i've always enjoyed the way tsubomi is portrayed. she's not really part of the story and we don't know much about her outside of her being the target of mob's feelings and in a way a symbol or symbolic goal for his character arc - but that's the point! the point is that that's a shitty thing in a story and also in real life to do to another person!

she has a very strong feeling of having her own thing going on. she's not the love interest in a shounen series, she's a middle schooler with her own life and troubles. there's kind of a meta level to it too, how we as the audience are not entitled to find out every detail of her life, right? i like how understated her portrayal is while also being consistent with the things that we actually see of her true self are. truly, she's a strong person who knows what she's about.

specifically the conveyor belt of confessions and her justified annoyance at having to deal with the emotions of all these people that have cast her into the role of their love interest is just *chefs kiss* perfect and a mood

Revealing the Truth: Unmasking the Most Popular Conspiracy Theories of 2022

Intro: The Increase of Conspiracy Theory Theories in 2022 Conspiracy theories have constantly been a part of human history, however in the last few years, they appear to be rising. With the introduction of social media and the convenience of spreading out info, both true and incorrect, conspiracy theory theories have found fertile ground to grow. These theories frequently include deceptive plots by powerful entities to control or adjust culture. While some conspiracy theories may appear harmless or perhaps amusing, they can have serious repercussions. In this article, we will discover a few of the most widespread conspiracy theory theories in 2022 and take a look at the proof that unmasks them. Conspiracy theory Theory # 1: The COVID-19 Vaccination is a Story to Manage the Population One of the most popular conspiracy theory concepts in recent times is the idea that the COVID-19 vaccination is a ploy by governments or other powerful entities to manage the populace. This theory suggests that the injection includes silicon chips or other tracking devices that will be utilized to keep an eye on and control people. However, there is no scientific proof to support these claims. The COVID-19 injections have actually undergone strenuous screening and have been shown to be secure and effective in protecting against extreme illness and fatality from the infection. The vaccines were created using well-known scientific methods and have been accepted by governing agencies worldwide. The concept that they are part of an ominous story is merely unproven. Spreading false information about injections can have hazardous consequences. It can cause vaccination hesitancy, which can lead to more individuals obtaining infected with COVID-19 and potentially suffering serious ailment or fatality. It is very important to count on qualified resources of info, such as wellness authorities and clinical study, when making decisions regarding vaccinations. Conspiracy theory Theory # 2: The Moon Touchdown Was Faked An additional long-standing conspiracy concept is the belief that the moon touchdown in 1969 was faked. According to this theory, the USA government organized the moon touchdown to win the Room Race against the Soviet Union. Nonetheless, there is overwhelming evidence to sustain the fact that the moon touchdown was actual. Several lines of proof verify that astronauts did undoubtedly arrive on the moon. Moon rocks revived by the Apollo goals have been extensively examined and are distinct from any type of rocks found in the world. The reflectors left on the moon's surface area by the Beauty objectives have actually been utilized to measure the distance between the Earth and the moon with wonderful accuracy. Furthermore, photos and video clips taken throughout the goals show astronauts strolling on the lunar surface area. The idea in the moon landing conspiracy concept can be attributed to various emotional aspects. Some individuals might find it challenging to believe that such a monumental success was feasible, leading them to doubt its credibility. Others may distrust government establishments and view them as efficient in elaborate deceptiveness. Nonetheless, the frustrating proof supports the reality that people did come down on the moon. Conspiracy theory Concept # 3: 5G Modern Technology Creates COVID-19 With the rollout of 5G innovation, a brand-new conspiracy concept has arised, recommending that 5G networks are responsible for triggering COVID-19. This theory presumes that the electro-magnetic radiation given off by 5G towers damages the body immune system, making people more at risk to the infection. Nonetheless, there is no clinical evidence to sustain this case. The electromagnetic radiation emitted by 5G towers is non-ionizing, indicating it does not have sufficient energy to break chemical bonds or create direct damage to human cells. Various researches have been carried out to evaluate the security of 5G innovation, and they have constantly found no negative wellness results. Spreading misinformation concerning modern technology can have significant consequences. It can cause fear and stress and anxiety amongst the general public, hindering technical innovations and progress. It is very important to rely on clinical research and expert viewpoints when reviewing insurance claims about technology. Conspiracy Concept # 4: The Illuminati Controls the Globe The belief in a secret society referred to as the Illuminati regulating the world has been around for centuries. According to this conspiracy theory, the Illuminati is a powerful group of people who manipulate global occasions and control governments, economic climates, and media. However, there is no qualified proof to sustain the existence of such a team. The beginnings of the Illuminati conspiracy concept can be traced back to the late 18th century when a Bavarian teacher named Adam Weishaupt founded a secret culture called the Order of the Illuminati. The group intended to promote Enlightenment suitables and oppose religious and political fascism. However, the Order was disbanded and subdued by authorities, and there is no proof to suggest that it continued to exist in secret. The belief in the Illuminati conspiracy concept can be credited to numerous emotional factors. Some individuals may really feel a feeling of powerlessness or unpredictability concerning the globe, leading them to seek descriptions for worldwide occasions that are past their control. Counting on a deceptive team controlling every little thing can supply a feeling of order and understanding. Conspiracy Concept # 5: The Earth is Apartment Despite frustrating clinical proof, there is still a small but vocal team of individuals that think that the Earth is level. According to this conspiracy theory, governments and various other powerful entities have actually conspired to hide the true form of the Planet. However, there is plentiful evidence that supports the reality that the Earth is rounded. The roundness of the Planet has been understood for centuries and has been verified with different scientific observations and experiments. For instance, photos taken from space clearly show a spherical Earth. In addition, the sensation of ships vanishing over the perspective and the curvature of shadows during lunar eclipses supply more evidence of a rounded Planet. The belief in the flat Planet conspiracy concept can be attributed to numerous psychological elements. Some individuals may wonder about clinical institutions or watch them as part of a grand deceptiveness. Others might discover convenience in coming from a community that shares their beliefs, giving a feeling of identity and purpose. Conspiracy Theory # 6: The Federal Government is Hiding Proof of Space Being Life The idea that the government is hiding evidence of extraterrestrial life has mesmerized the imaginations of numerous. According to this conspiracy theory, governments all over the world know the existence of smart unusual civilizations but are keeping it a key. Nonetheless, there is no credible proof to support this claim. The search for extraterrestrial life is an energetic location of clinical research, with various tasks and objectives committed to locating evidence of life past Planet. While no clear-cut evidence has been found yet, scientists continue to discover the opportunities. The idea that governments are hiding evidence of extraterrestrial life is totally speculative and lacks any type of substantial evidence.

The idea in the federal government hiding evidence of extraterrestrial life can be attributed to numerous mental aspects. The concept of intelligent unusual people can be both interesting and upsetting, leading some people to look for verification or recognition for their ideas. Furthermore, wonder about in federal government organizations can fuel uncertainties of a cover-up. harold holt death # 7: The September 11th Assaults Were a Within Task The September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon have given rise to various conspiracy theory concepts. elvis hoax suggests that the strikes were a within task coordinated by aspects within the U.S. federal government. Nonetheless, there is overwhelming evidence to support the main explanation of the assaults. Numerous investigations carried out by independent companies and government agencies have wrapped up that the September 11th assaults were performed by the terrorist team Al-Qaeda. The proof consists of eyewitness accounts, video clip footage, and recouped debris from the accident websites. In addition, the physics and design behind the collapse of the Globe Profession Center towers have been extensively studied and discussed by specialists. The idea in the September 11th conspiracy theory can be attributed to various psychological factors. Some people might find it difficult to accept that such a devastating occasion can be accomplished by a non-state star, leading them to look for alternative explanations. Others might mistrust government establishments and watch them as capable of orchestrating sophisticated deceptiveness. Conspiracy theory Theory # 8: The Rothschild Household Controls the Global Economy The Rothschild household has long been the subject of conspiracy concepts, with some recommending that they control the worldwide economy and manipulate globe events for their very own gain. However, the impact of the Rothschild family members on the international economic situation has actually been greatly overemphasized. The Rothschild family rose to importance in the 18th century as bankers and sponsors. They played a significant role in European money and helped fund different jobs, consisting of infrastructure growth and wars. Nonetheless, https://discovery-the-truth-now.blogspot.com/2023/12/unraveling-enigmas-exploring-enduring.html has wound down in time, and they are no more the leading force they once were. The idea in the Rothschild conspiracy theory can be credited to numerous mental factors. Some individuals may nurture anti-Semitic ideas and view the Rothschilds as agent of a Jewish worldwide conspiracy theory. Others may find convenience in connecting intricate international events to a single entity, providing a sense of order and understanding. Finally, conspiracy theories have actually ended up being progressively prevalent in the last few years, fueled by social media sites and the simplicity of spreading info. While some conspiracy theory concepts may seem harmless or perhaps enjoyable, they can have significant repercussions. It is essential to critically evaluate cases and rely on trustworthy sources of details when assessing conspiracy theory theories.

5 Types of Payment Fraud Every Business Owner Should Recognize

In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses are thriving, customers are shopping online more than ever, and transactions are happening in the blink of an eye. While this rapid growth offers exciting opportunities, it also presents unique challenges. One such challenge that stands tall is payment fraud. And if you’re a business owner, understanding the ins and outs of payment fraud is essential for your enterprise’s security and trustworthiness. By mastering payment fraud management, you’ll not only protect your profits but also maintain your customers’ confidence.

However, before you can master payment fraud management, you need to know what you’re up against. Let’s dive into the five types of payment fraud you should have on your radar.

1. Credit Card Fraud

This is perhaps the most well-known type of fraud. It occurs when someone unauthorized uses another person’s credit card information for their own gain. Credit card fraud has various forms: it can be due to a lost or stolen card, carding attacks where multiple numbers are tested on websites, or skimming where devices are used to capture card details from unsuspecting victims. It’s a concern that affects both the cardholder and the business where the fraudulent transaction took place.

As part of your payment fraud management strategy, it’s imperative to have robust measures in place to verify the authenticity of every transaction. Real-time verification can detect inconsistencies in purchasing patterns, alerting both the customer and the merchant. Multi-factor authentication ensures that only the rightful owner can complete the transaction, adding an extra layer of security. And, of course, CVV checks, a simple yet effective solution, ensure that the person making the purchase physically has the card in their possession. By continuously updating and refining these protective measures, you can ensure that your business remains a challenging target for fraudsters.

Transitioning into the second type, we’re addressing a crime that capitalizes on personal data and has grown significantly, especially with the advancement of technology.

2. Identity Theft

Identity theft is not just about stealing someone’s name. It involves acquiring key pieces of someone’s personal information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, or addresses. With these, the fraudster can impersonate the victim, leading to multiple detrimental outcomes. They might use this stolen identity to make unauthorized transactions, open new accounts in the victim’s name, or even secure loans, leaving the person in financial turmoil.

Identity theft is invasive and violates the personal space of the victim. It’s not just a financial concern; it has emotional ramifications as well. For businesses, it poses a significant risk. If a fraudster uses stolen details to purchase from your platform, not only do you stand to face chargebacks, but your reputation might also take a hit. Fore more details on bill payment software visit here.

Strengthening your payment fraud management against identity theft should be a top priority. Implement stringent data protection measures, invest in encryption technologies, and continuously educate your customers about safe online practices. Furthermore, by verifying customer details and maintaining a proactive stance towards suspicious account activity, you can mitigate potential risks and protect both your business and your customers.

3. Account Takeover

Within the fraud spectrum, victims find account takeovers especially distressing. Armed with unauthorized access, fraudsters quickly carry out illegitimate transactions, leaving the rightful account holder baffled and frequently facing financial repercussions. Often, these bad actors gain this access by exploiting stolen login details, which they might acquire via methods like phishing attacks, keyloggers, or breaches on other platforms.

However, there’s a glimmer of hope. Through proactive payment fraud management, businesses have the tools to fight against account takeovers. The first step involves consistent account monitoring. Observing red flags such as abrupt shifts in buying habits or login tries from strange locations can reveal suspicious activities. Adding to this, businesses can introduce real-time alert systems, immediately informing users about potential breaches, and urging them to act swiftly. Another strong line of defense is multi-factor authentication. This requires users to confirm their identity using an additional verification step, further shielding them from unauthorized intrusions.

Switching gears a bit, we delve into a deception that hinges on the trust businesses place in their customers.

4. Refund Fraud

Trust is an invaluable component of any successful business-consumer relationship. Refund policies exemplify this trust, assuring customers that their concerns are valid and will be addressed. However, some individuals manipulate this trust through refund fraud. After making a legitimate purchase, they deceitfully claim a refund, putting forth reasons like receiving damaged goods or not getting the items at all. Such false claims not only lead to financial losses but also strain the genuine trust between businesses and their customers.

Effective payment fraud management involves the discernment to distinguish between legitimate refund requests and potential fraudulent ones. Implementing systematic checks, such as examining the frequency of refunds from a particular account or cross-referencing reasons given for multiple refunds, can provide insights. Additionally, maintaining a transparent communication channel with customers can help clarify any ambiguities, ensuring that genuine customers feel valued while deterring fraudsters.

Shifting our focus now, we turn our attention to a cunning fraud type linked to the very inception of an account.

5. New Account Fraud

The excitement of welcoming a new customer is an unparalleled feeling for businesses. Behind some new account setups, a deception called new account fraud lurks. In this scheme, fraudsters create a new account using stolen or fabricated information. Once they activate this account, they quickly make large purchases. When the bills come due, the unsuspecting individual, from whom the information was stolen, faces unexpected charges.

Being vigilant during the initial stages of account creation is the cornerstone of payment fraud management against this type. It’s not about being skeptical but about being thorough. Implementing rigorous validation protocols, such as sending confirmation emails or text messages, can ensure the legitimacy of the new account holder. Regularly updating and cross-checking databases with reported stolen information can also be a proactive measure against this fraud.

Conclusion

Payment fraud, in its many forms, is a pressing concern for businesses worldwide. But by understanding these common types, and actively implementing a robust payment fraud management system, business owners can take proactive steps to safeguard their operations.

It’s not just about guarding your revenue; it’s about upholding the trust that customers place in your brand. Every secure transaction reinforces that trust, while every fraudulent activity erodes it.

As you continue to grow and expand your business, always keep payment fraud management at the forefront of your strategies. After all, a business that can assure its customers of secure transactions is one that’s bound to thrive in today’s digital age.

Remember, the key lies not in fearing the challenges but in being prepared for them. Strengthen your defenses, keep updated with the latest fraud trends, and continuously refine your payment fraud management techniques. Stay vigilant, stay secure!

Read More:

Understanding Gamble Addiction: A Journey Through Gambling Addiction and Recovery

The excitement of taking risks extends beyond the typical obstacles encountered in life for some people. The best place where you can go for Gambling addiction is the Nasha Mukti Kendra in Delhi. Gambling's allure lies in the prospect of excitement and rewards, both of which can welcome distractions while dealing with everyday life's challenges. 

Difference between addiction & thrill 

Gambling is, at heart, an act of chance with thrilling and novel outcomes. Most people occasionally enjoy gambling because it is a welcome diversion from the daily grind. The thrill of winning might be too much for some people, and they spiral into addiction. They may have trouble keeping their urges in check as they straddle the line between the excitement of gambling & the perils of addiction.

Triggers behind Gambling addiction:

To effectively manage gambling addiction, it is crucial to comprehend the underlying reasons for the disorder. Some typical causes are:

Distressed Feelings: 

Gambling can be a release from the stresses and strains of daily life. Gambling's fleeting highs might help some temporarily cope with negative emotions like stress, sadness, or isolation.

Finding Approval: 

Seeking glory and praise by winning big can become an unhealthy fix for those lacking confidence.

Isolation and loneliness: 

In social venues like casinos, gambling can bring people together. Isolated people may find companionship and acceptance in the gambling scene.

The Repercussions of Compulsive Gambling:

Gaming addiction has far-reaching effects that go beyond the casino.

Destruction of Wealth:

 Addiction has devastating consequences, trapping people in increasing debt and eventual bankruptcy.

Conflict-filled Interactions: 

Gambling addiction is notoriously secretive and shameful, which can put a strain on personal relationships & cause a breakdown in confidence and interaction. 

The Road to Recovery & Wellness:

Admitting that one has a gambling problem and trying to get sober is a brave first step toward taking back one's life.

In search of Help: 

Seeking assistance from a counselor, therapist, or support group is crucial on the road to recovery.

Self-Reflection: 

By looking inward and learning what triggers their addiction, people can gain the strength to deal with their underlying emotional problems.

Strengthening Resistance: 

Recovering from addiction begins with learning new ways to deal with stressful situations and building resilience to setbacks.

Marking Special Occasions:

Small or large, celebrating accomplishments along the path to recovery can significantly impact morale and perpetuate healthy habits.

Finding purpose & meaning:

People in recovery can reclaim their interests, skills, and meaning in life. A sense of direction and accomplishment comes from setting and operating toward significant goals.

Mindfulness Practices:

Meditation and other forms of "mindfulness" practice can help people learn to live in the moment, deal with stress, and control their impulses.

Conclusion:

Gambling addiction is an exciting adventure full of peril and promise. As we learn more about the intricacies of this habit, we realize that the real risk is in deciding to face adversity head-on. Individuals can begin the journey towards healing, recovery, & the profound feeling of living by reaching out for Help from Nasha Mukti Kendra. Remember that the true payoff is not in betting success but in regaining the confidence and ability to face and overcome life's true gambles.

Project Name: OUTSIDE WORLD

Introduction: Drug addiction, sometimes referred to as substance use disorder, is a condition that makes it difficult for a person to manage how much alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs they use, whether they are legal or not. Nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana are examples of drugs. Though you have an addiction, you might utilize the substance even if it makes you feel bad. Drug usage might begin as social experimentation with a recreational drug, and for some people, the drug use progresses to more frequent use. Others, particularly those who use opioids, develop a drug addiction after being exposed to prescribed pharmaceuticals or after acquiring them from a friend or relative who has a prescription for them. Each substance has a different potential for addiction and a different rate of addiction. Opioid medicines, for example, have a higher risk and develop addiction faster than other drugs. As time goes on, you could require more dosages of the drug to feel high. Soon you might require the medicine just to feel well. You could discover that it gets harder to abstain as your drug use increases. Intense desires and physical sickness might result from trying to stop using drugs. To overcome your drug addiction and maintain your drug-free lifestyle, you might need assistance from your doctor, family, friends, support groups, or a formal treatment program.

Purpose: This program attempts to aid individuals in delaying the onset of drug use or, if they have already begun, avoiding the development of drug use disorders. Increase awareness and knowledge of the possible health, social, and legal repercussions of using illicit substances. Promote Drug Aware as a reliable source of information about illegal drugs. Expand understanding of the possible negative consequences of ecstasy and cannabis on health.

This program attempts to aid individuals in delaying the onset of drug use or, if they have already begun, avoiding the development of drug use disorders. Increase awareness and knowledge of the possible health, social, and legal repercussions of using illicit substances. Promote Drug Aware as a reliable source of information about illegal drugs. Expand understanding of the possible negative consequences of ecstasy and cannabis on health.

Support: The estimated budget needed for this project is ranging from P20k to 40k for the Anti-Insurgency and Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict Programs; Anti-Illegal Drug Programs like barangay drug clearing and maintenance of Halfway Houses; intensification of police force and support to law enforcement activities; public safety; and Capital Outlay.

Description: The use of illegal drugs, prescription pharmaceuticals, over the counter medications, or both, in excess, or for purposes other than those for which they were designed. Drug addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving intricate interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and a person's life experiences. These interactions can result in social, physical, emotional, and employment-related problems. Addicts frequently continue using drugs or engaging in compulsive activities despite the negative effects. Drug abuse or addiction is brought on by the repeated use of addictive substances, a condition described clinically as substance use disorder. Alcohol, marijuana, hallucinogens, and opioids are examples of drugs. Drug addiction is a sickness that drives people to consume drugs compulsively in spite of negative effects.

Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors include, among others:

Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — daily or even several times a day. Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts.

Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect.

Taking larger amounts of the drug over a longer period of time than you intended Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug.Spending money on the drug, even though you can't afford it.Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use.

This project will also have a Group Page: https://facebook.com/groups/423199809701957/

Pete’s assistant - Pete Davidson

Words: 2160

Warning: 2 curse words

Requested: yes

You had been Pete’s assistant for many years now. You had begun as an intern at NBC and that’s how you met Pete. The two of you immediately clicked, there was like a strange bond between you like you always knew each other or were meant to meet, to work together. So at the end of your internship, Pete asked you if you wanted to be his assistant, to help him with pretty much everything. He wasn’t famous enough to really have a publicist, so you also fill up this role. It was funny at first. Pete was nice to you, never asking for anything impossible to get. Contrary to many other celebs with their assistant, he treated you like his equal. Planning interviews was something you enjoyed, he was mostly in some presented by his friends, so it was pretty chill, and you learnt so much. You let Pete took charge of his social media presence, he was more than okay at it, was natural and able to create a connection with his fans.

However, at some point everything changed. Pete got way bigger, he was famous like really famous, not just known by SNL and stand-ups afficionados.  Things got out of hand quickly. You still liked to work for Pete, he was still adorable to you but handling negative comments, the infamous song about him, people reactions and the repercussions on his mental health was a nightmare. You had too much to think about: to make sure he was feeling okay or at least not too bad, to make sure he would sleep, eat, not take too much drugs, go to work, go outside, try to stop the continuous harassment… Pete hired a publicist to take some weight out of your shoulders and have someone who would focus only on his impacted public image. Even though, Pete was probably at rock bottom, it was nice to see that he would still be kind to you, trying to smile a bit when you were ding your best to cheer him up.

And this is how the problems began for you. You knew the rule number one of any assistant: never fall for your boss. But you couldn’t help it. You had always loved his personality however you never considered having feelings for him. However, seeing him hurt, fragile but still caring about his close circle, still trying his best everyday for people he loved, still being nice when he could easily be an ass and take the heartbreak as an excuse, was enough to make you acknowledged that maybe you wanted to be more than a friend to him.

You decided to keep your emotions for yourself. You didn’t want to make a fool of yourself or lose your job and friend for feelings that would never be reciprocated. To forget about them, you went on dates with several people, it was a failure. Every time you could stop yourself from comparing your date with Pete. Even if some people were funny enough, smart enough, kind enough, they were simply not enough. A date with them was pleasant but you couldn’t picture more, and it would be cruel to force a relationship with someone you didn’t have feelings for just to hide your current crush. So after some dates you gave up on the idea of finding someone for the moment and preferred to take time for yourself. As the year went on, you were the witness of Pete’s different and non-working relationships. You were happy for him, truly. He was able to move on which was great and he felt more like himself. But it still hurt to see him get far too involved in relations that were doomed to fail. He was too intense and passionate for his own good. You advised him to follow your example and take time for himself, to love himself and understand what he wanted, needed from a partner. Surprisingly, he did it and it did good on him.

A few months later, you were at a small gathering to celebrate Pete’s Netflix comedy special. The reviews were good, and the audience was following, it was great to watch Pete’s career on track to success, he would finally be recognized for his art. You were talking to Dave about the process of writing when you are down and how cathartic humor is. You glanced distractedly several times in Pete’s direction confident that you were discreet. As your drink was empty, you scanned the room to find the nearest bottle of a beverage you like. Your eyes met Colson’s ones and he grinned mischievously at you. You rose an eyebrow wondering why he looked like a devious elf and quickly manage to appease your thoughts, rationalizing that it was only Colson being his drunk and high self.  

As you made your way to the counter full of bottles to pour you a glass, you felt two hands clapped your shoulders. You turned promptly and faced Colson who was smirking even wider.

“What do you want?” You asked not surprised by his presence but cautious about what he was about to say.

“Well just to chat with a lovely assistant, it has been a while since we haven’t talk.” He replied sweetly, an innocent smile replacing his smirk and you understood fully well why so many girls were crazy about him.

“Cut the crap” You deadpanned, not in the mood for his banter.

“I still wonder why I try to sugarcoat things with you” he mumbled certainly more for himself. After some long seconds of silence, he let out in a charming voice: “Don’t you think that would be the perfect night?”

You weren’t sure of what he was implying. He liked flirting but you seriously doubt that he was since he would never cross that border, maybe he was just bored or wanted to tease you. You didn’t give him the satisfaction of an answer that would fuel his joust.

“You don’t ask me the perfect night for what?” He added kind of amused by your lack of reaction. “Well I will tell you anyway because else it wouldn’t be funny. So my dear don’t you think it would be the perfect night to admit your badly hidden feelings for you know who.”

You gulped at those words. You attempt to come back with a witty, chill repartee that would show that you were diverted by this non-sense and not knowing about what he was talking about, but your mind was blank. You were sure that tonight before sleeping while your mind would replay this scene, you would think of many clever replies.

“Still no answer, I bet that this time it is not for the same reason, right” Colson joked, and you cursed yourself.

“I just don’t understand what you mean” you eventually managed to say, cringing at this lame attempt to act cool.

“Your blushing cheeks and stiff body are telling the opposite” Nice even your own body was now betraying you.

“I get that you are bored Colson and even if it would probably be the funniest thing of your night, I don’t plan on becoming the biggest idiot of the party for your entertainment. I know Pete doesn’t like me and it is okay, you can’t control someone’s feelings and…”

“I hope you realize that you already are the biggest idiot of the night” He cut you “and Pete is too. I can’t get my head around the fact that you are both blind, incapable of seeing the way the other looks at you. Shshshsh don’t reply, don’t want to waste my time on hearing you tell me that I am lying, imagining stuffs, and complaining about my behavior, I‘ve already had this long speech from Pete. You can do whatever you want, go tell him or don’t but just know that you don’t risk much. And don’t count on him to come, he is sure he has no chance. So please have the balls for the both you.” He was about to leave you there with many contradictory thoughts filling your head when he leaned to whisper: “But really please do tell him tonight, I bet some bucks with John that you would be the brave one, don’t prove me wrong.”

You nudged him and he burst out of laughter as you showered him with imaginative curses. You decided to sit few minutes just to take time to reflect. You needed to process what you just heard. If indeed had feelings for you, things would change drastically. You felt yourself slowly but surely drifting into panic. A part of your brain was screaming that it was lies maybe because it was easier to accept than the truth. You had dreamt of this but it was a dream and you weren’t sure that you were ready for that right now. Intrusive thoughts were running in your head defeating your ounce of rationality and calm. One of your hand was clenched on your drink firmly and you closed your eyes while inhaling and exhaling to relax yourself. From the outside you certainly looked crazy but you didn’t care, it didn’t even crossed your mind.

You were so focused on your breath that you didn’t notice someone siting next to you and neither feel this person hand on yours. When you opened your eyes, you detect that you were no longer alone and the person with you was none other than Pete. He softly smiled at you and you felt like dying inside, this smile was enough to make you forget any doubts, anything, to appease. You smiled back at him kindly. He seemed to be struggling to say something and you took the lead.

“I guess that Colson talks to you too, huh?” You questioned, your voice was a bit shaking and you had eaten half of your words however you knew that he had understood you.

“Kind of” he stated and your next words died in your throat, you were losing your confidence. Those tow simple words held a clear message: yes we talk but no I don’t like you. “Actually, John did most of the talking” he joked or at least try to. He was also way to stress to really be funny.

You wanted to say something, to admit what was consuming you inside nevertheless you were scared, you refuse to be too blunt on this. You had to be subtle, to find a way to make him realize but without saying it, so if the feelings were not reciprocal it would not be too awkward.

“Colson mentioned a bet on us” You hid your reddening face behind your drink and casually take a sip or at least as casually as you can considering your current position.

“I heard about it too” His fingers were drumming against his tights in nervousness. “I am kind of bother by it you see.” You nodded, you felt crushed inside, of course he would be bothered, who would not be bothered to be shipped with someone they don’t have feelings for. You did everything you could to remain still and not crack, not now, not in front of him, of his friends. “I don’t really any of them to get this money like I guess I want them to be right, but I don’t like them betting on us”. You blinked several times not sure if you were on the same page. “I am not very clear, I am? Well obviously, I am not, I have never been very clear in those situations. Maybe clearer than now, because now what I am saying is a mess, well normally it is confused but understandable. And I am rambling right now and I don’t even know why. Maybe because it is intimidating, like we know each other for so long and what I am saying is that it is different.”  

He had lost you with his confused sentences, was he trying to reject you or the contrary. You wanted a certain answer, not an interpretation based on a wrong reading of the situation, actually you did not want this answer, you needed it. He was still digressing when you took the courage to interrupt him: “Pete please listen to me okay.” He shut up and looked at you in the eyes, sort of hanging of the words you would pronounce. “I like you Pete and not like I like Ricky or John, I mean not like a friend. Do you understand?”

There were few awfully long seconds of silence before you felt Pete’s forehead against yours and his hands on yours. “Fuck, you are a lot better at verbalizing this than I am” He smiled brightly, he was so beautiful when he was happy. “Can I kiss you?” He asked still quite unsure and you gently pressed your lips against his. It was a short and sweet kiss, the kind that promise wonderful tomorrows full of love, full of life.

character writing prompts to get in their head

when i have trouble writing a character, sometimes i enjoy sitting down and writing as though i am journaling as that character. idk if it’s effective at all, but at the very least it is fun and gets the creative juices flowing. alternatively these can be used as journal prompts :-)

- what is the biggest risk you have taken? were there any consequences to that risk?

- are you good at handling or managing your emotions? what are your emotional habits? do you tend to bottle things up, overshare, or regulate your emotions well? 

- if you were required to choose to stop feeling one emotion for the rest of your life, what would that emotion be? why that emotion?

- have you ever deliberately hurt somebody for your own gain? do you regret doing so or feel apathetic towards you? would you do it again? alternatively, have you ever indirectly hurt somebody in pursuing self-benefit? what were the repercussions?

- what is your biggest irrational fear? explain that fear and where it comes from. is there any underlying trauma that could be the cause of that fear?

- what is your proudest moment? what made you so proud of said moment; was there buildup that lead to the moment happening?

- are there any specific objects that bring you nostalgia? what are the stories behind these objects and the emotional connections they bring?

- if you had an important job interview coming up, how would you prepare? what would your job application process look like?

- do you spend more time daydreaming or focusing on the practical aspects of life? what about either of these things appeals to you?

- what is the first memory of life that you have? is it foggy or clear in your mind? does it bring you joy, apathy, sadness, or anger?

- give an example of an embarrassing email or dm or text message that you have sent. is it something that you look back on at and laugh or is it something that makes you feel tight in your chest?

- imagine you are going to a therapist for the first time. do you open up to your therapist right away or does it take a long period of time? are there things you still hide?

- what is a song that instills a strong emotion in you? what emotion does it instill? what does listening to that song make you want to do?

- if you had to listen to one pre made spotify playlist for the rest of your life, what would that playlist be?

- what is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you? what made that gesture so memorable?

- what was your favorite childhood game? were you more interested in board games or playground games? what about said game made it so appealing?

- what is your social media website of choice, if any? what about said website appeals to you?

- if you could live forever but never fall in love or live only to be 80 but have a soulmate to spend it with, which would you choose?

perhaps i will post more some other time if anyone is interested :> 

Sleeping Beauty Missed Opportunities

I watched Disney’s Sleeping Beauty about ten days ago and I actually loved it a lot. The aesthetic is lovely and the music is absolutely ethereal, there was some awesome comedy and Maleficent remains such a cool villain even if she is not particularly competent at it, Phillip is probably the best Disney prince ever and I got all nostalgic so it was a great experience. I couldn’t help but notice a couple of things that had so much potential had they been explored and now I am going to write them out because they will simply not leave me alone.

- The fact that Flora’s gift to Aurora was beauty annoyed me a lot. So you’re telling me that her beauty is not only not natural, but it was also pretty much a gift wasted since it literally never played any role in anything. Aurora grew up in isolation so she could have looked as Godzilla for all anyone cared and it wouldn’t have made a difference. And to top it all, her beauty also does not play a role in Phillip falling in love with her because he falls in love with the beauty of her voice at first. It would have been much better if she was naturally pretty (as opposed to supernaturally so aka magically induced) and Flora had given her another gift. I suppose that since she is named Flora, she has something to do with flowers which is why her gift to Aurora was beauty. After all, flowers are there to look pretty and not much else. But I think it would have been a better idea if her gift to Aurora had been that of a nurturing touch that makes it so that Aurora nearly gives life to plants by just touching them. Animals are trickier but she can still heal and nurse them back to health with a little more effort. That would have been in contrast with Maleficent’s whole “kingdom” (aka the Forbidden Mountain) decaying and being in ruins and would have gone better with Fauna’s gift of the soul.

- In the scene where Maleficent appears to the Christening, it is Merryweather that tells her she was not wanted. Granted, the king and queen did not object to that but it was obvious they had already pissed off Maleficent so they probably didn’t want to get on the wrong side of the fairies whose benevolence they still had. When you think about it, though, it was Merryweather who escalated the situation into a disaster that could not be saved so my thought was that it would have been interesting to have learned a little bit more about the fairy ways and the conflict between the Three Good Fairies and Maleficent. Obviously, Maleficent has high social status since even the queen called her “Your Excellence” so the decision to not invite her to the Christening was weird and ill-advised. With a little more background info on the fairy business we could have witnessed the dilemma of the royal family that is caught in the middle of a feud they have nothing to do with aka having to choose which side to invite and risking to draw the wrath of the other upon themselves. It could have been interesting to see what would have happened if they had invited Maleficent instead of the Good Fairies in fear of what she could do if they didn’t only to have the Good Fairies paying them back for the disrespect but that would have changed the plot too much so it is probably best to explore as an AU.

- The consequences of King Stefan’s decision to burn all spinning wheels were never ever shown and that was such a great waste. The fact that the target audience is kids makes it a little bit more understandable, of course, but this could have made for a great political subplot. The decision was impulsive and was made more from the heart of the father rather than the head of the king in his desperation to protect the child he and his wife have wanted for so long. However, that will surely have economical and even political impact on the kingdom. Instead of celebrating the birth of the royal heir, they had to pay the price for protecting her. It is the fourteenth century so without spinning wheels in the whole kingdom, they could no longer turn wool into threads. Any industry including fabric would have suffered from that choice and that would have led to poverty. Now that would have been a perfect way to explore the alliance between Aurora and Phillip’s kingdoms. Maybe they signed a contract for Phillip’s kingdom to trade finished products for the resources that they need to make them coming from Aurora’s kingdom. It would have been a good way to include the aspect of royalty, politics and economics more since they already introduced it through the arranged marriage. And it would be interesting to see Aurora’s reaction once she was back at the palace to how much her subjects and the whole kingdom (even Phillip’s kingdom) had sacrificed for her well-being. Any decisions she could have made on the matter as the future ruler could have shown her introduction into her role of princess and future queen as well as her compassion and good heart.

- The king and queen’s pain over their lost daughter was never explored. They waited for years for the happiness to have a baby and when their only dream finally comes true, they are forced to give up the baby if they want to keep her alive. They can not see her for the first sixteen years of her life and by the time she comes back to the palace she is all grown up. She is not their baby daughter but a beautiful stranger that they don’t know anything about. Whatever happiness and relief there was over her being well and alive was surely overshadowed by the fact that Maleficent still succeeded in tearing their family apart. Their daughter is not dead but they lost her and she never had them. It is a horrible tragedy that the movie never even bothered to address for a second past that scene of them sending Aurora away with the Three Good Fairies. Considering all the negative repercussions the king’s decision to burn all spinning wheels must have had on the kingdom, it was a shame that they never truly showed the emotional consequences of the choice to give Aurora to the fairies to raise for the royal family. It could have added much emotional depth to the story and characters.

- In relation to that, there was a big missed opportunity with Philip also. Since his mother wasn’t there neither at the Christening, nor at the celebration of Aurora’s sixteenth birthday, a sound assumption would be that she was dead. The loss of her that Phillip and his father were going through and the loss Aurora’s parents were experiencing after they gave her away could have become a great bonding point for the two families. It has been shown that Phillip’s dad is a great friend of King Stefan so it would be safe to assume that the two met quite a lot. Phillip could have easily been brought along on those visits and since they lost their own daughter, Aurora’s parents would have probably become very fond of the boy and loved him as their own. He was to be their son-in-law one day and through him they could give their daughter all their love, by caring for him and helping raise him in any way they could. And Phillip could have come to think of them as family as well and respect them like his own parents which would have made it harder for him to stand up to the arranged marriage because he also loved them and didn’t want to hurt their feelings after all the love they’d given him. And later on, once Aurora was back home, he could have helped her get to know her parents. It would have been bittersweet that he knew them better than she did but it would have shown both his support of Aurora and the trust that binds the two families in one as well as helped both Aurora and her parents get over the pain and trauma they’ve experienced.

- This is more of a detail that would have just made things a little cooler if it’d been included but what if the gift of soul Fauna gave Aurora was the reason she was seeing Phillip in her dreams? It connected her to the living beings like the forest animals and it could have very well been the one thing helping her connect with the one she is destined to be with. It could have been a cool side thing. And maybe it also affected Phillip in some way and that was why he could communicate so effortlessly with his horse. Or they could have made it so that Phillip had also been blessed by fairies as a child and that was why he was communicating the same way with his horse that Aurora was with the forest animals and it helped them establish their dream bond.

- And one last possibility that I thought of would have been if Aurora had been raised according to fairy understanding and perception of the world. The Three Good Fairies themselves said that they knew nothing about raising a human child and Aurora neither knew they were fairies, nor had contact with any other humans in order to figure out that something wasn’t quite right with the way they were raising her and the things they were teaching her. So she grew up experienced in fairy traditions and the fairy way of looking on the world. Once she goes to the palace, she finally learns that what she’s been taught is not the human way of doing things so on top of having to patch up her family and learn the royal ways, she also has to learn the human ways. And since she’s been raised with fairy outlook on the world, she cannot believe her parents’ decision to not invite Maleficent to her Christening. It is not that she blames them but to her it seems incredibly stupid and disrespectful and she understands why Maleficent went for retribution. Since Aurora is so well versed in the fairy ways, she becomes something of an ambassador for the kingdom in its dealings with fairies (and possibly other magical creatures) to avoid repetition of history and offend another powerful being. The kingdom becomes prosperous thanks to its extraordinary princess who has managed to earn the benevolence and blessings of various fairies. There are those who do not like her since they think a human should have never been allowed the privilege to know their traditions so well but, in general, she is in the favor of most powerful beings that protect her kingdom and make it a force to be reckoned with.

Those are the things that I would have loved to have seen included or even hinted at in some way in the movie since there is a lot to cover in all the cracks of the story. Any of these would have made for great additions to the original plot imo and would have given more depth and life to the story.

Thoughts on Saikyou Densetsu Kurosawa

FUKUMOTO Nobuyuki, 11 volumes, published from 2003 to 2006 in Big Comic Original (Seinen)

Saikyou Densetsu Kurosawa (Legend of the strongest man Kurosawa) follows the story of 44 years old construction worker Kurosawa as he realizes he spent most of his life without any meaningful connections with anyone nor any special achievements. He decides to change his life so that he can become proud of his own accomplishments and efforts, and earn respect and appreciation from the people around him.

(spoiler warning)

So I’m currently binging Fukumoto manga, after having them on my “plan to read” list for several years…I started with Kaiji, but initially the first manga of his that caught my interest was Kurosawa. The themes of it are right up my alley, and I like main characters that are not teenagers or young adults.

Kurosawa has a sequel, Shin Kurosawa: Saikyou Densetsu, which is a direct continuation. I’ll mostly be focusing on the first part here. 

The art is typical Fukumoto style. Odd at first, definitely not the prettiest nor the most impressive out there, but it does the job and I really grew to like it. He doesn’t hesitate to give exaggerated features to his characters, and I actually find the deliberate ugliness of the character designs refreshing. It certainly fits the story of Kurosawa, makes the characters very expressive and works well with the often comedic tone. 

Although the art looks simple, Fukumoto can deliver very intense pages when he needs to. 

His forte is in his use of narration combined with the picture, rather than in the drawings alone. He is a master at using a narrator’s comments or the character’s thoughts to raise tension and make the manga flow better.

 Kurosawa is definitely written with a lot of heart. Both the manga itself and the titular character, feel very genuine. Kurosawa is very flawed and very human. He is rough but powerful, his desires are simple, and he is straightforward in his reactions, to the point that his impulsive nature and lack of social restraints put him in trouble, especially when it comes to women...

There are a few instances however where he comes close to harassing women, which is played for laugh, which I disliked. Those scenes made me less sympathetic towards him as he actually deserved the repercussions of his actions here.

But besides those chapters, Kurosawa is overall a likeable character, easy to sympathize with and to root for as we see him at a low point of his life.

He is clumsy in his interactions with his coworkers, which, coupled with his hot-temper, often leads to misunderstandings and prevents him from getting closer to them despite his best efforts. I actually found Kurosawa’s failed attempts at achieving popularity reminiscent of Watamote. The beginning of both series, in which a pathetic main character fails repetitively at gaining the appreciation of their peers through outlandish strategies, elicits the same mixture of pity, second-hand embarrassment, and amusement.

Kurosawa also gets into a fair number of fights. While those fight-focused chapters were not bad, I was personally less into them.

Drawing literal fist-fights in not what Fukumoto’s best at. His character’s postures are somewhat stiff, which he compensates for with heavy use of speed-lines. It is okay-ish, but I want read a fight scene, there’s plenty of fighting manga out there that can do a better job. 

 I like Fukumoto more when he writes more psychological battles, like in his gambling mangas. Of course, psychological elements and strategies where not totally absent from the fights, but it was nowhere as much as in his gambling manga. Sometimes I think Kurosawa was a bit too lucky in the fights, as he is not a very athletic person nor someone with a lot of experience in fighting. It did not feel very convincing to me.

Besides, it is through these battles that Kurosawa gathers allies, a reputation and respect. But most of his opponents are teenagers, even middle-schoolers ! Granted they are very scary teenagers, but I still fail to see how a 44 years old man throwing hands with teenagers is such a praise worthy thing...

 I think I prefer to see Kurosawa fight and struggle to improve his life in a less literal way that actual physical fighting.

I haven’t read that many of Fukumoto’s works yet, but I feel like an important theme in them is perseverance/resilience. He puts his characters through a lot, but they tend to have some form of resistance that shines through as admirable. Kurosawa’s will to fight and to push back against adversity is sometimes the only thing he has left, and it is extremely important.

However, that is not an innate ability that comes to him easily -at times Kurosawa hides, flees, cowers. He hesitates, and he needs to think things through before he actually decides to fight.

Fukumoto: You know how protagonists in shonen manga do things like jump in to stop their classmate from being bullied without thinking about how they might get beaten up themselves? I always felt that wasn’t real. So with Kurosawa, I wanted to make a manga that shows hesitation, and how it actually isn’t so easy to defend people like that.

(Excerpt from this interview)

I like this kind of manga where characters reflect about what is the right decision to take and on how they should be living their life. And how the reader has access to their inner turmoil and thoughts. 

 His strength is often born from sheer desperation and desire to survive. It is when he is cornered that he can manage to act and fight even when the odds are against him. He has to make do with the very few tools and options he has, which leads him to elaborate unconventional tactics to win over his opponents. 

Having cornered underdogs characters winning over more powerful, but less desperate, opponents seems like a running theme in Fukumoto’s manga (cf. the made-up E-card Game from Kaiji, in which The Slave is the only card that can win against The Emperor, precisely because it is so low that it has nothing to lose anymore).

In a way, one could argue Kurosawa follows a formula reminiscent of classic shounen manga: a character who is below average at first rises to a heroic status through willpower, effort and after fighting a string of opponents. However, there are major differences that set Kurosawa apart, besides the older characters and more adult setting (Kurosawa’s worries are grounded in reality: growing old alone, financial problems...) Kurosawa does not provide escapism and dreams. The story begins with Kurosawa as a single old man, and ends with him an even older still single man. He does not become an amazing fighter through power boost and magic training like a shounen character might.

He does want to dream big, but all things considered, his achievements are fairly modest. He is not saving the world or becoming hokage.  At most he is just helping some other marginalized people from his neighborhood.  

Even if he puts his life on the line to fight, what he accomplished will fade into oblivion at some point.

But, even so, his efforts and struggle are still admirable.

Besides, Kurosawa is not about friendship, at least not the kind of friendship you find in shounen manga.

In Fukumoto’s manga, people may stick together for survival, they can share intense emotions when put through the same ordeals, but it’ll rarely turn into true companionship. Kurosawa is alone from the start, and while he does connect with other people throughout the story, in the sequel those relationships are left behind as he leaves on his own to start a new life. 

Fukumoto: My protagonists, on the other hand, are always alone – not only do they not have followers, they don’t even have friends. (laugh) [...]  I can’t do manga where the characters readily make friends that they risk their lives for. I started out by drawing short human drama pieces, but even then – partially because I wasn’t doing long-term series, but – they weren’t generally stories about friends.

I was kind of expecting Asai, one of Kurosawa’s coworker, to have a bigger role, but that didn’t happen. (I liked the part where he tried to comfort Kurosawa after he got humiliated so I was hoping for more!)

The story isn’t very cohesive or straighforward, it just follows Kurosawa’s life, who wants to change but lacks a clearly defined goal or road to follow. There isn’t one big coherent plot, instead the story goes in different directions, shifting from one genre to another from chapter to chapter. Kurosawa even admits it himself !

The quality of the chapters and different arcs is in my opinion rather uneven. 

 There are some really powerful scenes, notably the very end of the manga which is very touching. Kurosawa successfully leads a group of homeless men to defend themselves against some delinquents who were threatening them, but as a result of his injuries, he is implied to die. (The sequel manga reveals he actually just goes into coma for 8 years). It is bittersweet ending as he finally achieved something and is surrounded by human warmth.

                  Shin Kurosawa, the sequel, is similar to the first part, though slightly more light-hearted and focused on humor (even though Kurosawa’s situation technically worsens!). It seems to be less liked than the first part for those same reasons, but I personally enjoy Fukumoto’s humor and his more slice of life-y mangas. It has many genuinely funny moments. Once in a while there are still some chapters that feel deeper/more thought provoking, as Fukumoto likes to reflect about society, life, and humanity in his stories.

For anyone looking for other manga with similar themes, I can recommend Furuya Minoru’s excellent Wanitokagegisu . Both feature very lonely adult men who wish to turn their life around, and oscillate between humor and psychological drama.

Am I Bipolar? High Highs and Low Lows

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I bipolar?”

It may be due to things you’ve experienced yourself or because of something other people have observed about you.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Bipolar disorder (BPD), or manic depression, is a severe mental health condition characterized by extreme changes in mood, including periods of emotional highs and lows.

An Overview of Bipolar Disorder

The disorder is relatively common, with more than five million people estimated to be living in the U.S. with some form of bipolar disorder.

While scientists and researchers can’t pinpoint one factor that determines whether or not someone will have this disorder, they do believe some factors may play a role, including:

The brain’s structure and how the brain functions: Some studies show that the brains of people with bipolar have differences compared to the brains of people who don’t have it. For example, there may be differences in bipolar neuron function, unipolar neurons, sensory neurons, or other areas of functionality in the brain.

Genetics: There are specific genetic components that could increase someone’s risk of having bipolar disorder, and having a close family member such as a parent or sibling with bipolar may increase someone’s likelihood as well.

Environment: Trauma or significant life changes can trigger bipolar. For example, the loss of someone you care about can induce a depressive or manic episode. Drug abuse is also thought to increase the likelihood of bipolar. Around 60% of people with bipolar disorder are dependent on alcohol or drugs.

Am I Bipolar? The Signs and Symptoms

The general symptoms of Bipolar Disorder include periods of extreme emotion, and during that time, there may be changes in behavior, sleeping, and overall activity.

Some mood episodes may last for several days or weeks, while other times, these episodes can be shorter.

During a manic episode, you might experience:

Feeling elated or even high

Feeling jumpy

Decreased need for sleep

Loss of appetite

Talking very fast

Talking about different things all at once

Racing thoughts

Mood Swings

Risky behaviors

Poor judgment

Feeling especially powerful, talented, or important

During a depressive episode, side effects can include:

Feeling worried, sad, hopeless, or generally down

Restlessness

A sense of slowness

Problems falling asleep

Sleeping too much

Weight gain

Increased appetite

Talking slowly

Forgetfulness

Difficulties making decisions or concentrating

Not able to do simple daily tasks

Lack of interest

Decreased sex drive

Inability to feel pleasure

Feeling worthless

Thoughts of suicide or death

Types of Bipolar Disorder

People with bipolar disorder experience episodes of manic behavior followed by extreme lows. Some cases experience more bouts of depression that last for weeks, while others have manic episodes that last days.

Bipolar I Disorder

For a bipolar 1 diagnosis, a person must have experienced at least one manic episode in a person’s lifetime. It’s mostly followed by manic depressive episodes, which is where the term “manic depression” comes from.

When not fluctuating between episodes, a person with bipolar 1 disorder can function normally. But family and friends can typically distinguish when they experience an episode.

Symptoms of a manic episode:

Unable to maintain a single train of thought

Talking very fast and loud

Seemingly unlimited energy and not needing sleep

Inflated ego and self-image

Impulsive buying and spending

Hyper-sexuality

Substance abuse

A person who experienced a manic episode may enjoy it because they may be more productive and social and energetic. But, the results of a manic episode can often be disastrous.

A deep depression typically follows a manic episode along with professional and personal repercussions. Sometimes a person requires hospitalization because of a manic episode. They may lose touch with reality and need professional assistance to keep from hurting themselves or others.

Bipolar II Disorder

Contrary to popular belief, a person does not have to experience the extremes of a manic episode to have bipolar disorder. A bipolar II diagnosis requires at least one hypomanic episode and major depressive episodes.

Hypomanic episodes have the same symptoms of a manic episode but to a less extreme degree. People with bipolar II experience long episodes of major depression, which can be debilitating.

Symptoms of a major depressive episode:

Feeling sad or hopeless

Irritability (especially in teens)

Either excessive sleeping or insomnia

Extreme weight fluctuation (either weight loss or weight gain)

Restlessness

Loss of energy and fatigue

Trouble concentrating

Feeling worthless or needlessly guilty

Contemplating or thinking about suicide

It’s important to note that bipolar II is not a less severe version of bipolar I, but rather a completely separate diagnosis. People with bipolar I have manic episodes and periods of depression. People with bipolar II have extended periods of major depression and hypomanic episodes.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is a rare disorder that causes major mood fluctuations similar to bipolar but not as extreme. People with cyclothymic disorder have emotional highs or hypomanic episodes.

They also experience lows, similar to those in bipolar, but not as extreme. Instead of major depressive episodes, they experience periods of depression-like symptoms. Even though it’s less extreme of a disorder, it is still a serious one that has negative effects on a person’s life and wellbeing if gone untreated.

Other Types

Drug and alcohol abuse often leads to symptoms that mirror a bipolar disorder. Some illnesses and medications also affect a person’s personality. Stopping drug use or changing medication can alleviate those side effects.

Triggers

With this type of mood disorder, there are specific triggers that you feel could worsen the symptoms for you.

Triggers can cause mania or depression to appear for the first time or make existing symptoms worse.

There doesn’t have to be a trigger for a manic episode, but it is a common occurrence.

Some of the triggers include:

Stressful life events, whether good or bad

Substance abuse can worsen symptoms of bipolar or trigger an episode

Medications such as antidepressants can trigger mania, as can over-the-counter cold medicine and corticosteroids

Changes in seasons

Sleep deprivation

Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

Options for treating mania primarily depend on how severe the symptoms are and how they affect functionality in day-to-day life.

Treatments include medications and counseling for symptom control, such as mood stabilizers.

Therapy might also integrate lifestyle changes and support groups.

Medications for Bipolar Disorders

One of the most commonly used types of medication for bipolar disorder is mood stabilizers. Mood stabilizers include lithium, valproic acid, and divalproex sodium. These can help control manic or hypomanic periods.

Along with mood stabilizers, antipsychotics are another class of drug that may treat symptoms of bipolar disorder if other medicines didn’t work. Doctors might use a mood stabilizer along with an antipsychotic too.

Antidepressants can trigger mania but may be used to help with depression in bipolar disorder, mainly when they’re prescribed with an antipsychotic or mood stabilizer.

It can take time to find the right medicine or combination of medications – a doctor will usually only make one change at a time until they get it right.

Psychotherapy

Along with mood stabilizers and other medicines, long-term psychotherapy can be a critical part of treating bipolar disorder.

There are different types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT, you identify your negative beliefs and behaviors and then replace them with something positive. During CBT, you might learn what triggers your bipolar and learn strategies to manage stress and cope.

Final Thoughts

The best step you can take to determine “am I bipolar?” is to talk to your doctor.

There are many great ways to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder if that’s your ultimate diagnosis.

If you are looking for a doctor to talk to our team, the Mental Health Centers of San Diego has access to all of the professionals you need to get a diagnosis and treatment of any mental disorders, including bipolar.

Compulsive Gambling

It is quite a well-known fact that, for some people, gambling can become an irresistible compulsive behavior. This is known as gambling disorder, and it can lead to serious life problems. For the person who finds themselves suffering from compulsive gambling, it can feel like an impossible situation to escape from. It can also be incredibly difficult for the people who care about them, the friends and family who often struggle to understand the behavior and why it dominates the thoughts and feelings of the person they love. So, let’s look at why some people fall victim to compulsive gambling and how they can seek treatment and begin a journey towards recovery.

What are the Signs of Compulsive Gambling?

There are many signs that a person is suffering from a gambling disorder, and some people may exhibit more signs than others. Many people with compulsive gambling problems are very good at hiding the signs, and so it can be challenging to identify the scale of the problem simply by observing. However, there are some common warning signs of compulsive gambling, including the following:

Spending excessive amounts of time gambling (remember there are various gambling forms, and all can be compulsive).

Using gambling to help deal with other issues, such as gambling, to escape from problems or to help manage the negative feelings such as depression, low self-worth, guilt, or anxiety.

Putting important things at risk by prioritizing compulsive gambling, such as family relationships, jobs, social opportunities, or education.

Failure to cut down or quit gambling, despite trying.

Thinking or talking about gambling a lot; a preoccupation or obsession with gambling.

Investing a lot of energy and time in planning how to engage in gambling or how to procure money for gambling purposes.

Physical, emotional, or mental withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop gambling or unable to gamble — jitteriness, irritability, restlessness, anxiety, etc.

Using more and more money in gambling to get a thrill or feeling of ‘high.’

Chasing losses — this is when someone feels compelled to gamble more in order to make back the money they have lost in gambling.

Using illegal means to obtain money for gambling, such as theft or taking part in illegal gambling rings.

Borrowing money from friends and family in order to gamble.

Deceiving people about the extent of the gambling or any financial hardship sustained through compulsive gambling.

Feelings of guilt, shame, low self-worth, negative thoughts, depression, anxiety, and even self-harm or suicide due to gambling problems.

What Are the Risk Factors?

Most of those who gamble, do so occasionally and never develop compulsive gambling behavior. For those who have never experienced gambling disorder, it can be very difficult to understand why someone would gamble to the point of causing harm to themselves and those they care about. However, research has pointed to a complicated range of causes behind compulsive gambling that includes biological and genetic causes. Some people experience reward when they gamble in the form of a reaction in the chemistry of the brain that encourages them to repeat the behavior. Some people are genetically predisposed to becoming addicted to this feeling. It is not as simple as ‘stopping’ gambling. Risk factors for compulsive gambling include the following:

Mental Health — those who suffer from mental health conditions such as personality disorders, depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), or OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) may be at greater risk of developing problems with compulsive gambling.

Substance Abuse — those who have a history of substance abuse or addiction may have a higher risk of gambling disorder.

Age and Sex — studies have shown younger people are more prone to gambling problems than older people and that men are more at risk than women. This is not to say that older people and women do not engage in compulsive gambling, but just that there appears to be a correlation between the incidence of gambling disorder and these factors.

Peer Influences — those who have family or friends who gamble excessively or who differ from a gambling problem are more likely to encounter problems with gambling themselves.

Consequences of Gambling Disorder

Gambling can have serious repercussions. Many people who suffer from gambling disorder find themselves experiencing severe hardship and tough life circumstances. Sometimes this is the motivation that a person needs to accept that they have a serious problem and seek help. Some of the common repercussions include:

Relationship difficulties — this may be in romantic relationships, families, or between friends. These difficulties may occur for many reasons, for example, damaged trust due to secrecy or dishonesty with regard to gambling, the financial strain caused by gambling, or a shift in priorities as gambling becomes the foremost thought of the compulsive gambler.

Mental Health Issues — depression, anxiety, and self-harming behavior can follow any compulsive behavior. Despite wanting to stop, the person might feel unable to resist the behavior and is then left with feelings of anger, sadness, guilt, and low self-worth. This can range from mild to severe, and there is a risk of suicide when a person feels unable to control their behavior or remedy any harm caused.

Financial Difficulties — this is an obvious problem, but it can occur for several different reasons. Some may gamble away money that was needed for paying household bills; others may be borrowing from family, friends, or financial institutions to the point of being in serious debt. Some people may even find themselves getting involved in criminal or dangerous activity to fuel a gambling problem or repay a gambling debt.

Criminal activity — compulsive gambling can drive people to steal money or commit fraud, resulting in serious legal consequences, including imprisonment. Getting involved with criminals can lead to involvement in other crimes.

Employment problems — some people with gambling problems find it difficult to hold down a job, whether because they are compelled to spend the time gambling or because they find it very hard to focus due to either the desire to gamble or the associated mental health issues that can arise.

Physical Health issues — poor sleep, poor diet, stress, and poor lifestyle choices can result from compulsive behavior. These can have a severe impact on physical health. People may lose or gain weight and experience nutritional deficiencies, poor immune response, and a decline in fitness and wellbeing.

Seeking Help

If someone you care about or even you, yourself, have a problem with compulsive behavior, then the first step is to speak to someone who can assess the scale of the problem. This might feel like a very tough thing to do, but in fact, accepting there is actually a problem and seeking help is the first stage to recovering. There is help for the physical, mental, and financial implications of compulsive gambling.

Bernardeschi: Little by little we were losing our values. This is a wake-up call

Federico Bernardeschi is sitting on his balcony in Turin. The sun is shining. “It’s 20 degrees,” he says. One of his bulldogs, Spike, barks in the background. The 26-year-old politely introduces us over our video call and gives the pooch a pat on the head. “He’s got a ball now. He’s happy.”

It’s a picture of normal life in abnormal circumstances. As of the weekend, there have been almost 200,000 cases of COVID-19 in Italy. Bernardeschi’s Juventus team-mates Daniele Rugani, Paulo Dybala and Blaise Matuidi all tested positive. But the country is turning a corner and after nearly two months of lockdown, the government has announced it will begin lifting some restrictions next week.

The crisis has left a profound impression on Bernardeschi, who remains in self-isolation but doesn’t live in a bubble. “Every morning at 8:30, I turn on the news. It’s the first thing I do,” the winger tells The Athletic. “Information is really important. You have to be aware of what’s going on around you and I always hold out hope there’ll be some good news when maybe yesterday, there wasn’t any. Gradually, we’re coming through the other side of it but we’re still in for the long haul.”

The Athletic is talking to Bernardeschi on April 25 — Liberation Day in Italy, commemorating the victory of the resistance at the end of World War II. Later in the afternoon, Italy’s president Sergio Mattarella cut a lonely but dignified figure walking down the steps of the Vittoriano monument in Rome in a protective mask after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. At the same ceremony a year ago, he called the liberation Italy’s second Risorgimento (Resurgence) after the unification of the states into one country in 1861. Freedom from COVID-19 could yet be its third.

“I get goosebumps talking about the doctors and nurses, and everyone who is risking their lives to help their neighbour,” Bernardeschi, who has scored four goals in 24 appearances for the national team, says. “I have to say what our healthcare workers have done and continue to do is a miracle of humankind.”

Bernardeschi donated €50,000 to the Gradenigo hospital in Turin and raised another €80,000 through GoFundMe for eight sub-intensive care beds and other necessary equipment. Perplexingly, having a social conscience is something Bernardeschi and former Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio have been criticised for in some quarters. They have been called “buonista” — virtue-signalling, politically correct do-gooders — by an element of Juventus’s ultras, who seem to have a problem with them using their platforms to shine a light on a variety of different social issues, not to mention calling out anti-immigration rhetoric.

“When someone, as you say, calls me ‘buonista’, for me, it’s a compliment,” Bernardeschi insists. “The world today needs more humanity and less selfishness when it comes to all the choices and big decisions we make at government and political level. Right now, we should be thinking about the families going through hard times rather than just looking at our own backyard. I hope this situation makes us understand that.”

The economic repercussions of the pandemic are placing ordinary households under tremendous stress and strain. Some are struggling to put food on the table and the footage from supermarkets of customers breaking down in tears, unable to pay for groceries, moved Bernardeschi. “I was watching a video on my phone with my partner (Veronica) and we both said to each other, ‘Damn, this is a major emergency’. We saw people who were unable do their shopping because they’d run out of money.”

It made Bernardeschi think of Caffe Sospeso, an time-old Neapolitan tradition of paying not for one coffee but two, so someone less fortunate than you can get one on the house. He wondered if the same might be possible in supermarkets — a Spesa Sospeso — whereby customers could make a donation of between €2 and €5 to cover the cost of essential groceries such as pasta, rice, milk and bread for those in need. Carrefour agreed to partner with him, as did Banco Alimentare, a charity that redistributes unsold food to the homeless. They’ll be delivering the Spesa Sospeso to the most vulnerable.

“I know what it means to see your parents struggling because it’s the end of the month and there’s no money left,” says Bernardeschi. “And all the while, they’re still doing everything to help you realise your ambitions and make your dreams come true.”

Bernardeschi became a father in August and one silver lining of lockdown is the time he has got to spend with his daughter, Deva. “I get up, get ready and make breakfast. I pick my baby girl up and get her to help me. I show her everything I’m doing. I’m with her for about an hour and then I do my first training session of the day. I shower, have some lunch and then, from one till six, I’m with her all afternoon. We play and then I put her down for a nap and watch some TV, like La Casa de Papel (Money Heist on Netflix). I started (basketball documentary) The Last Dance.”

Bernardeschi reaches for the guitar, too. “More than playing it, I’d call it plucking at it. I strum. I’m a big AC/DC fan. Back In Black is on the playlist when we run out at the Allianz Stadium. I like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana…” Bernardeschi’s desire to nail Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here on guitar — the Italy international’s favourite song — was probably a bit too ambitious. “I need a teacher,” he says.

Art fascinates him. His former Fiorentina team-mate Manuel Pasqual is a collector and shares former England manager Fabio Capello’s love of Lucio Fontana’s slashed canvases. “Berna” is more a street art kind of guy, though. “Banksy’s a genius,” he says. “Usually, artists only make it big after they die but Banksy’s managed to do it while he’s still alive. He’s famous and yet no one knows who he is. It’s madness. The man’s a genius in art and in marketing.”

At six o’clock, Bernardeschi trains again. Revised government guidelines indicate teams will only return to practice on May 18 and even then, it’s unclear whether group sessions and ball-work will be permitted. For now, the commute to Juventus’ Continassa facility will have to wait. “After the session, we have some dinner together, I put my daughter to bed and we put a film on. We go to bed destroyed. My daughter destroys us,” Bernardeschi laughs. “We’re in bed by 10. Then the morning comes and it starts all over again.”

As Italy’s sports papers speculate about his future with Juventus, Bernardeschi thinks about his daughter’s. Fatherhood has given him a renewed sense of purpose and perspective. “I work today for the world she’ll live in tomorrow. That’s how I think about it,” he says. “Doing something positive for her and every generation that comes after us.”

The pause caused by the pandemic presents a chance to rethink how we behave as a society and what we prioritise. It could serve as a teachable moment. “Little by little, we were losing our values,” Bernardeschi says. “For a long time now, we haven’t respected the environment, we haven’t respected ourselves, we haven’t respected our neighbours. We’ve been selfish. I think this situation will make us reflect on what the world could be like in the future. It’s a wake-up call for everyone. We’re guests on this planet. We have to ensure everything that surrounds us is in harmony with nature.”

Bernardeschi hopes the solidarity and compassion of the last couple of months lasts long after the pandemic is over.

“It was really emotional seeing all of Italy on their balconies at six o’clock singing the national anthem,” he says. “It means we are united as a country, that we’re a beautiful country. I hope that, as soon as this is all over, we can go back to the piazze (squares) and celebrate, sing, shout and rejoice at having got through it all.”

Great Hope Amidst the Pandemic

As much as possible, we totally want to be in control of our lives. We take time to manage personal goals which are the big things to work for and accomplish such as receiving a diploma, getting married and having a family, starting our own business, becoming a big-time executive, or traveling the globe and such. These are essentially some of the things we want to do in life and in preparation for that, we plan. There may be small interruptions like atmospherical conditions, heavy traffic or sickness and we're used to it. But in an unexpected instance, in a snap, a pandemic called Coronavirus hit us by surprise and consumed us within months. Worst case scenario: it is a huge interruption everywhere with no specific vaccine.

Everyone has been writing on this and I don't know where to start. When I first heard about Coronavirus, there was a certain fear I felt as if my heart skipped a beat, wondering what repercussions it may create. By researching, I came to understand that it's highly contagious, attacks the respiratory system and no one is an exception especially the immuno-compromised ones. Knowing the fact that there is no cure for this disease heightened up my worries — for myself, my loved ones, my nation and the world.

The world is grippling with an invisible, deadly enemy. I had a feeling that it will be one heck of a ride. This pandemic got me feeling a roller coaster of emotions. I was not in my comfort zone. I had a lot of what-ifs. Before quarantine started, usual activities were still allowed despite having early cases in the country so I couldn’t help being paranoid at school, while commuting, while going to the mall and going outside with no choice but to be exposed to a lot of people which made me totally anxious and wonder "what if I get the virus" so, I did the best ways possible not to catch it. I sanitized every now and then, did limit interactions, took vitamins, used face mask and became extra careful when going out. After school, in the dorm where I stay, I really make sure to keep my health in check so I wash my hands, eat and sleep properly. Let me just say that living a little away from home sucks especially when there's a sudden global virus. I had to take care of everything myself. I was longing for security. I just wished I could go home.

There was a time back then when I really had a hard time sleeping that I fell asleep at 4 o'clock in the morning so it led to overthinking and unwanted panic attacks. Fears abound. Such uncertainty. How long will it last? What if I get sick since I lack sleep? What will happen next? Worries kept rippling because aside from these, there were school requirements to fufill, an overall health to watch and uncertain future to come so it was absolutely tough for me and took a toll on my mental health.

Days before ECQ was imposed, it was another day full of worries and not being in control. Classes were suspended due to more cases detected. So I packed my luggage, took a 1-hour ride to get home and finally be with my family. It felt good to walk into our doorstep but even if quarantine was imposed, oh God, my worries didn’t fade. Fear and anxiety were still present. During the first week of ECQ, I still got panic attacks and sleep issues. I was deeply overwhelmed. That’s why I willingly shared my thoughts to my go-to person, my mom. It's been a long time since I had a panic attack and that time, it was difficult to control and worse, even my sleep was affected. My mom would calm me down by helping me meditate with a bunch of essential oils and by staying present. I also talked over the phone to my Kuya who's in Manila and with other loved ones so it eased out my agony. Their words comforted me. Their company patted my back. I started to feel safe. I felt much better. I stopped dwelling on the negativity. I looked into the blessings which I'm really grateful for. I prayed to God. I consciously focused on the fact that I'm alive and I have a purpose. I knew I just had to shift my perspective. I started to heal. I started to pick up my broken pieces like a puzzle waiting to be solved.

Well, there’s always a new day. The virus is still there, but no one’s stopping me from overcoming my fears and doing what I love. Let’s face life no matter what. Since I'm really a home person, I didn't bother much about things to do in quarantine. These are the things that kept me going while staying at home: I do love being active so after getting up in the morning, I would pray and think about the things I'm grateful for. After that, I would turn the television on, go to Youtube and do my usual workout routine (a good sweat releases endorphins). I also got to bake some goodies, learn to cook new recipes and get creative with my makeup looks. I also do household chores and binge-watch my favorite shows on Netflix right after. I even do some home photoshoot so I get to play dress up. Spending time with my family 24/7 is a major blessing I experience amidst the crisis. Every night, I pray to God and talk to him sincerely. Prayers are the best antidote and His hands are my safe haven.

These were some of the meals I cooked.

These were some selfies I took during quarantine as I get creative with my makeup looks to avoid overthinking.

Watching my favorite series, FRIENDS. A good laugh comes a long way.

With regards to academics, as a student and as a person, I was firm on my stand to push for mass promotion of all students. Considering the situation and ongoing threat of the global crisis, health is greatly at risk. I voiced out my opinion on social media. In my little way, I wanted to help those near around me to come to our house for internet access if ever mass promotion didn’t push through. Good thing my professors were considerate enough to pass us all even if the university didn’t go for mass promotion at first. Luckily, a new memo from our school’s administration came to a decision in benefit of the students. Mass promotion pushed through.

This is a screenshot of my Mass Promotion post where I voiced out what I felt.

Just yesterday, I received a bad news. It felt devastating to lose one of the best professors I had. We didn’t see it coming. He suffered from severe pneumonia and tuberculosis. He was one of the people who believes in me and appreciates my passion. He had expert communication skills and a strong work ethic. Not to mention his great sense of humor that kept every discussion in class fun. I have always admired him. I will surely miss Sir Guban. Heaven gained an angel. May he rest in peace.

This is Sir Guban, one of my best professors who just passed away.

Giving shape to time is indeed important now when the future is so shapeless. The pandemic is a whole new ballgame with new rules being created each day. We are challenged to let go of normalcy and face a new one. I know it’s hard to gain a perspective when you are in the middle of such uncertainty; to make sense of what is going on and how the future will emerge. But I have learned that I need to trust the process because eventually, it will unleash a better version of myself, a stronger one. As I began to reflect on the reality of such a virus and trying to contain it, it became clear that it says something quite wonderful about humanity. It says that we have the capacity to shift out of our comfort zones and to quite literally work together to save our lives and the lives of others. There is a tremendous hope for humanity being demonstrated around us. We can choose to walk through it lightly, with a little luggage, ready to imagine another world and ready to fight for it. Life may hit us hard countless times but I found out that it’s about finding ways to get back up again and moving forward despite the greatest obstacles.

Always wear your face mask, sanitize, be mindful and be safe.

This is a contribution to ComCo Southeast Asia’s “Write to Ignite Blogging Project”. The initiative is a response to the need of our times, as every story comes a long way during this period of crisis. Igniting and championing the human spirit, “Write to Ignite Blog Project” aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities to inspire the nation to rise and move forward amidst the difficult situation. This project is made possible by ComCo Southeast Asia, co-presented Eastern Communications and sponsored by Electrolux, Jobstreet and Teleperformance.

The ‘ANIMO’ spirit in times of crisis

When COVID-19 landed in the Philippines, everything was forced to stop. All restaurants, parks, schools, malls, and other establishments have been closed, people stopped working, and everybody is stuck in their houses. However, it did not stop De Lasalle University from working on its progress towards achieving its goals despite unfortunate circumstances brought by the virus contagion. The institution made an immediate and flexible response to the needs of its students and became one of the first to adopt online learning and led the way for the future of education. More so, De La Salle University created further developed strategies to combat the foreseen obstacles of the pandemic. These strategies come along with not just the abbreviation but the meaning of their long-lived battle cry and spirit, the “Animo La Salle!”

 As a shift towards the new normal, De La Salle University came up with ANIMO with which each letter corresponds to a specific strategy. These strategies stand for accompaniment, niches, impact, ministry, and opening. The first strategy, accompaniment, talks about a commitment of the institution to enhancing faculty-student engagement, practical assessment, and comprehensive support for all its stakeholders. Niches emphasize the support for graduates and faculty to have augmented toolkits for pandemic proof research methods to ensure minimum destruction to pipelines and increase social engagement towards a shared future. Impact gears towards the expansion of industry networks to further professionalize advancement and provide challenge-based learning programs in the transition to digital platforms. Ministry aims for the institution to build projects that promote sustainability, resiliency, security, and evidence-based approaches to improve service amidst the pandemic. Lastly, opening focuses on DLSU’s long-term planning and developing protocols for safe study and work, planning for disaster, recovery,  mission continuity, and migration of key online services.

 These strategies serve as weapons of De La Salle University to help students and the community fight and survive the repercussions in the face of the pandemic. Each of the well-developed strategies of De La Salle University focuses on a particular aspect of the community's needs. Nevertheless, one of the strategies contributes to maintaining DLSU’s position as a top university in the Philippines. This strategy is accompaniment. One of the big factors that put DLSU in the world rankings is the quality of its curriculum or the academic reputation and employer reputation. As aforementioned, accompaniment helps the students of DLSU acquire meaningful and valuable blended curriculum by maximizing faculty-student interaction as well as providing evidence-based assessments that strengthen students’ self-learning and independence. Not only that, according to, the constant element for the school is its faculty and their contributions that made it to the world ranking. With this, accompaniment is what differentiates DLSU from other institutions and it is what will push the university’s quality of education further to the betterment.

 Impact also comes vital when it comes to establishing DLSU’s international reputation and prestige. This is for the reason that Impact enables the university to expand its network of industry partners. The bigger the network is, the more people De La Salle University is connected to; hence, the more established the name of the university becomes. More so, it is aimed towards working for a shared goal and interests with partners so, in effect, it increases the university’s social value and reputation. If De La Salle university gives importance and value to its people, so do its people care about it. The impacts of DLSU to the community also represent its legacies; therefore, they not only make the university gain prestige but they also leave a trail for other institutions or other people to follow and to continue their journey in the future.

  Despite all these, do these strategies really help an individual become a true Lasallian Business Leader? There are three broad business objectives embodied in "The Vocation of the Business Leader”: Good Goods (contribute to the common good), Good Work (dignity of human work), and Good Wealth (stewardship and just). The DLSU strategic plan promotes all these three objectives. DLSU offers a high quality of education and fosters character formation, professional development, culture, and support which satisfies the objective of contributing to the common good (Good goods). The fact that DLSU continues to expand its research and to connect with partners and industry to localize UN Sustainable Development Goals is a manifestation of human dignity in work (Good Work). The formation of BITUIN and the building of other projects to promote sustainability, resiliency, security and evidence-based approaches for the benefit of the community, students and other stakeholders is proof of just distribution of wealth; thus, satisfying the objective of stewardship and just (Good Wealth).

 Below is the SWOT analysis of De La Salle University in the face of the pandemic. De La Salle University plays its chances of around 85% of success in realizing the key strategies of the plan. As shown in the table, De La Salle University may have strengths and opportunities that it can use as leverage but it also has considerable weaknesses and threats that may hinder the institution from achieving its goals at minimum effort. Moreover, the pandemic limitations have resulted in a significant decline in the welfare and economy of the country and it is continuously causing more complications and risks for all sectors of the society. For De La Salle University to effectively execute the key strategies of its plan, the institution must be able to eliminate or improve on them. This may take a long road for DLSU but it will surely be all worth the journey in the end.

  Strengths

●         Human Resource Management (Value Chain Analysis) – Based  on the ranking criteria for top universities, DLSU rates 26.9 in employee  reputation which is relatively high compared to other Philippines  universities (QS TopUniversities, 2020).

●         Technology Development (Value Chain Analysis) – DLSU’s  constant development and publication of science and research makes the  university one of the country’s most productive research institutions  (BMPlus, 2020).  

●         Marketing and Sales (Value Chain Analysis) – DLSU  uses evidence-based approach to provide high quality of education so as to  enhance character and professional development.

●         Service (Value Chain Analysis) – All  DLSU degrees programs are designed to be modern, future-proof, and rooted in  the best tradition of Lasallian education (Times Higher Education, 2020).

●         Service (Value Chain Analysis) – DLSU’s  use of internet platforms promotes remote learning where users can access  education and be able to communicate with each other anytime and anywhere or  even at the comfort of their houses.

Weaknesses

●         Technology Development (Value Chain Analysis) – DLSU often takes time fixing  occurring technical issues over its systems (Animospace, MyLaSalle) regarding  enlistment, enrollment, payment and many more that cause some conflicts among  students.

●         Service (Value Chain Analysis) –  The administration does not quickly respond to students’ concerns over  electronic emails which dissatisfies effective faculty-student engagement and  customer service.

●         Technology Development (Value Chain Analysis) –  DLSU is still new to utilizing online learning platforms and is still in the  process of making adjustments to further enhance education for all students.

●         Human Resource  Management (Value Chain Analysis) – There are some aged professors and  faculty staff who are not inclined to using advanced technologies.

 AREAS OF  CONSIDERATION

Opportunities

●         Buyer Power (Porters)  – DLSU has its name established and renowned as a top university in the  Philippines next to UP; thus, more students are willing to pursue degree  programs in DLSU than in other universities (Top Universities, 2020).

●         Technological (Pestle)  – DLSU opens door to cross enrollees through the Lasallian Open  Online-learning Program where students from partner schools, state colleges,  and other education institutions are allowed to take DLSU courses that are  not available at their home school amidst the pandemic (GMA News Online,  2020).

●         Threat of New  Entry (Pestle) – Since the country is currently experiencing an economic  crisis plus the mobility limitations as a result of the pandemic, it becomes  more difficult to build schools as how difficult it is to reopen some.

●         Social  (Pestle) – DLSU cares about students who are having emotional stress and  cannot comply with requirements amidst the pandemic thus, they are not given  any failing grade but a deferred grade or a retake of the course.

●         Threat of  Substitutes (Porters) - When it comes to learning, especially in a  pandemic, there are hardly any alternatives or substitutes for acquiring  education aside from online learning. The shutting down of schools, and other  establishments have forced people to shift from physical classroom to  technological interactive learning platforms to ensure safety and convenience  (Contreras, 2020).

AREAS OF CONSIDERATION

Threats.

●         Competitive Rivalry (Porters) – The competition in this  industry is high in terms of providing education amidst the pandemic as most  educational institutions are already starting to adopt online learning  platforms to engage with students (Mocon-Ciriaco, 2020).

●         Social  (Porters) – As virus contagion continues to grow in the country, an  increasing number of people get physically and mentally sick which causes a  loss of focus to many students during online classes (Malindog-Uy, 2020).

●         Economical (Pestle)  – Due to the country’s lockdown, many people have lost their jobs and are  struggling to gain resources to sustain their family’s needs. Thus, many  students may be forced to stop from their school to help their families save  money and provide the necessities to survive (Torres, 2020).

●         Environmental (Pestle)  – The pandemic quarantine limitations prohibit DLSU and other universities  from performing physical learning and forces them to gear towards online  platforms (Magsambol, 2020).  

●         Technological (Pestle)  – a large percentage of students in the Philippines do not have reliable  internet connection; hence, a large number of students are not able to access  online education as efficiently and effective as can be (Philippine Daily  Inquirer, 2020).

 One of the objectives of the DLSU strategic plan focuses on being able to support and provide support to vulnerable members of the community. This is being able to form meaningful relationships among students and create a meaningful and valuable blended curriculum during these times of crisis. With this formation of culture and support environment present in DLSU, it allows us to grow into becoming good business leaders for the future. One of the RVRCOB Code of Ethics is to be able to promote a humane and enabling the work community within the organization. This correlates with growing up in a community wherein we can create meaningful relationships that support one another as it also follows by focusing on helping others beyond my interests.

  As I continue to study at De La Salle University, I am confident that I have learned a variety of lessons and values both in life and academics. There are also more things that I know am yet to discover in the university. DLSU has enabled me to gain memorable experiences with friends and classmates. Moreover, I enjoyed the challenges and opportunities provided by diverse organizations and cultures. By joining events of organizations, I was able to help raise funds for the marginalized, especially for partner public schools. DLSU has pushed me to go beyond my comfort zone and molded me into becoming a potential leader to represent the school in sharing the values and knowledge with other people. DLSU has taught me to love the people around me regardless of gender, race, culture, religion, etc. Being able to learn the culture and values of De La Salle University is what I consider to be my unique contribution to its success in achieving its objectives. Because of these experiences, I have become a potential inheritor of what DLSU taught me. As a DLSU student, I am contributing not only as a messenger, spreading all the knowledge and values but also as a catalyst for change.

  REFERENCES:

BMPlus. (2020, March 5). DLSU is most productive Philippine university in research: BMPlus. Business Mirror. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/03/05/dlsu-is-most-productive-philippine-university-in-research/.

Contreras, A. (2020, April 18). Online Learning is the future of education and DLSU is learning the way. The Manila Times. https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/04/18/opinion/columnists/topanalysis/online-learning-is-the-future-of-education-and-dlsu-is-leading-the-way/715275/

De La Salle University. (2020, September 18). Times Higher Education (THE). https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/de-la-salle-university.

De La Salle University. (2020, November 9). Top Universities. https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/de-la-salle-university/undergrad.

Magsino, D. (2020, June 17). COVID-19 shows need for Philippines to invest more in science, technology, says expert. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/743072/covid-19-shows-need-for-philippines-to-invest-more-on-science-technology-says-expert/story/.

Philippine Daily Inquirer. (2020, May 1). Students worry about online learning due to slow PH internet. Philippine Inquirer. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1267743/students-worry-about-online-learning-due-to-slow-ph-internet

Magsambol, B. (2020, June 8). DepEd postpones face-to-face classes until COVID-19 vaccines is available. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/nation/deped-postpones-face-to-face-classes-covid-19-vaccine-available

Torres, J. (2020, August 17). Millions suffer job loss in Philippines due to pandemic, survey says. Licas News.  https://www.licas.news/2020/08/17/millions-suffer-job-loss-in-philippines-due-to-pandemic-survey-says/

Malindog-Uy, A. (2020, July 19). COVID-19 Impact on Mental Health of Filipinos. The ASEAN Post.  https://theaseanpost.com/article/covid-19-impact-mental-health-filipinos

Mocon-Ciriaco, C. (2020, October 8). The impossible is possible: Covid shut down schools, but learning goes on. Business Mirror.  https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/10/08/the-impossible-is-possible-covid-shut-down-schools-but-learning-goes-on/

Navigating the Path to Recovery: Understanding and Overcoming Drug Detox Addiction

Addiction to drugs is a global problem. That affects millions of people every year and has devastating effects. Mainly on their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Here, in this all-encompassing blog, we'll peel back the layers of drug detox addiction. Dissect its causes and consequences, and illuminate the road to recovery. Join a drug rehabilitation centre in delhi as we explore the complex topic of drug detox addiction. Having m the goals of educating our readers, inspiring compassion, and assisting them on their path to recovery.

An Overview of Drug Dependence and Detoxification:

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Factors Increasing the Risk:

Addiction to drugs that require detoxification. This can have several causes. Significant risk factors include but are not limited to, genetic susceptibility. Also, family history, environmental and social influences, trauma, psychological issues, and physiological conditions. The complex nature of drug detox addiction can be better understood by considering these elements.

Addiction and Its Scientific Foundations

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Some Possibilities of Bringing Vision Back

So...I’m at a loss for what to write post-Endgame. My mind is overwhelmed with theories and each one leads down a potentially negative (i.e. White Vision-y) path because there are serious repercussions no matter the solution to bringing Vision back. Raising the dead is never consequence free. So I figured I would channel that towards a post that, once WandaVision comes out, I will look back on and laugh at myself for being so damn wrong at every step. 

Buckle on in, this is going to be a long ride through the (not at all exhaustive) ways Marvel might bring Vision back and the issues each one could create.

Option 1: Shuri, with the help of Bruce and Helen, reconstructs Vision’s brain, neural networks, and skull, and bring him back. 

Pros: This has been alluded to in Infinity War. It was the entire basis of removing the Mind Stone from Vision. It is our Vision, just reconstructed.

Cons: We actually have no proof that removing the Mind Stone still leaves the best of Vision. Bruce very well could have been desperate and absolutely full of shit. Though its powers are not fully explained, based on past movies, the Mind Stone seems to do several things (shout out to @my-name-stitch for watching A1 recently and providing a thorough rundown of what the Mind Stone did). 

It can control people’s minds -- Loki uses it for this, Wanda can mentally manipulate people, it is the mind stone. 

It seems to have the propensity to greatly increase the mental ability and knowledge of individuals under its influence. This is seen in the first Avengers movie with both Clint and Dr. Selvig. 

It can subtly manipulate and control people on its own -- in Avengers it increased the negative emotions of the team as they argued, and it impacted Loki’s decision making as well.

It also has a certain level of sentience itself, as seen in Age of Ultron. Not only does it possess a neural-like network that appears to be thinking, but it also granted sentience to Ultron and, arguably, to Vision. 

It can be used to physically manipulate things and to manifest power that can be used to harm things -- think VIsion’s beam and phasing abilities. Plus Loki uses it to power his scepter. 

All of that taken together means that they, first of all, likely need to find another way to kickstart Vision into sentience. Perhaps Shuri can craft a solar gem (a popular device I’ve seen in fics and theories, and what Vision has in the comics). Even if this does work, it assumes that Vision’s consciousness is derived from more than the Mind stone. It is entirely possible that without the Mind Stone he simply becomes a fleshy conduit for J.A.R.V.I.S.. Even if J.A.R.V.I.S. is a very nice AI, he is still an AI, not a sentient being. We could end up with a rather empty Vision who just is really good at surfing the internet and files to provide answers. That doesn’t really allow for much emotional connection or independent thought. 

But let’s be hopeful and say that doesn’t happen, it could still leave Vision with some deficits compared to what he had before. One, unless Shuri can recreate the extremely powerful, otherworldly organicity of the Mind Stone, Vision likely won’t have the sheer level of intelligence and increased mental abilities. Which is fine, he can learn, but I imagine it would be difficult to go from obscenely intelligent to not having that sort of mental acumen. Two, as far as we know, vibranium does not have properties that inherently allow someone to fly or shift their density or manipulate their molecules. Vision would still be mostly indestructible, but he is going to have to learn a new power set and actually shop for some clothes. It is possible Shuri can figure out a way to do some of that, probably at least fly and some level of molecular manipulation like the Black Panther suit that stores impact energy. These aren’t awful things, but it is going to impact Vision because he is going to have to learn to cope with his very different way of existing and the potential feelings of being a sort of new person. This potential loss of identity could lead to brooding, doubts about himself, listlessness, and might strain his relationships.

Another thing to keep in mind with this approach (and really most of these) is that we don’t know how repairing his brain will work. Will he have some level of traumatic brain injury? He essentially had a full lobotomy. If they don’t reconnect the neurons correctly, or if it is different in some way, if anything was irrevocably destroyed, you have to deal with what comes of harming the frontal lobe. Some options include: 

Hindering working memory, which impacts attention and the ability to retrieve information from your secondary memory. 

Increases in impulsivity and decreases in thoughtful decision making 

Potential declines in emotional control and increases in aggression

Loss of intelligence and reasoning abilities

Loss of social skills and responding to social stimuli

Loss of empathetic reasoning 

All of that sounds suspiciously like White Vision.

It’s also possible that, due to his synthetic nature, none of this manifests, but it would be surprising for there to be no effects whatsoever from getting your frontal lobe violently torn out. 

Option 2: Now that we have the multiverse, let’s grab an alternate timeline Vision.

Pros: We get a fully functioning, uninjured Vision. 

Cons: This one is a bit of an ethical mess. First of all, what about the alternate timeline Wanda? Are we really just going to leave her high and dry? I doubt our Wanda would be willing to do that. Unlike Steve who was able to go into an alternate timeline where he knew the other Steve didn’t exist for Peggy (because he was frozen), they would have to search high and low for some timeline where Wanda wasn’t there, and if she wasn’t there, then Vision doesn’t love her. Second, this Vision might not be the same as our Vision. In the multiverse there are infinite possibilities, he could be a very different person, or even a subtly different person. It would be a gamble whether he and our timeline’s Wanda would even mesh. Third, not only does this impact the Wanda of that timeline, but I imagine taking an entire person from a timeline is going to splinter it into a darker reality, especially because you are taking an infinity stone with it, something the Ancient One warned Bruce not to do. This seems like the least likely and the most ethically dubious. 

Option 3: Now that we have the multiverse, let’s grab a new Mind Stone

I posted this theory before, but here’s a shortened run down. They could use the multiverse to go to a timeline right before Thanos destroys the stones for good. Instead of destroying all the stones, Wanda (with help) manages to get the Mind Stone and bring it back for our timeline’s Vision.

Pros: We get a Mind Stone. Since the Mind Stone of that alternate timeline was about to be destroyed, we don’t have to worry about splintering that reality because we aren’t taking something that was going to keep influencing it. It was going to be destroyed. So long as the other stones are destroyed, it also shouldn’t impact that reality when the unsnapped Avengers go to confront Thanos and realize the stones are gone. We maintain the consciousness aspect of the Mind Stone which was at issue with the first option of a new gem. 

Cons: This is very dangerous. This is sending Wanda and whoever goes with her against a Thanos who has all the stones. Even though we know Wanda can take him, it is still a big risk. The biggest con, however, is that we are assuming this Mind Stone 1. works the same as our timeline’s Mind Stone and 2. That it really only gives Vision his consciousness and powers. It is entirely possible that it could impact Vision’s behaviors or his emotions or even his memory. We now have our Vision who has both his own memories and emotions while also potentially having the reverberations of this other Vision. He’s going to feel like two people living in the same body with Wanda flickering in and out of being who she is in our timeline and who she was in this other Vision’s timeline. It could be disorienting and cause a rift in their relationship. I think they could overcome it, learn to love each other, but it would take time and a lot of couple’s therapy. 

Option 4: Wanda discovers her reality warping powers and crafts a reality where Vision exists. 

Pros: We get Vision back (sort of)!

Cons: This really can only end in tragedy. Eventually the reality will crumble, someone will make her aware that Vision isn’t actually there, and we might get a House of M style breakdown. Arguably this would be the most in line with Wanda’s comic storyline, but it would come at the detriment of likely never getting Vision back again and Wanda becoming a villain/not trusted by everyone else. 

Option 5: Shuri reconstructs Vision and Wanda discovers her ability to do interdimensional magic and gets Vision’s consciousness from another dimension

Pros: We get to see Wanda learn magic, preferably from Agatha Harkness. This is similar to getting the Mind Stone from an alternate timeline, but maybe it is  possible that Wanda could actually reach back into our timeline and somehow get Vision’s consciousness from his actual Mind Stone. Then we get Vision, we get his consciousness, the only thing he might not have are the powers from the Mind Stone itself (and that whole lobotomy thing). 

Cons: This is a high risk-high reward path. Entering into interdimensional magic also introduces the possibility of getting Chthon or some darker force that comes in to inhabit Vision - in line with the leaks from however many months ago. It doesn’t fix any of the anatomical issues Vision experiences with Option 1 and Shuri bringing him back, but it does solve the issue of getting whatever consciousness of his resides in the Mind Stone back to our Vision. It, again, could also unleash elder gods and dark spirits, but then at least they have a villain to fight together!

Option 6: It’s all in Vision or Wanda’s head (not necessarily a warped reality). 

Pros: We get to see them happy, in love, and living out a life they wanted. 

Cons: It’s not real. This I do think has the possibility of being a deeply emotional and nuanced look at grief and accepting the death of a loved one (or yourself...I guess, if it’s Vision). If they went this route I would be surprised if Vision actually came back. So it could be an ephemeral, slightly trippy (because the illusion has to fade) love letter to their relationship that leaves us with a sense of longing for what could be but also, potentially, a sense of peace because Wanda won’t go down the mentally unstable House of M route. 

There are other theories and deviations from these, especially, I assume, if we draw on more from the comics. But that’s where I’m at for now.