from Attention Span Therapy

I was standing outside for a quick selfie in front of the marquis before I rushed in late because I had had to go to the dispensary before the show began and the guy next to me says can I take a picture of you?

At first I said, No. But then I reconsidered, Why not? He’s offering.

And so I hand him my phone and he takes it from me, balancing his own and a drink in his hand with dexterous fingers, which gets me thinking that maybe this isn’t such a great idea to give this kid I don’t know my phone, here on a congested, and rapidly sunsetting Sunset Boulevard, but the kid looks like he’s got it under control and it feels right and yes, I do really want a picture of me with the marquis in the background and you can’t get that too well with the front camera.

So he takes one shot and I am convinced that he hasn’t got the marquis in the shot, and you can’t probably read it on my face, and he says do you want me to get the marquis in the shot, and I say, Yes please, that would be great, happy that we’re on the same mental page,

Use the wide angle lens, I tell him, hit that button there that says 0.5. And he is like, Yeah, oh yeah, the wide angle lens is where it’s at, brother.

And so I say, Thanks man, and I take my phone back and start to walk away. See you inside the show, I say.

Yeah, he laughs, See you. I’ll be up on stage.

And that hits after a beat and I turn around and smile, and the two people with him start pointing and giggling. He’s the drummer! They’re laughing.

And so, apparently, I got my picture taken outside the Palladium by the drummer for LCD Soundsystem on the last night of their LA residency. And the wide angle lens is where it’s at.

 
Read more...

from annals of somewhere

problem first

Never just sit down and write marketing copy. What flows freely will be shlock. Slop. You have to obsess over the problem space first, and the reader's mindset. Only from there can you come up with anything useful.

 
Read more...

from Chaos & Creativity

Photographer, Director, and Founder Caydie McCumber is here for a candid conversation about how her art is deeply influenced by the things that frighten her.

In this episode, Caydie opens up about confronting fear through creativity and how embracing vulnerability shapes her work. She also shares the story behind Creative Supper Club—a unique space where diners can leave their egos at the door and connect over meaningful meals, surrounded by kindred creative spirits. In a world where affectation often runs rampant, Caydie has created a sanctuary for authentic, inspiring conversations.

 
Read more...

from Chaos & Creativity

Kimi Recor and Lou Lesko make their triumphant return to the Chaos & Creativity podcast.

After an extended hiatus for which there is no legitimate excuse worth mentioning, your favorite podcast hosts are back with verve.

All new seasons with an incredible slate of guests.

Episodes drop every other Tuesday starting 12 November, 2024.

 
Read more...

from annals of somewhere

hello tiny part of the world

I'm launching this mini-blog in a new place. I've faffed around for years with writing. I have reams of notes and fragments and notes titled 'fragments,' I have essays in draft and archived status, I have Google docs and handwritten journals and all sorts of things. And I rarely publish.

I know why, for the most part. I'm beset by perfectionism. I am also cursed a little by knowing too much about what works and what doesn't online. I've been a marketer for so long that it's very instinctive for me to push something toward a definition, a purpose, a measurable goal.

I've also been a workaholic that struggles with burnout, and that makes me view my side projects and creative endeavours (like writing) through a ruthless lens. They have to be for or about something, serving some higher goal. Otherwise, why am I bothering? That's valuable energy that could be focused on something else.

But what has happened is that I end up in this sort of perpetual state of paralysis. I write so freely on my own, and I rarely write about marketing, and probably the worst thing I could do to myself is try to write in service of my earned income. That feels oppressive. I've always been the kind of person who ambles between obsessions and interests, and although I have my consistent areas of focus (the things upon which I base my living, and some running themes), I'm often 'on about' one thing or another.

This is an annoying sort of character to possess if you're trying to wrangle your work into a legible little format that can be packaged and consumed. Who am I, and what am I doing, and why should you care?

I see now that I really rob myself of the fruits of regular creative expression. Even if I have few, if any, readers — to be able to get my thoughts down in writing, and push them out there, and little by little overcome my sense of resistance — that's gotta be worth something.

So I'm going to stop worrying about everything and just post again. If for no other reason than to carve 'kristin wuz here' in some far-flung corner of the internet.

I'm setting up this little shop for random musings over here, away from the algo-fied essay factory of Substack (about which I have many good things to say, but .... the culture over there is starting to feel a bit constraining).

Here's a place for my little fragments and ideas, in an earlier-internet format that feels more suitable for my purpose. Or lack thereof.

Welcome xo

 
Read more...

from LifeLinkr

All-in-One IVF Software: Save Time and Keep Everything in One Place

Table of Contents Introduction The Essential Role of All-in-One IVF Software Key Features that Simplify IVF Clinic Management Patient Management and Scheduling Lab and Sample Tracking Billing and Financial Tracking Inventory Management and Control Secure Data and Compliance Reporting and Insights Transforming IVF Clinics: Benefits of an All-in-One System Best Practices for Implementing All-in-One IVF Solutions Real-Life Testimonial Common Questions (FAQs) Conclusion

  1. Introduction

In today’s healthcare landscape, efficiency and accuracy are paramount, especially in specialized fields like fertility care. All-in-One IVF Software offers a powerful solution that combines all essential functions of clinic management into a single platform. With centralized tools that enhance workflow, manage patient care, and maintain compliance, clinics can focus more on delivering quality care and less on administrative tasks.

  1. The Essential Role of All-in-One IVF Software

For fertility clinics, managing patient information, scheduling, billing, and lab operations can be incredibly complex. An all-in-one system is designed to streamline these critical functions, creating a cohesive process that is accessible and easy to manage. By consolidating various functions, clinics benefit from time savings, reduced errors, and an improved experience for both patients and staff.

  1. Key Features that Simplify IVF Clinic Management

The functionality of all-in-one solutions lies in their ability to seamlessly integrate various aspects of clinic operations. Let’s explore some of the primary features and their impact:

Patient Management and Scheduling

Patient management and scheduling lie at the core of fertility care. An integrated system offers a streamlined approach, where staff can easily access patient records, update treatment schedules, and manage appointments. Key elements include:

Efficient Appointment Booking: Patients can book appointments through an online portal, minimizing phone traffic and manual scheduling errors.

Automated Reminders: Notifications are sent to patients and staff, reducing missed appointments.

Unified Patient Records: All relevant details are available in one place, from initial consultation notes to ongoing treatment updates.

These features ensure that all parties remain informed, organized, and up-to-date, ultimately improving patient experience and clinic workflow.

Lab and Sample Tracking

In IVF clinics, managing samples with accuracy is essential for patient outcomes. All-in-one systems offer tools that enable complete traceability of each sample, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Some lab-specific features include:

Barcode Integration: Each sample is assigned a unique barcode, which can be scanned for quick and accurate identification.

Real-Time Updates: Staff can access the status and location of each sample, ensuring clear oversight throughout its journey.

Alerts for Urgent Actions: Automated notifications alert staff to specific actions, such as when a sample needs testing or when conditions change.

This level of control over sample handling provides confidence in the accuracy of lab work, supporting the clinic’s reputation and patient trust.

Billing and Financial Tracking

Billing in fertility care involves complex billing codes, insurance claims, and patient payments. An all-in-one system simplifies this by automating billing processes and offering transparent tracking. Main features include:

Automated Invoices: Generates itemized invoices that include treatments, medications, and lab fees, reducing manual errors.

Payment Tracking: Tracks outstanding and completed payments, allowing staff to follow up with patients as needed.

Insurance Integration: Manages claims and provides updates, simplifying a process that can otherwise be time-consuming and prone to errors.

This not only reduces administrative burden but also supports the financial health of the clinic.

Inventory Management and Control

Managing the inventory of medications, lab supplies, and equipment can be challenging, especially when considering expiration dates and storage conditions. With an integrated system, clinics gain better oversight and control over inventory. Key functionalities include:

Real-Time Inventory Monitoring: Tracks supply levels in real-time and sends alerts when items run low.

Automated Reordering: Orders are automatically generated when stock reaches a predefined threshold, ensuring that supplies are consistently available.

Expiration Date Alerts: Notifies staff when items near their expiration, preventing waste and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

By automating inventory management, clinics can focus on care delivery without interruptions due to supply shortages.

Secure Data and Compliance

Data security and regulatory compliance are of utmost importance in healthcare. A comprehensive platform ensures that patient information is stored securely and access is granted only to authorized staff. Features include:

Encryption and Access Control: Protects patient data from unauthorized access, meeting HIPAA and other compliance standards.

Audit Trails: Logs every access or modification to patient records, supporting both transparency and accountability.

Regular Data Backups: Ensures that information is securely stored, with backup systems that prevent data loss.

This level of security is essential for patient trust and clinic reputation, assuring patients that their personal information is handled with care.

Reporting and Insights

Reporting and analytics provide clinics with valuable insights into operations, helping staff make data-driven decisions. Detailed reports can be generated on various metrics, such as:

Patient Demographics and Outcomes: Analyzes success rates and demographics to support improvements in patient care.

Financial Performance: Tracks revenue sources and identifies trends, aiding in financial planning.

Inventory and Resource Use: Monitors supply usage to enhance inventory control and resource allocation.

With access to these insights, clinics can continuously refine operations and make informed decisions that improve patient care and clinic performance.

  1. Transforming IVF Clinics: Benefits of an All-in-One System

Adopting an all-in-one approach offers numerous benefits that extend beyond simple administrative efficiency:

Time Savings The consolidation of various functions reduces the need for multiple software tools, allowing staff to access all necessary data in one place.

Increased Accuracy Automated features eliminate many of the common errors associated with manual data entry, such as patient billing discrepancies and scheduling conflicts.

Improved Patient Satisfaction Patients benefit from faster responses, transparent billing, and easy access to their treatment plans, enhancing their overall experience.

Enhanced Collaboration

With a unified system, clinic staff can collaborate more effectively, sharing access to up-to-date information and reducing delays in patient care.

  1. Best Practices for Implementing All-in-One IVF Solutions

To maximize the benefits of an all-in-one system, IVF clinics should consider a strategic approach to implementation:

Comprehensive Training for Staff: Ensuring all team members are proficient in using the new system is crucial for smooth operation.

Incremental Integration: Introduce each feature gradually, allowing staff to adapt to changes without overwhelming them.

Continuous Monitoring and Feedback: Regularly review system performance and gather staff feedback to make necessary adjustments.

Following these practices ensures that the system functions optimally, supporting the clinic’s objectives while minimizing any disruption.

  1. Real-Life Testimonial

“Implementing an all-in-one solution has transformed our clinic operations. From managing patient records to scheduling and billing, everything is much simpler and more efficient. Our team is able to focus more on patient care, and our patients are more satisfied.” – Dr. Anne Harper, Director, Family First Fertility Clinic

  1. Common Questions (FAQs)

What is All-in-One IVF Software? It’s an integrated platform that combines multiple clinic management functions, from patient management to billing, in one system.

How does it benefit patient care? By reducing administrative tasks, staff can devote more time to direct patient care, improving overall patient satisfaction.

Does it support regulatory compliance? Yes, it includes features like encryption, access controls, and audit trails to meet industry standards.

How is it different from standalone software? Unlike separate tools, an all-in-one platform centralizes functions, improving accessibility and workflow efficiency.

Is it suitable for small and large clinics? Yes, it’s scalable and adaptable to the unique needs of clinics of all sizes.

  1. Conclusion

All-in-one IVF software solutions like LifeLinkr help fertility clinics streamline operations, save time, and enhance patient care. By integrating scheduling, lab management, billing, and reporting functions, LifeLinkr’s platform empowers clinics to focus on what truly matters: delivering high-quality, compassionate care to patients.

 
Read more...

from Telmina's notes

私もついに、夢にまで見たグリーン車通勤に踏み切ることに致しました。

 やはり、グリーン車は普通車とは段違いに快適であり、単に移動が楽になるだけでなく、ストレスからも解放され、また、通勤に楽しみを見いだすことができるようになりました。

 …とだけ書くと、本当にグリーン車通勤を始めたかのように読めますが、これ、単に中央快速線のグリーン車お試し乗車をしているだけというオチです。

グリーン車の連結が始まった中央線快速電車用E233系

 JR東日本の中央線快速電車では、これまで10両編成で運転していた電車に順次2階建てグリーン車2両を増結して12両編成にしています。

 現在は移行期間中で10両編成と12両編成が混在しているということもあり、恐らく来年春のダイヤ改正に始まるであろうグリーン車サービス開始までは、グリーン車にも乗車券や定期券のみで乗ることが可能になっています。

中央快速線のグリーン車


 たまたま、10月以降の通勤経路に中央線が含まれている私も、この機会を逃すまいと、タイミングが合えば中央快速線のグリーン車で移動することにしています。さすがに来春以降、グリーン料金が必要になってからは、こんなことできませんけどね。

来春まではグリーン料金無しでグリーン車に乗れる

 料金無しでグリーン車に乗れるということで、お試し期間中はグリーン車に乗ろうとする乗客が殺到するのかと思いきや、案外余裕で座れることも少なくありません。さすがに昨日の朝の下り列車では立ち客も出ましたが。

 なお、実は自分が中央快速線のグリーン車お試し乗車を体験するのは機能が初めてではありません。

 先月の衆議院議員選挙の前日の10月26日(土)に、私の居住地の選挙区である東京都第1選挙区から立候補した立憲民主党の海江田万里氏の街頭演説を聴きに高田馬場まで行ったのですが、その帰りに、どうせ中央線で帰るならグリーン車お試し乗車をしようと思い、実行しました。

 もっとも、その翌日のブログ記事で、うっかり「海江田万里氏の街頭演説を聴いた帰りに中央快速線のグリーン車お試し乗車をしてきました」などと書こうものならば、公職選挙法に抵触しかねません(その日が投票日当日だったため)。そのため、いつかグリーン車お試し乗車のことについて書こう書こうと思いながら、ずるずると先延ばしになってしまい、気がついたら半月経過していました。

 その半月の間にも、何度かグリーン車お試し乗車をしていますが、グリーン車が盛況なときもあれば空席のあるときもあります。まだ移行期間中の現状では、先述のようにグリーン車が連結されている編成とそうでない編成が混在している上に、日によってグリーン車が連結されている編成に当たる列車が異なるため、事前に調べておかないといつ来るのかわかりませんし、わかったとしても時間の都合が合わずに乗れない日もあるかもしれません。

 なお、グリーン車連結編成については、スマートフォンの「JR東日本アプリ」で確認することもできます。運行情報で中央線快速電車の項目を開き、12両編成の電車の時刻を調べれば、グリーン車連結編成がいつ来るのかを確認できます。これがないと、夕方はともかく朝っぱらにグリーン車に乗るなど現状ではまず無理です…。

 自分は、来年の春までは、この貴重な機会をフルに活用し、快適な通勤生活をエンジョイしたいところです。

#2024年 #2024年11月 #2024年11月12日 #ひとりごと #雑談 #交通 #鉄道 #JR #JR東日本 #中央線 #グリーン車

 
もっと読む…

from BrittLeaPunch

If you love cooking with fresh herbs but don’t have space for an outdoor garden, or you want to enjoy the convenience of fresh herbs year-round, growing them indoors is the perfect solution. Indoor herb gardening is not only easy and space-efficient, but it also adds a touch of greenery and fragrance to your home.

Here's a step-by-step guide to successfully growing herbs indoors, so you can enjoy fresh, flavorful ingredients at your fingertips.

1. Choose the Right Herbs for Indoors

Not all herbs thrive indoors, but many common varieties grow well in pots on a windowsill or under grow lights. When deciding which herbs to grow indoors, consider those that are well-suited to lower light and indoor environments. Some popular options include:

  • Basil: A staple for cooking, basil grows quickly and provides fresh leaves for pasta, pesto, and more.

* Mint: A hardy herb that grows well indoors, perfect for teas, cocktails, and desserts.

* Chives: Adds a mild onion flavor to dishes and grows easily in pots.

* Parsley: A versatile herb that can be used in everything from salads to soups.

* Thyme: A small, low-maintenance herb ideal for seasoning meats and vegetables.

* Oregano: Known for its robust flavor, oregano is commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean dishes.

* Cilantro: Though it can be tricky indoors, cilantro can thrive with the right light and care.

Start with herbs you enjoy using in your cooking and that fit your growing space.

2. Pick the Perfect Location

Herbs need plenty of sunlight to thrive, so finding the right location is key to successful indoor growing. Most herbs require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Here are some tips for finding the perfect spot:

  • Sunlight: Choose a sunny windowsill, preferably south-facing, to maximize light exposure. East and west-facing windows can also work, but avoid north-facing windows, which may not provide enough light.
  • Artificial light: If your home lacks natural sunlight, consider using grow lights. LED grow lights are energy-efficient and provide the full spectrum of light that herbs need for healthy growth. Set the lights on a timer for 12-14 hours a day to mimic natural sunlight.
  • Temperature: Herbs like warm, stable temperatures. Keep them away from cold drafts and heat sources like radiators or stoves, which can dry out the plants. A temperature range of 65-75°F is ideal for most indoor herbs.

The right location will ensure your herbs get the light and warmth they need to grow well indoors.

3. Choose the Right Containers

Herbs don’t need a lot of space to grow indoors, but it’s important to select the right type of container for each plant.

  • Pot size: Most herbs can grow in small pots, but it’s best to choose containers that are at least 6-8 inches in diameter to allow for proper root growth. Deeper pots are better for herbs like parsley or cilantro, which have longer roots.
  • Drainage: Make sure your pots have drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom, which can lead to root rot. Use saucers to catch excess water and protect your windowsill or countertop.
  • Material: Terra cotta pots are a great option because they allow moisture to evaporate through the sides, preventing overwatering. Plastic and ceramic pots can work well too, just be mindful of watering needs.

Planting in individual containers allows each herb to get the specific care it needs, and you can easily move the pots around to optimize light exposure.

4. Use the Right Soil

The right soil mix is crucial for the health of your indoor herbs. Regular garden soil is too dense for indoor pots and can lead to poor drainage and compacted roots. Instead, use a lightweight potting mix designed for indoor plants.

  • Potting mix: Choose a high-quality potting mix that includes perlite or vermiculite for aeration and proper drainage. You can also mix in a bit of compost to provide extra nutrients.
  • Herb-specific soil: Some stores offer potting mixes specifically for herbs, which can be a good option if available.
  • Soil amendments: You can improve the soil’s fertility with organic amendments like worm castings or slow-release fertilizers designed for herbs.

Healthy, well-draining soil will encourage strong root growth and ensure your herbs flourish.

5. Watering and Humidity

Indoor herbs need consistent watering, but overwatering is one of the most common problems gardeners face. Here's how to keep your herbs properly hydrated:

  • Check soil moisture: Stick your finger about an inch into the soil to check moisture. If the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water. Make sure to water thoroughly so water reaches the roots, but don’t let the plants sit in standing water.
  • Watering schedule: Most indoor herbs need to be watered about once or twice a week, depending on the temperature and humidity in your home.
  • Humidity: Indoor environments can be dry, especially in winter, so it’s important to maintain a bit of humidity for your herbs. You can mist your herbs with water every few days or place a tray of water near the plants to increase humidity.
  • Drainage: Always empty the saucers after watering to prevent root rot.

Being mindful of watering and humidity will help keep your herbs healthy and vibrant indoors.

6. Fertilizing Your Indoor Herbs

Indoor herbs have limited access to nutrients since they’re confined to pots, so occasional feeding is essential to keep them growing strong.

  • Use organic fertilizer: An organic liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength can be applied once every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
  • Slow-release fertilizers: You can also use slow-release fertilizer pellets mixed into the soil for a more hands-off approach.
  • Avoid over-fertilizing: Herbs don’t need as much fertilizer as other plants. Too much can result in lush growth but reduced flavor, so less is more when it comes to herbs.

Proper fertilization encourages strong growth without sacrificing flavor.

7. Harvesting Your Indoor Herbs

Harvesting regularly encourages your herbs to grow fuller and bushier. However, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure continuous growth:

  • Prune early and often: Once your herb plants have reached a few inches in height, start pinching or cutting the leaves to promote bushier growth. For most herbs, never harvest more than one-third of the plant at a time.
  • Harvesting basil: For basil, pinch off the tops of the plant to prevent flowering and encourage more leaf production.
  • Harvesting thyme and oregano: These herbs benefit from regular trimming, which prevents them from becoming woody and encourages tender new growth.

Frequent harvesting will give you plenty of fresh herbs and keep your plants healthy.

8. Watch for Pests and Problems

Even indoors, herbs can be prone to pests like aphids or spider mites. Here’s how to prevent and manage any issues:

  • Check leaves regularly: Inspect your herbs for signs of pests or disease, such as yellowing leaves or webbing.
  • Use natural pest control: If you notice pests, treat them with organic insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also try wiping the leaves with a damp cloth to remove small infestations.
  • Air circulation: Good air circulation helps prevent mold and pests, so avoid overcrowding your plants.

Catching issues early will help ensure your herbs stay healthy all year round.

Final Thoughts

Growing herbs indoors is a rewarding and practical way to keep fresh ingredients on hand year-round. With the right setup, proper care, and a bit of attention, your indoor herb garden can thrive in any season. Whether you’re looking to enhance your cooking or simply enjoy the greenery, following these steps will help you cultivate a healthy, vibrant indoor herb garden that brings flavor and freshness to your home.

 
Read more... Discuss...

from Jake LaCaze

When your kids show your their art work, you have two options:

  1. You can pick it apart.
  2. You can enjoy it for what it is.

You have the same options for your own artwork.

My kids have been inspiring me lately.

My son's been drawing anime- and manga-inspired characters.

My daughter's been writing little notes all over the place.

They're both amateurs. My son's drawings are full of imperfect lines. My daughter's learning to read and write, so there are errors galore. But despite these imperfections—or, more accurately, because of these imperfections—they each have a style that is undeniably their own.

Their creations are the coolest things I've ever seen. They touch me far more than anything by Picasso or Shakespeare or any other expert or master.

Maybe they're to blame for my recent shift in journaling: random sketches with captions in ALL CAPS.

a group of sketches with the caption: 'TODAY'S A GREAT DAY FOR ART.

I don't expect my sketches to win any awards or go viral in any sense. But I can't help loving them all the same. It's not that I think my sketches are great or better than anyone else's. But I see some unconscious characteristics in them. I'm also interested in the conscious choices I make.

Why do I see and present things in the light I do? Dunno. But it's still fun to see.

How far will I take this recent interest in sketching? Will it pass in a week? Will it become something I maintain purely for myself? What if it led to my creating a webcomic?

What if all my minimalist writing has prepared me for a more visual artform?

Anything is possible, which also means that none of it is also possible.

This situation is part of the human experience. Is this meandering a detour? Is it a new path leading to a previously unconsidered destination? Is it only another tool in my belt for my own personal mental health care?

I don't know. And I don't know when—or if—I ever will.

Uncertainty is a crucial element of the human experience. And, sometimes, uncertainty is a good thing.

#writing #sketches

 
Read more... Discuss...

from not dead, fyi.

I originally thought about calling this blog “good day/bad day,” and I’d simply categorize each day of my life as broadly good or bad. Hopefully, I might expound my daily conclusion, but at a minimum, I’d answer the question: was today a good day or a bad day?

However, I felt like there might be a pressure I’d place upon myself to ultimately conclude that most days are good. The same way we almost always tell people we’re doing fine when asked, even if we’re anything but. Perhaps that false positivity might even be a good thing, to always be trying to find the upside. But I felt like it would ring false, and I ultimately settled on it being easier to merely conclude that I was not dead with each post, and leave it at that.

If I were adhering to the original blog’s concept, though, I’d categorize today as a bad day. Maybe it wouldn’t have been so hard to be negative after all.

It’s not that anything was horrible today. As I take a step back, though, it’s just a lot of little negative strands that pulled together into a knot as the day went on, leaving me feeling rather depleted as I write these words in the final minutes before midnight.

I spoke to my mom for about an hour this morning. It was a rather difficult call at times, as we discussed her having to put her pet to sleep. I knew from contextual clues that it surely had happened already, but she never actually confirmed it with me until today. Turns out the deed was done over two weeks ago, so at least it wasn’t a totally open wound for her.

There was not much to say for comfort beyond truisms and platitudes. Her pet was handicapped from birth, she gave him an incredible life that he couldn’t have had without her (in fact, he surely wouldn’t have lived at all past infancy without her). She did so much for him. Yet, as time went on, it was obvious he was in increasing physical discomfort, and the physical demands were starting to be beyond what my mother could provide as well.

I felt a bit of guilt on that last point, that I am not there to help out. I was the only other person who knew how to care for him. She had taught me and only me. Though I only took on the duty for a short time a year ago, it also made me feel sadder about the news, as I had a connection with him. He was a good boy.

Even a year ago, though, I could tell his life was rough. Animals often amaze us with their resiliency, but I am often left wondering how much of that is just projection. I suppose we’ll never know and that enigma is perhaps part of the charm, but it makes knowing what is right in these circumstances all the more difficult. Maybe he really didn’t want to be alive at all, even back then.

He was definitely getting worse, his body continued to contort itself further as time went on. I saw him a couple of months ago and I wasn’t even sure if the techniques I had learned last year would still be useable.

The vet told her it was 100% without question the right thing to do, as he was surely in tremendous pain. But I also wonder if that’s just something they always have to say to make the crying pet owner feel better about the predicament they find themselves in.

Even without this particular piece of difficult news, I always feel a bit down after speaking to family on the phone. I know it’s not what most people describe, which is that words from loved ones spark their spirits or reinvigorate them. For me, after the call is done, I am suddenly very aware of the distance and the absence. Maybe it’s just easier for me to not be reminded of how far away I am from most of the people I love.

Aside from the call, just the typical little things dragged me down. Poor sleep, annoying bad weather. Like the past three or four days, it was gray all day with a light mist that isn’t even real rain but somehow is still enough to keep you from going out and doing anything easily. Work brought annoyances, too, some expected and some unexpected. I brought home a pile of paperwork I have to do and I can’t even bring myself to look at it right now.

I suppose the only saving grace is that tomorrow, the good day/bad day dichotomy resets and there’s at least a chance of the coin toss coming up good. A coin toss might be a bad comparison as that implies a 50/50 chance of good or bad. I feel like it’s weighted a bit heavier towards bad right now, especially if this weather continues. But hey, at least there’s a chance.

There I go, indulging in false positivity. Hmm, well, forget it. Not dead, FYI.

< Back to the Index

 
Read more... Discuss...

from Attronarch's Athenaeum

Adventurers

Character Class Description
Ambros Cleric level 5 Follower of Aniu, Lord of Time.
Tarkus the Promising Cleric level 3 Follower of Bachontoi, God of Red Wisdom.
Beorg the Gravedigger Fighter level 3 Inspired to adventure after burying several adventurers.
Thorm the Dwarf Dwarf level 1 Ashen hair, beard, and eyes. Left his own clan due to financial trouble.
Riker Magic-User level 3 A magic-user seeking glory or death.
Gomm Thief level 5 Swarthy, good looking, dark-skinned thief. Sweet opium-like aroma is his fragrance of choice.
Dalkanarion Fighter level 2 A youthful specimen in full strength, full of purpose, bluster, and eagerness to prove himself.
Almaric the Legendary Elf level 1 Very smart and quite good looking; adventuring just for the money.

Sunstrong 6th, Airday

Hagar's flesh rapidly necroticised. Nightmarish creature's venom was potent indeed. Without much to do about it, the party had decided to peek around the only unexplored corner of this accursed labyrinth.

Doors!

Forming battle ranks, the adventurers pushed forth bravely. A simple but well furnished room with several bookcases, comfortable sofa and a bed. More importantly, it was not empty.

A dark-skinned lithe man stood by the bookcase, thumbing through some of the books. He was guarded by a large, muscular man sporting well oiled muscles covered with little more than a cape, helmet, and few select pieces of armour.

After a bit of back and forth it was established that the man was Master Thief Gomm, and Dalkanarion was his bodyguard. The duo decided to assist the party in the further exploration of the dungeon.

Adventurers spent rest of the day trudging through unexplored rooms finding nothing of value. Exhausted, they retreated above and camped by the dungeon entrance. Akasi was distraught with Hagar's death, worried what will his father do to him when he finds out the bad news.

Either way, the party slept well, and Akasi's mercenaries did a solid job during night.

Sunstrong 7th, Waterday

“Let's go deeper!” Tarkus proposed, and finally everyone agreed to it.

The party traversed the first floor without any resistance. Following the stairs down led them to a rectangular chamber, fifty feet deep and thirty feet wide. There were two doors on the east side, one door on the north side, and two on the west side.

Adventurers fanned out and listened at each of them.

“Pssst! Over here!”

Loud snoring could be heard coming from the second doors on the west wall. Gomm tried to identify the source, but failed due to all the noise from his allies.

Strongest fighters took the lead, and everyone stormed the chamber.

Large, brutish figure stumbled up from a straw mattress. Groggy and weaponless, it was quickly hacked to death by the adventurers. Dalkanarion delivered the killing blow—a straight piercing move through the belly. The party then ransacked the monster's chest and chambers.

The room had a door on each side. Interestingly, all doors but the one they came through led into the same corridor. Exploring slowly, the party opted to head north.

After few turns they came to a straight corridor ending with doors. Moreover, there were two doors to the left, and one door to the right.

Sneaking, Gomm could hear sounds from the first doors to the left, as well as doors up north. Securing all the doors sans the first ones, the party formed a marching order and charged into the room.

Four hairy, tiger-faced monsters stood in the corner, seemingly arguing over something. Adventurers caught them by surprise, and encircled them in seconds. Thorm killed one of the monsters with a strong blow with a warhammer to the side of the head. Ambros was the next to draw blood with a majestic over head sweep, smashing into the monster's temple.

Dalkanarion took serious beating but stood his ground, allowing others to attack monsters safely. Almaric drove his spear straight through one monsters ear to the other. The final beastman was slain by Gomm. What an ignominious death it was! Gomm first chopped off the beast's arm. Then he sliced its face. Lastly he gouged out its eyes. The beast writhed as it bled to death.

Clerics administered healing spells, and Gomm handed out several vials of healing liquid. Restored, the party took their attention to the northernmost doors. Once again they formed battle ranks and stormed through the doors.

This time beastmen were not surprised.

Large oak table dominated the center of the room. Massive ogre sat at the north side. Two hyena headed beasts sat on the west side, and two tiger-faced beastmen on the east side.

Dalkanarion rushed forth and grabbed the table with hist mighty thews. Gomm yelled for him to wait as he uncorked a bottle with strange substance in it. He chucked it at the ogre.

The vial smashed straight on the beast's chest. A giant ball of thick, stringy web exploded forth, enveloping ogre, one gnoll, and one bugbear.

With most of the adversaries trapped, the adventurers had little trouble overcoming the remainder of beastmen. The skirmish was brief and brutal. The party had suffered no losses!

“Chop off ogre's head so we have something to show in Hara.”

And so they did.

Collecting coins in the room, the party decided to leave the dungeon and head back to Hara with all the accumulated treasure and Hagar's corpse.

Akasi was a nervous wreck, completely consumed with worry.

The party had debated what to do about Hagar all the way to Hara, without reaching consensus.

How will they explain this one?

Discuss at Dragonsfoot forum.

#Wilderlands #SessionReport

 
Read more...

from Zéro Janvier

Class War : A Literary History est un ouvrage de Mark Steven, publié en anglais en 2023 chez Verso. L’auteur propose une histoire littéraire et politique de la lutte des classes, de la révolution haïtienne à nos jours.

A bold new history of the global class war

A thrilling and vivid work of history, Class War weaves together literature and politics to chart the making and unmaking of social class through revolutionary combat. In a narrative that spans the globe and more than two centuries of history, Mark Steven traces the history of class war from the Haitian Revolution to Black Lives Matter.

Surveying the literature of revolution, from the poetry of Shelley and Byron to the novels of Émile Zola and Jack London, exploring the writings of Frantz Fanon, Che Guevara, and Assata Shakur, Class War reveals the interplay between military action and the politics of class, showing how solidarity flourishes in times of conflict. Written with verve and ranging across diverse historical settings, Class War traverses industrial battles, guerrilla insurgencies, and anticolonial resistance, as well as large-scale combat operations waged against capitalism's regimes and its interstate system.

In our age of economic crisis, ecological catastrophe, and planetary unrest, Steven tells the stories of those whose actions will help guide future militants toward a revolutionary horizon.

L’ouvrage commence par un introduction où l’auteur définit la notion de classe et présente son approche, avec deux facettes de la lutte des classes : – la lutte économique et sociale – la lutte décoloniale et anti-impérialiste

L’auteur s’oppose ainsi au réductionnisme de classe et défend une vision large de la classe, qui inclut les aspects raciaux, coloniaux, féministes, etc.

Cette approche se retrouve dans le sommaire du livre. En effet, Mark Steven a choisi dix épisodes emblématiques de la lutte des classes dans l’histoire mondiale, en mêlant d’une part des luttes sociales ou des révolutions dans les états occidentaux, et d’autre part des luttes anti-impérialistes et décolonisées dans le Sud global. Le programme est le suivant :

1. The Burning South : la révolution haïtienne

2. Army of Redressers : le Luddisme et le Chartisme

3. Defend the City : la Commune de Paris

4. School of War : la guerre de Sécession et les grèves contre le capitalisme industriel américain

5. Towards a Red Army : la révolution russe

6. Protracted Peoples’ War : la révolution chinoise

7. For Complete Disorder : les guerres de décolonisation en Afrique, et en particulier la guerre d’Algérie

8. The Armed Nucleus : la révolution cubaine et la guérilla

9. Fighting after Fascism : autonomie et action directe en Italie

10. Army of the Wronged : les Black Panthers, la Black Liberation Army, et Black Lives Matter

Dans chaque chapitre, l’auteur propose à la fois un récit critique des événements et une analyse des récits littéraires qui en ont été faits. J’ai découvert ou redécouvert des épisodes plus ou moins connus de l’histoire sociale et révolutionnaire.

Le propos oscille ainsi sans cesse entre histoire sociale, politique et littéraire. Je ne sais pas s’il faut classer cet ouvrage comme un livre d’histoire, comme un essai politique ou un traité d’analyse littéraire, mais j’ai trouvé cela malin et intéressant.

 
Lire la suite... Discuss...

from The Poet Sky

I got my nails done They're bright and sparkly now And it makes me happy So that's what I did

I got my hair dyed Now it's colorful And growing just how I want it So that's what I did

I shaved my legs Now they're soft and smooth And it brings a smile to my face So that's what I did

No more doing what other people want for the sake of pleasing them I'm doing what I want

Yes That's what I'll do

#Poetry #MyBeautifulSky #SelfCare

 
Read more... Discuss...

from kyle conarro

Every year I say I'm going to write more. To share more. But the page is turning on 2024 and I haven't written a lick (at least not for public consumption).

Writing requires work. And sometimes it's just enough work that it makes it easy to avoid. Or hard to incorporate. Or a little of both.

But often, I find myself avoiding the perception that might accompany the thought. The effect of the work, not the work itself. It goes something like this:

Me: learns something cool or experiences something interesting 1 second later: How cool, I should share! 2 minutes later: But how should I explain it? What if people take it the wrong way? Or take me for someone I'm not? I'll think on it to find a good way to share without sounding too dumb, or too smart, or like I'm trying too hard, or not trying hard enough, or... Several hours later: What was I going to share again?

This sequence happens almost daily. My lawyerly exploration of all possible outcomes and perceptions, and the second and third-order effects of those, knocks down the bricks just as I start to stack them.

But I want to change this. I want to quiet those thoughts, or at least use them to build a scaffolding to support more bricklaying.

I've had a personal blog for over a decade. I haven't published there since 2022. While it's not technically dead (still paying that hosting bill 😅), I'd hardly call it alive. I still own the land, but all the plants are dead.

But the time has come to plant new seeds and let them grow. Will they be blossom? Will my neighbors like them? I'm trying not to care. I can't answer those questions. I just have to stop trying to, because it’s time to grab a shovel.

 
Read more... Discuss...

Join the writers on Write.as.

Start writing or create a blog