5 Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes for an Easy Week Ahead🥗#shorts #vegetarian
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Spinach and Feta Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Remove the stems from four portobello mushrooms and clean them. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of chopped spinach, 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped sundried tomatoes, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs. Stuff the mixture into the mushrooms and bake them for 20-25 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is hot.
Vegetable Stir-Fry: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add sliced onions, sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and any other vegetables you like. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add a tablespoon of soy sauce, a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve over rice or noodles.
Caprese Salad: Slice a few ripe tomatoes and a ball of fresh mozzarella cheese. Arrange them on a plate, alternating tomato and cheese slices. Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with fresh basil leaves.
Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl: This is a great option if you're looking for something healthy and filling. Roast your favorite veggies in the oven until they're tender and caramelized. Then, cook quinoa according to package instructions and add it to a bowl along with the roasted veggies. Top with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and some chopped herbs like parsley or basil. Lentil Shepherd's Pie: This classic dish is usually made with ground beef, but you can easily make it vegan by swapping in lentils. Cook lentils in a pot with vegetable broth until they're tender, then sauté onions, carrots, and celery until they're soft. Add in some frozen peas, corn, and any other veggies you like, along with the cooked lentils. Top with mashed potatoes and bake in the oven until the top is golden brown.
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Hey fellow devs! 👋
I recently embarked on my coding journey as a junior software engineer just 3 months ago, and I'm already starting to feel like my eyes are getting worse.
You know that moment when you're chilling on the couch, trying to read the TV subtitles from afar, and your eyes just won't cooperate? Yeah, that's me now. I'm pretty sure I could do that not too long ago.
I'd love to learn how you seasoned devs out there manage to keep your eyes in tip-top shape, despite staring at screens all day! Got any tips, tricks, or top-secret eye exercises you'd like to share with this newbie? I'm all ears (and eyes)!
Thank you fellow devs!!!
don’t mind the title

Do This & You’ll Be Welcome Anywhere

“It is the individual who is not interested in his fellow men who has the greatest difficulties in life and provides the greatest injury to others. It is from among such individuals that all human failures spring.” - Alfred Adler

Ever asked yourself how you could become friends with someone in the shortest amount of time? Well, here’s the answer. You can make more friends in two months by becoming genuinely interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get them interested in you.
People aren’t interested in you, or me. They are only interested in themselves - twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. If we truly want to make friends, let’s do things for other people that require time, energy, and unselfishness. However, a show of interest, like every other principle of human relations, must be sincere.
Tip 1 : Become genuinely interested in other people.

A Simple Way To Make A Good First Impression

“Your smile is a messenger of your goodwill. Your smile brightens the lives of all who see it. To someone who has seen a dozen people frown, scowl, or turn their faces away, your smile is like the sun breaking through the clouds.” - Dale Carnegie

The expression one wears on their face is far more important than the clothes one wears. Like we have been told, action speaks louder than words and a smile says “I like you, I am glad to see you.”
When you’re talking on the phone, smile. Believe it or not, your smile comes through in your voice.
What if you don’t feel like smiling? There is only one fix. Force yourself to smile. Act as if you are happy and it tends to make you happy. “Action and feelings go together.” Happiness does not depend on external factors, it depends on inner conditions.
Tip 2 : Smile

If You Don’t Do This, You Are Headed For Trouble

Despite never attending high school, Jim Farley was honoured with degrees from four different colleges and become the chairman of the Democratic National Committee and Postmaster General of the US. He claims his success came from one thing, a discovery he made early in his life. That discovery was that the average person is more interested in their own name than in all other names on the earth.

Remember someone’s name and call it easily, and you have paid a subtle and very effective compliment. But forget it or misspell it - and you have placed yourself at a sharp disadvantage. - Dale Carnegie

An individual’s name is wholly and completely owned by that individual and nobody else. Their name sets them apart and makes them unique among all others.
Tip 3 : Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.

An Easy Way To Become A Good Conversationalist

What is the highest compliment you can pay someone? Take a guess. The high compliment you can pay someone is to listen intently to what the other individual has to say. To be a good conversationalist, you must be a good listener and be able to encourage the other person to talk. Even the most violent critics will soften in the presence of a patient and sympathetic listener. Who doesn’t want a friendly, sympathetic listener with whom we can unburden ourselves? That is what we all want when we are in trouble.
If you aspire to be a good conversationalist, be an attentive listener. To be interesting, you must be interested. Ask open-ended questions that the other person will be eager to answer. Encourage them to talk about themselves and their accomplishment.
Remember this, people you are talking to are hundreds of times more interested in themselves and their own problems than they are in yours.
Tip 4 : Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.

How To Interest People

“The royal road to a person’s heart is to talk about the things he or she treasures most.” - Dale Carnegie

Instead of talking to someone in terms of what you want, try to talk to them about their interests. Talk about their hobbies outside of work or their families.
Tip 5 : Talk in terms of the other person’s interests.

How To Make People Like You Instantly

“If we are so contemptibly selfish that we can’t radiate a little happiness and pass on a bit of honest appreciation without trying to get something out of the other person in return - if our souls are no bigger than sour crab apples, we shall meet with the failure we so richly deserve” - Dale Carnegie

There is this one law in human relations that, if obeyed, will never get us into trouble and bring us countless friends. But the second the law is broken, endless trouble will come your way. This law is : Always make the other person feel important. Obey this golden rule all the time and everywhere.
Tips 6 : Make the other person feel important - and do it sincerely.

The fear of tornadoes and hurricanes is known as lilapsophobia. I have no doubt that I'm suffering from that. Yes, tornadoes are to be feared because they are dangerous. We all know that. I like to watch coverage of tornadoes as it is fascinating learning about something scary. I started watching the weather channel coverage of tornado outbreaks when I was living in California where I never had to worry about those kinds of storms. When I had to move back to Tennessee 2 years ago, I had my childhood fears return. Whenever we were under threat for tornadic weather, I would start having panic attacks. I would be scared before the weather would start. When it comes to a slight chance for that kind of weather, I'm calm. Whenever we are put under an enhanced risk, I start getting scared and upset. I live in Rutherford County in Middle TN, so we don't live in classic tornado alley like Oklahoma, Nebraska, or Texas. However, I do know that the strongest tornadoes can happen, but are pretty rare. Yesterday was just what I feared. We may have not been in the worst of the threat, but a strong tornado was possible for Middle TN. To make matters worse, it was expected to take place in the middle of the night. Usually on days like that, a thin vertical line of storms gust through and are over before we know it. The takeaway I got from watching coverage of killer tornadoes is that the supercells that are more scattered and horizontal would be the ones that would produce the really bad tornadoes. It would be shaped like bird wings with a little notch or circle behind it and that is where the tornado would be. Yesterday, it was looking just as I feared and these cells were more horizontal as they marched across the Volunteer State. Things I tried telling myself to calm myself down was that the odds of a large tornado hitting our exact location were very slim and how our county was on the edge of the tornado watch and not in the bullseye. FYI, before anyone assumes I'm a dependent, I'm not still living with my parents because I'm dependent; They depend on me(I basically had to move back here to help my Grandfather after I lost my Grandmother in January 2021). I was watching live coverage(Ryan Hall Ya'll on Youtube) and there was this storm that was several counties over producing a large and destructive tornado. A wedge tornado was reported(one of those big, wide ones). I woke up my Mom. She was at first annoyed, but decided to stay up and watch knowing how terrified I was. I rounded up our two cats(we didn't have a cage for them, so it was extra stressful). My parents went to get my Grandfather. We were to hunker beneath the stairs in our laundry room. I was crazy hysterical and delirious. I did not like how I handled it at all. It was a close call. The supposed tornado was passed about a mile north to us. At that moment it lifted before it would touch town again and cause damage to houses a town over. I was shaken(I was also a little tipsy as it was Friday night, so that may have made me act extra nutty where I at one point was chanting "ohmygodidontwannadieidontwannadie It cannot end like this!"). I was never more scared in my life, hearing the wind and the thunder and that terrible alarm going off on our phones. After that was over, I was weeping myself to sleep, from relief and feeling traumatized by what would have been one of my greatest fears coming true. Before, I looked up "storm anxiety" and lilapsophobia on Youtube to find helpful advice and hearing from other people who struggle with it. I can't figure out why it is so bad for me. I have never seen a tornado in my life(throughout my childhood in TN or FL and certainly not in California), let alone actually been in one. I would feel bad to declare myself as traumatized from last night because it is not like I was walking out of rubble. I heard accounts from other people with this fear who actually survived something. The only damage around here were to trees. Bradyville was not so lucky. I'm a firm believer in the Law of Attraction and I wondered if me focusing so much on the weather may have gotten me that big scare last night. I know I shouldn't think like that. I started getting more into the weather after last Friday's Rolling Fork, MS disaster. Otherwise, I want to focus more on things that I enjoy instead of those nightmares. I would not be nearly as afraid if we had a basement. From the years of watching coverage, I learned that underground is the only safe place to be in the case for the strongest tornadoes. I wonder if anyone else around here has this fear and how do they cope?

I should probably stop being a nerd and try to make some friends but anyone on here a WWE fan? Big night tonight probably gonna get hammered at home and watch like I’m still a kid again but if anyone has any events going on for it I would be interested

Wow... it's been three years and three months since I got dumped. I still haven't moved on. She is happy with all the vacations and partying. I was a happy man who focused on growing in my career. I dated this girl for nine months and was exhausted when I got dumped. Although I felt I was changing my values and personality to match her tastes, I did not dare call it quits. I thought she had other good things to offer and trusted that there was good in her. And then the dumping from nowhere and no reason. I got no closer. I moved to her city ten days ago, and she then criticized me for how my apartment looked. The irony is I asked her for feedback before I signed the lease for the apt. And she was okay with the apartment at that time. I was a fool shopping around to furnish the apt for the ten days I was in. She also selected an engagement ring and made me order it about two days before I got dumped. 15K for the ring and 10K for the furniture. 3K for breaking the lease. I moved to her city, thinking I would never be alone again, and everything came crashing down.
It's just not fair. For the first time, I felt I should only love myself and not anyone else. I had never heard of the saying "Love yourself first" until that moment. Now I'm here in the new city with no close friends, and I could not reach out to the few people I had acquainted with for the sheer embarrassment of telling them she had left. My confidence hit rock bottom. Felt like I needed to be better. What's weird about all this is on one side, I'm sure that the problem is not me. But the very next moment, I start questioning myself. This has been my story for over three years now. No energy for self-care. No interest in taking responsibility at work. I am barely meeting deadlines to get paid and keep the job.
​
My friend called her to ask what had happened in 10 days. She accused me of many things and had no problem telling my friend I had no personality and that I slept a lot. But if these were the problems, she never discussed them with me. I was stupid to listen to the phone conversation my friend, and she was having. I wanted to know what she had to say and maybe get some closure. I was there for a month, hoping that she would come back. It was like I could only be happy if I could get her back. And finally gave up after 45 days and decided to move back to my city. Then I get an email from her. "Hey, just checking to make sure you are doing okay." I was like are you kidding me? I wrote back and said, "I don't think you give a damn about me. You want me gone from this city and probably thinking I might harm you. I will not visit your place and will not harass you. I'm any way leaving the city in the next few days."
After three days, she writes back: "No, I genuinely wanted to know if you were doing okay." In my head, I was like, I already told her that I'm leaving the city soon, but why is she still writing back? I was so sure, based on how she treated me in the past, that this was not her feeling concern for me, just that she wanted to know the actual date I'm moving back, so I wrote back and said " I know you wanted to know when I'm moving back so, I'm leaving on Saturday (which is two days from the day I sent the email). My stupid ass still thought she would at least give me a farewell. I hoped she would offer to meet at a coffee shop. That did not happen. Then I thought she would call me over the phone and wish me good luck. That did not happen. Then I thought she probably wanted me to settle down in my city for a week or so and hoped she would at least send me an email wishing me luck. But nothing happened. I can't imagine there can be anyone with no heart after all the care and love I showed her.
​
I was 35 when I got dumped. I wasted three more years doing nothing. I want to tell people going through a similar situation like me to move on. It is super hard to do, but we need to try. I'm cleaning my apt starting today. I'm so weak I will probably take ten days to clean the apt. But a lovely, clean home is the first starting point. Start eating healthy and quit all the vices. In about 15 days, I will hit the gym and be a better version of myself. I'm good at my job and will start learning new things to progress in my career. I wished I had some family and a few friends with me during these challenging times, but unfortunately, I'm an immigrant, and my family couldn't visit due to covid travel restrictions. I was not willing to have my friends around. It was like I needed my own space with no one around, which was a big mistake. Be with people all the time. The best way to move on is to get busy and do things that make you happier. Plenty of people are also looking for love, and making a change by first making ourselves look better is the only way to find someone.
​
During this time, I learned about narcissism, a concept I had never heard of before or had no idea how it could tear apart a partner's life. So much shit out there we need to protect ourselves before we make a decision on a relationship. Always watch out for the red flags. If there is no open communication, if the partner doesn't address your concerns, just quit. A marriage is a long-term commitment where both the people in the relationship need to support, understand, compromise, and grow together old in a healthy manner. If someone in the relationship is toxic and their ideas don't align with the family's best interests, dump that person no matter how much they had to offer. It is better to have a loving dog than someone pulling you down. Some people only take but give nothing back. Learn from the red flags and run as fast and as soon as you find them.
​
Most importantly, don't attach yourself to the new person you meet. See if they are right for you. You will know if they are right for you with how you get treated. It took four months to start seeing the red flags in my relationship, but I had already invested in this relationship and did not dare to break it. Only if I can shower more love can I get her to love me more. Nope, shit doesn't work that way. So lesson learned. Next time, your job is to learn about the person and only fall in love with the person once you genuinely get to know the person.
​
Just to emphasize how hard it is to move on and start the healing process, know that I wrote this message you read three years ago, but I could not do anything. Days pass, and then they become months and then years. Same shit, and you will get older. I will try again, but I can pull this off this time. GLTA. Stay strong and work on yourself.

AN: WOOHOO I CAN FINALLY RELEASE THE FIRST CHAPTER OF MY NEXT BOOK!
​
It was raining, a light but persistent drizzle that soaks clothing through and through. Though the humidity and heat of Spring in a swamp permeated everything, the rain somehow made it even more uncomfortable. A thick silence lay over the darkness with the only exception being a very faint sing-song tone that could be heard in the distance, the sounds of a formation run in full swing. But beyond that, the base was still sleeping the grumpy snooze of Marines who weren’t really ready to face the new day yet.
Down a darkened street lay the building. Illuminated only by a single, sickly orange street lamp, it appeared that whatever architect had been responsible for the building’s design had really phoned it in on that day. It was a purely functional concrete rectangle with concrete stairs leading to a concrete landing that gave entrance to tired workers with no appreciation for cinder block motifs. Bright green patches of grass were only just managing to survive thanks to SgtMaj’s lifelong ordinance against pedestrians on his lawn, enforced at the point of a knife-hand.
On the ground, pressed up against the construction in what looked like a boring game of the-floor-is-lava, they sat. Shoulder to shoulder, lined up in a neat row, taking advantage of the mere six inches of protection against the elements provided by a high up ledge, Marines quietly waited for things to kick off and get worse. No one was talking. It was far too early in the morning to exercise one’s vocal chords and anyhow, they would be forced from their sulky silence any minute by the platoon sergeant.
Klobi stared blankly at her green running shorts, moving her gaze to the white running shoes and socks. Well, they used to be white. The platoon sergeant’s enthusiasm for running on low-impact surfaces, i.e. grass had fixed that right up. With a mix of exhaustion and low-grade anxiety about the immediate future, she wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her green t-shirt. Should she have gotten up a bit earlier and shaved her legs before coming out here? Then again, does anyone really care about prickly stubble after a couple miles? Whatever was going to happen next was entirely out of her hands. The gentle susurration of Marines shifting around in a futile quest for comfort was the only sound. Oh, and the rain.
Softly, from the front of the line, someone muttered, “Yip”
A full second passed. Then another green-clad Marine repeated, “Yiiiip.”
“Yip yip yip…” chattered the next guy, faintly, as if the sound might be giving too much away. But Klobi could hear the wall of silence developing cracks.
“Yipyipyipyipyip” repeated the girl next to her. With no more words exchanged, the whole line suddenly broke out in the monosyllabic repetition.
“YEEEEIP, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip”, multiple voices joined in, all out of rhythm with one another. Then the base section at the very end started with their own contribution.
“UHHH huh, UHHH huh!” Within seconds, a disjointed cacophony was in full swing.
“YEEEEIP, yip, yip, yip, (UHHH huh, UHHH huh), yipyipyip, YEEEEIP…”
This went on for nearly two minutes and then, just like that, they fell silent. An intruder had been detected. A voice from off in the parking lot barked, “COMM PLATOON! FORM UP!”
Uggh. It was time to PT.
A couple of hours later, the gang were sitting in the chow hall picking at their government issued breakfasts. Today’s meal was low grade hash browns, eggs, fried ham slices, and slimy grey goop with chunks in it that the cooks claimed was meat from some named domesticated animal despite appearances. It didn’t look any more appetizing under the painfully bright fluorescent lights. The hall filled with the sounds of competing televisions tuned into the morning news shows and complaining Marines.
"I swear they put saltpeter in the food." Crannick muttered darkly, poking at his scrambled eggs with the cheap tin fork. "Every time we come here for breakfast, my junk don't work for the rest of the day."
"What, like you can't pee?" Tran asked around a mouthful of food. "Because that sounds like you should hit medical." He stabbed a piece of bacon that shattered on impact.
"No! No, I can pee just fine." Crannick grumbled.
"Why is this our breakfast convo, for fuck sake?" Klobi hated how they couldn't even get early mornings right. She smeared jam on toast, preferring that over anything that was cooked in the chow hall kitchens. At least she knew what was in it.
Ignoring her, Crannick pressed on. "I mean I should probably ask doc for some Viagra if I have to keep eating these disgusting eggs."
"So you're saying..." Klobi started to grin.
“Shut up, Klo.”
"I know a guy who can get Viagra for you. Cheap too, so you don't have to tell doc anything." Dawson contributed graciously. “He gets all kinds of stuff.”
"...Crannick is a broke dick?" Klobi looked quite chuffed with her own jokes as usual.
"It's not funny, Klobi!" He turned Dawson. "And is that even legal? Can we buy pills?"
"Long as you are quiet about it. Lots of Marines do." Dawson made a face as he drank some of the weird tasting milk the chow hall dispensed daily. He was the only person Klobi had ever seen actually drink it.
“Oh yeah? Who’s selling it?” Tran asked, entirely unaware of the street rules about naming names. Speaking names could catch the attention of the blue falcons and no one was having any of that if they could help it. Dawson shot him a dirty look and kept eating.
"If you pissed your pants, could we call the resulting puddle Lake Flaccid?"
"I'm leaving, Klobi had no idea how a penis works." As Crannick collected his tray, the others snickered. " Thanks, Dawson." With that, he left to dump his trash.
His departure lulled the conversation briefly. The shop report time was drawing closer no matter how they tried to ignore it. The brief window between PT and work was never enough.
"Who's he trying to perform for anyway? The Green Weenie doesn’t care if his thing works." Tran finished the last of his coffee and stood up. "Time hack?"
Dawson checked his watch, "0745. Let's get going."
They rose together from the benches and made their way out of the chow hall. As they approached the area to dump their trays and make their exit, Klobi saw a small, bleak table that had been set up ceremonially towards the front of the cafeteria. There was one like it in every mess hall in the Marine Corps, no matter where they were. The tablecloth was black. A single white candle sat unlit in the middle of the tiny dining surface and a single chair was sat on the right side. A neatly folded black cloth napkin lay beside a single white plate that was always empty. A bread plate held one single slice of lemon with a salt shaker sitting adjacent to the plate. There was never silverware beside the plates. No point. No one ever sat there and no one ever would. It would be sacrilege.
She took her eyes off the somber scene to toss the last of her uneaten eggs in the industrial waste collectors and stack her tray for washing before following her friends out the door.
As Klobi climbed the steps to the shop, she winced. The run that morning had made her legs sore already and she’d probably be barely able to walk by evening. But she’d be damned if she’d let that show when the others were bounding up the stairs two at a time.
“What are you all in such a hurry for?” she griped.
At the top of the stairs, Tran held the door as Dawson and Klobi went in. Compared to the muggy, suffocating air outside, the air conditioning hit like winter. Despite her muscle aches, Klobi sighed with pleasure. Air conditioning reminded her that it could always be a lot worse. She could’ve gone infantry and missed out on the joys of civilization for the entire enlistment.
Just before entering the shop, they paused at the wall of tiny metal lockers. Taking her phone out, Klobi set it on silent and then dropped it in one of the top lockers, closing the door and taking the key. In accordance with some universal law on abandoned cell phones, someone’s locked up device was playing a ring tone at max volume inside it’s locker. The owner had probably thought the ring tone was clever and individual, but it sounded damn silly on repeat as whomever was trying to call him couldn’t take a hint.
“Sounds like Hileman’s phone.” Dawson tried to get a good look at the locker number.
“How do you know? Besides the shit taste in music, I mean.” Klobi pointed to the offending locker as she was closer.
“What are you talking about? This tune was a banger.”
“Was. Oh well, guess we found our lunch flyer for the day.”
Anyone who didn’t put their device on silent became responsible for the shop’s chow run later. They’d have to take everyone’s order and then suffer the trip to the PX where the fast food joints were. This was also in accordance with universal laws that when a Marine catches another Marine slipping up, there will be some sort of fine levied informally. Especially if the violation was leaving their email open while they went to the head. Ooo-boy, that one was always a hit with the shop.
Stripped of all their devices, the three went to the door and swiped in. The data center might be air conditioned but it was also locked down against unauthorized entry. The Marines who worked in there, like many POG shops, treated their access as a rare privilege. More importantly, there was always internet.
They spread out to their separate desks, positioned all over the watch floor as they each jockeyed for some privacy. There was no other way to pretend to be doing work and if another Marine was sitting right next to you all day it ruined the illusion. Tran disappeared to the vault, his happy place in an otherwise confusing world.
“What’s the deal with Tran?” Dawson asked. “He’s cool and all but I think he might be gay.”
“Impossible” snapped Crannick. “He has boot bands on.”
Klobi snorted.
Dawson’s expression changed with mounting confusion.
“What do boot bands have to do with anything?”
Like any role playing game, and the Marine Corps during peace time bears a great resemblance to a bad one, Marines ascribed certain intangible qualities to otherwise boring (but required) uniform items. For example, Marines who had to wear red patches on their cammies[1] were considered to have AIDS and boot bands eliminated any possibility that your sex life leaned towards homosexuality[2]. The famous Marine dress blues gave the wearer +10 to sex appeal but that was nerfed by -20 when they inevitably started talking.
“He’s a jay-dub, Dawson. Poor kid probably doesn’t even know there’s more than one gender.” Klobi stretched as she talked, making her voice crack a bit when she got to the best part of her back muscles. “Oooooh gods, that’s good.”
Tran was in fact a Jehovah’s Witness. Or at least his family was. The Marine Corps was coming as quite a shock for him.
“Why do you care anyway? You trying to hit that?” Crannick leered at Dawson. “Forget your own bootbands for moment there?”
Dawson just shook his head and laughed. “He’s just…weird. I don’t know anyone back home that’s that innocent out of diapers. But he’s able to absolutely smoke everyone at PT, so yeah, I guess, who cares?”
Back in the barracks that evening, Klobi lay sprawled across her rack, thumbing through a paperback book. Her laptop was open streaming some YouTube channel for background noise, something she rarely did without headphones. This time, however, there was no roommate to bother. She didn’t have the room to herself exactly, although there were so few women in the battalion that single occupancy was not uncommon. It was just that her roommate, Sullivan, was dating another lance corporal, LCpl Hileman, down the hall. Hileman’s roommate had recently rotated out to another duty station and the barracks manager had yet to assign him a new one. That gave Hileman the rare privilege of having his own room, albeit temporarily. From what Klobi had heard, Hileman was using every available means of persuasion short of blunt force trauma and bomb threats to keep this state of affairs going.
The main benefit to Klobi was that, since Hileman’s room was private for now, Sullivan rarely slept in Klobi’s room.
Sully was a nice enough girl, although a bit naive in Klobi’s opinion. She had the look of a strawberry. Bright red hair, chubby oval face, freckles, pale skin that was prone to blushing at even mildly saucy comments, and bright green eyes, Sullivan looked way too innocent to be a Marine. Klobi knew better. The girl swore profusely, albeit in her squeaky high-pitched voice. It was like listening to a drunken chipmunk who’d caught his missus chipmunk with extra nuts.
Klobi shifted in her bed and tried to get back into her book. It was rough, considering she had just read the same paragraph four times but had not gotten any closer to understanding it. She flipped back a couple of pages and started over.
“In the universe, all things trend towards higher and higher states of entropy. Low entropy can be described as a closed system with a very neat order to things and little change, but if you break the system, entropy begins to increase almost immediately…”
She yawned. It was unfair that she so desperately wanted to be more knowledgeable and well educated while at the same time being as easily distractible as a kitten in a yarn factory. No sooner had she read one sentence than her own mind began formulating examples of the idea, until she was daydreaming and an hour later had forgotten the book entirely.
What did entropy have to do with anything? Well, it was pretty damn certain that just as soon as she had gotten things settled and neatly ordered that circumstance would lob a fragmentation grenade into the mix and then giggle with anticipation. Was it the fate of all ordered things to be utterly destroyed by chance? Was chaos never going to ultimately wipe out all possibility of order and sense? What, when you get right down to it, is in it for the universe? Is slam-dancing its way to surly oblivion the only method of locomotion that universes know?
Klobi sighed and closed the book, tossing it to the other side of the bed. Maybe being intelligent had a too crazy a syllabus to be worth it. It wasn’t doing her much good anyway. The more thoughtful she became, the less she fit in with her squad. Crannick, Dawson, and Tran weren’t the kind of folk to be impressed by quotations from Faust. They were more likely to stare in awe and wonder if Klobi were to pee standing up or knock someone out. She started to feel like their low standards were either telling her a major fact about people or else she was missing the real path to wisdom through controlled expectations and grotesque physical humor.
It seemed nature had designed Klobi to not fit in anyway. She dug around under her bed for her locker where she kept small personal items and put the book away. It was late and sleep would come and give her that wonderful feeling of eyeball ache that meant she’d be unconscious soon. No point struggling to understand eternity without its consent, she thought. It probably could not care less about the comprehensions of a hairless ape sitting in a swamp. Anyway, she thought, what, when you get right down to it, is in it for me?
She decided to visit the smoke pit before getting ready for bed. If there was anything going on, that’s where she’d learn about it. Besides, the odds were almost certain that the guys would be out there too.
In the darkness outside, the outline of a wooden gazebo that served as the barracks smoke pit was cast in the fluorescent lights from the barracks rooms. It stood at the far end of the courtyard, providing a vantage point where Marines could see the catwalks, sidewalks, and open windows of at least three floors of the building while they ingested their tobacco of choice. Two old instant coffee cans were placed at opposing corners of the entrance for butt disposal and one of them was charred from a small fire in the recent past. On her way out there, Klobi had knocked on Crannick’s door to invite him to the pit with her. He almost always said yes.
"I think he's up to no good." Klobi scowled. She lounged on one of the benches, pausing to admire the profane graffiti etched into the seat. Phallic fascination knew no bounds in the Marines. Maybe it was like ancient Rome, where dicks pointed the way to the good times. "Huh? He's like the chilliest SNCO in the company." Crannick had an annoying habit of trying to see the best in their leadership. “What did he do to you?”
"I just think," Klobi sniffed, "that he's a wolf in sheep's clothing." There was a slightly too long pause.
"What the fuck are you talking about? Is this your idea of some sort of zoological conspiracy?" Crannick really hated when Klobi got metaphorical.
Klobi rolled her eyes. "I'm saying that- "
"Hey, either of y'all got a smoke?" A new Marine joined them in the smoke pit and Crannick graciously offered him a menthol. As the lighter flared, Klobi could see it was LCpl Dawson.
"What's up, Dawson?" She took a pull from her own cigarette. "Living the dream." His southern drawl was even thicker with sarcasm. "Sup with you guys?"
"Klobi here is getting awfully agrarian about laundry day. " Crannick snickered.
Dawson frowned. "What? What’s that mean?" "I fucking hate you." Klobi sighed.
"What's wrong with her?" Dawson asked Crannick.
"She's been drinking the tap water." Camp Lejeune's tap water was legendary for its malignant properties and the on-base water treatment plant served every barracks, leading to some disturbing speculation on its potential as a source of chemical poisoning.
"Hey Doc!" Crannick hollered to the corpsman, Doc (PO3) Ellis, who had just emerged from the barracks. "You got anything in your bag for an idiom addiction? Klobi needs a fix stat!"
"I might actually stab you, Cranberry." Klobi got her own back by occasionally reminding him that his nickname was a fruit. “We’re talking about GySgt Castor, Dawson. Crannick seems to think he’s a swell guy.”
“No, I don’t. Stop putting words in my mouth.”
“Anything to shut you up.”
“Look, I agree that GySgt Castor is kind of a bastard. He’s just not as big a bastard as you think he is.”
Klobi privately reflected that Crannick was sort of right. GySgt Castor wasn’t a bastard, as such. It was more like he had the general temperament and charm of a demonically possessed wood chipper with a personality disorder. That was fine as far as the Marine Corps was concerned, but it was also a few steps beyond ‘bastard’. She couldn’t fathom why Crannick, or anyone at all besides GySgt Castor’s mother, would ever defend the man.
“He doesn’t sign you up for duty every single time the roster comes around.” Klobi snapped. “Or fail your room inspection for having dust on a pineapple.” She added, wondering to herself how one dusts a pineapple in the first place.
“Well, get good at the job then. If you’re crucial to the shop, you might find you’re less of a target for being voluntold.” Crannick flicked his ashes. “I don’t know what you want me to say.”
“I’ve had barracks duty, chow hall duty, battalion duty, and been sent to motor T to do preventive maintenance on the one humvee we have, all in the last six months.” Klobi took a drag. “No one is that big of a shit bird.”
“Don’t take it personally, Klobi. Crannick’s shit at the job too. He only gets by because he can run good.” Dawson smirked. “If we ever have to retreat, Crannick will be leading the way.”
Doc Ellis wandered up to join them in the dark of the gazebo. He pulled out a tin of shewing tobacco and began to pack it industriously. “How’s everyone doing?” He took a big pinch from the can and began lining his lower lip with a wad the size of a slug. It looked just as appealing.
“Hey Doc. We’re good.” Klobi grinned, thinking back to breakfast. “Actually, Crannick here has some questions for you regarding his-”
“OH BOY, would you look at the time? We’ve got PT tomorrow, y’all. Guess I’d better head back to my room!” Crannick stood up from the bench and shot her one more dirty look as he was leaving.
“Y’all need to quit smoking.” Doc Ellis said, pausing to spit into a reused plastic beverage bottle he always had with him. “It’s really bad for you.”
“Thanks Doc, I’ll forget you said that. Night all.” With that, Crannick departed, leaving the others to trickle away on their own.
“Yeah, that’s it for me too. Good night Doc, Dawson. See y’all tomorrow.” Klobi stretched and yawned, stumbling back to her room for the night.
​
And somewhere, two burly strong men shared an aggressive handshake and immediately exploded in splooge supernovas of epic scale.
​
The End. (For now)
[1] Their proper name is ‘landing support specialists’
​
[2] It does not matter if you then attend a sixty person same sex orgy, so long as you wore boot bands while you did it.

We've been together about 5 years. He opened up an OF account a few years ago and I wasn't totally thrilled about it but it made him happy. He was just posting solo stuff and eventually some with me too.
But apparently somebody very popular on OF asked him if he wanted to film some content with them. It could potentially make him quite a bit of money, he says.
That's not super reassuring to me and I'm still disgusted by the idea. He knows this - He's talked about opening up the relationship in the past in some way and I've been against it every time. It's a bit of a sore spot in the relationship, one of the few.
He's very enthusiastic about this though and has been trying to sell it as a good idea and asking me why I can't trust him. Meanwhile I've been feeling dead inside over this and while he's been nice the whole time about it and telling me he loves me and it's my choice he's also pushing the issue and making me feel guilty and shitty about it.
I don't really have anybody I'm comfortable talking about this with. What he's doing feels so terrible to me, but he's acting like it's not a big deal but also how dare I suffocate him and not trust him to do this.
I guess I just want to know if I'm overreacting to this or if this is as bad as it feels it is.

I’m an older non trad student. I’m very unhappy at my tiny university. My advisor is desperate to keep me here, he does not want to lose me, he keeps saying.
However in my upper div chem class the students and the professor treat me like trash. I’m disabled (ADHD, misophonia, ASD and dyscalculia.) Other students at my school and especially in my chem class will ignore me or outright bully me on social media. In chem they refuse to work with me on group projects or lab write ups, they will leave me to do everything. Complaints to the professor about the bullying and the student rudeness went ignored.
My professor prefers a noisy chaotic lecture (where there’s cross talk, or yelling out the answer). He likes playing loud music in lab and also encourages a noisy atmosphere. I can’t even think in his classes. There’s also two guys who say “uh huh, uh huh” for the entire 75 minutes, affirming the professors every other word. It’s so annoying and distracting and I learn nothing. I’m currently running an F in there before two other exams.
I went to disability services and my advisor. They both backed the professor up and gaslighted me: (“I’ve known Dr. X for 10 years and he really cares about his students!!!!”) Well, he does not care about me. He yelled at me in front of an entire lab class because I could not do a simple math calculation in a noisy lab. He then made a big deal of taking me aside to try to show me how to do it, in front of the entire lab class. Humiliating me so much I walked away.
My college does not properly accommodate me. There is a small office in charge of accommodations. My chem professor has fought me on accommodations (I finally won them though). I’ve been denied a note taker by disability services however and the right to distraction free test taking. I’m only allowed “reduced distraction” exams which at this school is a joke. They have no real visually reducing distracting desks like my previous college had. Their headphones hurt my ears so bad I can’t wear them. Faculty or admin likes to chat in the hallway outside the testing center so I can still hear a bunch of distracting noise. Again, it’s a fucking joke.
I tried to withdraw from the upper div chem and my professor would not approve it. I wrote a long email asking my chem prof to approve a withdrawal and he ignored it but had an email interchange with my advisor. I felt like this was middle school and they’re treating me like a problem student. My advisor and I met and my advisor said he would also not approve a withdrawal. I don’t know what else to do here. Stop showing up? I have over a month left of school. I’m really considering withdrawing out of this college entirely.

I hope rhyming clickbait-y title got you here-but it is indeed all true.
Here is a super short TLDR: 1)I once had a great and promising life 2)Drugs and mental issues ruined it 3)I got clean, but i still suffer and my life has no direction 4) now I want to devote my life to helping others and living an alternative lifestyle 5)First I have to get my mind right and Im doing this by going away to live like a monk for a year.
Im looking for “pen-pals” more or less. If yur interested- read below. You will find a lm email adress.
I am all of those things and I am going away for a whole year to live as a monk…sort of. More on that soon.
First I wanna quickly tell you how I came from the brink of destruction to the precipice of profound change.
I’ve lived quite a full life so far. I grew up religious, then became an atheist. Then I partied. Graduated college with honors. Won awards for my writing. Then I partied harder. Got engaged to a beautiful girl (who coincidentally helped me come to terms with my gayness). We traveled the world together, and partied. Then we split and I bounced around playing in bands and… you guessed it.. partying!
That was up to about age 25- then things got dark. Heroin and cocaine became a daily part of my life.
Fast forward through a brutal battle with addiction- and I came out victorious- BUT- it was a bit of a phyrric victory.
You see, I have never been the same since. I’ve always struggled with Adhd and social anxiety, but everything got worse when I spent 5 years doing nothing with my life. I became EXTREMELY isolated well before the pandemic made it mandatory.
I still sometimes relapsed and I moved in with my step grandfather- he is the only family i have left- the problem is- he is very emotionally abusive, angry and controlling.
He drove away every other family member that we had. I had no options tough, nowhere I could stay.
So- Now I just turned 33 and I am a hapless man child. I have nothing, and my self esteem has eroded away almost completely. Anxiety has crippled me.
But… I have dreams still- and a purpose to strive toward- and one last chance.
I want to devote my life helping others directly and in many different ways- any ways! I want to do that while living a minimalist and van dwelling lifestyle.
Thats all I’m going to say about that for now though because that comes later- this is about my next big move.
A move that will break the cycle I’ve been in for far too long.
There is an old nunnery in Detroit, MI where a group of men live a very simple life. They serve, study, pray and meditate and thats about it. No technology, no money- no contact with outside world unless its to serve.
I will be spending a year with them in that place. Basically living the life of a monk.
I hope that if you are reading this- then maybe you would be interested in staying in contact with me for whatever reasons you want. For me- I just wanted to reach put and find others like me and maybe we could learn from and help each other.
Anyway, if you want to stay in touch let me know by emailing me at:
(Ask in my direct message plz this post keeps getting removed and idk why)
I’m Tadgh btw! Pronounced like Tige(r).
Please understand however- once I go in for the year- I will only be able to leave for a couple days once every month or 3! So it may be a while before I can respond to the emails but I will try my best!
One more thing
I do not have time l do much more before I leave so if you wouldn’t mind please share this with anyone or anywhere that seems interested/appropriate. Thank you!

A magic circle appears on the ground in front of the ancient ruins. The group is transported to the entrance in a flash of light. John falls to his knees and starts to cry.
"It killed them," he screams.
John continues to sob uncontrollably. Kiera attempts to comfort him, but he lashes out. He pushes her away and starts to draw his sword. Marcus lunges to protect Kiera just as the sword's tip is removed from the sheath. In one swooping motion, John swings at Marcus. Luckily, because of his state of mind, John misses. Lilith walks up to John and flicks him on the forehead. John's eyes glaze over; his legs give out and he falls to the ground.
"What the hell was that?" Marcus questions.
"A simple paralysis spell," Lilith explains.
"Not that; why did he attack Kiera?"
"He didn't intentionally attack her. The orb fractured his mind, and Kiera was the closest when it finally broke."
"How the hell do you know so much about that orb thing?"
"My father told me stories from the war."
Marcus looks at Lilith, waiting for her to elaborate. "Would you care to fill us in?"
The group decides to make camp near the ruins before returning to Arcadia. Lilith sets up a tent for John and tends to the paralysis spell she placed on him while Marcus and Kiera start a campfire. After Lilith confirmed John's vital signs were normal, she started cooking dinner. She serves Marcus and Kiera a hot bowl of steaming venison stew. They start eating, waiting for Lilith to begin her story.
"At the beginning of the war, 8 years ago, two armies from the elf and human nations met in a field near a human village. The war had not yet begun, and this battle was over territory encroachment. The nearby village was expanding, and the humans needed more land to cultivate food for the growing population. The elves, however, claimed the forest to be theirs. In the middle of the battle, soldiers from both sides stop suddenly to look at a glowing red orb that appeared in the sky over the village. It stayed there for several minutes. It didn't move, didn't change in size or color. It just sat there. The fighting had stopped; it seemed to be a gift from the gods. But, just as the soldiers were heading back to camp, the orb disappeared, and a powerful shockwave destroyed the village. Some of the soldiers even reported feeling the shockwave from 4 furlongs away. The humans accused the elves of the destruction and retaliated by destroying an elven village, and the war started. My father and I were the only survivors when our village got destroyed by those disgusting…." Lilith pauses to take a deep breath. She cannot allow her emotions to control her.
"None of this makes sense," Kiera says.
"What do you mean?" Marcus asks.
"“None of this makes sense,” Kiera says.
First, why would an orb from 8 years ago be seen here in century-old ruins? And secondly, why were they reported to be a base for goblins when that is obviously not the case."
"Maybe someone has a sick sense of humor?" Lilith suggests.
The group is interrupted as John emerges from his tent and joins them by the fire.
"How are you feeling?" Lilith asks.
"A bit nauseous," he says.
Lilith prepares a bowl of stew broth and hands it to John, "This should help."
"I overheard you talking about the quest, and I had a crazy thought," John says as he slowly sips the broth. "When I met you, Marcus, you said you already had a quest."
"That is right," Marcus says. "The Guild master personally asked us to complete it."
"So, if you were picked for the job, someone may be targeting you three."
Marcus, Kiera, and Lilith look at each other in bewilderment. They can't believe the guild master would be involved in such a heinous plot.
John notices their concerned looks and tries to reassure them, "the job was probably passed through many hands before it reached the guild master. Whoever this person is, they're covering their tracks."
The four adventurers sit silently by the fire, contemplating their next move. Marcus and Kiera decide it's best if they get some sleep and continue formulating a plan in the morning. They head to their tents while Lilith and John remain by the fire.
"I'm sure you have many questions," Lilith says
"I do, but first, why do you trust me?" John asks.
"Because you have lost everything as I have."
"But we lost them in different ways. I lost mine to a powerful unknown entity while humans killed yours. So again, why do you trust me, a human?"
"I do not hate a person just because they are the same race that destroyed my village. And you did not learn about the orb until about an hour ago."
"I had already known the orb wasn't of elven origin 2 years after the incident. I was determined to find the one that killed my family. Throughout my research, I discovered that no dark elf can produce something of that magnitude."
"Well, uh...yes and no. No dark elf, as you call us, has the magical capacity to achieve something on that scale, but there is a race of elves on the northern continent who can."
Lilith explains that after her village was attacked, she began having nightmares. One occurred over and over again about a man with no name and no face. It seemed as if he would appear in her dreams purposefully. He would greet her as if they knew each other and show her his magic power.
"Are you telling me you can create an orb like the one in the ruins…?" John asks.
"yes," Lilith replies.
John stares silently at the campfire as he processes this new information.
"I'm not involved in any of this if that's what you're thinking," Lilith says defensively.
"Sure you aren’t. It was quite convenient that you put up the barrier only after the orb nearly killed us all."
"I said we needed to leave. Marcus and Kiera listened to me, but you were in shock."
John picks up a piece of firewood and tosses it on the fire. "It's going to be difficult trusting you in the future."
Lilith stands up, "why don't you sleep on it. We can discuss it more tomorrow." Lilith leaves John by the fire and walks toward her tent. She hears a faint rustling in the bushes near the forest's edge. She looks back to see John still staring into the fire. She turns back toward the woods, holds her out hands, and casts 'detect thoughts.'
"Hello, my dear Lilith," A voice says in her mind.
Lilith's eyes grow wide as she recognizes the voice. It is the man who appeared in her dreams.

Lewis Hamilton has been giving a little more detail on the difficulties he is experiencing with this year’s Mercedes, the W14. There are two components to his complaints, one in the basic dynamics of the car and the other in the feedback it is giving him. It is this latter point he was referring to a couple of races ago when he said he’d told the team last year the changes that needed to be made and they hadn’t listened to him.
He’s talking about where he sits within the car. The cockpit of the W14, just like that of its predecessor, is further forward than that of other cars. This is part of its aerodynamic concept, what has made it possible to expose its upper side impact structure and so use it to direct the airflow to the floor edges. But it also makes for an unusual feeling, as Hamilton explained: “We sit closer to the front wheels than all the other drivers. Our cockpit is too close to the front. When you’re driving you feel like you’re sitting on the front wheels, which is one of the worst feelings.
“What that does is it really changes the attitude of the car and how you perceive its movement. And it makes it harder to predict compared to when you’re further back and sitting more centred. It is just something I have really struggled with.”
Back in the day Nelson Piquet used to complain to Gordon Murray about the same thing in the very long, very cockpit-forwards Brabham BT48. When the rear slid, he was late feeling it. It’s compounded in the case of the Mercedes because of its dynamics – ie what it’s actually doing rather than just what it feels like. As Hamilton describes it, its centre of aero pressure (the aerodynamic equivalent of the weight distribution) is moving forwards a lot as it is braked, giving a sensation of rear instability. But as he comes off the brakes and the car levels out, the centre of pressure is moving a long way rearwards – too far, making it difficult to get good rotation into the corner. So it has the worst of both worlds: rear instability under braking but a reluctance then to turn. So more steering lock is needed which, when the car finally grips up, pivots the car into oversteer mid-corner.
These traits make it extra important that the driver can accurately feel what the car is doing beneath him – yet that’s exactly what Hamilton isn’t getting because of the cockpit positioning. That’s the essence of his current problem with the car.
The generation of cars resulting from the ground effect regulations introduced last year all have a more rearwards centre of pressure. The throat of the venturi tunnels, where the underbody suction is at its peak, is somewhere just behind the driver’s bum. Previously, with the flat-bottom cars, the area of peak underfloor ground effect was at the leading edge of the floor, much further forwards. So when the car was braked, although the centre of pressure moved forwards, it didn’t do so by anything like the same amount as on these cars. It didn’t then move as far backwards when the car levelled out either.
Red Bull has found a way of limiting the big swings in that centre of pressure, probably through its underfloor design and also with its extreme anti-dive front and anti-squat rear suspension geometry. And also, probably, by how effectively it seals the floor edges with the airflow being sucked through the undercut of the sidepods. The Mercedes is trying to create that effect with the downward-angled side impact bar and it would seem it’s a less robust mechanism, especially at low-medium speeds.
It’s going to be interesting to see what Mercedes can do now that it has recognised the problem. A sidepod redesign is expected, but the cockpit position is obviously a more fundamental feature of the car. That much, at least, Hamilton is stuck with for now.
Source: https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/hamiltons-cockpit-conundrum-so-far-forward-hes-behind-f1-rivals-mph/

Hi everyone,
I'm a big fan of the ATH-M50x headphones and recently purchased the qc45. Unfortunately, I returned them as they didn't sound as full as I'd like and had too much treble for my liking. However, I did try out the Sony XM3 and was really impressed with their sound.
I'm now considering buying the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones but wanted to get some opinions before making the purchase. Has anyone tried these headphones, and if so, what are your thoughts on the sound quality? I want my something that sounds close to ath m50x but wireless (not ath m50x Bt)
Do you think the Momentum 4s will be suitable for me, given my preferences for a full sound with not too much treble? I can’t decide between xm4s and momentum 4s (they have the same price in my country)

I was writing this story and thinking of turning it into a webtoon. Can you tell me what you think.
My mom finally caved in. “Fine, make sure you’re prepared and take the train to school. Make sure you’re careful and follow all instructions!”
“Don’t worry mom,” I grumbled. “It's not like any of us have superpowers anyway.”
I finished my food, grabbed everything I needed and rushed out the door.
Living here is expensive but it sure is amazing if you can succeed.
Even if the world was almost destroyed 250 years ago we sure were able to come a long way in that time. It was great enough that me and Thomas’ parents would try so hard to be able to live here.
At first glance it was beautiful like a dream. Sector 3 was one of the best Districts except 1 and 2.
It buzzed with life with people on their way to work and wherever they needed to go. Cars hovered over the ground at speeds of 20 to 30 miles per hour.They made a sort of buzzing noise that was music to my ears. The smells of food cooking in fancy restaurants attacked my nostrils hoping to draw my attention and buy their food. Good thing I had a hearty breakfast because I don’t think I could afford any of them right now. Teenagers like me hung out with their hoverboards doing all types of tricks that could easily backfire in a nearby park. They had neon colored hair, mohawks along with other choices in fashion that my school and I just don’t agree with. Other businesses such as hospitals, hair salons, movie theaters also seemed to attract crowds like a magnet. I even passed by the hospital my mom worked at. It was a huge dark skyscraper with a spacious parking lot with its name Healing Haven Hospital in bright colored letters at the top.
Sector 3 was a great place to live if you could afford it. Although If you looked hard enough you noticed the people that failed to make ends meet. In the slums people slept in man made houses of trash and boxes. Others smoked and did drugs which was kind of illegal. Either they weren’t caught or the soldiers didn’t care enough to check. Children wearing dirty rags who were so skinny you could count their ribs rummaged through trash and fought over any spoils. It wasn’t fair that this greedy government would place laws and taxes that would force them to suffer this horrible fate. I need money whether or not it's legal as long as it can keep my family fed and happy.
15 minutes after I left the house I finally reached the train station. I got off my hoverboard and got in line and thankfully it wasn’t that long. When I reached the doors, I almost had a heart attack. Guarding the door where two sentinels armed to the teeth carrying large guns and dressed in their signature white bulletproof armor.
“Pay up please,” the one on the right said as he stretched out his hand. He held a device that would collect the money you need to take to ride the train.
“Okay,” I agreed with a nervous voice.
I took out my own phone and paid. I was able to get a seat on the train I was keeping all to myself with no troubles.
After we started moving I finally was able to let myself relax. I thought I was this close to being arrested before I could do anything illegal today.
Sentinels are usually stationed in places such as banks and homes of important people like governors. But this is the first time I’ve seen them deployed at a train station. I remember when I wanted to be one when I was a kid and go to District 2 to make lots of money but my parents made me give up that dream. District 2 specializes in military and security. That was where soldiers trained and lived. Higher Ups also had access to a luxurious life in a fancy mansion and more money than what they actually needed. This is where the hovercrafts that soared the sky providing surveillance were built and maintained. Where Epizon’s forces that would protect our country from its threats could prepare for any possibility. Prepare for what I always ask. Most of the world has been destroyed. Africa has never shown any hostility to us. No, they’re just here to enforce this tyrannical government and eliminate any that may possess abilities.
I grabbed my headphones from my backpack and played my favorite songs. At least I can enjoy the view.
It was like I was flying as the train soared through the sky on a railway that snaked throughout the city. Never actually touching since the train was connected through powerful electromagnets saving both energy and money. The city looked even more impressive when you had a bird’s eye view.
Couples and families enjoyed picnics on tables at the Liberty State Park. People walked in and out of the Interpretive Center where history from about 300 years was taught. It still had memorials dedicated to remembering events like what happened centuries ago at 9/11. Now there’s a huge memorial dedicated to those who fought to save us from the Enhanced. It's still so hard to believe that people with super powers exist. I’ve learned about them in history class but they seem so unreal. I’ve never seen somebody shoot fire or fly so either the military is really good at their job or this is all made up.
District 3 of the great utopia Epizon. Named after the Greek word for survivor. When the continents Australia, Europe, South America, and Asia were destroyed in World War Three. By the Enhanced who gained powers that almost destroyed the world. Thankfully, the remnants of North America were able to stand up and defeat all the Enhanced people and create the amazing paradise we live in.
It sounds so unreal it has to be propaganda to control the Sectors.
We flew over the Hudson River Walkway. It was my favorite view on the train ride because I loved the way sunlight would reflect off the pristine turquoise waters. It's a shame we don’t really get to swim or fish though. That’s probably for the best.
The rest of the train ride went fast and before I knew it I was at my stop. I grabbed my hoverboard and raced to school because the Victor can’t be late.
While this District has its downsides it could really get a lot worse from here. However, District 1 was the real paradise. It was where the most important people with the most standing lived. The President, his wife, and other high ranking government officials lived there. In enormous mansions separated by acres where all the other people who enforced laws and taxes that made it difficult for my parents to live and provide for us.
But District 3 was the best place where people who are more fortunate like me could live. As long as you were skilled enough and worked hard enough. My mom was a somewhat prominent doctor at one of the biggest hospitals in this District. District 3 specializes in a lot of fields but the one it specializes in is medical science. Medicine, prosthetics, you can get the best of them from here. And my dad was vice president at a company that released some of the best virtual reality games. Entertainment is just as important as health in Epizon. Which meant I sometimes received popular games before everyone else. I remember so many times my parents and I would play together exploring outer space, fighting monsters. My parents are so cool, right?
You’d think that our life would be a little more luxurious and it was. Unfortunately, the selfish government increased taxes and fees from school started to pile up. As the victor in sophomore year I was exempt from those rules as long as I remained Victor. But my parents have yet to completely finish paying all those debts.
It's dangerous to get lost in your thoughts when you’re traveling 3 feet off the ground at 15 miles per hour on a hoverboard because you might end up running into a moving car. Thankfully, I managed to stop just in time.
“So, the Victor almost crashes to a fatal stop. It would be sad, you know. I’d hate for my best friend to die like that.”
I knew that voice.
I turned around and noticed that mischievous grin with sharp teeth I was so familiar with. With his strong red eyes and messy black hair he could’ve been a criminal. Well he technically should be but we’re too smart to get caught.
“Thomas, how’re you?” I asked as I got off my hoverboard.
“Oh, nothing, just waiting for you,” he replied. “I knew you’d show up here to catch the levitrain.”
He gave me a hug and somehow managed to pick me up and spin me around like something a kid would ask their parents to do.
“How’re you doing my best friend? Did you actually get a huge extravagant meal because I just did. My mom just got paid and she didn’t save a single epi.”
“Yeah, I actually did and so I can actually keep my breakfast and not throw up let me down.”
“Sure!”
“How’re you so strong anyway? I know you work out but are you seriously that strong. Don’t tell me you actually have super strength.”
“I hope I don’t. Life sucks as is but it would get even worse if I suddenly awakened superpowers.”
I feel the same. It’s rough but we can make it better.
“Fistbump!”
We always managed to read each other’s minds.
“Are you ready for these physicals?” I asked.
“I’m so sick of those things,” he replied. “Oh, it’s time for us to cross.”
We both got on our hoverboards and raced towards school.
“Don’t worry about it, you're strong and you’re pretty muscular,” I assured him. “But, I hope you’re not strong enough to throw a car or something.”
“Don’t worry about it, I've already tried. Nah, I’m kidding.”
“So, are we doing that job today,” Thomas asked with a mischievous grin.
“You know it,” I said.
CHAPTER 2
Now you have to admit our school was pretty impressive.
First of all, it was gigantic. It sort of resembled a castle but really high tech in blue, red, and white colors. In the middle FutureTech was printed in red and blue and was highlighted in white. The dorms were on the left side. And the rest of the other facilities and equipment was in the other half. This was FutureTech, a place which was probably the best school a student could ask for. Less than 20% of those who apply here make the cut. And the majority of them were rich kids who could afford to pay the tuition. Me and Thomas barely made it and it was really tough. But we both worked hard and eventually I became the Victor. One of the perks of being a Victor that must’ve been in place for people like us was that the Victor could choose anyone who didn’t have as much money as the others to be their second in command. They would be exempt from the tuition and other crazy rules. Did you know you have to pay a security fee after a year?
Crazy.
But those only applied if the other guy had good grades and a clean track record. But only as long as I’m the Victor and if either of us do anything that breaks the rules we’ll both be kicked out. Talk about pressure.
But this was the best place to learn anything really. Law, business, art, engineering and other sciences. And it could all be done here.
The school had defenses in place to protect the lives of students and staff. An electromagnetic barrier surrounded the entire establishment. Stretching out a few acres across outside the building. If you wanted to get in you had to get through the one gate in the front. At the gate there were security cameras, x-rays, and 10 armed Sentinels just for extra security. The security was just as intense inside making it nearly impossible to do anything that violated the rules. They didn’t waste a single epi.
“Man, the security of this place is unnerving as always,” Thomas complained.
“It never fails to show me just how out of place we are.”
“Of course the security is advanced. The children of really important people receive education here. This helps them make sure they aren’t kidnapped. I do agree it's unnerving but at least it’s secure. Besides you and I both deserve to be here”
We walked through the sliding doors and saw just how beautiful the school was inside.
The place was illuminated by golden lights. Robots made clunky noises while drones wizzed over my head. I could barely hear myself think over the voices of other students. Girls argued over petty things like their hairstyles and whose boyfriend was better. While boys competed to see who’s stronger or more handsome. Rainbow colors flashed from the lab to the right. Future doctors practiced their skills on mannequins in the lab at the left.
“Hey, look, it's the Victor!”
Soon, the whole school had their eyes on me.
Girls and boys waved and applauded. Even the ones on the second floor whooped and jumped around. Not everyone felt the same though. Some students snickered and sneered while others glared with hatred and jealousy. Even when you work hard to be at the top not everyone will appreciate it.
“You’re popular,” Thomas remarked.
“Too bad not everyone is a fan. You still got the ladies cheering for you. You think you could give them a good word about me?” Thomas joked.
“You know that’s not how it is. We’re on different levels in society. I lose my title as Victor and I fade into the background.”
“Besides, you're smart and strong. Try hard enough and you could get a girlfriend. Just don’t let anyone catch on to our extracurricular activities.”
“Look at that smug smile on his face,” a voice rang out.
“It must be nice to be the Victor's lap dog. I could use that so explain why it is getting wasted on that idiot.”
“ He thinks he’s so strong and mighty just because of that stupid pin. Wait till I get my hands on it, fool.”
“He should watch out. It’d be unfortunate if an accident were to happen. No one would miss some commoners who couldn’t support themselves without that Victor title.”
“Who is that?” Thomas demanded.
“If I find out who they are they won’t have to worry about creating any accident.”
“Chill out Thomas. None of them have the guts or smarts to try anything. Besides, together there’s nothing they can do to either of us.”
“You’re right. We have brains and muscles,” he said as he flexed his arms.
I don’t blame some of them though. Kids who weren’t super wealthy but still made it could use the privileges I got from this title. There were also the selfish rich kids who had more money than they really needed. But I couldn't bear to see someone work hard to achieve something they couldn’t. It makes me so sick sometimes. Our parents do our best just to put a roof over our heads and pay taxes. But I became Victor and that’s a problem. I apologize but I’m not giving it up anytime soon.
“ So what’s first on Victor's schedule?”
“First, we have History class. Then, I have to give a report on quantum physics. Then we have lunch right before the physicals.”
“Well, while you’re doing your fancy report on quantum psychics I’m doing one on the state of this Sector. There’s so many children and families without homes. If I simply beg them nothing will happen. I’ll convince them why they should lend money and support to those who really deserve it. They can train adults to help reinforce the Walls. Add them to the military. Children can also be useful for things. Think about all the new medications they could try by using sick children. They could also put extremely smart children to work in engineering. Even the government can’t ignore the potential of children if given the right environment.”
Good old Thomas is always thinking of ways to help those in need. He takes every advantage and tool he can if it means he can improve the lives of his mother’s and others. More reason for me to fight to stay the Victor.
“Thomas, I have a question.”
“What is it?” he asked.
“Let’s say if you can do what you plan. What if some of those who you’re helping have powers?”
Thomas' face darkened as he stopped his stride.
I hate to do this to him but what if some of those he’s trying to help are Enhanced. People who have done nothing wrong superpowers or not don’t deserve to be hurt out of fear and hatred. Especially if it was because my best friend was only trying to genuinely help.
“I’m not sure. I can already imagine what the government would do if they got their hands on Enhanced people. But if I can only help people with no powers who actually need it. Am I wrong to try even if it could hurt others?”
Thomas’ statement really made me think. The government will hunt those with powers without question. But if he can help the others is that really so wrong? If only we could get the power and authority to change Epizon for the better. A place where rich or poor, normal or superpowered don’t matter. The only thing that you’ll be judged on is your character.
But I guess we’ve got to help our families and graduate first.
“Let’s go Thomas. We can both think about that later. But first let’s catch an elevator to the third floor and learn more history. YAY!!”
“Ok! I’ll race you!”
In 5 minutes we made it to History class before we could’ve been marked late. Seriously, why does Mr. Rodrigo’s class has to be all the way at the end of the hallway.
We took our seats in the front with Thomas right behind me and got ready.
Mr. Rodrigo was an intimidating man. He was 6ft 6 inches tall. He had an even more muscular body than Thomas and his platinum blonde hair was as tidy as always. But the most frightening part was his silver right arm prosthetic which I swore could punch through steel. No student turned in work late in this class. We had a Veteran soldier, not some pushover.
“Today, in class we’ll be discussing World War Three and what led to it 250 years ago!” Mr Rodrigo announced.
The projector in front turned on into an educational video to teach us about the history of Epizon.
This is how the story went. Over 250 years the Earth was a beautiful place. All the major continents and countries were still thriving and Epizon was known as North America. It was a place where all races were equal. And people could enjoy nature and the same standards of living. No one went hungry and people could afford anything they could ever want. Yeah right.
However, this peace and prosperity was interrupted when the Chosen rebelled. When the greatest scientists of North America were able to give selected people superpowers to make sure peace could continue to prosper. However, the Chosen got drunk on their new powers. They betrayed our country and killed those who gave them their powers to make sure no one could fight against them. After taking full control of our country they waged war on the rest of the world, Starting World War Three. However, other major world powers also developed their own Chosen. In the next 10 years Asia, South America, Europe, and Australia were completely destroyed.
However, our country’s usurpers had almost destroyed themselves in the war. While they grew complacent with their powers we built up our resources in secret. When they attempted to heal their wounds we launched a counter strike against them. Using whatever tactics it took from air strikes, snipings, and more. A major part was thanks to a specially created poison that could weaken those with powers and even kill them. We finally won over them and took our country back. To celebrate we named our country Epizon and split it into 20 Sectors. The most crucial people in the war effort against the former Chosen were elected to be governors, secretaries with the President on top. With their descendants guiding Epizon to greatness and equality centuries later.
What a load of bull.
This country isn’t fair or equal at all! My parents struggle just to pay stupid bills! I go on these stupid jobs just to make sure me and my best friend's family don’t have to sleep on the streets. The horrible fate of those who couldn’t make it haunts me everytime I go around the city. One doesn’t even have a fair chance of becoming a politician if they aren't related to one.
I got so mad I snapped my pen in half. A waste of a perfectly good pen.
“Mark, are you good?” Thomas whispered.
“Yes, I’m fine. Sorry just lost my temper-”
A metal fist slammed into my table.
“Mr. Mark, is there a reason why you and your friend are interrupting class. Do you perhaps feel that as the Victor you have nothing to learn from this topic.”
The rest of the class snickered and snorted.
“Actually no Thomas and I were comparing the earliest of Epizon to now to highlight just how much our country has grown. I apologize if we interrupted your class.”
“Oh really. Well since you already know this class backwards and forwards you can teach the class. In fact, you can educate them on the Bloody River Incident. Consider this a test. And I do hope you know your facts. After all, I was the only survivor of that horrible massacre ”
The Bloody River Incident was a catastrophe where 1,000 died. I only learned about it last year because whenever the aftermath turned on the news my parents removed it.
“I’d love to educate our class on Epizon’s history, Mr. Rodrigo.”
Three years ago the Sentinels launched an attack on a refugee camp of Enhanced in Sector 4. Unfortunately, the battalion of 1,000 Sentinels was all wiped out. It got its title for the color the Hudson River turned when the blood of fallen soldiers mixed in. The security for schools, banks, and other “important” places increased. Of course they never bothered with things like public transportation until recently.
“Anytime this year,” Mr. Rodrigo complained.
Why did I have to get a pop quiz today?
Chapter 3
“Finally, we get to go to lunch,” Thomas cheered.
“Did you bring anything today?”
“I was super lucky today. My mom made this huge spread so I’ve got some leftover pancakes, bacon and some eggs. What about you?”
“Oh nothing so special. My mom was still at work so I gathered up some things and made lasagna.”
“Your mom’s super awesome lasagna,” I wondered.
“I’ll share some with you if you share with me,” he said.
Thanks to the insulated lunch box Thomas’ food was still warm. The aroma of all the wonderful spices gave me delight.
“Sure. One of the special privileges I get to enjoy is your mom’s lasagna. After all the school lunch is too expensive and while it may be high class food. It still pales in comparison to homemade food made with love.”
“Isn’t that right? So Mark, what do you want to do once you graduate? We can’t be criminals forever.”
“I was thinking about starting a company using our inventions. I’ve been talking to my dad about it and if I can remain the Victor until I graduate. It will be a great sales pitch especially if we can improve our projects. Even Epizon can’t deny geniuses who can make their country even greater.”
“You’re right. How did your Dad like our skeleton key?”
“He wasn’t fond of it at all. He said he didn’t want us to use our intellect to make weapons. Instead, we should work with my mom to find ways we can help people. For example, my mom’s a neurosurgeon. Sentinels who’ve suffered grievous injuries in training exercises will be looking for someone who can really fix them. Paralysis, loss of motor control, even the prosthetics they use sometimes malfunction.”
I took out my laptop and typed a few buttons. In three minutes I pulled a sort of research paper I made in my spare time.
“I’ve heard that some nervous systems are unable to handle the stress of handling new prostheses. And the more prosthesis they implant the more the increase in side effects. Some soldiers sign up for weaponized implants to improve their combat powers. I heard they can even copy some powers like pyrokinesis or super strength.”
“That’s crazy. Anyways I’m hungry. Let's discuss this after lunch.”
We’ll need all the energy we can get.
We split the food both ways and chowed down.
Thomas took out a mini speaker and started playing rock music. Before we knew it we started using the forks and spoons we had as music instruments. We tapped and beat to the music. But we calmed down a little when we received glares. We can’t be looking foolish.
The cafeteria was big enough to carry two hovercrafts. It had gold chandeliers and pristine white walls. Tables ranging for 1, for 2, and 4 were scattered out. Robots taking orders, collecting checks, and bringing food raced around on high tech wheels. The air was packed with aromas from dishes prepared by some of the best chefs in Epizon. However, what I despised the most wasn’t the high cost of food that made me avoid relying on school lunch. But the snot nosed rich kids who went out of their way to bring their own fancy dresses and suits just for the cafeteria. I mean are you serious? And the school allowed them to do it as long as it was just for lunch. I pitied the other kids who stood out because they weren’t in the position to waste the few good clothes they had. I certainly could agree with that. These kids would dance, sing loud and do whatever else that was annoying.
On our table just for two that was far away from the majority we ate our lunch in peace.
“Your mom’s lasagna is just as good as it’s always been Thomas. I could never quite recreate it even when you gave me the recipe.”
“Of course you couldn’t. It’s a secret skill that can only be learned by my bloodline.”
HAAH! HAAH!! HAAH!!!
Would it be too much to ask if we could just laugh like this forever.
“I see you’re enjoying yourself Victor.”
Someone just had to ruin the fun.
I heard the tip tapping of shoes from right behind me. One girl, two boys.
“I hate this guy. Why’d he even come to this school? He should have just been homeschooled in his nice mansion in Sector 1.”
“Come on, commoner. You should be grateful to be blessed for me to come to you. Your lap dog should feel grateful too.”
“This guy,” Thomas growled.
He grabbed a chair and sat right in the middle of us. His lackeys stayed right behind him.
The aggressor was the son of the President, the most powerful man in Epizon. He was tall for 15 6ft 3 inches. His white skin had no freckle, zit, or pimple in sight. His red eyes went well with the red highlights in his hair. Usually dying your hair isn’t allowed but when you’re the President’s son you get to break a few rules.
His two lackeys are Merle, daughter of Sector 4’s Governor, and Sector 3’s Secretary Charles.
“Jason. It’s time for us to eat lunch. What would you like to order?” Merle asked.
“Knowing Jason he’s going to order whatever’s the most expensive thing on the menu,” Charles answered.
“That’s right I Jason Powers sit at the top of Epizon. I come from a line of great people like secretaries, governors, generals, and revolutionary scientists. Someone of my standing deserves nothing less than the best.”
“Very well, I shall place your order now.”
Jason pointed at me.
“But what are you eating Victor? What’s on your plate? Pancakes,eggs,lasagna. I won’t allow someone as esteemed as the Victor to eat from such a shabby diet. At this school you’re one of the only people at this school at my level. Maybe I should order the second most expensive thing on this menu.”
“Ok!”
“What-” both Thomas and him exclaimed.
“If possible, can I take it to go?”
Look I’m not passing up free high class food even if I don’t like the guy that’s offering.
“Guess I’ll order it then. I’ll take something to get Waiter-bot!”
In response a nearby Waiter-bot rushed over.
“Hey, what are you doing?” Thomas whispered.
“Look, I'm not turning down free food. Maybe I’ll give it to my parents.”
“And what about your third string?”, he addressed Thomas.
Thomas jumped out of his seat and looked like he was about to start a fight. Thankfully, his smart to know that’s a bad idea.
“Considering you’re the lowest person here. Should I buy you the fifth most expensive dish? Or did that restaurant your mom owns mean you don’t need it. It used to be so high-class you know but ever since Father placed those taxes you haven’t been doing so well. You’re still successful, sure but your mom must be struggling to run it.”
Thomas was about to raise his fist but I quickly smacked it down.
“He’ll take it and thanks for your kind consideration.”
“If you need anything, here's my card. I may take pity on you.”
In 20 minutes the Waiterbots brought our food after Jason and his lackeys left.
We had Massaman curry, wagyu beef, Japanese sushi and other delicacies.
“WHY! Why would you accept that he’s mocking us!”
“But he’s giving us free food Thomas,” I leaned in to whisper.
“We literally do all these illegal side jobs that could get us and our families in danger if we’re found out. So we can provide for them. You think I’m passing up free food.”
Thomas' expression finally relaxed.
“You’re right it’s like you said free food is free food.”
The loudspeakers in the cafeteria shouted out loud:
“Will the Victor please come down to the basement prepared for the assessment.”
Voices from the crowd erupted.
“So, the Victor is going first?”
“I’m glad it’s not me.”
“What if he has powers? What if the Sentinels can’t bring him down?” We can’t leave until the assessments are over.”
“I hope he doesn’t come back. Then, I can be the Victor.”
“You think it’s going to be you. It’s going to be me.”
Why did it have to be me first? I wish these kids would shut up, they're making it worse.
“What are these brats talking about? Half of these brats couldn’t hope to be as good as you or me for that matter so they shouldn’t get their hopes up. The only thing stopping Jason from being Victor is you so there’s that.”
Thomas is always there to cheer me up.
“Well, I’ll put this food in our lockers so we can eat them after school. That’s if I actually see you again.”
“Yeah, yeah I hope you can’t shoot fire or fly too because then I’d be in trouble.”
“HAAH!! HAAH!! HAAH!!”
“Don’t do your best Mark, I'll see you later.”
After changing into my gym clothes I was escorted by 4 sentinels to the basement. It was only accessible by a special elevator built for that purpose alone. After what was probably 4 whole minutes with people who were ready to fill me up with lead. We finally arrived at the basement.
The Basement was where the annual assessment to discover if a student possessed super powers.
You see Enhanced have this sort of bioelectric aura that they emit that couldn’t be recognized using the human senses. They can only only be recognized using incredibly advanced technology. if an Enhanced got enough experience with their abilities, they could hide their bioelectric aura from machines too. However, this aura is linked to their powers and are stronger when they are used or the individual is under extreme stress. So the government came up with an idea.
To set up a school system where students can be monitored and powered people can be identified. With Sentinels there to take them down. And that is why every kid in Epizon has to go to some kind of school or get an annual check up. It’s so they can kill powered people when they’re young.
Could this society be more wrong? It saddens me to know that it could.
We finally stopped and the doors opened wide open.
“Keep walking?” the Sentinel to my right demanded.
Guess it’s time to get this over with.
We arrived at the Vault. It looked just like some high tech bank but instead of keeping people out. It was made to make sure they couldn’t escape. With automatic machine guns on the walls, Sentinels, and 12 foot thick walls of high grade steel it wasn’t going to be easy to escape. And in the case of an incident the elevator upstairs would be locked. Leaving you trapped under bedrock unless you could teleport or had some other useful power for that situation.
One Sentinel walked over to the Vault's white doors and demanded entry.
“Open, Sentinel 1706!”
With a click and clank the doors started to open slowly.
It finally sank in just how nervous I was. I was just as nervous as last year. I’ve seen kids that took the physicals never returning. As if they never even existed. My heart started to race and I could feel the sweat crawling down my face.
Please don’t tell me I’m an Enhanced person. I don’t need superpowers. I just need to graduate and start an awesome company. Hanging out with Thomas and helping our families. That's all I want to do! I just want to be normal like everyone else.
“Relax, you’re hyperventilating. You’re the Victor , you should be calm and composed. I mean don’t give us a reason to suspect you before the assessment even starts.”
Crap, I let them see me weak.
“Of course not, I'm just planning this out that’s all.”
However, my focus was ruined by ominous threats.
“Let’s kill those kids.”
“They’ll all pay for what they’ve done.”
“The sins of the parents shall be held accountable by their children.”
“Let the Revolution begin!”
Hey, what are those voices? They just started flooding in my head.
I looked around but I couldn’t find any culprits. I’m sure none of those voices belonged to a Sentinel. No Sentinel would dare to harm a student here without approval. So where was that coming from?
“Hey, who was that? Are you playing some kind of game?” I asked.
“What are you talking about, kid. Don’t try anything, follow the rules, and you’ll be fine.”
“BUT!!”
The final part of the Vaults wall barely opened before I heard a deafening boom.
The ground started shaking and the ceiling began to collapse.
“Did something happen upstairs,” a Sentinel asked.
“What the hell is going on?”
My question was answered by a ginormous explosion.
​
Would it be a good idea to start the webtoon with how the world was destroyed. Like it's normal and boom everything's destroyed. Continents have fallen, North America was a wasteland, and 250 years ago Mark and his friend are on the run from gangsters on their way to school.

Brace yourselves this is gonna be a little long.
My birthday party was last Saturday (march 25).
I didn’t invite my sister (23) because she is and has always been a big pain in my side.
Story time: our parents (more like mom) wanted Irish twins as she wanted to get the pregnancy and young children out of the way as quick as possible. But they experienced secondary infertility and hence my sister was adopted when I was 5 and she was 3. From the time she turned 5-9 when our parents had the “birds and bee” (this was an ongoing discuss whenever she had a question about how babies are made/ adoption etc) talk with her she just became someone else. She was really disgusted by the fact that our parents had to do the “nasty” to get me but she was the “chosen” one. And they never had to share germs to get her therefore she was special.
Whenever she got a chance to put me down she would…never missed a chance. She would frequently tell me that our parents had to take whatever they got with me. but with her they “chose” her, wanted her. On my birthdays she too would get presents because it wouldn’t be fair. But I never got presents on her birthdays because those are her special days. During Christmas she always got twice as many presents as I did because she was younger and my parents to comfort me would tell me in private it’s because she was adopted and needed extra love. We never did what I wanted to do for FFN (family fun night), all my childhood was centered around her. I really wouldn’t have minded if only she didn’t rub it in and made me feel like shit.
She would frequently try and get between me and my friends by telling lies. I have a best friend whom I’ve known since preschool (2 years before her adoption).
We are really tight and when she was 15 and I was 17 she told my bff that I tried to kiss bff’sboyfriend. Which caused a rift in our friendship until it all got sorted with our parents help.
She would come in my room and pee on my bed and claim that I peed the bed.
Would deliberately sneeze on any treats I got so she could have both.
Steal my Christmas wish list and copy it. Even though she never wanted any of the stuff I had on there. I was a huge nerd and still am, into video games, action figures, Star Wars etc and she is more of a girly girl and into make up and sh*t, none of her online pictures look like her in real life.
I know this is all elementary but I had had enough. I have my own place and planned my birthday party. I told my parents that she isn’t invited and they said that if she isn’t than they won’t help me pay for it.
So my bff and a few other friends pooled our money together and made it happen.
During the party at around 8pm my sister shows up. I never invited her nor told her about the party. I ignored her until friends said to just let her in. Of the 20 friends only 7 know about my contentious relationship with my sister.
She had never been to my place before than. The moment she entered my place she started criticizing my decor, the food, drinks, just about everything. Everything was kitsch to her. My boyfriend is from South Africa and she started in on these carved animals he got me for our first anniversary… aaand that’s when I lost it. I tried to keep it together, I really did but I think I did irreparable damage to our relationship. I would really not want to repeat what I said as I’m truly ashamed and embarrassed that I stooped that low.
Just looking for some advice. What can I do to make my little sister whole again.

Sorry I wasn't sure where else to ask this, I know you aren't irrigation people but you do know about home water pressures. There's lots wrong with my house, especially the noises my pipes make when the water is on, but I'm of course asking about my temporary irrigation set up for now.
I had to put down new sod after the hurricane since a tree fell and destroyed most of the area with a big area of space vacated by the tree of course, and everything that was wiped out around it on the ground. It was just Shell there before but the other side of my driveway had eroded so I moved it all to one side, and sodded the big side.
I am just running it off my converted hose spigot, I have 4 heads on 35 feet of 3/4" sch40, connecting my garden hose from the spigot to the beginning of the pipe. The first head gets almost all the way, the next is halfway, and the next two are barely spitting water. I know this isn't normal but I don't know what I can do differently, as this doesn't seem like asking too much of my system. They are just spray heads, not giant 5,000's or mp rotors.
At first all I had to use was an older spray head and a normal back and forth lawn sprinkler, both of those seemed fully pressurized. Then I eliminated the lawn sprinkler, added a couple spray heads for 3 total on about 15 feet of pipe...even that was doing alright. But then I grabbed more pipe and another sprinkler to get the corners better and now I'm at 4 spray heads. I installed sprinkler systems for awhile, never got into the final details of the whole thing mostly just the grunt work of it, but I do know plenty well what it should all look like, and it doesn't look right.
I even did this before with a new paver patio awhile back, needed new grass around the area and I set temp irrigation set up for it, and all 4 of those spray heads did just fine. But not this time.
Is there anything I can do, or try? my brand new grass is dying since I can't do it all by hand every morning, takes way too long!

Hi,
My boyfriend and I have been together for 3 years (today is our "anniversary" we don't remember the actual date so we coined it April 1st) and we were planning on going to a concert tonight at a venue that is closing soon, this venue is super important to both of us, we basically fell in love there and I spent a lot of my time as a child there. This is the second to last concert that this venue is planning on having so it's a big deal but not that big of a deal since there is one more show. Well low and behold I wake up sick. We have an event tomorrow so I really need to rest tonight so I feel okay tomorrow tonight. Issue is, my boyfriend is still going to the concert. I get it, I really do, I'm super sad about not going to this show but what hurts even more is that it I'm spending our 3 year anniversary alone. We have always tried to take a weekend or something off to celebrate (this year we opted for a stay-cation as we're saving up for a house) and it just took me by surprise that he didn't seem to be bother by the fact that we wouldn't celebrate it together. We live together so I see him everyday but our days off from work are different and he has a 30min commute so I really only get to see him for a few hours in the evenings and I miss him.
I don't want to spend tonight apart. I got to spend 30min with him this morning and he gets off at 7, the concert starts at 8 and ends at 12 so he'd be home by 1:30ish and I would be asleep by then. It really feels like he doesn't even care about seeing me today...So should I just suck up the sickness and then have to deal with it all week so I can be with him tonight or should I just stay home since he doesn't care? Do we think none of this matters? Please tell me your thoughts.
TIA

My life is unmanageable. I have absolutely no concept of how to set and stick to a daily/weekly routine that covers all the bases of home and family life. Unfortunately this was the way I was raised. I can never get myself together and my anxiety/ADHD is worse than ever.
My way of doing things has been on the fly since as long as I can remember but I really need more structure and so do the kids. I’m a stay at home mom so I DO have the time but my time management/organizational skills are crap. I put things off and then try to cram everything in a single day. By the end of the week I’m drowning in laundry, clutter, errands, there’s no food in the house and it’s a balancing act between getting this stuff done and whatever activities we have going on. On top of that, I have totally let myself go. No home self care routine at all, I leave the house in sweats with hair tied up and no makeup every day. I’m overwhelmed and constantly in a state of urgency.
So, what does your daily/weekly routine look like for you and the kids? How do you manage your time to keep up with housework and errands while making sure the kids are getting enough time outside instead of sitting on the tablet all day while also keeping yourself looking and feeling put together? Please share it with me along with any books or tips or resources that might help. 🙏🏼

I'm so tired of people acting like they aren't getting this game or saying there's nothing new and nothing's changed.
The OG Map
Nintendo went into TotK with a full, created map. They didn't spend any time needing to create a world. They must have jumped in immediately going, "Ok, now how does Hyrule recover in a post Calamity time of peace/dramatically change upon Ganondorf's revival?" There's no way Hyrule hasn't seen a large change in its world. BotW's empty and ruined sprawled world made sense for the story/feeling of exploration.
There were many, many ruined locations that could be now built up to new villages or new locations. Either maybe we the player help with this via Bolosns crew or a number have already been out together. Fusion and building settlements sounds like an amazing lengthy sidequest. I'm really hoping the Annuki from Phantom Hourglass/Spirit Tracks come out of some deep hiding in the Hebra Mountains and they are reintroduced with a village. Hebra Mountains needs a settlement or two.
Upon Ganondorf's apparent resurrection, the world changes even more. This, IMO, causes the most changes in Hyrule. Malice spewing out of Eldon Volcano. Likely opening into deep chasems. One of the criticisms was a lack of explorable caves. I'm sure caves open as a result of this. The Deku Fores/Tree apparently missing. Hryule castle rising along side other parts of Hryle?
Aonuma in the recent gameplay demonstration has talked about an "unexplored Hyrule" which I think leads to my next point....
HYRULES UNDERGROUND
I know this is still just a theory, but I really believe that the big expansion of Hryule they spent time on that involves a deep, intricate cave/tunnel system that spans the entirety of Hyrule. Our very first look at the game shows us that there's an underground system that leads to Ganondorf under Hyrule Castle. Zelda falls further into the earth from here.
In the most recent trailer, there was what looks to be an undergrad area with Bokoblins mining. You can even here an echo. I feel this has to be part of an Underground system.
Zelda isn't unfamiliar with two worlds/themes of duality in the franchise. I think we're going to be exploring both the light heavens in the Skylands while diving deep into the dark, once forgotten Hryule Underground.
Zonai in the Skylands and Ganondorf/demons in the Underground. With the Surface being the neutral middle ground stuck between both trying to live through it all
Nintendo is just holding this reveal close to their chests because it's just that big of an expansion to the world/gameplay IMO. And I believe it's something fans have been wanting to see.
SKYLANDS
I believe Skylands will vary from small patches to larger ones like seen the in the recent gameplay session, but like so many seem to worry, I don't see them being the main new addition to Hryule in TotK. They definitely took time, but they weren't the only additions in 6 years of development.
TRADITIONAL DUNGEONS
Ok, I admit there's not much to weigh down fears here, but I think Nintendo definitely paid attention to feedback to BotW. Divine Beasts were Nintendo's first take on a "in any order dungeon" format. They worked for what they were, but didn't scratch that itch. Zelda isn't Zelda without thematic, uniquely designed dungeons.
Going back to my first point, having a base Hyrule created meant more time to focus elsewhere. I believe brainstorming and creating classic dungeons was a big part of immediate development.
With the September trailer and those 7 symbols ("tears" ?) I believe they will be the McGuffins for each dungeon. Through changes in the world and Ganondorf's return, these new dungeons will appear throughout the Skylands, Surface, and Underground.
I believe that via Fuse/Ascend/Rewind, this will be how Nintendo handles unique gimmicks for each dungeon in any order. Each dungeon will have its own theme as before and "key dungeon items/materials" that you can use with Fuse for puzzles/combat/boss weakness. Maybe upon beating the dungeon, you can start to find these unique items elsewhere. Maybe there's a Shadow dungeon and it's gimmick is needing to use light/fire materials/items for puzzles/comat.
This way, each dungeon still has its own atmosphere but Links new abilities still allow for completion in any order. Similar to how Runes could have worked IMO if you found more unique ones like a Hookshot.
Please, for the love of Hylia, stop worrying and claiming it's "just fancy DLC"

I hope rhyming clickbait-y title got you here-but it is indeed all true.
Here is a super short TLDR: 1)I once had a great and promising life 2)Drugs and mental issues ruined it 3)I got clean, but i still suffer and my life has no direction 4) now I want to devote my life to helping others and living an alternative lifestyle 5)First I have to get my mind right and Im doing this by going away to live like a monk for a year.
Im looking for “pen-pals” more or less. If yur interested- read below. You will find a lm email adress.
I am all of those things and I am going away for a whole year to live as a monk…sort of. More on that soon.
First I wanna quickly tell you how I came from the brink of destruction to the precipice of profound change.
I’ve lived quite a full life so far. I grew up religious, then became an atheist. Then I partied. Graduated college with honors. Won awards for my writing. Then I partied harder. Got engaged to a beautiful girl (who coincidentally helped me come to terms with my gayness). We traveled the world together, and partied. Then we split and I bounced around playing in bands and… you guessed it.. partying!
That was up to about age 25- then things got dark. Heroin and cocaine became a daily part of my life.
Fast forward through a brutal battle with addiction- and I came out victorious- BUT- it was a bit of a phyrric victory.
You see, I have never been the same since. I’ve always struggled with Adhd and social anxiety, but everything got worse when I spent 5 years doing nothing with my life. I became EXTREMELY isolated well before the pandemic made it mandatory.
I still sometimes relapsed and I moved in with my step grandfather- he is the only family i have left- the problem is- he is very emotionally abusive, angry and controlling.
He drove away every other family member that we had. I had no options tough, nowhere I could stay.
So- Now I just turned 33 and I am a hapless man child. I have nothing, and my self esteem has eroded away almost completely. Anxiety has crippled me.
But… I have dreams still- and a purpose to strive toward- and one last chance.
I want to devote my life helping others directly and in many different ways- any ways! I want to do that while living a minimalist and van dwelling lifestyle.
Thats all I’m going to say about that for now though because that comes later- this is about my next big move.
A move that will break the cycle I’ve been in for far too long.
There is an old nunnery in Detroit, MI where a group of men live a very simple life. They serve, study, pray and meditate and thats about it. No technology, no money- no contact with outside world unless its to serve.
I will be spending a year with them in that place. Basically living the life of a monk.
I hope that if you are reading this- then maybe you would be interested in staying in contact with me for whatever reasons you want. For me- I just wanted to reach put and find others like me and maybe we could learn from and help each other.
Anyway, if you want to stay in touch let me know by emailing me at:
[email protected].
I’m Tadgh btw! Pronounced like Tige(r).
Please understand however- once I go in for the year- I will only be able to leave for a couple days once every month or 3! So it may be a while before I can respond to the emails but I will try my best!
One more thing
I do not have time l do much more before I leave so if you wouldn’t mind please share this with anyone or anywhere that seems interested/appropriate. Thank you!

• Species: Dog
• Age: 11
• Sex/Neuter status: Neutered Male
• Breed: Siberian Husky
• Body weight: 40kg
• History: Melanoma
• Clinical signs: Tumour in mouth
• Duration: 2 years
• Your general location: Ireland

My dog has a large melanoma tumour in his mouth, we were previously told nothing could be done and it grew very large and started to bleed at one point. When it bled we brought him to a different vet, who said as he was doing so well otherwise (eating, drinking, good humour, enjoying walks) that they could do surgery to reduce the tumour. They then decided to try and remove the entire thing and took part of his lower jaw.
After a few months it started to grow back, and now again it is very big. Because of his partial jaw removal the growth is positioned more in the middle of his mouth when it was previously growing outward from the gum, and therefore not affecting his ability to eat/drink. Now that it is large again and its position, he is starting to find it difficult to eat and drink. I syringe him water and he can eat his food if sectioned into portions he can manoeuvre down his throat. But it is becoming more difficult.
The vet wasn't sure if he would have enough skin to close up the wound if they were to try remove it again. And wasn't sure of the ethics of him going through another surgery as he is older. Also if they could not close it up, I think he was implying that he would die in the surgery. Or maybe they would put him to sleep then. But again, he still has an appetite, still likes walks, he seems pretty happy although getting uncomfortable with the tumour size. He is on a homemade fresh food diet which i think contributes to his otherwise good health. I really feel without the tumour he would live a full lifespan.
This dog is like my family, and I am feeling very very guilty just giving up. I feel like if we pushed with the vet they might do the surgery. It would of course grow back again, but it might give him a few more months. I'm wondering, if we will eventually have to get him put down, is it not worth trying the surgery? Or maybe the suffering involved in recovery etc would not be worth the time it bought him.