Happy Birthday Video Games

ship: the reveries of my mind (adri x akingraeux)

source: original content

word count: 942

I HAD TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT BEING PONG DAY, so have a cute little ism with Aki. Also a teeny tiny casual surprise in there. ;3c

tag list: @dearly-beeloved @camellias-and-coriander @rebel-wolf13 @sunstar-of-the-north @mahitoslittlebird @goldenworldsabound @edencantstopfallininlove @sosoftandsweet @dorothys-wife @faerie-circle-ships @kylars-princess

"It's video games' birthday today."

Aki perked up, his attention focusing on Adri's sudden entrance. The latter was looking at his phone screen, keys almost missing the side table.

"Uh?" Aki prompted him to elaborate, realizing he was currently getting annihilated in Guilty Gear, but gritting his teeth and letting it happen all the same, controller set aside. He was more than willing to throw a match easy.

It only hurt a LITTLE bit.

But elaborate Adri did, turning his phone out to show a particular meme.

"It's pong day. Video games' birthday."

Adri was sporting his usual melancholic expression, but for now, it was graced by a small smile accompanied by an adorable head tilt.

Cute, cute, CUTE.

Trying to downplay how charmed he was, Aki snorted. Though he was unable to suppress the grin that spread across his face, he managed to reply casually enough, past the sounds of Nagoriyuki biting the dust.

"Oh fuck, yeah, I remember when pong came out. Shit was revolutionary."

Adri blinked, lashes fluttering over wide brown eyes.

Cuter still.

"You- Oh man, you're showing your age there, Aki. I mean, I guess it would make sense, that probably wasn't even that far back for you. So you've really picked up on the gaming thing in this itty bitty portion of your… Nevermind, sorry," he blushed suddenly, realizing he was going off on a tangent.

There was no way Aki couldn't NOT laugh at that, placing his hands on his knees and then pushing himself up off the couch. Accompanied by the music from the character selection screen, he made his way over to where Adri was looking downward.

Humming thoughtfully, Aki leaned down and to the side, trying to catch an expression and looking very silly in the process. All part of the plan, of course, considering he caught Adri giggling a little.

"Well I AM pretty old," he commented, leaning off further to follow the way Adri's head turned to hide the grin he was cracking. "So yeah. I played pong when it first came out. I guess that makes me the literal only legitimate gamer. Posers can't even touch me."

He delighted in how Adri finally straightened himself, laughing in a manner so adorable his heart leaped.

"Aki!" Adri giggled as Aki embraced him tightly, giving him a little squeeze and pivoting them left and right.

"Yes I'm a god, yes I play video games," he continued the bit, his tone exaggerated in a charming contrast to the wide affectionate grin on his face.

"AKI, PLEASE!" Adri erupted into laughter again, the melancholy expression entirely replaced with joy.

"Please what, cutie?" he teased, pulling one of his arms away to tilt Adri's chin up as had become a habit nowadays.

Adri blushed again, but he didn't seem unhappy at all. Quite the opposite, Aki could tell his move had improved significantly.

In fact, it felt like it had almost…

"Pleeease… I don't know what to say, aaaah!" Adri whimpered, trying to turn his face to the side to avoid looking into those pale eyes that affected him so.

But even still, his smile was wide and genuine, and in turn, Aki's settled into a warm, subdued one.

"You don't have to say anything, angel. Not one thing," his soft reassurance was a surprise, as was the act of him tucking some hair behind Adri's ear. The way it had been obscuring his face was displeasing to the god, he wanted to see everything.

Everything.

"Aki?" Adri's smile had become an expression of curiosity, lamb-like in its innocence and naivety.

"Mmmmmh?"Aki practically purred, leaning down to place a kiss on top of Adri's head.

That earned him a squeak.

"You're…" Adri breathed, and it was clear that he wasn't sure where he was going with that.

But Aki made sure that expression turned back up to him, those big, shiny brown eyes directed entirely at him.

"Yours," he stated matter of factly, with that same soft smile.

"M-?" Adri blinked rapidly, not finishing even a single word, but Aki knew what he meant anyway.

"Yes. Yours. All yours," Aki leaned down as he spoke, creating a space just for them, between sheets of raven hair, hesitating just for a moment before continuing, "In service to your faith."

Adri couldn't breathe, let alone speak, the proximity making his lips tingle in ways only a god could make real. Buzzing that wouldn't and couldn't be remedied by anything other than…

Neither of them had any expectations for what the first time would be like. Nor any sort of semblance of an imagined time or place. And the feeling of it, the physical weight and sensation of nerves sending signals to the brain, could not have been predicted either.

Adri's lashes fluttered.

Warm.

Aki's fingers held Adri's chin firm.

Soft.

It could have gone on forever, that singular temporal point. Fixed in time, possibly fate if you were inclined to that sort of thing.

Adri had mentioned he'd never been in a relationship before, never been kissed before. Aki could tell by the way his soul was singing to him, his essence laying itself as if to adorn an altar, that this was an important claim to stake. And the way those eager lips began to part. He knew that Adri was starting to feel it, and god, more than anything, he wanted him to. But not… THAT.

Holding Adri's face in a fixed position, he pulled himself away, his own mint eyes opening by a margin just in time to see Adri's do the same.

"… Happy birthday, video games."

"Y… Yeah. Happy birthday."

20 questions tag✨

Thanks @rosesnbooks for tagging me💞

1. Name: Emma

2. Nickname: usually none bc my name is short but when it happens it's usually Em, emmina, rarely emmuccia and my grandma calls me emmù sometimes

3. Zodiac sign: pisces

4. Height: 1.70

5. Languages: italian, english, japanese (something around n4, but i'm going to forget it soon), a teeny tiny bit of korean (work in progress)

6. Nationality: italian

7. Favourite season: autumn (but i also love the transition between winter and spring, when you can feel that nice breeze in the late afternoon and there's more sun)

8. Favourite scent: cinnamon, vanilla, flower scents

9. Favourite flower: japanese camellia (that explains my url), cherry blossoms, almond tree flowers, daisy

10. Favourite colour: blue/light blue, yellow

11. Favourite fictional character: when i read manga/watched anime i had some...the first that come to my mind is oikawa tooru from haikyuu...and kinzou shima from blue exorcist (a very secondary character but the heart wants what it wants). Rn i'm watching brooklyn 99 and i love rosa diaz and gina linetti.

12. Favourite animal: dog, rabbit, fox

13. Coffee, tea or hot chocolate: if i really have to choose tea (but i love all of them)

14. Average sleep hours: 7-8 i guess

15. Dog or cat person: dog person

16. Number of blankets you sleep with: rn 2

17. Dream trip: south korea, japan, uk, scandinavian countries

18. Blog established: 2018 (i had another blog before, i think i'm on tumblr since 2015)

19. Followers: 258

20. Random fact: i'd love to have a study buddy bc i'm not very motivated to study and i miss karate...a lot

Apparently, Beautiful, and Children: BBBLEY SBOLO 12.8063 MANHATTANANIMAL CARE CENTER TO BE KILLED 4/27/19 Bailey is so sweet... tiny and tons of fun! She just needs some TLC. Will you step up and give her the TLC she so deserves before her time is ? For her time is surely running out... A volunteer writes, Bashful no more! Teeny-tiny Bailey was terribly shy on first arriving, yes, but since that time has come out of her shell and spread her wings like the beautiful butterfly she is! This pettie powerhouse is not only a Grade A snuggler with masterful manners, she's also a playgroup rockstar! Truly, Bailey is the real deal having stolen every single heart she's met since the day she set paw through ACC's doors including my own. Please bet on our beautiful butterfly today.<3 MY VIDEOS: Bailey is tiny and tons of fun! https://youtu.be/ilRbhLUyM2w Bailey gets some air, playing ball https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnM6AR79e8c Bailey, Princess Camellia and Treble in Playgroup https://youtu.be/l21Efwz-Gpo Nebula, Karma, Bailey and Sleepy in Playgroup https://youtu.be/-gjxcktvJQs PICTURES - Bailey, Panther, Rocky Road, Bruce and Violet in Playgroup https://www.facebook.com/NYCACC/posts/2303858539657938 BAILEY, ID# 57177, 5 yrs old, now 39 lbs, Manhattan Animal Care Center, Large Mixed Breed Cross, Black / White Female, Returned. 4/13/2019 Owner Surrender Reason: Pet Conflict Shelter Assessment Rating: NEW HOPE ONLY No children (under 13) Single Pet Home Medical Behavior Rating: BEHAVIOR NOTES SECOND STAY Means of surrender (length of time in previous home): Owner Surrender (In home for one week) Bite history: Yes, Bailey bit the other dog in the home. She was introduced to the other dog for the first time outside, then both dogs were walked into the home. Once in the home, Bailey bit the other dog on the paw and necks, holding onto the dog's neck and the bite resulting in punctures. SHELTER ASSESSMENT SUMMARIES - Date of assessment: 24-Mar-2019 Summary: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: None Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: None Leash walking comments: Fearful, tail tucked Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Fearful Call over: Approaches readily Sociability comments: Body tense, tucked tail, panting, stands still Handling Soft handling: Fearful Exuberant handling: Fearful Comments: Body tense, tucked tail, trembling, panting Arousal Jog: Follows (body low, fearful) Arousal comments: None Knock: No response Knock Comments: None Toy: No responsse Toy comments: None PLAYGROUP NOTES - DO TO DOG SUMMARIES: 3/17: When introduced to a male dog off leash, Bailey briefly sniffs the dog with her tail tucked and then mostly keeps to herself. 3/19: Bailey keeps mostly to herself, appears fearful with a tucked tail. She allows brief approach from the male helper dog, however mostly seeks attention from human handlers. 3/21: When greeting a polite male dog, Bailey softens and wags her tail. However, once he walks away, she tucks her tail again. 3/22: Bailey greets a polite male dog with soft wagging tail but stays on the bench. When introduced to a soft female dog, Bailey engages in bouncy gentle play. 3/23-24: Bailey engages in soft bouncy play with all male and female dogs today. 3/25-27: Bailey plays more exuberantly in a group of highly playful dogs. 3/29: Bailey engages in soft play with male and female dogs and puppies. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: New Hope Only Behavior Asilomar TM - Treatable-Manageable Recommendations: No children (under 13) Place with a New Hope partner Recommendations comments: No children: Due to fearful beavior Bailey has displayed at the care center, we feel that an adult-only home would be most beneficial at this time. Place with a New Hope partner: Due to the severity of Bailey's bite to the other dog in the home, we recommend placement with a New Hope partner who can place her in an adult only, single pet foster home and can provide any necessary behavior modification (force-free, positive reinforcement-based) and re-evaluate behavior in a stable home environment before placement into a permanent home. Potential challenges: Fearful Bite history (dog) Potential challenges comments: Fearful: Bailey is very fearful at the care center. Please see handout on Decompression Period. Bite history: Bailey bit the other dog in the home when they first entered the home together. She bit the dog and held on to the side of her neck. Pleases see handout on Bite History. MEDICAL EXAM NOTES 19-Apr-2019 Progress Exam increasing trazodone 200mg PO q12h indefinitely. 13-Apr-2019 DVM Intake Exam Estimated age:5y Microchip noted on Intake?yes Microchip Number (If Applicable): History : o/s Subjective:bar Observed Behavior - muzzled as recently bit another dog, licking lips, wide-eyed, tense, but not vocalizing or making attempts to flee or resist Evidence of Cruelty seen - no Evidence of Trauma seen - no Objective T = P = 120 R = BCS 4/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam:muzzled, but what able to visualize appears to be in good condition PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: ovh, but prominent vulva and mg's MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat, scarring dorsal os CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal:ne Assessment: 5 yr mn medium, mixed-breed dog 1) scars Prognosis:excellent Plan: 1) behavioral assessment prior to placement SURGERY: na -------------------------------------------------------- NOTES FIRST STAY / Intake: 03-15-2019 was adopted 04-06-19 BAILEY, ID# 57177, 5 yrs old, 42.8 lbs, Manhattan Animal Care Center, Large Mixed Breed Cross, Black / White Female, Found Stray, brought in by police Shelter Assessment Rating: LEVEL 3 No children (under 13) Medical Behavior Rating: BEHAVIOR NOTES Means of surrender (length of time in previous home): Stray SHELTER ASSESSMENT - Date of assessment: 24-Mar-2019 Summary: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: None Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: None Leash walking comments: Fearful, tail tucked Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Fearful Call over: Approaches readily Sociability comments: Body tense, tucked tail, panting, stands still Handling Soft handling: Fearful Exuberant handling: Fearful Comments: Body tense, tucked tail, trembling, panting Arousal Jog: Follows (body low, fearful) Arousal comments: None Knock: No response Knock Comments: None Toy: No responsse Toy comments: None PLAYGROUP NOTES - DOG TO DOG SUMMARIES: History around other dogs is unknown due to arriving as a stray. Based on in-care observation, Bailey may benefit most from slow introductions to social , playful dogs. 3/17: When introduced to a male dog off leash, Bailey briefly sniffs the dog with her tail tucked and then mostly keeps to herself. 3/19: Bailey keeps mostly to herself, appears fearful with a tucked tail. She allows brief approach from the male helper dog, however mostly seeks attention from human handlers. 3/21: When greeting a polite male dog, Bailey softens and wags her tail. However, once he walks away, she tucks her tail again. 3/22: Bailey greets a polite male dog with soft wagging tail but stays on the bench. When introduced to a soft female dog, Bailey engages in bouncy gentle play. 3/23-24: Bailey engages in soft bouncy play with all male and female dogs today. MEDICAL BEHAVIOR - Date of initial: 16-Mar-2019 Summary: Tense, tucked tail, whale eyed ENERGY LEVEL: We have no history on Bailey so we cannot be certain of her behavior in a home environment. At the care center, she displays a medium level of activity. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: Level 3 Behavior Asilomar TM - Treatable-Manageable Recommendations: No children (under 13) Recommendations comments: Due to how uncomfortable Bailey is currently with touch and novel stimuli, we feel that an adult-only home would be most beneficial at this time. Potential challenges: Fearful Potential challenges comments: Bailey is very fearful at the care center. Please see handout on Decompression Period. MEDICAL EXAM NOTES 7-Apr-2019 Progress Exam SO P was cleared of CIRDC on 4/6. EN -- eyes and nose are clear P CIRDC -- apparently resolved P Move out of ISO Not currently showing clinical signs but recommend P leave on a waiver and return in 3-4 weeks for OVH to ensure full clearance. 7-Apr-2019 Spay-Neuter Waiver Documentation [Spay/Neuter Waiver - Temporary] Your newly adopted pet has been diagnosed with CIRDC and the staff veterinarians are issuing a TEMPORARY waiver from the spay/neuter requirements of the City of NY. Follow up care at your regular veterinarian is recommended to ensure continued treatment through to the resolution of the issue. At the time of a full recovery you may choose to have your veterinarian perform the spay/neuter surgery, or make provisions to return the pet to ACC for sterilization. 6-Apr-2019 Progress Exam EENT - no ocular or nasal discharge - no sneezing or coughing CIRDC resolved Return to adoptions 3-Apr-2019 Progress Exam BAR, approaches front of cage Food bowls are full Minimal nasal discharge and intermittent sneezing A:Hx of URI, improving Low appetite P:Continue with current tx plan Schedule medical feedings Restart Cerenia 30 mg PO SID x 3 more days Good prognosis 29-Mar-2019 Progress Exam SO BAR in kennel. Approached kennel front curiously when I was not in front of kennel. EN -- eyes are clear. coughing and hacking during room rounds, stopped when kennel approached. A CIRDC P enrofloxacin 136mg tablet -- give 1.5 tablet PO q24h x 14 days cerenia 60mg tablet -- give 0.5 tablet PO q24h x 4 days 16-Mar-2019 DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: ~4 years Microchip noted on Intake? negative History : brought in by police Subjective: BARH Observed Behavior - tense, nervous, does not warm up. Soft muzzled for exam. Ears back, whale eyes, tail tucked, urinated Evidence of Cruelty seen - no Evidence of Trauma seen - no Objective P = wnl R = eupneic BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal discharge noted Oral Exam: muzzled PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: FI, no MGTs, no vulvar d/c MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: Apparently healthy Plan: Continue to monitor while at BACC Per behavior request start trazodone 100mg PO BID Prognosis: Excellent SURGERY: ok to schedule for surgery * TO FOSTER OR ADOPT * HOW TO FOSTER OR ADOPT IF YOU CANNOT GET TO THE SHELTER IN PERSON, OR IF THE DOG IS NEW HOPE RESCUE ONLY! You must live within 3 – 4 hours of NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, DE, MD, MA, NH, VT, ME or Northern VA. Please PM our page for assistance. You will need to fill out applications with a New Hope Rescue Partner to foster or adopt a dog on the To Be Killed list, including those labelled Rescue Only. Hurry please, time is short, and the Rescues need time to process the applications.

A Coffee Drinker’s Guide To Hamilton, Ontario

No matter the city you visit, you can tell a lot about it by the coffee culture it has fostered. In a city like Hamilton, Ontario, though, the locals would rather you didn’t judge them entirely on their 80-plus outlets of the ubiquitous Canadian coffee chain, Tim Horton’s. One thing the iconic chain, birthed in the city in 1964, has done for Hamilton was highlight the need for a local and independent shop providing a quality coffee experience.

Since 2011, Hamilton has earned a spot on many people’s radar for its affordable rents and developing neighborhoods. So much so that Canadian media outlet CBC asked if Hamilton was turning into the next Brooklyn. While no one is quite decided on that claim, the rise of rent prices in Toronto found many restaurateurs and cafe owners taking the 45-minute drive westbound to stake their claim in a newly flourishing culinary scene.

Fueled by the arrival of younger residents purchasing homes and starting their own businesses, the city has transformed. From roasters to cafes, the Hamilton specialty coffee scene began to pick up steam with an abundance of opportunities for cafe owners to create successful spaces that rivaled nearby Toronto. Popping up across the city to serve new and old residents alike are cool, hip, and affordable cafes in developing areas that give people a space to taste and participate in the city’s developing coffee revolution. For this guide, we selected five cafes that have been championing the coffee culture in Hamilton.

Smalls Coffee

In this teeny tiny storefront located downtown, you’ll find Smalls Coffee. The small takeaway counter owned and operated by Ian Walker and Jess Glegg is simply designed, with stark white walls, splashes of black, and only three seats. What the cafe doesn’t offer in the way of space, it offers in heart. Because of the…small…nature of the shop, you’ll be hard pressed to find a barista here who doesn’t already know your name or order by heart. Using a La Marzocco Linea Classic and Mazzer Robur, the shop proudly brews coffee from local roaster Detour Coffee Roasters as well as De Mello Palheta Coffee Roasters for espresso and drip coffee.

The shop is known for its perfectly poured flat whites—which a customer on my visit assures me are the best in town. Throughout the year, Smalls runs what they have dubbed “Coffee School,” where folks in the community can participate and learn all about brewing basics and receive a crash course in latte art.

Smalls Coffee is located at 8 Cannon Street East. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

 Saint James Espresso Bar & Eatery

One of the great things about cafes in Hamilton is that unlike Toronto, most of them offer table service and a curated food menu. Case in point, Saint James Espresso Bar & Eatery, co-owned by David Barhouma and David “Rocky” Ricottone (formerly of Toronto’s Dark Horse Espresso Bar). The 600-square-foot restaurant/cafe is sleekly designed with finished brick walls, large windows and a large open kitchen for visitors to peer into. Behind the bar, they work exclusively off the La Marzocco GB5 and Mahlkönig EK 43 grinder, and a Marco Jet. Their roaster of choice is Edmonton’s Transcend Coffee, while tea comes from Montreal-based Camellia Sinensis. Customers are also able to order coffee brewed exclusively on the shop’s Alpha Dominche Steampunk machine, one of only three cafes in Ontario offering the unique device.

In the kitchen, Ricottone has created a roster of seasonal takes on classic dishes that has people talking. The handwritten menu, scrawled across a roll of kraft paper, has rotating daily specials and everyday favorites, like their Drive Thru sandwich, which is a take on a Sausage McMuffin with a hash brown inside. You’ll also find things like burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, and shawarma on the lunch menu.

Saint James Espresso Bar & Eatery is located at 170 James Street North. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 The Pinecone Coffee Company

If you’re visiting Hamilton from Toronto, chances are you’ll be taking the GO Train into the city. If you are, then the first place you should stop into is The Pinecone Coffee Company—a quick five-minute walk from the station. Owner Denise Higginson grew up in Vancouver and at one point lived in Seattle. For Higginson, opening a neighborhood spot with great coffee fulfilled a lifelong dream. The space is sweet and simple, with honey-colored wood floors, big windows, and local art adorning the walls.

Behind the bar, baristas work with beans from West Coast roasters 49th Parallel Roasters and Elysian Coffee. Pulling shots off their La Marzocco Linea Classic machine, they offer filter coffee brewed fresh by the cup on an AeroPress or batch brewed by FETCO, and use Mahlkönig Guatemala and Nuova Simonelli Mythos One Clima-Pro grinders. Want to try something different? Try their take on the Spanish Latte (espresso, condensed milk, milk with a dash of cinnamon). And while they bake in-house, they also offer Donut Monster doughnuts and items from Hotti Biscotti.

The Pinecone Coffee Company is located at 175 John Street South. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 The Cannon

For many baristas visiting from Toronto, a stop into The Cannon—one of Hamilton’s first Third Wave cafes—is necessary. On any given day, you can find owners Anne Cumby and Cindy Stout behind the bar taking orders and making recommendations on their menu. To say that they take their coffee seriously would be an understatement: Cumby has placed in the top five during both the Eastern Canada division of the Brewer’s Cup and the Central Regional Barista Competition. From the outside, the neighborhood coffee shop may look fairly unassuming. But once through the doors, you’ll find an incredibly welcoming space featuring a wooden community table with bright yellow chairs, huge windows offering a perfect street view from their corner unit, and a lighting installation by Toronto designer Enoch Khuu.

Behind the bar, shots are pulled off a La Marzocco Linea Classic machine using Hamilton’s own Detour Coffee Roasters. For filter coffee, they batch brew on their BUNN brewers using Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters and Reunion Island Coffee. Visitors can also treat themselves to a fresh filter coffee brewed using a Chemex or a tea by Hamilton’s own Short and Stout.

If you’re hungry, the cafe prides itself on its waffle sandwiches, including the grilled vegetable or the Black Forest ham sandwich—to name a few. But if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, doughnuts from Donut Monster and house-made scones, muffins, and cookies are also available.

The Cannon is located at 179 Ottawa Street North. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 Detour Café

About a 15-minute drive from the downtown Hamilton core is Dundas, Ontario, the home of Detour Café. Co-owned by Crystal and Kaelin McCowan, the cafe is an offshoot of Detour Coffee Roasters, which started roasting coffee in 2009 from the back door of the same building that houses the cafe. Like many of the other cafes, Detour serves up fresh food using locally sourced ingredients and has earned an official FeastON certification which ensures 25% of the food served is from Ontario. On the menu are classic comforts like mac and cheese to quick and easy avocado toast.

The decor is cozy with a hint of retro feel with rows of wooden tables, big windows, and an adjacent patio for warmer days. Behind the bar, baristas work on the La Marzocco FB80 and Mahlkönig K30 to pull shots of the latest roasts that Detour Coffee has to offer. Though it’s not in Hamilton proper, Detour fuels so much of the city’s best coffee that it’s always worth a visit to the source.

Detour Café is located at 41 King Street West, Dundas. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Amanda Scriver (@amascriver) is a freelance journalist based in Toronto. Read more Amanda Scriver on Sprudge.

Cafe photos courtesy of Kailee Mandel. Top photo courtesy of Hamilton Tourism Board.

The post A Coffee Drinker’s Guide To Hamilton, Ontario appeared first on Sprudge.

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Apparently, Beautiful, and Children: BBBLEY SBOLO 12.8063 MANHATTANANIMAL CARE CENTER TO BE KILLED 4/4/19 Bailey is so sweet... tiny and tons of fun! She just needs some TLC. Will you step up and give her the TLC she so deserves before her time is ? For her time is surely running out... A volunteer writes, Bashful no more! Teeny-tiny Bailey was terribly shy on first arriving, yes, but since that time has come out of her shell and spread her wings like the beautiful butterfly she is! This pettie powerhouse is not only a Grade A snuggler with masterful manners, she's also a playgroup rockstar! Truly, Bailey is the real deal having stolen every single heart she's met since the day she set paw through ACC's doors including my own. Please bet on our beautiful butterfly today.<3 MY VIDEOS: Bailey is tiny and tons of fun! https://youtu.be/ilRbhLUyM2w Bailey, Princess Camellia and Treble in Playgroup https://youtu.be/l21Efwz-Gpo Nebula, Karma, Bailey and Sleepy in Playgroup https://youtu.be/-gjxcktvJQs PICTURES - Bailey, Panther, Rocky Road, Bruce and Violet in Playgroup https://www.facebook.com/NYCACC/posts/2303858539657938 BAILEY, ID# 57177, 5 yrs old, 42.8 lbs, Manhattan Animal Care Center, Large Mixed Breed Cross, Black / White Female, Found Stray, brought in by police Shelter Assessment Rating: LEVEL 3 No children (under 13) Medical Behavior Rating: BEHAVIOR NOTES Means of surrender (length of time in previous home): Stray SHELTER ASSESSMENT - Date of assessment: 24-Mar-2019 Summary: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: None Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: None Leash walking comments: Fearful, tail tucked Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Fearful Call over: Approaches readily Sociability comments: Body tense, tucked tail, panting, stands still Handling Soft handling: Fearful Exuberant handling: Fearful Comments: Body tense, tucked tail, trembling, panting Arousal Jog: Follows (body low, fearful) Arousal comments: None Knock: No response Knock Comments: None Toy: No responsse Toy comments: None PLAYGROUP NOTES - DOG TO DOG SUMMARIES: History around other dogs is unknown due to arriving as a stray. Based on in-care observation, Bailey may benefit most from slow introductions to social , playful dogs. 3/17: When introduced to a male dog off leash, Bailey briefly sniffs the dog with her tail tucked and then mostly keeps to herself. 3/19: Bailey keeps mostly to herself, appears fearful with a tucked tail. She allows brief approach from the male helper dog, however mostly seeks attention from human handlers. 3/21: When greeting a polite male dog, Bailey softens and wags her tail. However, once he walks away, she tucks her tail again. 3/22: Bailey greets a polite male dog with soft wagging tail but stays on the bench. When introduced to a soft female dog, Bailey engages in bouncy gentle play. 3/23-24: Bailey engages in soft bouncy play with all male and female dogs today. MEDICAL BEHAVIOR - Date of initial: 16-Mar-2019 Summary: Tense, tucked tail, whale eyed ENERGY LEVEL: We have no history on Bailey so we cannot be certain of her behavior in a home environment. At the care center, she displays a medium level of activity. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: Level 3 Behavior Asilomar TM - Treatable-Manageable Recommendations: No children (under 13) Recommendations comments: Due to how uncomfortable Bailey is currently with touch and novel stimuli, we feel that an adult-only home would be most beneficial at this time. Potential challenges: Fearful Potential challenges comments: Bailey is very fearful at the care center. Please see handout on Decompression Period. MEDICAL EXAM NOTES 16-Mar-2019 DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: ~4 years Microchip noted on Intake? negative History : brought in by police Subjective: BARH Observed Behavior - tense, nervous, does not warm up. Soft muzzled for exam. Ears back, whale eyes, tail tucked, urinated Evidence of Cruelty seen - no Evidence of Trauma seen - no Objective P = wnl R = eupneic BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal discharge noted Oral Exam: muzzled PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: FI, no MGTs, no vulvar d/c MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: Apparently healthy Plan: Continue to monitor while at BACC Per behavior request start trazodone 100mg PO BID Prognosis: Excellent SURGERY: ok to schedule for surgery * TO FOSTER OR ADOPT * HOW TO RESERVE A “TO BE KILLED” DOG ONLINE (only for those who can get to the shelter IN PERSON to complete the adoption process, and only for the dogs on the list NOT marked New Hope Rescue Only). Follow our Step by Step directions below! PLEASE NOTE – YOU MUST USE A PC OR TABLET – PHONE RESERVES WILL NOT WORK! * STEP 1: CLICK ON THIS RESERVE LINK: https://newhope.shelterbuddy.com/Animal/List Step 2: Go to the red menu button on the top right corner, click register and fill in your info. Step 3: Go to your email and verify account \ Step 4: Go back to the website, click the menu button and view available dogs Step 5: Scroll to the animal you are interested and click reserve STEP 6 ( MOST IMPORTANT STEP ): GO TO THE MENU AGAIN AND VIEW YOUR CART. THE ANIMAL SHOULD NOW BE IN YOUR CART! Step 7: Fill in your credit card info and complete transaction HOW TO FOSTER OR ADOPT IF YOU CANNOT GET TO THE SHELTER IN PERSON, OR IF THE DOG IS NEW HOPE RESCUE ONLY! You must live within 3 – 4 hours of NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, DE, MD, MA, NH, VT, ME or Northern VA. Please PM our page for assistance. You will need to fill out applications with a New Hope Rescue Partner to foster or adopt a dog on the To Be Killed list, including those labelled Rescue Only. Hurry please, time is short, and the Rescues need time to process the applications.

Apparently, Beautiful, and Children: BBBLEY SBOLO 12.8063 MANHATTANANIMAL CARE CENTER TO BE KILLED 4/2/19 Bailey is so sweet... tiny and tons of fun! She just needs some TLC. Will you step up and give her the TLC she so deserves before her time is ? For her time is surely running out... A volunteer writes, Bashful no more! Teeny-tiny Bailey was terribly shy on first arriving, yes, but since that time has come out of her shell and spread her wings like the beautiful butterfly she is! This pettie powerhouse is not only a Grade A snuggler with masterful manners, she's also a playgroup rockstar! Truly, Bailey is the real deal having stolen every single heart she's met since the day she set paw through ACC's doors including my own. Please bet on our beautiful butterfly today.<3 MY VIDEOS: Bailey is tiny and tons of fun! https://youtu.be/ilRbhLUyM2w Bailey, Princess Camellia and Treble in Playgroup https://youtu.be/l21Efwz-Gpo Nebula, Karma, Bailey and Sleepy in Playgroup https://youtu.be/-gjxcktvJQs PICTURES - Bailey, Panther, Rocky Road, Bruce and Violet in Playgroup https://www.facebook.com/NYCACC/posts/2303858539657938 BAILEY, ID# 57177, 5 yrs old, 42.8 lbs, Manhattan Animal Care Center, Large Mixed Breed Cross, Black / White Female, Found Stray, brought in by police Shelter Assessment Rating: LEVEL 3 No children (under 13) Medical Behavior Rating: BEHAVIOR NOTES Means of surrender (length of time in previous home): Stray SHELTER ASSESSMENT - Date of assessment: 24-Mar-2019 Summary: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: None Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: None Leash walking comments: Fearful, tail tucked Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Fearful Call over: Approaches readily Sociability comments: Body tense, tucked tail, panting, stands still Handling Soft handling: Fearful Exuberant handling: Fearful Comments: Body tense, tucked tail, trembling, panting Arousal Jog: Follows (body low, fearful) Arousal comments: None Knock: No response Knock Comments: None Toy: No responsse Toy comments: None PLAYGROUP NOTES - DOG TO DOG SUMMARIES: History around other dogs is unknown due to arriving as a stray. Based on in-care observation, Bailey may benefit most from slow introductions to social , playful dogs. 3/17: When introduced to a male dog off leash, Bailey briefly sniffs the dog with her tail tucked and then mostly keeps to herself. 3/19: Bailey keeps mostly to herself, appears fearful with a tucked tail. She allows brief approach from the male helper dog, however mostly seeks attention from human handlers. 3/21: When greeting a polite male dog, Bailey softens and wags her tail. However, once he walks away, she tucks her tail again. 3/22: Bailey greets a polite male dog with soft wagging tail but stays on the bench. When introduced to a soft female dog, Bailey engages in bouncy gentle play. 3/23-24: Bailey engages in soft bouncy play with all male and female dogs today. MEDICAL BEHAVIOR - Date of initial: 16-Mar-2019 Summary: Tense, tucked tail, whale eyed ENERGY LEVEL: We have no history on Bailey so we cannot be certain of her behavior in a home environment. At the care center, she displays a medium level of activity. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: Level 3 Behavior Asilomar TM - Treatable-Manageable Recommendations: No children (under 13) Recommendations comments: Due to how uncomfortable Bailey is currently with touch and novel stimuli, we feel that an adult-only home would be most beneficial at this time. Potential challenges: Fearful Potential challenges comments: Bailey is very fearful at the care center. Please see handout on Decompression Period. MEDICAL EXAM NOTES 16-Mar-2019 DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: ~4 years Microchip noted on Intake? negative History : brought in by police Subjective: BARH Observed Behavior - tense, nervous, does not warm up. Soft muzzled for exam. Ears back, whale eyes, tail tucked, urinated Evidence of Cruelty seen - no Evidence of Trauma seen - no Objective P = wnl R = eupneic BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal discharge noted Oral Exam: muzzled PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: FI, no MGTs, no vulvar d/c MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: Apparently healthy Plan: Continue to monitor while at BACC Per behavior request start trazodone 100mg PO BID Prognosis: Excellent SURGERY: ok to schedule for surgery * TO FOSTER OR ADOPT * HOW TO RESERVE A “TO BE KILLED” DOG ONLINE (only for those who can get to the shelter IN PERSON to complete the adoption process, and only for the dogs on the list NOT marked New Hope Rescue Only). Follow our Step by Step directions below! PLEASE NOTE – YOU MUST USE A PC OR TABLET – PHONE RESERVES WILL NOT WORK! * STEP 1: CLICK ON THIS RESERVE LINK: https://newhope.shelterbuddy.com/Animal/List Step 2: Go to the red menu button on the top right corner, click register and fill in your info. Step 3: Go to your email and verify account \ Step 4: Go back to the website, click the menu button and view available dogs Step 5: Scroll to the animal you are interested and click reserve STEP 6 ( MOST IMPORTANT STEP ): GO TO THE MENU AGAIN AND VIEW YOUR CART. THE ANIMAL SHOULD NOW BE IN YOUR CART! Step 7: Fill in your credit card info and complete transaction HOW TO FOSTER OR ADOPT IF YOU CANNOT GET TO THE SHELTER IN PERSON, OR IF THE DOG IS NEW HOPE RESCUE ONLY! You must live within 3 – 4 hours of NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, DE, MD, MA, NH, VT, ME or Northern VA. Please PM our page for assistance. You will need to fill out applications with a New Hope Rescue Partner to foster or adopt a dog on the To Be Killed list, including those labelled Rescue Only. Hurry please, time is short, and the Rescues need time to process the applications.