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ghostgetter · 3 years

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That would be Gold Rush

When Keith thinks of Lance, he thinks: loud, eccentric, supercilious. Over the years, he’s had the luxury of learning more about him, like how he’s exceptionally considerate, especially when anyone around him is at their lowest point. Or how passionate he is about the things he loves. Or, even, regardless of his occasional arrogance, Lance was actually pretty good at the things he put his heart to.

Sharpshooter, indeed.

Now, after wars have ended and the peace has claimed everyone’s hearts, there is a certain epiphany Keith has had for his righthand man.

He may potentially, possibly, in some fashion, be in love with him.

It is utterly horrifying.

Keith has fought aliens twice his size, defeated empires, lead the most powerful robot and defended the universe, but this makes his skin crawl.

Whenever Hunk talked about legitimate romance and his love for Shay, Keith never thought twice about what it was like. Love and being with another person never came close to his ideals and imaginations while he was growing up. He needed to be with the stars, to find what was calling him. A lone-wolf that yearned for a family.

Now? Now he yearns for Lance.

Quick brushes of hands, stories of his family, his compassion and support when Keith would feel like collapsing in on himself after a rough assignment with the Blade. His overall being, which has now collected in his own imagination when he lies in bed, or in a tent in a galaxy far from Earth, where Lance is next to him, holding his hand and simply existing.

Keith doesn’t think he’s wanted something more in his life.

Like water rushing his veins, he comes back to Lance snapping his fingers in his face, his own way, way too close as he leans forward on the McClain’s sofa. It almost looks like his Altean marks are sparkling.

“Universe to Keith.”

Keith blinks several times, trying to right himself. He pushes his hand out of the way, “The snapping is unnecessary.”

“It is when you’re in LaLa Land,” Lance says, going back to swigging his beer back. “You weren’t even listening to me about Veronica!”

“Right, sorry,” he apologizes, “Long mission.”

“S’okay, I figured,” Lance is always understanding and empathetic when Keith visits the farm. He has his mother make the best soup Keith has ever had in his life, next to Hunk’s own, and gets a guestroom set for him and Kosmo, who is already napping upstairs. He puts a warm hand on Keith’s shoulder, and of course electricity rushes down his arm, sparking in his fingertips. “We can just watch NASA and make fun of them if you want.”

Keith smiles softly. Shiro’s always been the brother he’s needed growing up, the shoulder to lean on, the support he desperately craved. Lance is his own brand of supportive. Carefree and funny and kind. He’s like gold, rare and sought after by hundreds. “I’m okay. Tell me about Veronica.”

“Well, Veronica became an instructor at the Garrison. Took over for Iverson and stuff, so I think the mental health of the cadet’s is gonna be a bit better.”

“Oh, thank the universe,” Keith says, “I hated that man.”

“I figured, hotshot,” Lance jokes, “Wasn’t hard to miss when you tried punching him one time during class.”

Keith turns, only the slightest bit ashamed, “You were there for that?”

Lance flicks him on the head, Keith recoiling and glaring back, “I was in your class, stupid! Geez, I’m still so annoyed you don’t remember me.”

Keith rolls his eyes. “I’m not apologizing for not remembering some of the worst years of my life.”

“The Garrison wasn’t awful,” Lance sets his arms on the back of the couch, fingers brushing Keith’s shoulder. “I mean, Veronica actually wants me to come…join her?”

Keith lurches forward, gaping. “Really? Lance, that’s amazing!” Because from what Keith knows from visits and friends, Lance hasn’t stepped foot anywhere related to space in over a year. Hasn’t gone to the Garrison at all, according to Shiro. Hasn’t had any interest in going to space again, according to everyone else.

“Yeah, as an instructor,” Lance chuckles. “Can you imagine, me? Instructing?”

Yes, Keith thought, Absolutely. And he’d be amazing at it. Because, sure, Keith gave him a hard time back in the Voltron days on his piloting skills, and for some odd reason, Lance showcased some sort of desire to outshine Keith in flying, but he was good. Keith may have been the best pilot, and flew like he breathed, but Lance flew with passion, with pure heart.

Before Keith can voice Lance’s acclaim, his strengths, Lance sighs and shakes his head. He brings his hands to his knees and squeezes them under his jeans. It’s almost like a cloud washes over the living room, and it’s darker. Sadder.

“I dunno if I’m ready for anything…space-related,” Lance says. “With Allura…I dunno. I’m still…y’know?”

Yeah, Keith knows. It’s been a year and a half since the war ended, and Allura left them, left Lance, behind. He knows Lance still holds a torch for her, who doesn’t? He spends his time telling her stories to aliens and humans alike. He nods stiffly, looking down at his own beer before putting it on the coaster sitting on the long table in front of him.

“Yeah, I know.”

Lance takes a drink from his bottle, “Right.”

Right. Keith holds in a long exhale, swallowing instead and pushing himself off the sofa.

“I gotta go outside for a sec,” he says, his mind wandering and his chest constricting.

“What?” Lance sits up, sniffling. “What’s wrong? Um, do you need me to come with you?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” Keith snaps, and he hates it. He hates that it burns off his tongue and how bitter the taste of it is. He walks towards the foyer and turns to look at Lance remorsefully. Lance looks downtrodden and confused, standing up after Keith, because he’s compassionate like that. Because he cares about him. Keith swallows and turns away, then softly says, “I just need to be alone.”

“Oh,” Lance frowns, “Okay.”

He closes the door behind him, and steps off the porch, crossing his arms and just breathes.

Deep, deep breaths, because he will not cry, he will not scream up to the clouds covering the stars he knows shine behind them. He will not break down in front of the hundreds of pink flowers covering the green in front of him, which still gleam in the dark of night.

He hates this so much.

To be with Lance is to imagine myths and legends. Like the juniberry flowers that cover his front lawn, to be in love with him is to wilt and decay eventually. Because, and Keith will attest to it, Allura will always be in his heart. Even if his feelings were to be reciprocated, if ever, he’d always be second best.

Keith never tolerated being second to anything.

He wipes his glove-covered hands down his face, trying to drag the stress with them. His chest constricts and it hurts. He never asked for this, and he remembers telling Shiro that once he figured out he’d fallen in love with Lance after too many recollections of their time together in Voltron, Lance’s support, the fucking abyss that showed the wisps of his past and future; of a scrawny boy with short brown hair standing up to Keith’s bullies, of a taller boy with looking out to the sea with a ring on his finger, slowly turning towards Keith before blinking out of existence, too scarce to tell who it was but Keith knows now it was Lance. It was always Lance.

“Ugh,” he finally voices, fingers grasping onto his leather jacket. “I’m such a dipshit.”

He knew how Lance felt about Allura. And frankly, Keith knows how Lance feels about him: a guy that runs away from his friends, his feelings. It sweats off his body, out of his pores; it’s not like he hides his traits well.

“Keith?”

Because of course he’d follow after him, even when he asked to be alone. That’s Lance, after all. He turns around as the wind whisps at his longer hair. Under the porch light, Lance’s skin twinkles like gold.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah,” Keith chokes out. He curses at himself, emotion wrapping around his throat. He sniffs, rubbing at his nose. “Fantastic.”

Lance is silent for a moment, watching him, contemplating. He tilts his head and looks on sadly, before opening the door behind him. “Come back inside. I’ll grab your 80’s movie pack and make some hot chocolate.”

Keith crosses his arms, looking away, because he can’t look at Lance under a spotlight as if he’s some…some celestial being. His hair even falls into his eyes handsomely when he looks at him, waiting, and Keith doesn’t want to fall any farther than he already has. He needs to reverse these feelings, in anything. Slam on the control shift and buck his ship out of here.

But Lance is like the Sun, and Keith succumbs to him like gravity.

After a sigh, he walks back up to the porch, up to Lance, who closes the distance and brings Keith into a tight hug. He wraps his lengthy arms around him and pulls him in close. Keith’s eyes widen, shocked and overwhelmed with the feeling and the scent of Lance, until his nose tickles against Lance’s soft skin and suddenly he’s calm again. He breathes in deep and wraps his own arms around him, turning his face into a steady shoulder.

At least Keith has this.

#klance #fanfiction #voltron #xxmine #yo...i did it i'm that deep i finally.....did it #btw. post canon so like. lance has his marks if that bothers you!!!!! sorry #otp: we had a bonding moment

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meloromantics · 3 years

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been suffering waves of legitimate delusions of grandeur for the last month and a half where i go to bed thinking like “sometimes i think it would be kind of nice to have a low-to-mid-size following of slightly parasocial fans” but then i remember that i wouldn’t be able to stop myself from exercising my firm, judgmental, controversial, morally must takes and the types of people who become Like That would wither in offended discomfort on the SPOT if i told them a roller coaster they like is dogshit

#i want fans to listen to my commentary and laugh at my jokes. thank you :)#god put these audience limits on me because she wanted to keep me on my toes #my whole being is a luxury few can afford ……….

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ghostofbambifanfiction · 4 years

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So motivated by anyone who shares they are working on losing weight. FYI 10kg is nothing to sniff at, esp. if you're not being too restrictive (as a lot of restrictive diets basically make you lose water weight at first, prob not your case). Keep it up!! If you don't mind answering, what are your goals?

I don’t mind, but I’m putting it under a cut because it’s going to be a looooooonnnnng ass ramble and I’m going to include some pics and I’m aware that I’ve already clogged everyone’s timelines with enough pictures today. Before I go off on my tangent, though, I want to make it really clear that I firmly believe that any person can be beautiful and love the way they look at any size. This is something that I am fighting very hard to believe about myself, too, regardless of what weight I am. I am not at all a believer in slimming down for the sake of vanity (despite my negative opinion of my own looks, vanity has never been a big enough motivator for me to lose weight), but this has progressed to the point where vanity isn’t even a consideration anymore.

Okay, so, backstory. When I first moved to England, I weighed 140lbs (63.5kg) and I looked like THIS ↓

Aren’t I BEAUTIFUL? I think so, even if nobody else does, I think so. I think so now. That part matters.

I can distinctly remember that when all three of these photos were taken, you see. I also distinctly remember looking at each one afterwards and thinking, “Fat, repulsive, disgusting.” Fat, repulsive, disgusting. That was my opinion of myself. I repeated those words in my head on a daily basis. I truly believed them. Hence, I’m wearing the same ugly cardigan in two of those pictures, because whenever I wore pretty clothes I felt so undeserving that I was compelled to cover them up with something ugly (the red dress is an anomaly because there was a dress code involved). EVERY TIME. It practically become automatic. “I’ve spent £40 on this dress, so what can I cover it with?” was basically my mantra. It was fine, I thought, because I didn’t care about pretty clothes. Liking pretty clothes was beneath me. This was a lie. I love pretty clothes. I love bright colours. I was drawing pictures of pretty gowns and tiaras from the age of six. But hey, easier to pretend that you don’t give a shit about pretty dresses than admit that you don’t feel worthy of wearing them.

I am seven whole-ass years older now, and I topped out at 283lbs (128kg) on the scales fives weeks ago. That is the heaviest I have ever been. I have doubled my body weight. By medical standards, I am extremely obese, and I’ve had seven whole-ass years to think on how I behaved back then. I’ve thought a lot about how much I hated my body and how undeserving I felt and how I stuffed myself full of junk food and said it didn’t matter because I was repulsive anyway, so why not? I wasn’t being kind to myself. How can I be a kind person if I don’t treat myself kindly? My own self-loathing has cost me my health, because in 2013, I didn’t need to take stomach tablets every day. I wasn’t vomiting a few times a week because of chronic digestive issues. I had regular periods. I lived in Sunderland and would get out of bed on my days off and walk three miles to Seaburn beach, just to hang out with a book and build sandcastles and paddle in the water and thoroughly enjoy my life. I had the ability to do that without wanting to collapse. I had the energy to write for hours on end without getting sleepy after forty minutes. I had lots of energy, lots of it!

I don’t have the luxury of enjoying any of that stuff now. I have lethargy and sluggishness and I get breathless walking up the stairs, and a huge part of that is because I have gained so much weight over the years, and because I have been eating things that specifically exacerbate my digestive issues. And I’m sick of it. My brother’s lottery win has been the most insane blessing to my family in that it is allowing us all to live out our wildest travelling dreams, and I don’t want to be the person who takes an eight hour flight to Paradise, only to sit around and do nothing because she just doesn’t have the strength. There is an eleven-year-old diamond in my life who I would do anything for, and I want more than anything to be able to bring him places and have fun with him and partake, instead of sitting on the sidelines holding coats because I am too fat to ride the rollercoaster (which happened to me, FYI, shout out to Port Aventura for sticking to safety measures, though the woman manning the coaster didn’t have to poke my thigh and say, “fat,” to make her point clear).

The thing is, and maybe this is a tl;dr moment that could have saved me a lot of trouble, but I am unhealthy and I’m tired and this is like...my life. My one life. What am I doing? I owe it to myself to treat my body better.

So these are my aims.

I want to get back to 140lbs. That is a healthy and reasonable weight for my height and body type. I am aware that I will not look the way I did in 2013 because I am seven years older, but I don’t care. I am aware that I will have loose skin and a belly and wobbly thighs when I reach this weight, but I don’t care. I will have energy. I will be healthier. I will be able to bring my stepson to all kinds of places and have the most fun with him.

No fad diets ever. This is all I’ve ever tried before, and the end result has always been the same: lose a bit and put it back on. I am making legitimate and incremental changes to my lifestyle. I am building lasting habits. I will weigh myself once a week to keep track of how I’m doing, but never more than that. I will exercise every day for a small amount of time, but if I miss a day for any reason, I won’t beat myself up about it. I will not skip meals. I will not deprive myself of food.

I am an excellent cook and I love trying new things, so I will be using that skill to find and experiment with new, delicious recipes from all over the world for my family to eat. Once lockdown ends, I’m going to start throwing dinner parties. I think this will really help me to change my attitude towards food and make meals fun for me, rather than a self-inflicted punishment.

No denying myself things. If I want to get a McDonalds I will get a McDonalds because, y’know what? Tomorrow I am going to have lots of veggies and cook myself a good, nutritious dinner, and that McDonalds won’t be anything but a delicious interlude in my week that I am not going to feel bad about.

No hiding myself in drab clothes. I hate wearing brown, grey and black and yet it accounts for most of my wardrobe. Both of those cardigan pics were taken in the middle of summer. I have wasted years of my life sweating it out in long sleeves and leggings so other people wouldn’t see, and for who? For what purpose? I am going to buy all the pretty clothes I like, wear loads of bright colours. Fuck it, it’s just for me.

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egg-emperor · 4 years

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Do you like roller coasters yourself if so what's your favorite amusement park

I LOVE them! But unfortunately, I haven't been able to experience that many in my life to really pick a favorite. I guess the first I visited was the best since I'm pretty sure it was the biggest I've been to. I've only been to two decently sized parks and there's a small one not far from where I live. I haven't been to any in a few years and it makes me sad because I really wish I could!

The first I ever went to was Drayton Manor. I remember the first rollercoaster I ever went on and it was there. It was very simple and I think it was called the buffalo. The idea of rollercoasters didn't scare me aside from thinking something bad would happen to me specifically because I used to believe I was the bringer of bad luck. But because it was for beginner's, it really changed my perspective.

I went on two more in the same day, the second being Ben 10 themed. There was a themed waiting room and the flashing lights inside were awful, it made it look like everything was moving in a lower framerate in real life lol. The actual ride was pretty fun but it was outside and not so themed, it was just colored green. It started by moving backwards and then it threw you down from the height. That was one of the most fun to me, a lot more exciting than the buffalo one.

The third one I went on there was called G force and it was maybe the biggest rollercoaster there I saw. I was already willing to experience the biggest and one with loops despite my earlier anxiety! I found it more thrilling than frightening at that point. I was a lot smaller back then so I felt like I was going to slip out with the way the seating worked so that was scary but the ride was quite fun!

The second one was connected to West Midland's Safari Park. I only recall seeing two coasters and I went on both. One was like the buffalo and the second was the Twister, it span a bit and that was my favorite so I went on it twice. They also had a SEGA Prize Zone for their arcade and the video of that is on my channel! I didn't get pictures or anything of the actual park area itself though.

The one I live not far away from isn't very big and it doesn't have a name besides one that would reveal my location. I've never been there but I don't think it's much, they might not even have rollercoasters but some other rides looked cool. I saw a picture someone took and saw there's a Sonic Adventure machine in the arcade. I want to go there just to see that because anything with Eggman on it attracts me, even if it's just a picture. XD

One place I wish I could've visited was the Dubai mall's indoor one when it used to be SEGA themed. My dream ride is definitely the Sonic SPIN GEAR they had! There was no chance of me ever getting to go there anyway but it's still sad that it's legitimately impossible now that it's not up anymore. ;w;

I mean, it was Eggman's own real life ride with an animated intro and he was voiced by Mike Pollock! Jason Griffith as Sonic too. What more could I have wanted? The ride itself seemed to be a lot like that Twister ride I was talking about which I would've loved. I also think indoor parks/rides like that just look so cool but I have yet to experience any.

#asks #my dream park of all would be Eggmanland or his interstellar amusement park of course #I wouldn't care how dangerous it was I'd say bring it on XD #my post #sonic spin gear

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reverseswing · 5 years

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FROM RAGS TO RECOGNITION : SWaCH LEADS THE TRANSFORMATION

Garbage. A word that’s more abhorred than adored for quite obvious reasons. While all of us, in one way or the other, contribute in creating garbage on a daily basis, we are averse of its presence around us – whether at home, neighbourhood or streets. We want to get rid of the filth every day so that we don’t have to bear the stench from the piled up waste.

While every city administration employs staff and officials who collect garbage on daily basis and take it to the landfills, the role and efforts of the rag pickers are always ignored and overlooked. They are perhaps one of the most marginalised sections of the society and therefore never talked about. Forget dignity, they find themselves being treated like ‘garbage’, even when they willingly dirty their hands by scouring through the filth that’s not even generated by them. If not for livelihood, would anyone spend a better part of his / her day, every day, amidst nightmarish working conditions?

A new era dawns in Pune (India)

Circa 1993. The waste pickers of Pune in Maharashtra, one of the largest states in India, scripted their exit out of the rubbish heaps and landfills to transform their lives forever. They unionized themselves to define legitimate workspace for themselves in municipal solid waste management that improved their working conditions. Thus was formed the Kagad Kach Patra Kashtkari Panchayat (KKPKP), a movement that spearheaded the battle of waste pickers, waste buyers and waste collectors to be recognised as workers.

What KKPKP said was very simple. Waste pickers need to be treated with dignity and given their due status in the society because they recovered materials for recycling, reduced municipal solid waste handling costs, generated employment downstream, and contributed to public health and environment. They occupy an important place in the waste management and recycling value chain and contribute substantially to the manufacturing economy.

Surprised!! Take a breather, rethink over what’s aforesaid, and you can’t help but agree that rag pickers indeed need to be taken much more seriously than they have been since time immemorial.

Well, this argument was well understood by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), which in the year 2008, entered into an MOU with an offshoot of KKPKP christened Solid Waste Collection Handling - SWaCH.

SWaCH. A Higher Level of Self-Reliance.

A wholly worker-owned cooperative of waste pickers, waste buyers and waste collectors, SWaCH is conceived as an autonomous social enterprise. SWaCH Seva Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit, as it is formally known, provides front-end waste management services to Pune city with support from PMC.

Throwing light on the birth of SWaCH, Aparna Sasurla, Director of SWaCH says, “The organisation works on a well-defined model which was tested for two years (2005-2007) before being presented to PMC for support, approval and recognition. It was only after the success of this pilot project which established the workability and the potential of SWaCH beyond doubt, that PMC gave its nod to be integrated into the mainstream solid waste management system (SWM) of the city of Pune.”

Acceptance by PMC was like winning a long battle for SWaCH. In the crucial early years, the Corporation played a positive and enabling role in promoting SWaCH. It acknowledged that SWaCH model was indeed a cost-saving, sustainable and environmentally beneficial system which added value to the already existing but faltering solid waste management system of the Corporation. With passage of time, it became clear that the model of SWaCH had the required ability and the dynamism to bring about a fundamental change in the SWM system of Pune.

A Unique Model

SWaCH is an inclusive model that recognises the contribution of ‘invisible’ workers who play crucial role in keeping the Pune city clean. Different from the PMC model, SWaCH follows a green model of waste collection that is not heavily dependent on fossil fuel or electricity.

Talking about the significance of SWaCH in the SWM system of Pune City, Aparna says, “The importance of SWaCH is multidimensional and affects various people at different levels. To the residents, SWaCH is important because they get reliable service at reasonable cost and with accountability. To the waste pickers it is important because it gives their work a dignity while integrating them into the formal sector along with upgrading their livelihoods as well as standard of living. To the municipality it is important because the waste is collected in a more systematic manner and segregated at such nominal cost.”

Women constitute over 78% of SWaCH membership. While this holds for most age groups, the presence of men is higher in the youngest age group and among the aging. Most SWaCH members used to work as waste pickers or itinerant waste buyers. Housekeeping and cleaning workers constitute another significant group.

The SWaCH model is very unique in itself. Two workers collect source-segregated waste from 200-300 households, offices, shops and other establishments using manual pushcarts or motorized vehicles if the terrain is difficult. The waste pickers have the right over recyclables and retain income from the sale of scrap. This ensures maximum recycling and retrieval. Waste pickers separate the waste into wet and dry. Wet, organic and non-recyclable waste is handed over to the PMC. In some cases it is composted on site. Dry waste is sorted into categories like plastic, paper, metal, glass, leather etc. and then further fine sorted. Whatever has the market is sold.

The earnings of SWaCH members are derived from user fees and sale of recyclables. SWaCH members have relatively more stable income than other waste pickers in India. Their working hours vary from four to six hours including collection and sorting. Most also enjoy weekly holiday too.

Trials and Tribulations

As with every innovative idea, SWaCH too faces challenges from various quarters. From being slammed for being too transparent a model to being criticised as something that unnecessarily creates a parallel system, SWaCH has to deal with multitude of problems while still performing at its best.

“Other challenges notwithstanding,, the model being a user-fee based one is often met with resistance from the residents,” says Aparna. “Usually, we charge Rs. 10 to 30 per household per month in non-slum areas and in slum areas we charge Rs. 15 per household per month. We insist on user fees because SWaCH waste collectors are not paid by PMC for door to door collection. The service therefore needs to be supported by user fees paid by citizens. The fees facilitate a direct accountable relationship between the service user and the service provider.”

SWaCH+

As the primary collection system got established and began running in auto-pilot mode, the management of SWaCH decided to foray into allied activities to add more value and dimensions to their core endeavour. Calling it SWaCH+, the organisation began to offer services such as collection of unwanted household goods, collection of e-waste, garden waste, housekeeping and trading in recyclables. Under SWaCH+ the members are trained to handle mechanical composters and do manual composting. Members also work in bio-methanation plants established by PMC on Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis.

Innovations by SWaCH

Necessity is the mother of invention, they say. SWaCH too found it necessary to go in for innovation, both to sustain its operations and also create newer sustainable livelihood options for more waste pickers. The out-of-the-box thinking of SWaCH has not only helped the organisation to explore its hidden strengths but also upgrade its image in the eyes of its partners, stakeholders and everyone associated with the mission. A range of financial, social, environmental and other benefits for PMC, waste pickers, citizens, and Pune city as a whole are being achieved by the innovative steps taken by SWaCH.

V-Collect Programme

SWaCH collects old electronic, electrical items, furniture, bicycles, kitchen utensils, repair and re-use what can be, while dismantle and recycle the rest. By organizing V-Collect events, SWaCH channelizes most of these items towards recycling and re-use, away from dumps.

SWaCH collects old newspapers from households and use them to produce ST Dispo bags and carry bags. Members are trained in making ST Dispo bags with recycled paper, glue, and thread. As it looks distinct, it goes into a separate waste stream. The waste pickers are saved the indignity of handling soiled sanitary napkins directly. The bags are made available at local stores in different areas of Pune.

SWaCH collects clean, useable clothes, sort them out according to size, gender age and style and sell those at nominal prices to waste pickers and other urban poor. Torn fabrics are recycled into cloth products like bags, coasters and dusters.

Green School Programme

SWaCH in association with Parisar and CEE, has launched the Green School Programme which aims to widen the horizon of the school going children. The programme entails enhancing the children’s perspective on environment, sustainability and related issues. It helps students and teachers to carry out action-based projects to leading to environment conservation. It guides the school in setting up and implement best practices of solid waste and e-waste management. Throught he medium of hands-on activities the GSP covers topics like water, waste, energy, biodiversity, heritage, culture, traffic and transportation.

Nirmalya Project : Over the past 7 years, by diverting huge amounts of waste – both organic and biodegradable – from Pune’s rivers, SWaCH members has significantly reduced the pollution of rivers and dumping of nirmalaya on ghats. Last year itself, SWaCH diverted 177 tonnes of Nirmalaya. This has encouraged responsible citizens of Pune to be more eco-conscious. After receiving the Nirmalaya, SWaCH members segregate it into various categories such as fruit, flowers, clothes etc., send the flowers to composting units for conversion into natural manure, distribute good fruits for consumption and the rest for composting, take materials like paper, plastic and thermocol for recycling.

Composting : The PMC has made it mandatory for all societies formed after the year 2000 to compost organic waste. Towards this end, SWaCH helps to set up a composting system which takes care of the wet waste efficiently. For a small cost, a trained waste collector maintains and manages the compost every day. A supervisor also makes periodic visits to the composting site to ensure that all is well.

E-Waste Disposal : SWaCH has been authorised by the PMC to collect and channel e-waste according to the rules laid down by the government. SWaCH ensures the collection and correct disposal of e-waste at authorised PMC centres. Last year, over 7 metric tonnes of e-waste was diverted from the grey market and sold in the open market by SWaCH.

Success of SWaCH

In its eight years of existence, SWaCH has touched lives and livelihoods of the workers in ways that have made them more self-reliant, economically more stable and created a platform that promises to secure the future of the next generation.

Compared to their incomes as free-roaming waste pickers, the earnings of SWaCH members have increased manifolds since the launch of the initiative. Depending on the locality from where the collection is done, their income range from Rs. 1,500 per month to Rs. 15,000 per month. This has brought in stability into their lives which was absent in the days prior to SWaCH. It has helped them make plans for family’s future, educate their children and also save for the rainy day. Such has been the faith of the worker members in SWaCH that their well-educated children too have joined the organisation to serve the noble cause.

In a community which traditionally had little access to education and decent work, it is a matter of pride to see their children become the face of SWaCH’s future. Moreover, by branching out into waste related activities many waste pickers are upgrading their work standard, and in effect creating upward mobility in an occupation which was once considered lowest of the low.

The SWaCH initiative has come to represent the biggest effort to integrate waste pickers in India. The hitherto ‘faceless and nuisance-causing people’ are now people who interact with fellow residents on an equal footing. Surekha Gaekwad is a high school graduate and team leader of eight waste pickers. She and her team has diversified into housekeeping and composting. Sharing her transformation story Surekha says, “Five years ago, I spent my day at garbage bins. I ended up dirty and stinking by evening. I was looked upon with apathy and disgust. But now I have earned people’s respect. Today, when I go to collect my money, the lady there asks me to sit on the sofa. If she is drinking tea, she will order another cup for me.”

Mangal, another SWaCH member expresses her happiness in these words. “The residents in the area who used to frown at me, now call me by my name and greet me too. A resident gave me a second hand bicycle. I ride to work on the bicycle. Today I am literate and am the treasurer of a credit co-operative.” The twinkle in her eyes and the broad smile speak another thousand words which, though unheard, do not go unheeded.

Towards a Swach Future

Good work never goes unnoticed. In 2014 series of Satyamev Jayte, Bollywood super star Aamir Khan invited SWaCH to share their story and experiences, giving the organisation a national platform. It underlines that the efforts and the endeavours of SWaCh are slowly and steadily gaining recognition as more and more people become aware of SWaCH and its impact on the lives of over 3000 waste pickers who form the SWaCH Cooperative. The future of an organisation like SWaCH is indeed bright and with the support from the authorities, educated civilians and those good Samaritans, SWaCH will accomplish what it set out to achieve – taking waste pickers from rags to recognition.

#Pune #Maharashtra India clean cleanliness #waste recycling #Aamir Khan #Bollywood #E waste #composting #green school #thor ragnarok #rag #rag picker

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actutrends · 4 years

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Our Stone-Topped Coffee Table Hack

For everyone who has been asking for the details on our new coffee table (glimpses of it have made their way into my InstaStories over the last few months – and boy did you guys notice!), I’m finally writing up all the details.

How many words can someone possibly share about the hunt for and the creation of a living room coffee table that checks every one of their oddly specific boxes, you ask? Well, settle in. I shall regale you with a tale of woe and triumph and there’s even a random not-sure-it-even-works alien joke worked in there for good measure. Plus I’ll show you exactly how to get this exact coffee table if you want to pull this same hack at your house (it is BEGINNER LEVEL EASY).

Let’s back up for a second. You know how sometimes you dream about an item that doesn’t exist and you’re like “I like this one thing but wish it had that other top or that other wood finish.” Like you want to pull a Frankenstein combo move and merge three things together? That is exactly how my search for a living room coffee table has felt.

For ages we had a huge white padded ottoman and loved it. We literally kept it for like seven glorious years until it died a very slow death by flaking and peeling everywhere (we’d find little peels of it upstairs in our bedroom – it really got around in those final days). This is a picture from two years back:

It was perfect for small kids (no hard edges to bump into) and there was storage inside for games and blankets. A big padded ottoman is still my favorite living room tip for any family with smaller kids, but over the last few years we’ve started to really enjoy coffee tables since the kids are older. We have one at the beach house and it’s great for casually doing a puzzle or playing family games. There’s just something nice about having a centralized solid surface to you can rest things on and gather around.

And let me tell you, since upgrading from ottoman to coffee table in this living room, we have played SO MANY epic family games (Sequence or Ticket To Ride are near-nightly occurrences) and it’s really nice to use a room with a TV for way more than watching TV. Highly recommend it if your kids are old enough that the change would make sense for you.

But anyway, back my over-a-year-long coffee table hunt. I know. That sounds very high maintenance. I’m learning that I am, in fact, extremely needy when it comes to coffee tables. I’m ok with this fact. I’ve been called worse 😉

You might remember that last fall we bought a cheap secondhand coffee table for $35, just because the flaking ottoman NEEDED TO GO and I had been searching for a coffee table that I really loved for a while and couldn’t find one. So I basically was like: we are being crazy by holding out for this perfect thing, when all we need is something that’s cheap and fine in the meantime – so we can get that peeling beat up ottoman that literally drops “dandruff” all over our house outta here.

You know that saying: don’t let perfect be the enemy of good? We were literally living with terrible (the flakes everywhere were as maddening as inexplicably finding glitter everywhere), and for the cost of one meal at Panera we got a secondhand table that made zero mess and worked fine. We never should have waited that long. It was a huge step up. It wasn’t the perfect size or material that I wanted – but it was such a relief. No more shavings everywhere, plus it gave me a gift: the giant release of urgency to find that oddly elusive perfect coffee table.

Well, we got that “just for now” coffee table last fall. As in, over a year ago. And ever since I’ve looked pretty much everywhere, but this room is sort of an odd layout, so a rectangular coffee table is just too narrow. Even a very large round one feels too small in the room because it doesn’t connect the accent chairs as nicely as a larger square one does – which makes it feel like a legitimate connected conversation area. So after hours and hours of searching and scrolling… and even doing some in-person exercises, like trying a few different combos just to be sure (like a round coffee table two white leather poufs, etc) I was 100% certain I wanted a large square one. Like around 3′ wide by 3′ long. Big and solid.

Easy to find right? Well, to make a short story long (my specialty! Ha!), it wasn’t. Because I also wanted it to be a similar wood tone to the side chairs and the side table that we already had in there (the darker old “placeholder” table didn’t tie into anything and I didn’t love that – and I felt like metal legs would’t be as warm looking as wood ones with our old secondhand rug).

I also wanted it to have an extremely durable, water-ring-safe top so the kids could draw with markers or play spirited board games without worrying about the finish. Which led me to the following thought… “that sounds a lot like our kitchen island – which is polished quartz.”

Polished quartz is super durable, the shiny finish always looks gleaming and lovely, and there’s no worry about juice or wine stains like you have with marble. The kids do very messy art projects on the kitchen island, and everything wipes right off. It has just been wonderful for our family. But who the heck makes a giant square quartz coffee table with a wood base in the exact size that I wanted?

Nobody, that’s who.

So I was like… what if I make one…? Not exactly make it from scratch, but I bet I can find a nice solid square wood coffee table that I love (not necessarily the right wood tone, but that can be changed) and then stain it the color I want. And then what if I just go to a stone yard and buy a cheap remnant piece of quartz (we made our living room fireplace surround with marble remnants and it was so much easier and more affordable than I expected). And you guys… this idea that felt kinda hair-brained at first. Well, it worked like a charm.

It really was as simple as ordering this unfinished wood coffee table (I loved the shape of it and the x-details on the side of it – plus the fact that it was unfinished meant I didn’t have to do any stripping or sanding to get it back to a raw wood finish because it literally came that way). I ordered it on Amazon, it came within a few days, and I took it out of the box and assembled it.

After I wiped it down with a damp cloth to make sure no dust or weird dirt was on it, I stained it Provincial by Minwax (which is also what I stained our accent chairs a while back – it’s a great wood tone). I applied two coats of that in the garage, where it could air out – followed by two clear coats of Polycrylic matte sealer – make sure you get the blue labeled one that’s water based because the oil based one tends to get really yellowed over time).

Then we took a trip to the stone yard and I basically was like “TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER! AND BY LEADER I MEAN CHEAPEST REMNANT PIECES!”

To anyone who doesn’t know about local stone yards and their remnant pieces, they’re basically the excess parts of the slabs that kitchen or bathroom clients don’t use (the stone yard cuts the counters for them, and some extra pieces of the original large slab are leftover). Since they’re smaller pieces for smaller jobs that typically wouldn’t work for a big kitchen island or a long span of cabinets, they’re traditionally marked at least half off. Our local place charges around $40 a square foot for quartz remnants, instead of the regular price which is usually around $90. For any locals wondering, we use Capitol Granite, who also made our kitchen island.

So for this huge block of quartz to top the table that is around 3′ wide by 3′ long, we paid around $370 ($40 x 9 square feet). Yes, that is NOT CHEAP. I had some second thoughts about if I was being extremely irrational and overthinking this far too much. So I did what any person who is teetering between “this is too much” and “but it’s exactly what I want” does, and I looked around for similar options to see if I really was getting the best deal, or paying through the nose. This gut check can be hugely helpful and illuminating either way it ends up going. And suddenly I felt much much better, because similarly sized stone-topped tables were upwards of $800 and in many instances they were $1,000 plus!

Even the ready-made ones that I found in those higher price points didn’t have all the features I was looking for (ex: wood legs, the right 3′ x 3′ dimension, good reviews, a quartz top that wouldn’t stain like marble, etc). Take this $1249.00 one for example. Suddenly the cost for my own quartz remnant ($370) added to the cost of the base that I bought (it was $149 thanks to the markdown they were running that day) didn’t sound that crazy. Especially for exactly what I wanted.

So yes, this coffee table was $519. Not the most expensive thing in our house, but definitely more than I thought I’d pay for a coffee table over a year ago when I started my search if I’m being honest. I don’t know what I expected, maybe under $300? But I can tell you that it completely meets all of my hopes & dreams for a coffee table, which I have since learned is surprisingly hard to do, so I can’t even be mad about that extra $219. Especially after the realization that I’d never end up with exactly what I wanted unless I made it myself. AND DANGIT THAT’S PRICELESS. Well, not priceless, but well worth the effort.

I love that it feels like something we’ll have forever and I really like how it ties into the marble on the fireplace and looks great with the kitchen counters too. Seeing the gleaming coffee table top between the shiny kitchen island and the stone fireplace surround is just lovely. In fact our son very enthusiastically proclaimed that he liked that the top of the coffee table is a giant coaster so they don’t have to use coasters on it. I laughed SO HARD (we have stone coasters in the same color/pattern – you can see one on the end table below). The table really is a giant coaster, so he’s onto something.

Oh and as for making a solid table even more solid, we added these satin brass corner brackets around the edges, because they blend in and stabilize it even more. See, when you put your feet up on a table over and over again, it can start to rock and not stay super square, and when it starts to rock back and forth, you have to worry about it loosening and continuing to rock more and more. And in an extreme situation it could eventually collapse. These hold it square. No rocking = no getting rickety or unsteady. Such an easy way to add even more strength and it only took a few minutes to screw them in (we predrilled small holes so they went in smoothly).

This thing is SOLID. As in, the kids can’t move it. Not an inch. Which is kind of nice because they used to push the ottoman all over the place – and it would do that annoying thing to us where it slipped out from under our feet sometimes when we both had our feet up on it. This stays put. We also used a few dabs of adhesive to attach the quartz to the tabletop, just because we worried that it might shift somehow over time. Although once we got it home we were like… this is so heavy it probably won’t ever move. But it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Oh and one more tip: order the coffee table first & assemble it so you can measure the exact size of the top. Sometimes every single table varies slightly, and you want to get a remnant piece of quartz that’s around 1.5″ wider and 1.5″ longer than your tabletop so it has a 3/4″ overhang on all sides, which looks really proportional and doesn’t read like an afterthought.

So that’s it! The story of Frankenstein-ing a few things together to get exactly what I had been hoping to find. Life will not end if your coffee table doesn’t do everything you want it to, or fit into the room as well as you’d like, or if it gets drink rings, or if you buy a $35 craigslist stand in and it stays there for a year or even ten years. But if you have a picture in your mind of something that you think would be amazing for your family, it’s nice to consider that you don’t only have what’s available at a store to choose from – you can always try to hack or combo-move a few things to hopefully end up with something you love that’ll last a nice long time.

Speaking of the long haul, our $35 “placeholder” coffee table that used to be in our living room ended up being the perfect shape and size for the beach house living room! So it’s happily living there now (and we have big plans to alter the top to work really nicely in that room – more on that here).

I love that our “just for now” secondhand find has worked out to be a long term solution for another space. And the coffee table that was in the beach house living room before is living it up in our son’s room as an often used play table (picture it covered in Pokemon cards & blocks to his little heart’s content). In summary: the sisterhood of the traveling coffee tables is real, and I’m gonna need Alexis Bledel and Blake Lively to take this to the big screen.

P.S. Want to read about other things we’ve built or hacked? We have a whole category of posts about furniture upgrades & building stuff.

*This post contains affiliate links*

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chadphobia · 6 years

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all the plant asks????

bless u, ofc!! 💞💞 hang in w me bc this is on mobile so it’s bound to b even more terrible than usual ahhahaha

baby’s breath: 5 things you associate yourself with? - uhh?? staying up all night and watching the sun rise sleepily, looking at things upside-down, ur heart dropping on a roller coaster, laughing about stupid inside jokes, and walking in the rain

bleeding heart: what makes your heart go mushy? - hhhNNG rly soft music,, c, or people jus showing me music bc they thought of me or even jus think that i would like it, it makes me cry happy tears like legitimately every time

bell flower: what’s the title of the song that makes you want to jump around out of joy? - OBLIVIUS by the strokes

evening primrose: what’s your sleeping playlist (give me 5 songs?) - moon river (sung by audry hepburn), edelweiss from the sound of music, flow by cage the elephant, liability by lorde, & busted and blue by gorillaz

forget-me-not: who is your favorite blog who isn’t following you? - tbh,, im a ho,, scotchtapeofficial

daffodil: what is one plant you want to have but can never get? - a MASSIVE MUSHROOM, MEGA SIZED

calla lily: are you more of a sunny day or a rainy evening? - rainy evening

foxglove: what is your favorite color and in what shade? - orange! pale orange or sunset orange or velma orange, u name it, it’s cool w me!!

lavender: what is something that you’ve always wanted to be/have/get but can never have? - i wanna be a lotus eater on a faraway greek island eras ago orrrrr mayb an old lady that makes ceramics and lives in a lighthouse. either one

love in a mist: what is the latest dream that you remember? - i was running across an arizona-lookin kinda place but i could never find the end, so im just running and running from something but i don’t know what but i know it’s bad?? n ive had this for a couple weeks it hurts my head

daisy: what is your favorite flavor of cotton candy, ice cream, and juice? - reg?? pink cotton candy i guess??? i love cookies n cream, and then uhh grapefruit juice nsnsnsmmmmmm

painter’s palette: are you more of a singer, dancer, painter, or instrumentalist? - instrumentalist

tulip: what is your most favorite make-up product? do you like it more natural, dark, or etc? - idk natural is more my style w makeup, i can’t rly name a favorite

waxflower: are you a bee or butterfly person? a dog or cat person? - IC ANT DECIDE STOP

sugarbush: do you have a sweet tooth? if yes, what’s your favorite sweets? - yes obv???? i rly like sour patch kids and laffy taffy, idk i just love it sm

sunflower: would you like to be a fairy or a mermaid? - either would b rad, maybe a fairy??

sweet pea: what would you like to call your s/o? - asshole, punk, etc 💓💓 or normal shit like honey

sea lavender: can you swim? which strokes can you do? - im actually rly good at swimming and always have been, i can do most anything

windflower: list 5 of your favorite blogs and explain why i like them - @resilientreader is so amazing ily ur a miracle, @depressedasexual is amazin, @satirepurple is BLESSED ilysm, n others but u kno im tired. snark is rly cool too, don’t kno if they made another account but ):

golden rod: are you more of a baker or a cook? - i overcook pizza rolls, i cant do either for shit

bloom: what is something that you would like to tell your children? - that they mean more to me than the moon and stars and the sky itself and ill always be with them

peony: what is something that you wish your parents could’ve told you? - find something to live for, like ur brother or a little bud in the front yard that opens every morning, n always b thankful

prarie gentian: do you have a s/o? - yea

september flower: are you more of a sunshine or a sunset person? - sunset

bird of paradise: do you wake up early? do you sleep early? - typically i go to bed at midnight / 1 / 2 and wake up at 6:30 on weekdays, then i go to bed at like 3 on weekends and wake up whenever the hell i want

marigold: what’s your favorite tea? - idk what the fk, down south we only have one type of tea and that’s MEGA SWEET TEA

peruvian lily: what are the names of your pets? - nixie, khaleesi, doggor, and lucy 4 dogs, then we have janie, panda, mesa/cletus, and asteria aka asshole for the cats,,, uhh?? i have a bunny named tenor and four chickens that i usually just call weird soccer mom names like helen and martha

hyacinth: do you name your plants? - yeah lol

lilac: would you rather sleep and be cozy or hang out with your friends? - prob hang out, i love my friends

poppy: do you like to dip your fries or do you like it as is? - i eat them reg, but xtra salty/seasoned

dandelion: any special talent that you have? - being a super indecisive asshole!

thank u for the asks love, this was long n i typed it up on mobile so it’s bound to be shitty, but i answered them

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jacobhinkley · 6 years

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Law Firm Hired by Bitfinex Confirms Tether Reserves

There are numerous theories regarding the roller coaster market movements of cryptocurrency over the past year. A popular one revolves around the use of Tether (USDT) to inflate the price of Bitcoin during the bull market, and deflate it on the way down. However, a June 20 report suggests the controversial stablecoin may be more legitimate than was previously assumed.

On Wednesday, a law firm hired by Bitfinex regarding its USD-backed Tether token released a four-page report indicating that Bitfinex had assets in its bank account that accounted for and exceeded the supply of over 2.5 billion USDT. The firm looked into Bitfinex’s bank accounts on a surprise date, June 1, to confirm that there were sufficient assets to cover the entire supply of Tether.

However, this report did not adequately address calls from skeptics to audit the supply of Tether. First of all, the report only accounted for a one-day snapshot, June 1. It does not suggest that Bitfinex had previously controlled a bank account that covered the Tether supply. Furthermore, the law firm had no access to the liabilities associated with the accounts, if any. Accounts exceeding US$2.55 billion (roughly 40 million more than the Tether supply) are only sufficient reserves for a fully-collateralized stablecoin (as Tether claims to be) if the liabilities associated with those accounts are equal to or less than the difference between the balances and Tether supply.

As such, major skeptics of Bitfinex and Tether are unsatisfied with this report. Beyond the concerns listed above, critics also doubted the reasoning behind the utilization of a law firm. Typically, reports like this one are carried out by accounting firms. A major player like Bitfinex should have no issue affording a Big 4 accounting firm, or at least a mid-sized firm, so the decision to use a law firm has raised suspicions.

However, this report does suggest that Bitfinex is taking some measures to be transparent. In addition to the lack of friction from the December CFTC subpoena, more and more people are beginning to suggest that Tether is, indeed, legitimate. Some have cited the fact that Tether is utilized by virtually all major exchanges. For exchanges like Binance that have upheld a pristine reputation in the space, the use of Tether implies faith in the solvency and legitimacy of the stablecoin, many argue.

Legitimacy aside, the normalization of a bank-backed stablecoin is troubling for many cryptocurrency enthusiasts as an encroachment on the fundamental values of Bitcoin. Tether is a centralized solution designed to propagate USD throughout cryptocurrency markets. According to fundamentalists, there is no place for fiat currency within the crypto space, and no place for centralized solutions that employ fiat and banking practices to propagate traditional financial tools.

Within the past week, 100 million Tether has been printed. Despite numerous exchanges beginning to employ direct fiat gateways, and other stablecoin alternatives (TrueUSD, DAI, Digix Gold) beginning to gain traction, Tether supplies continue to increase. For what it’s worth, Bitfinex seems to have confidence in its solution as Tether continues to be issued in the face of criticisms and FUD.

Law Firm Hired by Bitfinex Confirms Tether Reserves published first on https://medium.com/@smartoptions

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deviant-chant · 7 years

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i saw you and wondered the chance of you becoming mine

Keith’s never been in love, but seeing Takashi Shirogane in the library among the stacks of books has Keith reconsidering what little he knows about the elusive emotion. It’s just that…Keith is Keith. He’s nothing special. Shiro on the other hand is their university’s golden boy with a bright future ahead of him. It would just seems a little too good to be true that Shiro would be interested in Keith, especially when he’s good friends with Dick Grayson, who’s gorgeous, clever, and alluring. Dick, however, has his eye on Jason Todd who inspires something unseen within him, something exciting and exhilarating. Either way, Keith just hopes Shiro wants him half as much as Keith does.

Two love stories; one experienced, another one only seen.

alternate reading here

Keith’s eyes were burning.

He’d crammed studying weeks of material into a night of productively that was all too common for him. Keith wasn’t a good student in a conventional sense; of course, he got his work done, passed his classes with the bare minimum of what he needed to achieve, and tried not to skip a class more than once a month. He might not be a shining example of the time smart and conscientious college student, but Keith didn’t rightly give a damn to be honest.

“Your face looks like it got run over by a fucking bulldozer, man.” Jason Todd teased as he came up besides Keith. He startled slightly, not having heard Jason’s approach, which was unacceptable and told Keith how out of it he really was.

Maybe pulling an all-nighter and chugging Monster energy drinks until his heart noticeably pounded inside the cavity of his chest hadn’t been the best idea he’d ever had.

Keith didn’t spare his friend a look as he continued reading up on Microbiology and Macroeconomics—both classes he had exams in today. Keith’s books were piled high in a semi-circle around him, and in the middle, was his laptop, sticker bombed to high heaven with bands Keith unironically listened to and liked despite Jason’s distaste for Bring me the Horizon and My Chemical Romance. The only band they could actively agree on when sharing a car was Fall Out Boy, and Keith supposed that simple similarity in good music was how they remained friends.

His eyes had a manic, red rimmed look to them as he tried continuing with his studies, but it was an uphill battle that he was steady losing with each stinging blink.

Jason whistled lowly with sudden understanding and as much sympathy as a guy like him could give, which wasn’t much. It was widely known how much of an asshole Jason was.

It was a wonder how anyone, let alone Jason Todd, could remain completely sane while going to school full-time, working a part time job, and still manage to have social life on the weekends. Honestly, it was a complete wonder how they were friends. Even on good days, Keith could barely function enough to keep himself regularly fed on a diet of Coke Zero and chicken and shrimp flavored ramen noodles.

“Goddamn Keith, how long have you been at it?” Jason asked, sipping at his coffee.

Keith hated Jason for that short moment, at how well rested and refreshed his friend looked, while he on the other hand probably smelled like yesterday’s BO. His hair was also limp with grease, sticking up in every which way as Keith had pulled and tugged at the roots in frustration when a question wasn’t easily solvable as he would’ve liked.

Keith sighed, recognizing himself as a mess.

“Since nine last night,” Keith murmured. “I took a couple of breaks in between to get some Monsters and piss, but that was pretty much it.”

Jason winced.

“When’s your exam?”

That was a good fucking question.

Keith checked the right-hand corner of his laptop screen, brows rising with false surprise.

“Oh. In fifteen minutes. That’s just great.”

Jason snorted, shaking his head with fond disbelief.

“You gonna even make it? You honestly look like a zombie, and that’s without the stench.”

Keith made a face. He flipped Jason off as sniffed self-consciously at his red hoodie, finding it to be…okay. It wasn’t horrible or anything; no nose hairs were going to singe when he walked into a room. He’d shower and take a nap after the exam was finished. He had a five hour break in-between today’s classes and thanked the lord for small mercies.

“Let me at least walk you.”

Keith agreed and began packing up his things with a subdued finality, hoping that his all-nighter had been worth the crippling exhaustion—that he knew a little more than when he’d begun. Keith at least hoped he did.

While Keith and Jason walked through the stacks towards the exit, Keith’s eyes caught and lingered on a set of broad shoulders and a wide back, admiring the muscles that no doubt resided underneath that thick crème colored cable-knit sweater.

The weight of Keith’s eyes must have been a tangible, heavy thing because almost as quick as he caught sight of the man, those eyes were turning, shifting onto Keith with his unkempt hair and frumpy appearance, and the stranger studied him up and down indifferently before he smiled empathetically at the bags under Keith’s eyes.

His attention turned back towards the book he’d pulled from the shelf, flipping through the pages, paying close attention to whatever he needed to find as his hand smoothed slowly down the page.

It was a shame, really when those eyes left him. Keith had never seen someone as attractive as the man, and those eyes on him had made Keith feel a spark of interest that he hadn’t felt in a very long time. It was both concerning and exciting, like being on a roller-coaster and feeling your safety belt give when you were upside down in a loop.

Keith could barely keep his curiosity contained as he elbowed Jason in the side, gesturing back towards the library with a lazy jerk of his head as if to seem completely aloof.

“Who was that guy?” Keith asked, trying to put a cool edge on the eagerness in his voice. “And why does he make that white streak in your hair look 10 times cooler?”

Keith snorted loudly when Jason had the gall to look legitimately offended.

“Oh, fuck you Keith.” Jason cursed, running a hand through his tuff of hair self-consciously. “At least I’m not rocking an 80’s mullet, loser.”

“Touché.”

***

Takashi Shirogane, Keith learned over the past few days, was the textbook definition of a star on the rise.

Honestly, it was kind of both amazing and sad at how Keith hadn’t heard of him despite Takashi being so integrated within the campus’s student life, but maybe that was the reason why. Keith had no interest in joining clubs or making friends.

Takashi obviously did not feel the same. He was an active participant in Student Government, the president of the Asian Student Association, and was the ace of the goddamn swim club.

He was everywhere and Keith was suddenly starting to notice.

“The whole school has a hard-on for him basically,” Jason said offhandedly as they were walking across campus towards the cafeteria. The wind was relentless, a biting chill that cut through Keith despite wearing layers upon layers and a thick wool scarf that covered the bottom half of his face.

Born and raised in Arizona, Keith didn’t fare too well with the cold. Keith ran on a permanent dial of hot it seemed. However, the Bachelor of Music program offered in Buffalo excelled anything that had been in Keith’s neck of the woods and moving, while daunting, had been a no brainer.

Even though Keith probably would never admit to it, the change in scenery had helped him a lot with his feelings of inferiority and self-doubt. They still lingered of course, but they weren’t as crippling as before in his small town.

Keith looked to his friend, wondering.

“So, does that mean you do too?” Keith asked, curious.

He knew Jason was openly bisexual, but had never seen his friend take an active interest in someone of the same sex. Keith often contemplated what kind of guy would make Jason Todd a blushing, stuttering mess, shattering that devil-may-care attitude. Keith would pay to see it.

Jason snorted and gave Keith a skeptical side-eye.

He was dressed in a red and white biker jacket, zipped up to his neck, and a dark gray beanie covered his studded ears. Jason didn’t seem to notice or care when random people passing by stared at him, used to the appraising looks. Keith got his fair share too—he knew he wasn’t a bad looking guy—but it always made him feel awkward and too-small for his body.

Keith had to resist the urge to give one his jackets to Jason in fear that he was going to freeze right down to his boots. He had to remember Jason was a New England native and was used to these brutal winters and dressed rather unwisely because of it.

Jason shook his head. “Nah, golden boy really isn’t my type.”

That threw Keith for a wide loop because Takashi Shirogane was attractive enough to shatter anyone’s “type” deviation.

Jason was just crazy.

Keith looked at the other man with narrowed eyes because that had to be utter bullshit. Keith wasn’t buying it. His gaze seemed to communicate that same sentiment and Jason threw his hands up in a defensive manner, eyes wide.

“What? It’s fucking true. He’s not my type.”

Keith threw his hands up too, but in an exasperated manner because this was it—he couldn’t be friends with Jason Todd anymore, it was final.

“How is he not your type?” Keith practically yelled, probably looking enraged by how the girl in front of them turned her head because of the outburst, then proceeded to quickly shift her attention to anything other than Keith’s passionate eyes.

Jason sputtered, tripping over his words as he tried coming up with an explanation that would satisfy Keith.

“Holy fuck, you gremlin. He’s just not,” Jason said, rubbing shyly at the back of his neck. “For one, he’s like…my size, maybe even bigger, and I’m just not into that. However, I can appreciate him on a purely aesthetic level, so I can understand your little school boy crush.” Jason teased with a shit-eating grin.

Keith scoffed at that wording—school boy crush—but he was fascinated enough with this sudden insight into Jason’s sexuality to ignore it.

He only knew Jason was into guys because of that one time, when they’d first met last year at a typical frat party and decided they were going to fuck, but then Keith had thrown his guts up all over Jason’s shoes and passed out right after in a heap on his floor. Keith had been lucky to find the one guy out of hundred that took care of him instead of making him into another tragic college statistic. He nursed Keith back into excruciating sober health and had even made him pancakes in the morning.

In Keith’s fucked way of making amends, he had even shamelessly offered his ass as a means of saying ‘thanks for not being a piece of shit, now he’s your reward’ without having to say any of that embarrassing spiel. Jason had politely declined the offer and they went about their day, finding that they meshed quite well as friends, and friends only.

Ever since then, Jason had only gone out with a few girls here and there, nothing serious. He didn’t talk much about what he liked and Keith was curious.

Currently, he was connecting the dots alarmingly fast, like a kid with a bright red crayon and a mission.

“So…” Keith drew out, deceptively light, thankful his scarf covered his self-satisfied smirk. “You like your boys smaller than you…” Keith deduced like a perverse wannabe Sherlock Holmes. “That tells me two things: you either like to completely dominate these guys or…” He left the implication to dangle in the air over Jason’s head like a carrot, watching the realization transform his face as the tips of his ears suddenly went red. “Or you like being dominated by them.”

Keith’s eyes indulgently took in Jason’s six foot two frame, bulky shoulders, wide chest, and narrow waist in a slow eye sweep and hoped in a pure platonic way that the latter was truly Jason’s preference.

Jason’s eyes went comically wide, hands coming up in half-aborted motions as if to cover himself from Keith’s prying eyes. He had a good laugh at Jason’s expense.

“You’re absolutely horrible,” Jason said weakly.

Keith shrugged without a care.

From there on they walked in companionable silence as Keith checked the time on his phone, along with his non-existent messages from his non-existent friends. Keith wasn’t paying attention as he neared the entrance and collided hard into a solid frame. Papers fluttered around their heads before several books tumbled onto the floor with a heavy crash.

Keith’s head shot up in mortification, uselessly trying to catch papers that fell right through his fingers.

“Shit,” Someone cursed. “This would be just my luck.”

“Oh shit, dude—fuck—I’m so sorry.” Keith said, crouching to pick up several Criminal Law textbooks and several papers that looked like complex, detailed essays. Some of the terminology Keith managed to spot was enough to make his head throb with on oncoming headache.

He looked at Jason out of the corner of his eye, wondering why his friend was just standing there and being completely useless. Jason would’ve at least helped a bit or would’ve called Keith an idiot or a klutz by now, but he was still as a steel pole on a windy day. It was odd, uncharacteristic behavior, but when Keith raised his head to hand several books back, Keith understood why Jason was utterly speechless.

The guy he’d bumped into was pretty, obnoxiously pretty, so pretty that it immediately pissed Keith off. His eyes were also distracting; a shade of too-blue that made his irises look like they were made with an intense kind of consideration, giving him an unnerving penetrating stare.

The man was dressed in a black turtle neck sweater and a deep navy blue pea-coat, looking like he’d just stepped out of a GQ photo shoot rather than attending class. He was sleek and lithe, delicate in a masculine way that inspired respect and attention.

Even though Keith had been the one to bump into him and was offering his things back, the man’s eyes had settled onto Jason and lingered before he shifted his attention onto Keith, which Keith saw took effort. Those eyes dimmed a bit when they turned onto him, but the man still kindly offered his thanks as he took the books and papers into the cradle of one of his arms and offered Keith his free hand to help him back onto his feet.

“Thanks, man. It’s no big, just be more careful next time.” The man said. Keith was sure that if it had been anyone else, he would’ve scoffed and rolled his eyes at the big brother tone that the man used, but it was honest and sincere and Keith couldn’t help the obedient nod of his head.

“Thank again,” He said to Keith kindly, but his eyes strayed to Jason when he said. “Hopefully I’ll see you around.”

“…Uh, yeah,” Keith said after a moment because Jason was still staring at him with this dazed, awed expression and it was embarrassing and awkward if the silence remained otherwise. With a subtle shove, Keith nudged Jason with his shoulder and only then did Jason nod his head, garbling out some abomination of a word that was a mix between cool and great.

The man laughed softly as if charmed by Jason’s nervous fumbling and the effect he obviously had on him. He bid Keith and Jason goodbye and strolled away with a noticeable pep in his step.

Keith’s lizard brain instinctively watched his hips subtly sway side to side and he whistled low enough for just Jason to hear. He turned expectant eyes onto Jason who was watching as well, except his eyes were lidded and his teeth dragged along his bottom lip with a low, appreciative sound.

“You wanted to know my type,” Jason began, voice noticeably breathy in quality. “There he just went. Goddamn.”

***

Keith didn’t see Takashi for two weeks after his first glimpse in the library.

There wasn’t a dire, all-encompassing need to see him, but the hope remained that Keith would somehow spot him from the corner of his eye and admire him from afar like everyone else probably did.

There was an eatery on campus that Keith was in the mood and had money for and walked the ten minutes to the stir fry joint that was nearly packed. Keith got his food and sat down at one of the few open tables that was slightly sticky, but Keith didn’t mind as he began to dig in, not having had breakfast before which consisted of anything he could find laying around; a granola bar, a bottle of orange juice, half a candy bar shoved down deep inside his backpack.

It was a decent meal for eight bucks—worth it, Keith thought.

Jason would be proud that he’d wasn’t chowing down on ramen noodles for a change.

Keith easily tuned out the chatty buzz of the restaurant with his own insistent thoughts about nothing and everything as he drifted on white noise. He tried not to feel self-conscious about eating alone as he noticed everyone else where in groups of two or more.

He checked his phone absentmindedly while he ate, re-reading the funny texts from Jason’s morning rage because he’d just been assigned a butt load of homework for the upcoming weekend and that interfered with plans apparently. After Jason ran out of his brand of colorful phrases, he’d reverted to using knife and fire emojis.

Keith wanted to feel bad for him. He really did, but it felt good to know Jason was like the rest of them—drowning in school work and deadlines.

“Hey man, I know this is kind of weird, but do you mind if we sit with you? We’ve kind of already met when you think about it.” An oddly familiar voice said.

Keith’s head jerked up, almost dropping his phone as he shortly fumbled with it. He felt his mouth gape as the pretty boy with the unnerving blue eyes that he’d run into a few days ago and Takashi Shirogane, of all fucking people, stared down at him expectantly, waiting for his response. Takashi stood some ways away from the table unlike his friend who sort of hovered over Keith, like he didn’t want to assume or put pressure onto Keith to say yes. A considerate guy.

Keith’s eyes darted quickly around the restaurant; the place had only gotten busier and Keith was sitting at one of the bigger tables that seated four.

“Uh,” His head swam for a response. “Y-yeah, no problem.”

As they sat down, Takashi right across from Keith, he hurriedly moved his items closer to him so they wouldn’t seem so big and obvious. He was suddenly self-conscious about this backpack, decked out in patches that he collected over the months that clearly showed his thoughts on several political matters, his love for 80’s movies like The Lost Boys and The Goonies, and his taste in music.

He caught Takashi staring and had the resist the urge to fidget.

“Rites of Spring are one of my favorite bands too,” Takashi said. “There was just something about the music back then that was just electrifying and inspiring—made you wanna go fight the government and set fire to corrupt institutions.” He softly brushed over one the patches on Keith’s backpack. He watched Takashi’s fingers, practically drooling over how beautiful and strong they were, at how delicate they touched Keith’s property. “I’ve never heard of this one through. They any good?” Takashi asked, brown eyes incredibly warm as he looked up at Keith and he felt himself being caught like a fish on a hook.

Keith couldn’t form words, not yet, so he nodded his head, swallowing down the huge lump in his throat and hoped the heat he suddenly felt wasn’t too visible on his face.

“Sorry, I’m forgetting my manners.” Takashi said as he collected a big, heaping bite on his fork. “I’m Takashi Shirogane, but everyone calls me Shiro.” He gestured towards his…friend, the pretty boy who had already began stuffing his face like he hadn’t eaten in years. “This is—”

“I’m Dick!” Pretty boy interrupted excitedly, wiping at his mouth with the back of his hand. “Yes, I know. Please hold off on the jokes. I’ve heard them all.” Dick good-naturedly teased and Keith didn’t know what to say, so he relied on the first thing that came to mind.

“God, I at least hope your last name isn’t Johnson.”

He was horrified, but then Dick snorted loudly, the power of it rocking his shoulders and Shiro in turn, laughed with him.

“I know, right?” Dick said. “The name of my birth certificate is actually Richard John Grayson, though. My parents have a wickedly sick sense of humor and the nickname just took. I can’t get rid of it now.” He shrugged like there was nothing he could do; however, it didn’t sound like he wanted to do much.

“What about you?” Shiro nodded at Keith, taking a bite.

Oh. Right.

Having the brunt of his attention was highly distracting.

“Keith. Kogane.” Keith said. “I know. Very basic, dry first name and then that little bit of ethnic spice hits you with, Kogane.” Keith tried for a smile when he realized he was being weird about his name. “Uh, nice to meet you both.”

Shiro smiled at him and Dick offered the same sentiment through a mouthful of food.

“Don’t worry, it’s a nice name. Has a nice cadence to it,” Shiro told him and Keith blushed, averting his eyes.

“Thanks.” He mumbled out.

They lapsed into comfortable silence as they traded conversation for eating.

Keith was too aware of himself, of his movements no matter how big or small. He almost sighed in relief when his phone vibrated in his pocket; Jason wondering where he currently was so he could come hang out. Keith tried to keep a cool calmness about him as he practically vibrated in his skin because Jason was going to freak.

me: i’m @ the stir fry place up the street…you’re gonna shit your pants when i tell you who asked to sit with me

jason: who?

Keith slyly took a picture, taking care to make sure the flash and the shutter were off and sent the picture to Jason.

jason: HOLY SHIT

jason: HOW THE FUCK

jason: WHAT THE FUCK

jason: IM ON MY WAY.

jason: IM RUNNING.

jason: PEOPLE ARE GIVING ME LOOKS

Keith cleared his throat, trying to mask the laughter that wanted to rack his shoulders.

He tried not to watch the door in anticipation, but then Jason arrived an impressive five minutes later, looking wind blow and rugged in his motorcycle jacket, looking like he just come back from an afternoon ride. He raked a hand back through his hair, smoothing down over his undercut as his eyes roamed the restaurant. His eyes sparkled when he spotted Keith’s table and waved with a two-fingered salute, a gesture Keith returned half-assed.

Shiro and Dick noticed and curiously turned their heads. It was both amusing and interesting to watch the full body shutter the racked over Dick’s back at the sight of Jason practically strutting up towards their table. Keith and Shiro seemed practically non-existent in that moment.

Jason caught Dick’s eye and held it captive before shifting onto Shiro, sizing him up.

Shiro did the same, but with a bit more delicacy, taking in their obvious similarities and differences.

Keith grappled for what to say.

“Uh, this is Jason. Jason Todd.” Keith began. “He’s kind of an asshole, but he means well…” Keith’s mouth took on a wiry twist. “Usually.”

“Hey guys, what’s up?” Jason greeted charmingly, unfazed. He coolly fell back into the seat besides Keith, picking through the food that remained on his plate. He apparently found nothing worth scavenging as he pushed the plate back into Keith’s direction.

“Jason, this is Dick Grayson and Takashi Shirogane.”

“But Shiro’s more than fine,” Takashi softly reminded him. It seemed like it was more for Keith’s benefit than Jason’s as their eyes met and held. Keith’s heartbeat sped up because of what he saw in Shiro’s gaze, a look that made Keith’s face heat and his body tingle, and he startled when Jason interrupted the moment with an amused snort.

Keith’s head shifted quickly in his friend’s direction, frowning when he saw Jason looking indulgently between the both of them, gaze heavy with implication and meaning. Before Keith could ask him what he found so fucking amusing about the situation and potentially embarrass himself further, Jason’s eyes fell onto Dick’s, completely ignoring Keith and Shiro like they were mere place mats set for decoration.

The other man hadn’t taken his eyes off Jason yet and Keith shifted, feeling like he was intruding on something private because they both oozed a particular kind of sex appeal and when that came together, Keith was sure it would explode.

He wanted to be far away as possible when it did happen.

“I’m being forward here, so forgive me, but you’re not dating him, are you?” Jason asked Dick, gestured to Shiro who’s eyes went wide. Keith was sure his eyes went wider though.

“See, this is what I meant about him being an asshole,” Keith murmured.

Dick only laughed, tilting his head in careful consideration.

“No, Shiro and I aren’t dating, we’ve never dated.” Dick began slowly. “Actually, I’m not seeing anyone now. How lucky for you…” He pointed to Keith. “Are you dating him? Dating anyone?”

Jason bit his lip and shook his head. “Completely free.” Jason proudly announced as the corner of his mouth quirked. “What’re you gonna do about it?”

A throat cleared.

“Should we leave? We can leave.” Shiro said blandly. It sounded like he was used to this kind of occurrence, that he was often the third wheel when Dick caught the eye of someone who interested him.

Keith sighed like he was suffering and put his head into his hands.

Jason and Dick just ignored them.

“Yeah…” Shiro began skeptically, eyeing them back and forth. “I’ll catch you later Dick. It was nice meeting you Jason.”

“See you tomorrow, don’t do anything I would do.”

“Yeah, catch you later, swimfan.”

Shiro paused at the nickname, then chuckled as his eyes turned onto Keith expectantly.

“I don’t know if you drink coffee, but there’s this really nice bakery two blocks from here that has amazing cappuccinos and croissants.” Keith was still reeling from the sound of Shiro’s laugh to truly understand what Shiro was about to ask him. “My treat, you know, if you’re up for it. I’ll have you back home before dark.” Shiro joked, shyly scratching at the back of his neck.

It didn’t occur to Keith that he was technically being asked out on a date. The presumptuous idea that Shiro might be interested in him almost made Keith’s head combust right there on the spot.

It took effort keep his voice calm and cool, retaining that aloof nature he was known for.

“Oh. Yeah, that would be cool.”

“Alright then, it’s a date.”

#sheith #jaydick #keith kogane #takashi shirogane #jason todd #dick grayson #fanfic #dc comics #voltron

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liepcrd · 7 years

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[[ Chlorine for that ship meme 💕]]

Who washes the dishes by hand and who uses the dishwasher?Katherine has never had the luxury of a dishwasher in her home (or hotel) so she would accidentally wash dishes by hand until she got used to using the dishwasher. Colress could go both ways, preferring to wash dishes by hand for cleanliness, but liking the ease of the dishwasher. Plus he’s probably made some enhancements to his dishwasher that make it better than the standard appliance. Who cuts vegetables, fruit, etc by hand and who uses the easy to use chopper?Like the dishwasher, Katherine would sooner grab a knife than use an automated chopper. Colress meanwhile is in the corner with his “Wham-Slice” (aka the Pokeverse Slap-Chop), because he likes to make his life easier.Who pours the cereal into the bowl first and who pours milk before the cereal?Katherine will personally uppercut anyone who pours in their milk before the cereal, so hopefully Colress isn’t the next victim. I imagine Colress doesn’t care either way, as long as he gets his desired milk-to-cereal ratio in the bowl. He would probably purposefully pour the milk first into the bowl while she’s there, just to mess with her. Who buys/drinks bottle water and who uses/drinks from the tap?Katherine buys water from vending machines or the Festival Plaza, which can take a potentially long, pain staking process. She only uses these for her Pokemon, though, and doesn’t personally care where her water comes from as long as it’s clean. She often takes reusable bottles with her while traveling to hold water or other liquids. Colress probably has an especially tall bottle of water around him at all times, since his eating habits aren’t exactly the best. Got to stay hydrated, you know.Who hoards disposable containers and who throws them away?Colress buys lunch meat, eats all the lunch meat (over time, of course) and then tosses the container. He’s got the bank account to supply himself with permanent containers so he doesn’t concern himself with them besides making sure they’re properly recycled. Well then we have semi-country bumpkin Katherine who wasn’t poor, but thrifty. She takes containers and saves them, to the point where his regular Tupperware might find itself overwhelmed. They come in handy though when a wild Mightyena picks up her cat Pokemon’s food containers for the 4038th time and she needs some on the fly.Who buys milk in a paper carton and who buys it in a plastic jug?Considering that gallon sizes don’t come in cartons, plastic jugs are always the way to go. Colress is probably used to buying cartons because he’s used to living alone and doesn’t suspect Katherine would use that much milk, but turns out she spoils her cat Pokemon. At this rate, he’s going to need the whole Miltank.Who picks paper bags and who picks plastic bags after grocery shopping?Colress chooses whatever is there. Katherine prefers paper bags. They’re sturdy, look better than plastic bags, and they can be used for much more than plastic bags. Most places tend not to carry paper bags anymore, so she has no choice in the matter most of the time.Who HOARDS the plastic bags and who recycles them?Katherine, Katherine, Katherine. She hoards the bags for absolutely no reason; she never uses them. However she does find Colress needing plastic bags (or, a bag,) for whatever reason, so she keeps hoarding them and stuffing them into a bag on the back of the pantry door.Who hoards salt/pepper packs, togo silverware and other togo condiments?Did I mention Katherine? Colress might accidentally hoard them, putting them on top of the microwave, but seeing as he has silverware and plenty of condiments, he doesn’t see the need to keep all these little things. Katherine meanwhile will put them in the fridge (i almost typed frigate....) or where ever they best go until Colress needs a lunch packed. Katherine’s mom was the typical housewife and though Katherine doesn’t really act like it, she picked up a few habits which includes packing Colress a sack lunch when he goes and does... whatever it is he does. That’s really the only time those pesky little packets of salt and pepper are needed. Otherwise they just “take up space”, per the scientist’s great, wise words.Who lets the garbage can overflow before throwing it out?Colress would never let this happen in his house, he’s far too clean for that. Katherine wouldn’t let it happen either because her parents raised her better than that. She has Colress, Ivan or whatever Pokemon she can get her hands on take out the trash.Who gets annoyed when someone doesn’t use the clips for the potato chips?If Colress spent the time to buy the chip-clips, damn it someone had better use them. Katherine is famous for straight up folding the bags over and walking away. Unless they have a clip on them before she got them, she’ll hardly ever remember the clips exist. Colress would probably need to put them in a visible spot before Katherine got into a habit of chip-clipping the bags.Who uses paper plates?Does Colress even own paper plates? Are we sure they’re not all a polished chrome in a cabinet, nice and neat? If he has paper plates, Katherine will use them until they’re gone. It’s more waste, but less work for whoever is washing dishes that night. Meanwhile Colress eats out far too often for his own preferred taste due to his odd schedule so he would prefer to use a real plate. He’s sick of Styrofoam and paper. Who uses coasters?Colress would prefer Katherine grow accustomed to using coasters, but it’s a learning process. She tries-- forgets-- and then tries again. Help her. Who licks the spoon/butter knife after they use it?Katherine. Because she’s not afraid to lick a semi-sharp edge/spoon for the chocolate spread on it. Colress might, but it’s one of those “you’d sooner catch me dead” type of deals.Who loses the bread ties?Colress has probably never lost a bread tie in his whole life. Katherine actually throws them away once the bread has been opened.Who kicks the ice under the fridge when it falls on the ground?Well we know Colress doesn’t. Katherine won’t either, though she has accidentally left ice straight up in the middle of the floor. The only reason anyone found out was because Ivan slipped and fell and had a sore back for a day or so.Who constantly cuts/burns themselves when they cook?Colress is probably one step away from being Top Chef(tm) when he’s actually home to cook, and while Katherine isn’t a bad cook, she’s more liable to accidentally burn herself or get popped by grease. Who organizes the spice rack?If Colress owns it you can believe it’s organized somehow. Katherine might not show it in her hotel because of her “get up and go” lifestyle, but she is more organized then she might seem. Her PC is very organized and this organization spills out into real life too. Sometimes she organizes the spice rack when she’s bored. Who uses the microwave more?You can believe Katherine still buys frozen dinners. Colress might sooner fire up the grill than microwave his dinner, but Katherine isn’t about to come home tired from training all day and chef it up in the kitchen. Katherine uses it more.Who stops the microwave one second before time's up?For fun? Katherine. Legitimately? No one. Everyone knows that last second is really what thoroughly cooks the food.

#long post #ooc #[[ im gone ]]#[[ this took an h o u r ]]#truthfullyideal #liepard mail

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iratogold81-blog · 6 years

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The Biggest Trends in real estate investment spreadsheet We've Seen This Year

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junker-town · 7 years

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College basketball's preseason top 25, according to us

These are the 25 best teams in college basketball, according to us.

As the summer came to a close, it seemed like the main storylines of the 2017-18 college basketball season were pretty easy to peg.

Will Sean Miller finally get Arizona over the hump and into the Final Four?

Can Duke live up to its “super team” billing this season?

Will freshmen like Marvin Bagley, Michael Porter and Collin Sexton be as good as advertised?

All of those questions became secondary on Sept. 29. That’s the day the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York released a complaint detailing the findings of an FBI investigation into the ugly underbelly of college basketball. Since then, four assistant coaches have been arrested and charged, Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino has been fired, and a handful of high-profile players have been held out of competition.

The FBI investigation isn’t going away, but it also isn’t going to keep college basketball’s 2017-18 season from happening. Beginning on Nov. 10, 351 teams will begin the long and beautiful journey towards March and the NCAA tournament. Here are the 25 teams that as of right now appear to be the class of that large group.

Odds by Mike, evens by Ricky

1. Duke

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

With Mike Krzyzewski fielding the youngest team of his career, it’s easy to see Duke in this top spot for a second straight preseason and wonder aloud: “Are we all making the same mistake again?”

The Blue Devils were a near-unanimous No. 1 choice before the start of a roller coaster season that ended with a surprising second round NCAA tournament loss to South Carolina. While recent history is certainly capable of repeating itself when this many freshmen are involved, there are equally compelling reasons to believe that the Dukies are going to live up to their preseason hype.

For starters, Coach K has a true point guard this season in the form of five-star freshman Trevon Duvall. Instead of forcing Grayson Allen or someone else to play out of position, Krzyzewski will have the comfort of having a true floor general run the show in 2017-18. Also there’s Allen himself, a gifted senior whose tumultuous college career up to this point should allow him to provide the type of leadership last season’s team was sorely lacking.

Sometimes we make things more complicated than they need to be, so let’s also toss this in: Marvin Bagley III is simply a more talented player than any of the guys who suited up for Krzyzewski last year. Fellow freshmen Wendell Carter and Gary Trent Jr. are great too, but it’s the super versatile 6’11 Bagley who truly sets this team apart from the rest of the country. At least on paper.

2. Arizona

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Can Sean Miller finally make the Final Four? It was already one of the biggest storylines in the sport before the FBI investigation that led to the arrest of long-time assistant Book Richardson and a cascade of recruits immediately decommiting from the program. But unlike other teams, Arizona seems set to ride out the investigation rather than dishing out precautionary suspensions, in the process showing how serious they are about winning right now, future sanctions be damned.

That’s a good thing, because college hoops fans deserve to see this team play. Allonzo Trier is one of the sport’s great individual scorers, a bullish two-guard who can get buckets from all three levels. Freshman center DeAndre Ayton is a certified unicorn whose combination of size, athleticism and skill could make him the most dominant big man in the country from day one. There’s also a potential breakout sophomore star in Rawle Alkins and a host of four- and five-star recruits who provide great depth.

Maybe the FBI investigation will eventually end Arizona’s season before it really starts. Until then, the Wildcats have as much on-court potential as any team in America.

3. Michigan State

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By the time this season’s Final Four rolls around, it will have been 18 years since a Big Ten team last won a national title. Michigan State, the most recent team from the league to cut down the nets, is hoping to be the same one that ends the drought.

The moment Miles Bridges opted to turn down the chance to be a lottery pick in favor of playing one more season for Tom Izzo he made himself the national Player of the Year favorite and his team one of the top choices to win it all. Despite missing a healthy chunk of his freshman season because of injury, Bridges was remarkably productive in his college debut. He did a little bit of everything for the Spartans in 2016-17, averaging 16.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists per game.

Also returning to East Lansing this season are fellow sophomores Nick Ward (13.9 ppg), Joshua Langford (6.9 ppg) and Cassius Winston (6.7 ppg), who are all expected to take steps forward in year two. Five-star freshman Jaren Jackson should be one of college basketball’s most talented newcomers, and he’ll have frontcourt tutelage in the form of senior forwards Ben Carter and Gavin Schilling, who both missed all of last season because of injuries.

4. Kansas

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Kansas checks just about every box: a productive senior point guard, shooters on the wing, a high-upside freshman big man and one of the sport’s most dependable coaches. The Jayhawks win the Big 12 every year and you’re a fool if you bet against this team doing it again this season.

Devonte Graham played the role of supporting actor last season behind Frank Mason, but he’ll be the leading man now. Graham is a good shooter, a solid defender and the type of veteran ball handler every team needs in March. Svi Mykhailiuk, LaGerald Vick and five-star transfer Malik Newman will knock down shots from the perimeter, while Billy Preston and Udoka Azubuike form a huge and talented front line.

Kansas is the rare program capable of making a run at the Final Four every year. This season is no exception.

5. Villanova

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With North Carolina going to back-to-back title games and cutting down the nets last April, what Villanova has done the past two seasons has sort of been swept under the rug. The Wildcats, of course, beat the Tar Heels at the buzzer of the 2016 national title game, and were the No. 1 overall seed heading into last season’s Big Dance with a 31-3 record.

All-American Josh Hart and March Madness icon Kris Jenkins are both gone, but the good times should continue to roll on for Jay Wright and company in 2017-18. Junior point guard Jalen Brunson is a legitimate national Player of the Year candidate, Mikal Bridges has been considered ‘Nova’s best NBA prospect since he arrived in Philly, and former five-star big man Omari Spellman is finally eligible and ready to provide Wright with a dominant post presence.

Toss in the expected improvement of guys like Donte DiVincenzo and Eric Paschall as well as the return of Phil Booth, and you once again have a team that should be right in the thick of the national championship hunt come March.

6. Kentucky

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John Calipari is the greatest recruiter alive, and his philosophy on the the trail has never been more transparent. Calipari wants the biggest, faster player at any cost, and that’s how he got this roster, one that feels like it sacrifices ‘fit’ in the pursuit of cold, hard talent.

Kentucky has at least eight five-star recruits on the roster, led by athletic wings Hamidou Diallo and Kevin Knox. P.J. Washington is a bulldog at the four, Nick Richards is an athletic blocker at the five and Quade Green should provide a steadying presence at point. And that’s just the freshmen.

The big question for Kentucky is if they can knock down shots from the perimeter. Size and athleticism should again win the Wildcats the SEC, but it’s hard to advance in March without reliable three-point threats. Perhaps Diallo and/or Knox turns into that type of player. Maybe Kentucky will just ride offensive rebounds all the way to San Antonio. Even with all that talent, this team still feels like it could go boom-or-bust.

7. Miami

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Enthusiasm for Hurricane hoops has rarely, if ever, been higher than it is heading into the 2017-18 season. Miami won 10 games in the ACC last season and return a higher percentage of minutes (67 percent) from a year ago than any other team in the conference. Headlining that core group of returnees are all-conference caliber players Bruce Brown and Ja’Quan Newton.

Miami also brings in the best recruiting class of the Jim Larrnaga era, one headlined by McDonald’s All-American Lonnie Walker. If the Hurricanes can avoid the noise that could come with being named in the FBI’s September complaint, there’s no excuse for this team not to finish in the top four of the ACC and earn a top four seed in the NCAA tournament.

8. USC

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Like Arizona, USC is fielding a team with a real chance at the Final Four while also having to deal with the shadow of the FBI investigation. Tony Bland, arrested in the federal probe, was a key, beloved assistant for the Trojans who will be missed. That speaks nothing of the two unnamed players mentioned in the investigation who could eventually be suspended.

If USC has its full complement of players, this squad is incredibly deep and experienced at every position. Jordan McLaughlin, Elijah Stewart and De’Anthoy Melton lead an embarrassment of riches on the perimeter. Chimezie Metu is an elite athlete at center and Bennie Boatright is a gifted scorer as the stretch forward next to him. The bench is stacked too, with Duke transfer Derryck Thornton and freshman shooter Chuck O’Bannon leading the way.

USC finally has the athletes to play the fast, loose style Andy Enfield has always desired. The Trojans are going to be a ton of fun ... unless the FBI or the NCAA gets in the way.

9. Florida

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For anybody who doubted it, Mike White proved once and for all last season that there would be life for Florida basketball after Billy Donovan. The Gators won 27 games and were one victory away from achieving the program’s sixth trip to the Final Four. That trip could easily come this season thanks to a combination of key returnees and key additions.

Junior shooting guard KeVaughn Allen is back after averaging 14.0 ppg last season. He’ll have backcourt help in the form of senior point guard Chris Chiozza, the buzzer-beating hero from last year’s Sweet 16 win over Wisconsin. Down low, the Gators will be blessed (at some point) by the return of senior center John Egbunu, who tore his ACL last February. Florida also brings in grad transfer Egor Koulechov, who averaged 18.2 points and 8.9 rebounds last season at Rice.

10. Wichita State

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Wichita State is in its first year in the American, but it shouldn’t have needed a bigger conference for validation. This is one of the most dependable non-blue blood programs in the country under Gregg Marshall. He’s done it again this year: in the shadow of the Fred VanVleet-Ron Baker years, Gregg Marshall has built another team with legitimate title aspirations.

The Shockers are again led by a pair of studs in sophomore point guard Landry Shamet and junior forward Markis McDuffie. There’s just one problem: both are currently battling foot injuries. The good news for Wichita State is that there’s senior depth all over the roster, most notably big man Shaq Morris and shooter Conner Frankamp. A new conference might provide new challenges, but expect the Shockers to be healthy and cohesive again by March.

11. North Carolina

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The reigning national champions have a shot at making it back to the Final Four for a third consecutive season. Last season’s Final Four Most Outstanding Player, Joel Berry, is back, as are fellow senior Theo Pinson and Elite Eight hero Luke Maye. The task for the Tar Heels is going to be to find a way to replace the remarkable amount of production that left Chapel Hill after last season.

The backcourt should be fine once Berry returns from his hand injury, but its the frontcourt where Roy Williams needs some guys to emerge. The Tar Heels were successful the last two years largely because they led the nation in rebounding margin and offensive rebounding percentage. Williams will likely ask Pinson and talented Pitt transfer Cameron Johnson, both natural wings, to play more on the block to help out the very green UNC big men.

12. West Virginia

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West Virginia isn’t beating anyone by surprise at this point. Bob Huggins is going to deploy a vicious full court press operated by a team of hard working, under-recruited athletes. Scoring might be a struggle, but no matter: every game against the Mountaineers is a war, and no one is coming out of it feeling good about themselves.

This year is no different. Jevon Carter is back as one of the country’s top returning guards. Daxter Miles Jr. is a tough and steady senior and Esa Ahmad is a high upside big man who will be valuable once he returns from his first semester academic suspension. There’s nothing overwhelming about West Virginia’s talent level, but they always seem to find a way to grind out wins.

13. Louisville

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There may not be a more difficult team in college basketball to gauge right now than Louisville. On paper, the Cardinals are unquestionably a top 15 team. Quentin Snider has been a steady presence at the point guard position for three years now, and junior forward Deng Adel has the potential to be a First Team All-ACC performer.

The issue, of course, is that the team lost its Hall of Fame head coach just three days before its first practice. It’s hard to imagine that, and all of the other off-the-court distractions, not having at least some effect on the team’s 2017-18 performance.

14. Cincinnati

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Cincinnati annually fields an elite defensive team that struggles to score. The Bearcats finally made strides towards balance last year when they finished No. 34 in offensive efficiency, the first time they’ve cracked the top 50 since Mick Cronin took over in 2007. There’s reason to believe this team can be even better offensively.

Junior off guard Jacob Evans is a three-level scorer and long defender. Kyle Washington is an inside-out big man who can heat up quick, while sophomore Jarron Cumberland is an ace shooter on the wing. Tough, athletic forward Gary Clarke is still here captain the defense. Cincy will always be a team that grinds out games, but there’s enough talent here to talk yourself into a deep March run.

15. UCLA

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The Lonzo Ball era was brief but eventful, as the Bruins went from 15-17 in 2015-16 to one of the most exciting teams in the country a year ago. The good times don’t have to be over just because Ball is now suiting up for the Lakers.

Double figure scorers Aaron Holiday and Thomas Welsh are both back, and Steve Alford has also welcomed in a top five recruiting class. Headlining that crop of freshmen is five-star point guard Jaylen Hands. Hands might not be as flashy running the show as Ball was, but he has the potential to be every bit as effective in terms of producing wins.

16. Seton Hall

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Seton Hall has been building for this particular season for four years. The Pirates will feature four senior starters who have helped the program reach consecutive NCAA tournaments after a nine-year drought, but they still haven’t broken through with a win yet.

This team is good enough to go on a run. Angel Delgado is a double-double machine who should be one of the best front court players in America. Khadeen Carrington and Desi Rodriguez are high scoring guards, and sophomore Myles Powell potentially provides some much needed outside shooting. The Pirates lack a natural point guard, but they’re as tough and experienced as any team.

17. Xavier

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No one is surprised any more when Xavier is making noise during the month of March. That said, it’s still staggering to see that over the past 10 years, the Musketeers have advanced to the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16 six times. The most recent of those appearances came a year ago, when Chris Mack’s team pulled three upsets before falling to Gonzaga in the West Regional final.

Despite all the program’s postseason success, Xavier has still never experienced a Final Four. Musketeer fans are hopeful that streak will end in a few months thanks to the return of All-American candidate Trevon Bluiett, who poured in 18.5 ppg last season. He and senior J.P. Macura should make up one of the best backcourts in the country.

18. Minnesota

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The Gophers had the biggest single-season turnaround in college basketball last year, going from an 8-win team to a 24-win No. 5 seed in the NCAA tournament. Almost everyone returns, including elite shot blocker Reggie Lynch and senior point guard Nate Mason. Amir Coffey, a smooth 6’8 sophomore wing, is the most talented scorer on the team and should end up as one of the better players in the Big Ten. There’s also Mr. JellyFam himself, Isaiah Washington, creating offense off the bench. Minnesota won’t surprise anyone this year.

19. Notre Dame

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Notre Dame is in the midst of one of the most successful stretches in program history, one which appears set to continue this season. The Fighting Irish have won 82 games since the start of the 2014-15 campaign, the most they’ve ever won over a three-year stretch. They advanced to the Elite Eight in both 2015 and 2016, and won a game in last year’s Big Dance before being ousted by West Virginia.

The good times figure to keep rolling in 2017-18 thanks largely to the presence of preseason First Team All-American Bonzie Colson. The senior forward was the only player in the ACC to finish last season averaging a double-double (17.5 ppg, 10.2 rpg). He’ll join forces with senior point guard Matt Farrell to form one of the most potent inside-outside combos in college basketball.

20. St. Mary's

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Is this the year St. Mary’s finally knocks off Gonzaga from the top of the WCC? It feels like it. The Gaels have a legitimate star in Aussie center Jock Londale, a steady lead guard in Emmett Naar, and a high-impact transfer in wing Cullen Neal. There’s shooters everywhere, and one of the country’s best offensive minds, Randy Bennett, finding ways to get them all open.

If the ‘Zags beat this team three times again this year, it will be a real accomplishment.

21. Purdue

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It’s ever easy to replace a consensus First Team All-American like Caleb Swanigan. It helps when you’re returning the other four starters from the season before and six of that squad’s top seven scorers.

Even without Swanigan, Purdue figures to be a load to handle in the post. The Boilermakers have five players who are 6’9 taller, led by 7’2 center Isaac Haas. They also have a preseason All-Big Ten player in senior forward Vince Edwards, and an all-conference caliber guard in Carsen Edwards. It’s been 11 years since a Big Ten team won back-to-back regular season conference titles, but Purdue has the pieces to at least make a run at ending that streak.

22. Northwestern

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Northwestern as a preseason top-25 team? Believe it. After making the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history last year, the Wildcats return every key starter from a team that gave national runners-up Gonzaga a real run for its money in the round of 32. Bryant McIntosh is a productive senior at point guard, Vic Law profiles as one of the Big Ten’s best two-way wings and Dererk Pardon can be a monster on the inside.

The novelty of Northwestern basketball being good is over. Now it’s about building something that lasts.

23. Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech broke a decade-long NCAA tournament drought in 2017. A year later, Buzz Williams appears to have a team capable of taking the program to the (modern) Sweet 16 for the first time in history.

The team returns all five starters from a season ago, but also must replace its two leading scorers from last season in the graduated Zach LeDay (16.5 ppg) and Seth Allen (13.3 ppg). No one ever accused Williams of being conventional. The upside is that the Hokies figure to have a fully healthy Chris Clarke, who was the team’s leading rebounder (7.3 rpg) and third-leading scorer (11.4 ppg) when he tore his ACL in mid-February. The Hokies ended the season just 5-4 after Clarke went down.

24. Gonzaga

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It’s easier to talk about who’s not here, of course, after last year’s national runners-up lost a huge chunk of their rotation. Credit Mark Few for still putting out a team that will compete. Johnathan Williams and Killian Tillie will form a dependable and productive front court, while junior guard Josh Perkins will look to push his game to new heights without Nigel Williams-Goss around.

The most interesting player here is Rui Hachimura, a Japanese import with an NBA-ready body but raw skill set. If he puts it together this season as a sophomore, the ‘Zags will be formidable once again.

25. Missouri

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LSU couldn’t make it to the NCAA tournament with Ben Simmons and Washington couldn’t even win 10 games with Markelle Fultz. That doesn’t mean there’s no hope for Missouri to have a big season with the similarly gifted Michael Porter Jr.

For starters, Porter Jr. won’t have to do it alone. His younger brother, and fellow five-star recruit, Jontay, helps headline a five-man recruiting class that ranked in the top five nationally. Toss in a handful of key returnees and a proven new head coach in Cuonzo Martin, and it’s not ridiculous to peg Missouri as a team capable of going from eight wins to top 25 caliber in the span of only a year.

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