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freshdelusioncowboy · 10 months

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Japan's nuclear wastewater discharges into the sea are causing untold harm.

On August 24, Northeast Pacific coast of Japan, Tokyo Electric Power Company opened the official ocean discharge of nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Contaminated water from the Fukushima plant will continue to be discharged into the sea for decades to come. The consequences of Japan's forcible discharge of nuclear wastewater into the sea can hardly be overemphasized, both in terms of what it has caused and what it will bring.

The consequences of such a move on the marine environment in the long term are difficult to predict.

As much as 1.34 million tons of nuclear wastewater has been stored at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant to date, and TEPCO has set a "target" of 31,200 tons to be discharged in 2023, but there is no doubt that the amount of discharged water will be increased dramatically in the future. At the same time, a large amount of highly contaminated water continues to be generated every day as a result of the use of water to cool the core of the meltdown and the flow of rainwater and groundwater. Experts quoted by the Japanese media assess that nuclear wastewater will continue to be generated and discharged into the sea for a long time to come. Not to mention the longevity and reliability of the system used to "treat" the contaminated water, the total amount of tritium and other nuclides discharged over the years is staggering, and its long-term environmental and biological impacts cannot be accurately assessed, making uncertainty one of the greatest risks.

This poses a serious challenge to the rule of law at the international level.

Japan has always boasted of the "international rule of law", and is particularly keen to talk about the "rule of law for the oceans", but its forced discharge of water from the sea is clearly not in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the London Dumping Convention, and other relevant provisions. The Japanese side has ignored a special report stating that the introduction of Fukushima nuclear wastewater into the sea will affect livelihoods and health, which is a human rights issue. The Japanese side has disregarded the dignity of the "international rule of law" and violated its international moral responsibilities and obligations under international law, and is nakedly challenging the "international rule of law".

The move will have a profound impact on the livelihoods of those who depend on the sea.

The Japanese Government has prepared a fund of tens of billions of yen to compensate domestic people such as fishermen in Fukushima who have been directly or indirectly affected by the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, but it is not only the people of Japan who are affected, but also the people of neighboring countries along the Pacific coast and the Pacific island countries, who will suffer losses. More than half a century ago, the United States conducted dozens of nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in serious consequences that are still being felt today, and the people of many island countries were uprooted from their homes. The discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from Japan into the sea will inevitably deal a blow to people who depend on the sea for their livelihood.

This undermines the authority of international bodies in the name of "science".

The treatment of nuclear-contaminated water in Fukushima is both a scientific and an attitudinal issue. However, Japan's deliberate attempts to use the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as a platform for the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, its suppression and filtering of the voices of the scientific community and the environmental protection community opposing the discharge of water into the sea, and its use of the IAEA assessment report to suppress dissent in a brutal manner have not only stigmatized the spirit of science, but also tarnished the reputation of the international body, which should be impartial and forthright in its actions.

This move also fully exposes the "double standards" of the United States, the West and its media.

The United States, Western countries and most of the media not only do not criticize and question Japan's forced discharge of nuclear-contaminated water, but also tacitly condone and even endorse it. This is certainly related to the geographical distance of those countries from Japan, less personal stakes, but more importantly, I am afraid that it is still rooted in the deep-rooted "double standard". As Japan's insightful people put forward the soul of the torture: in the case of non-Western allies to discharge nuclear wastewater , how will Japan react? How would the United States and the West react? The answer is self-evident, the "standard" must have changed. Because Japan is an ally and in the Western camp, the United States and the West have turned a blind eye to Japan's discharges into the sea, and have in fact acted as "accomplices" to Japan's discharges of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea.

However, no matter how hard the Japanese Government tries to whitewash the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, history will ultimately mark this egregious act.

#nuclear

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leclerc-on-the-clace · 7 months

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Charles is in such a difficult situation with Ferrari. He's not able to simply switch teams like most drivers can. A huge part that people are forgetting is sponsors. Yes the childhood dream and wanting it for his dad and Jules are a massive reason why he stayed but sponsors is one that most people still don't understand.

Some drivers like Alonso and Perez have large home country backings and if they move they'll bring a lot of people with them. Drivers like Sainz have money and political backing which is great for any team and it comes with the driver.

Charles doesn't have the money background, the political background or the huge country background so he's very reliant on things like sponsors. The issue is that sponsors clash and they have separate deals with the teams meaning he could have 20 sponsors then switch teams and only keep 3.

A lot of his sponsors have been with him for years and helped to fund throughout karting and the formulas. That loyalty isn't something either side wants to break, client longevity is good and if he's loyal they'll keep throwing money at him.

There's also the fact that Charles grew up in Ferrari, he's got so much insider information and he knows Ferrari like the back of his hand, switching teams wouldn't be good because he'd be at so many disadvantages from team loyalty to insider knowledge to team preferences.

That being said I know a lot of his sponsors have built an incredible relationship with Charles and those that can follow him to another team will. I think it's also very telling that his most at risk sponsor Richard Mille is the one he's done the most pr stuff for this season.

I think the work Charles has done this season from heavy amounts of pr and sponsor events to signing with a management team is him making backup plans if he gets crushed by Ferrari. It'll make him more desirable to other teams and other sponsors, this pr prince thing he's known for will get him sponsors and it's very clear he grew up in this environment because he's been playing the smart game for years.

#charles leclerc

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solselah · 2 months

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Hey Beautiful peeps , here’s a pick a card for you all. Don’t forget to meditate on your pile :)🧘🏽‍♀️

PILE 1 :

Wow so this is what I would classify as pretty raw !! This person is bothered by your lack of being goal oriented!! I see that some of you often may cancel plans or Kind of ghost them. Now there could be true reason for such thing but they feel like your broke or that you just don’t have the funds ! Which to me is like BS because there are so many things to do outside of having to spend loads and loads of money! You could simply go to a park or On a hike maybe a local museum! So to me it just feels like this person is bothered because they give up and don’t seek alternative plans or even tap in to see if emotionally you’re okay! They kind of rather judge you than to help. So to clarify what bothers them is the lack of balance in the dynamic. Simply speaking. This may not be an “equally yoked” situation.

Also side note : if they have a car and have to pick you up “all the time” (it bothers them ) even if they don’t say it to your face.

✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪

PILE 2:

Okay so what’s bothering them is them.

Lol they literally are mentally going back and fourth in their head about how they feel about you! Like they have such a high regard for your style and your energy they love love you! But something in them influences them to kind of run away from you!! As much as I hate to define relationships it seems to be some form of

Chaser & runner vibes (twin flame energy)

Like they are hooked on your energy and the feeling that you bring to them , And it bothers them! But this has nothing to do with you , you’re just being yourself. They just have a tough time understanding what this relationship is and if it’s something that would have longevity. Outside of this everything is amazing! for some this person has some MONEY & although it’s a great problem to have. for them , it’s been stressful with what to do with it & how to maneuver with money! They could be someone who just graduated (or you lol) and they feel that they have to learn how to adjust their life to more of a wealthy mindset! I hear for some this could’ve been your childhood friend like I’m talking 7 years old! And the universe just brought them right back in for you. I also see that one of you could have a Drinking addiction or have dealt with substance abuse (HARD DRUGS)

I’m hearing for some it could have been or be a parent & that’s for another reading but sending my love and support to you! That could bother them seeing how torn or hurt you are about your parent & the uncontrollable “devil” of substance abuse! This person could be your ROCK and vise versa. I just think that open communication is important so that you wouldn’t have to find out these emotions here but rather it’ll be confirmation from a convo you’ve all had together!!

*If this is confirmation from a previous convo even better* 😉

✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪

PILE 3:

Immediately they HATE how independent you are !! Now I get two scenarios one is that it’s so sweet & they literally hate how you want to pay for everything or take care of everything they want you to sit back and realize you have someone to treat you like a queen or king !! To them your like royalty so they don’t want you doing everything or feeling like you HAVE TO ! Now you personally are most likely just being YOU lol but to them it’s like damn they are hyper independent! And that could be from your childhood it could just be something that makes you feel goood. But for them it’s like how dare you open that door lol how dare you not let me pull your seat out haha like they are romantic and want to be that person for you. Now for the second scenario I see that they are JEALOUS ASF! They hate how Independent you are! Like you may even see it and question like

“what’s up with that”

I’ll tell you !

Their energy is bothered by what they feel they don’t have. So if this person wasn’t as independent growing up or even in adulthood they hate to see you so independent but still so down to earth. Very jealous energy and quite frankly it’s like the worst… completely an Evil eye!

Keep stepping into your power but if this is your scenario (2) then you need to run my love !!! It only gets worse from here. Even if it’s not as apparent. Unfortunately I’m seeing for some if you have a kid like they literally get jealous sometimes like it’s ridiculous! Very sad. So be the Queen/ king you are energetically and cut that chord ✌🏾

(You guys could be in NY or be in a pretty big city)

I’m also hearing random locations :

North Carolina 🇺🇸

NY 🇺🇸

Chicago 🇺🇸

Venezuela 🇻🇪

Egypt (Cairo) specifically 🇪🇬

Senegal 🇸🇳

Tokyo 🇯🇵

Morocco 🇲🇦

Armenia 🇦🇲

Also Thailand 🇹🇭:)

✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪

PILE 4:

Omg so they are bothered by your

“Clout” on the internet even if you just have like 100-300 people liking and commenting they are so blown by that. They feel like you crave attention and you flex just for the camera! They are bothered by that when instead maybe they should boost their interactions 🫣

They literally fish for a fight (pink - SO WHAT) You could have been recently divorced or been broken up from someone for a little minute & I believe you need some time still. Because the energies you’re attracting are so intense and negative for you. These people or person may be the type to threaten you with leaving you.

if you dont stop acting so

“Pre Madonna “ is what I hear. Almost always my PAC are gender neutral or either really specific and for this one. I totally feel like it’s a masculine to a fem however that manifest in your life :)

They rather you be broke , no self esteem and at your worst so they can take credit for your come up. Leave & boss up! That’ll be enough mainly for you. But it doesn’t hurt to say “fuck you watch me succeed” from the sideline of course!!

Also I think you have a little crush ,you may know this info above already! Universally things will move as it should.

Adele - I found a boy

Ruth b - Lost boy

444 angel number

✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪

If your interested in more of this topic , simple Guidance or questions , I offer $10 full in depth written readings with a free follow up question 🥰

feel free to drop your question privately or (right bellow)

if your comfortable.

With your birthdate & of course your question ! Once your payment is received I’ll go ahead and channel for you !

CA- $Theartgeneral

Hope you Enjoy ✨

IG: @ soleccentric

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claraameliapond · 5 months

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For Australia, 26th January is invasion day, and that's literally it.

Today is a horrifically sad day in Australian history. Invasion day.

That's literally all it is.

Please please please do not join in the chorus of racism wishing anyone a "Happy Australia day" on the 26th of January

We can, have and are moving forward together as a country,

But we cannot truly do so if a celebration of our country and identity is held on the literal anniversary of the brutal and long-standing invasion, massacre and occupation of Australian aboriginals, the first peoples of Australia.

This invasion and subsequent violent Colonisation was full of many horrors that lasted well into the late twentieth century, and the long-standing repercussions of which have lasted to this day.

The stolen generations , in which generations - multiple generations of young aboriginal children were literally stolen by white colonists from their families, sent to missions, (detention boarding "schools ") , in which they were converted to Christianity and prepared for menial jobs, punished if they ever spoke their own languages, and subsequently put into the service of white families, with the intention to be bred out, never to see their families again. Never to be educated about their home, their families, their land, their culture, their languages, their history; they are the oldest continuing culture on earth. The last of these missions were in effect until 1969. By 1969, all states had repealed the legislation that allowed the removal of Aboriginal children under the policy and guise of "protection".

The indigenous health, longevity and poverty gaps still exist. Access to medicine, medical care, healthcare, a western education, all things we deem human rights by law, are not accessible to many rural communities still. They are provided, but in western ways, on western terms, with a gap of understanding how best to implement those services for an entirely different culture , that we do not have a thorough understanding of - that was what the referendum was about: , how best to implement the funds that are already designated to provide those services, because it's not currently working or usable by those communities. Our aboriginal communities are still not treated equally, nor do they have the same access we all enjoy to things like healthcare services, medicines and western education.

It is horrific and insensitive to therefore celebrate that day as our country's day of identity, because it's literally celebrating the first day and all subsequent days of the invasion, the massacres, the stolen generations, the subjugation and mistreatment, the inequalities that still persist today. It celebrates that day, that act committed on that day, of invasion , violent brutal massacres of Aboriginal people, as a positive, 'good' thing. As something that defines Australia's identity and should define an identity to be proud of.

That's nothing to be proud of.

Our true history is barely taught in our school curriculum, in both primary and secondary school. Not even acknowledged.

It needs to be.

We cannot properly move forward as a country until that truth is understood by every Australian, with compulsory education.

January 26th is Not 'Australia day'. It's Invasion day. It's a sorrowful day of mourning.

Please do not wish anyone a "happy Australia day " today.

It's not happy and it's not Australia day.

Australia day should be at the end of Reconciliation week that is held from the 23rd May to 3rd June.

A sentiment that is about all of us coming together as a shared identity within many identities, accepting and valuing each other as equal, a day that actually acknowledges Australian aboriginal peoples as the first Australians - because they are.

This is literally about acknowledging fact - that is the truth of Australian history. Aboriginal cultures should be celebrated and embraced, learnt from, not ignored, treated as invisible and especially not desecrated by holding celebrations of national identity on anniversaries of their violent destruction.

Australian aboriginal peoples, cultures and histories, should be held up as Australia's proud identity of origins, because it literally is Australia's origins.

That's a huge, foundational integral part of our shared identity that must be celebrated and acknowledged.

Inclusivity, not offensive exclusivity. Australia day used to be on 30th July, also 28th July, among others. Australia Day on the 26th January only officially became a public holiday for all states and territories 24 years ago, in 1994. It's been changed a lot before. It can certainly be changed so it can be a nonoffensive , happy celebration of our shared Australian national identity for everyone, that respectfully acknowledges and includes the full truth of our whole shared history, not just the convenient parts.

There is literally no reason it can't be changed, and every reason to change it.

#Always Was Always Will Be

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alezangona · 4 months

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The Shadow of Khansar (Salaar Fic)

Part 9 - The Monster and His Master

Part 8 | Part 10

Notes: Definitely NSFW

The next few months pass by in a blur, albeit a productive one. Khansar’s funds are carefully allocated across various administrations with special emphasis placed on programs pertaining to education, public health, and infrastructure. The government’s focus on foreign policy allows them to settle contracts with various energy management companies across the world to provide solutions for the electrical and water shortages occurring in their external agricultural territories. The continuous expansion of global strategies provides opportunities for reallocation of employment through various industries including manufacturing and trade, though Khansar stays vigilant in maintaining a diplomatic image by hiding its more profitable ventures away from prying eyes.

Change doesn’t come as fast as Varadha initially hopes, the truth being that mistakes occur more frequently than not and it is enough to give him pounding headaches that won’t subside. Moments of high stress are all it takes for him to retreat into himself, gaze faraway as he analyzes every possible solution over and over, a heaviness settling into the line of his shoulders.

During breakfast one morning, when Varadha is toying more with his food than eating it, Baba finally cracks.

“The responsibility of this kingdom is not yours alone, Beta. There are entire organizations and administrations working alongside you to find solutions to the issues we are facing. Let them do their jobs, while you do yours. Not every burden is yours to bear.” Then he lets out a small smile. “Anyway, it’s important for you to learn the importance of a good stroll over a hasty run. What you’re doing now is establishing a strong foundation for Khansar’s growth and longevity. Take that for granted and you’ll give way for its fall.”

Varadha doesn’t finish his breakfast that morning and he doesn’t miraculously stop worrying either. Still, he begins to notice just how much people care. It isn’t just his face worn from sleepless nights and early mornings. It isn’t just his eyes that contain a spark of determination in the face of challenges.

The reassurance is enough to let him sleep a bit more peacefully at night. It also helps that he feels less alone than he has in years. Particularly in moments of leisure that are spent in the presence of his loved ones.

Morning garden strolls with Baba as he talks about his life and his Noor.

When she’d leave for her business meetings, I wouldn’t know how to handle myself. So anxious and restless till she came home. Time used to stand still without her, but in her presence, every day would pass by faster than a strike of lightning, and just as beautiful too. I’ve had years with her… it still doesn’t feel like it was enough time. She’d be proud of you, if she was here to see you now.

Afternoon chaturanga sessions with Baachi as he curses out Varadha for winning every round.

I still look over my shoulders sometimes, waiting for someone to fuck with us. We’ve endured years of humiliation and it feels like there’s more to withstand. I’m still not used to the way people look at us with respect when we leave the palace. I’m thankful for what we have Anna, and I’m scared to lose it too— Fuck! Again? What’s the point in playing with me when you keep winning anyway?

Evening movie nights with Deva as they curl up on the couch, shedding their responsibilities and falling into domesticity.

I don’t know how I did it, but I’ve managed to convince Amma to come back to Khansar. I think the only reason she’s even budging is because I’ve been begging her to come back with me and telling her it’ll be different under your rule. Even then, she’s hesitant about staying anywhere in the capital. I don’t know if I can convince her to stay in the palace, not without putting her ill at ease. After everything she’s done for me, I have to draw the line on her behalf at some point. I’m thinking of getting her a place at the outskirts of town. I’m going to hate not seeing you every night, though.

That doesn’t end up becoming a problem for too long. The first night that Deva stays away at his mother’s new house, Varadha tosses and turns for hours on end, restful sleep alluding him. His cranky mood the next morning has the entire palace walking on eggshells. That is, until Deva enters the council room later on in the day for one of their meetings. They stay on different ends of the room, but when their gazes meet, the exhaustion drains visibly from their bodies and the palace is able to breathe once more.

“Come home with me tonight?” Deva asks once they leave the room, walking shoulder to shoulder. Varadha’s step falters for a second before he goes back to matching Deva’s stride.

“What?” Varadha carefully observes their surroundings, staying alert until he’s sure there’s no one else around them.

“For dinner, you idiot.” Deva’s lips quirk. “Not some clandestine meeting of lovers.”

“Can’t fault me for checking, Bangaram. I never can tell what’s going on in that filthy mind of yours.” Varadha shrugs, biting the inside of his cheek to hide his smile.

“Yes, because I’m dying for a chance to ravish you in my mother’s home.” Deva rolls his eyes, but takes a step closer to him anyway, bending down so his gravelly voice can whisper. “Though… why bother with the wait when I can fuck you in that closet instead?”

~*~

The first dinner at Amma’s ends up being more awkward than Varadha thought possible. As inviting as she is, there’s a prying gleam in her eyes as she observes the two of them, trying to gauge what could’ve happened during the past few months for her son to willingly return to this godforsaken place. To move her here as well. He finds himself trying to impress her for some reason, telling her about all the changes he and his team are trying to bring about to the city. If he was being honest with himself, for a moment it felt like the words were being forcefully ejected from his mouth, anxiety refusing to let go of the trigger. However, when there is a lapse in conversation after dinner while they put away leftovers, Varadha catches a glimpse of Amma looking at him with a relieved expression. He doesn’t know what it means, but is able to breathe easier when she sends him off with a box of leftover chepala pulusu (fish curry) and tells him to come visit again soon.

The weekly dinners end up becoming a reprieve for Varadha when he starts to realize just how much he feels like a kid again under Amma’s roof. Gone are his responsibilities of being Karta when he steps into the threshold. She acts with him as she always had, feeding him exorbitant amounts of food, reprimanding him for not sleeping enough, and even going to the extent of massaging his scalp when he confesses to her of the pounding headache he’s suffered with for days.

His eyes close at the feeling of her fingers running through his scalp, the smell of medicinal oil oddly pleasant and soothing as she works the tension out from his muscles. Amma continues to talk to him, voice low and pleasant as she urges him to take better care of himself and something breaks inside him. A ball lodges in his throat and he can feel wetness forming behind closed lids. When they flicker open, Deva is standing in front of him, a glass of water in hand. Concern immediately clouds his features and he shifts his body forward, only to stop when Varadha discreetly shakes his head, a wobbly smile forming on his lips.

“Stay here with us tonight,” Amma commands, unaware of the plight he’s facing. “The second you go back to that palace you’ll spend the night overworking yourself and I refuse to let you run yourself into the ground. Deva, go set up the guest room and don’t let him leave till tomorrow morning.”

Later that night, once Amma is asleep, Deva sneaks into Varadha’s room, crawling into bed and holding him tight.

“Are you okay?” Deva sighs against his ears when Varadha doesn’t answer immediately. “Amma ki chadastham ekuvara, anthe (Amma is just stubborn, that’s all). I’m sorry if what she said hurt you at all.”

“No, she didn’t do anything wrong.” Varadha gulps, pressing back into Deva. “Amma gurthukuochindi, ra (I remembered my mom).”

Deva doesn’t reply, choosing to press a kiss into Varadha’s hair, wrapping his entire body around his lost king and trapping him within the confines of his limbs. Varadha sleeps more peacefully that night than he ever has during the past few months.

The next morning as Amma sends them out of the house, she stops Varadha in his place, a hand wrapped around his arm.

“I’ve been keeping an eye on you two since you were children. Karta and Salaar aside, when it comes down to it, you’re just two kids who’ve been forced to grow up too soon. Don’t let those titles define you for the rest of your life, nana. Don’t make the same mistakes as…” The way her gaze digs into his is enough to make him understand, so he nods back, a promise in his own right.

She lets him go.

~*~

The peace doesn’t last long, it hardly ever does in a world like theirs.

They start hearing of various raids across India that begin to interfere with their black market trade. Before they can consider taking action, casinos, brokerages, and banks partnered with Khansar are stormed in an effort to prevent money laundering and other illegal activities. Trucks containing various goods such as weapons and drugs are stopped en route, all the material seized and confiscated by the government. A frenzy erupts in the capital as calls are made to various seeds and contacts planted in India, demanding answers for the sudden crack down. The answer, it turns out, is rather simple.

The government of India aims to fight back against crime… to fight back against Khansar.

It’s not an answer that sits well with anyone. Definitely not Varadha as everyone in his court looks to him for answers. Tensions rise every day in Kotagada as the Doralu debate with their Karta about the best course of action to take to preserve their economy. In the end, there is nothing but disdain as the court adjourns, no real solution to be found.

For the time being, the best course of action is to be more discreet and careful than usual. They run checks on their supply chain to prevent security breaches. Only certain businesses are given access to trade after a thorough inspection process. Different routes are established, intricate and ever changing, with smaller shipments being sent out at a time. Overall, it’s not a perfect system, but it’s enough to get them by.

~*~

Deva’s eyes stay firmly planted on the ground and he hopes that Baba will finally break the silence. He doesn’t. He holds his cap in his hands, leaning back against the chair as if his age has finally caught up to him. Bilal doesn’t seem to be of much help either as he paces back and forth, carefully avoiding Rhinda who scowls at the wall with his arms crossed over his chest.

The creak of a door opening snaps them to attention. Varadha steps out, face void of any emotion as he jutts his chin.

“You can go see him now, if you’d like.” Baba doesn’t wait for him to finish the sentence before he disappears through the door.

“I didn’t even know he could move that fast.” Rhinda tries to joke, but no one laughs. He doesn’t look too amused either as he falls back into his chair.

Varadha makes his way to the large window, fists clenched at his sides. Within seconds, Deva is next to him.

“The name of Khansar was enough to stop them not too long ago. Now they’ve attacked us at the heart of it.” Varadha’s hand clasps ironclad around Deva’s tattoo. “I want them dead. Each and every person who dared to lay a hand on him.”

“As you command, Karta.”

“The thought of Khansar alone should terrify them. Touch what belongs to us–”

“You pave the path to your own destruction.”

The Karta’s fist drops back down to his side and his weapon is released.

~*~

Death for anyone who stops the seal.

That is what Deva declares. No one in court bothers to argue. Not when it was a law that would benefit their own economy. Even if they did object, they wouldn’t challenge the monster who just committed a massacre to please his master.

Rakshasudu.

That is what they begin to call him. Not to his face or the Karta’s. Not in scorn either, but in awe of the sheer power that he exudes. The new name becomes a declaration of acceptance.

A violent man for a violent city.

~*~

“A symbol. All that it brands, belongs to you.”

The simple phrase from Deva’s lips ignites a raging fire within him. Varadha’s eyes darken in the confines of the room, gaze honing in on the devil’s mark stamped against Deva’s bare chest.

“Come here.” Varadha commands. He watches as Deva saunters towards him, the glow from the lantern casting shadows onto his rugged physique. His fingers ghost against the seal, drinking in the intricate artwork that decorates tanned skin. The eyes of the devil leer into him, ferocious teeth barred in contempt. It was nothing more than a small circle of ink, able to fade away with the swipe of a finger. Yet, it possessed the ability to shake an entire nation to its core.

So much power in such a small symbol.

And the man who imbued it with that power stands before him, beautiful and pliant, his face sculpted to express unbounded devotion.

Varadha’s hand darts out, fingers wrapping around the underside of Deva’s jaw as he tugs him closer. Deva breathes sharply, surprised by the action, but doesn’t move. He waits patiently, unblinking as Varadha leisurely devours the length of him. In a sudden flash, Varadha turns him around so that Deva’s back is pinned to his front. Deva catches a glimpse of the image in the mirror planted across from him, a pathetic whimper leaving him at the sight.

Varadha’s eyes penetrate through the reflective surface, dark, calculating, and aroused. His fingers dig into Deva’s pulse point as his other hand travels down the expanse of his torso, nails scraping against sensitive skin, eliciting a feeling so strong that Deva’s eyes flutter shut and he arches back into Varadha, desperate for a taste. The furthest he can get is the brush of his lips against the side of Varadha’s jaw before he draws back with a tut.

“Salaar,” The warmth of his breath fans against Deva’s ears, the smoky tone exhilarating him further. “My Salaar. So beautiful when you give yourself to me like this.” His hand slips further down, stopping at the bulge between Deva’s thighs. His fingers dance against the sensitive flesh, featherlight touches that have Deva working to hold back keens of frustration. That is, until Varadha palms him through the fabric of his jeans, the firm touch causing Deva to release a low moan.

“Va–” The name catches in his throat when Varadha’s grip tightens around his neck significantly. Varadha’s lips begin to explore the curve of Deva’s nape, sharp bites that prick into his skin, only to be soothed by the gentle slip of his tongue. Varadha hums softly into him, slotting his hips against the curve of Deva’s ass and pressing into him just enough to let his arousal be felt. Slowly, the hand that is wrapped around Deva’s throat begins to descend. Within no time, Varadha works Deva out of his jeans, hands circling against the heavy length of him.

“Open your eyes and watch what I do to you.” He growls, teeth catching onto Deva’s ear. Deva’s eyes flicker open at the order and he digs his teeth into his lips at the debauched image of him in Varadha’s arms. Hair askew, pupils blown, skin marked by claiming bruises. He lowers his gaze to where Varadha’s hands are pumping him unceremoniously, his thumb circling against his slit, collecting precum and spreading it across the throbbing surface. It doesn’t take long for Varadha’s hands to become coated with the evidence of Deva’s arousal and the sight itself makes Deva tremble with need. “You look beautiful like this. Pliant in my hands, flushed beyond belief, desperate for release.”

Deva hisses as Varadha tugs against his balls, the mixture of pain and pleasure overwhelming him enough to close his eyes for a chance of reprieve.

“Open your eyes, Salaar. I won’t tell you again. Take your eyes off the image of what I’m doing to you and I won’t let you come for me tonight.” The warning incites panic and Deva’s lids snap open, catching the merciless grin on Varadha’s face. “Good boy.”

The motions of his hands speed up around Deva’s cock with varying pressure and Deva is forced to watch himself break, tremors spreading across his overstimulated body. His chest heaves with panting breaths, muscles clenching in an effort to hold back his inevitable release. As he watches from tear-filled eyes, Varadha’s reflection reshapes itself in the mirror, a smug curl of his lips as it dawns on him what Deva is doing.

“Such a good boy, holding yourself back for my sake. I didn’t even have to ask, did I? You’re just that desperate to please me.” The throaty chuckle causes Deva to flush deeper and dig his fingers into the soft material of Varadha’s clothes.

“Please.” Deva groans, on edge. A tear rolls down the corner of his eye and satisfaction paints itself across Varadha’s features.

“Come for me, my beautiful Salaar.” A gasp leaves Deva’s lips, his cock twitching as the sticky residue splatters against the skin of his stomach. His eyes close and he leans back against Varadha, spent as his orgasm flows through his system. He can feel Varadha’s arms wrapping around his waist, lips brushing against his ears as he whispers sweet nothings while pleasure settles into his bones.

By the time Deva is able to ground himself enough to open his eyes, he catches sight of Varadha’s gaze drilling into the seal stamped against his chest. A shudder of pleasure rocks through him when Varadha pushes him onto the bed, his hand curling around the dark mark, a wildness in the depth of his kohl rimmed eyes that has Deva hardening once more.

“Mine.” Varadha places a searing kiss against his lips, stealing his soul from within the confines of its cage. Deva gives back just as much as he gets, wanting nothing more than to have Varadha understand that his entire life belongs to him and only him. By the time Varadha pulls away, stripping out of his shirt, Deva’s kiss-slick lips whisper back words of reassurance.

“Yours, always yours.”

#salaar #varadeva #devaratha raisaar #varadha rajamannar #salaar fic #salaar fanfic #khansar

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wakandamama · 3 months

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You ain't raise the Federal minimum wage.

You ain't erase student debt

You didn't place rent or interest caps

You didn't protect affirmative action and positions of Diversity and Inclusion at a federal level

You didn't protect our rights as citizens to our personal bodily autonomy

You didn't protect People of Color

You didn't respect and act accordingly to tribal treaties with MULTIPLE Native American tribes.

You allowed the 90% complete erasure of the separation of Church and State violating MILLIONS of citizens religious and cultural freedom rights

You allowed, as defined by both domestic and global law, cruel acts of inhumanity against immigrants, refugees, and minority citizens of this country. At federal, state, and local levels

You allowed those immigrants interment camps to remain

You allowed further millions of Americans to die from a public health crisis

You allowed further degradation of our already fragile and corrupt systems of regulations for the things we need to have in order to survive and provide for our familes

You allowed the continued progress of militarized police brutality and the devaluing of justice

You allowed the economy to turn to absolute shit for anyone not a fucking millionare

You are ACTIVELY FUNDING AND BACK MULTIPLE GENOCIDE THAT AMERICAN PEOPLE DO NOT FUCKING WANT TO DO!!!

You are ACTIVELY ALLOWING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DOMESTIC MILITARIZED FASCISM AGAINST AMERICAN CITIZENS

You are ACTIVELY ALLOWING THE POWER OF VOTING TO BE RENDERED NEAR NULL AND VOID BY IGNORING AND NOT FEDERAL BANNING ACTS OF GERRYMANDERING

You are ACTIVELY AVOIDING THE REASONABLE MEASURES THAT NEED TO HAPPEN AT A NATIONAL LEVEL TO PREVENT OUR PLANT FROM BEING UNHABITABLE IN 40 YEARS

Every campaign promise you declared, has failed. Spectacularly and Exponentially, fallen on your face, failed to accomplish. To the point you have grossly lied and coved up most of atrocities and violations of citizens rights, then have the nerve to gaslight the nation as evidence is live streamed to us.

This statement covers more than either of those two old white privilege fucks about to thumb wrestle over whose turn is it to helm the final stage of America's fascism. This about all the politicians in Congress, in State Houses, in Mayors Office, who fill their pockets, lie, and sell out the citizens that trusted them to do the right thing. To actually want to improve our nation and communities for the longevity of our nation.

And for any blue or red coated muthafucka wearing the white glazed goggles of white supremacy wants to argue me bout "lesser of two evil" as the Black ass and Indigenous ass daughter of a man who march in the Million Man March and has been protesting since shes was 11 please fuck all the way off.

#politics #police brutality #poverty #genocide #fascism #american fascism #this country is a joke #fuck trump #fuck biden #fuck congress

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saturniandevil · 1 month

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May 2024 Important Dates

AKA my notes from The Astrology Podcast's May Forecast.

April recap: on the 8th we had the solar eclipse in Aries that covered much of the United States, during a Mercury retrograde and right before a Mars-Saturn conjunction--all also in Aries! In international news this connects to Iran's retaliation for Israel's strike on its Syrian embassy. A tragic eclipse story is of astrologer Danielle Ayoka, whose death after a mental breakdown was sensationalized by the LA times as part of modern-day Satanic Panic. Our hosts urge the wider astrological community to learn more about how to support others who may be going through a mental health crisis and extend sympathy to the affected families. The inflammatory reporting also connects to a larger story of backlash against astrology as Saturn approaches a conjunction with Neptune in Pisces and the latter leaves the sign.

On April 10th we had an exact Mars-Saturn conjunction in Pisces, which a previous forecast predicted would correspond with issues of contaminated water, maritime warfare, and flooding. On the day of the conjunction, the EPA issued the first national limit for forever chemicals in the water. Saturn signifies both the restrictions and the longevity of the chemicals. There was also torrential flooding in Dubai, Russia, and Kazakhstan.

Jupiter conjoined Uranus in Taurus on April 20th; these planets only align every 14 years. Jupiter-Uranus indicates uprisings and revolutions: the last one corresponded with the Arab Spring, and there was also one in 1968-70 during Vietnam War protests, as well as the French and American revolutions. The student protests at Columbia (and later other universities) calling for divestment and ceasefire in Gaza are a direct connection here (the current encampment was directly inspired by student protestors doing the same thing in 1968 to protest the Vietnam War). These protests began on April 17th and saw a boom in media coverage when the conjunction went exact. The 1969 conjunction was in Libra; in Venus-ruled signs this alignment signals uprisings of "we don't want to be at war!" If these protests did start right at dawn on the 17th, this would have the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction (already exact by degree, but not minute) rising, fitting for an action that has sparked events across the nation.

Another Jupiter-Uranus story includes Congress passing a bill wrapping together military funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan with a probable TikTok ban. A historical connection here is the passing of the Lend-Lease bill in 1941, a precursor to the US entering WW2. With the US Uranus return coming up (which corresponds to the Civil War and WW2), Chris is nervous. Other conjunction stories include the restoration of net neutrality on April 25th (Taurus ruling basic necessities and resources), the Department of Transportation mandating airlines to give refunds (the Wright Brothers flew under a Jupiter-Uranus conjunction), the FTC put a ban on employer non-compete agreements, and a VW factory in Tennessee successfully unionized as part of UAW--one of the first unionized auto factories in the South! These regulation stories also fit with Saturn bringing rules and regulations.

We're entering the month of May right as Mars enters his domicile Aries, freeing us of the Saturn conjunction, Mercury stationing direct, and Venus in her home sign of Taurus.

May 2nd - Pluto stations Retrograde This occurs at 2 degrees of Aquarius and will see Pluto backtrack into Capricorn for the final time this summer. Retrograde stations intensify the significations of a particular planet in that sign, and this particular one occurs with a square from Venus in Taurus and copresence with the Moon. Pluto in Aquarius developments include developments in AI & technology, and with Venus signifying the arts we can expect AI image/video developments. On a personal level Venus-Pluto can indicate deep, transformative relationships as well as control, manipulation, and power dynamics. Venus in Taurus also activates the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction, especially in the realm of our relationship to the natural world & differentiating what is real from what is fake. On a more positive note, this is a good time to indulge in creative projects, and with a retrograde especially, returning your idea to its original state. Venus-Pluto also relates to issues of women's rights and bodily autonomy (ex. Roe v. Wade).

May 7th - New Moon in Taurus

At 18 degrees of Taurus, the New Moon forms a sextile to Saturn (17♓), and soon approaches the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction (orb 3) just a few degrees away. Jupiter-Uranus themes will become more pronounced collectively and in our personal lives, likely bringing new chapters in the stories discussed in the recap. Also in Taurus is Venus, who's slowing down after her zip through Aries and emphasizes relationships as she brings us back down to earth. Meanwhile, Mars in Aries doesn't make many aspects to other planets this month (even copresent Mercury is moving away from him), making him a bit of a renegade, but also not interfering with other planets. On the 25th Mars will reach the degree of the eclipse (18♈), so those affected by the eclipse, especially night charts, will definitely see extra focus in this part of their lives, while day charts can expect some challenges.

May 12th/13th - Sun conjoins Uranus (not pictured) This Taurus season sees the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction continually activated. Rather than the usual relaxation, we'll hear the bells of rebellion tolling over and over. (Another date to watch is May 18th, when the Sun hits Jupiter.)

May 13th - Mercury enters Taurus He exits his retrograde shadow before this ingress and at the same time Venus sextiles Saturn, clarifying conversations. We'll feel like we're finally done with some hassles. Mercury's ingress into Taurus also focuses the solid majority of our energy in this area, rather than splitting it with Aries. However, he squares Pluto immediately upon entering, so before smooth sailing we'll have to deal with intense focus, digging up the past, and uncovering secrets. This might deepen conversations as Mercury treats the same issues Venus brought up with her square to Pluto earlier this month, but now with more distance and calculation than the tender emotions, or it can amplify those issues with a microphone.

May 14th - Electional chart for the month (not pictured)

May is actually one of the best months for electional astrology all year, free of Mars retrograde and most outer planet tensions that will overshadow the later part of the year. This selection is for about 12:30PM local time. This should give Leo rising, and the Ascendant ruler the Sun is in Taurus within 3 degrees of a conjunction to Jupiter in the 10th house. Venus is also in Taurus, squaring a Leo Moon in the first house. This is a great chart for 10th house matters like career, reputation, and public image, with the Ascendant ruler fully bonified by Jupiter and supported by both benefics. With the first house connection Diana suggests this is also a good time to update your work wardrobe or possibly website in ways that may seem unexpected. It's a good time to do something unique or innovative with Uranus placed so prominently. It's not as good for ninth house matters like foreign travel, as Mars is there in a day chart.

May 18th - Venus conjunct Uranus, Sun conjunct Jupiter Venus conjoins Uranus (23♉) at the same time that the Sun conjoins Jupiter (28♉), bringing us optimism and excitement. It's extremely buoyant and can be disruptive simply by virtue of so much happening at once. It's a Saturday, so a great time to have fun, but be prepared to sleep in late the next day. We can find new relationships that begin quickly but burn out fast too, and run into unexpected good luck.

May 19th/20th - Mars conjoins North Node (not pictured) The next day the Moon enters Libra and opposes this configuration, activating it. Mars takes the place of the Sun in an eclipse, reactivating the stories that these Aries-Libra eclipses have been pinging in our lives. Mars's anger may be in response to people crossing our social boundaries represented by the Moon in Libra. With the Moon bringing in the South Node and Mars's severing associations, we may become aware of things we need to relinquish or cut off. Picking fights can lead to consequences you really don't want.

May 20th - Sun enters Gemini This ingress foreshadows the stellium of planets in Taurus shifting to Gemini.

May 23rd - Full Moon in Sagittarius, Venus conjunct Jupiter, Jupiter sextile Neptune, Venus enters Gemini

This Full Moon is opposite the Venus-Jupiter conjunction (29♉), both of whom sextile Neptune (29♓), and when the Moon exactly opposes the Sun it sextiles Pluto. This is a more positive and optimistic lunation than what we've been seeing so far: the best of the night sect with the best of the day sect. Agreements made during this time will have staying power, and it's a good sign for peace in world events. Neptune connotes idealism in these accords--sometimes you need ungrounded hopes and dreams to go on. Venus-Jupiter conjunctions can also bring too much of a good thing, so be careful not to overindulge. This is also a good time to enjoy material and sensual comforts. It's the perfect day for a picnic!

Venus joins the Sun in Gemini soon after.

May 25th - Jupiter enters Gemini Jupiter spends about a year in a sign, and we'll be shifting from slow, grounded Taurus to mutable, airy Gemini. He'll be trining Pluto in Aquarius while here, accelerating technological advancements like AI and innovations in transportation. Diana uses the image of lots of busy bumblebees trying to collect lots of different information very rapidly. It might be overwhelming, and we could see heightened allergens. This also sets up the next month, where we'll have lots of activity in Gemini...all of which will square Saturn in Pisces! It'll be a lively air and water show with changes in short-term travel. In our personal lives, the combination of Venus & Jupiter will alleviate some of the issues we've been feeling in mutable signs, where places we've felt weighed down and restricted will receive some levity and buoyancy. Whichever house Gemini occupies in your chart will see some smooth sailing for awhile. Use this positive support in Taurus and Gemini to make hay while the sun shines!

May 31st - Mercury conjunct Uranus Mercury is the last planet to ping Jupiter-Uranus conjunction; in general there is a lot of planetary activity in Taurus this month, really activating whichever house that falls in for individuals. Mercury brings a megaphone to the final blast of energy from Taurus. Surprising news, unexpected communications, and conversations with unlikely sources are in order. Uranus-Mercury can open up possibilities that you never could have predicted, and are good for thinking on your feet. Both planets are associated with the nervous system--it's a good day to be cautious with your caffeine consumption.

Whether you need to be active or just rest, take advantage of the stability and help this month!

#astrology #transits #forecast #may 2024 #pluto retrograde #mars in aries #jupiter conjunct uranus #jupiter in taurus #jupiter in gemini #venus in taurus #venus conjunct jupiter #venus conjunct uranus #sun conjunct jupiter #mercury conjunct uranus #venus square pluto #mercury square pluto

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betterbemeta · 7 months

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Part of the reason why ethnostates should not exist (aside from the genocides, which should be obvious to everyone) is that they politically compromise people outside of that state.

Politics, remember, is just a word that means 'decision-making and the means of decision-making for and about groups of people.'

'Politically compromising people remotely' does not sound like as much of a visceral, horrifying emergency as the ethnostate's direct violence, but it is a component to that violence. It perpetuates that direct violence and multiplies it far beyond what otherwise a government could 'influence.' It increases the longevity of that violence and attempts to style its own legitimacy at the same time. Basically, an ethnostate can use 'itself' to mess with the decision-making capability of the entire world, in ways that can't only be explained by a state's power structure or funding alone.

When an ethnostate exists, it is projected involuntarily on the bodies of whatever group it 'favors'-- even people only tangentially connected, like through marriage, or who belong to a subgroup not originally considered, or those who are distant through diaspora. And an ethnostate doesn't truly favor that group, it favors the decision-making power it can reap from that group, regardless of anyone's actual preferences:

An ethnostate makes choices long-distance about and even for those bodies.

It can claim 'threats' to it are also threats to those other bodies, and they do not have to be actual threats.

It can claim to be benefiting those bodies while doing nothing for them at all.

It can force itself into culture and histories it has no actual connection to.

It can 'claim' people who have no investment in its existence and have no political influence within it, use them to weight its goals.

It can make a fake "us" that people around the world never consented to, and if it claims you, it might do anything 'in your name.'

This may all sound abstract. But the consequences are real, and they are dangerous. They are also local, far away from the ethnostate itself. They can get into your family's history and memories, they can get into your social relationships and spaces. They can get into institutions that will decide your future.

Healthy communities are diverse and must reckon with the paradox of tolerance. They represent the will and agency of all those who actually live there, and do not exist to engineer that agency, or their own population. And they do not claim to represent the will and agency of those who don't live there. An ethnostate is dangerous not only for its direct actions, but its implicit statement that all people of some vaguely-defined status are actually part of its state, worldwide-- and their existence alone validates its goals.

#This post is written broadly to expose an underlying issue #but everybody should understand that in-context it is being written about Israel's genocide of Palestinians

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mariacallous · 5 months

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Vasectomies are on the rise, but not all men are ready to commit to a permanent form of birth control. While the surgery can sometimes be reversed, it's expensive and doesn’t always work. What if there was another option?

Virginia-based biotech company Contraline is testing a new type of male contraceptive akin to a vasectomy but made to be fully reversible. Today, the company announced that surgeons in Australia have safely performed the procedure on 23 men in an early-stage trial.

The approach uses a soft, water-based substance called a hydrogel that’s injected into the vas deferens—the pair of tubes in the male reproductive tract that transport mature sperm. Within 30 days of being inserted, the gel led to a more than 99 percent reduction in the number of moving sperm, according to the company. No serious side effects have been reported.

Kevin Eisenfrats, cofounder and CEO of Contraline, says it’s like an IUD for men. “Right now, there is nothing out there that’s long-lasting and reversible for men,” he says. “This is made for people who are not ready to have kids, are spacing out having kids, or think they are done having kids but maybe not ready for that permanent option.”

In a vasectomy, the vas deferens are cut and sealed so that sperm can’t travel from the testicles to the urethra, the tube inside the penis.

Contraline’s method involves making a small piercing in the scrotum and using a handheld injector to push the hydrogel through a catheter that’s connected to the vas deferens. The catheter is then taken out, and the puncture heals on its own.

Once injected, the hydrogel is meant to block sperm from getting into semen. Eisenfrats likens the gel to a coffee filter, where sperm are the coffee grounds. Sperm can’t get through the filter, but semen, a liquid, can still pass through.

Men in the trial ranged from age 25 to 65 and were placed into two groups that received different amounts of hydrogel: a lower volume and a higher one. Implanting the gel took about 20 minutes and was done under local anesthesia, unless someone chose to be sedated instead.

Eisenfrats says sperm concentration and movement in the men are comparable to levels seen with a vasectomy. “We’re seeing that this is working.”

The purpose of the current trial is to assess the gel’s safety and longevity, not how well it prevents pregnancy. Participants were asked to use a back-up form of birth control while being enrolled in the trial.

The gel is designed to dissolve at the end of its lifetime, so the men will be followed for two years to determine how long it takes for that to happen. Eisenfrats says the goal is to have a product that lasts one to two years.

But men might want to restore their fertility before that time frame, so Contraline wants to show that it can safely reverse the procedure. The company has tested the reversibility of the gel in dogs, showing that sperm counts and sperm quality rebounded after removing the gel. It plans to launch a second trial this year to test the on-demand reversibility in people. Only men who said they do not want to have children were included in the initial trial.

While the study is small, Heather Vahdat, executive director of the Male Contraceptive Initiative, a nonprofit based in North Carolina, is encouraged by the safety profile so far. Her organization funds research into nonhormonal male birth control and has contributed funding to Contraline. “Reversibility seems very feasible,” she says.

The nonprofit Parsemus Foundation has been researching a similar gel, called Vasalgel, for several years, but has faced delays getting it to human trials. The San Francisco-based health organization partnered with a biotech company, NEXT Life Sciences, in 2022 to further develop Vasalgel. In a 2017 paper, researchers with the foundation showed that Vasalgel could be flushed out in rabbits with an injection of baking soda. Sperm flow returned in the animals after reversal.

“These are not complex components in these polymers. They’re pretty well characterized, and we know how they behave,” Vahdat says.

But any medical procedure could cause side effects or complications. Raevti Bole, a urologist specializing in men’s health at the Cleveland Clinic who’s not involved in the trial, says an injection into the vas deferens could come with a risk of skin infection, mild discomfort, or minor bruising, she says.

And there are still unknowns about the gel itself. While hydrogels are biocompatible and generally safe, Bole says she would want to know if Contraline’s product could cause permanent scarring or changes to the vas deferens and whether repeat injections could be done safely.

One practical consideration is how doctors will monitor patients to make sure that the gel is still working. “Even if the risk of pregnancy is low, I would want to know the risk to counsel my patients and allow them to compare their options,” Bole says.

Contraline’s gel is still years from becoming commercially available. The company will need to conduct trials of hundreds of men and their female partners to test its efficacy in preventing pregnancy. Eisenfrats says the company aims to launch a larger trial in the US in the next few years.

Meanwhile, there are other forms of male birth control in the pipeline. The US National Institutes of Health and the Population Council, an international nonprofit focused on health and social sciences, are testing a hormone-based gel that men apply daily to their shoulders to block sperm production. And in December, a small trial launched in the UK to test a hormone-free contraceptive pill developed by YourChoice Therapeutics. It prevents sperm production by blocking access to vitamin A.

YourChoice and Contraline are avoiding hormones because they tend to produce unpleasant side effects. A previous trial of an injectable hormonal contraceptive for men was stopped early when a safety monitoring board found a high number of adverse events, including acne, mood disorders, increased sexual drive, and muscle pain. The rate of side effects was high compared to what women typically experience while on hormonal birth control.

There’s evidence that men are interested in trying new types of contraception. In a US survey conducted in 2017, the Male Contraceptive Initiative found that 85 percent of the 1,500 male respondents aged 18 to 44 were interested in preventing their partner from getting pregnant.

“Men want to step up. They’re realizing that their partners have all these effects from birth control,” Eisenfrats says. “They need more options to take charge of their reproduction.”

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justinspoliticalcorner · 2 months

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Jonathan Nicholson at HuffPost:

Soon after Iran’s April 13 attempted airstrike on Israel — a massive bombardment of about 300 missiles and drones — a Ukrainian YouTuber couldn’t help but notice the difference in global reaction. U.S. forces, including fighter jets, joined by French and British forces, helped Israel down almost all of the incoming fire in an impressive display of military resources and Western know-how. It was a lesson not lost on the Ukrainians. A Ukrainian-born YouTuber who goes by Yewleea, who says she left New York to return to her home country to help with the war, called it “kind of incredibly fucking hypocritical,” given Israel’s state-of-the-art air defense system and unrealized Western promises of aid to Ukraine. “That was done specifically to make a point,” she said in a livestream. “They didn’t need the help. Ukraine does need the help. And Ukraine was promised all the help. Yet we’re not receiving it.”

That same attack, though, ultimately ended up freeing about $60.8 billion in U.S. military and economic aid for the beleaguered Eastern European country by pushing the stalled funding to the forefront in Washington. A week after Ukrainians saw footage of the global powers rushing to knock out of the sky the same kind of Iranian Shahed drones they face nightly alone, many tuned into C-SPAN to watch 72% of the House vote Saturday, after months of delay, to give Ukraine the desperately needed aid. “It’s been said it’s never too late to do the right thing. Well, we’re coming really close,” said Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), a co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, on the House floor. But the road to get there, for Ukrainians and their allies, began with the Iran attack and the world’s reaction to it. “This night Ukrainians got a clear view of what we truly mean for the US. We’re not allies, never have been,” Stas Olenchenko, a Kyiv-born analyst living in Europe, posted on social media.

[...] “Unfortunately, in Ukraine and our part of Europe, we do not have the level of defense that we saw in the Middle East a few days ago. Our Ukrainian sky and our neighbors’ skies deserve the same level of security,” he said. “And I appreciate everyone who sees our need for security as a need for equal security for all, because all lives are equally valuable.” The White House greeted the complaint by noting how much aid had already been sent to Ukraine or saying there were substantive differences between the two situations.

[...] Neither Ukraine or Israel is in NATO. While Ukraine has, like many post-Soviet countries, had big issues with corruption, its president, unlike Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, has not entered the fifth year of a corruption trial. In terms of longevity, the U.S. has recognized Israel since 1948, within minutes of the Jewish state’s creation. But it also signed the Budapest memorandum in 1994, convincing Ukraine to abandon its nuclear weapons. On Tuesday, after a pro-Ukraine rally on the U.S. Capitol grounds, Daniel Balson, director of public engagement with the advocacy group Razom for Ukraine, said Ukrainians didn’t “begrudge” the help Israel received. “It simply reinforces the fact that with additional ammunition, both for the fighting on the front as well as for air defenses, there could be a very different story coming out of Ukraine today,” Balson said.

The news that both houses of Congress voting to fund aid to Ukraine has been greeted with cheers in Ukraine.

#Ukraine #Foreign Aid #118th Congress #Russian Invasion of Ukraine #Foreign Policy #Ukraine Aid #Israel/Hamas War #Israel

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good-realtor-bad-realtor-dynamic · 1 year

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A whole piece on our Glenn being underrated and overlooked!

The article gets into some of his school days, Juilliard and his perspective on acting, his work on Sunny, leaving Sunny after season 12 when he'd thought the show should end (can't wait for that podcast conversation in 3 years or maybe even in Season 6 if they ever address Glenn Howerton Burnout No. 1), and later coming back, continuing to push his boundaries in acting in season 15 with the Ireland arc, and working with director Matt Johnson on Blackberry.

(Gonna use colours now to better distinguish screenshots of the article from my stuff for anyone not using dark mode)

A lot of it is quotes from Charlie and Rob, who are properly frustrated that he's been so overlooked (them, the original Glenn girlies!), his wife Jill, Megan and other people he's worked with, like an old drama teacher from school and Mike O'Brien from AP Bio.

(ok seriously who airbrushed and smoothed the shit out of his beautiful old wrinkly face in this photo, they need to be flogged)

There's also quotes from people, like the Lost writer who's a known Sunny fan and also co-wrote The Hunt, who watched him do his thing in Blackberry and think it's finally going to get him the recognition he's deserved all along.

CALL. THEM. OUT.

Honestly, all of this is just giving me a lot of respect for Matt Johnson, who was looking for comedic actors to play dramatic roles, specifically wanted Glenn to play Jim in Blackberry and had to fight to get him the role because Canadian productions with Canadian funding don't like using outside actors. This guy saw the vision and he was cool with Glenn getting that stupid haircut too.

Apparently, when Glenn received the script, his first thought was why me, shouldn't some bigshot do this role... he's such an idiot.

Something we've always known and the article confirms again is about how he's clearly grateful for the opportunities they have with Sunny, the kind that few writers/actors ever get with that level of creative control (something they get reminded of by other people in the industry a lot) but he's also been the most stifled by it of anyone in the cast because of his goal of being an actor more than the others, and so it gives him these mixed feelings about the longevity of the show.

I don't know if they've ever confirmed that RCG talked about ending the show around season 12.

He's not wrong. We know that once he came back to season 13, he did his rewrites on all the scripts featuring Dennis even though he wasn't fully back to writing yet. I personally don't think they should continue the show if any of them leave. They're better off taking longer breaks between the seasons like Curb does.

Good on you Rob. You tell them.

Seriously, they'd better now give him something good and interesting, so that it's not just us Sunny stans screaming into the void like usual.

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writingrosesonneptune · 11 days

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Magic System, But Badly

🌾Thank you very much to @cowboybrunch for tagging me in this very fun game!

Rules: Explain the magic system of your WIP as poorly as possible. Bonus Points if you use bullet points.

This should be interesting!

Gently tagging: @tabswrites @dyrewrites @literarynecromancy @chauceryfairytales and leaving an OPEN TAG

So, Pelican Queen and The Scorpion at Dinner actually take place in the same world (but on different continents and roughly a century apart), so this will apply to both of them. Except the machines.

There are three ways (Count 'em. Three.) to aqcuire magical powers in this universe.

Easiest way

Innate Ability

More than likely born with it through inheritance, and your family probably brags about it (or doesn't. for reasons.).

Hard Way A.

You did something so impressive*, and generally ARE so impressive, an angry/upset spirit saw it and clapped. Showed itself to you and asked if you want to accept this giant check to fund your future.

Problem. You have to be near death first. Like still technically alive, but with seconds on the clock. Accepting the offer saves your life, but...

Any way to survive that? 🤷‍♀️ Our worst scientists are on the case.

Second Problem. Accepting means you are now a ticking time bomb of letting everyone know how upset that spirit is.

Expressions of power are minimal at first and are activated by specific emotions. The stronger the effect, the faster the clock ticks down for you.

It's also super painful.

*What counts as 'impressive' to a spirit is hella subjective. They usually like ppl who seem amenable to being used as a means to an end.

Hard Way B.

Antique Machines powered by single souls carry echoes of Innate Abilities. If you are holding one, you have access to that power. You can also use them indirectly.

Amazingly, these things were originally made with the consent of the ppl whose souls are in them. The tech was new, and they figured it'd be a way to watch over their loved ones a while longer. It's just that no one realized how long they'd be stuck in there.

If that machine holds the soul of your ancestor, it's probably been haunting your family forever. If you're not using it, it's guilt-tripping you for not carrying it around. If you give in and keep it on you, it starts trying to kill you [indirectly].

It wants to be destroyed but they are almost impossible to destroy. No one outside of The Lost Continent knows how, and TLC isn't taking your calls.

If the original family line (including people adopted in) are all gone, the curse goes dormant until someone else picks it up. Then it's their turn.

Once the machine picks a family, it will not leave that family. You can give it away, you can throw it in the ocean, but it WILL come back.

Examples of Innate powers are: Longevity, Control over physical matter (limited to a specific category), Super Smarts, Influence over loosely-held beliefs, etc.

Examples of Spirit-Gifted power: Sprouting man-eating plants from wherever, your hands are ovens, you can resurrect the dead (kind of), you can make people really cold, etc.

Examples of Machine-Based power: Anything that counts as a passive buff. Tank a fatal blow (you will still feel it), Understand other languages, Go unnoticed by strangers, Super-Hearing, etc.

#i'm sorry the adhd got me and i can't be brief #but i tried #pelican queen #tag games #magic system

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thecameronchronicles · 2 years

Text

Eighteen

TW: Dark! Rafe. Smut. Language. Degrading Language. Dom!Rafe. Cheating.

SUMMARY: Your sister’s boyfriend shows you a special kind of attention the night of your birthday.

WORD COUNT: 2600

REQUESTED

Anonymous asked:

Can you please please do Dark!Rafe fucking his girlfriend’s little sister ??? 💜💜

Eighteen

Becoming eighteen meant freedom. Adulthood finally cresting to open the doors seventeen years prior had been closed. It meant you could now vote, although you held little interest in politics. It meant you could play the lottery, although you had no need as your trust fund was worth more than any 'jackpot'. And it also meant that you were of age for him. His eyes had always followed you and what you believed to have been some form of protection as he had been your sister's boyfriend for the last eighteen months. But all of this would be subject to change tonight. The night of your eighteenth birthday.

You couldn't really understand how or why your sister and Rafe had even begun dating as they barely seemed to act like anything more than mannequins when they were together. Posing for photos seemed to be the reason behind the apparent longevity of a relationship everyone was surprised to have lasted as long as it had, including you. But this was because of the way they interacted. Undermining and belittling one another, almost frustrated that the other was breathing their air, but always acting in love when a series of eyes were set to them. And during those times, you would catch him looking at you with a humorous 'save me' look that you always believed was innocent enough, his way of being close to you without crossing any strange lines. But he had every intention tonight to obliterate those lines and twist them as he pleased as those once kind eyes trained on you from across your family's beach house.

"Happy Birthday!" Sarah exclaimed, wrapping you in a warm embrace that was truly incomparable to any others. She had become a close friend despite the fact she was a few years old and having already graduated, but she always treated you as an equal.

"Wasn't sure what to get a girl that has everything…" She teased as you offered a polite 'you didn't have to do this', before finding the most gorgeous silk dress wrapped beneath that now pulled bow.

"Oh my god-"

"Your sister and I spent hours finding the perfect one. Blush pink, your favorite color-" You wrapped your arms around her neck as you had only wished for one thing this year. Not the dress. Not the color or its fabric. But to be seen as an adult. A woman. And this dress was certain to do that.

"Better hurry and get dressed…Everyone will be here soon." She clapped excitedly as you ran up the steps and into your bedroom, standing before the mirror before taking the dress against you. For a moment, you began to play with your hair to see if it looked better up or down, curled or straight, before stilling in place as you caught his eyes on you. But when you turned to validate this, the space left in the door left ajar was completely empty as you could even hear him laughing with Sarah’s boyfriend, Topper, just beyond the door. Offering the idea of this just being wishful thinking as you could help but have a crush on him when he was always kind and handsome, funny and protective of you, you returned your focus to the dress.

Descending the steps an hour later, a vision in the near pastel silk and hair pulled to a bun with loose tendrils barely kissing your skin, you seemed to have aged in that short span of sixty minutes. Even as you smirked and spoke, maturity seemed to set in as you began to make your way through the guests. But unbeknownst to you, you were unaware just how one particular set of eyes had been glued to your every movement. Especially when anyone of the opposite sex would pay you any form of attention. As far as he was concerned, you were dressed for him. Only him. And a part of you had. A part of you wanted to seem mature to him, as if some fantasy would prompt him to notice you…

How unaware you were that this was his very intent.

"Here…" One of your male friends spoke before producing a Tiffany's necklace as a gift. Although lavish in thought, it might as well have been something from a quarter vending machine as far as Rafe was concerned. You deserved a neck full of diamonds not a dainty teardrop that was anything but the style you now wore. Because of this, he scoffed as Sarah and your sister would note but overall ignore his response. Following this, you took your leave to the bathroom for a moment's reprieve.

But you were present in the room for a second before the door opened at your back. You stood in silence for a second as you watched him lock the door behind him.

"I wanted to give you my gift." He spoke dramatically as you still felt safe, despite his domineering and even edgy actions.

"You didn't have to buy me anything…" Your mind ran wild for what he bought for you as you knew whatever it was, you would cherish it always. It could be a cheap plastic ring and you'd keep it on hand just in memory of him. Or it could be a diamond ring with the promise of forever and you'd die young and beautiful in this moment. But that was a pipe dream for many reasons.

At least you thought so.

"I didn't."

"Oh…good, I don't need-" But he walked towards you, palms set to the vanity at your back as he had you pinned against him.

"You're going to be showered with clothes and jewelry," He flicked the necklace he detested, "All things that aren’t unique, even if you make them uniquely beautiful…" Your breath hitched at his words.

"But I'm going to give you an experience. Something no one else can…" You swallowed hard as he moved even closer to you before turning you towards the mirror.

"But I want to know one thing first…" You slowly nodded.

"Are you a virgin?" Your eyes widened.

"No." You confessed as he seemed torn between disappointment and relief before you noticed how his eyes ran up the lines of your curves from behind, meeting with yours in the reflection as he'd finally speak in return.

"Good. I didn’t want to make you bleed today-"

"Rafe-"

"I know you think about me. I know you've had a little crush on me…it's cute…But I also know you need someone to show you how it can be…"

"My sister-"

"This is about you. It is YOUR birthday. God knows she makes every other day about her." His hands were now at your breasts. The fire of guilt burned in your stomach, but lowered along with his fingers.

"Take 'em off."

"We can’t-" He took the back of your neck in an unkind hold.

"What are YOU gonna stop me?" He scoffed, "Either you take them off or I rip them off." You stood wide eyed as he turned you to face him.

"I don't want ro make you cry on your birthday, sweetheart, but if you keep pushing my buttons, I'll marvel at the sight…I'll get over my guilt." He teased as you obliged, sliding the underwear clean from your hips as he quickly apprehend it.

"You can beg. You can say my name, pull my hair. You can even come anywhere you want. Just NOT until I say and you have to keep it down…would hate for you to ruin that perfect little reputation because you couldn't keep your mouth shut-" He kicked your feet apart.

"God knows you already can't keep your legs…" even if the words should have pained you, the thrill of what he could do without even touching your body had been enough to forgive it.

While taking hold of your hair and pulling it slowly backwards, he guided you backwards until you could look up at him.

"Open." You obliged as he put the panties in your mouth.

"Sweet?" You nodded.

"I'm gonna find out for myself. You touch those, and you're gonna have to explain to both of your sisters why this pretty little dress got ruined…" He was on his knees in seconds, dress pulled to your hips to expose your ass as his teeth traced each cheek. Leaving behind a line of this graze, a sudden slap to your ass would make him chuckle behind you. A dark humor that reminded you how forbidden this had been. And just as your lips parted to warn him to stop, to remind you both that this was wrong and crossing a line neither of you could or should allow, his hand guided you into such an angle that his tongue could meet your clit.

“I knew you’d be sweet for me…”

“Rafe-” What sounded like a warning would be silenced as he guided your touch to his hair as he quickened his paces and even deepened his tongue in exchange from yrou clit to your sex, teasing what was to come, before bringing you to tremors you’d never had prior to now. He would only stop when he felt you were satiated enough for him.

“Look at yourself…Breathless for your sister’s boyfriend…letting him put his fingers and tongue wherever he wants because you’re so fucking desperate for it.” It was this that made your stomach twist. The thought of a role reversal and how you wouldn’t wish it on anyone. No matter if your sister and you weren’t as close as you’d like or if you had burned for Rafe like you had since you could remember.

“We can’t…” You tried to explain as he seemed to agree, a slow nod making you relieved.

“Then why are you dripping down your thighs for me?” The sound of him unbuckling and unzipping his pants sent you to turn to face him, but he would only correct you with a hand to the back of your neck.

“I am trying REALLY hard to not make you take me on your knees, but you try me one more time and I’ll have to ruin that pretty little makeup…” He cocked his head, “How WOULD you explain why you’d be so raspy then, huh?”

“Please, Rafe…I don’t want to hurt her-”

“Funny…please right now, that’s all I want to do…” He was suddenly inside of you, the force of his body against yours, sending you into the painful edge of the vanity’s counter.

“Fuck…” He groaned, pulling your hand from his hip and onto the surface before you both, pinning your fingers flat on both sides, as he glided effortlessly to and from your welcoming heat.

“Rafe-”

“You look so fucking pretty right now…Trying to be good…Wanting to do the right hting…” He scoffed, driving one of those hands to your neck, squeezing enough to silently order those eyes open. “But you’re a whore…MY whore…To use exactly how I want….Say it.”

“Please-” He forced your neck into a turn as you would be forced to face him.

“Say it before I have to mark up my favorite part of you…” He explained while teasing your ass with his second hand, leaving your fingers clutched to the vanity all on their own.

But before you would have the chance to speak the words or be reprimanded for your silence, a knock came to the door. The sound of your name came from the edge of your sister’s lips as your eyes widened in horror. He would withdraw, but only to turn you to face him and lift you onto the counter, his cock returned between your legs, before you could stop him. A hand over your mouth would still the shakes of refusal made from your hair, as he would only bask and grin to your fear as it endorsed him, the feeling of his cock twitching inside of you to your whimpers and silent pleas having informed you of this darker side of him you weren’t aware of.

“You’re gonna come for me..right fucking now…while she’s just outside that door.” He spoke into your ear as you shook your head.

“Please…Please don’t…We can’t-”

“Then why are you clenching me? Hmm? Why you THIS close?” He asked, withdrawing again, pulling your slick to his fingers and driving it between your lips, before reinstating his cock once again, all motions that made you winded and into a further descent of your guilt for just how you relished in each of his movements.

“Suck on my fingers for me…be a good girl…Let me share it with you…” You obeyed but only to use his fingers as an outlet for your withering silence, before his paces quickened.

“I’m gonna give you my cum. THAT is my gift.” The sudden hand around your neck would set you into the mirror as his fingers came to the lines of your necklace. With a scoff, it was pulled from your skin.

“Rafe-”

“You’re better than this. You deserve a necklace all for you.” While explaining this, he set his hand around your throat.

“Isn’t THAT better? Perfect fit…Beautiful…” You slowly nodded as he squeezed just enough to play with your breath and control it as he deemed satisfactory.

“You know why you get my cum today? Not because it’s your birthday…not because I have been dying to tear you out of this dress all night…but because you’ve been a good little whore for me. But you still don’t get to come until you say that…You’re a big girl now…use those big words for me…”

“Whore…” You whimpered as he leaned closer.

“What was that?”

“I’m your whore.” You finally spoke as he pulled you harder into him.

“Good girl.” He groaned before quickening to such a pace that words were no longer needed. You knew every thrust made and every indent made of his fingers had been another display of the forbidden rush you both found in this moment. But the moment never seemed to end. When you’d find that edge, that satisfaction, he would tease its arrival only to scoff and pull back. It left you whimpering and trembling, but also desperate, as he would take pity.

“I want you to beg for it. I know it hurts.” He bit his lip at the idea. “God, I love that it does…But, I’m gonna make it feel REAL good for you…” You nodded as you began to plead. A soft timbre would rise into desperation as your nails ate into his skin.

“Keep going…But don’t come-”

“Rafe-” He tightened his hand around your throat.

“NOT. UNTIL. I. SAY.” He growled as you nodded, an endless display once again, before he finally spoke the word you felt no longer existed.

“Now.” And as if his voice activated some button within you, you were spilling over his cock, allowing him the further lather that let him pound into you with his own release.

“Look-” He pulled that grip around your neck lower until you saw the stain made on his pants.

“Rafe-”

“I was wondering if you were a squirter…”

“I-”

His eyes darkened. “And I am the ONLY one who will get to know that. You let anyone else touch you…feel you…even dance with you tonight, and I’ll kill ‘em.” You wanted to laugh off his words, but you knew they were true…

Taglist: @hopebaker @iovdrew @penny4yourthoughts @magnificantmermaid @pickingviolets @lovedetlost @trikigirl271 @maybankslover @slut4starkey @slvtherinseeker @obxiskewl @obxxrxfes @bluesongbird @slut-era @ailee-celeste @rafesbae @belcalis9503

#rafecameron x reader #rafecameronfanfiction #rafe cameron #rafecameron #outer banks #outerbanks #obx #outer banks smut #obx fanfiction #obxsmut #outer banks rafe

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