #danny phantom fanfiction #fanfiction #phanfiction

[unsatisfied-dreamer]

Blue and Mint, Why am I training under a mint haired man suddenly? A first attempt of possibly an ongoing fanfic of a slight alt universe with Yoongi and a girl who has been quietly working on becoming lyricist but also has a lot of side abilities that might come their aid latter.

Life was I didn't see myself sharing with anyone. No one seemed to be on the same wavelength as me and it got tiring being told, "You'll find someone you connect with." "One day there will be someone you love and your birthday will never be the same again." All the compiled moments built up and I had long since began to roll my eyes. Dating apps were not any use to me either. One time I found someone and swiped on them and they had already swiped back on me. When I messaged them nothing came back. I'd think of the times I was too timid to take action. When in reality for so many years I knew there were things in myself I needed work. My long history of people pleasing was not so easily turned off. It left me confused on what love was. After a long time of unraveling and unboxing. Taking apart and deconstructing. Slowly I have begun to understand what real love means and have become closer to people I love more than I could have before.

Yet romantic love still evades me. After so many years of not being able to make any decisions here I am taking one of the boldest risks of my life. For so long I secretly and quietly began writing lyrics in my free time. It's been a challenge for me to choose one thing I want to do. My interest are a wide umbrella. Most assumed I would go into fashion or makeup. Which I still may. That all depends though on how this day unfolds.

Taking a deep breath looking up at the building looming over me. I close my eyes and blink when I reopen them. The light and morning sky reflect off it as if it were a piece of the sky itself. The air has been perfectly still all day. As I am about to step onto the sidewalk leading to the place that will change the direction of my life. A burst of wind comes up around me blowing my hair up into the air. A single white feather drifts down out of the sky landing on the ground in front of me. Leaning down to pick up I feel like it should be a good sign of what is ahead. Glancing up I see someone walking in through the doors. He looks behind him for a second looking me in the eyes for a second and then whipping back around. Just then I realize looking down at my phone it was time to get moving or I was going to be late. Quickly I put the feather inside my bag and made my way through the revolving doors.

Well here I am after a little bit of being discombobulated I found my way getting directions from the service lady at the the desk. Her cheerful customer service morning and compassionate smile at least made me feel not a complete disaster. Now I found myself in a long row of people seated on chairs with numbers on our shirts with folders on our laps. To help calm myself I hum some of my favorite songs to myself. Without noticing it is my turn to go in. As the door is held open my group of 5 shuffles in quietly in. In this room all there is a table and 3 people sat behind it. A young man with blonde hair tells us to make sure the sticker corresponding the the number on our shirt is attached the folder of lyrics we are submitting. He tells us we are to leave them on the table and we may leave. It feels a little non climatic but we all wordlessly do as we are asked. As I set my bright blue folder down. Somehow the white feather I picked up falls out onto the table. As I reach to pick it up. A pale hand has already picked it up and is holding the feather out to me. "Here you go." called a soft slightly gravely voice. I glance up then to meet the eyes of man I saw earlier today before I came in. I hadn't noticed how downturned and soft he eyes were then, now they dance with amusement. I get the idea I may have been staring a little longer than I meant to and quickly said a thank you to him and walked quickly to catch up with the others. Just before stepping out of the room I looked back to see the same man still looking towards me in curiosity. The corner of his mouth pulled up a little to a partial smile and I ended up smiling back at him. The light caught the silver hoops that gathered on his ear lobes in a group of 3. They twinkled along with the light that now twinkled in his eyes as I saw it was my folder he had already opened up and was reading the words inside. At least a smile should account for something. It is a start before I got a crisp thank you at things like this. In the mean time it was getting near the time I had to hurry up and get to all the fur covered friends that were waiting for me. The whimsical blue and yellow door with little trials of cat and dog foot prints wound all over it. As I pushed the door open a little bell chimes and little pads of feet and nails clicking and clacking on the hard floors echo. As a small army of dogs small and large crowd the gate in front of me. "Now easy little ones. I'm coming, I'm coming. How were my babies? Were you all good?" Carefully I open the gate. Picking up my vest that was cream and blue. Adjusting my shining blue nametag and dawning the blue beret we all wear here with our vests. It's time to get ready to open the dog café, Prancing Fur Friends. It's hard to not enjoy getting to be with dogs all day long and there is even one cat who happens to be mine. For whatever reason he doesn't mind being with dogs all day. Between you and me I think he may be having an identity crisis. Though my cat Mirai seem to not warm up to many of the customers. I left Mirai here earlier before I ran over to drop off my folder. Everyday I work here he climbs into his travel backpack and we go together. Right before our first round of customers come I scratch my cat Mirai behind the ears. Then I start to set out all the water bowls. The bell rings letting me know the day has begun. Most of the time it's me and one other girl on the floor and another working on the drinks and desserts. As the night comes and it's time to lock up my cat and I start our way home. As I lay in bed that night all I can hope is as much as I love working with dogs. That maybe just maybe my lyrics were as good as my friend who kept insisting they were. With a final sigh. I turn over and hug Mirai closer to me whispering, "This might be the turning point. You never know. Then we can hold our heads a little higher right?" Days have passed and gone by. No matter how many times I refresh my emails on my phone not one shows up telling me if my lyrics have been accepted. That is till when I checked one more

time today at my lunch break. As the email popped up my felt like it stopped. A small Corgi came up next to me while I sat on the floor and flopped his head on my knee. "Thanks Creamsicle I need the extra support." My heart began to hammer in my chest and all I could hear was my blood pounding. Trembling I clicked on the email. As my eyes scanned over the words. My hands holding my dropped to my lap. Resigned I sighed and gently petted the corgi on my lap. "Well Creamscile... It looks like it's another no for me. Guess it just wasn't my time but what does this make it? The 40th time or something? ...I am just not sure if I should keep doing this anymore." A hot tear escaped my eye and ran down my face as my throat burned. Mirai as if magic as always appeared on my opposite side and sat watching me with big knowing eyes before rubbing his head on me. "Sitting there you look a bit like a Disney Princess. Who else would have animals all around them. Except maybe Beast boy but then you'd have to be green..." The male voice sounds a little familiar. It was kind a little gravely sounding. With a small huff the owner of the voice sits down next to me. Looking over I realize it was the man I had seen earlier that was sitting at the table that day. He offered a small smile as the light caught his earrings. Mint green fringe falling into his eyes. This close I could see how warm and brown they were going up up a slightly on the inner middle of his eyes as the edges turned down. A small delicate nose graced his pale face that was dusted with pink across his cheeks. Mirai padded his way over to the man and laid down in his lap. At first I raised my eyebrows at him and under my breath whispered "Traitor." The mint haired man must have heard me because he let out a small airy laugh. "So I guess I should tell you why I am here. It's really by accident I found this place but not many girls have blue hair and walk around with the cat travel backpacks. I saw you the other day." "That really doesn't explain why you're here still." I say as I wipe the hot tears off my cheeks trying to hide my face even if he already saw. "I guess...they finally sent out the emails huh? To be honest I don't agree fully with decisions even they were looking for lyricists that fit the group they are looking to debut. So don't take it personal." Sighing and looking up at the ceiling and glancing briefly at his face that had returned to an impassive resting expression except for his eyes giving off a hint of empathy. "It's little hard not to after so many times of being... I'm sorry I really shouldn't be whining." For a moment you both sit in silence. As you begin to stroke the corgi between his ears and you hear a purr emanating from your cat. Gently after a few minutes the man speaks up "It's okay to whine sometimes and be frustrated. I'm not going to judge you for it." Rubbing my eyes I fight the desire to cry. I don't even know this man but within the few minutes we've been talking I already feel like he means what he says. That he wouldn't hold it against me. Coming to terms with the fact that my eyes were not going to stop watering anytime soon. I turn fully to the man beside me. He holds out his hand "My name is Yoongi." Without hesitation I shake his hands and he gently grips onto mine. "My name is Luna. Nice to meet you." "So I have an idea. If you're up for it. Would you consider working a bit with me?" Instantly I freeze. Who is this person and no matter how much I warmed up to him. What does he want to work on together?

#suga #yoongi #yoongi fanfic #BTS #kPOP #YOONGI ALTERNATE FANFIC

[gordonwilliamsweb]

Public Health Experts Worry About Boom-Bust Cycle of Support

Congress has poured tens of billions of dollars into state and local public health departments in response to the covid-19 pandemic, paying for masks, contact tracers and education campaigns to persuade people to get vaccinated.

This story also ran on The Associated Press. It can be republished for free.

Public health officials who have juggled bare-bones budgets for years are happy to have the additional money. Yet they worry it will soon dry up as the pandemic recedes, continuing a boom-bust funding cycle that has plagued the U.S. public health system for decades. If budgets are slashed again, they warn, that could leave the nation where it was before covid: unprepared for a health crisis.

“We need funds that we can depend on year after year,” said Dr. Mysheika Roberts, the health commissioner of Columbus, Ohio.

When Roberts started in Columbus in 2006, an emergency preparedness grant paid for more than 20 staffers. By the time the coronavirus pandemic hit, it paid for about 10. Relief money that came through last year helped the department staff up its covid response teams. While the funding has helped the city cope with the immediate crisis, Roberts wonders if history will repeat itself.

After the pandemic is over, public health officials across the U.S. fear, they’ll be back to scraping together money from a patchwork of sources to provide basic services to their communities — much like after 9/11, SARS and Ebola.

When the mosquito-borne Zika virus tore through South America in 2016, causing serious birth defects in newborn babies, members of Congress couldn’t agree how, and how much, to spend in the U.S. for prevention efforts, such as education and mosquito abatement. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention took money from its Ebola efforts, and from state and local health department funding, to pay for the initial Zika response. Congress eventually allocated $1.1 billion for Zika, but by then mosquito season had passed in much of the U.S.

“Something happens, we throw a ton of money at it, and then in a year or two we go back to our shrunken budgets and we can’t do the minimum things we have to do day in and day out, let alone be prepared for the next emergency,” said Chrissie Juliano, executive director of the Big Cities Health Coalition, which represents leaders of more than two dozen public health departments.

Funding for Public Health Emergency Preparedness, which pays for emergency capabilities for state and local health departments, dropped by about half between the 2003 and 2021 fiscal years, accounting for inflation, according to Trust for America’s Health, a public health research and advocacy organization.

Even the federal Prevention and Public Health Fund, established with the Affordable Care Act to provide $2 billion a year for public health, was raided for cash over the past decade. If the money hadn’t been touched, eventually local and state health departments would have gotten an additional $12.4 billion.

Several lawmakers, led by Democratic U.S. Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, are looking to end the boom-bust cycle with legislation that would eventually provide $4.5 billion annually in core public health funding. Health departments carry out essential government functions — such as managing water safety, issuing death certificates, tracking sexually transmitted diseases and preparing for infectious outbreaks.

Spending for state public health departments dropped by 16% per capita from 2010 to 2019, and spending for local health departments fell by 18%, KHN and The Associated Press found in a July investigation. At least 38,000 public health jobs were lost at the state and local level between the 2008 recession and 2019. Today, many public health workers are hired on a temporary or part-time basis. Some are paid so poorly they qualify for public aid. Those factors reduce departments’ ability to retain people with expertise.

Compounding those losses, the pandemic has prompted an exodus of public health officials because of harassment, political pressure and exhaustion. A yearlong analysis by the AP and KHN found at least 248 leaders of state and local health departments resigned, retired or were fired between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Nearly 1 in 6 Americans lost a local public health leader during the pandemic. Experts say it is the largest exodus of public health leaders in American history.

<![CDATA[ window.addEventListener('message', function(event) { if (typeof event.data['datawrapper-height'] !== 'undefined') { var iframes = document.querySelectorAll('iframe'); for (var chartId in event.data['datawrapper-height']) { for (var i=0; i

Brian Castrucci, CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation, which advocates for public health, calls Congress’ giant influx of cash in response to the crisis “wallpaper and drapes” because it doesn’t restore public health’s crumbling foundation.

“I worry at the end of this we’re going to hire up a bunch of contact tracers — and then lay them off soon thereafter,” Castrucci said. “We are continuing to kind of go from disaster to disaster without ever talking about the actual infrastructure.”

Castrucci and others say dependable money is needed for high-skill professionals, such as epidemiologists — data-driven disease detectives — and for technology upgrades that would help track outbreaks and get information to the public.

In Ohio, the computer system used to report cases to the state predates the invention of the iPhone. State officials had said for years they wanted to upgrade it, but they lacked the money and political will. Many departments across the country have relied on fax machines to report covid cases.

During the pandemic, Ohio’s state auditor found that nearly 96% of local health departments it surveyed had problems with the state’s disease reporting system. Roberts said workers interviewing patients had to navigate several pages of questions, a major burden when handling 500 cases daily.

The system was so outdated that some information could be entered only in a non-searchable comment box, and officials struggled to pull data from the system to report to the public — such as how many people who tested positive had attended a Black Lives Matter rally, which last summer was a key question for people trying to understand whether protests contributed to the virus’s spread.

Ohio is working on a new system, but Roberts worries that, without a dependable budget, the state won’t be able to keep that one up to date either. 

“You’re going to need to upgrade that,” Roberts said. “And you're going to need dollars to support that.”

In Washington, the public health director for Seattle and King County, Patty Hayes, said she is asked all the time why there isn’t a single, central place to register for a vaccine appointment. The answer comes down to money: Years of underfunding left departments across the state with antiquated computer systems that were not up to the task when covid hit.

Hayes recalls a time when her department would conduct mass vaccination drills, but that system was dismantled when the money dried up after the specter of 9/11 faded.

Roughly six years ago, an analysis found that her department was about $25 million short of what it needed annually for core public health work. Hayes said the past year has shown that’s an underestimate. For example, climate change is prompting more public health concerns, such as the effect on residents when wildfire smoke engulfed much of the Pacific Northwest in September.

Public health officials in some areas may struggle to make the case for more stable funding because a large swath of the public has questioned — and often been openly hostile toward — the mask mandates and business restrictions that public health officials have imposed through the pandemic.

In Missouri, some county commissioners who were frustrated at public health restrictions withheld money from the departments.

In Knox County, Tennessee, Mayor Glenn Jacobs narrated a video posted in the fall that showed a photo of health officials after referencing “sinister forces.” Later, someone spray-painted “DEATH” on the department office building. The Board of Health was stripped of its powers in March and given an advisory role. A spokesperson for the mayor’s office declined to comment on the video.

“This is going to change the position of public health and what we can and cannot do across the country,” said Dr. Martha Buchanan, the head of the health department. “I know it’s going to change it here.”

A KHN and AP investigation in December found at least 24 states were crafting legislation that would limit or remove public health powers.

Back in Seattle, locally based companies have pitched in money and staff members for vaccine sites. Microsoft is hosting one location, while Starbucks offered customer service expertise to help design the sites. Hayes is grateful, but she wonders why a critical government function didn’t have the resources it needed during a pandemic.

If public health had been getting dependable funding, her staff could have been working more effectively with the data and preparing for emerging threats in the state where the first U.S. covid case was confirmed.

“They'll look back at this response to the pandemic in this country as a great example of a failure of a country to prioritize the health of its citizens, because it didn't commit to public health,” she said. “That will be part of the story.”

KHN senior correspondent Anna Maria Barry-Jester and Montana correspondent Katheryn Houghton contributed to this report.

KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

USE OUR CONTENT

This story can be republished for free (details).

Public Health Experts Worry About Boom-Bust Cycle of Support published first on https://nootropicspowdersupplier.tumblr.com/

[stephenmccull]

Public Health Experts Worry About Boom-Bust Cycle of Support

Congress has poured tens of billions of dollars into state and local public health departments in response to the covid-19 pandemic, paying for masks, contact tracers and education campaigns to persuade people to get vaccinated.

This story also ran on The Associated Press. It can be republished for free.

Public health officials who have juggled bare-bones budgets for years are happy to have the additional money. Yet they worry it will soon dry up as the pandemic recedes, continuing a boom-bust funding cycle that has plagued the U.S. public health system for decades. If budgets are slashed again, they warn, that could leave the nation where it was before covid: unprepared for a health crisis.

“We need funds that we can depend on year after year,” said Dr. Mysheika Roberts, the health commissioner of Columbus, Ohio.

When Roberts started in Columbus in 2006, an emergency preparedness grant paid for more than 20 staffers. By the time the coronavirus pandemic hit, it paid for about 10. Relief money that came through last year helped the department staff up its covid response teams. While the funding has helped the city cope with the immediate crisis, Roberts wonders if history will repeat itself.

After the pandemic is over, public health officials across the U.S. fear, they’ll be back to scraping together money from a patchwork of sources to provide basic services to their communities — much like after 9/11, SARS and Ebola.

When the mosquito-borne Zika virus tore through South America in 2016, causing serious birth defects in newborn babies, members of Congress couldn’t agree how, and how much, to spend in the U.S. for prevention efforts, such as education and mosquito abatement. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention took money from its Ebola efforts, and from state and local health department funding, to pay for the initial Zika response. Congress eventually allocated $1.1 billion for Zika, but by then mosquito season had passed in much of the U.S.

“Something happens, we throw a ton of money at it, and then in a year or two we go back to our shrunken budgets and we can’t do the minimum things we have to do day in and day out, let alone be prepared for the next emergency,” said Chrissie Juliano, executive director of the Big Cities Health Coalition, which represents leaders of more than two dozen public health departments.

Funding for Public Health Emergency Preparedness, which pays for emergency capabilities for state and local health departments, dropped by about half between the 2003 and 2021 fiscal years, accounting for inflation, according to Trust for America’s Health, a public health research and advocacy organization.

Even the federal Prevention and Public Health Fund, established with the Affordable Care Act to provide $2 billion a year for public health, was raided for cash over the past decade. If the money hadn’t been touched, eventually local and state health departments would have gotten an additional $12.4 billion.

Several lawmakers, led by Democratic U.S. Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, are looking to end the boom-bust cycle with legislation that would eventually provide $4.5 billion annually in core public health funding. Health departments carry out essential government functions — such as managing water safety, issuing death certificates, tracking sexually transmitted diseases and preparing for infectious outbreaks.

Spending for state public health departments dropped by 16% per capita from 2010 to 2019, and spending for local health departments fell by 18%, KHN and The Associated Press found in a July investigation. At least 38,000 public health jobs were lost at the state and local level between the 2008 recession and 2019. Today, many public health workers are hired on a temporary or part-time basis. Some are paid so poorly they qualify for public aid. Those factors reduce departments’ ability to retain people with expertise.

Compounding those losses, the pandemic has prompted an exodus of public health officials because of harassment, political pressure and exhaustion. A yearlong analysis by the AP and KHN found at least 248 leaders of state and local health departments resigned, retired or were fired between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Nearly 1 in 6 Americans lost a local public health leader during the pandemic. Experts say it is the largest exodus of public health leaders in American history.

<![CDATA[ window.addEventListener('message', function(event) { if (typeof event.data['datawrapper-height'] !== 'undefined') { var iframes = document.querySelectorAll('iframe'); for (var chartId in event.data['datawrapper-height']) { for (var i=0; i

Brian Castrucci, CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation, which advocates for public health, calls Congress’ giant influx of cash in response to the crisis “wallpaper and drapes” because it doesn’t restore public health’s crumbling foundation.

“I worry at the end of this we’re going to hire up a bunch of contact tracers — and then lay them off soon thereafter,” Castrucci said. “We are continuing to kind of go from disaster to disaster without ever talking about the actual infrastructure.”

Castrucci and others say dependable money is needed for high-skill professionals, such as epidemiologists — data-driven disease detectives — and for technology upgrades that would help track outbreaks and get information to the public.

In Ohio, the computer system used to report cases to the state predates the invention of the iPhone. State officials had said for years they wanted to upgrade it, but they lacked the money and political will. Many departments across the country have relied on fax machines to report covid cases.

During the pandemic, Ohio’s state auditor found that nearly 96% of local health departments it surveyed had problems with the state’s disease reporting system. Roberts said workers interviewing patients had to navigate several pages of questions, a major burden when handling 500 cases daily.

The system was so outdated that some information could be entered only in a non-searchable comment box, and officials struggled to pull data from the system to report to the public — such as how many people who tested positive had attended a Black Lives Matter rally, which last summer was a key question for people trying to understand whether protests contributed to the virus’s spread.

Ohio is working on a new system, but Roberts worries that, without a dependable budget, the state won’t be able to keep that one up to date either. 

“You’re going to need to upgrade that,” Roberts said. “And you're going to need dollars to support that.”

In Washington, the public health director for Seattle and King County, Patty Hayes, said she is asked all the time why there isn’t a single, central place to register for a vaccine appointment. The answer comes down to money: Years of underfunding left departments across the state with antiquated computer systems that were not up to the task when covid hit.

Hayes recalls a time when her department would conduct mass vaccination drills, but that system was dismantled when the money dried up after the specter of 9/11 faded.

Roughly six years ago, an analysis found that her department was about $25 million short of what it needed annually for core public health work. Hayes said the past year has shown that’s an underestimate. For example, climate change is prompting more public health concerns, such as the effect on residents when wildfire smoke engulfed much of the Pacific Northwest in September.

Public health officials in some areas may struggle to make the case for more stable funding because a large swath of the public has questioned — and often been openly hostile toward — the mask mandates and business restrictions that public health officials have imposed through the pandemic.

In Missouri, some county commissioners who were frustrated at public health restrictions withheld money from the departments.

In Knox County, Tennessee, Mayor Glenn Jacobs narrated a video posted in the fall that showed a photo of health officials after referencing “sinister forces.” Later, someone spray-painted “DEATH” on the department office building. The Board of Health was stripped of its powers in March and given an advisory role. A spokesperson for the mayor’s office declined to comment on the video.

“This is going to change the position of public health and what we can and cannot do across the country,” said Dr. Martha Buchanan, the head of the health department. “I know it’s going to change it here.”

A KHN and AP investigation in December found at least 24 states were crafting legislation that would limit or remove public health powers.

Back in Seattle, locally based companies have pitched in money and staff members for vaccine sites. Microsoft is hosting one location, while Starbucks offered customer service expertise to help design the sites. Hayes is grateful, but she wonders why a critical government function didn’t have the resources it needed during a pandemic.

If public health had been getting dependable funding, her staff could have been working more effectively with the data and preparing for emerging threats in the state where the first U.S. covid case was confirmed.

“They'll look back at this response to the pandemic in this country as a great example of a failure of a country to prioritize the health of its citizens, because it didn't commit to public health,” she said. “That will be part of the story.”

KHN senior correspondent Anna Maria Barry-Jester and Montana correspondent Katheryn Houghton contributed to this report.

KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

USE OUR CONTENT

This story can be republished for free (details).

Public Health Experts Worry About Boom-Bust Cycle of Support published first on https://smartdrinkingweb.weebly.com/

[gentleoverdrive]

2 Quick conversations. 1 between roommates, 1 between blood brothers. (If for some reason it doesn’t show the “keep reading” tag on browsers, click on the date to see the full chapter if you don’t like going to AO3)

Sunday Night: Little Chalphy’s 2nd Floor. Room C1. (11:39 PM) Two weeks had already gone by since her new life as a high-school student started. She was so far away from Windmire now; it seemed downright unbelievable for the middle child of Garon Krakenberg to be in this corner of the world. +Bzzzzt!+ Of course, it would certainly be nicer for her overall independence if the constant reminders that her older sister was an instructor in the very same school she’s attending were not an everyday thing. But she understood. She’s always had her siblings help her along when the going got tough, and somewhere along the way, she started picking up after herself. You were not very likely to hear her admit as much, but that’s an obstacle to tackle for another day. After checking the messages her older sister sent, Corrin massaged the bridge of her nose. Having taken care of that, she kept fiddling with her phone, even though waking up earlier should be at the top of her priorities right now, especially with the 3 tardy reports she had accumulated so far in these few days alone, along with other… less normal things that have happened since she arrived here. But that photo she kept glancing at, as innocuous as it seemed, means so much for her after such a short period of time. Seemed like a rather run-of-the-mill occasion, too: Her senior of three years, college freshman at Belhalla University Eirika McFadden, was standing above and behind them along with her brand new roommate, a young lady that went by the name of Anthiese Lima. The aforementioned woman possessing a fiery mane of hair had both her hands resting on the shoulders of her own roommate, a smiling, cheerful young man one year her senior named Alm Flowers. If only everything were as simple as how to pick some new piece of knowledge or learn a new skill, then these mixed feelings she held in her chest would be easy to let go of. She couldn’t help it. She’s been unable to sleep well after having the same dream four times in half as many weeks. It was the very same dream each time, without fail. She felt so stupid. And a little traitorous, if she was to admit it. Luckily, in a twist of fate, she was able to secure a staunch ally in the form of her roomie. “Almster, you awake?” Said roommate allowed her to create silly perversions of his name to be deployed as affectionate nicknames at discretion. “Afraid so” “Can I talk to y—wait what?” It was at that point that she realized that, although an upstanding, unfailingly polite fellow in most circumstances, Alm was nothing if not enthusiastic when it came to giving people he considered friends a little harder a time. All in the name of a good chuckle, of course. A chuckle— or better yet, a brief snicker— she could faintly hear and that she has now come to appreciate. “I am just pulling your leg. You want to do another life consultation, do you not?” The green-haired boy turned his head around to face his roommate and junior in the bed a couple of feet away from his. “Go ahead and tell me what burdens you so this night” “Well, it’s complicated” ‘… Only because you’re a complete chicken, Corrin J. Krakenberg! What are you actually saying right now!? Get it together! Ask for help! McGreen is your friend!’ Both her mouth and her inner thoughts kept her teetering on the edge. She’s known him for a little over half a month. Does she smother him with all her neuroses? “Well, it’s about the concert coming up next week, to be honest. Is Ms. Anthiese going to be ok with you accompanying me to it?” For now she decides to take an easy way out.‘Too soon’ Corrin thought for a spell. ‘Perhaps next time’ “I see” The green-haired boy focused his attention into the ceiling for a moment, before letting out a brief chuckle out. “Not to worry. Milady has established that she is not interested in attending that evening recital, so she should be all right with me taking that part of the day off for merriment and accompanying y—” Alm interrupted himself when he heard Corrin’s soft whimpers and sniffles for a brief second. Too long a time lapse, as far as he is concerned. “Is something the matter?” His inquiry came at the same time he pushed the sheets off himself to sit on the bed. “Ah—! N-no it’s fine! Don’t worry, Flower-power!” She quickly switched gears, along with turning away when she realized that she was going to be unable to face him right now as she is if this thread of conversation kept going. “Are you certain?” “Yeah! Totally cool, totally cool, totally cool… seriously, I mean it!” “I see” Flowers decided that, if she wants his help, she should be able to ask so any time she needs to. “Just be aware that I am here for you, understood?” “Thanks! Appreciate it” Krakenberg sat up straight and seemed a bit perked up at hearing those words. “So! Since we’re doing the life consultation thing, can I ask you another question?” “Ah, for certain! Feel free to do so” “Do you have someone you like?” Alm’s easygoing, relaxed expression suddenly gave way to a rather forced smile as he opened his previously-shut eyes. The memory of the playful kisses Anthiese and he shared after graduation from their first year of high-school about a month ago still fresh on his mind. It was probably showing all over his face right now. “Ah… well… it de-dep—” “You do!” She quickly bridged the gap between them and all but jumped in front of him, with her hands resting on his knees. “Are they here? Someone I know? DOES MISS ANTHIESE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT?!” At that moment, while looking away from her, Alm knew he needed to play it cool… + KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! + … Thankfully, a familiar sound coming from the door managed to kill Corrin’s momentum. “Kids, remember that it is lights out after 11. Go to sleep” Sigurd’s voice was firm, but never rose beyond a certain level. “Especially you, Miss Krakenberg” The emphasis still smarted a little bit. “Yes, sir” Both replied in not-quite unison. Looking a bit downtrodden, Corrin quickly noticed that she was still invading her roommate’s personal space, when a blush quickly made an act of appearance in her face. “Sorry!” She quickly apologized as she turning away and crawling under her bedsheets. And there it was again: That faint chuckle of his. “Nothing to concern yourself about, Miss” She refused to look him in the eye, but she could perfectly envision his smile. “To be continued tomorrow, perhaps?” At his sudden addition, a smile snuck up on her. “Why, of course!” And just like that, her mood before hitting the hay improved almost right away. ---------------------------------------------------- Tuesday: Rosen Jungfru Restaurant. (4:30 PM) While the two-star restaurant— specialized in traditional Velthomerian cuisine— is normally bustling with all sorts of powerful people filling its seats, even with somewhat uneasy political climate that has resulted due to recent events… today, though? A complete anomaly, what with the restaurant being almost empty save for a couple of dedicated waiters and few patrons. “I feel so goddamn exposed right now” An anomaly Hector Kormorane seemed quite receptive towards, even while staring at the bathroom mirror while adjusting the bothersome tie he had just recently learned how to tie properly. “Also looking very much like a court clown, I might add” “Is it because we had to get suited-up?” “Yes, Commodore Obvious, thank you, because of—” Hector interrupted himself when he heard the whirring sound coming from Eliwood’s direction. “—OH YOU DID NOT JUST TAKE A PICTURE!” “Why yes, I did. It’s not every day one gets asked a personal favor by the Marquess of Ostia” “WHAT?!” Hector’s voice broke its normally unflappable baritone to revel a surprisingly screechy side. “Eliwood Faeris, delete that right now, or gods so help me, I will make sure your shoulders are uneven for the rest of your life!” As they exited the men’s room, the young Ostian tried to avert the crisis that was sure to follow by swiping the phone off of his childhood friend’s hand… only for Pherae’s young Marquess-heir to swiftly move his right arm out of reach. “So, so slow, Hec!” Eliwood’s sniping was accompanied by a big cheerful grin. “Oh, could it be Mr. Big Hector Style secretly wants to make his big brother proud?” “Oh, that does it! So help me if you ma—” Before they could continue, the sound originating from Hector’s breast pocket suddenly stopped both young men on their tracks. Hector stared straight at a table where a brown-haired waiter raised two digits—his middle and ring ones, to be precise— just slightly above the aforementioned table. On his part, Eliwood yawned while looking at a sharp-dressed waitress who gave him a discreet thumbs-up, at which moment Eliwood cut his yawning short. Hector tapped his nose, and with that, the red-haired waitress moved towards the restaurant’s main entrance while the aforementioned brown-haired young man walked towards a table which had the entire cutlery necessary to assist a four person course. “Remember, Hec: We give no quarter” Eliwood slicked his hair back just right before walking towards their destination. “Damn straight we won’t!” Hector chuckled while adjusting his right sleeve cufflinks. “Let’s get this show on the road” He adds as they both start walking towards their current objective. Near the door, Eliwood steals a quick glance of the two patrons that will soon join them. “Be on your guard, Eli” Hector mutters while eyeing the duo as they come inside the Rosen Jungfru. “Well, would you look what the fucking cat dragged in!” A man that actually stands above Hector’s height smirked. “If it isn’t the wussiest motherfucker who ever lived ins—! GEH!” Suddenly, the other man standing right next to the blabbermouth interrupts him with a well-placed smack upside the head. “OW! Lloyd, what gives?!” “We just got here and you’re already showing your ass. Calm down” The man with dirty-blond hair was massaging the back of his neck while replying to his brasher counterpart. “It has been a while, Reed brothers” “Welp! No retort! Does that mean the little Ostian squirt has finally matured?” Hector felt that perhaps Lloyd could’ve further disciplined his younger brother with a harder smack upside the head, but he knew that he needed to keep his cool. “So… shall we?” And with that, Hector gestured towards the table so that this banquet could finally get underway.

#celicalm #alm #corrin #sigurd #hector #eliwood #lloyd reed #linus reed #matthew #leila #big dumbass energy #romcom #found family #ao3 #my own work #my own writing #writing is my business #fanfic #fire emblem #some thoughts still kinda dumb #alm x celica

[contentmarketingallstars]

Content Marketing All-Stars Q&A: Brooks Thomas of Southwest Airlines

Tell great stories.

Southwest takes that often heard—and extraordinarily effective—advice to heart. The airline excels at creating content that engages, compels, and inspires. Over and over, the company produces pieces which tell extraordinary stories about its customers, its employees, and its brand. 

How do they do it? Recently we chatted with Brooks Thomas, Social Business Advisor at Southwest Airlines, to find out.

Check out the full Q&A below:

Q: Starting broadly, what role does digital content play for Southwest? Why are you creating it?

A: Content plays a big role for us because it gives us the ability to tell a wide array of stories.

We pride ourselves on having the best employees in the industry and the best customers in the industry. Telling their stories authentically—I know that word is cliché—is what we seek to do.

We have both employees and customers sharing so many interesting moments; from trip planning, to the Southwest experience, to the lasting impact travel leaves. We want to harness all that and tell emotional stories.

Q: What is the team like that is pulling together these stories? 

A: It’s not a single team, this really is a company effort.

We enable any Southwest employee who has a really good story to be able to tell it. We provide the platforms for them to share it on, and we’ve got teams like Social Business—which I reside on—curating those pieces.

We and the Social Customer Care folks are constantly harvesting customer and employee stories. Often that process starts with something as simple as a mention of Southwest on Twitter, or Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

We look as an enterprise – it really does transcend individual teams – how to distribute those stories internally and externally. Content at Southwest drives a larger narrative that extends beyond where it was curated. We look for ways to integrate it in other channels, in training opportunities, and shout-outs from leadership during major news and announcements.

Everybody here, in every team and in every city, is part of telling our story. That’s how it should be—everyone involved is part of the Southwest story.

Q: What are the mechanisms for employees sharing stories? Which platforms do you use to share and find stories?

A: There are a couple of different ways, but the one that is the most practical, and maybe the most obvious, is our robust internal online groups, particularly on Facebook.

Employees can go in and tag the right person with their story, and depending on the type of content it’ll make it to the right team. It’s a hub-and-spoke model for sharing.

We’ve had these Facebook groups for five or six years now and they’ve become very popular. People learn over time who to tag within the company. We’re like a family at Southwest; name almost any city or airport and I could tell you the name of somebody who is eager jump into action and help.

Social has helped to cultivate that company community. Friendships that used to be infrequent – “Hey I’ll see you a couple times a year because we work on opposite sides of the country” – can now be sustained digitally. Now people are able to constantly share really cool stuff with each other, which magnifies their relationships and also helps us cultivate an environment where the sharing is constant

Q: We’re big fans of the Southwest Stories on the website. Can you talk a bit about how that area came about and what it is?

A: It has a bit of an unusual origin story.

Back in 2004 and 2005 there was an A&E show called Airline which featured Southwest employees. We didn’t have any editorial control of the show, we just believed that our people would do the right thing and Southwest would be shown in a positive light.

And it did; after each episode we would receive an influx of applications from people who wanted to work for us.

When the show went off the air we experienced a big decrease, because the stories became much harder to find. Company blogs weren’t a big thing back then, but we launched one so that we could keep storytelling.

Over time the space grew to include video and became a much bigger thing. About a year-and-a-half ago we relaunched it as a community. We wanted it to be not just the stories we tell, but a discussion with peer-to-peer sharing; people helping people

Q: Another great offering from you guys is 175 Stories. Can you talk about what it is?

A: That has been a fabulous effort from our advertising folks in conjunction with our advertising agency of record, GSD&M.

We’d had the tagline “Every city has a story” peppered through our offerings for a while, but the idea hadn’t received the structure it deserved until the creation of 175 Stories. We called it that because that’s how many seats our new Boeing 737 MAX 8 holds. That aircraft went into service in October, which synched with our timing for a fall campaign.

175 Stories is essentially a combination of a lot of different storytelling efforts, but mostly involves our social content curation and advertising. The effort tells the stories of all the different people you might find on a flight. Some are real stories and some are produced commercials, derived from real situations.

We wanted to take that whole theme of “behind every seat is a story” and showcase it. We also wanted to highlight our coined term “transfarency” and show how we separate ourselves from the pack with two free checked bags—as long as weight and size limits apply – no change fees, and other similarly unique Southwest offerings.

Q: How do you measure the success of a piece of content? Which metrics do you pay close attention to? 

A: It depends on the piece; where it is coming from and how it fits into the greater puzzle.

If it’s a piece that has some duality—for example, if it’s supposed to be building brand affinity and also encouraging people to apply for a job—then we want to be able to measure against both goals.

Typically, we’re putting out content because we want to build awareness around something, or we want to build brand affinity, or we want to inspire people to take action; whether it’s booking a fare, applying for a job, or simply engaging. Whichever of those is relevant drives the metrics we analyze.

Q: Finally, do you have any personal favorite pieces of Southwest content?

A: I’ll give you a newer one and an older one.

The older one is from a few years ago: I got a voicemail from a woman, Maraleen Manos-Jones, saying there was a crisis. She was in Albany, NY, and said she had a beautiful, healthy butterfly that had just emerged from its cocoon late in the season. She was afraid it wouldn’t successfully migrate south because by the time it got to around Kansas City in the midsection of America the temperature would be too low for a butterfly to survive.

So, she was asking of we would fly the butterfly down to San Antonio to be released in a botanic garden there. 

We ended up doing it. We took her from Albany through Baltimore and down to San Antonio. We pitched the story to the press and by the time she got to the botanic garden in Texas there were throngs of cameras just waiting for this butterfly to be released. It was amazing, the story got picked up domestically and internationally.

We cheekily called it the “butterfly effect”: if we could raise awareness about something like climate change, or sustainability, or environmental friendliness, with one donated ticket—one butterfly—then we’ve done our job. In hindsight, seeing all of the coverage, we would have been crazy to pass on it, even though I’m sure many people thought we were crazy for pursuing it.

The newer story involves a man named Earl Richards, who is a World War II veteran and describes himself as the happiest guy in Albuquerque. 

He is also a huge Southwest fan. He sings for customers as they board; he asks to pass out snacks. He just loves the company.

So, we organized for him to come to our headquarters and get the royal treatment.

He was so taken aback that we would do this for him; he got choked up and was so thankful.

It’s a fun story and very representative of our customers. People take so much pride in associating themselves with us. That makes Southwest as much theirs as it is mine.

#cmas #content marketing all stars #content #content marketing #CMAS QandA #southwest airlines #southwest #brooks thomas

[thecoroutfitters]

For all of my adult life, I’ve heard the Republican Party being accused of being war mongers. Obviously, these accusations come from people who are not Republicans and are done with the intent of making Republicans look bad.

But of the 14 international wars that United States armed forces have participated in since the Civil War, the split is exactly even between Republicans and Democrats.

However, if we look at the cost of those wars, especially the cost in human lives, the scale has to come down on the side of the Democrats. I say that because there were Democrat Presidents in office at the beginning of most of the bloodiest wars that we have participated in, specifically World War I, World War II and the Korean War.

So the idea that Republicans are war mongers and that Democrats are peace-loving people just doesn’t stand up to scrutiny. Republicans do stand for a strong military, while Democrats tend to hate the military and reduce their funding.

The Republican idea is to have a strong enough military that we don’t need to get involved in wars, simply because nobody would want to take the chance of fighting a losing war with us.

Nevertheless, the idea of Republicans being war mongers prevails and is widely touted as fact. Perhaps this is, at least in part, because the people propagating that narrative are mostly in the news media, and as we all know, they are over 90 percent Democrats, who are more interested in spreading anti-Republican propaganda than they are in real news.

War and the Economy

Part of this narrative is that Republicans use wars to boost the economy, while Democrats are perceived as being able to boost the economy without wars. While there might be some truth to that statement, it is largely coincidental, rather than actual.

Changes to the economy generally happen slowly enough, that they aren’t realized during the tenure of a sitting president, but rather appear years later, during another presidency.

One prime example of this is the financial crisis caused by the bursting of the housing bubble. This came about because of banking regulations passed during Clinton’s presidency, which allowed accelerated rate loans and bubble loans for home mortgages.

These loans were a boon to the housing business, increasing the number of new homes built and homes bought, key economic indicators that made the Clinton presidency into an economic “golden age” for the country. But as we all know, when those balloon payments came due, people couldn’t afford them.

Not only that, but housing prices had artificially risen to the point where many people couldn’t refinance their homes. So the bubble popped during the end of Bush the second’s presidency, sending our economy into the most serious recession since the Great Depression.

On the other hand, there is one thing that a president is able to do, which can immediately stimulate the economy. It’s actually more along the lines of public relations than anything else. That is, the president can do a lot to increase public confidence, specifically confidence in the economy.

When they do, it always results in a boon to the country’s economy.

Bill Clinton did this quite effectively, which explains why the years of his presidency are looked at as “golden years” for the nation’s economy. It looks like President Trump is doing so as well, especially as people are starting to realize the impact of the recent tax reform package that he signed into law.

Why War for the Economy?

What makes war look like an economic boon is the vast amount of money the government has to spend to fight a war. War is expensive business; just ask any Democrat you meet. They can probably quote you figures on how much the “War on Drugs” has cost us, just looking at the wars in Afghanistan and Iran.

They blame the national debt on this, even though those wars only account for a small portion of the national debt.

Actually, the idea that wars boost the economy hearkens back to the early days of the last century, especially the years of World War II. President Franklin Roosevelt has been quoted as saying during that time that as much as 40% of the country’s GNP would have to go into war production.

Winning the Second World War was a national goal, with pretty much the whole country pulling together to help ensure that win.

This Could Kickstart World War Three

Many of the country’s great corporations were built from infancy to mega-corporations on government contracts issued during that time. Aircraft manufacturers, shipyards and automotive companies received purchase orders to build all they could on a “cost plus 10 percent” basis.

With guaranteed profits like that, massive investment was made into those companies manufacturing capability, which continued to help them once the war was over.

Keep in mind that the country came out of the Great Depression the same year that World War II started. While it wasn’t until later that we entered the war, it is fairly widely known that FDR was working behind the scenes to support the allies as much as possible and to get the US into the war.

Public opinion prevented our entry into the war though, until the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.

World War II did boost the nation’s economy; much more so than any war before or since. Yet even smaller wars have helped the economy, simply by increasing military spending. With the military paying top dollar for everything, any company that has military contracts benefits from war.

That benefit then spreads through the rest of the economy, as those companies and their employees spend their profits.

But Start a War for Profits?

The very idea of starting a war for financial profits is just about as cynical as you can get. Perhaps that’s why Democrats make so many accusations against the Republicans for doing just that. Democrat politicians are masters at smear campaigns and saying that George Bush started the war in Iraq (for example) just for financial gain, protecting his family’s financial interest in the oil industry, is a great way of making Bush, and by extension all Republicans look bad.

Starting a war for financial gain is probably the ultimate way of saying that some lives are more valuable than others. It is saying that some people have to die, so that others can make a profit. While I have no doubt that there are people in the world who see things that way, I seriously doubt that our country’s political system would allow them to ascend to high office.

One little detail that most people forget is that the President doesn’t have the power to declare war; that power belongs to Congress. The President is the Commander in Chief and the War Powers Act does allow the president to send troops wherever he sees need, in the national interest.

But that is a limited power. He (or sometime in the future, she) can only do that for a maximum of 30 days. If Congress doesn’t agree with the president in that time, they have to recall the troops.

So, there are checks and balances against even an evil person who attains the presidency, using that position for personal gain in this manner. They would have to convince over half of Congress that there was a necessity for the war and that it would be right for the United States military to continue participating in it.

Of course, the conspiracy theorists will always have an answer for this, telling how manufactured evidence was created to sell Congress on the idea. But that’s a whole lot harder to accomplish than they believe. The number of people who would have to be involved in such a deception would ensure that the truth eventually came out. Their “unnamed sources” don’t count.

It’s a Moral Issue

Ultimately, going to war or not going to war is a moral issue. Throughout history, there have been kings and rulers who chose to go to war for personal gain, conquering new lands to expand their empire. But the United States has never done that. Our wars have been fought on moral grounds.

Even the Revolutionary War and the Civil War were fought on moral grounds. We fought the Revolutionary War to gain our freedom, when Great Britain was levying taxes on the colonies, without giving our forefathers representation in Parliament. That was a moral issue.

While the Civil War was fought for a number of reasons, one of the central ones was over slavery. That’s a moral issue as well. Granted, both sides thought that they had the moral high ground, but it was still a moral issue.

Oh, there are wars that we have been involved in, which can be stated to have a non-moral basis, such as the Whiskey Rebellion and the Indian Wars. I won’t argue that. But by and large, when the United States has gone to war, it has been for the protection of our land, our rights, our freedom or that of other countries around the world.

With this in mind, the very idea of starting a war, just to boost the economy is ridiculous. It goes against the American psyche; against our character; against who we are. Yes, we will use war to profit economically, in any way that we can. But that’s not the same as starting a war for financial profit.

But There’s Another Reason

Anyone who is really watching the economy, rather than just listening to the talking heads on the Democrat propaganda machine, otherwise known as the mainstream media, knows that we don’t need to go to war in order to boost the economy; it’s already receiving a much-needed shot in the arm.

It’s called “the Trump effect” and it started as soon as the results of the 2016 presidential election were in, before the inauguration. President Obama had been so anti-business, that companies were hoarding their profits and moving them overseas.

Little business expansion was happening, because companies with the means to expand were unsure of the business climate. They didn’t want to invest in what could very well be a losing venture.

Business is risky enough as it is. Any experienced businessperson knows how to reduce their exposure as much as possible. So they look for sure things or at least as sure as they can find. A stagnant economy, where the administration is anti-business is not a good place to invest. New regulations could shut down that business opportunity, before it could begin to show a profit.

But Trump is a businessman, who understands business. His pro-business stance has been clear from the very beginning of his campaign. One of his campaign promises was to reduce government regulation, something that he started on as soon as he was sworn in to office. That, in turn, has given corporate boards and private businessmen the confidence to start investing in our economy once again.

Add the recent tax reform to that raised confidence and it’s no wonder that the stock market is riding at record highs, companies are giving bonuses to their employees and major corporations are investing in new facilities, infrastructure and products.

Of course, you don’t hear about this in the mainstream media, because that would make Trump look good, something they can’t tolerate. But it is the truth. Donald Trump has managed to do what Barack Obama couldn’t do, turn the economy around. Rather than a slow recovery from the 2009 recession, we are now seeing a real growth in the economy; one that it looks like we can expect to see continue.

So no, there really isn’t any reason to go to war, at least not to boost the economy. There is enough happening already on that front, without even thinking about using a war for economic gain. If we do go to war, it will have to be as it was in the past, a war to fight injustice in the world; perhaps a continuation of the War on Terror.

But whatever it is, it will be based upon the principles this country was founded upon, not on furthering progressive policies or lining someone’s pockets.

This article has been written by Bill White for Survivopedia.

from Survivopedia Don't forget to visit the store and pick up some gear at The COR Outfitters. How prepared are you for emergencies? #SurvivalFirestarter #SurvivalBugOutBackpack #PrepperSurvivalPack #SHTFGear #SHTFBag

#SHTF #TEOTWAWKI #MARTIALLAW #BUGOUT #PREPPERBAG #USAF #USSOCOM #ARMY #NAVY #SurvivalFirestarter #Sur