#it was after a really fun training on how our environments shape us as youth | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

samuclit · 3 years

Text

Love Foolish

miya atsumu x reader

tags: angst, hurt/comfort, established relationship, mature, a little smut (define little on your own), 7.8K words

Summary: Miya Atsumu didn't realise that he was actually counting the days he spent with you while being your boyfriend. The step-process to how your relationship with him rekindles every time a new day begins was not as apparent as it seems to be, but he sure knew that the dreaded day when it comes to an end will never come.

This is an old piece that I worked on last year...I am terribly sorry for the way I post this fic I am not good with tumblr yall this is harder than my degree

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Day 153

Atsumu was exhausted. He just got back from training with the college team for a few weeks already. He needs to catch up with the college team even though the time he spent away was used for his training with the MSBY Black Jackals team. He was advised by his family members, team coach and his friends that he should not miss out on any practice without a valid reason and should diligently claim his spot on both teams with the most outstanding effort and attitude so he followed, believed that this is for the best in order to build his volleyball career he was always so passionate about since he was in middle school. If only Osamu joins him, he thinks it won’t be as draining as it is right now.

Everyone in college knows Miya Atsumu, he is too perfect. The handsome look, tall and built figure, his diligence in both studies and shaping his career, to top it all off he is charming and is a ladies’ man. He could make every girl fall for him the instant he flashes his smirk that has been scientifically proven to be a bait for everyone in this universe. One small talk he could get girls on his bed, spending the whole night snogging off each other and leaving them whenever he got annoyed with the sudden disturbance. You happen to be one of the girls who got in his bed, goes on several dates with him, but this time you were one of the people who last longer than a week, and then a month and few more months after that. He assumes and waits for you to be the one ending the relationship but it won’t even come, and he is already tired of waiting.

So, he makes you tired. He doesn't want anything to be on his way at all, and you in the equation is making him disturbed at some times. During the first few weeks of dating, you often invite him for a date at the coffee shop which he obliges only for the reason to not break your feelings even though he has some tasks which are more important at hand. You are nice, but he isn’t. He told Suna that you deserve better.

It has also been roughly two weeks since he last talked to you, and deep in his heart he kind of wants your nagging presence around him, just to distract him from the truckload of stress he’s carrying on his shoulders. So he texted you.

You: [Name], are ya coming or not. Been thinking of binging that Netflix series you’ve been babbling about.

[Name]: Ah sorry, it’s girls’ night with Midori and her gf.

You: I see. Have fun.

Seen.

That’s weird. You said it yourself that you wanted to binge on the weekends with him, after he finished with this practice for the week, and also he thinks that’s just you trying to make up with him after your first argument with him. It is...nobody’s fault, he thinks. He doesn’t want to blame himself and you, partially because you were really upset that day that you raised your voice and he didn’t chase you after you ran out of the apartment. It is just a silly argument. He doesn't want to think about it that much.

As he took a shower and dressed himself in a fresh new pair of t-shirt and black sweatpants, he plopped himself on the sofa and went through Netflix to find something worth watching. He saw the show you wanted to watch ; Pretty Little Liars. Ah it’s not even a Netflix series, it’s just a series which is available on Netflix. Seems like he wasn’t even attentive to what you said.

Before he falls asleep, he walks down the memory lane, to remember how exactly you and Atsumu could last this long in a relationship.

Day 0

The party seems to be a hit! His seniors on the volleyball team joined hands with the football team to conduct a party to celebrate post-sports festival of Tokyo U that happened for a week long and the party is held at the dorms outside of the campus so the board of education won’t meddle, with the promise that there aren’t drugs involved. Which is okay, the athletes are supposed to stay away from drugs and they’re disciplined enough to consider their life decisions.

He was simply just hanging around in the living room of the dorm, which is a terrace house in a neighbourhood a few kilometres away, talking to his friends, Suna and Komori, who are his teammates in the college team. Komori used to go to the same Youth Camp with Atsumu so they knew each other since then. “Huh, sick party. I didn’t think there would be too many people here.” Komori said as he chugs down his cold beer, swaying a little after he finishes with a slightly long chug. “Senpai said just the athletes of the college are invited, but it seems like the whole campus crashed together. Lunatics.” Atsumu said as he plopped down on the bean bag and leaned his head back. Suna calls out.

“Oi, Midori is here. I invited her.” Atsumu is familiar with Midori, he has never been close with her but he knows of her since they went to the same high school together. The three pairs of eyes went towards the door together to greet Midori, with you tailing behind her. “Hey, glad ya made it!” Suna lunges forward and grabs Midori in a hug. “Yeah, cool place, I’m sorry I don’t have a plus one to bring with so I just drag my friend along. Hey, this is [Name]. Go say hi and be friends!” Midori pushed the other girl, which he heard to be [Name], also a familiar name. “Oh wait...you guys must have not have known about her...we went to the same school man...” Midori pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs. It is sad that not many people know about small girls like [Name] that much.

Indeed, you went to the same school and you’re in a completely different league than Atsumu, he was and still is the famous athlete that has the entire girls’ population wrapped around his fingers. You’re around the circle of...top scorers who are active in volunteers and some other stuff Atsumu was not into. “Oh, is she another one of your hockey teammates?” you continue hiding behind Midori’s taller frame. Midori pulled you away and hugged your waist, giving support. “Come on now, babe say hi, they’re our friends” you glared at her with a smug look. “Hye, it’s [Name]. I’m not an athlete, I’m a political science major, pleasure to meet ya” your eyes tried to glance from Suna to Komori and to Atsumu but you averted your eyes away from him as soon as it landed on him. You look cute in just a rock concert t-shirt with black jeans shorts and plain converse. Classic party look, but you are not the type to go to parties because...assignments and stress are getting through you which explains why you’re all fidgety. Midori knows there’s more to that, cause you’re a very wild extrovert at some time.

“Hey, enjoy the party, drinks and snacks are down there, the toilet is on another end, help yerself.” Atsumu pats on your shoulder and moves past you to greet his other friends who crashed the party. You’re petrified, to say the least and moved quick on your heels to head to the bathroom for some reality check. The environment is overwhelming.

Atsumu gets tired easily even after downing a can of beer but he isn’t exactly drunk. He is just tired with the lots of conversations and the girls from other courses trying to talk to him, wanting the conversation in a bedroom which he said no to, he is a responsible man. He is not going to do it with them when in their drunken stupor. However, his endless denials are stopped with a sudden disturbance right in front of him.

Midori is on a couch, with a girl and was playing with her hair and occasionally rubbing her thigh and before they closed in someone threw a beer cup at Midori. “What the hell? Leave me alone!” Midori turned his body to see a bulked up guy whose name Atsumu doesn’t remember behind the couch, looming over the two figures sitting on the couch. It’s going to get ugly.

“What the fuck, you leave us alone! Why the hell are homos here. Get out!” Midori and the poor girl trembles in fear and Atsumu wants to blow a kick so bad but he can’t move because of the girls that are around him. Before he tried to push the girls away, he saw you moving towards him, taking away the beer can he has in his hands. “I’m sorry I’m taking this!” Your eyes had a small fire ignited in it and he can’t help but gave away his beer can, and then he saw you walking up on the couch and on to the head rest, spit into the beer and pours the beer all over the homophobic guy who slandered your friend. The guy was drenched and screamed because the beer was icy cold and it came to contact with his skin that got heated from way too much alcohol consumed.

“Oh, I am very sorry, I was convinced that this big hunk of muscle is a trash can!” you screamed with an evil laughter and the whole party laughed and cackled at the sight of the giant asshole from Engineering talking shit about the woman adored by the majority of campus. Midori is your best friend, a very kind, beautiful and valid lesbian friend of yours. You would do anything to protect her from the touch of homophobic devils that would insult her every now and then. It has been happening more recently after she got out of the closet, even when she was inside all this time, you have always given her tons of support and protection because it’s just something about you. Midori was already smiling and got herself up away from the sofa with the girl she was with, hands holding hers tightly.

“You punk! Are ya crazy? Do ya want me to kill ya like I kill your friend here?” your figure who had one leg propped on the head rest while the other on the couch went tense and is about to fall and the nasty asshole grabbed you by the neck, having you lifted in the air and no one helped to stand against him except Midori who was pulling your body before the guy fully grasped your entire neck in his hands. Before he even pressed harder on your throat, Atsumu landed a punch on his face, making himself knocked down on the floor. You already fell flat on the couch, trying to regain your breath. He warns the guy off and he immediately leaves after.

“Shit shit, are you okay?” Atsumu kneels on the floor to check up on you, who were lying on the couch, still coughing out and trying to calm down. Midori ran to get some water for you. “I’m fine, fine, where's Midori? Is she okay?” Midori hit you in the arm. “Idiot. I am fine but look at you, I told you I’m alright, if you give them attention and piss them off they will harm you, look what happened.” Midori cries and hugs you. Atsumu checked up on your face, saw tiny drops on the edge of your eye which got wiped away the instant Midori wrapped her arms around you. “I told you I will always protect you okay, I promised you that” Midori looked at your face again and was still sobbing. She turns towards Atsumu who stood by them. Suna and Komori arrived in the space after making sure the guys had run off. The party went back to normal and it’s chaos again.

“Thank you, Atsumu, if it weren’t for you, I don’t know what would happen to the both of us.” The girl from before is rubbing her hands on Midori’s back trying to calm her down. “No, [Name] did the most fight, I only come in when it gets physical. I let ya know when I see that guy again I am going to beat the living shit out of him. Nasty jackass.” Atsumu’s rage calms down when he sees you and Midori laugh, finally he makes a safe space for you and her. After some minutes of calming down and talking and giggling Midori takes the cue to leave. “I think I need to go now, need to take some air, you should, too, babe. Love you” Midori hugged and left with the girl she was with the entire time during the party.

Atsumu has long left you and Midori alone when you were busy talking to her, so he goes away somewhere to talk with some of the boys from the football club. They heard something about how that guy is a maniac and has been expressing his hate crimes for several years now, basically a loser and Atsumu thinks his sucker punch is something he could take pride in. After he saw Midori take off with the girl he saw you heading towards the door that linked to the backyard. More people were there, some were laying on the ground doing some unnecessarily lewd stuff that Atsumu does not want to remember.

He saw you taking a seat on one of the stools that was set up for guests to sit. He brought a can of beer, intended to give you. As he approaches you were rubbing around the area on your throat which the bully from before had pressed on. You were still in pain. “Hey, needa drink?” Atsumu hands over the beer while he sits down on the stool next to you. “Ah, I’m sorry I don’t...drink around guys. Trust issues.” Atsumu furrowed his eyebrows and he finally got what you were trying to say. “Oh, I totally get it, I’m sorry.” You were a flustered mess. You didn’t intend to actually...reject a kind offer from him but it’s a strange new place and strange new environment, though you knew Atsumu from high school to be quite a decent person that you– “[Name]? Are ya okay? Ya were about to say something earlier?” “Oh, yeah. You don’t have to apologise, we can just go for drinks some other times'' you let out a small laugh and he smiles. Awkward.

“Ya don’t have to worry about that guy, I heard someone is going to report him to the dean. He’ll be out in no time” you smirked. “Good! Midori must be happy”. The both of you laughed and the conversation continued randomly, topics about his volleyball activities and you popping in some random thoughts about life to him, it makes him feel weird at first but he picks up after quite some time.

And the night goes with you spending your night with him on his small bed in the apartment he shared with his other friends. Kisses are littered all over your body and Atsumu leads you through your first intimate session with so much ease and gentleness. He left an especially passionate kiss on the neck that tells the stories of your fight and trauma, hoping that he could kiss it away and replace it with the memories of your first. “Are ya really sure about this?” Atsumu asked at one point when you were making out with him on his lap just right after he got you in his room. “Please, do what you want” and Atsumu continues to ravish you and pulls on every article that trapped your beautiful untouched body.

The morning he woke up, you were sleeping soundly, despite the uncovered chest you had on display cause you fell asleep after the second round of fucking you had no chance to clean up or put on a shirt. The messy hair and arousing look you had on aside, you look too peaceful to be on someone’s bed, someone who you have known for a long time but have only gotten close from an impromptu encounter so Atsumu threw the plans of getting out of bed aside and continues watching the small details on your face. He would pick up the falling strands of your hair and tucks it behind your ear, trailing his fingers on the swollen lips you had after making out with him the entire night. He enjoys your presence. He likes it, being with you, so this is all worth it.

As your eyes fluttered open, squinting because of the bright sun, which was now covered by Atsumu’s hands to help you get back to sleep without the disturbance. You woke up anyway. “Atsumu, what are ya doing?” you asked, trying to pull the blanket that barely covers your naked front. “Just letting a princess continue her peaceful sleep” you were blushing, it feels like a dream to wake up with Atsumu next to you, so you lean into him more and he tackles you under the sheets. As Atsumu closes in again, about to kiss you like he did the previous night before, your eyes widened and you pushed him away, rolling out of bed naked. You pulled the blanket to cover yourself and scrammed to find your underwear and outfit from last night. “Fuck, fuck I’m late shit I gotta go” you were clasping your bra and putting on your underwear as you continue with your series of cuss words picked up at random. “What’s going on are you okay? Was it–“ you put on your jean shorts and looked at him. “No-no I’m late to a group discussion and I am going to die I think.” You already had your phone in hand with your bag in hand running to the door. Atsumu put on his sweatshirt and training shorts in a haste, offering to give you a ride.

“Hey, I can help ya get to yer spot with my car. Don’t have ta rush'' you gaped and mumbles thousands of gratefulness and lunges forward to hug but stopped yourself. In the car you were on a phone call with one of the people in your group and you immediately spilled the idea you had in mind in a heartbeat. Atsumu has been driving nowhere so he stops and parked his car at the parking space of the nearby McDonald’s. After several arguments and reasons to have your opinion accepted you finally heaved a relief and ended the call with another apology.

“Yer quite a persistent one aren’tcha?” you looked at him, face messy, unclean and tired. The post-sex glow seems to not work with everyone. “Yeah, there’s an event and I’m in charge. I was so caught-off guard. Pretty sure they will kick me out if they don’t accept my idea but guess not!” you laughed and smiled gleefully. Pure satisfaction whenever people acknowledge us. Atsumu understood that much. “So...since you don’t have to go...breakfast?” Atsumu points his thumb to the back of the car, which was the entrance to the McDonald’s. “No...I stink so much...but I am hungry so....drive-thru?” Atsumu smiles and puts down the handbrake. “Sure thing, princess”.

After you both got your respective breakfast meal set, Atsumu takes off to the lake and brought you together with him to eat on the benches. Atsumu enjoys the company as much as you did. What starts off with a random conversation of how the duck is limping, to talking about the fluffiness of the poodle someone took for a walk turns into a conversation about each others’ personal lives.

“If anything, virginity is a social construct to put down women, so if you think last night is fun just because of that, I am going to berate your entire existence” you warn him, mouth full with the breakfast muffin. “Sure, what’s fun about last night is that you’re hot and I like you.” Atsumu closes in, trying to make you feel more flustered. “You...like me?” you were blushing and he guessed that his classic method works. “Can say that, I don’t usually have breakfast with people I sleep with, so I think that’s how I know.” You scoffed as his smug smile grew wider. “Oh you’re quite a cheesy one. So, this isn’t just a one time thing?” you looked over to him. He said no and continued kissing you like he meant it.

Days after that, the dates are frequent, spending the night in his apartment is a routine, watching movies is a norm and the intimate sessions get more interesting for the past few months, he thinks he needs to tell you all about his fantasy and you told him yours and both wishes are fulfilled.

Day 150

Atsumu woke up from the nap, the movie was already finished by then. He reached for his phone which was ringing non-stop. He's going to puke his brains out. Midori was the one calling him. There are around 7 missed calls coming from Midori.

“Oi pisshead, your girlfriend’s drunk. Come and pick her up.” Atsumu looks at the time

10.50

“Didn’t last that long?” Atsumu giggles. Midori snapped.

“I’m being serious. She gets crazier now you need to pack her up. I can’t because my girlfriend is as shit-faced drunk right now.” Midori starts to call out your name to get off the table. Whatever that happened it must have been really shitty what’s going on down there at the bar.

“Okay, just text me the address I’m on my way” Atsumu took his wallet and car keys with him, all fresh to fetch your drunk ass home.

As soon as he arrived he stormed to the booth which you and Midori sat at. You were already lying down on the couch, fast asleep and giggling as you sleep. “Okay you’re here. I’m going home with my girlfriend so you take care of her properly.” Midori sat herself at the couch you were sleeping on. “[Name].....I’m going now so take care okay! Love you goodnight!” you were whining so loudly at her. “Nooooo....Midoriiiii-chan I am going to miss you don’t leave me” you were pouting and whining and hug Midori to prevent her from going. Atsumu stood at the side watching the mess unfold. “Your boyfriend is here to pick you up! Goodbye!” Midori dragged her girlfriend away and got out of the bar.

“Midori’s good at lying. There’s no way my boyfriend cares ‘bout me” Atsumu covers his face in shame because the other customers at the bar are looking at you. “Who are ya...are you a stranger? Can I call you Mr Stranger? You look handsome.” You giggled and Atsumu laughed at your cuteness. This is certainly a new side to you, he has never seen you turn into a giant ball of fluff before. “Okay now cmon Miss [Name] let’s get ya home.” Atsumu swooped your legs in his right hand while the other supported the small back of your body. Your eyes are still squinting which must be the reason why you can’t recognise Atsumu yet.

“I miss my boyfriend Mr Stranger. I want to see him...please take me to see him pleassseeeee.” You buried your face in his chest and held on to the cotton string of his hoodie. “Oh yeah? Is he really that handsome?” he puts you in the passenger seat and buckles your seatbelt. “He is! His hair colour is a bit funny, Midori said it makes it look like he bathed in piss” Atsumu got that too many times already. “But in my very personal point of view, it is kind of biased, he rocks that look. He looks hot!” Atsumu blushed and proceeded to head to the driver’s seat. It’s you and your habit of expressing too many opinions again. He liked this one. He also misses your constants chit chat after a whole month of not talking to each other because of a petty argument. He admits that he misses you so much, but a jerk like him won’t admit it. He’s going to break up with you anyway.

As he continues driving he would listen to what you said about ‘your boyfriend’ and he would sometimes smirks and whispers an ‘I know’ and sometimes it is too loud you caught him in the act. The night drive seems fun with you, and he figures you are still too drunk and even with too much talking your body stays the same. You fell asleep at some point, when he is close to the apartment you resided in. He found out after quite some time that Midori moved into her girlfriend’s apartment so now you live alone.

Even after he arrives at the apartment complex he lets you take some time to sleep, and as time passes by and it’s getting later into the night, he shakes your shoulder to wake you up.

“Hey, [Name], we’re here.” Atsumu smiles as you yawn and stretches your limbs.

“Mr Stranger? I have a secret. Can I tell you...I’m afraid to tell anyone.” You said after some time. Atsumu had no idea what to do. So he just played along. “Yeah, I promise I will keep it.” Atsumu laughs and looks at you.

“I think my boyfriend doesn’t love me. I kind of got the gist of it for a long time...but...now I am convinced. I think...the next time I see him, will be the last time I see him. And I–I don’t wanna” you cried immediately, you were sobbing too hard and you covered your face with the both of your palms. Atsumu is shattered especially, what you said was true. He might break it off when time comes, but seeing your heart broken and giving up the usual happy and chaotic smile and laughter you had because of the thought of breaking up with him, he felt like his heart was going to jump out of his chest. So he asked further. He needs to know more, he needs to know why. Why do you catch up to what he was thinking so fast?

“W-why is it?” Atsumu choked on his breath. His heart was thumping so loudly, and it was beating off the charts. “He seems to not want me around...I tried my best to give him space, time for himself but....he never wants a time wimme....and then...I-he-he don’t want to see me even when he is free”. You continue crying in the silent car, Atsumu wanted to reach your hands but he knew that would be such an asshole thing to do since he is the one causing this mess. Atsumu got out of the car and opened the door from your seat. “Hey hey let’s get you to your apartment okay?” Atsumu unbuckled the seat belt and you kept on crying, you pulled on his sweater and gripped it so tightly and wailed like a baby into his chest. He sighed and embraced you in a tight hug, calmly rubbing the small of your back trying to calm you down.

After quite some time only the sniffles could be heard. You start talking again. “You know...I’d rather see him happy even if it means I need to break up with him. Ah I’m so dramatic for no reason. Can you help...carry me to my apartment, Mr Stranger?” you pulled away from his hug, makeup ruined and eyes red. Atsumu smiled and nodded at you. “Of course, I’ll carry you.” He carried you in a manner when he hugs your tiny body to carry you to the bed during one of those nights he needed a release. This closeness to your warm body, and the earlier event that happened of you confessing to a complete stranger about him, he is regretting it.

Day 125

Atsumu just got home from South Korea. He was there for a training camp with the home team there because one of his coach from the MSBY Black Jackals used his connections with an old friend to conduct a camp for them to further polish the players’ skill in the said sport. It would be a great chance for him to bloom more than how he is after his successful debut as a Div. 1 League player.

He was simply relaxing around after two days and Osamu was cooking plenty of food for the gang. Osamu invited some friends of his, and Suna brought his girlfriend with him. Komori was there too, with his cousin. When Osamu asked if he was going to invite you, Atsumu shrugged and said no, he wants to relax without you around. Even if you are around you would never go that far to make him uncomfortable. He still hasn’t called you yet even when he landed in Tokyo two days before.

“Atsumu, didn’t ya miss yer girlfriend? Just tell her to come over.” Osamu said from the kitchen, bringing a pot of stew he made for the gang and putting it on the table. “Nah, she didn’t even know I’m in Tokyo.” Everyone in the living room looks at him. “Miya you’re kinda an asshole for that” Komori said as he passed a bowl to Suna and his girlfriend. “Cmon now don’t look at me like I’m a criminal or sumn...I just want to relax I’ll tell her later.” Atsumu scoffed and leaned his back to the sofa as he was sitting on the carpet.

“Are you...joking. She came by practice the other day, said she can’t reach you.” Sakusa said as he put down his mask aside and dug in. Atsumu knew that. He purposely ignored your text and calls and only left a message when you’re offline or when he knows you were sleeping. He doesn't want distractions. “Yer a prick, [Name]’s really nice and ya can’t see that. If ya got issues just break up already.” Suna speaks and his girlfriend agrees. “Yeah for real, if Rintarou had issues I know he is going to leave my ass in the streets. But I’m glad he has no problems. As a woman I will honestly kick you in the ass, ya know, that woman with woman solidarity.” Suna kissed his girlfriend on the cheek and Atsumu scoffed. “I know, I just don’t know the right time yet.” Komori already mumbles a series of cuss words, Osamu and Suna sigh and Suna pulls his girlfriend back from kicking Atsumu in the face. Sakusa heard a doorbell and reached for the door now to open.

“[Name]?” Sakusa screams in shock. Speaking of the witch. Well, you’re not a witch, you’re the sweetest person ever that happens to be Atsumu’s unlucky girlfriend. “Hey Sakusa-san! Nice to see you! I brought something!” you waltzed in the door and headed to the kitchen you’re already familiar with. Atsumu felt his guilt eating his insides. Who the fuck called you here?

Komori puts his phone up so Atsumu can see. Komori smirks at him and Atsumu flashes out the middle finger to him. Sakusa mumbles and points at Atsumu, he said somewhere along the lines of you solve this on your own, Miya!

Osamu headed to greet you first. “Hey Osamu, I brought some home made dorayaki for you and Atsumu. You guys love it right?” Osamu smiles and thanked you endlessly. You smiled but as you looked at the awkward little Atsumu behind Osamu you stopped smiling. He headed towards you and Osamu knows it’s his cue to leave the both of you in the kitchen.

“Hey, how’s South Korea?” Atsumu sat on the chair of the kitchen island. “Twas good. The food there, they’re amazing.” You hummed. “Glad you enjoyed it. Maybe I would know more if you actually answer my calls and texts about how busy you are and tell me when you arrived. But it seems like you don’t miss me that much.” You sighed.

“[Name], I’m just...I’m sorry I need time for myself I’m so tired.” You looked at him, sad and gloom covering your whole body like the dark blue cardigan you had around you. “Tired of me or of practice?” you asked and reached for the tips of his fingers. “That’s–that’s not it, okay. Please give me some time.” Atsumu pleaded, you flinched when he suddenly glared at you.

After some time, you released a deep breath and headed to the door. “Enjoy the dorayaki guys, I hope I don’t interrupt you guys. I’m sorry and please take care of Atsumu for me.” You opened the door and headed out. Atsumu is still in his seat. When the door was slammed he got up and sat himself back on the carpet around his friends. He picks up his chopsticks and pulls the omelette Osamu made. Everyone was staring at him.

“Eat your food and stop staring at me.” Atsumu rolled his eyes and ate more food on the table. “Ya don’t even want to chase her?” Osamu asked from beside him. “Nope.” Komori scoffed.

“Just want you to know she got here by bus alone. I don’t know if it helped change your mind.” Komori said and drank his cold lemon tea he poured for himself. Atsumu stopped chewing and clenched his jaw, looking at Komori.

“The one who ruined lunch is you, Atsumu.” Suna’s girlfriend said and Suna agreed. So does everyone else.

You don’t leave a text to Atsumu to the day he picked you up from the bar. He only texted you because he wants to end the relationship.

Day 153

Atsumu still has you in his arms. You’re already asleep, face still drenched with tears. He struggled with the pin to your apartment but picks up after a while of thinking. It is his birthday.

Atsumu realised he is a bigger asshole than how he was minutes ago in the car as he remembered that he had never come to your apartment. Months of relationship it was always his place as you always preferred his place over yours and he thinks that maybe if he was the one giving in more effort to be the one going all the way to your apartment to spend time with you, he would have felt better about himself. Normal dates outside are very rare aside from lunch or a quick grab of coffee before classes because he was too busy with his practices and you with your duties as a political science student.

He carried you to what he assumed to be your bedroom, carefully putting your body on the bed, taking off the leather jacket you had with you, slowly dragging the thick comforter to cover your shivering body. After shuffling in the kitchen, looking to find some aspirin and a glass of water for you to gargle right after you woke up he put it on the desk at your bedside.

He saw a picture of you and Midori on the table, during graduation day. Midori carried you on her back while you threw a peace sign with tongue out and Midori making a disgusted face. He laughs at it, putting it back to where it belongs, carefully.

You had a lot of other pictures pasted on the wall, the one that faces you when you sit on your study table. The notes and thick books are messily arranged on the shelf, a succulent that says ‘Good Job!’ on the table standing cutely, possibly the one that kept you up during the late night study sessions. He never really checked up on you and your studies, how did you manage to be so strong on your own without a supportive boyfriend, he doesn't know.

And then he saw the pictures you hung neatly. He took the pictures one by one and saw some notes you scribbled on the back of the photograph.

First, a picture with your parents. You talked about them at some time because you’re their only daughter and you missed them as much as they missed you. One time when you were making out with Atsumu your parents called and you pushed him away to answer the phone call. So funny how you got so innocent and angel-like just right after doing some lewd stuff with Atsumu just with the voice of your parents on the phone. At the back of the picture, it wrote.

Secured the top-scorer title with a scholarship! Mommy and Daddy are proud of me and I will never stop!

The second picture is of you and Midori at a pride parade. This time you wore a white t-shirt with blue jeans and sneakers and you looked absolutely mesmerizing.

Pride with Midori. I am so happy for her!!

Some other pictures of you at an animal shelter, old folks home, in the streets, caring for homeless people, women’s march and marathon for cancer awareness. You were basically everywhere and it is what makes him regret not finding out about this side of you. All he does is talk about his talent in volleyball and you always make him feel the best that he never gave a chance for you to talk about yourself.

Atsumu can’t stop the stretch of his smile and it is making his jaw sore. He is so whipped for you. You have always been such a caring person to him, doing your best to take care of him when game losses make his sour mood make a nasty comeback.

He would cry in a phone call because he messed up his set and you arrived in his room, dropping your bag to hug him and lull him back to sleep. He cries so hard and you would never make him cry worse than he did, you were always comforting but his pride and selfishness would forget that in a day because he thinks the relationship you had with him is a waste.

Atsumu is a fool. He didn’t realise how much his confusion hurts you more than it hurts himself. He is such a fool for not being there to protect you. The thought of you crying minutes earlier makes him scream in his heart, he doesn't ever want to see it again. If he made that happen again he will never forgive himself and if he has to build a shrine and be a monk to make sure his sins are forgiven he would do it. He would do anything for you.

The last picture hid him the hardest.

It was him, and you, during his debut game as MSBY Black Jackals setter.

You had your body leaned into his arm, smiling wide with a bouquet of flowers for him in your hand. He was staring at the camera with a lazy smirk, hands encircling your waist. It was sweet, and you look very cute standing next to him, in his embrace like that. A sight so beautiful. It is a shame when he remembers what exactly happened that night.

It was a very joyful day for Atsumu and for you but Atsumu didn’t even tell you about the match, you were only informed of the game because of Komori so the ticket you got is because Osamu gave up his ticket for you. He is tired of seeing Atsumu play volleyball and he can see it on his phone if he wants so he just gave it to you, saying you deserve it better. Even when you’re not informed about the game, you still showed up in the cutest little dress with the cutest little smell and the cutest bouquet of baby breath flowers for him.

Atsumu is not fond of flowers. He is not fond of surprises either. When you showed up on the court, congratulating him, he was shocked. He was busy talking to fangirls and kids who love volleyball until you call out his name with so much pride.

“Atsumu aaaa I am so proud of you! You worked so hard for this and I am sorry I don’t know of this sooner.” You hugged him and pat his back when you hugged him. Eyes glistening as you pulled away. Said the cries are happy tears. You told one of the passers-by to take a picture of you and Atsumu, resulting in the small piece of photography in his hand.

Later that night he went with his team and celebrated the debut together with them while you took off to your apartment, barely making it to the last bus of the night to get there safely, wishing you were with Atsumu in his car instead.

He turned the picture over. There is a long note there.

Might be the first ever picture with Atsumu, like ever. Nonetheless I am so happy and so proud of him it made my jaw hurt so much as I write this. I can’t stop smiling!!! I hope I can attend more of his games, more to his success, more time with him. I feel like I am the happiest person alive! I feel like one of the fantasy film protagonists where the person they have loved for a long time is within their arms, finally! I am so happy to have known Atsumu since the beginning days of school, how his charming and cunning personality, inspiring and charismatic figure would walk down the hallways of Inarizaki, I will always fall for him over and over again. I love him so much, and even if it takes a thousand years to wait for him I will always wait. Praying that this essay reaches the Gods because I love him too much, I don’t even want to let him go. I love Miya Atsumu, and I hope he feels the same thing too.

Atsumu pasted the picture back on the wall, turning off the study lamp and closing the door as he walked out. He sat on the couch in the living room, only having the kitchen light to illuminate the entire apartment. As he sat there, tears rolled off his eyes and loud sobs spilled out of his mouth.

He realised he is such a foolish man, living in a complete lie with an angel from heaven taking care of him despite getting paid dust in return. He cried so hard he took the pillow next to him and cried himself to sleep.

Day 154

If it is not for the bubbling and disturbing feeling in your stomach, you wouldn’t have gotten up and run to the bathroom to puke your guts out, but here you are. Smelling so stinky you just take a shower along the way. Fresh out of the shower in clean new clothes you saw a tall glass of water with your birth control pills right beside it. After downing the glass of water you headed to the kitchen to grab an aspirin to calm down the throbbing pain of your chest.

What you found instead is the sight of Atsumu, wearing an apron on top of his white t-shirt. It has been way too long since you have last seen him, and you didn’t expect to encounter him in your apartment, let alone him in the kitchen, preparing a breakfast for two. “Atsumu! What are you doing here!” you screamed audibly to him and got to the table to see a tray of rice and a bowl of soup on the table.

“Ah, ya woke up earlier than I thought ya would, was intending to make breakfast on bed like in that one cheesy film you love so much.” You blushed. You headed to the cupboard and popped the aspirin into your mouth with the assistance of the barley tea Atsumu prepared for you.

As you sat down awkwardly, he pulled out the rice bowl and put the tray in the sink and scooped another bowl of rice and soup for himself. He prepared a hearty meal for two, a miso soup to help you sober down and ease the gut after rounds of alcohol shots dumped in your body.

Right, you were drunk last night. “So why are you here?” you asked after spooning out the final drop of the miso soup. “You remember nothing at all?” Atsumu asked. “Wait...so...Midori didn’t lie?” you asked again. Just realising that Midori already told you that your boyfriend was there.

“Oh my god...how much did I say?” you pressed your palms on your face and dropped them to your lap. Atsumu smiles.

“You said a lot! You said too much that it made me learn a lot.” Atsumu reaches your hands the moment it gets on to the table. He clasped it with care and so much gentleness even when his hand is calloused and rough from the intense training for so many days in a week.

Atsumu sighs and hangs his head low. “I just realised that all this time, our relationship is one-sided” you gasped and the grip on his hands gets tighter. “I...took you for granted. I never gave you a comfort space to live in, a shoulder to cry on, and I have never...expressed my feelings for you.” You were trembling and Atsumu fully connected your fingers with his, interlacing it together hoping that neither of you will let it go.

“All this time you were always there for me, no matter what I was struggling with, no matter the time and place you would rush and hug me and tell me that it will be okay but I let you cry on your own whenever you deal with the same problem. I made a big mistake, and I swear to my life that I will make it up to you.” You got up from your seat and went to the sink along with your empty bowls. Atsumu got there too, hugging you from behind.

“I am so sorry for being late, I love you. I love you so much that it hurts when I see you get hurt because of me.” Atsumu hugged you like he would make you dissolve in his body, it was so tight and warm and comforting it felt like home.

Miya Atsumu is your home. You are his home. And so he kisses your hair, your neck, your shoulders to make sure you won’t disappear before him, to tell you that what he said is true.

You turned around. Holding his head in your hands.

“Atsumu, I love you too, and I missed you so much.” You smiled as the tears dropped, and Atsumu thinks this sight of yours hurts him as much as it makes his heart feel warm. It was a mixed feeling, but he knows that the perfect moment is right there, he holds your waist and your neck and kisses you on the lips with so much need and passion, to tell you that he loves you.

Your hands went to wrap itself on his neck, occasionally stopping by to run your hair through the blonde locks you love so much. He kisses in deeper and languid motion; it makes your head drowsy, worse than what the alcohol did to you but the sensation is nice. The alcohol was bitter and you hated it, this kiss tastes sweet and flavourful and you love it.

Atsumu continues while he carries you towards the bedroom he left you in alone last night, slowly putting your body on the messy bed who still has the scent of you from last night. It is supposed to gross you out but Atsumu is making it harder for you to breathe so nothing really matters, and Atsumu loves the scent as much as you love his oozing warmth that makes your eyes roll to the back of your head.

He continues peppering kisses along your entire body, just like the night when you first spent together. Shirts off, pants off, underwear off. There’s nothing in the way of the both of you in the intense love-making session. Atsumu loves the way his name rolls on your tongue as he nibbles addictively on your neck, your chest and your tummy that is filled with the food he made for you, the love he had in store from his heart is delivered into you with so much ease. He plans to deliver some more as his kisses turn more passionate as the clock ticks, tongue intermingles and liquid drooling out of each other’s hot mouth.

Atsumu is already so eager to get inside you but he always has to prioritise you before him so he asked you. “Can I-can I get on with it now?” he asked, trying to recollect his breath at the same time while he looks for a particular wrapper in the drawer of your bedside table. “It’s fine, Atsumu, I’m on birth control.” You smiled at him and he smiled back, caressing your cheeks, touching your lips and tucking your hair behind your cute ears he loved to kiss so much. “You know, you mistook the birth control pills for aspirin that’s why I rummaged through the whole cupboard to look for one.” You gave him a glare so cute he continues kissing you. “My bad, baby. Can I get in now?” He asked with a teasing little smirk displayed on his stupidly handsome face.

“Yes, you can Atsumu.” You kissed him on the cheeks and hugged his neck as he entered. Inches by inches you sucked him in and he would kiss your temple to make you feel better after the stretch. The time away clearly made a lot of changes between the two of you, and it all makes this event more admirable than the ones before, because of the heartfelt confession you shared with him in the morning. All he wants to do is kiss your body like it is the only thing in this world worth worshipping. You are the most beautiful thing that ever happened in his life anyway, and he would never regret anything in his life anymore.

After the both of you peaked, he released into you, stayed there for a few minutes and took it out after he finally made your deep furrowed eyebrows disappear. You finally relax after the soothing time with your dearest one and he plopped himself next to you.

Atsumu opened his arms and you found him inside it, getting smooches here and there as he hugged you. He would play with your hair, draw stars on the naked back of yours, and you would draw circles on his chest as you listen to the small heart beat in him.

His heart was beating because of you.

“Hey, that noise in there is because of ya.” Atsumu kissed you on the forehead.

“Oh really, yer not special, Miya, listen to mine!” you said with a glare after hitting him playfully on his chest.

“Uhuh...can I kiss it? Like this?” Atsumu continues his attack on your chest and you laughed loudly as he starts skimming his fingers on your waist and your tummy. He was smiling and laughing into the attack.

Atsumu thinks that even if it is true that he is a fool, at least he is a fool that is so foolishly in love with you.

#Miya Atsumu #miya atsumu x reader #miya atsumu angst #haikyuu x reader #atsumu angst #atsumu reader #atsumu reader smut

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simply-zhouye · 3 years

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Zhou Ye: The Wonderful Ideas of Lotte Girls // Esquire Fine photoshoot & interview ~ a really wonderful interview with Yezi!

Read rough translation of interview below: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/lY3oBM51ytlua7S8ZRdmlw

The lively character is like jumping candy, and the crisp voice is like summer honeydew. It can be a cute angel or a rebellious girl. Who wouldn't like a beautiful and free girl? We met Zhou Ye at a claw machine shop, and she caught the one she wanted five times!

Zhou Ye didn't laugh when shooting the magazine blockbuster, but she liked to laugh privately.

In the eyes of the people around, she is a simple and lively little girl, born optimistic, loves to joke, and loves to share all the fun and delicious. After catching up with the good-looking drama, she will also be ambitious to everyone, even if she encounters any troubles, she It will be resolved soon. She denied the title of "Girl's Heart"-when she was not working, she liked to lie at home and chase dramas, and science fiction and fantasy were her dishes. She enthusiastically gave an example. There is an American drama called "Stranger Things". It is about a little boy who disappeared in a small town in the United States. Everyone went to find him and found that there was an entrance to another world, exactly the same as this world. , But there is no one in that world. Such a story attracts her even more.

A few days ago, she took a four-day holiday, "very satisfied!" During the holiday, she made appointments with a few good friends for dinner, went to the playground, and watched dramas. If the vacation is longer, she would prefer to go home and stay with her family. Playing with mom and dad, playing with grandpa and grandmother, the family finds a beautiful place to go camping, and if you don’t go out, you can play mahjong with the whole family. She can stay away from looking at her mobile phone for a day.

Asked this girl who is not so girly what she wants, she said, "Now I want to accomplish everything in the moment, and every day will be better than the day before!"

Therefore, Zhou Ye, who hopes to be more progressive, raised his face and chatted with us about serious matters.

Before, people often said to me, "I like your performance of "Youth", but now everyone talks more about "Shanhe Ling". Let’s start the conversation with "The Order of Mountains and Rivers".

Gu Xiang in the play is a girl who is cold on the outside and warm on the inside. She helped Cao Weining, Zhang Chengling, and the singing sisters, but it didn't mean that she trusted them. She just felt that these people were very pitiful. Because Gu Xiang was picked up by her master when she was a child, she felt sorry for them and wanted to protect them.

She is defensive to everyone, and she will not trust anyone easily. In terms of character, Gu Xiang and I are a bit like. Both are more lively. What we don't quite resemble is our life experience and living environment.

When I first finished reading the script of "The Order of Mountains and Rivers", I loved Gu Xiang from the bottom of my heart. Gu Xiang grew up in Guigu where she was killed and beaten everywhere. Although she was lucky enough to meet Wen Kexing, the master who protected her, the rivers and lakes were sinister and Gu Xiang never really relaxed. Therefore, she can only protect herself by fierce methods. She looks acrimonious, slurs and curses, and she has to fight or kill at every turn. She looks very fierce and cruel, but her heart is really innocent and special. Kindness. When encountering people like Cao Weining, Zhang Chengling, and the singing sister Hua, Gu Xiang will rescue them and help them beat the gangsters.

Many audience friends felt that the ending of Gu Xiang and Cao Weining was too miserable when they watched "The Order of Mountains and Rivers". Gu Xiang originally didn't know what the outside world was like. After she came to the world, she met Big Brother Cao, and the two people who loved each other were about to be happy. Unexpectedly, on the day of the wedding, Gu Xiang lost her lover so much that she would fight herself Life. I am also uncomfortable with this ending. It is not easy for them to get to this day. Why can't they live well? If I were to write an ending, it would definitely be two people living together happily forever.

For me, playing Gu Xiang should be more difficult than playing. This is my first time shooting a costume drama, and also my first time shooting a martial arts drama. "Shanhe Ling" really has a lot of martial arts, because it tells the story of the rivers and lakes, so I joined the group some time before I started, and learned some moves from the martial arts masters.

In retrospect, the scene of the wedding was the most memorable. I had been shooting for three days in a row. I had been beating, killing, and hanging off Wia, and I would beat off some hair accessories from my hair. I didn't dare to hang on Wia at first, and the costume was so thick that I could easily trip on my feet. But I can’t take care of this when I shoot. This is Gu Xiang’s most emotional scene. I feel the same for Gu Xiang and can’t help crying. Until the end of my cry, I can’t tell whether my face is tears or saliva. , I hope that through this scene, everyone can feel Gu Xiang’s pain.

For me at this stage, whether it is a role that is more similar to myself or a completely different role, I am willing to give it a try. If the character of a character is very pleasing, I will have a sense of substitution when I read the script, I will like it, and I will really want to play it.

In fact, my interest in acting began after I was in college. When I was a child, I learned piano, and I was not very sensible at that time. I thought it would be fine to play the piano every day after growing up and collect tickets. After being admitted to the Beijing Film Academy, we often watch movies. When the directors see their favorite movies, they will think "I can make such a great movie in the future". I am in the acting department, so I hope I can do it in the future. Acting in a particularly powerful movie may be the influence of the school atmosphere. I still remember that I watched some old movies when I was in school. I really liked "Scent of a Woman" and Marlon Brando. He played "The Godfather" very well.

In the film school, we had a lot of opportunities to meet the director and the crew. We tried again and again, and slowly met scenes that were willing to use our young actors, and started the road to filming. I will definitely read the script several times before filming. In addition to my own role, I have to read the whole story, write a short biography of the character, and talk to everyone at the script reading meeting. For example, when shooting "Ah Cradle", I often consulted sister Haiqing and the director. In the filming of "Youth in Youth", I would also ask the director: The girl I played has such a good family, why does she bully her classmates? The director told me that because her parents had very strict education for her, she was required to be particularly good since she was a child. She was under tremendous pressure and kept suppressing it, so she vented the pressure by bullying her classmates.

When taking the play, I don't worry about people comparing my previous works or achievements, as long as my requirements for myself will not change. My request is to do my best to shape each role. Every time I finish filming a film, I will have a certain evaluation of myself, and I will also look at other people's evaluations of me, as well as the opinions given to me by my predecessors, to integrate these. Every time, I hope I can do better next time.

Up to now, I have been shooting for a few years, and I feel that I am not a talented actor, and I have to be a model worker. However, the sisters who brought me to the management team said that my biggest change and improvement is that I am more independent than before. When I first started filming, I would hide in the room and cry by myself every time I joined the group, especially wanting to go home.

Now I am more comfortable with the life of the crew than before. When I first joined the group, I still felt a little homesick. I hope to finish the filming soon, and become familiar with everyone. After work, I will play with the actors in the same group. When I was resting, I was playing with werewolf killing or something, so happy, I didn't want to kill it. I didn't want to be successful when I was filming "Shanhe Ling", and the same was true when filming "Ah Cradle". As actors, it seems that we can go to different places every time we film. In fact, there is not much time to spend in the local area, but we can eat a lot of local delicacies.

As I said just now, I want to do everything right now, and the current week is the best week.

Do you often dream? Please share a dream that is more imaginative.

Zhou Ye:

I sometimes dream. Once, I dreamed that I received an acceptance letter from an owl, took the Hogwarts Express train to the magic school to learn magical magic, visited Hogsmeade Village, and met so many new friends. .

What is your dream day like? How to spend it?

Zhou Ye:

At this stage, my dream day is to sleep in late, and after waking up, I will lie in bed and watch a drama or hang out with my friends or watch a drama.

How to arrange the dream holiday? Stay at home or go out to play?

Zhou Ye:

Of course, it is best to have two days, so you can stay at home one day and go out to play one day!

What about the journey of your dreams? With whom, where to go, and how to play?

Zhou Ye:

With your family, you can go to the beach or play paragliding.

What is your dream job announcement?

Zhou Ye:

Go to Universal Studios to shoot hahahaha, I really want to go!

What kind of "dream skills" do you want to have?

Zhou Ye:

Teleport!

Which era is the dream era? why?

Zhou Ye:

Now, now is the best time. Grasp the moment.

#zhou ye #hqs:zhouye #photoshoot #esquire fine #magazine photoshoot #gu xiang #word of honor #shan he ling cast #hogwarts

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bfenvs3000-blog · 5 years

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Summer Mussels

Not having a specific prompt for blog number four opened up a lot of possibilities for things to write about, so many that it became almost overwhelming. After thinking about it for a while though I’ve finally settled on a topic. This summer I had the opportunity to work with Fisheries and Oceans Canada as a student fisheries technician, specifically on the mussel field crew. This was the first job that I had gotten that was actually in my field, making it even more exciting. Beginning this job, I had very minimal knowledge about mussels beyond that native mussels were beneficial in lakes and streams. Thankfully training started with mussel identification and it surprised me to learn that there 41 species of freshwater mussels living just in Ontario. The diversity between species amazed me, and I enjoyed learning the specific distinguishing characters of each species such as bumps over the shells, size and shape, or shell patterns.

Mussels on display in the lab with their feet out. These mussels were returned to the stream they were collected from after three days. Photo take by me.

Once water levels went down in June, that’s when field season really began. The majority of the work we conducted was population surveys in rivers in Walkerton, the Canard River in Windsor, and in the Grand River area. Each mussel that we found was categorized by species and measured, some sites would produce populations in the hundreds so I’m sure you could imagine how long this process would take in that case! It was amazing to me that a river with water that reached only to the top of my boots could contain so much life just below the sand or between the rocks.

This position also offered the opportunity to increase awareness and educate youth about the vast amount of biodiversity within Ontario. It was a great experience to introduce biodiversity and the connectedness of animals to the environment and see how this new information was exciting and fun for the kids. Similarly, it was always nice when members of the public would take an interest in the surveys we were conducting when a work site was close to hiking trails or property lines. From the road some of the streams we sampled looked like nothing would ever live there, so for people passing by to hear that there is a population of mussels there was often a surprise.

These six species were collected from a very muddy stream. An example of life in an unexpected place! Photo taken by another crew member.

Over the course of the summer I was able to work with professionals in the environmental science field and have the opportunity to learn about everything that goes into conducting research on endangered species and how that information will then be used to protect species that are at risk or on the endangered list. Additionally, I was able to work alongside other students with similar interests in science and the environment. This experience not only provided me with a new interest in freshwater mussels but also new friendships with people I may not have met otherwise. Climbing over fallen trees in a narrow cold stream really functioned as a bonding experience in our case!

Mussel crew students after completing a survey site. Photo taken by another crew member.

Throughout the summer I had the opportunity to gain experience in my field of interest, work alongside people with similar interests, and learn scientific procedures that I found really exciting. Thanks to this incredible experience working for Fisheries and Oceans Canada I feel as though it has given me insight into where I want to take my career and how I want to use the knowledge that I have gained from attending university.

If anyone is interested in learning about mussels Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Toronto Zoo have developed an app called Clam Counter where you can track any mussel sightings you come across on nature walks and explore the huge range of mussels species here in Ontario.

Edit: Also wanted to mention that all of the mussels collected for measurements and abundance counts were returned to the streams where we found them :)

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nelliievance · 4 years

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Meditation Is More Than Stress Relief: The Transformational Path

In a recent post, I mentioned that I’ve tried to reframe sheltering-in-place during the Covid-19 crisis as a retreat. This has worked pretty well. I’ve made progress in my “mental fitness” during this time, so I’ve decided to go into a few blog posts about it, which this post will kick off.

Meditation is great for relieving stress and other health effects, as I reviewed here. But if you practice it and other disciplines that go along with it consistently, its benefits go beyond that. We know there are some healthful aspects of physical fitness, but if you put in the astonishing amount of dedication elite athletes put in, you can totally transform yourself physically. There is a mental analogy to this. The more you put into it, the more you get out.

Many people, myself included, believe that we can aspire to becoming a better version of ourselves: kinder, calmer, more compassionate, etc. There are specific techniques to do this, and if you follow them consistently, they form a “path” to follow. This is often referred to a spiritual path, but “spiritual” can have connotations, like the occult or wearing exotic robes and burning incense, that can turn some people off, so I prefer to call it transformational.

I’ve been following such a path since 1992, as I’ll describe in a bit. All the world’s religions have some concept of a higher self [1,2]. But this higher self, or better version of yourself, can also be interpreted psychologically and through neuroscience. For example, if you can calm down your amygdala a bit and improve the activity of your prefrontal cortex, you can overreact less and think things through more. Also, as I recently described, we can change our brains by using willpower. By working at it diligently, we can train our brains and get better at it.

This allows us to live less compulsively, as in being more able to enjoy eating healthy food but easily stop when we’ve had enough. Beyond that, it helps us to live from our highest ideals, being more loving, kinder, compassionate, less hostile and selfish.

Practicing transformational techniques does not require joining a monastery or ashram or living in a cave in the Himalayas, but can be done as part of regular life. This introduction is for motivation. Subsequent posts will go into the details of how to do it.

My Story

I was raised as a Catholic in the pre-Vatican II era, including attending first and second grade in Catholic school. My exposure to religion was pretty negative, with a picture of a stern, judgemental God. The purpose of being good, and following the ten commandments, was to assure going to the good place instead of the bad when I died. I was not exposed to the notion that ethical behavior might actually make me a happier person now I rejected this belief system upon reaching adulthood, but didn’t replace it with anything else because I was too busy making my way in life. This happened around the time I left West Point.

I’ve mentioned previously that I attended West Point for plebe year in 1970. That had been a childhood dream. I had an Uncle I admired that was a career Army officer, and his son was a historian who regaled me with stories of heroic deeds of my ancestors. 1970 was unfortunately not a good time to be there, it was the height of the Vietnam war and morale was not great, so it was a pretty cynical place. I was disillusioned by the end of the first year (plebe year) and left. I at least can take pride that I didn’t leave because I couldn’t hack it, because plebe year is the toughest. But this ended up being a bad idea psychologically. It was pointed out to us, while I was there, that one of the purposes of plebe year is to break you down, so they can then build you back up as a future leader. Having left at that point, I had been through the breaking down part, but not the building back up part.

So I went home with the dreams of my youth unfulfilled. I questioned a lot of my earlier beliefs at that time, which fit in well with the counterculture attitude prevalent in society at the time. Fortunately I had my then girlfriend, Karen to provide an anchor or I may have run off to a hippie commune or something. I was also an angry young man, tending to overreact. Things that perhaps should have annoyed me made me lose my temper. I don’t know how Karen hung with me during that period. But with her help I made it through school and graduated as a civil engineer. My temper still reared its ugly head occasionally. Thank goodness I was never physically abusive, but I would yell when I “lost it”.

Slide Mountain in the Catskills

Around this time I had the first of a few spontaneous “transcendent” experiences I’ve had. It was my first time hiking in the mountains for fun. I had done plenty of hiking at West Point with full a pack and an m14 rifle, but not for fun. I was on a trip with some college friends to hike up Slide mountain, the highest in the Catskills of New York at 4190 feet. I wasn’t in the greatest of shape at the time so it was a long slog. We got to the top, where we would camp for the night, just as the sun was going down. I could see a beautiful panorama. This took my breath away, but also temporarily took my thoughts away. I felt incredibly at peace and at one with all I saw. So a little before John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain high” came out, I guess I had a Catskill mountain high. I didn’t know what to make of the experience, it did not occur to me there might be techniques for cultivating feeling this way. But I think it planted a seed of loving nature and I always seek to have some sort of blissful peak experience when I’m doing athletic adventures. Trail runners call it “looking for the pixie dust”. You can’t force it, I’ve found, but you can encourage the conditions that allow it. I’ve had a few of these experiences since, always in beautiful settings: like seeing an incredible view of the milky way at high elevation in Colorado, or watching the sunset over the ocean in Pacific Grove.

I now took my first full time job, working for a civil engineering consulting firm in Camp Hill (central Penssylvania). I liked it for the first few months, it was exciting to be using engineering concepts, and techniques I’d learned in school, for something useful (designing water treatment plants). But when we started our second project I realized it was pretty similar to the first. I wasn’t learning much new. I could see a future of this stretched out in front of me, and it seemed pretty dull, so I was depressed.

This was around the time that transcendental meditation (TM) was at its peak of popularity. The Beatles had been to visit Maharishi in India, and TM had been highlighted on the cover of Time magazine. It was being touted for scientifically proven benefits, which appealed to me. So Karen and I signed up for a course that lasted several nights and learned TM. We practiced it pretty diligently for the first few months (twice a day, 20 minutes), and it helped. The technique (explained in the next post under mantra meditation) was effortless. The ceaseless chatter in my mind just naturally calmed, at least for short stretches, and I felt at peace. Yes it did relieve stress. But in my case it had a more profound effect. It practically cured my temper. I won’t say I never raised my voice since, but it took much more provocation, I no longer “flew off the handle at the drop of a hat”. This was a pretty solid example that meditation can actually make a dramatic change in your personality. I later learned of the work of Dr. Herbert Benson (author of The Relaxation Response) and realized the benefits could have come from various meditation techniques, they were not limited to TM.

Around this time we moved to northern California where I continued to work as a Civil engineer, this time on sewage treatment plants. That didn’t always work out well at dinner parties. “So, what do you do for a living?”. But the work done nationwide on quality of sewage treatment in that era improved water quality considerably, which I was glad to be a part of. Nevertheless, the actual work was still pretty dull for me. Fortunately I was able to get into grad school at Stanford, and got a fellowship so I could afford it.

That was huge for me, I now went through several years of profound learning, and afterwards I never had a dull job. I was always working on cutting edge things and continued to learn. Meditation had been long forgotten by this point, because I didn’t feel I needed it. But while my temper remained calmed down, life was still not perfect. Any job has some tedium, even an interesting one. And there are always personality issues with neighbors, coworkers etc. But life was still pretty good.

My first job was with the the US National Bureau of Standards in Boulder, Colorado (now National Institute of Science and Technology). The work was great, and so were my co-workers, and Boulder was beautiful. If we had moved straight from New Jersey or Pennsylvania to Colorado, I think Karen and I would still live there. Unfortunately we’d been spoiled by the northern California weather and after 3 years we moved back. This time I got work at IBM research in south San Jose.

IBM Almaden Research Center. I was working here, and got to ride my bike to work on a nice country road. And I left for another job with a horrible commute in North San Jose? Hmmm…

Hitting Bottom

After three years I quit my job at IBM research to do a start up. That was a much more stressful environment because of all the pressure we were under, and it also involved a nasty commute. This came to a head a few years later during the buildup to a big new software release where I really felt the spotlight was on me. I was using running to control my stress, but got injured so I couldn’t do that for awhile. I got so stressed out I didn’t sleep much for about 3 weeks, and ended up having a breakdown and spent a few days in a hospital. Wake up call, big time!

After this I went to a therapist for a while. It came out that part of me regretted having quit West Point, and part of me wished I had never gone at all. I was 39, and here I was deciding one way or another I’d ruined my life with a mistake I made as a teenager. We worked through this, and I felt ready to move on. But I figured there had to be a better way to live and something was missing.

Discovering the Transformational Path and the Perennial Philosophy

That was when I blundered into Eknath Easwaran’s book Conquest of Mind [1]. There was an interesting serendipity in that particular book being the one the bookstore had: I was still pretty skeptical of religion at the time, and could have been easily turned off. It turned out that of all his books, Conquest of Mind was based mostly on Buddhist teachings, and had the subtitle “Take charge of your thoughts and reshape your life through meditation”. The emphasis was very practical, but introduced me to what I now call the transformational path. I had always been into amateur athletics in one form or another as a hobby, and Easwaran made the analogy of how hard someone would train to go to the Olympics, and said if you put that kind of effort into meditation and what he called allied disciplines, you could dramatically change your life for the better. I was hooked. This book had an appendix with a brief description of his transformational program, which I followed diligently.

After a couple of months, I read his book Meditation which gave more detail about his style of meditation and the other disciplines, as well as showing that these teachings could be found in the core of all the world’s religions or could be interpreted psychologically,. By now I was more prepared to consider that idea. Of especial interest to me was how this related to Christianity. He described the lives and writings of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Theresa of Avila, and others. Now why was I never told about them in Catholic school as a kid?

This was my introduction to the concept of the perennial philosophy: this is a concept dating back at least to the renaissance in the west, and further in Asia, that “all religions, underneath seeming differences, point to the same Truth”. Human beings have a false self, referred to as the “ego” or “small self” which is basically the combination of our instinctive behaviors and our untrained minds. Through transformational practice we can transcend this, and discover our true nature, which is one with ultimate reality. This reality is referred to in most religions by terms like cosmic consciousness, God, or in Native American wisdom as “the Great Spirit”.

In Buddhism, however, it is often not specified. Teachers will just say “go and see for yourself”. But our true nature is described in terms like “pure unconditioned awareness” [2]. This is why Buddhism is more accessible to skeptics and amenable to scientific inquiry, because it does not require belief in something which might be thought of as “supernatural” [3]. Of course, this all made me wonder if the spontaneous peak experiences I’d had were some sort of glimpse into my true nature (or a glimpse of ultimate reality), and eager to try techniques to make that type of experience more accessible.

I read books by various other authors at the time, from various traditions, including The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh, and books on Insight Meditation and Centering Prayer, coming away convinced that there are many valid approaches but with common elements.

That all started around 1992, and I have been following the path ever since, with varying degrees of diligence. The same is true for my physical training, it ebbs and flows, but I never let it go to less than about 30 minutes a day, while other times I may get more enthused and train for a marathon, a century bike ride, or equivalent. With self-transformation, I keep meditation up at least 30 minutes a day, and sometimes do more, and I vary in how well I follow the other elements. I also try to be mindful, one of the elements, as often as I remember to.

Benefits

The result of 28 years of doing this? I haven’t reached enlightenment or Nirvana, but I’m a lot calmer. I don’t sweat the small stuff very much anymore. It feels like I’m in more control, like there is a slight buffer of time between stimulus and response. It’s nice to be able to catch myself and not overreact. I’m not always perfect at it, but a lot better than I used to be. And during meditation I often get glimpses of the feeling of “oneness” I mentioned, that previously only came spontaneously in peak experiences.

Some other benefits:

Calming your inner voice, the one that’s always commenting/interpreting/criticising, etc. In the book No, Self, No Problem, Dr. Chris Niebauer discusses the crucial importance of getting control of this inner voice from the perspective of neuroscience and psychology.

Behaving more inline with your highest ideals. Reading inspirational books, or going to church or temple may motivate us to be better people. But even if you believe in the golden rule, being kinder, more courageous, etc, it is easier said than done. because our behaviour is often more of a conditioned response than rational. I’ve found that meditation and similar disciplines can help.

As I mentioned, I’ve taken my practice up another notch during the Covid19 shutdown. And I’m starting to notice a difference. I mentioned previously how working on being more unconditionally loving towards my shelter-mate has benefitted us both. My meditation is going a bit deeper, I seem to be more mindful during the day, and able to make better decisions and act less compulsively, especially with my eating habits.

And what of my beliefs now, someone who started out pretty skeptical? What is this oneness? It’s possible it’s just some phenomenon in my brain, like my logical left brain has calmed down and my more holistic right brain has taken over. But it doesn’t feel like that. It feels like something more. It definitely doesn’t feel like some stern judgemental old guy on a throne in the clouds. It’s more like connecting with an unconditionally loving spirit or intelligence. Maybe this is what Native American’s mean by “the Great Spirit that moves through all things”. But I’m not trying to convert anybody. Go and see for yourself. For me, the journey on the transformational path to “go and see” is its own reward. It gives life meaning, helps me to better be of service, and makes me happier.

For those who think all of this might be useful, I’ll discuss the elements of self-transformation in my next post.

References

Easwaran, Eknath, Conquest of Mind, Nilgiri Press, 2019.

Richard, Matthieu, Singer, Rolf, Beyond the Self: Conversations between Buddhism and Neuroscience, MIT Press, 2017.

Batchelor, Stephen, Buddhism without Beliefs: A Contemporary Guide to Awakening, Riverhead Books, 1998.

Meditation Is More Than Stress Relief: The Transformational Path published first on https://steroidsca.tumblr.com/

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impressivepress · 4 years

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Félicia Atkinson: A Closer Listen interview

Do you have a favorite piece of gear you’d care to talk about? With this series, I try to not fetishize equipment the way that often happens but rather to try to demystify the creative process.

Some people have all this expensive stuff and produce nothing of interest, others use literal garbage or broken old things and produce beautiful soundworlds. So, not necessarily from a technical standpoint, but as a piece of equipment that you’ve developed a kind of relationship with.

I like to collect stones from my travels, especially the ones I find on empty beaches or desert. I put them in my pockets, forgetting where they come from, and then use them during my show with micro contacts. Sometimes I just hold them during shows, they don’t make any sounds but they give me energy or at least the courage sometimes to stay silent or not add anymore sound to what’s already in the air. It’s difficult sometimes not to add more, you have break yourself somehow in order to keep the focus and sharpness.

I am fascinated by this image of you deriving inspiration from these stones, even when they are not making a sound. Do you have any early memories of sound, as listener or recorder, that stand out to you, that you draw inspiration from as you do with your found stones?

I think the first sounds I enjoyed were birds in the evening and trains passing. Especially just before nightfall. I am still always moved when I hear them. I leave not far from the station in Rennes and there are birds in my garden, and every day I feel still deeply touched by those sounds.

I seem to recall you’ve spent some time in the American southwest, a residency perhaps? Were you at Taliesin West? Can you talk a bit about your interest in the region? Quite a contrast to Brittany, no?

We went to Arizona, California’s Mojave and Nevada, and also New Mexico quiet often. Each year since 2014 we do the LA Art Book Fair with Shelter Press and we manage to add some wandering time before or after, a kind of research time where I can record, see, draw,s listen, write, paint…

We actually went to Taliesin West, and the Biosphere, and Arcosanti, but also to the Meteor Crater and the Petrified Forest. Arizona is Crazy! In New Mexico we visited Georgia O Keefe’s ranch and Agnes Martin’s room in Taos. It’s very inspiring.

There are so many contrast and different energies and people out there.

My relationship to those places is very intimate and I don’t know how to speak about it rationally; but let’s say my records Hand in Hand andCoyotes are my way of explaining and sharing my relationship to those environments.

But speaking of stones, you know Brittany is very rich in dolmens, monoliths and megaliths, that are sacred stones…

May I ask about your musical formation? Did you study an instrument as a child, or play in more traditional bands in your youth? How did your current practice develop? Can you describe what led your interest in making music? What is your musical background, both in terms of playing instruments and musical “scenes” which you were shaped by?

I studied harp and piano as a kid, listening to classical music mostly, but was very bored with « solfège » and music theory.

I remember learning « Methode Martenot » [an unconventional form of music pedagogy] that was more intuitive and based on rhythm and really enjoying it.

Also, some people came to my public elementary school to present to us the Structures Baschet by the Baschet Brothers and I was fascinated by them.

I grew up in Paris and my parents were listening to music all the time. My dad, who was working as a psychiatric nurse, was listening to Robert Ashley, Stockhausen and Pierre Henryand my mom, who was working as a librarian at the National Library to world music such as Yiddish songs, Cape Verdian music, Polish music…

I stopped playing music at the age of 14 when I discovered grunge music, Brit pop, indie rock and trip hop. I decided to keep on studying theatre instead. I even wrote a few plays. I wanted to be a writer at that time and was writing all the time; poetry, novels… I destroyed everything I was really living in my imagination.

In those years (14-18), I was listing to music all the time and reading the NME, The Face Magazine, Les Inrockuptibles… I was a music fan, collecting images, reviews, of the bands I was adoring!

I was doing a lot of baby sittings all my teenage years to buy records and go to shows. (There is no age restriction in shows in France.)

I even went to Bristol when I was 16 with a friend to see where Massive Attack and Tricky where coming from, but we were so broke and young the only thing we could afford was to hang out in parks. But we really enjoyed it, Ahha!

Then in my twenties I was a fan of Sonic Youth, Cat Power, Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Smog, and Low and the voice of Kim Gordon showed me you can speak in songs. I still enjoy the mood those musicians were putting me in, the importance of the lyrics and the feeling of being very close and intimate to the singer. The energy, the experience.

Then I started writing a bit in French magazines such as Octopus and Mouvement about music, read The Wire Magazine, and thinking about it in a more theoretical way.

At the same time, I discovered in my late twenties improvised music, avant-garde music, going to see shows at Instants Chavires, Fondation Cartier, Centre Pompidou…. I studied at Les Beaux Arts de Paris and did a workshop with Christian Wolff that was very influential to me. I started listening to Luc Ferrari, John Cage, Cornelius Cardew, but also Jim O’Rourke, David Grubbs, Fennesz, etc… I started playing music, in different projects such as Strechandrelax with dancer Elise Ladoué and a spoken word project with Sylvain Chauveau.

Then, when, and then around 28 years old, under my own name and the moniker Je Suis Le petit Chevalier. With Je Suis Le Petit Chevalier I made a lot of tapes and CD-R on great DIY labels that really encouraged me to be prolific and use recordings as a kind of sound diary. I feel it was a very liberating time because there was no pressure. I was doing live shows that were very short, very loud and noise, I felt since at that time I was playing in talking audiences I had to be louder than the audience. It was like an exorcism. I really enjoyed that psych / synth DIY scene with labels such as Not Not Fun, Stunned, Digitalis, Ruralfaune, Kaugummi…

And then, in 2011 we created Shelter Press with Bartolomé Sanson and it changed a lot for me, knowing I had my own home to release my music and trying to shape things with more specificity and control.

I had a very important discussion when we were living in the Alps with Bartolomé with our friend Pete Swanson. I think he asked me something very basic, like « what kind of music do you want to record » and it made me rethink the whole thing. I discovered also new composers, such Ruth White, or Moniek Darge and came back to Pierre Henry, Ferrari and Robert Ashley, and then I released A readymade ceremony, which is for me the volume 1 of a kind of new moment in my music, that I am still following now.

I’d like to ask about Shelter Press. You’ve brought together quite a roster of artists, with some incredible aesthetic variety. Shelter Press also publishes books and artist’s books. This feels very right to me, and isn’t something that is as common as one might think, as there is so much overlap between artists who produce work in small editions, whether it be music or books, but I’d imagine that the second decade of the 21st century has been a challenging time for such an endeavor. Please, tell us more about Shelter Press, how you go about business, how you tie these various threads together.

Well, Shelter Press is 90 per cent run by my partner, Bartolomé Sanson, he is the captain, holding the vessel on an everyday basis, thinking things ahead and making it possible; even though we take all the decisions together. I am more like the passenger, watching the GPS, looking at the window and tuning the radio accordingly to the drive…and making sandwiches!

It’s a lot of work to publish in the same time books and records, especially since he is handling creative direction, design, editorial, sales and shipping on his own

I think in many ways we often feel overwhelmed by work!

I can imagine!

But we are very happy and proud of what we put out: for example lately from the Ocean Scores of the artist David Horvitz to the latest Eli Keszler record, Stadium, passing by a compilation of essays about utopian pedagogy (In The Canyon Revise the Cannon), the first record in ten years by Tomoko Sauvage, or the first album by CV & JAB in collaboration with artist Zin Taylor, etc…

We try to draw a kind of circle that links a kind of sparse but connected family.

We try to always meet people in real life before working with them, this is why we do not accept demos, we are not a dating app of some kind, a record doesn’t happen in one sec, it’s a slow process of exchange, not a fast delivery.

Metaphorically, we invite people to eat our table, and in that order, we like to know them first and then take our time to eat different courses and have a good conversation.

Shelter has just released Spectres, in collaboration with INA-GRM, in which you have a text. I’m looking forward to reading this, it looks fantastic. Can I ask about how you understand the relationship between theory and practice in this context, between ‘research’ and the production of artistic works? You mentioned that in preparation of producing new works you have a period of absorbing various inspirations (books, films, landscapes, etc). Does the intellectualization of the process, as with this essay, come as part of the process or is it more removed (before, after)?

I just believe things are never isolated. Sometimes my ways of rehearsing is making a salad. I am very inspired by John Cage, Pauline Oliveros, Ana Halprin, or Alison Knowles in the way they embrace(d) the world as a whole. A walk in the forest could be a research.

More and more time passes more and more i believe there is not in one hand theory and in another practice, everything in embedded.

Right now I have a small child, we spend most of the day in the park under the trees, and observing an Atlas Cedar for an hour is for me a way of deep listening.

I understand more time since I started to do soft boil eggs, for example. They handle a very good duration I feel.

And music is about duration.

It’s an important stage. The thinking part is the moment where you allow yourself to stop producing, and look back and forward. What have I done? What am I gonna do?

What is around me? What is missing? What is too obvious? Who / what should I call? Where should I go? To whom am I connecting, referring, in order to say/ show/ make what I feel /want?

I feel full of questions. I need to share those questions sometimes, and take the risk to make some hypothesis. It’s part of the game. Share your ideas and the risk to be wrong or boring.

Right now, for example, I have a small baby at home. My creative time is very limited, my hands being full all day with this little and wonderful person. Well, it allows me time to think and observe.

I go to the park with my baby, I go close to the Sequoias and Cedars of the park with him, I am not playing music, but I feel it is something that prepares me as much as a rehearsal to play shows or record later.

It’s about being alive. I don’t separate life and theory and creation. Each one is one hour of a whole day.

I feel close to John Cage again in that way. Picking up mushroom is also making music. Or making music is just a part of a bigger process.

I’ve only been able to read the first page of your essay in Spectres so far, but it concerns the voice. It seems to me that your work often foregrounds the voice (and the body, as in Hand in Hand). Can you tell me more about the role that your voice and language plays in your music?

I bring my voice with me. I record it and then, a double exists, and people are listening to the double, to this strange stamp called recording. I find it fascinating.

Language is an obstacle to fascination. It brings doubt and subjectivity. I use language to break the image and I use the voice to play with its plasticity and its ghost-like ability to be multiple, pitched, distorted, doubled or vanished. Voice is a wind that penetrates the ear and leave again and come back, it’s also a feminist embodiment of a flexible force.

I believe also in the power of hushing versus screaming. Getting closer to the ear where the shout push you outside. I believe in energies and flux through the voice and its recording.

The voice for me is interesting because it’s always with you. It’s also for me something that travels; from inside to outside, passing walls, staying recorded and filling a room while your body has always disappeared.

The voice is the metaphor of the spirit in that way. It can talk but in the same time stay difficult to understand. It brings images but also confusion. It’s like a stream or cloud. You can see in it or not, it can appear and vanish.

I am very fond of Robert Ashley or John Cage’s voices. Even if they passed away they are still speaking to me.

Sometimes I feel inspired by that, I want to talk to some listeners who are not born yet; at least to people I will never meet. Recording my voice is a way to travel in time and space.

One of the tensions Sound Propositions is concerned with is the difference between working as an artist in the studio (producing records and compositions in “fixed,” recorded form) and in performances. Do you approach to a live situation in terms of improvisation as opposed to how you work in the studio?

Aha, I would say it is almost the opposite: I improvise way more in the studio than live

Most of the outtakes on my records are first takes with a lot of improvisation in it, whereas live I construct more the performance with diffusion and scheduled sounds.

I feel that the fact that the record is « fixed » allows many strata of improvisation, because you can pile up time on it, the record has to be played several time, and is recorded in that goal of fighting with age and time; whereas a live event is meant to disappear and therefore has , in my opinion , to be anticipated ahead, so it’s strong enough to face such a rapid and short amount of time and existence; like fire works!

Perhaps working as a writer brings with it a similar tension?

Almost all the texts that are not borrowed from literature or cut ups from magazines are improvised, they “happen” to me when I record and then I convoke them again live.

Animals, or Twenties are Gone, the two books of poetry I made were written within the same process, very condensed and fast.

How does this vary between working solo and working (live or in the studio) in collaboration with others?

I don’t do that many collabs, but for example with Jefre Cantu Ledesmathe process was like a mail correspondence : I send you this, you answer, I react, etc… we never recorded on the same room / continent!

We would conceptualize very little ahead but rather exchange links of records and books we like to read / hear. The connection and language was a very special way of listening that, I think, we have in common.

How do you approach or conceive of the process of musical composition? Is it a studio-based practice for you?

It’s a slow process, very similar to the way I do art. First I read books, watch films, listen to music, walk in landscapes. Then some ideas and desires appear out of this contemplation. Therefore I start producing various materials: field recordings, melodies, modular patterns, voice…. and then I listen to everything and assemble, like making a bouquet of wild flowers, according and tuning sounds into this first hunch I had at the beginning. This « feeling » or « idea » that will be the shape makers of those drafts, that will give sense and cohesion.

I think of composition as way to create form in space, with layers, blanks, densities, perspectives and light.

Would you be willing to choose a recent or upcoming track and break it down, talk about its development, equipment used, etc?

This is impossible for me to answer, I never follow recipes, neither in the kitchen, nor in the studio.

I can explain what inspires me, the environment of a composition but I’ve always been a bit skeptical about technique demonstrations. I find it often obviously masculine and even sometimes even shallow; like ooh look how much gear I’ve got.

I feel creation, wherever it’s music, literature or painting can be analyzed as an objet, of course, but what the artist does can only be explained in terms of intention and context, that’s it. It’s always completely relative, because at the end, the listener might catch something very different, because he/she is a different person than the artist, at a different time, in a different place, and that’s the beauty of the artefact. To be able to travel, to be able to remain a mystery and in the same time, to be able to be explained and analyzed in many different ways. Like a diamond with different facets.

In fact, I feel rather the same. I don’t mean to imply that the particulars (of the studio or a particular track’s creation) should have some universal importance, or be instilled into some kind of hierarchy, such that readers might think, oh “this piece of gear or software would make my work better.” I absolutely do not subscribe to this idea, and I’m very much moved by work that comes from making do with what is available. (Arte povera artists, or the sculptures of Louise Nevelson for instance, or the artists I’ve profiled in the series). So, yes, I absolutely agree (about cooking as well!), improvisation is key, and formulas are generally to be resisted. Art is not a recipe to be followed. I also concur regarding the masculinist tendency of gear shots and demonstrations of skills, flexing in the studio and all that. (I for one dislike FACT Mag’s On the Clock series in part for this reason.)

So perhaps the question is more pedagogical: what advice would you give to someone starting out to make music or art in whatever form?

Take your time. Believe in small forms.

Be curious and imaginative. Don’t forget to have some humour and distance around you . it’s only music. It’ s just music. and to paraphrase JL Godard what is « une image juste / juste image »?

You evoke Godard, and I think there’s something pedagogical in all we absorb. So, I always like to ask about an artist’s favorite work outside of sound art or music. What books, visual art, plays, films, etc you are inspired by, or find common cause with? Are their artists working in other media (past or present) that you feel an aesthetic kinship with?

So many of them of course. I wish i could have seen the Anni Albers retrospective in London and the Hilma Af Kint retrospective in NYC. Both of those wonderful women are very inspiring for me. They are both masters of colors and shapes, and I could watch their work all day. Same with many other artists such as Ruth Asawa, Agnes Martin, Sophie Taeuber-Arp, Sonia Delaunay… Painting is source of every day joy for me.

I was lucky enough to catch the Af Klint at the Guggenheim while I was home for the holidays. What a revelation, when viewed all together in a space such as that. She knew her work would be misunderstood, so she imposed this long restriction on public exhibitions of her work. To think it’s taken this long for her work to be appreciated. Imagine what else is out there, still hidden.

What is on the horizon for you? What future projects can you tell us about?

Horizon is a line in the sky I am always contemplating and questioning. We never know.

I am currently composing a piece inspired by the work and persona of the painter Helen Frankenthaler for Atonal in Berlin this summer and another piece called Hedra Helix for Musica Sanae in Sokolowsko in Poland in August. [Episode 6 of the podcast includes an excerpt from her live performance at Musica Sanae in Napoli in May of 2019.]

I am gonna play at Le Poisson Rouge in New York in September and I’m working on the score of a dance piece by the choreographer Rebecca Chantinell in Stockholm.

Thank you so much.

by thenewobjective · July 5, 2019

#music #félicia atkinson #a closer listen #electronic #interview #music interview

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prosteticanimals · 4 years

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20 Fun Facts About best keyboard to learn piano

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Millennials really are a very praised and self-confident era. They may be a hugely optimistic technology. They've got a increased want to acquire life ordeals as an alternative to to accumulate materials prosperity, Although they are doing like to acquire things that might help them to love those activities. Millennials are by far the most educated technology. As the price tag of instruction has become so large and continuing to climb each and every year, Millennials became really savvy about their educational options. Unlike past generations who noticed training being a ritual and an expense in their upcoming, millennials watch education and learning as an expense, Until it's going to empower them in an effort to be a better personal. They count on schooling to help you them prepare for The brand new alternatives and worries of this age, in lieu of serving to them by offering simple fact-primarily based information/information. The millennials wish to be challenged by pondering the future And just how they could add to building a greater Modern society and setting. They don't experience the need to develop into "textbook smart / reserve worms".

They are aware that specifics may be conveniently located on the web via their particular unbiased motion. They are really the technology that features and prosper on information at finger "click". In the world of open usage of know-how, it will make minor feeling to rely on the classroom to be a Discussion board to the transfer of data.

In its place, the students Considerably choose to study through the stories and experiences of Other people. These shared tales and encounters aid them to reinforce their unique practical experience by learning from your success and mistakes of Other people. This can help them steer clear of producing precisely the same mistakes as their influencers. Therefore, they like to speculate extra in their time and expense on these kinds of courses which enable them to produce various methods that they could incorporate into their feelings and choice-creating procedure, therefore building a new talent established.

We simply cannot ignore The point that millennials may also be a technology of uncertainties and fluctuations. These are the era who likes to keep switching their gadgets. They grew up with know-how where everything was at their fingertips. It turns into annoying for them not to get what they want after they want it. A lot of the issues have already been handed to them over a silver spoon. This makes them sense entitled to have what they need without putting in A great deal effort and hard work.

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However These are the main workforce of the businesses nowadays, they do not have confidence in lifelong employment. Lifelong commitment is a fairy tale for that millennials. They often soar from on task to another since they are usually on the lookout for some thing new and far better. These higher anticipations become their downfall and will make them considerably less economically secure than their mothers and fathers.

Millennials are here to remain! They can be younger, vivid and energetic and they ARE the long run. They are perfect belongings which the entire world ought to harness and use. They're the technology that may be revolutionizing the planet. They're the budding leaders of tomorrow. They undertake technological know-how and stimulus in exactly the same breadth. This era is additionally a collaborative and social era that features a concentrate on comprehending and constructing their know-how by several types of medium to discover the responses. It truly is to the educator like us to provide an arena for engagement and discovery and also become a content material qualified and mentor. It's for learning platform companies like Nirmiti Academy to present an explorative and experiential encounter and bring out their real prospective in everyday life and at get the job done. It is this transformational journey that we at Nirmiti Academy sit up for every single day to understand, unlearn and relearn Using these youthful and magical technology - the Millennials!

If the above title confuses you, you might be missing out on some of the ideal prospects the web provides. Meanwhile, Other individuals are increasing their Occupations, making ready For brand spanking new life as entrepreneurs, or are learning new competencies or increasing their awareness foundation, commonly at little or no cost.

How are they accomplishing this?

They're accessing MOOCs, or Huge Open up On line Programs. Whilst platforms happen to be readily available from elite colleges like MIT and Stanford for nearly a decade, open-source lessons continue on to develop in amount and recognition. Now, even some area people colleges like Wake Specialized University,located exterior Raleigh, NC, presents MOOCs to a global audience. This increasing availability suggests You can find now an unbelievable a number of programs available to anyone with an internet connection, irrespective of location.

Matters MOOCs cover can differ from modern day robotics and astronomy to Roman architecture along with the American Novel Due to the fact 1945. MIT, as an example, has courses centered around Mathematics, Engineering, Energy and Science, as well as a stunning number of courses specializing in the Humanities and High-quality Arts. The College of Michigan presents programs starting from "Storytelling for Social Transform" to Python, facts analytics, and device Studying. You can also consider Management classes from HEC Paris by using MOOC, rated with the Economist as acquiring the second most powerful company university alumni community on this planet.

Some MOOCs are built to be taken for information received, but many plans also give a certification of completion by means of web-sites like Coursera.org. Certificates of completion--which happen to be diverse from program credits--normally Expense around $50. Economical help is available for individuals who qualify.

Explanations to contemplate a MOOC

There are numerous explanations why a MOOC class could be ideal for you past time management, Whilst most MOOCs allow learners to operate at their own rate, which implies they easily in shape into most schedules, Regardless of how chaotic. Other benefits contain:

An opportunity to try out A significant ahead of having to pay for college programs. Any one attempting to make your mind up over a occupation route, for The very first time or because of a midlife alter of way, appreciates the frustration of pondering "Imagine if I am Erroneous about my decision? Simply how much cash am I heading to spend prior to I understand this isn't for me?" MOOCs are a great way to 'dip your toes' in, so to talk, prior to the headache of addressing standard college or university programs and traditional higher education expenditures. You'll be able to Check out as numerous courses as you have time for right up until a little something certainly sparks your desire.

Get classes not readily available regionally. You can find actually Many MOOC classes accessible on the web. Even though you are in Boston (where Harvard, MIT, Tufts, Boston College or university and Boston College are all Positioned) or Another equivalent College-dense area, you are able to in all probability uncover a category or two by way of MOOC offerings not accessible to you locally.

Learn (or relearn) a language without spending a dime. Don't just can you take a foreign language training course totally free via MOOCs, but due to lessons taught at international universities, you can also train your ear by listening to indigenous speakers. Have a program taught from the language you need to discover and comply with together using English subtitles. The second technique is a great way to in essence double your Finding out, but only operates if you have already got not less than an intermediate grasp from the language.

If Finding out A different language isn't large on your own to-do list, possibly it ought to be: In 2017, New American Economic climate documented employer need for bilingual staff more than doubled considering that 2010. This need proceeds to mature. Ideal languages to check? Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic.

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Establish up your resume with desired abilities. Probably there's a superior career at work you are aware of you are able to do, but your boss won't Consider you're qualified for it simply because you lack specific capabilities. MOOCs are a great way to become proficient in locations like HTML coding, Website positioning analytics, or whatever skill you should turn into the right man or woman for the position.

Keep to the inbound links on this page for more information on numerous MOOC programs. MOOCs are also readily available by way of several different educational platforms, like Coursera, Udemy, and edX. But MOOCs is often accessed straight as a result of Just about every university, and are available by making use of the following Google lookup limiting syntax entered into your google lookup bar:

internet site:edu MOOC subject matter

Such as, if I enter website:edu MOOC robotics, I get about seven,000 success, such as this Introduction to Robotics Specialization from Penn Engineering. Through the use of this syntax, you'll be able to generally bypass the clearinghouses and obtain just what You are looking for on College sites, even lessons the clearinghouses may not provide.

Content MOOCing!

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houseofvans · 7 years

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ART SCHOOL | LAUREN ASTA (Chicago, IL) | Vans US Open of Surfing 2017

We’re excited to spotlight the artists for this year’s 2017 Vans US Open of Surfing that is set to begin July 29th To August 6th in Huntington Beach, CA. Our first artist spotlight starts with talented, hard working, and art touring muralist and public artist Lauren Asta! Starting with a massive 3,000 sq ft mural at Faction Brewery in 2015, Asta has been non-stop mural and art touring, bringing her signature black and white, free flowing and spontaneous doodles to walls and buildings all over. She’s not only extremely talented but also straight up fearless, as we find out in this Q&A with Lauren, where we talk about how she got started painting murals, her art background, and what event she’s looking forward to see at this year’s 2017 Vans US Open of Surfing.

Photographs courtesy of the artist.

Introduce yourself Hello, Lauren Asta here, first time caller, long time listener... I was born and raised in California's thriving Bay Area, but if you ask me I feel like I was truly born in NYC when I moved there after College in 2005. I returned back to California in 2012 where I hunkered down and produced and hustled until I was able to drop all other job training wheels to solely do Art/Murals/Public Art/Street Art 100% of my time and to also travel all year long with no brick and mortar to call my own. I am a citizen of the world dammit. I'd first and foremost like to think of myself as a Muralist/Public Artist but I think it's safe to just say I am an Artist. What’s your art background like? Self taught or art schooled? I've been drawing for as long as I can remember. First memory would be when I became aware of the fact that I would much rather doodle in sketchbooks over writing in all the Hello Kitty Diaries my girl friends had. I did go to school for Art at CSU Chico State. I got my BA in Photography and Studio Art. But that was when Photography was still pretty much taught only in the dark room. Digital Photography quickly became the trend right after I graduated college in 2004, so finding work (and making money) as a dark room photographer in NYC was extremely difficult. The next (and cheapest) artistic expression for me was to go back to pen and paper. I started drawing, drawing, drawing again. That crucial production time morphed and shaped what my style is today. So I guess you could say I am both self taught and schooled.

What’s the best thing you learned in art school or what’s the best thing you learned while teaching yourself? Best thing I learned in school: make art like everyone is watching. Best thing I learned while teaching myself: make art like no one is watching.

This is your first year participating as an artist painting inside the bowl at the Vans US Open of Surfing! What are some of your top 5 things you're sure to bring along? SUNSCREEN, straw hat, game face, headphones, my Vans of course! (honorable mentionable items include: water bottle, lucky paint shorts, GoPro, party fun face).

Tell us about how you started out painting murals? What was the first mural you can remember doing? What was the last mural? Before I was a self employed full time Artist... I bartended... for years. Bartending in NYC led me to getting a job at a Distillery in Alameda CA. This Distillery (St. George Spirits) is located in an old 65,000 sq. ft. hangar. Right next to the Distillery a Brewery (Faction Brewing) was opening up while I was about 2 years into working for St. George. When the Brewery had just opened, a very large ugly unfinished wall went up right smack dab in the middle of the neighboring 65,000 sq. ft. hangar. Hundreds of people were flocking to this new Brewery on a weekly basis taking photos and enjoying life. The number one complaint was "they should really do something with that wall..." So I took it upon myself to approach the owners and give them my proposal. I proposed to prime the whole thing, paint the whole thing white and to do a mural for a small price and if they rented a scissor lift. They agreed, and before I knew it I was tackling a 3,000 sq. ft. mural with no prior large scale work and no sketch to work off of. I literally just went for it and hoped it would turn out alright. I finished it in 28 days and I felt like I was an overnight success. I completed that mural 3 years ago and people still flock to it as a destination point. I quit my day job shortly after that and have been going strong ever since. That mural changed my life and I am eternally grateful. The last mural I did was last month (June 2017) in Chicago! A sweet rooftop patio mural at Chop Shop in the Wicker Park neighborhood. I am booked with solid rad gigs until November!

What’s been the best part of Art Tour life? Anything you’d change about it? The best part about the Art Tour Life? ALL OF IT. Damn it feels good to be a traveling Artist. I meet so many rad amazing people... I have friends all over the country now! I get to experience all sorts of tasty culture found in this Country and outside of it. The way I am able to connect people with art in multiple cities feels like I am planting little art seeds everywhere I go and watching how they grow after I leave is extremely satisfying. Travel is an absolute luxury in life and I am so lucky I get to incorporate it into my work. I love the feeling I get now when I fly into cities I have been before because I can't wait to see friends, revisit favorite joints and of course to get to work... but there's nothing like exploring a new city. I live for it. I am a big fan of walking everywhere, tasting everything and taking in as much as I can.

You’ve been known to freestyle in a way your murals, never using a sketch, projector or traced outline. What about this particular way / process do you enjoy the most? What would you say is the most challenging part of free styling? I find that if I don't have a sketch or drawing to work from, the end result will always look and feel more organic and it will fit the space/environment more appropriately. There's something really nice about working on a mural in a specific space for a few days and to have the people there, the weather, the noises, the food affect the outcome of the mural. It just seems to fit like a puzzle piece the space didn't even know it was missing. The most challenging part about free styling a mural would be if there was nothing around to inspire me or move me. If a space is really sterile, it takes a lot more energy and specific focus to get the job done where as I can usually just get into a zone and almost go into a "meditative autopilot groove."

What do you do with mistakes if you make any? I used to make sure that I always had some white paint on hand... just in case I made a mistake I could "erase" it. But that always took too much time and it never ended up looking as clean as I like it, so I just decided to not make any more mistakes. I mean... if I make a mark that I don't like or didn't mean to make, I just turn the old imagination station on and turn the "mistake" into something else. I have never run into a situation where this method didn't work... unless you count the time I fell in between two ladders and spilled black paint all over the mural I had been working on for three days... that one I had to fix with white paint and start over. But you live and learn! I'll never try to be an dangerous art acrobat again. Maybe...

Recently, you participated in the House of Vans Chicago Prime 8 event. Can you tell us about that evening and what you were doing at the event?

Such a rad event with a rad cause! The 6th Annual Prime 8 Art League provided a free event showcasing the 2017 selected applicant's work (which I am super honored to be a part of). They also featured entertainment, food, refreshments and a charity raffle that included all sorts of prizes. The best part... all proceeds generated from the raffle and related activities were donated to Marwen, an organization dedicated to providing visual arts instruction to under-served youth throughout the Chicago area. Pretty rad right? I was stoked to participate by doing a live painting on a large canvas that was raffled off at the end of the night. Felt extremely good to be showcased at The House Of Vans Chicago and to contribute towards something positive.

Favorite Vans? And how would you describe your personal style? I haven't taken them off since I scored a new pair in Chicago! Right now I am rocking my black SK8-Hi Reissue kicks. I am obsessed. My personal style is pretty functional with some dressy stuff on reserve just in case. Pretty much everything I own has paint on it... even my expensive threads. When I travel, I have to be incredibly thoughtful and smart with what and how I pack. Give me a simple pair of ripped jeans or shorts and t-shirt and Vans any good old paint day, but if there's something fun cooking after a long paint day, I am always fashionably prepared. I guess you can just call it a "fun functionable no high heels but party paint girl with a whole lotta sass" kind of style... If you want to get specific.

Personal words to live by? SO MANY WORDS TO LIVE BY. But my favorite motto (and a very strange motto at that) came from the director of one of my first really big gigs. It was the first time I really felt overwhelmed and that I might not be able to finish the job. One day I was on the phone with him freaking out and he interrupted me by saying: "Lauren... How do you eat an Elephant?" I was kind of dumbfounded. I replied with "What the hell are you talking about??" He repeated with "How. Do. You. Eat. An. Elephant?" "I have no idea" I said. He calmly replied with "one bite at a time." One bite at a time... I repeat that to myself all the time. I even have it tattooed on my painting arm so I can see it when I work. It's a good reminder that you can absolutely finish something, big or small, if you just keep at it and you don't give up. I love it. I also love and repeat the words "I never want to regret a decision based on fear" constantly.

What event at this year’s Vans US Open of Surfing are you most looking forward to checking out? Damn. I am so excited to see some powerful ladies turn up the dial and rock some surfing out! I have an admiration for all of the players in all of the events in store at the Vans US Open of Surfing, but to see some ladies kill it at something so mentally and physically demanding, I have no doubt, will be extremely inspiring and will give me some pretty radical energy to get my job done!

For folks who wanna follow in your path, what advice would you give them? Produce produce produce. Work on your style like no one is watching until you are so proud of it and confident to show it off. Once you unlock that door, the rest is up to you to get yourself out there. If you have the skill, right attitude and a solid hustle/work ethic... the possibilities are endless and people will want to hire you. Failure is part of the journey. Embrace it and learn from it. Too many talented people give up way too early. This is a demanding job, so understanding that you'll need to give up certain luxuries that you might be used to, is a often "not so talked about" part of being successful in this specific career. The notion of having kids is one I gave up a long time ago, a serious long term relationship is near impossible, putting your keys in the same spot every day is unlikely, clean clothes 24/7 is laughable, not knowing where you're sleeping next week is common, saying goodbye to amazing friends and family all the time is consistent, missing Holidays and family events is indeed a reoccurring event in itself, your taxes will be A MESS, figuring out a Southwest Airlines Boarding strategy will become a new favorite past time... But damn it... your life be passionately exciting and leaving your mark by contributing something as necessary and positive as art in the world will be oh so sweet and tasty and satisfying.

What do you have planned for the rest of 2017? I cannot wait to boogie on down to Huntington Beach at the end of the month for the Vans Us Open of Surfing! This mural job is definitely going down in the record books. I can just taste it. After painting the bowl, I immediately head to Chicago where I will be working on murals all of August. Then it's a quick trip to Oakland for a mural job. Then back to Chicago to produce work for a Gallery show at the end of October 2017. Then a jump over to Memphis for a big mural event. Then back up to Chicago for more mural work and I will be finishing work for the Gallery Opening at Chicago Truborn October 21. One more mural job in Chicago after that then I am turning brain off in Mexico for a month on the Beach. Pretty stoked! Follow along!

Follow Lauren Asta Instagram | @Lauren-asta

#Art #Vans Art #vansusopen #vans girls #lauren asta #muralist #mural #art school #Q&A

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thechasefiles · 5 years

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The Chase Files Daily Newscap 5/2/2019

Good MORNING #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Thursday 2nd May 2019. Remember you can read full articles for FREE via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS) OR by purchasing by purchasing a Daily Nation Newspaper (DN).

GOVERNMENT WORKING IN UNISON WITH WORKERS, ASSURES PM MOTTLEY – In her first May Day speech as Prime Minister, Mia Mottley has given the assurance that Government is working in unison with workers. Speaking to the scores of people gathered at the Barbados Workers’ Union Solidarity House headquarters this afternoon, Mottley said her Government had been actively engaging with the Social Partnership on all critical matters. “I have made a commitment and it is one from which my Government will never resile, that the basis of the best governance that we can bring to our people is to work together and to work collectively,” she said to loud applause. “And it is against that background that I ask you to judge my Government not by our words alone, but by our actions, because on the very first morning after swearing in a Government and a Cabinet at Bay Street, the very first meeting of this Government was with the Social Partnership of Barbados because we recognise that labour and capital and the Government and the Executive must work collectively to take us out of the bowels from which we were languishing in. “Every major decision whether it is in the context of national security, whether it is in the context of growth and development opportunities for this country that I will share with the country by the end of the month in greater detail, whether it is in the context of the difficult moments and decisions . . . it has been a joint decision,” the Prime Minister maintained. Mottley pointed out that there was still a long way for Barbados to go. However, she promised that Government would continue to be on the frontline of workers’ rights. (BT)

MP IAN GOODING-EDGHILL IS NEW TRANSPORT BOARD CHAIRMAN – Mere hours after accepting the resignation of former chairman of the Transport Board Gregory Nicholls, Prime Minister Mia Mottley has named his replacement. Ian Gooding-Edghill, the Member of Parliament for St Michael West Central is the new chairman. Mottley broke the news while delivering the feature address at the Barbados Workers’ Union May Day celebrations at its Solidarity House headquarters this afternoon. “Yesterday, the chairman resigned and I accepted it through my Minister. I have asked Ian Gooding-Edghill, who is a former chairman of the Transport Board and who is more than capable of meeting the obligations and the task of chairman to do and to accept that position and he has agreed. “I expect therefore that he will work with the board with immediate haste to help correct this unfortunate situation,” Mottley said. Gooding-Edghill is also the chairman of the National Insurance Board. (BT)

NICHOLLS I WAS NOT FIRED – ATTORNEY GREGORY NICHOLLS took to Facebook yesterday to defend his name, stating he was not fired as chairman of the board of directors of the Transport Board, neither was he accused of any infelicities. “I have resigned as chairman of the board of directors of the Transport Board today. I was not fired nor was I accused of any infelicities during my tenure. “All of the instances of [problems] . . . concerning the Transport Board occurred before my tenure and are well documented in the provisional report of the Auditor General who has just completed a special audit of the board. When this report is published, you will all get to see how difficult it was to turn around the Transport Board given the poor shape in which I inherited it,” Nicholls stated in the post. (DN)

MORE BUS PROBLEMS FOR COMMUTERS – A visit to the Fairchild Street and Princess Alice Bus Terminals yesterday, May Day, painted a picture similar to National Heroes Day on Monday where commuters were waiting hours in the two terminals. Most commuters declined to comment, however; at the Fairchild Street terminal around 2 p.m., one woman said she was waiting three-and-a-half hours for a Martin’s Bay bus. Although she was going straight to St John, there were others around who were not going the full route but were likewise stranded. The Transport Board had announced on its Facebook page over the weekend: “Our services will be operating on what would be the usual Sunday bus schedule on April 28 and May 1, 2019. (DN)

FOURTH PRESCHOOL GOING UP – Lawmakers today cleared the path for a charity to build its next nursery school with the Ministry of Education even as construction work has already started. In a parliamentary resolution, Government has vested 5,000 square metres of land in Government Hill, St Michael to the Maria Holder Memorial Trust under a lease arrangement for the construction of the fourth in a series of state-of-the-art preschools. The building on land adjacent to the Charles F Broome Memorial Primary School is to be leased to the Trust for 30 years at $1,500 annually, according to Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development Charles Griffith. He said the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training will be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the school, which will be insured for about $2 million. Griffith praised the philanthropic foundation for its work, saying it should serve as an example for other local charities. During his presentation, which was dotted with the history of the Trust, Griffith said the charity was keen on promoting and supporting health care initiatives designed to improve the quality of life for children, the elderly and the vulnerable and assist with the education and training of youth in disadvantage and vulnerable situations. “They are making meaningful contribution in almost every single area. And I hope that at some point in time the constituency of St John can also benefit from the initiatives of this organization,” said the St John MP. Under a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Education signed with the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) administration, the charity opened the first school at Sharon, St Thomas, the second one at Gall Hill in Christ Church, and one in Oldbury in St Philip. A total of seven nursery schools were earmarked for construction, the other locations being Holders Hill, St James; Sayers Court, Christ Church and Deacons, St Michael. In his contribution, St Michael East MP Trevor Prescod, in whose constituency the new Government Hill nursery is to be built, said he was pleased with the work of the charity over the years. Highlighting the Trust’s other work, Prescod, the Minister of Environment and National Beautification, said he would be calling on the Trust for assistance in developing Government’s planned botanical gardens at Codrington, St Michael. “I would really like at some point to request them to contribute to the botanical gardens so they can come up and help us achieve the development of the botanical gardens which is so badly in need of funding,” said Prescod, adding that he was aware that the tu“a social conscience”. It was during the opening of the Welchman Hall, St Thomas play park under the Maria Holder Memorial Trust’s Eleven Play Parks project late last year that Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced that the promised National Botanical Garden would finally become a reality. At the time, chairman and co-founder of the trust Christopher Holder said he was willing to assist with the development of the botanical garden. A price tag has not yet been announced for the project. (BT)

PAY FOR FUN AND MAKE INVESTMENTS – If you have an extra $50 to spend, then you can take someone to the cinema to experience three hours of the Avengers: EndGame. If you had an extra $500 to spend, then you could have taken someone to experience about three hours of the Buju concert. Either way, you know that you are paying for fun. If you had the extra money, then you would not likely be disappointed that you spent it, regardless of how hard you worked for it. You had it, you spent it, and you enjoyed yourself. If you had not spent it on fun, then you would probably have spent it on something else, or given it to someone in need. Since you will have extra money sometimes, why not use some of it to get more money? With the additional money, you can: pay off your debts, help more people in need, and pay for a lot more fun. So, what can you legally do with an extra $50 or $500 to get more money? You can play the lottery. However, you will probably lose all of your money quickly. You can invest it in someone else’s business. However, if they desperately needed your investment to keep going, then there may be structural problems with that business, and you may lose that investment. You can invest it in your own business, but if your business is not yet profitable enough to pay your monthly expenses, then a return should not be expected. There are steps that you can take to make it probable that any extra money you invest will make more money. Before investing in any product, ask yourself these two questions. 1) Are similar products selling well now? 2) Is it likely that your product will sell when you are ready to bring it to the market? Once the answer to both of those questions is ‘yes’, then ask yourself one more question. 3) What is likely to cause you to lose all of your money? Let us test a few money-making ideas. What about planting, cultivating and selling beans? Are beans selling now? Yes. Will beans likely sell in two months when they are reaped? Yes. What will probably cause you to lose all of your money invested in this venture? Crop thefts by monkeys and humans is very likely, and you can do little about it at this time. So let us think of another product. What about investing in building a house to sell? Are houses selling well now? No, the housing market is depressed. Will the house likely sell in one year after it is constructed? No. The market is likely to continue to be depressed while BERT/IMF is managing the economy. If the housing market were not depressed, you could have grown your $50 or $500 investment – we will address that in the next article. What about an example that will work? That is the challenge. Before I tested the ideas, I thought that both of them were worthy investments. The test showed that while both ideas are good, they are just not wise investments at this time. Every product has customers. One challenge is to identify those who are willing to purchase your product before you invest in it. The euphoria of coming up with a good idea leads many to make an emotional decision. They then prematurely invest their money and lose it. Testing the idea with the questions reduces the risk that you will make an emotional decision. You can reduce the risk of failure by selecting a product from what you normally purchase in one week and making a business out of it. For example, you may eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. Since everyone needs to eat to survive, food will sell today and tomorrow. How can you lose your money with food? Preparing food that most people will not like, or cannot afford, or is inconvenient to purchase will likely do it. Since these risks are generally within your control, the next step is to design a business that avoids these risks. Grenville Phillips II is a Chartered Structural Engineer and President of Solutions Barbados. He can be reached at [email protected] (BT)

DISTRICT 'D' MAGISTRATES’ COURT RELOCATING – Members of the public are asked to note that the District “D” Magistrates’ Court will remain closed until Friday, May 10. During this time, the payment and collection of maintenance money for that court will take place at the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court, Coleridge Street, St Michael. The District ‘D’ Magistrates’ Court will reopen on Monday, May 13, from the Cane Garden, St Thomas complex. The court was closed last week after staff reported smelling a strong odour in the administrative office, which permeated other areas of the building. As a result, only urgent matters were heard at the court following its closure on Wednesday, April 24. Registrar of the Supreme Court, Barbara Cooke-Alleyne, requested that a private environmental company investigate the source of the odour on Thursday, April 25, and it was confirmed that the odour was coming from a decaying mammal, which is believed to be a rodent. In a statement issued on Friday, Mrs Cooke-Alleyne said the company also identified a number of other environmental issues which could have a negative impact on the indoor air quality at the District ‘D’ Magistrates’ Court and its associated offices. This prompted the decision by the Registrar and Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Attorney General, Yvette Goddard, to close the court, and have it relocated to the Cane Garden, St Thomas complex. (BT)

ATTORNEY TO CROWN: ‘BRING THE EVIDENCE’ – Veteran attorney Angella Mitchell-Gittens today demanded that the Crown “bring the evidence and let us do something” in the murder case against her client, as the police prosecutor sought yet more time from the magistrate. She made the declaration this afternoon in response to the prosecutor’s request for another adjournment in the case against Adrian Obrian Williams, of Henley Land, St John who is charged in connection with the March 28, 2018 death of Jakeil Small. Mitchell-Gittens told Magistrate Douglas Frederick: “If this is a serious charge then the input or impetus must be on getting the files ready, so that we can get it out of the Magistrates’ Courts within two years and it cannot be good enough, Sir, that Mr Williams has been coming here from March of 2018 and the best you can hear from [the prosecution] is another 28 days. “If the matter is serious, Sir, everybody must treat it serious, especially the people who are bringing the charges. It cannot be because you charge him with murder… let him spend two years or three years because it is murder. If it is so serious, bring the evidence, let us commit to getting it to the High Court. “Unless their feet are held to the fire they do nothing and before we know it is five years… that is not good enough…. We must have standards. It can’t be good that they put a charge sheet say you are charged for murder [and] stop it there, what happens if he is acquitted? Who can give him back from March last year to [the time] he has spent in prison?” Mitchell-Gittens also stated that there must be standards as well as consequences in cases where accused persons cannot get bail in the Magistrates’ Court. She continued: “There must be a file, there must be something… or there must be consequences. I am asking that their feet are held to the fire especially in respect of matters where persons are not automatically granted bail… bring the evidence and let us do something…. Let it not be business as usual…. I would like something other than we are not yet ready…. That can’t be good enough after a man spend a year in prison [and you] aint’ ready yet.” In response, Station Sergeant Carrison Henry said he had heard the arguments of the defence lawyer and would address his seniors on the issue. “We are working on the file…. I am pleading with the officers to get these matters expedited,” the prosecutor assured the court just before the matter was adjourned until May 27. (BT)

HANDS OFF – “Do not put your hand on that lady again! Fellas who are conscious don’t beat on women especially pregnant woman,” Magistrate Douglas Frederick declared as he chastised an 18-year-old male who pleaded guilty to assault. Magistrate Frederick also told Clevere Joshua Javon Maycock, of Hinkson Gap, Baxters Road, St Michael that he needed “to be re-educated because when you get frustrated you can’t lash out like that”. Maycock had moments before pleaded guilty to unlawfully assaulting Kayla Hinds and damaging her cellular phone on April 27. Station Sergeant Carrison Henry told the magistrate that the accused and Hinds had been in a relationship for the past five years. But that relationship was filled with verbal and abusive situations with Maycock accusing Hinds of being involved with another man. As Hinds sat in the verandah with her phone, Maycock accosted her, accusing her of infidelity. Hinds responded with a similar counter-charge, to which he “cuffed” Hinds’ hands, causing her to drop the phone damaging it. “The lady is pregnant for me. We have been in a relationship for five years but broke up in March…. I was vex at the moment…. I did not directly hit she, I didn’t hit she to hurt she, I knocked the phone out of her hand,” Maycock explained even as he revealed that the complainant was 17 years old. The explanation did not suffice with the magistrate who asked Maycock: “How does that sound to you; she is pregnant with your child, your child and you hit her. Fellas who are conscious don’t beat women especially those pregnant with [their] child.” The magistrate then ordered a report into his life in preparation for sentencing. He was granted $2,500 bail, which he secured with one surety with a warning to keep his hands to himself. Maycock returns before the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on July 19. (BT)

UNPAID FINES LAND JONES ON REMAND – His decision to use marijuana after his doctor allegedly told him that he could not drink and smoke at the same time, has landed a 30-year-old man in trouble with the law. But that was just the beginning of Kemar Tito Jones’ legal troubles when he appeared in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court today. It was revealed that the Bridge Gap, St Michael resident had $3,500 in unpaid fines after he pleaded guilty to having $170 of the illegal substance in his possession on April 28. Police were on duty on that day at Brownes Beach near Pirates Cove when they saw Jones standing behind a building. They approached and a search, which Jones consented to, was conducted. Thirty-four small bags containing the vegetable matter were found in a larger bag. He was arrested and charged. “The doctor tell me don’t drink and smoke together to do one, so I decided to smoke,” said Jones in his defence. But with the unpaid fines and a warrant of arrest out for his arrest as well as his inability to pay the outstanding monies landed him on remand until May 10. (BT)

LOWE FACING GUN CHARGE – An allegation that he had an illegal firearm resulted in a 21-year-old man’s automatic remand at prison. Tre Decoursey Lowe, of Allamby Gap, Spooners Hill, St Michael is charged with having an unlicensed firearm in his possession on April 27. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge when he appeared before the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court this afternoon. But the first-time offender pleaded guilty to riding a bicycle on Spooners Hill on the same day without a helmet, a lamp, a bell and number plate. Sergeant St Clair Phillips said police were in the area around 11:10 p.m. when officers in an unmarked vehicle spotted Lowe riding. They signaled to him to stop but he evaded them at first by riding through a side road and was subsequently caught. He was ordered to pay costs on $25 for the bell and $25 for the helmet or spend seven days in prison. He was reprimanded and discharged on the other traffic charges. Sergeant Phillips also told Magistrate Douglas Frederick that a search warrant was carried out at Lowe’s residence the following day – April 28 – where 132 grammes of cannabis seeds worth $600 were found in his bedroom in a container. Lowe wasted no time and pleaded guilty to the charges of possession, possession with intent to supply and possession of a traffickable quantity of cannabis. “It was just seeds not vegetable matter. It was just seeds that I just gathered. I does smoke and just every time that I realise that the weed have in seeds I just put it aside,” said Lowe who explained that the drug was his way of relaxing as he was not working and trying to find a job. “I don’t lime on a block or nothing so,” he added. He was ordered to pay $800 or spend three months in prison. Lowe, who was remanded to Dodds, is to reappear before Magistrate Frederick on May 28 on the gun charge. (BT)

WPCS TO STUDENTS: WE ARE YOUR FRIENDS – Women police officers from the Northern Division today relayed a friendly message to schoolchildren as they embarked on the latest of three initiatives to foster stronger relationships with them. “We are your friends,” some 15 officers declared as an initiative dubbed Touchdownlaunched at Lester Vaughn, Frederick Smith, Darryl Jordan and Grantley Adams Memorial schools. Inspector Janice Ifill told Barbados TODAY: “We are just focusing on the students and having formal conversations about actions and consequences, peer pressure, positive influences and generally doing the right thing starting from now, because as we have been telling them, there are 18-year-olds and 19-year-olds, which is only three or four years older than them committing a number of horrendous crimes. “So we’re trying to nip it in the bud at this stage to let them know that is not the road and to let them know the police officers are their friends and if they know of anything they can speak to us, communicate with us one on one if they see something that is not right. “We are coming to them today to let them know we welcome them and we have open arms and they can come to us because we really need to take back our society in a good way and in quick time.” A similar project – Soft Touch – had also been carried out by women police constables in the Crab Hill, St Lucy area, which she described as a “soft approach” to policing. Inspector Ifill said there were also plans to go into primary schools under a third outreach operation, to be called Tender Touch. “We intend to go into the primary schools, but we haven’t gone there yet, but so far we have been greeted with good responses from both the schools and the public at large so we think we are getting somewhere,” Inspector Ifill said. (BT)

NEW OWNERS FOR TRIDENTS – Embattled Indian business tycoon Vijay Mallya will not have ownership of Barbados Tridents for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season, organisers said here on Tuesday. Speaking at a media conference, CPL chief executive Damien O’Donohoe said the league was in the process of wrapping up discussions with the relevant parties and new owners should be in place before the players draft scheduled for May 22 in London. Mallya is currently fighting extradition from the United Kingdom to his native India, where he is wanted by authorities to face alleged bank fraud and money laundering charges amounting to nearly US$1 billion. His mounting legal and financial woes have also impacted the franchise, with players yet to be paid in full for the 2018 season, which wrapped up last September. (DN)

BASA EYEING YOUTH – The Barbados Aquatic Sports Association (BASA) is turning their attention to young athletes. That is the assurance of president Tony Selby following the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships, which concluded with the open water competition at Carlisle Bay last Wednesday. “We definitely need to work a little more with the younger athletes. What I am observing is that a lot of the younger athletes in particular are not coming to training as often as the coaches would like and with all the other electronic and other activities taking place that’s becoming an even greater challenge,” Selby told MIDWEEK SPORT. (DN)

BURKE STANDS ALONE – Three-time national champion Mario Burke was simply super last weekend in the United States with a historic milestone at the prestigious Penn Relays in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. The 22-year-old former Harrison College student became the first athlete to win four gold medals in the same weekend in the 125-year history of the Relays, which have been staged since 1895. Burke won the men’s 100 metres for college athletes and was also a member of his University of Houston’s quartets that became only the sixth college to make a clean sweep of the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 sprint relays. (DN)

BARBADOS-BORN JOFRA ARCHER IN AN ENGLAND KIT – It is an image which seems to have taken forever to appear, probably for Jofra Archer, and most certainly for England cricket fans. And even though the sight of the country’s newest match-winning prospect in full England kit has arrived quicker than some expected, not least the man himself, images of him posing for official squad photos ahead of Friday’s ODI against Ireland show a man who looks ready for business. Barbados-born Archer, who recently became eligible to represent England after the ECB’s qualification period was reduced from seven years to three, is poised to make his debut after being included in the squads for the one-off ODI against Ireland on Friday, a T20I against Pakistan on Sunday and five ODIs against Pakistan. He was left out of England’s preliminary World Cup squad but the upcoming matches present an opportunity to press his case for inclusion in the final squad, which needs to be finalised by May 23. Archer’s supporters speak of his incredible talent, most recently showcased in his exploits for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. For his part, Archer described the speed of his elevation to the England squad as overwhelming. “I’ve worked pretty much all my life for this moment and I just want to tackle it and put my best foot forward,” he said upon his selection. “Hopefully I get a chance to play and do myself justice.” But he also stated he did not “want to step on anyone’s toes”. Archer’s potential call-up for the World Cup has sparked debate among the squad’s incumbent fast bowlers. Some with reservations have argued that bringing a new player into a well-established set-up could destabilise the side, or be harsh on any player who misses out, having helped England become the top one-day side in the world. However, Alex Hales’ expulsion from all England squads – including for the World Cup – in the wake of his ban for using recreational drugs has dominated the agenda in the build-up to Archer’s debut, and has also led to three more players – Ben Duckett, Dawid Malan and James Vince – being included in the squads for the Ireland and Pakistan series. While Hales’ 21-day ban will have been served well before the World Cup, the ECB this week decided to withdraw him from their squads, citing a need for “creating the right environment within the team and ensuring that there are no unnecessary distractions”. Hales has not been a first-choice player in England’s white-ball squad for some time, but was seen as someone who could enhance the depth of the squad, particularly amid injuries to key and fringe players alike. His omission has opened the door for another face to appear in the England line-up, meaning that Archer won’t be alone in pressing his claims for a World Cup berth. (BT)

TOURISM ICON PASSES AWAY –Tourism pioneer Pat Nehaul died this morning at the age of 86. Nehaul, a former director of the Barbados Tourist Board, started her legendary career in the sector in the 1950’s as a receptionist at the airport for the Publicity Committee, which was later restructured as the Barbados Tourism Authority. Nehaul was noted for her service to the sector at various levels including accounts, marketing and public relations. She was also a director of the Barbados Gallery of Art Trust and the Art Collectors Club. Nehaul was the mother of three children, Partrick, Saki and Andrew. (BT)

For daily or breaking news reports follow us on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook. That’s all for today folks. There are 243 days left in the year. Shalom! #thechasefilesdailynewscap #thechasefiles# dailynewscapsbythechasefiles

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nctinfo · 7 years

Text

[TRANS] NYLON Magzine April Issue with NCT 127 — Ment

TAEIL “When I was a high school student, I somewhat wanted to become a zookeeper. Since I really like animals, I wanted to take care of the animals in my neighbourhood. But after a bit of research, I gave up. The competition rate is high. Somehow, I became an idol where the competition is even more intense, haha. There are two happiest moments in my life, when I passed the SM Audition and when it was confirmed that I will debut with NCT. When I passed the audition, I was so happy I screamed, and when it was confirmed that I will debut, I bursted into tears. Especially when they confirmed my debut, really… I cried and cried until my eyes were puffy. Do you understand this feeling? It’s like there is a clear, bright flamelight somewhere over there, I know there is a bright world, but I feel like I’m just as in the dark as before. I have lived as a trainee for about three years and a half, every day I had this feeling, the moment it was announced that I am going to debut, it was like crawling out of a lonely tunnel. A world filled with bright and golden light, as if El Dorado unfolded in my life. That was a year ago, but even to this day, I still feel good and bewildered. Sometimes when I go on holidays, it really amazes me how on the streets and in shops I go to, there are people who recognise me. I am still inexperienced and I will work hard. Until I am like ‘Super Junior’s Kyuhyun Hyung… I envy his calm personality as well as his sweet voice and abilities. I also want to have his sense of security (stability). It would be a sense of security to be able to have both experience and skill. “

JOHNNY “I am Johnny from Chicago. Compared to New York, Chicago is quieter and more relaxed. It’s a city where nothing is too hasty but not overly relaxed, this is why I like Chicago. The fact that I come from Chicago is very important, doesn’t the environment shape a person? I want to be someone who will never forgot where they come from, and I try to keep my wish. I’ve been living in Korea for four to five years now. It feels like I have matured a bit after living in Korea for a while. During this time, I have learned to not only think about myself and to respect the grown-ups. It also made me reflect on the importance of ‘myself’. Idols live in the eyes of others and are obligated to live up to their standards. Under such environments, to avoid losing focus, I have to remember who I am. I constantly think about the questions ‘who am I?’ and ‘what kind of person am I?’. I, Johnny, like DJing and playing the piano. I also wish to become a warm (kind) person, and someone who gives other people strength. My ultimate goal is to become a person who, even though is standing still, can still show their great personality. I am still very much flawed, but please believe that I will become that person. “

TAEYONG “It’s NCT’s leader, Taeyong. NCT127 gave me a lot. I got a job called (being an) idol, I came into the company and met a lot of nice adults, most of all, I made a lot of friends. To me, the members are my best friends. Although I am the leader, rather than me leading the members, there are more times when they helped me. When I was young, I could paint and play the piano, I had a good reputation for expressing myself, and I often received praises, but it wasn’t easy for me to get close to people quickly. Do you like films by Studio Ghibli? I really like them, but the main characters in these films, why are they slightly different from others, they live alone and are lonely, but if you get to know, they are all good people. I’m talking about characters like Howl in ‘Howl's Moving Castle’. I think I'm that kind of character, after we became NCT I have eight friends. I am grateful. Still, the times that I spend alone are also very important to me. Therefore, no matter how busy I am, when schedules finish I go to the training room alone and dance or practice singing and tidy my thoughts. I think that having time alone has the power of helping me grow and endure the pressure of busy schedules and life as an entertainer. It is my goal to continue to express the days I have lived, the days a youth lived, through rap and music, and after gaining a lot of experience and knowledge, I have a dream of becoming an adult. I want to be a real grown-up who can help and guide the way for the juniors.”

YUTA “I have this phrase I always say whenever I introduce myself "I'm manly mountain man Yuta". I really like mountains. In Japanese, the pronunciation of 'mountain' and 'top' is the same. That's why I'm manly mountain man Yuta. Ah, I really like mountains. Before debut, whenever there was time to spare, I used to go to Bukhansan, Namsan-dong and every mountain in Seoul City alone, whether big or small. Whenever I'm at the mountains, my mind feels like it has been cleaned and I feel at ease. I thought of becoming a singer because of TVXQ sunbaenim. I wanted to become a soccer player when I was young. But after watching TVXQ, everything changed. They were really cool and they felt like gods to me... But after debuting, it's harder than I thought it would be. Above all, there's no free time, I don't have time to go to my favorite mountains anymore... One day when I was in a lot of stress I asked our EXO sunbaenim "Until when will this be hard?" they answered it will take three years to give up everything and I firstly will need work to my fullest. That advice gave me strength, I thought 'Ah, our Hyungs also went through a lot of hardship' and this made my heart feel more at ease. But whenever I'm tired, I'd like to watch sports documentaries. Soccer players in the A-League have to repeat the same strategy for years to improve their own skill. When I look at it, I think of their 'professional spirit' and I want to become a person like that too. After all, everything is a fight against yourself. Whenever I don't feel like practicing or just want to laze around. I think it's important to keep pushing myself. Like this, I want to keep moving forward one step at a time. It's just like climbing a mountain.”

DOYOUNG I have an episode (story) that shows well what kind of person I am. When I was in elementary school I wanted to eat an ice cream so I went and bought it but a car had rolled over my legs. But, I never let go of my ice cream for even one moment. Even when going to the hospital and arriving in the emergency room, I still held on to my ice cream tightly. In the end, I couldn't eat my ice cream because it all melted. But this shows that when there's a thing I really like, I tend to only think about that thing. Right now, I'm struck by our team's music. The music I can do alone and the music and voices I can do when the 9 of us are together are definitely different. Nowadays, I think a lot about what kind of music our team would fit best. I don't want to do just common things. Music is a 'proof of existence' to me. Since I was young, I really liked singing but my parents never really told me 'good job'. To prove my ability, I started to participate in singing competitions. And when I was in high school, I went to the singing contest hosted by the province and got the first prize. That's when my family started to acknowledge my singing ability. Since then, music has always seemed to give me a feeling of "this is it." I don't really have a role model, but I want to be a vocalist who can be recognized after singing just a single line. Like Adam Levine or Lyn sunbaenim. By the way, do you know Lyn's song 'Love U. . Love U'? You should have a listen. It's a song accompanied by a piano with delicate vocals

JAEHYUN “ When I was young, at home I would frivolously laugh well and would have a talkative personality but strangely at school words wouldn't come out. I'm also shy and somehow felt like I should stay quiet too... That's why I spent a lot of time alone and my 4th grade elementary school teacher recommended extracurricular activities. I then realized the joy of standing in front of people for the first time doing variety of activities. I think the joy I felt at that time made me do it today. In fact, it's still nice and fun to be standing in front others and not being burdened. However, it's hard when I'm not as strong as I expect. Even if you practice but your skills don't change, do something else. If you can't dance, sing, when singing falls into a slump, you can watch a movie... Then a moment to be okay will come. I realized as I went many time through that process that I was interested in dancing, singing, movies and so on. That's what I'm all about. Eventually, it's obvious but it's true that you have to be a good person to be a great artist. Being known is nice and receiving love is nice too but I want to be a better person. Someone who doesn't deceive, someone who is confident of himself. And after a decade, he continues to endlessly finding out what he likes diligently, I want to be someone who continues to enjoy. A person who doesn't lose his enthusiasm for what he does, that's the kind of person I find cool. “ \

WINWIN “ I'm Winwin from China. I have a deep fear of strangers. I'm also more of the shy type. However, if we're close then I'm a completely different person. I play around a lot... NCT members all tease me for being a "heodang" (T/N: someone who looks perfect but acts stupid) Ah, furthermore! I am a smart person. When me or any of my friends have problems, I can solve them all! Don't believe me? It's for real. When my friends encounter problems they always find me first. Because of school, starting from middle school I had to leave my family in Wenzhou to go to Beijing alone. Compared to other people my age, I think I've developed a better ability to control and cope with situations. Therefore I was able to adjust to life in Korea without difficulty. I've been in Korea for a year and a half and met a lot of cool people. EXO's Lay hyung is one of them. Dancing and singing, he is good at them both but besides that Lay hyung has a charisma that's unexplainable in words. I want to also have my own kind of charm someday. My story, what else? Someday I want to act. I'm confident I can cooly play a the lead character in a film about everyday life. Also, I like R&B... my favorite song? I'll let you know next time. If I tell you too much about me, the charm will be gone! “

MARK I have a lot of laughter. I laugh about things that don't make sense and when I was young, I was a kid with a lot of high spirits. Nonetheless, isn't it more pleasant to be positive rather than depressed? I started <High School Rapper> with a cheerful mind. I did not come with the thought of wanting to compete and win the first place. The thought of wanting to learn was bigger. But when I went out, it was more stimulating than I thought. It's also a place where I can see the talents of kids of my age around the country, and there are a lot of great friends. Above all, I have already debuted and come from a huge company. I have a lot of people who can help me and guide me. However, these kids who came out there in the competition are alone and they practice alone, I really respect that courage and will. At first, when it started, it was good to have fun, but I have to work hard too, as far as I can. I rap a lot for the team (NCT) but now it seems a bit funny to separate myself from being a rapper or a singer. From now on, without being bound to one restricted area, I want to be an artist who makes good songs and expresses them. Like Michael Jackson's 'Man in the Mirror', I want to create a song that is bright and is hopeful for people. The kind of music that can have a good influence on the world. That is my dream.

HAECHAN “I'm NCT 127's youngest Haechan. I'm in charge of being the 'cutie boy', haha, these are not my words but the hyungs. The Hyungs really adore me a lot. Instead of giving you a common introduction, I will tell you the songs of my life. The first one is 'Hello' by Huh Gak sunbaenim. Since I was young, I liked this song a lot. My parents both play music so naturally, I thought I would also definitely play music too. And one day, my mom came and said: "there's an audition, let's give it a go". I went with a light heart and thought of having fun but unexpectantly, I passed the audition in one try. The song I sang at that time was 'Hello' from Huh Gak sunbaenim. That's how I got through the auditions and started my trainee life. I didn't really know at the time but I seemed to hit puberty when I was fifteen. My mood swings were pretty severe. Whenever I cried, I would go to a dark room and listen to 'She's Out of My Life’ or `You Are Not Alone'. It was Michael Jackson who seemed to have protected me during my puberty. Also, more important than any other song of my life is NCT's debut song 'Fire Truck'. I was dazed and confused when I recorded the song, but listening to it now I realize it's a great song. I think 'Fire Truck' will be my song of life until I die. When I look back, I think about all the other debuted teams when we debuted and watched the sunbaenims who had already debuted. The teams, who made their debut together with us, were also very good and talented. I thought that 'I cannot hold too much hope, if we don't work hard enough we will be buried (underneath the other teams)' and worked even harder after our debut. I'm practicing these days to improve singing and dancing. Although I still lack a lot, I will do well. I'll have more confidence in myself.”

Translation: Teddy, Selin, Rini, Esmee @ FY! NCT (NCTINFO) | Source: NYLON April Issue

Please take out with full credit

#NCT #NCT 127 #taeil #johnny #taeyong #yuta #doyoung #jaehyun #winwin #mark #haechan #t:magazine #translation #NYLON #NYLON: April 2017

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netherwar-rpg-blog · 7 years

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Welcome to the Wardens, Dani! Your application for a PRIEST OC has been accepted with a Elliot Knight FC.

The application can be found under the cut. You have 48 hours to create a roleplay account (cannot be a sideblog) for your character and we will be updating our opening date soon!

O O C - I N F O

Name: Dani

Age: 22

Timezone: Who cares? I’m always online.

Activity Level: Always. Law school doesn’t matter. I’ll become a professional rp writer. Cat, feed me when you’re famous.

Extra: ily <3

C H A R A C T E R - I N F O

T H E - B A S I C S

Name: Tahir Ibn Sa’id

Gender: Cisgender Male

Age: 59 (looks 27)

Class: Priest

Faceclaim: Elliot Knight

C H A R A C T E R - D E T A I L S

Nationality: Narfeni

Appearance:

Dark skin and deep brown eyes are quite often found in the Narfeni islands but never carried with the grace and status Tahir carries himself. The son of two Oracles, born and raised like a prince but always with a humble and calm expression despite his younger years of fun and excess. Tahir prefers his hair long, over his shoulders in messy locks that are sometimes braided to maintain away form his face. Otherwise, he keeps his hair short and neat, comfortable under his tunic’s hoods.

Loyal to his heritage, Tahir prefers bright robes with red, blue and golden colors. He keeps plenty of rings of all colors, shapes and precious stones in his fingers and a single golden ring at the end of his nose. Tahir also carries two necklaces; one with a dark blue, almost black crystal and another transparent crystal that belonged to his twin brother Siraj.

Finally, he has the tattoo of two intertwining snakes, one in black ink and another in white on the inside of his left arm.

Personality:

[ + ] Curious - Books have always been Tahir’s first love. His parents library was his sanctuary, intelligent eyes going through every word and spell and trick in them. He watched his parents work carefully, wondering when his time to practice his magic would come and the day it did was the happiest day of his life. From that day on, Tahir has never stopped experimenting on every type of magic he can get his hands on.

[ + ] Observant - Tahir is the type of man that sits back, watches carefully and takes notes. He dislikes violence and unnecessary deaths; he believes in balance in all things, and the fact that observing nature and human behavior grants all the answers they need. He often watches and listens to people with a kind, barely there smile to commit all information to memory.

[ + ] Calm - Death is silent, calm and all-powerful. Tahir aims to be the same, unbothered by simple remarks or taunts, he always has a relaxed, almost aloof attitude that bothers most of his enemies but he prefers it that way. He knows death is unavoidable and all else is temporary, so he smokes and drinks and reads. Time is, after all, endless.

[ + ] Humble - Tahir has a very particular set of skill; a luck, some might say. He knows his ability to handle the shadow element without fear of corruption is a strange thing, born of his brother’s sacrifice and protection, so he remains humble and kind. Death is to be respected, and so is the shadow element, so claiming power over it is not something Tahir would ever do.

[ - ] Obsessive - Knowledge is power, his father always said, and even though Tahir doesn’t care about power, he really cares about knowledge. His search for knowledge took him to Eldris, searching for the unknown and all the things that are foreign to him in the islands. He extends his kindness to the Wardens, but he’s set in only one goal and will do anything to achieve it.

[ - ] Self-centered - The death of Siraj marked a before an after in Tahir’s life. His brother was his partner in crime, the other half of his soul and the light to his darkness. After their souls were bound together, Tahir forgot about love, friendship and some times, even family. He only focused on himself and his mission to free his brother and release his soul, no matter how much the thought of letting him go hurts him.

[ - ] Conceited - Like the son of every Oracle, Tahir has never known need or hunger. He isn’t a prince, but was always treated like one. Both his parents were important Oracles in their tribe and gave him and his siblings years of the best life they could wish for, including every whim and excess his heart desired. Tahir is used to the good life and even though he adapts to every environment without much complain, he prefers warm sun and silky sheets any day.

[ - ] Solitary - After the death of his twin brother and the binding of their souls, Tahir became a solitary man. He believes he needs nothing and no one, that his mission is clear and nothing could take him away from his path. He went from having lots of friends to being only focused on his studies and pilgrimage.

C H A R A C T E R - B A C K G R O U N D

History:

A blessing of the Balance, the Elders would say when they revealed that the Oracle Ibtissam Ibn Sa’id, an expert in the shadow element, was pregnant with two children. The twins were born strong and surrounded by gifts and praise; a true miracle that proved light and shadows coexisted as one in the hearts of their people. Tahir and Siraj were raised as one, a single soul split in two and their parents couldn’t be happier. Two boys to continue their legacy, it was only a matter of time until their powers manifested.

And manifest they did. Siraj was always the kinder of the two, a smart head on his shoulders that was ruled by his heart, their father would always say, while Tahir was reckless and curious, always going after every book he could get his hands on and when he wasn’t reading, he was getting his brother in trouble. There are rules that forbid hurting a spellcaster in the Narfeni islands, but those rules do not apply to Oracle’s children before their powers manifest.

It was in one of those adventures where the boys found out about their powers and respective affinities. Siraj protecting them both with a bright, glowing white shield while Tahir covered their attackers with dark, thick smoke; offense and defense, light and darkness. The perfect balance.

News of the boys abilities spread quickly and the next day they were surrounded by tutors, more books than they could imagine and their parents pleased smiles. It was also around that time that their mother announced her second pregnancy. A girl this time, that was born soon after by the name of Amira. The boys that shared everything now had something else to share, their love for their little sister.

Years passed and sharing books turned into sharing pipes, women, men and wine. Whenever Tahir went, Siraj followed and as they grew into adulthood, so did their strength and skill until one day their youth wasn’t enough to protect them and both brothers fell ill with a burning fever, a plague that killed hundreds, peasants and kings. Siraj, a healer by nature, stood stronger against the fever but his brother Tahir grew weaker with each passing day. The reckless boy with the bright smile and the challenging eyes was withering away like a flower.

That’s when Siraj summoned their father.

They were both dying, the Elders said, but if they fought it together, they would be strong enough to survive, and so Siraj begged. He begged his father to let him die, to bind his soul to his brother’s, his sacrifice giving him the last bit of strength needed to fight. His father immediately refused, tears in his eyes, but couldn’t deny the fact that his son was right. If he didn’t do it, his two boys would leave the world forever, so he called for his wife, they said their goodbyes and started the ritual.

When Tahir woke up, his brother was gone and his only reminder was the matching tattoo they had gotten together of a white and black snake on his arm.

The grief was the worst feeling Tahir had ever experienced. He respected death and cared for the shadows and the secrets they reveled to him but he can only remember darkness at the time. Tears fell from hours until they were transformed into anger, screams and the cracking sound of magic twisting up his arm in dark clouds of smoke before going back to pained cries like an endless cycle. It took the boy a week to exhaust himself and the moment he had given up on crying over his dead brother, he saw it. A white snake, a mirror of the one in his arm, twisting and turning up his arm like smoke.

Siraj.

He could not believe their parents would do that, sacrifice one of their children to save the other but he could feel his brother’s distress, the pain and love and happiness that he was alive and Tahir couldn’t blame them. Siraj had always been the kinder one, the one with light in his heart, and Tahir had to respect his last wish and keep his brother’s memory alive.

Life continued after that, the emptiness his brother had left never filling but at least he knew his soul was still with him. Tahir became obsessed with knowledge, his old reckless self completely forgotten and he closed himself off to friends and lovers, only maintaining a close relationship with his tutors, parents and sister. He needed to continue his studies, learn all he could and when he was ready, release his brother’s soul in thanks for saving his life.

Finally, the day came. The preparations were set and Tahir was ready to start his journey, his pilgrimage to obtain knowledge and experience and finally become an Oracle like his parents were and like his brother would’ve been. When the Elders sent him to Eldris, Tahir could only smile.

Siraj would’ve loved Eldris.

Reason for joining the Wardens:

Tahir joined the Wardens out of mere curiosity, he’d say. As any Oracle in training, the Elders demand a pilgrimage, which is often done through the eight Narfeni islands, meeting with other Oracles and Elders but being the son of an Oracle granted Tahir and his family enough opportunity to see their secluded paradise, and sensing the distress that’s brewing in the continent, they decided Tahir’s abilities would be put to better use in Eldris. After months of traveling the sea and a month or so riding from town to town all the way up from Varthal until Miwor Town, Tahir found himself a group of very peculiar people from all parts of the continents and every set of skills imaginable, and out of mere curiosity for them and the knowledge they could provide, he decided to stay. He doesn’t understand or care much for the rifts and the danger that’s been growing in the northern parts of the continent, but he’s a kind soul with a useful set of skills so if the price for knowledge is fighting with them, he’ll gladly pay it with his loyalty.

Desired Connections:

Tahir doesn’t know any of the Wardens since he just started his pilgrimage a month or so ago. Eldris is an unknown continent to him and so are their customs and people. As a desired connection I could only imagine his younger sister, Amira Ibn Sa’id, who can be either a priest as well (like their parents), or a mage. They both come from the Narfeni islands and suffered through Siraj’s death when they were younger. She knows of Tahir’s bond to their brother and supports him on his decision to learn Necromancy to free him. She’s a very sweet child but also fiery in her beliefs and decisions. Tahir loves her and would protect her with his own life. It’d be a surprise to see her following him to Eldris since she isn’t old enough to begin her pilgrimage yet.

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thewidowstanton · 7 years

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Emma Laule, vertical rope artist, Cirque Buffon

Growing up, Emma Laule always wanted to do something out of the ordinary and thought circus might be the perfect thing. Having started at a youth circus in her home city of Berlin, she went to Spain after high school to learn the language, and then decided to further her circus training. She spent a year at Die Etage - Schule für Artistik in Berlin, and in 2012 went on to ACaPA in Tilburg in the Netherlands, graduating in July 2016. One of her teachers there was Charlotte de la Bretèque and later they became duo partners on vertical rope.

Since graduating Emma has been working on a show with a collective of friends called Kameloso, and has also made appearances for GOP. In October 2016 she took part in the European Youth Circus Festival in Wiesbaden, where she won a silver medal and also the Tigerpalast Varieté prize. She chats to Liz Arratoon – one of the jury members at Wiesbaden – ahead of a tour with Cirque Buffon. Its contemporary show Lunatique runs at the Musik Theater in Revier, Gelsenkirchen from 29 March until 23 April 2017.

What led you to the youth circus? It was just around the corner from my house and I passed it every day, so it was kind of natural to see what they were doing. I had to wait until I turned ten to be able to do the classes. I had friends who were there as well so we went together.

Were you always kind of sporty? Yes, I think so but I didn't do any other sports. I've never been in a handball team or anything like that. I started in circus quite young and just kept doing it.

Which disciplines did you learn there? I was doing partner acrobatics and Icarian games.

Wow! Were you a flyer? Yes. I chatted to Korri Aulakh, who started on flying trapeze at youth circus. It's impressive when people start on these exciting acts so young. But when you went to Spain, were you thinking more of studying languages than circus? No, I'd already kind of decided that I wanted to do circus. I love learning languages and being able to communicate. I really like Spanish but I don't know why I went to Barcelona. There were just some coincidences that came together. I met some people in Berlin who gave me a lot of contacts and I arrived there already knowing a lot of people from the circus school. I trained at La Nave every day and it was really perfect at the time.

Were you also teaching there? Yes, I gave some free classes in tissue, for the hippies who were around. [Laughs]

What made you specialise in vertical rope? I'd started doing tissue in Berlin when I was 15. Then I met people doing rope and I just tried it and it felt right. I really like the clarity of the shape of the rope. You don't get tangled up like in tissue, and the rope has this roughness that I like, which is different to tissue. And you can do all these dynamic things that are super fun. [Laughs]

What does it do to your hands? Well, in the beginning I was doing it on braided ropes from Unicycle – a company in France that makes circus equipment – and they are pretty rough, so I had a lot of calluses and torn hands. Everything hurt in the beginning. It took a while to get used to it and not have bruises everywhere. But now I have these really nice soft ropes from Canada and my hands are pretty fine. You really get used to it, and now I have this little layer of callus that's always there and protects me.

How did you find the move to Tilburg? My first impression of Tilburg, of the town, was of this really sleepy and kind of boring little town. Coming from Berlin, that was quite a shock. Culturally, there is stuff going on but it's all quite mainstream, and the alternative culture there is very minimal. Also I found something about the architecture kind of inhuman. Every house looks the same and the straight streets… there's just no space for creativity. This environment does something to your mind somehow. So I didn't feel at home at the beginning, but then I met really nice people in the school and it ended up being a really good time.

Tell us about your style on the rope. As I said, I'm attracted by the roughness of the rope and the possibilities of doing more acrobatic, dynamic things. That's what I was mostly training in the beginning, like, tricks and that's really fun. But then I wanted to connect that with some more intimate and personal movements and I think that's maybe the unusual bit, to connect these elements. Usually you have movement acts and you have trick-based acts, but I'm trying to make the tricks not look like tricks but to integrate them into the movement, and when a dynamic move happens that it is a surprise and comes out of the previous movement organically. I don't want people to see the preparation of, 'Wow, now there's going to be a spectacular move', but for it just to flow.

What is your advice for anyone wanting to learn vertical rope? I'd say they just have to try and if it feels right they will find their own style. I think that's the most interesting thing to do. I really enjoy doing improvisation and making things up and right after have no idea what I just did. I started with tissue copying sequences that someone else showed me. In the beginning it's hard to make up your own stuff but once you get a bit more comfortable that's what I enjoy the most.

You also work as a duo. Is that on two ropes? No, one rope. The story is kind of about two girls who are friends but, like, tease each other a bit. So the space of this one rope sometimes seems a bit too small for the two of us. We get in each other's way and that's kind of what it's about. My partner, Charlotte, did this act before with another woman but she stopped doing circus. Then Charlotte asked me to replace her, first for one job she already had. Then it worked really well and we got along really well, and we got an offer from the GOP and decided to do that together. I really have to thank her because she has helped me so much and supported me. She was my teacher, along with Heike Jornot-Kirchner and Fred Deb, but she became my partner and friend and it's been really great working with her.

And you work with Kameloso? Yes, it's a group of seven friends from the school in Tilburg. We are working on a show that we want to perform in summer 2018. We had a couple of residencies and we're having two more this spring. In summer we're going to perform in Denmark. We applied to some little festivals there. And the parents of one of the troupe have a farm in the countryside with some houses and we're gonna a make a little festival there. It's an outdoor show.

How will that work for you? We already have a structure that consists of two Chinese poles with a metal bar in-between them. I'm going to hang my rope from there. Then the poles are connected by a pulley system to a slack-rope construction, which creates a rectangle of slack rope and connects the whole structure. So when I pull on one side the other side will go up, and this is sort of the idea of the interconnectedness between the disciplines and the people.

What have you been doing since Wiesbaden? I've been travelling mostly and visiting friends and enjoying a bit of free time. I worked a little bit, performing in Glasgow for three weeks with a small aerial company called Spinal Chord.

How did you find the experience of taking part at Wiesbaden? It was a quite crazy experience. [Laughs] I had no idea what it was going to be like. I'd never done any other festivals. I was also not expecting it to be so competitive; that was something new for me and I don't really like this side of circus but it was really good and I had a really good time. I met some really nice people there and it was super exciting. It was really good to have the artistic director Sebastiano Toma there; he has such a good energy.

What did it mean to you to win a silver and a main prize? I was so surprised because I really didn't expect anything. I was just happy to be there. I couldn't believe it.

Has the exposure helped you? I'll see. I got some contacts but nothing concrete from it yet. Some maybe offers. But it was good. I haven't presented my work to that scene before so at least I'm somewhere in their minds.

How did Cirque Buffon find you? It was through Charlotte. We're doing our duo in the show and we're both doing solos. We're also doing something with three girls on multicorde, which is a curtain made of thin ropes that Charlotte invented.

What do you know about the company? A friend has performed with them so I'd heard about them. It was founded by Frédéric Zipperlin, whose stage name is Boul, and Anja Krips in 1999. He's from France and was in Cirque du Soleil. It's a mix of circus, theatre, dance, music and comedy. We're touring in Germany and maybe France as well in a small round tent. I think it's going to be very cosy.

And can you tell us something about Lunatique? Lunatique is a little bit of a word game because it means different things in different languages. So in English it means some kind of crazy person, no? In French it means someone who has very strong mood swings and in Ukrainian it means a sleepwalker. That is kind of the topic. The main character is going to be sleeping, dreaming and sleepwalking through the show. It's going to be very poetic and sweet.

I see the juggler Sasha Koblikov is in the show. He's amazing! Yes I know he is! He's Charlotte's husband! They met when we were working together in the GOP a year and a half ago and got married on 1 March. So now it's great for them that they can work together again.

Is circus fulfilling your wish to do something out of the ordinary? There are so many things I really like about it. First of all the physicality that gives you some kind of very natural self-esteem and connection to your body, and then the creative part of bringing things out that are on your mind. And using it as a tool to express, to connect… and the life that comes with it, the people. Sometimes in schools and institutions this gets a little bit lost.

Do you have any particular ambitions? I would really like to use circus to give something to other people and the most direct way to do that would be to do social circus, because I think for kids circus has such a strong power to uplift them. It doesn't have to mean that they will continue doing circus but just the experience of using their bodies in order to get a moment of success and to feel the support of a group… it just has all these elements that are combined in a playful way, creating something and progressing. You can always progress in circus, so I would really like to do social circus.

I'd also like to integrate it into my performances but that's a bit more tricky because you don't want to be arrogant or moralistic or telling people the right way to do things, but I'd like to instil some kind of hope for a better world, even if it's a bit cheesy. The reason why I started to do circus was because I wanted to find an alternative way in this world and to do something that I really enjoy, other than just a normal job, and maybe to inspire other people as well to do what they want. I know I'm in a very fortunate position because the way I grew up very much allowed me to find out what I wanted to do and I got a lot of support. Maybe for other people just earning their living is the main priority and other things are just impossible, so I'm very grateful that I got this chance.

vimeo

Emma and Charlotte appear in Cirque Buffon's show Lunatique at the Musik Theater in Revier, Gelsenkirchen from 29 March until 23 April 2017. The show tours throughout the summer.

Picture credits: Circusögraphy; Emma on multicorde, Martin Möller

Emma on Facebook

Follow @The WidowStanton on Twitter

Read about rope artist Salla Hakanpää, and aerialists monalaura – who also took part in Wiesbaden – and Jackie Le

#Emma Laule #interview #vertical rope artist #corde lisse #Cirque Buffon #lunatique #Charlotte de la Bretèque #Alexander Koblikov #Frédéric Zipperlin #boul #kameloso #Anja Krips #gop variete #european youth circus #spinal chord #sebastiano toma

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reneeacaseyfl · 5 years

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The future of immersive education will be live, social, and personalized

AR and VR have delivered on the promise to supercharge the enterprise’s education and training industry. From workflow support for sectors like manufacturing where factory floors are made consistently more safe and productive, to teaching employees soft skills that allow them to better adapt to the ever more nuanced demands of the modern workplace, these “embodied” digital formats inherently drive positive results because both our cognition and bodies believe the experience to be real.

Starting in 2016, I began to cover the education niche of VR and primarily through the lens of the remarkable journey traveled by U.K.-based VirtualSpeech; a startup that has never raised a single drop of venture funding and yet (or despite of) has found a viable product-market fit that the team reached through a process of trial and error that has, since last year, positioned them in revenue-positive territory.

VirtualSpeech is based on a hybrid model that pairs VR with traditional course programs like e-learning and in-person training, affording users a chance to practice what they have learnt in realistic environments in order to really absorb and integrate essential soft skills much more effectively.

“User engagement for our courses has also been very encouraging, particularly for the VR part of the courses, where the majority of users complete all their course scenarios. We’ve read about how engagement for online courses is typically low, so we are pleasantly surprised by our engagement levels.” says Dominic Barnard, a cofounder at VirtualSpeech. “As we progress forward, I see the B2B route for us becoming a key avenue for growth, as companies begin to shift budget away from expensive in-person training and into VR training, where users performance can be monitored and ROI accurately measured.”

Above: Practice for your radio interview with a live trainer with VirtualSpeech.

That most of the success cases in the news about VR and AR education have been fairly isolated to the needs of the enterprise isn’t surprising, thanks to the simple fact that the public education sector is by comparison a bureaucratic jungle of red tape that makes it that much more difficult to penetrate for spatial computing startups that have limited resources and runway.

There is, however, the prospect of reshaping, rejuvenating, and revolutionizing the educational landscape for the next generation of youth. After all, spatial computing triggers our physicality and appeals to our imagination; a unique combination that allows this interactive digital format to help us store learning in an emotional and instinctively charged way that has never been possible before.

Calling all ‘volumetric thinkers’

Last month on The AR Show, host Jason McDowall interviewed Amy Peck, the CEO at EndeavorVR, who spent a good chunk of the podcast discussing the promise of spatial computing for early education, a subject that particularly resonates for Peck since she is the mother of two children she describes as being “diametrically opposed learners.” Her eldest, for example, is a very linear academic learner that does well on tests and therefore tends to excel in traditional academic environments. Her younger son, on the other hand, is what she coins a “volumetric thinker”.

“It’s also the kind of intelligence that sadly land him in the principal’s office quite a bit. Because he’s looking for the whys and wheres, and kind of wants to understand how everything works and doesn’t enjoy sitting in a classroom and being taught reading, writing, and arithmetic.” Peck said during the interview. “What happens when kids are at a fairly young age in middle school is, some of them hit the ceiling in their understanding of math and science. And it becomes very, very, difficult to engage all of the students in the way they learn best.”

The idea is whether emerging tech like spatial computing can help unshackle unconventional thinkers or ones that, for whatever reason, lose interest and therefore focus in traditional Prussian-style education settings like Peck’s youngest son (or myself, for that matter).

Individualized curriculums

Although it’s impractical to expect a single teacher to be able to service a group of students in an individualized way, we do see it nevertheless happening in the real world at experimental schools like Agora in Roermond, Netherlands. And with the help of AI, immersive education seems fully capable of offering customized education through a digital format as well.

Peck believes that VR represents the opportunity to create systems that takes the pressure off of teachers to have to “teach to the test” or to the specific standards and instead can serve as guides to the curriculum, really letting the child learn in the way that suits them best personally. This would naturally open up a totally new generation of children that don’t get stunted at 13 and give up on STEM education. They, she says, get an extra six or seven years of STEM education.

The push to make this happen is already underway with social enterprises like TechRow, which already brings immersive technology experiences to over twenty K-12 schools throughout New York City. The non-profit organization leverages immersive technology to build the capacity of schools to support teachers and improve student engagement with the goal of enhancing learning outcomes.

In June, I described how the next generation of mobile connectivity will allow high-fidelity VR and AR to be streamed to the masses in the frictionless manner in which the tech has always been ultimately intended. Indeed, 5G’s potential is mind-blowing insofar as it will allow emerging tech in general to extend their scope of influence by orders of magnitude that, in turn, will allow immersive education to go live and multiplayer at a scale that makes the experiences as persistent and ubiquitous as real life.

Immersive education goes live

Enter Axon Park, the company that is equalizing access to learning by connecting people globally through VR and AI — and live.

Above: Social VR education powered by Axon Park

“When you use virtual classrooms, you are no longer constrained by physical space. It doesn’t matter where the students or best instructors in the world are based, everyone can just pop on a headset and be together.” says Taylor Freeman, founder and CEO at Axon Park. “It’s definitely a form of teleportation. It’s going to create incredible opportunities for people who live outside the metropolitan areas where high quality instruction isn’t as accessible. I definitely expect to see a true revolution in learning with this XR platform shift.”

The platform is hosting their first ever full semester length college course, which will be taught completely in VR this fall, featuring industry vet, Alex Silkin, co-founder and CTO of Survios, as Axon Park’s first live lecturer. Students join Silkin twice a week in order to learn how to build best-in-class immersive worlds with one of the pioneers that has firsthand helped to shape the industry. And like traditional institutions, admission is highly competitive, designed for expert-level developers, and even offers financial aid for students in need.

“I firmly believe in the potential of VR to revolutionize education. We have already seen how much more engaging education is when we introduce videos and interactive experiences.” says Silkin. “VR takes this to the next level by putting the student right in the center of the action, allowing them to experience the subject matter face to face, rather than through a small square window on a 2D screen.”

That real humans can project as teachers who are accessible at scale is already an awesome enough feat, but the tech naturally opens the door for autonomous avatars to step in as assistants, administrators and, perhaps sooner than we think, immersive guides in their own right. Virtual beings ought to make the very idea of recorded lessons obsolete, and their activity will likely prove to be complementary, rather than overlapping or interfering with, the work of human teachers.

Above: A peek into Axon Park’s first live session conducted just earlier this month

“We will build Axon into an embodied AI capable of teaching a student in a custom and adaptive way, similar to how a human tutor might work with a student. Over time, AI instructors will likely become the primary form of knowledge transfer, whereas human teachers will be much more focused on social and emotional intelligence,” Freeman told me. That’s quite a future.

Amir Bozorgzadeh is the CEO of Virtuleap, the startup enabling embodied brain training in VR. Their upcoming Attention Lab VR app offers a daily cognitive workout of short, intense and fun games scientifically designed to help increase attention and concentration levels.

Credit: Source link

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velmaemyers88 · 5 years

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The future of immersive education will be live, social, and personalized

Above: Practice for your radio interview with a live trainer with VirtualSpeech.

Calling all ‘volumetric thinkers’

Individualized curriculums

Immersive education goes live

Enter Axon Park, the company that is equalizing access to learning by connecting people globally through VR and AI — and live.

Above: Social VR education powered by Axon Park

Above: A peek into Axon Park’s first live session conducted just earlier this month

Credit: Source link

The post The future of immersive education will be live, social, and personalized appeared first on WeeklyReviewer.

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