From 34658a5641c140ed77a9b1a0be123f69b5913af0 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Phantop Date: Thu, 20 Jun 2024 10:39:56 -0400 Subject: [PATCH] Thu Nov 14 21:13:50 UTC 2024 --- .gitignore | 0 AllSides&fetch=true&limit=10 | 165 ++++ ArsTechnica | 173 +++++ ...lector=li&content_selector=article&limit=6 | 69 ++ GameBanana&updates=on&gid=18604 | 267 +++++++ GameBanana&updates=on&gid=20511 | 271 +++++++ GameBanana&updates=on&gid=5486 | 258 ++++++ GameBanana&updates=on&gid=5866 | 269 +++++++ GameBanana&updates=on&gid=6386 | 260 +++++++ GameBanana&updates=on&gid=7617 | 273 +++++++ GameBanana&updates=on&gid=8177 | 119 +++ GameBanana&updates=on&gid=8216 | 261 +++++++ GovTrack | 96 +++ GovTrack&feed=bill-summaries | 195 +++++ GovTrack&feed=enacted-bills | 195 +++++ HumbleBundle | 477 ++++++++++++ NPR | 140 ++++ NPR§ion=1180232252 | 124 +++ Phoronix | 95 +++ ...-finder_?sf=1&gi=6&tgi=1088&sort=dateadded | 734 ++++++++++++++++++ ...s.com&url_pattern=.*&content_selector=main | 95 +++ index.html | 10 + 22 files changed, 4546 insertions(+) create mode 100644 .gitignore create mode 100644 AllSides&fetch=true&limit=10 create mode 100644 ArsTechnica create mode 100644 CssSelector&home_page=https:__jvgs.net&url_selector=li&content_selector=article&limit=6 create mode 100644 GameBanana&updates=on&gid=18604 create mode 100644 GameBanana&updates=on&gid=20511 create mode 100644 GameBanana&updates=on&gid=5486 create mode 100644 GameBanana&updates=on&gid=5866 create mode 100644 GameBanana&updates=on&gid=6386 create mode 100644 GameBanana&updates=on&gid=7617 create mode 100644 GameBanana&updates=on&gid=8177 create mode 100644 GameBanana&updates=on&gid=8216 create mode 100644 GovTrack create mode 100644 GovTrack&feed=bill-summaries create mode 100644 GovTrack&feed=enacted-bills create mode 100644 HumbleBundle create mode 100644 NPR create mode 100644 NPR§ion=1180232252 create mode 100644 Phoronix create mode 100644 ScribbleHub&context=List&url=https:__www.scribblehub.com_series-finder_?sf=1&gi=6&tgi=1088&sort=dateadded create mode 100644 Sitemap&home_page=https:__shikarito.wordpress.com&url_pattern=.*&content_selector=main create mode 100644 index.html diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore new file mode 100644 index 000000000..e69de29bb diff --git a/AllSides&fetch=true&limit=10 b/AllSides&fetch=true&limit=10 new file mode 100644 index 000000000..c685c5f66 --- /dev/null +++ b/AllSides&fetch=true&limit=10 @@ -0,0 +1,165 @@ + + + + AllSides - Headline Roundups + AllSides - Headline Roundups + https://www.allsides.com/headline-roundups + + + + https://www.allsides.com/favicon.ico + AllSides - Headline Roundups + https://www.allsides.com/headline-roundups + + + Bridge returned error 403! (20041) + http:// + 6eeab5ea394c53035d31147fa40f1c339cc77f61 + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 21:13:16 +0000 + +<div class="error"> + + <h2>The website is protected by CloudFlare</h2> + <p> + RSS-Bridge tried to fetch a website. + The fetching was blocked by CloudFlare. + CloudFlare is anti-bot software. + Its purpose is to block non-humans. + </p> + + + <h2>403 Forbidden</h2> + <p> + The HTTP 403 Forbidden response status code indicates that the + server understands the request but refuses to authorize it. + </p> + + + + + <p> + <a href="https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP/Status/403"> + https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP/Status/403 </a> + </p> + + + <h2>Details</h2> + + <div style="margin-bottom: 15px"> + <div class="error-type"> + <strong>Type:</strong> CloudFlareException </div> + + <div> + <strong>Code:</strong> 403 </div> + + <div class="error-message"> + <strong>Message:</strong> https://www.allsides.com/story/donald-trump-what-make-trumps-cabinet-appointments-so-far resulted in 403 Forbidden </div> + + <div> + <strong>File:</strong> lib/http.php </div> + + <div> + <strong>Line:</strong> 34 </div> + </div> + + <h2>Trace</h2> + + <code> + #0 index.php(68): RssBridge-&gt;main() </code> + <br> + <code> + #1 lib/RssBridge.php(87): RssBridge-&gt;{closure}() </code> + <br> + <code> + #2 lib/RssBridge.php(85): CacheMiddleware-&gt;__invoke() </code> + <br> + <code> + #3 middlewares/CacheMiddleware.php(44): RssBridge-&gt;{closure}() </code> + <br> + <code> + #4 lib/RssBridge.php(85): ExceptionMiddleware-&gt;__invoke() </code> + <br> + <code> + #5 middlewares/ExceptionMiddleware.php(17): RssBridge-&gt;{closure}() </code> + <br> + <code> + #6 lib/RssBridge.php(85): SecurityMiddleware-&gt;__invoke() </code> + <br> + <code> + #7 middlewares/SecurityMiddleware.php(19): RssBridge-&gt;{closure}() </code> + <br> + <code> + #8 lib/RssBridge.php(85): MaintenanceMiddleware-&gt;__invoke() </code> + <br> + <code> + #9 middlewares/MaintenanceMiddleware.php(10): RssBridge-&gt;{closure}() </code> + <br> + <code> + #10 lib/RssBridge.php(85): BasicAuthMiddleware-&gt;__invoke() </code> + <br> + <code> + #11 middlewares/BasicAuthMiddleware.php(13): RssBridge-&gt;{closure}() </code> + <br> + <code> + #12 lib/RssBridge.php(85): TokenAuthenticationMiddleware-&gt;__invoke() </code> + <br> + <code> + #13 middlewares/TokenAuthenticationMiddleware.php(10): RssBridge-&gt;{closure}() </code> + <br> + <code> + #14 lib/RssBridge.php(82): DisplayAction-&gt;__invoke() </code> + <br> + <code> + #15 actions/DisplayAction.php(54): DisplayAction-&gt;createResponse() </code> + <br> + <code> + #16 actions/DisplayAction.php(89): AllSidesBridge-&gt;collectData() </code> + <br> + <code> + #17 bridges/AllSidesBridge.php(53): getSimpleHTMLDOMCached() </code> + <br> + <code> + #18 lib/contents.php(228): getContents() </code> + <br> + <code> + #19 lib/contents.php(117): HttpException::fromResponse() </code> + <br> + <code> + #20 lib/http.php(34) </code> + <br> + + <br> + + <h2>Context</h2> + + <div> + <strong>Query:</strong> </div> + + <div> + <strong>Version:</strong> 2024-02-02 </div> + + <div> + <strong>OS:</strong> Linux </div> + + <div> + <strong>PHP:</strong> 8.1.2-1ubuntu2.19 </div> + + <br> + + <a href="/">Go back</a> +</div> + + +<a href="https://github.com/RSS-Bridge/rss-bridge/issues?q=is%3Aissue+is%3Aopen+AllSides+-+Headline+Roundups" title="Opens GitHub to search for similar issues"> + <button>Find similar bugs</button> +</a> + +<a href="https://github.com/RSS-Bridge/rss-bridge/issues/new?title=AllSides+-+Headline+Roundups+failed+with%3A+https%3A%2F%2Fwww.allsides.com%2Fstory%2Fdonald-trump-what-make-trumps-cabinet-appointments-so-far+resulted+in+403+Forbidden+&body=%60%60%60%0ACloudFlareException%3A+https%3A%2F%2Fwww.allsides.com%2Fstory%2Fdonald-trump-what-make-trumps-cabinet-appointments-so-far+resulted+in+403+Forbidden++in+lib%2Fhttp.php+line+34%0A%0Aindex.php%2868%29%3A+RssBridge-%3Emain%28%29%0Alib%2FRssBridge.php%2887%29%3A+RssBridge-%3E%7Bclosure%7D%28%29%0Alib%2FRssBridge.php%2885%29%3A+CacheMiddleware-%3E__invoke%28%29%0Amiddlewares%2FCacheMiddleware.php%2844%29%3A+RssBridge-%3E%7Bclosure%7D%28%29%0Alib%2FRssBridge.php%2885%29%3A+ExceptionMiddleware-%3E__invoke%28%29%0Amiddlewares%2FExceptionMiddleware.php%2817%29%3A+RssBridge-%3E%7Bclosure%7D%28%29%0Alib%2FRssBridge.php%2885%29%3A+SecurityMiddleware-%3E__invoke%28%29%0Amiddlewares%2FSecurityMiddleware.php%2819%29%3A+RssBridge-%3E%7Bclosure%7D%28%29%0Alib%2FRssBridge.php%2885%29%3A+MaintenanceMiddleware-%3E__invoke%28%29%0Amiddlewares%2FMaintenanceMiddleware.php%2810%29%3A+RssBridge-%3E%7Bclosure%7D%28%29%0Alib%2FRssBridge.php%2885%29%3A+BasicAuthMiddleware-%3E__invoke%28%29%0Amiddlewares%2FBasicAuthMiddleware.php%2813%29%3A+RssBridge-%3E%7Bclosure%7D%28%29%0Alib%2FRssBridge.php%2885%29%3A+TokenAuthenticationMiddleware-%3E__invoke%28%29%0Amiddlewares%2FTokenAuthenticationMiddleware.php%2810%29%3A+RssBridge-%3E%7Bclosure%7D%28%29%0Alib%2FRssBridge.php%2882%29%3A+DisplayAction-%3E__invoke%28%29%0Aactions%2FDisplayAction.php%2854%29%3A+DisplayAction-%3EcreateResponse%28%29%0Aactions%2FDisplayAction.php%2889%29%3A+AllSidesBridge-%3EcollectData%28%29%0Abridges%2FAllSidesBridge.php%2853%29%3A+getSimpleHTMLDOMCached%28%29%0Alib%2Fcontents.php%28228%29%3A+getContents%28%29%0Alib%2Fcontents.php%28117%29%3A+HttpException%3A%3AfromResponse%28%29%0Alib%2Fhttp.php%2834%29%0A%0AQuery+string%3A+%0AVersion%3A+2024-02-02%0AOs%3A+Linux%0APHP+version%3A+8.1.2-1ubuntu2.19%0A%60%60%60%0AMaintainer%3A+%40Oliver+Nutter&labels=Bridge-Broken&assignee=O" title="After clicking this button you can review the issue before submitting it"> + <button>Create GitHub Issue</button> +</a> + +<p class="maintainer"> + Oliver Nutter</p> + + + diff --git a/ArsTechnica b/ArsTechnica new file mode 100644 index 000000000..f3fa74a99 --- /dev/null +++ b/ArsTechnica @@ -0,0 +1,173 @@ + + + + Ars Technica - All content + Ars Technica - All content + https://arstechnica.com + + + + https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/cropped-ars-logo-512_480-60x60.png + Ars Technica - All content + https://arstechnica.com + + + Trump team puts EV tax credit on the block, Tesla is on board: Report + + Jonathan M. Gitlin + + https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/11/trump-team-puts-ev-tax-credit-on-the-block-tesla-is-on-board-report/ + https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/11/trump-team-puts-ev-tax-credit-on-the-block-tesla-is-on-board-report/#comments + b7ee75fe0ce23a0d03ea35a9d0292ae35f072396 + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 19:40:34 +0000 + <p> Elon Musk is on record as saying it would hurt competitors more than Tesla. </p><figure><img width="1152" height="648" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-2169370321-1152x648.jpg" class="intro-image absolute min-w-full min-h-full h-auto object-cover" alt="An upside-down toy car on a stack of $20 bills" loading="eager" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-2169370321-1152x648.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-2169370321-384x216.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-2169370321-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-2169370321-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1152px) 100vw, 1152px" /><figcaption> <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: Getty Images </span> </figcaption></figure> <p>Some electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are set to get less affordable from next year, it seems. <a href="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/11/ev-subsidies-out-new-import-tariffs-in-how-trumps-win-affects-autos/">As expected</a>, the incoming Trump administration has set its sights on killing off the IRS clean vehicle tax credit, according to <a href="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/11/ev-subsidies-out-new-import-tariffs-in-how-trumps-win-affects-autos/">a report in Reuters</a> this afternoon.</p> <p>The clean vehicle tax credit was overhauled as part of President Joe Biden's signature climate legislation. Until then, the size of a plug-in vehicle's tax credit was based on its battery capacity, with a credit of up to $7,500 available. But from 2023 <a href="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2023/01/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-ev-tax-credit-for-2023/">the rules changed</a>, requiring a certain amount of domestic production to qualify, as well as adding price and income caps to address criticism that the tax credit mostly subsidized the already-wealthy.</p> <p>Far fewer vehicles are now eligible for the rebate at time of purchase, particularly after the US Treasury Department <a href="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/01/its-a-new-year-and-these-are-now-the-only-evs-that-get-a-tax-credit/">got tougher about Chinese content</a>, although a loophole means that none of these conditions apply to leased EVs.</p> <p>Ending the tax credit is not something the incoming administration can do via executive action—Congress controls government spending, and this would require new legislation. But the <a href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/introduction-to-budget-reconciliation">budget reconciliation process</a> results in bills that cannot be filibustered, and Reuters says that the Trump transition team will likely use this route as part of a larger revamp of tax laws.</p> <p>Tesla was a major beneficiary of the new clean vehicle tax credit; under the previous scheme, an OEM was only eligible until it sold its 200,000th plug-in vehicle, at which point the credit available to its customers began to sunset. Tesla—which exclusively sells plug-in vehicles—was unsurprisingly <a href="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2018/07/tesla-sold-200000-cars-in-the-us-so-the-7500-tax-credit-is-going-away/">the first to reach this threshold</a>, at which point its EVs became more expensive than competitor cars. But the sales cap was eliminated under the new rules.</p> <p>One might expect the company would be up in arms over this proposal. But according to Reuters, that's not the case—Tesla is in favor of ending the clean vehicle tax credit, and CEO Elon Musk has previously said such a move would be far more damaging to rival companies than to Tesla.</p> + ev-adoption + ev-tax-credit + tesla + + + Microsoft finally releases generic install ISOs for the Arm version of Windows + + Andrew Cunningham + + https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/11/microsoft-makes-it-easier-to-do-a-clean-windows-install-on-arm-based-pcs/ + https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/11/microsoft-makes-it-easier-to-do-a-clean-windows-install-on-arm-based-pcs/#comments + 4c091ff08ac31604c8bd1ca56cb32225432d3f3d + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 19:22:17 +0000 + <p> Generic install media brings Arm PCs closer to feeling like any old x86 PC. </p><figure><img width="1152" height="648" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/win11-bloom-rainbow-1152x648.jpeg" class="intro-image absolute min-w-full min-h-full h-auto object-cover" alt="" loading="eager" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/win11-bloom-rainbow-1152x648.jpeg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/win11-bloom-rainbow-384x216.jpeg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/win11-bloom-rainbow-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/win11-bloom-rainbow-1536x864.jpeg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1152px) 100vw, 1152px" /><figcaption> <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: Microsoft </span> </figcaption></figure> <p>For some PC buyers, doing a clean install of Windows right out of the box is part of the setup ritual. But for Arm-based PCs, including <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/05/microsofts-copilot-ai-pc-requirements-are-embarrassing-for-intel-and-amd/">the Copilot+ PCs</a> with Snapdragon X Plus and Elite chips in them, it hasn't been possible in the same way. Microsoft (mostly) hasn't offered generic install media that can be used to reinstall Windows on an Arm PC from scratch.</p> <p>Microsoft is fixing that today—the company finally has <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11arm64">a download page</a> for the official Arm release of Windows 11, linked to but separate from <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11">the ISOs for the x86 versions of Windows</a>. These are useful not just for because-I-feel-like-it clean installs, but for reinstalling Windows after you've upgraded your SSD and setting up Windows virtual machines on Arm-based PCs and Macs.</p> <p>Previously, Microsoft did offer install media for <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windowsinsiderpreviewiso">some Windows Insider Preview Arm builds</a>, though these are for beta versions of Windows that may or may not be feature-complete or stable. Various apps, scripts, and websites also exist to grab files from Microsoft's servers and build "unofficial" ISOs for the Arm version of Windows, though obviously this is more complicated than just downloading a single file directly.</p> <p>Per usual when you do a from-scratch installation of Windows, you'll need to make sure you can find all the drivers for your hardware so that all of your hardware functions like it's supposed to. Some of these drivers may be downloaded automatically through Windows Update if you've got an Internet connection; others may need to be grabbed manually from your computer manufacturer's website.</p> <p>If your Arm PC shipped with Windows 11, you should have no problem installing a fresh copy of the operating system. If your PC shipped with Windows 10 instead, Windows 11 ought to be supported most of the time, but there are some early Windows 10 Arm PCs that don't meet the operating system's hardware requirements. You need at least a Snapdragon 850 processor; you can check the full Arm compatibility list <a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/minimum/supported/windows-11-22h2-supported-qualcomm-processors">here</a>.</p> + arm + microsoft-3 + windows + windows-11 + + + Are standing desks good for you? The answer is getting clearer. + + Beth Mole + + https://arstechnica.com/health/2024/11/a-standing-desk-wont-improve-your-heart-health-but-it-wont-hurt-it-either/ + https://arstechnica.com/health/2024/11/a-standing-desk-wont-improve-your-heart-health-but-it-wont-hurt-it-either/#comments + 56eb9826bad264bc1289ba612a37bbacc3888422 + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 18:13:08 +0000 + <p> Whatever your office setup, the most important thing is to move. </p><figure><img width="1152" height="648" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1128201711-1152x648.jpg" class="intro-image absolute min-w-full min-h-full h-auto object-cover" alt="" loading="eager" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1128201711-1152x648.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1128201711-384x216.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1128201711-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1128201711-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1152px) 100vw, 1152px" /><figcaption> Worker at a standing desk <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: <a class="caption-credit-link text-gray-400 hover:text-gray-300" href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/businesswoman-working-on-computer-in-office-royalty-free-image/1128201711?phrase=standing%20desk&amp;adppopup=true" target="_blank"> Getty | Klaus Vedfelt </a> </span> </figcaption></figure> <div class="page-anchor-wrapper"><a class="" name="page-1" data-page="1" data-url="https://arstechnica.com/health/2024/11/a-standing-desk-wont-improve-your-heart-health-but-it-wont-hurt-it-either/" href="https://arstechnica.com/"></a></div> <p>Without question, inactivity is bad for us. Prolonged sitting is <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/fullarticle/2793521">consistently linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease and death</a>. The obvious response to this frightful fate is to not sit— move. Even <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.124.069820">a few moments of exercise</a> can have benefits, <a href="https://exerciseismedicine.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Breaking_Up_Prolonged_Sitting.pdf">studies suggest</a>. But in our modern times, sitting is hard to avoid, especially at the office. This has led to a range of strategies to get ourselves up, including the rise of standing desks. If you have to be tethered to a desk, at least you can do it while on your feet, the thinking goes.</p> <p>However, studies on whether standing desks are beneficial have been sparse and sometimes inconclusive. Further, prolonged standing can have <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30076480/">its own risks,</a> and data on work-related sitting has also been mixed. While the final verdict on standing desks is still unclear, two studies out this year offer some of the most nuanced evidence yet about the potential benefits and risks of working on your feet.</p> <h2>Take a seat</h2> <p>For years, studies have pointed to standing desks improving markers for <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33813968/">cardiovascular and metabolic health</a>, such as lipid levels, insulin resistance, and arterial flow-mediated dilation (the ability of arteries to widen in response to increased blood flow). But it's unclear how significant those improvements are to averting bad health outcomes, such as heart attacks. One 2018 analysis <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7749276/">suggested the benefits might be minor</a>.</p> <p>And there are fair reasons to be skeptical about standing desks. For one, standing—like sitting—is not moving. If a lack of movement and exercise is the root problem, standing still wouldn't be a solution.</p> <p>Yet, while sitting and standing can arguably be combined into the single category of 'stationary,' some researchers have argued that not all sitting is the same. <a href="https://journals.lww.com/joem/citation/2018/07000/do_sit_stand_workstations_improve_cardiovascular.14.aspx">In a 2018 position paper</a> published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, two health experts argued that the link between poor health and sitting could come down to the specific populations being examined and "the special contribution" of "sitting time at home, for example, the 'couch potato effect.'"</p> <p>The two researchers—emeritus professors David Rempel, formerly at the University of California, San Francisco, and Niklas Krause, formerly of UC Los Angeles—pointed to several studies looking specifically at occupational sitting time and poor health outcomes, which have arrived at mixed results. For instance, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24086292/">a 2013 analysis</a> did not find a link between sitting at work and cardiovascular disease. Though the study did suggest a link to mortality, the link was only among women. There was also <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26575417/">a 2015 study on about 36,500 workers in Japan</a>, who were followed for an average of 10 years. That study found that there was no link between mortality and sitting time among salaried workers, professionals, and people who worked at home businesses. However, there was a link between mortality and sitting among people who worked in farming, forestry, and fishing industries.</p> <p>Still, despite some murkiness in the specifics, more recent studies continue to turn up a link between <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31377090/">total prolonged sitting</a>—wherever that sitting occurs—and poor health outcomes, particularly cardiovascular disease. This has kept up interest in standing desks in offices, where people don't always have the luxury of frequent movement breaks. And this, in turn, has kept researchers on their toes to try to answer whether there is any benefit to standing desks.</p> <p><a href="https://academic.oup.com/ije/article/53/6/dyae136/7822310?login=false">One study</a> published last month in the International Journal of Epidemiology offers a clearer picture of how standing desks may relate to cardiovascular health risks. The authors, an international team of researchers led by Matthew Ahmadi at the University of Sydney in Australia, found that standing desks don't improve heart health—but they don't harm it, either, whereas sitting desks do.</p> <div class="page-anchor-wrapper"><a class="record-pageview" name="page-2" data-page="2" data-url="https://arstechnica.com/health/2024/11/a-standing-desk-wont-improve-your-heart-health-but-it-wont-hurt-it-either/" href="https://arstechnica.com/"></a></div> <h2>Mitigating risks</h2> <p>For the study, the researchers tracked the health data of a little over 83,000 people in the UK over an average of about seven years. During the study, participants wore a wrist-based accelerometer device for at least four days. The devices were calibrated to determine when they were sitting, standing, walking, or running during the waking hours. With that data, the researchers linked their sitting, standing, and stationary (combined sitting and standing) times to health outcomes in their medical records.</p> <p>The researchers focused on two categories of health outcomes: cardiovascular, covering coronary heart disease, heart failure, and stroke; and orthostatic circulatory disease events, including orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drops upon standing or sitting), varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency (veins in your legs don't move blood back up to your heart), and venous ulcers. The reasoning for this second category is that prolonged sitting and standing may pose risks for developing <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4591921/">circulatory diseases</a>.</p> <p>The researchers found that when participants' total stationary time (sitting and standing) went over 12 hours per day, risk of orthostatic circulatory disease increased 22 percent per additional hour, while risk of cardiovascular disease went up 13 percent per hour.</p> <p>For just sitting, risks increased every hour after 10 hours: for orthostatic circulatory disease, risk went up 26 percent every hour after 10 hours, and cardiovascular disease risk went up 15 percent. For standing, risk of orthostatic circulatory disease went up after just two hours, increasing 11 percent every 30 minutes after two hours of standing. But standing had no impact on cardiovascular disease at any time point.</p> <p>"Contrary to sitting time, more time spent standing was not associated with a higher CVD [cardiovascular disease] risk. Overall, there was no association for higher or lower CVD risk throughout the range of standing duration," the authors report.</p> <p>On the other hand, keeping sitting time under 10 hours and standing time under two hours was linked to a weak protective effect against orthostatic circulatory disease: A day of nine hours of sitting and 1.5 of standing (for a total of 11.5 hours of stationary time) lowered risk of orthostatic circulatory disease by a few percentage points, the study found.</p> <p>In other words, as long as you can keep your total stationary time under 12 hours, you can use a little standing time help you keep your sitting time under 10 hours and avoid increasing both cardiovascular and orthostatic risks, according to the data.</p> <h2>Consistent finding</h2> <p>It's a very detailed formula to reduce the health risks of long days at the office, but is it set in stone? Probably not. For one thing, it's just one study that needs to be replicated in a different population. Also, the study didn't look at any specifics of occupational versus leisure standing and sitting times, let alone the use of standing desks specifically. The study also based estimates of people's sitting, standing, and total stationary time on as little as just four days of activity monitoring, which may or may not have been consistent over the nearly seven-year average follow-up period.</p> <p>Still, the study's takeaway generally fits with a<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2814094?"> study published in January in JAMA Network Open</a>. This study looked at the link between occupational sitting time, leisure physical activity, and death rates—both deaths from all causes and those specifically caused by cardiovascular disease. Researchers used a group of over 480,000 workers in Taiwan, who were followed for an average of nearly 13 years.</p> <p>The workers who reported mostly sitting at work had a 16 percent increased risk of all-cause mortality and a 34 percent higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared with workers who did not sit at work. The workers who reported alternating between sitting and standing, meanwhile, did not have an increased risk of all-cause or cardiovascular disease mortality. The findings held after adjusting for health factors and looking at subgroups, including by sex, age, smokers, never-smokers, and people with chronic conditions.</p> <p>That said, being highly active in leisure time appeared to offset the mortality risks among those who mostly sit at work. At the highest leisure-time activity levels reported, participants who mostly sit at work had comparable risks of all-cause mortality as those who alternated sitting and standing or were didn't sit at work. Overall, the data suggested that keeping overall stationary time as low as possible and alternating sitting and standing to some extent at work can reduce risk.</p> <p>The authors call for incorporating breaks in work settings and even specifically recommend allowing for standing and activity-permissive workstations.</p> <h2>The takeaway</h2> <p>While prolonged standing has its own risks, the use of standing desks at work can, to some extent, help lessen the risks of prolonged sitting. But, overall, it's important to keep total stationary time as low as possible and exercise whenever possible.</p> + cardiovascular-health + sitting + standing + + + ChatGPT’s success could have come sooner, says former Google AI researcher + + Benj Edwards + + https://arstechnica.com/ai/2024/11/chatgpts-success-could-have-come-sooner-says-former-google-ai-researcher/ + https://arstechnica.com/ai/2024/11/chatgpts-success-could-have-come-sooner-says-former-google-ai-researcher/#comments + 9d2976058960cd0537e0530cbf39eba94992715e + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:00:52 +0000 + <p> A co-author of <em>Attention Is All You Need</em> reflects on ChatGPT's surprise and Google's conservatism. </p><figure><img width="1152" height="648" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/jakob_uszkoreit_header_2-1152x648.jpg" class="intro-image absolute min-w-full min-h-full h-auto object-cover" alt="A photo of Jakob Uszkoreit in blue on an illustrated background." loading="eager" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/jakob_uszkoreit_header_2-1152x648.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/jakob_uszkoreit_header_2-640x360.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/jakob_uszkoreit_header_2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/jakob_uszkoreit_header_2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/jakob_uszkoreit_header_2-384x216.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/jakob_uszkoreit_header_2-980x551.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/jakob_uszkoreit_header_2.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1152px) 100vw, 1152px" /><figcaption> Jakob Uszkoreit <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: Jakob Uszkoreit / Getty Images </span> </figcaption></figure> <p>In 2017, eight machine-learning researchers at Google released a groundbreaking research paper called <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/1706.03762"><em>Attention Is All You Need</em></a>, which introduced the <a href="https://research.google/blog/transformer-a-novel-neural-network-architecture-for-language-understanding/">Transformer</a> AI architecture that underpins almost all of today's high-profile generative AI models.</p> <p>The Transformer has made a key component of the modern AI boom possible by translating (or transforming, if you will) input chunks of data called "tokens" into another desired form of output using a neural network. Variations of the Transformer architecture power language models like <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/05/chatgpt-4o-lets-you-have-real-time-audio-video-conversations-with-emotional-chatbot/">GPT-4o</a> (and <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2023/11/chatgpt-was-the-spark-that-lit-the-fire-under-generative-ai-one-year-ago-today/">ChatGPT</a>), audio synthesis models that run Google's <a href="https://arstechnica.com/ai/2024/09/fake-ai-podcasters-are-reviewing-my-book-and-its-freaking-me-out/">NotebookLM</a> and OpenAI's <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/07/when-counting-quickly-openais-new-voice-mode-stops-to-catch-its-breath/">Advanced Voice Mode</a>, video synthesis models like <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/02/openai-collapses-media-reality-with-sora-a-photorealistic-ai-video-generator/">Sora</a>, and image synthesis models like <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/01/a-crazy-update-midjourney-v6-upgrade-heaps-on-ai-generated-detail/">Midjourney</a>.</p> <p>At <a href="https://arstechnica.com/ai/2024/10/at-ted-ai-2024-experts-grapple-with-ais-growing-pains/">TED AI 2024</a> in October, one of those eight researchers, Jakob Uszkoreit, spoke with Ars Technica about the development of transformers, Google's early work on large language models, and his <a href="https://inceptive.life/">new venture</a> in biological computing.</p> <p>In the interview, Uszkoreit revealed that while his team at Google had high hopes for the technology's potential, they didn't quite anticipate its pivotal role in products like ChatGPT.</p> <h2>The Ars interview: Jakob Uszkoreit</h2> <p><strong>Ars Technica:</strong><em> What was your main contribution to the </em>Attention is All You Need<em> paper?</em></p> <p><strong>Jakob Uszkoreit (JU):</strong> It's spelled out in the footnotes, but my main contribution was to propose that it would be possible to replace recurrence [from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recurrent_neural_network">Recurrent Neural Networks</a>] in the dominant sequence transduction models at the time with the attention mechanism, or more specifically <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attention_(machine_learning)">self-attention</a>. And that it could be more efficient and, as a result, also more effective.</p> <p><strong>Ars:</strong> <em>Did you have any idea what would happen after your group published that paper? Did you foresee the industry it would create and the ramifications?</em></p> <p><strong>JU:</strong> First of all, I think it's really important to keep in mind that when we did that, we were standing on the shoulders of giants. And it wasn't just that one paper, really. It was a long series of works by some of us and many others that led to this. And so to look at it as if this one paper then kicked something off or created something—I think that is taking a view that we like as humans from a storytelling perspective, but that might not actually be that accurate of a representation.</p> <p>My team at Google was pushing on attention models for years before that paper. It's a lot longer of a slog with much, much more, and that's just my group. Many others were working on this, too, but we had high hopes that it would push things forward from a technological perspective. Did we think that it would play a role in really enabling, or at least apparently, seemingly, flipping a switch when it comes to facilitating products like ChatGPT? I don't think so. I mean, to be very clear in terms of LLMs and their capabilities, even around the time we published the paper, we saw phenomena that were pretty staggering.</p> <p>We didn't get those out into the world in part because of what really is maybe a notion of conservatism around products at Google at the time. But we also, even with those signs, weren't that confident that stuff in and of itself would make that compelling of a product. But did we have high hopes? Yeah.</p> <p><strong>Ars</strong>: <em>Since you knew there were large language models at Google, what did you think when ChatGPT broke out into a public success? "Damn, they got it, and we didn't?"</em></p> <p><strong>JU:</strong> There was a notion of, well, "that could have happened." I think it was less of a, "Oh dang, they got it first" or anything of the like. It was more of a "Whoa, that could have happened sooner." Was I still amazed by just how quickly people got super creative using that stuff? Yes, that was just breathtaking.</p> <figure class="ars-img-shortcode id-2058061 align-fullwidth"> <div> <img width="640" height="480" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8851-640x480.jpeg" class="fullwidth large" alt="Jakob Uskoreit presenting at TED AI 2024." decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8851-640x480.jpeg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8851-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8851-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8851-980x735.jpeg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8851.jpeg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"> </div> <figcaption> <div class="caption font-impact mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> Jakob Uszkoreit presenting at TED AI 2024. <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: Benj Edwards </span> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> <p><strong>Ars:</strong> <em>You weren't at Google at that point anymore, right?</em></p> <p><strong>JU:</strong> I wasn't anymore. And in a certain sense, you could say the fact that Google wouldn't be the place to do that factored into my departure. I left not because of what I didn't like at Google as much as I left because of what I felt I absolutely had to do elsewhere, which is to start Inceptive.</p> <p>But it was really motivated by just an enormous, not only opportunity, but a moral obligation in a sense, to do something that was better done outside in order to design better medicines and have very direct impact on people's lives.</p> <p><strong>Ars:</strong> <em>The funny thing with ChatGPT is that I was using <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GPT-3">GPT-3</a> before that. So when ChatGPT came out, it wasn't that big of a deal to some people who were familiar with the tech.</em></p> <p><strong>JU:</strong> Yeah, exactly. If you've used those things before, you could see the progression and you could extrapolate. When OpenAI developed the earliest GPTs with <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=dOad5HoAAAAJ&amp;hl=en">Alec Radford</a> and those folks, we would talk about those things despite the fact that we weren't at the same companies. And I'm sure there was this kind of excitement, how well-received the actual ChatGPT product would be by how many people, how fast. That still, I think, is something that I don't think anybody really anticipated.</p> <p><strong>Ars:</strong> <em>I didn't either when I <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2022/12/openai-invites-everyone-to-test-new-ai-powered-chatbot-with-amusing-results/">covered it</a>. It felt like, "Oh, this is a chatbot hack of GPT-3 that feeds its context in a loop." And I didn't think it was a breakthrough moment at the time, but it was fascinating.</em></p> <p><strong>JU:</strong> There are different flavors of breakthroughs. It wasn't a technological breakthrough. It was a breakthrough in the realization that at that level of capability, the technology had such high utility.</p> <p>That, and the realization that, because you always have to take into account how your users actually use the tool that you create, and you might not anticipate how creative they would be in their ability to make use of it, how broad those use cases are, and so forth.</p> <p>That is something you can sometimes only learn by putting something out there, which is also why it is so important to remain experiment-happy and to remain failure-happy. Because most of the time, it's not going to work. But some of the time it's going to work—and very, very rarely it's going to work like [ChatGPT did].</p> <p><strong>Ars:</strong> <em>You've got to take a risk. And Google didn't have an appetite for taking risks?</em></p> <p><strong>JU:</strong> Not at that time. But if you think about it, if you look back, it's actually really interesting. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Translate">Google Translate</a>, which I worked on for many years, was actually similar. When we first launched Google Translate, the very first versions, it was a party joke at best. And we took it from that to being something that was a truly useful tool in not that long of a period. Over the course of those years, the stuff that it sometimes output was so embarrassingly bad at times, but Google did it anyway because it was the right thing to try. But that was around 2008, 2009, 2010.</p> <p><strong>Ars:</strong><em> Do you remember AltaVista's<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babel_Fish_(website)">Babel Fish</a>?</em></p> <p><strong>JU:</strong> Oh yeah, of course.</p> <p><strong>Ars:</strong><em> When that came out, it blew my mind. My brother and I would do this thing where we would translate text back and forth between languages for fun because it would garble the text.</em></p> <p><strong>JU:</strong> It would get worse and worse and worse. Yeah.</p> <h2>Programming biological computers</h2> <p>After his time at Google, Uszkoreit co-founded <a href="https://inceptive.life/">Inceptive</a> to apply deep learning to biochemistry. The company is developing what he calls "biological software," where AI compilers translate specified behaviors into RNA sequences that can perform desired functions when introduced to biological systems.</p> <p><strong>Ars:</strong> <em>What are you up to these days?</em></p> <p><strong>JU:</strong> In 2021 we co-founded Inceptive in order to use deep learning and high throughput biochemistry experimentation to design better medicines that truly can be programmed. We think of this as really just step one in the direction of something that we call biological software.</p> <p>Biological software is a little bit like computer software in that you have some specification of the behavior that you want, and then you have a compiler that translates that into a piece of computer software that then runs on a computer exhibiting the functions or the functionality that you specify.</p> <p>You specify a piece of a biological program and you compile that, but not with an engineered compiler, because life hasn't been engineered like computers have been engineered. But with a learned AI compiler, you translate that or compile that into molecules that when inserted into biological systems, organisms, our cells exhibit those functions that you've programmed into.</p> <figure class="ars-img-shortcode id-1932885 align-fullwidth"> <div> <img width="640" height="435" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/GettyImages-1243780383-640x435.jpeg" class="fullwidth large" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/GettyImages-1243780383-640x435.jpeg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/GettyImages-1243780383-300x204.jpeg 300w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/GettyImages-1243780383-768x522.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/GettyImages-1243780383-1536x1044.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/GettyImages-1243780383-2048x1393.jpeg 2048w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/GettyImages-1243780383-980x666.jpeg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/GettyImages-1243780383-1440x979.jpeg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"> </div> <figcaption> <div class="caption font-impact mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> A pharmacist holds a bottle containing Moderna's bivalent COVID-19 vaccine. <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: <a class="caption-credit-link text-gray-400 hover:text-gray-300" href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/daniel-carrillo-a-pharmacist-at-altamed-in-southgate-holds-news-photo/1243780383?adppopup=true" target="_blank"> Getty | Mel Melcon </a> </span> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> <p><strong>Ars:</strong> <em>Is that anything like how the mRNA COVID vaccines work?</em></p> <p><strong>JU:</strong> A very, very simple example of that are the mRNA COVID vaccines where the program says, "Make this modified viral antigen" and then our cells make that protein. But you could imagine molecules that exhibit far more complex behaviors. And if you want to get a picture of how complex those behaviors could be, just remember that RNA viruses are just that. They're just an RNA molecule that when entering an organism exhibits incredibly complex behavior such as distributing itself across an organism, distributing itself across the world, doing certain things only in a subset of your cells for a certain period of time, and so on and so forth.</p> <p>And so you can imagine that if we managed to even just design molecules with a teeny tiny fraction of such functionality, of course with the goal not of making people sick, but of making them healthy, it would truly transform medicine.</p> <p><strong>Ars:</strong> <em>How do you not accidentally create a monster RNA sequence that just wrecks everything?</em></p> <p><strong>JU:</strong> The amazing thing is that medicine for the longest time has existed in a certain sense outside of science. It wasn't truly understood, and we still often don't truly understand their actual mechanisms of action.</p> <p>As a result, humanity had to develop all of these safeguards and clinical trials. And even before you enter the clinic, all of these empirical safeguards prevent us from accidentally doing [something dangerous]. Those systems have been in place for as long as modern medicine has existed. And so we're going to keep using those systems, and of course with all the diligence necessary. We'll start with very small systems, individual cells in future experimentation, and follow the same established protocols that medicine has had to follow all along in order to ensure that these molecules are safe.</p> <p><strong>Ars:</strong><em> Thank you for taking the time to do this.</em></p> <p><strong>JU:</strong> No, thank you.</p> + ai-technology + attention-is-all-you-need + biotechnology + chatgpt + chatgtp + google-2 + gpt-3 + gpt-4 + inceptive + jakob-uszkoreit + large-language-models + openai + rna + rna-vaccines + transformers + + + EU fines Meta €800 million for breaking law with Marketplace + + Javier Espionza, Financial Times + + https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/11/eu-fines-meta-e800-million-for-breaking-law-with-marketplace/ + https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/11/eu-fines-meta-e800-million-for-breaking-law-with-marketplace/#comments + 5fbd04c4392ef545362531b547070b9ef79e687b + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 14:54:39 +0000 + <p> EU: Tying the free Facebook Marketplace to the social network undermines rivals. </p><figure><img width="1152" height="648" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/meta-1152x648.jpg" class="intro-image absolute min-w-full min-h-full h-auto object-cover" alt="Meta logo" loading="eager" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/meta-1152x648.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/meta-640x360.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/meta-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/meta-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/meta-384x216.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/meta-980x552.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/meta.jpg 1400w" sizes="(max-width: 1152px) 100vw, 1152px" /><figcaption> <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty </span> </figcaption></figure> <p>Meta has been fined nearly 800 million euros ($844.6 million) by Brussels after regulators accused Facebook’s parent company of stifling competition by “tying” its free Marketplace services with the social network.</p> <p>Margrethe Vestager, the EU’s outgoing competition chief, said on Thursday that by linking Facebook with its classified ads service Meta had “imposed unfair trading conditions” on other providers.</p> <p>She added: “It did so to benefit its own service Facebook Marketplace, thereby giving it advantages that [others] could not match. This is illegal.”</p> <p>Meta said it would appeal against the 797.72 million euro fine levied by regulators. “We built Marketplace in response to consumer demand—this decision ignores the market realities, and will only serve to protect incumbent marketplaces from competition.”</p> <p>It added: “The European Commission’s decision provides no evidence of competitive harm to rivals or any harm to consumers.”</p> <p>The EU’s long-running antitrust probe into Meta was launched in 2019 following accusations from rivals that the tech giant was abusing its dominant position by offering free services while profiting from data it collects on the platform.</p> <p>In December 2022, the European Commission issued initial charges against Facebook for allegedly using the data it gathered for free—mostly from businesses—to then sell ads to users.</p> <p>It also marks one of the final investigations overseen by Vestager, who is set to leave the commission in the next few weeks after a decade of antitrust enforcement against Big Tech.</p> <p>During her tenure, Vestager has repeatedly targeted the world’s biggest tech companies, with some of the toughest actions against tech giants such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft.</p> <p>The EU Commission on Thursday said Meta is “dominant in the market for personal social networks (...) as well as in the national markets for online display advertising on social media.”</p> <p>Facebook Marketplace, launched in 2016, is a popular platform to buy and sell second-hand goods, especially household items such as furniture.</p> <p>Meta has argued that it operates in a highly competitive environment. In a post published on Thursday, the tech giant said marketplaces in Europe continue “to grow and dominate in the EU,” pointing to platforms such as eBay, Leboncoin in France, and Marktplaats in the Netherlands, as “formidable competitors.”</p> <p>Meta’s fine comes at a period of political transition both in the EU and the US.</p> <p>Brussels officials have been aggressive both in their rhetoric and their antitrust probes against Big Tech giants as they sought to open markets for local start-ups.</p> <p>In the past five years, EU regulators have also passed a landmark piece of legislation—the Digital Markets Act—with the aim to slow down dominant tech players and boost the local tech industry.</p> <p>However, some observers expect the new commission, which is set to start a new 5-year term in weeks, to strike a more conciliatory tone over fears of retaliation from the incoming Trump administration.</p> <p><em><a href="https://www.ft.com/">© 2024 The Financial Times Ltd</a>. <a href="https://www.ft.com/">All rights reserved.</a> Not to be redistributed, copied, or modified in any way.</em></p> + eu + facebook + meta + syndication + + + Faulty Colorsofts have left some Kindle owners without an e-reader + + Brenda Stoylar, wired.com + + https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/11/faulty-colorsofts-have-left-some-kindle-owners-without-an-e-reader/ + https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/11/faulty-colorsofts-have-left-some-kindle-owners-without-an-e-reader/#comments + 3d34d4f059e6eed6d819057fca95e494ea2fa08d + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 14:22:54 +0000 + <p> A trade-in program doesn't work too well when the new product has tech issues. </p><figure><img width="1152" height="648" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Kindle-Colorsoft-16x9-1-1152x648.jpg" class="intro-image absolute min-w-full min-h-full h-auto object-cover" alt="" loading="eager" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Kindle-Colorsoft-16x9-1-1152x648.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Kindle-Colorsoft-16x9-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Kindle-Colorsoft-16x9-1-640x360.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Kindle-Colorsoft-16x9-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Kindle-Colorsoft-16x9-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Kindle-Colorsoft-16x9-1-384x216.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Kindle-Colorsoft-16x9-1-980x551.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Kindle-Colorsoft-16x9-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Kindle-Colorsoft-16x9-1.jpg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 1152px) 100vw, 1152px" /><figcaption> <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: Amazon </span> </figcaption></figure> <p>The launch of the first-ever <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/amazon-new-kindle-colorsoft-kindle-paperwhite-kindle-scribe-2024/">color Kindle</a> isn't going so great. Amazon's <a href="https://www.wired.com/review/kindle-colorsoft/">Colorsoft</a> began shipping on October 30, but shipments were paused after some customers complained about a yellow bar at the bottom of the screen and discoloration around the edges. Amazon is working on a fix and is offering a replacement or refund.</p> <p>That's where another problem comes in. Leading up to the launch, Amazon ran a promotion advertising that its customers could trade in their old Kindle for a 20 percent discount on the Colorsoft. And some of those customers are now returning their new Colorsoft due to the yellow bar defect—leaving them without an e-reader altogether. Amazon has yet to provide any concrete information on when the fix will be ready for the Colorsoft and when it will resume shipping. It's a mess.</p> <p>It started with an advertisement for a limited-time discount on the Colorsoft via Amazon's <a href="https://cna.st/affiliate-link/6WnbuGMnBi62tSK9b8oR7uNhrHV4j3k9iATSKivYVBSW5vrF6WM2kmYUub5NPUSzucdp3bW9PCx9uQUFWP6Uz6AxD2wj97bLFKEAfoCbzYRfk9W6e42c8nBwgXFCP3MH1H53g7VHkJU7W5DbepVHHRKwnjrfhGZPBaSZJUiciDZnr18QPQoBnt7ibQiGpU?xid=fr1731593242757ggf">trade-in program</a>. If the <a href="https://cna.st/affiliate-link/6hMwZ5F1cAhMhWTh1Cy9zckK5s32FHG2g9LbXqGHtPEfJcKwfBBSdkEHD7Any28cJBGrKE1bXSXS7TAkEBmTPdzJNaMx59kLtVUwtybgWwYFEYJrPxb9Z2QVonYS7gZJ4tnfaC?xid=fr1731593242758jjb">device was eligible</a>, you had to answer a few questions about its condition and then ship it off. Once Amazon appraises it, the trade-in value appears in the form of an Amazon gift card. Amazon also offered an additional 20 percent off the Colorsoft along with the trade-in credit.</p> <p>Customers who decided to take advantage of the program sent in their older Kindles under the assumption that the Colorsoft would replace their current e-reader. The unexpected display issues meant this didn't go according to plan. They've taken their complaints to <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/kindle/comments/1gnymjn/amazon_not_offering_trade_in_offer_for_the/?share_id=ldKWj0mFYOLUHPYbM3vDe&amp;utm_content=2&amp;utm_medium=ios_app&amp;utm_name=ioscss&amp;utm_source=share&amp;utm_term=1">Reddit</a> and reviews on the <a href="https://cna.st/affiliate-link/2NJLiQHiePnjC3QDzcXih71EUFZuVYfbeNpEUAYoDHfv9ciddVvizGSU4Z6WXjGz23fauGM22FBzUFLvfGRvtaA1sZqibbSp7id3fMo3s9T9Bi7nrPZDb9t99434TTDygTd83mseuzAKvuvnBB5mnr4eNe2TDur68ZhM6mriJXc5Mt95EFUj7ddshnRZV7Bigeft1ZR5gmtY?xid=fr1731593242758ihb">Colorsoft product page</a> on Amazon, which has a 2.5/5 star rating.</p> <p>It's worth noting that not everyone has run into the display issue—I didn't notice it in my <a href="https://www.wired.com/review/kindle-colorsoft/">Colorsoft review unit</a>—but if you do, you should reach out to Amazon's customer service team for a refund or replacement. But this is where things get sticky. If you choose a refund and had used the discount, you'll only get back the exact amount that you paid. Since the 20 percent off coupon is no longer valid, you'll now have to pay full price for the Colorsoft, whenever Amazon starts shipping it again. If you choose to wait for a replacement, you'll have to wait an estimated three to five weeks to receive the replacement model.</p> <p>Waiting until mid-December might be fine for some, but those who traded in their previous e-readers are left without devices. Even if customers decide to use the refund to buy a new <a href="https://www.wired.com/review/kindle-paperwhite-signature-edition-2024/">Paperwhite</a> or <a href="https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-kindle/">basic Kindle</a>, they can't take advantage of the trade-in promotions because they no longer have devices to send in. Instead, they'll have to pay full price. According to multiple reviews on the Colorsoft product page on Amazon, customer service representatives have told customers the original discount cannot be transferred to another Kindle. (It doesn't help that Amazon's new lineup of e-readers are more expensive than their predecessors.)</p> <p><a href="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/quality.png"><figure class="ars-img-shortcode id-2062234 align-fullwidth"> <div> <img width="1024" height="768" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/quality-1024x768.png" class="fullwidth large" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/quality-1024x768.png 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/quality-640x480.png 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/quality-768x576.png 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/quality-1536x1152.png 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/quality-980x735.png 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/quality-1440x1080.png 1440w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/quality.png 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"> </div> <figcaption> <div class="caption font-impact mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_7px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: Amazon </span> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> </a></p> <p>Some customers have had better luck. Depending on the trade-in, Amazon will sometimes deposit the gift card to your account instantly as long as you send the device in within 30 days. Some held on to their original Kindles until they received the new one, while one customer managed to secure an extension on their return. The <a href="https://cna.st/affiliate-link/6WnbuGMnBi62tSK9b8oR7uNhrHV4j3k9iATSKivYVBSW5vrF6WM2kmYUub5NPUSzucdp3bW9PCx9uQUFWP6Uz6AxD2wj97bLFKEAfoCbzYRfk9W6e42c8nBwgXFCP3MH1H53EnBhyCXEeWdnkk8rKh27LkDX18a7azB4AAby5ALmaaefAE4AbKMMxXyQE8?xid=fr1731593242758dec">instant payments</a> seem to only apply in the US—on multiple Reddit threads, <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/kindle/comments/1g6py1m/kindle_trade_in_process/">folks in the UK</a> say Amazon needs to appraise their devices before receiving trade-in credit.</p> <p>I didn't experience the yellow bar or the discoloration on my review unit, but I did have a few other reservations about the Colorsoft. The color screen is impressive, but the constant refreshing to render colors and load times is a little jarring (this is a problem on most color e-readers). It's also just too expensive, costing $80 more than the Paperwhite Signature, which has many of the same features except for the color screen. The Colorsoft doesn't have page-turn buttons or stylus support, which also makes it feel like it's not a good value.</p> <p>We've reached out to Amazon about these complaints, but the company had not commented by press time.</p> <p><em>This story originally appeared on <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/amazon-kindle-colorsoft-trade-in-program/">wired.com.</a></em></p> + amazon-2 + colorsoft + e-reader + kindle + kindle-colorsoft + syndication + + + Half-Life 2 pushed Steam on the gaming masses… and the masses pushed back + + Kyle Orland + + https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/11/how-half-life-2-helped-sell-steam-to-a-skeptical-pc-gaming-market/ + https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/11/how-half-life-2-helped-sell-steam-to-a-skeptical-pc-gaming-market/#comments + ab96af42729f35e96bbe16af70bc2ed579a8aa73 + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 14:10:38 +0000 + <p> Back in 2004, many players saw Valve’s new platform as nothing but “fancy DRM.” </p><figure><img width="1152" height="648" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/half-life-2-poster2-1152x648.jpg" class="intro-image absolute min-w-full min-h-full h-auto object-cover" alt="A screenshot of Half-Life 2 showing three characters in silhouette" loading="eager" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/half-life-2-poster2-1152x648.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/half-life-2-poster2-640x360.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/half-life-2-poster2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/half-life-2-poster2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/half-life-2-poster2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/half-life-2-poster2-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/half-life-2-poster2-384x216.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/half-life-2-poster2-980x551.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/half-life-2-poster2-1440x810.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 1152px) 100vw, 1152px" /><figcaption> This article is part of our 20th anniversary of <em>Half-Life 2</em> series. <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: Aurich Lawson </span> </figcaption></figure> <div class="page-anchor-wrapper"><a class="" name="page-1" data-page="1" data-url="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/11/how-half-life-2-helped-sell-steam-to-a-skeptical-pc-gaming-market/" href="https://arstechnica.com/"></a></div> <p><em>It's Half-Life 2 week at Ars Technica! This Saturday, November 16, is the 20th anniversary of the release of Half-Life 2—a game of historical importance for the artistic medium and technology of computer games. Each day leading up through the 16th, we'll be running a new article looking back at the game and its impact.</em></p> <p>When millions of eager gamers first installed <i>Half-Life 2</i> 20 years ago, many, if not most, of them found they needed to install another piece of software alongside it. Few at the time could imagine that piece of companion software–with the pithy name Steam–would eventually become the key distribution point and social networking center for the entire PC gaming ecosystem, making the idea of physical PC games an anachronism in the process.</p> <p>While <i>Half-Life 2</i> wasn’t the first Valve game released on Steam, it was the first high-profile title to require the platform, even for players installing the game from physical retail discs. That requirement gave Valve access to millions of gamers with new Steam accounts and helped the company bypass traditional retail publishers of the day by directly marketing and selling its games (and, eventually, games from other developers). But 2004-era Steam also faced a vociferous backlash from players who saw the software as a piece of nuisance DRM (digital rights management) that did little to justify its existence at the time.</p> <h2>Free (from Vivendi) at last</h2> <p>Years before <i>Half-Life 2</i>’s release, Valve revealed Steam to the world at the 2002 Game Developers Conference, announcing “a broadband business platform for direct software delivery and content management” in <a href="https://www.bluesnews.com/a/337/valve-unveils-steam-at-2002-game-developer-s-conference">a press release</a>. Valve’s vision for a new suite of developer tools for content publishing, billing, version control, and anti-piracy was all present and stressed in that initial announcement.</p> <p>Perhaps the largest goal for Steam, though, was removing the middlemen of retail game distribution and giving more direct control to game developers, including Valve. “By eliminating the overhead of physical goods distribution, developers will be able to leverage the efficiency of broadband to improve customer service and increase operating margins,” Valve wrote in its 2002 announcement.</p> <figure class="ars-img-shortcode id-2061695 align-fullwidth"> <div> <img width="351" height="450" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/newellgdc.jpg" class="fullwidth full" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy"> </div> <figcaption> <div class="caption font-impact mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> Valve's Gabe Newell on stage unveiling Steam at GDC 2002. <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: <a class="caption-credit-link text-gray-400 hover:text-gray-300" href="https://www.4gamer.net/specials/gdc2002_4.html" target="_blank"> 4Gamer </a> </span> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> <p>On stage at GDC, Valve founder Gabe Newell took things even further, positioning himself as “a new-age Robin Hood who wanted to take from the greedy publishers what independent game developers deserved: a larger piece of the revenue pie,” as <a href="https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-final-hours-of-half-life-2/1100-6112889/">Gamespot’s Final Days of <i>Half-Life 2 </i>feature</a> summed it up. Cutting out the publishers and retailers, Newell said, could be the difference between a developer taking home $7 or $30 on a full-price game (which <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/06/why-retail-console-games-have-never-been-cheaper-historically/">generally</a> ran <a href="https://money.cnn.com/2004/09/29/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/">$50 at the time</a>).</p> <p>Valve seemingly had plenty of other reasons to want to free itself from the need for its publisher in particular. In August 2002—just a few months after the public announcement of Steam—Valve would bring a lawsuit against publisher Sierra (and parent company Vivendi Universal Games, or VUG). The complaint focused on delayed royalty payments and somewhat obscure points about the rights to license Valve’s games in cyber cafes.</p> <p>But in the years leading up to <i>Half-Life 2</i>’s late 2004 release, VUG would find plenty of reason to be mad at Valve as well. In a series of counterclaims in response to Valve’s suit, the publisher argued that Steam itself was undercutting VUG by “allow[ing] consumers who would normally purchase games from Sierra/VUG at retail to purchase those products online directly from Valve.”</p> <p><a href="https://www.gamespot.com/articles/valve-vs-vivendi-universal-dogfight-heats-up-in-us-district-court/1100-6107712/">In court documents</a>, VUG allowed that it had granted Valve “certain rights to the online distribution of games” in a 2001 renegotiation. But VUG also argued that Valve had breached “the covenant of good faith and fair dealing” by hiding its plans for Steam during those negotiations. This amounted to “deliberate concealment of the extent to which Valve intended through the parties' negotiations to appropriate the substantial value of the distribution rights to Valve, rather than to Sierra and VUG,” the publisher argued.</p> <figure class="ars-img-shortcode id-2061692 align-center"> <div> <img width="640" height="915" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/02_front-640x915.jpg" class="center medium" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/02_front-640x915.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/02_front-768x1098.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/02_front.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"> </div> <figcaption> <div class="caption font-impact mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> Valve could not wait to get that Sierra logo off its <em>Half-Life 2</em> packaging. </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> <p>By the time of <i>Half-Life 2</i>’s release, the legal acrimony was spilling into passive aggressive public sniping as well. As retail copies of the game started hitting some store shelves in mid-September 2004, Valve said that Vivendi was barring it from activating those copies on Steam. “If you have purchased a copy of <i>Half-Life 2</i>, we are sorry you are still waiting to play,” the developer <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20041209002041/http://www.steampowered.com/index.php?area=news&amp;archive=yes&amp;id=344">wrote on November 13, 2004</a>. “This is not Valve's choice. Vivendi is insisting that the game has not yet been released, and has threatened that Valve would be in violation of its contract if we activate the <i>Half-Life 2</i> Steam authentication servers at this time.”</p> <p>While Vivendi may not have realized the “substantial value” in digital distribution that it was giving away in its 2001 negotiations, Valve seemed to know what it was doing in securing those legal rights for <i>Half-Life 2</i>. By April 2005, after a number of court decisions that went against Vivendi, the two parties <a href="https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2005/05/4868-2/">came to a settlement</a> that officially cut off Vivendi’s retail publishing deal and once again gave Valve full control over its games. And while Valve’s own distribution of physical games would continue for a few more years (through new partner Electronic Arts on the console side), some saw the long-term writing on the wall.</p> <p>“With Vivendi out of the picture, what is Valve's plan?” Ars Editor-in-Chief Ken Fisher <a href="https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2005/05/4868-2/">wrote after the 2005 settlement</a>. “They could, of course, take over retail box distribution themselves, or license it out to someone else. However, another, less enticing option remains: all future sales could require the use of Steam, Valve's online game distribution system.”</p> <div class="page-anchor-wrapper"><a class="record-pageview" name="page-2" data-page="2" data-url="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/11/how-half-life-2-helped-sell-steam-to-a-skeptical-pc-gaming-market/" href="https://arstechnica.com/"></a></div> <h2>Broadband ready</h2> <p>Valve’s 2002 announcement of Steam cited “the rapid proliferation of broadband connectivity throughout the world” as a key part of its inspiration for the service. And the critical mass of broadband customers that was developing in the US at the time was definitely key to making Steam plausible in the first place.</p> <p>While only a little over half of home Internet users had a DSL or cable modem connection by 2004, Valve <a href="http://valve.speakeasy.net/survey/">cited a 2002 survey</a> that showed over 75 percent of its players had a connection speed greater than 56K dial-up. Those broadband users would only have to spend an hour or two downloading the few GB worth of preloaded data necessary for <i>Half-Life 2</i>, compared to practically an entire day needed for a dial-up download.</p> <figure class="ars-img-shortcode id-2061691 align-fullwidth"> <div> <img width="1024" height="776" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tzoum2ozdbl91-1024x776.jpg" class="fullwidth large" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tzoum2ozdbl91-1024x776.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tzoum2ozdbl91-640x485.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tzoum2ozdbl91-768x582.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tzoum2ozdbl91-1536x1164.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tzoum2ozdbl91-980x743.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tzoum2ozdbl91-1440x1092.jpg 1440w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tzoum2ozdbl91.jpg 1591w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"> </div> <figcaption> <div class="caption font-impact mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> Remember DVD ROMs? <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: <a class="caption-credit-link text-gray-400 hover:text-gray-300" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/HalfLife/comments/x3izty/installing_half_life_2_the_way_gabe_intended_in/" target="_blank"> Reddit </a> </span> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> <p>Those who didn’t want to bother with all that downloading could buy the boxed retail version and install that same data from multiple CDs, of course. And plenty of players still did in those days—Vivendi <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/half-life-2-sells-17-million-units-through-retail">reported 1.7 million retail sales</a> for <i>Half-Life 2</i> in its first two months, and Valve reported <a href="https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/analysis-valve-s-lifetime-retail-sales-for-i-half-life-counter-strike-i-franchises">6.5 million boxed retail copies had sold by 2008</a>. That’s a substantial slice of the <a href="https://wholesgame.com/news/half-life-2-sales-reach-10-million-pc/">Steam Spy-estimated 10 million total PC players the game had attracted by 2017</a> and suggests that digital downloads were still a relative minority of the market at the time.</p> <p>But Steam wasn’t just necessary to <i>download</i> a copy of <i>Half-Life 2</i>. Those who purchased a boxed retail copy quickly found it was useless unless they installed Steam and registered the Steam key included in the box with their account. That led many early customers to see Steam not as a bold new way to deliver games directly to consumers but as an intrusive and unwelcome form of DRM.</p> <h2>What’s in it for me?</h2> <p>It’s important to remember that, back in 2004, Steam didn’t have almost any of the fancy bells and whistles it does today. Features like achievements, user reviews, voice chat, stat tracking, the marketplace, or even the ability to buy games from non-Valve developers were still years away in 2004.</p> <p>In <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/news220304half-life2">interviews at the time</a>, Valve touted Steam’s ability to automatically download and apply important patches after a game’s release, saving the need to hunt them down and install them manually. Despite that small benefit, though, many players initially saw Steam as pointless at best and an actively frustrating RAM hog at worst.</p> <figure class="ars-img-shortcode id-2061696 align-fullwidth"> <div> <img width="1024" height="832" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/steamgdc.jpg" class="fullwidth full" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/steamgdc.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/steamgdc-640x520.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/steamgdc-768x624.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/steamgdc-980x796.jpg 980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"> </div> <figcaption> <div class="caption font-impact mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> A prototype of the early Steam interface, as presented at GDC 2002. <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: <a class="caption-credit-link text-gray-400 hover:text-gray-300" href="https://www.4gamer.net/specials/gdc2002_4.html" target="_blank"> 4Gamer </a> </span> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> <p>The problems started well before launch day, with many users <a href="https://arstechnica.com/civis/threads/ill-be-damned-hl2-is-preloading.493802/">reported overloaded servers</a> when trying to pre-load the game. While most of those users were eventually able to get the content downloaded and ready to play immediately when the game launched (another Steam feature that justified the platform’s early existence), the process wasn’t exactly smooth.</p> <p>“Why on earth is there no queue, or some other system that lets me ‘get in line’ so I do NOT have to keep clicking the damn button to see if Steam is ready to pre-load <i>HL2</i> for me?” Ars commenter hansmuff <a href="https://arstechnica.com/civis/threads/ill-be-damned-hl2-is-preloading.493802/page-2#post-9973786">wrote in August 2004</a>, highlighting some of Steam’s early rough edges.</p> <p>Problems continued on the launch day, when Valve <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20041209003908/http://www.steampowered.com/index.php?area=news&amp;archive=yes&amp;id=346">had to publicly admit</a> to “a number of reports from people experiencing delays with <i>Half-Life 2</i> authentication.” For players who had been waiting years for the sequel to <i>Half-Life</i>, being forced to wait even a few more hours for those authentication problems to be resolved were left with the worst first impressions of Steam.</p> <figure class="ars-img-shortcode id-2061697 align-fullwidth"> <div> <img width="830" height="870" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/steam-2004.png" class="fullwidth full" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/steam-2004.png 830w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/steam-2004-640x671.png 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/steam-2004-768x805.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px"> </div> <figcaption> <div class="caption font-impact mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> 2004-era Steam bore very little resemblance to the platform it would become in decades hence. <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: <a class="caption-credit-link text-gray-400 hover:text-gray-300" href="https://www.webdesignmuseum.org/gallery/steam-2004" target="_blank"> Web Design Museum </a> </span> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> <p>“I'm sure that I'd love [<i>Half-Life 2</i>] if I could play the damn thing,” user HeXp£Øi± raged in a Rage3D message board thread appropriately titled <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20130315134611/https://www.rage3d.com/board/showthread.php?t=33791921"><i>Half-Life 2</i> release ... What a DISASTER!!</a> “Tried registering with steam to communicate on the forums about these issues and it won't even let me activate my account because the server is too busy. This sucks beyond all reason.”</p> <p>And in the weeks following the game’s launch, many players were still confused about what <i>Half-Life 2</i>’s Steam requirement meant for the ability to play away from an Internet connection. A <a href="https://arstechnica.com/civis/threads/half-life-2-single-player-no-internet.446819/">December 10, 2004 thread on Ars Technica’s forums</a>, for instance, included plenty of conflicting advice on whether a user would be able to install and/or play the game without Internet access.</p> <div class="page-anchor-wrapper"><a class="record-pageview" name="page-3" data-page="3" data-url="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/11/how-half-life-2-helped-sell-steam-to-a-skeptical-pc-gaming-market/" href="https://arstechnica.com/"></a></div> <h2>Whose game is it, anyway?</h2> <p>Even among those who understood and tolerated the need for Steam’s one-time online check-in during installation, there were worries about what the transition to Steam meant for future access to their games. “What happens if Steam fails?” one NeoGAF forum user Teguman <a href="https://www.neogaf.com/threads/half-life-2-steam-or-retail.22886/">wrote</a> at the time. “What if you want to delve into [<i>Half-Life 2</i>] single-player 10 years from now but can't since Steam isn't around or offers [<i>Half-Life 2</i>] as a download?"</p> <p>While worries about Steam’s failure didn’t come to pass, many users worried about what digital distribution meant for the long-term ownership and/or resale of their games. "At this time, you can't even deregister or transfer a CD key from the previous game. I wouldn't count on being able to sell/transfer Steam purchased content, ever,” Ars user IceStorm presciently <a href="https://arstechnica.com/civis/threads/half-life-2-on-sale.459105/page-5">wrote at the time</a></p> <p>At the height of Steam’s early <i>Half-Life 2</i> authentication problems, a few members of the Hard[OCP] forums <a href="https://hardforum.com/threads/angry-about-steam-and-not-getting-what-you-paid-for.833321/">made a half-hearted effort to complain to the FTC</a> about what they saw as a violation of their rights as consumers.</p> <p>“You paid for a piece of software. Can you play it? You own it, but it's still encrypted because of steam? I'm quite sure the FTC will not look happily upon a sudden influx of complaints because we paid for software and *gasp* actually want our product too,” forum user Tawnos wrote.</p> <figure class="ars-img-shortcode id-2061694 align-fullwidth"> <div> <img width="642" height="641" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/hl2gold.png" class="fullwidth full" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/hl2gold.png 642w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/hl2gold-640x639.png 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/hl2gold-300x300.png 300w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/hl2gold-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 642px) 100vw, 642px"> </div> <figcaption> <div class="caption font-impact mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> "Be ready to play the moment it's made available in stores"... if our authentication servers are working, that is. <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: <a class="caption-credit-link text-gray-400 hover:text-gray-300" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/HalfLife/comments/u6m4vv/november_4th_2004_just_a_slow_steam_news_day/" target="_blank"> Reddit / Valve </a> </span> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> <p>For years after <i>Half-Life 2</i>’s launch, these kinds of concerns led many outspoken gamers to avoid the service as much as possible. “I hated Steam for the longest time,” Reddit user Renamis <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Steam/comments/16ksamg/comment/k0y3s2t/">recalled last year</a>. “Actually avoided it for as long as I could! If I needed Steam to play I wouldn't buy it. I always made sure the purchase had a physical disk and no Steam code. … It was pretty much fancy DRM in the day.”</p> <p>Still, there were a few in and around the industry that quickly appreciated early on what “box-less distribution” would mean for the PC gaming industry at large. “I bought [<i>Half-Life 2</i>] via Steam when it came out, and it simply worked,” gaming researcher <a href="https://www.jesperjuul.net/ludologist/2004/11/27/half-life-2-the-good-and-the-bad/">Jesper Juul wrote</a> at the time. “I don’t know what cut Valve eventually gets from this, but I prefer paying the developer to paying the truck drivers and retailers who added nothing to the game. If Valve begin[s] using Steam for selling other developer’s games, things could be great. But it’s still a problem that you need a physical box to give a Christmas present.”</p> <p>Today, as we look back from the Steam-ified PC gaming world that <i>Half-Life 2</i> helped shepherd into existence, it’s worth remembering the mental adjustment that Steam forced many players to go through, even for Valve fans who accepted the coming new world order. “Not having the physical media makes me kinda nervous, but I never even looked at the <i>Half-Life</i> manual… and I haven't touched the CD since Steam came out,” Ars user technophile <a href="https://arstechnica.com/civis/threads/ill-be-damned-hl2-is-preloading.493802/#post-9973771">wrote at the time</a>. "So I may give Steam a try [for <i>Half-Life 2</i>]."</p> <p>“The CD-Key is going on a piece of paper in my fire safe though, you bet your ass."</p> + half-life-2 + steam + valve + + + Six inane arguments about EVs and how to handle them at the dinner table + + Jonathan M. Gitlin + + https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/11/heres-how-to-survive-your-relatives-ignorant-anti-ev-rant-this-thanksgiving/ + https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/11/heres-how-to-survive-your-relatives-ignorant-anti-ev-rant-this-thanksgiving/#comments + d0920af0a8773cb37fef8913ff2ba5e5f5f9851b + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 13:25:53 +0000 + <p> Need to bust anti-EV myths at the Thanksgiving dinner table? Here's how. </p><figure><img width="2560" height="1440" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ev-family-arguments.jpg" class="intro-image" alt="" loading="eager" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ev-family-arguments.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ev-family-arguments-640x360.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ev-family-arguments-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ev-family-arguments-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ev-family-arguments-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ev-family-arguments-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ev-family-arguments-384x216.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ev-family-arguments-1152x648.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ev-family-arguments-980x551.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ev-family-arguments-1440x810.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption> <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: Aurich Lawson | Getty Images </span> </figcaption></figure> <div class="page-anchor-wrapper"><a class="" name="page-1" data-page="1" data-url="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/11/heres-how-to-survive-your-relatives-ignorant-anti-ev-rant-this-thanksgiving/" href="https://arstechnica.com/"></a></div> <p>The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it, all manner of uncomfortable conversations with relatives who think they know a lot about a lot but are in fact just walking examples of Dunning-Kruger in action. Not going home is always an option—there's no reason you should spend your free time with people you can't stand, after all. But if you are headed home and are not looking forward to having to converse with your uncle or parent over heaped plates of turkey and potatoes, we put together some talking points to debunk their more nonsensical claims about electric vehicles.</p> <h2>Charging an EV takes too long</h2> <p>The No. 1 complaint from people with no experience with driving or living with an electric car, cited as a reason for why they will never get an EV, is that it takes too long to <a href="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2022/07/the-ars-technica-guide-to-electric-vehicle-charging/">recharge them</a>. On the one hand, this attitude is understandable. For more than a century, humans have become accustomed to vehicles that can be refueled in minutes, using very energy-dense liquids that can be pumped into a fuel tank at a rate of up to 10 gallons per minute.</p> <p>By contrast, batteries are not at all fast to recharge, particularly if you plug into an AC charger. Even the fastest fast-charging EVs connected to a fast DC fast charger will still need between 18–20 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent state of charge, and that, apparently, is more time than some curmudgeons are prepared to wait as they drive from coast to coast as fast as they possibly can.</p> <p>The thing is, an EV is a paradigm shift compared to a gasoline-powered car. Yes, refueling for that gas car is quick, but it's also inconvenient, particularly if you live somewhere where <a href="https://www.intersolar.us/news-insights/ev-charging-infrastructure/shell-closes-gas-stations-to-focus-on-ev-charging-infrastructure/">all the gas stations keep closing down</a>.</p> <p>Instead of weekly trips to the gas station—or perhaps more often in some cases—EV owners plug their cars in each night and wake up each morning with a full battery.</p> <h2>I can’t charge it at home</h2> <p>The second-most common reason that people won't buy an EV is actually a pretty good reason. If you cannot reliably charge your car at home or at work—and I mean <strong>reliably</strong>—you don't really have any business buying a plug-in vehicle yet. Yes, you could just treat your nearest fast charger location like a gas station and drive there once or twice a week, but using fast chargers is very expensive compared to plugging in at home, and repeated fast charging is not particularly great for batteries. DC fast charging is for road trips, when you don't have enough range in your car to get to your destination. But for most daily driving, that just isn't the case.</p> <p>But don't worry, there are plenty of efficient parallel hybrids you can pick from that will serve your needs.</p> <h2>An EV is too expensive</h2> <p>Unfortunately, the promised reduction in the cost of lithium-ion batteries to a point where an electric powertrain is at price parity with a gasoline powertrain has still not arrived. This means that EVs are still more expensive than their fossil-fueled equivalents. But gasoline cars don't qualify for <a href="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2023/01/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-ev-tax-credit-for-2023/">the IRS clean vehicle tax credit</a>, and in their eagerness to sell EVs, many car manufacturers are offering incentives to customers who don't qualify for the credit.</p> <p>Beyond incentives, while it seems like every new EV that gets released costs $80,000 or more, <a href="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/06/think-evs-are-too-expensive-here-are-11-for-under-40k/">that simply isn't true</a>. There are at least 11 different EV models to choose from for less than $40,000, and 17 that cost less than the average price of a new car in 2024 ($47,000).</p> <p>What's more, 75 percent of American car buyers buy used cars. Why should that be any different for EVs? In fact, <a href="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/03/looking-for-cheap-evs-try-hertzs-ex-rental-cars/">used EVs can be a real bargain</a>. They <a href="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2023/04/used-ev-sales-jump-32-amid-tesla-price-cuts-tax-credit/">depreciate more</a> than internal combustion engine vehicles thanks in part to the aforementioned tax credit, and there's now a used EV tax credit of up to $4,000 for buyers that qualify. We're even <a href="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/11/second-hand-evs-will-flood-the-market-in-2026-jd-power-says/">expecting quite a glut of EVs</a> to arrive on the used market in a year or so as leases start to expire.</p> <h2>What happens when it rains or snows or I have to evacuate a hurricane?</h2> <p>The problem of inclement weather and EVs is another commonly heard talking point from naysayers and FUD-spreaders. First off, charging an EV in the rain or snow is no less safe than refueling a gas car in the rain. And while you will lose some range in very cold weather, guess what? So does every other car and truck on the road, it's just that those drivers don't keep track of that stuff very closely.</p> <p>The potential need to evacuate an area due to extreme weather like a hurricane also causes plenty of concern among the EV-naive. And again, this is a misplaced concern. If there's extreme weather on the way, make sure to charge your car fully beforehand, just like you'd make sure to fill up your gas tank. Yes, if the power fails, the chargers won't work anymore, but neither will any of the gas station gas pumps, which also run on electricity. And as long as there's electricity the chargers will still work—those gas stations will need regular deliveries of fresh gasoline to serve new customers.</p> <p>Finally, if you're stuck in slow-moving or even stationary traffic, <a href="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2020/09/hurricane-evacuations-and-electric-cars-heres-what-we-know/">you are far better off doing that in an EV than a gas-powered vehicle</a>. An EV powertrain uses no energy when it's not moving, unlike a gas engine, which needs to burn 0.5-1 gallon an hour as it idles its engine. And driving slowly in an EV is very efficient, especially as you regenerate so much energy in stop-start driving.</p> <div class="page-anchor-wrapper"><a class="record-pageview" name="page-2" data-page="2" data-url="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/11/heres-how-to-survive-your-relatives-ignorant-anti-ev-rant-this-thanksgiving/" href="https://arstechnica.com/"></a></div> <h2>I need 600 miles of uninterrupted range</h2> <p>There isn't really a good rebuttal for this one, other than telling the person to go and buy a diesel if they're truly serious about having to drive uninterrupted for such long distances. If they admit it's really only 500 miles, suggest they look at <a href="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/07/the-2025-lucid-air-is-now-the-most-efficient-ev-on-sale/">a Lucid Air</a>.</p> <h2>They’re bad for the environment</h2> <p>This is another area where EVs have an undeserved bad rap, based mostly on outdated facts. EVs are simply much more efficient than an equivalent ICE vehicle. For example, a Ford F-150 Lightning can travel 300 miles on the equivalent of three gallons of gasoline. An F-150 hybrid, which gets 24 mpg on the highway, would need 12.5 gallons of gasoline to go the same distance.</p> <p>Even if that electricity comes from coal-fired power stations, the EV is still cleaner than all but the very most efficient hybrid cars, and most of the US grid has moved away from coal. In fact, the average EV driven in the US <a href="https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/driving-cleaner#:~:text=New%20UCS%20analysis%20finds%20that,comparable%20gasoline%20or%20diesel%20vehicle.">emits the same amount of carbon dioxide</a> as a car that achieves 91 mpg. And as electrical generation increases the percentage of renewables, the knock-on effect is that every car that's charged from the grid gets cleaner as well.</p> <p>Now, it is true that it requires more energy to make an EV than an ICE vehicle, but the EV will use so much less energy once it's built and being driven that it only takes a few years—<a href="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2022/04/new-ev-vs-old-beater-which-is-better-for-the-environment/">as little as two, in some cases</a>—before the EV's lifetime carbon footprint is smaller than the gas-powered car.</p> <h2>We don’t have enough electricity</h2> <p>Another common concern is that there simply isn't the spare capacity in the national grid to charge all the EVs that would have to be charged if EV adoption continues to grow. This worry is ill-founded. <a href="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2018/01/how-many-electric-cars-can-the-grid-take-depends-on-your-neighborhood/">Studies have shown</a> there is no need for extra power generation while EVs remain below 20 percent of the national fleet, and we're quite far from reaching that benchmark. Meanwhile, renewable energy gets more plentiful and cheaper every year, and solutions like microgrids and batteries will only become more common.</p> <p>Plus, as we just covered, EVs are extremely efficient compared to cars that burn fossil fuels. While we may need between 15–27 TWh of electricity by 2050 just to charge EVs, that's <a href="https://www.govtech.com/fs/can-the-u-s-power-grid-handle-an-all-electric-future#:~:text=Estimates%20suggest%20the%20U.S.%20will,Gore%2C%20executive%20director%20of%20ZETA.">about half a percent</a> of current capacity.</p> + ev-adoption + + + After working with a dual-screen portable monitor for a month, I’m a believer + + Scharon Harding + + https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/11/after-working-with-a-dual-screen-portable-monitor-for-a-month-im-a-believer/ + https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/11/after-working-with-a-dual-screen-portable-monitor-for-a-month-im-a-believer/#comments + 96ef4bbe5190309ebe49194ea667fb154e540906 + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 13:00:45 +0000 + <p> More pixels and versatility, but without the sacrifices of dual-screen PCs. </p><figure><img width="2560" height="1440" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cover-scaled.jpg" class="intro-image" alt="Dual-screen portable monitor" loading="eager" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cover-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cover-640x360.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cover-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cover-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cover-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cover-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cover-384x216.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cover-1152x648.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cover-980x551.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cover-1440x810.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption> <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: Scharon Harding </span> </figcaption></figure> <div class="page-anchor-wrapper"><a class="" name="page-1" data-page="1" data-url="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/11/after-working-with-a-dual-screen-portable-monitor-for-a-month-im-a-believer/" href="https://arstechnica.com/"></a></div> <p>Having two displays in a single device is a growing trend that appeals to people with limited desk space or who need extra pixels to work with when on the go. But often, dual-screen devices, like laptops, are loaded with trade-offs that detract from the convenience two screens should provide.</p> <p>I've tried using dual-screen laptops as my primary display/computing device before. But if I were to buy a dual-screen gadget today, it would be a dual-screen portable monitor. After spending the last month using a dual-screen portable monitor as my main work display, I believe that laptops should leave the dual-display thing to portable monitors. At least for now.</p> <h2>Clever design tricks simplify use</h2> <div class="ars-lightbox align-fullwidth my-5"><figure><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1211" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/unified-scaled.jpg" class="ars-gallery-image" alt="Dual-screen portable monitor" loading="lazy" aria-labelledby="caption-2061511" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/unified-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/unified-640x303.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/unified-1024x485.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/unified-768x363.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/unified-1536x727.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/unified-2048x969.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/unified-980x464.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/unified-1440x681.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px"><figcaption> Dual screens let you view more on a screen at once. <div class="ars-gallery-caption-credit">Credit: Scharon Harding </div> </figcaption></figure><figure><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/top-down-view-hinge-1024x576.jpg" class="ars-gallery-image" alt="Dual-screen portable monitor" loading="lazy" aria-labelledby="caption-2061510" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/top-down-view-hinge-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/top-down-view-hinge-640x360.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/top-down-view-hinge-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/top-down-view-hinge-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/top-down-view-hinge-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/top-down-view-hinge-384x216.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/top-down-view-hinge-1152x648.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/top-down-view-hinge-980x551.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/top-down-view-hinge-1440x810.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"><figcaption> A top-down view of the hinge. <div class="ars-gallery-caption-credit">Credit: Scharon Harding </div> </figcaption></figure><figure><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/open-profile-1024x576.jpg" class="ars-gallery-image" alt="Dual-screen portable monitor" loading="lazy" aria-labelledby="caption-2061507" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/open-profile-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/open-profile-640x360.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/open-profile-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/open-profile-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/open-profile-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/open-profile-384x216.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/open-profile-1152x648.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/open-profile-980x551.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/open-profile-1440x810.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"><figcaption> A profile view of the thin display. <div class="ars-gallery-caption-credit">Credit: Scharon Harding </div> </figcaption></figure><figure><img decoding="async" width="640" height="303" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/side-closed-640x303.jpg" class="ars-gallery-image" alt="Dual-screen portable monitor" loading="lazy" aria-labelledby="caption-2061508" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/side-closed-640x303.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/side-closed-1024x485.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/side-closed-768x364.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/side-closed-1536x727.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/side-closed-2048x969.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/side-closed-980x464.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/side-closed-1440x682.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption> The monitor shut, with the hinge on the left side. <div class="ars-gallery-caption-credit">Credit: Scharon Harding </div> </figcaption></figure><figure><img decoding="async" width="640" height="442" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/backside-640x442.jpg" class="ars-gallery-image" alt="Dual-screen portable monitor" loading="lazy" aria-labelledby="caption-2061506" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/backside-640x442.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/backside-1024x708.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/backside-768x531.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/backside-1536x1062.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/backside-2048x1416.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/backside-980x677.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/backside-1440x995.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption> The monitor's backside when open. <div class="ars-gallery-caption-credit">Credit: Scharon Harding </div> </figcaption></figure></div> <p>These days, several companies offer dual-screen monitors, including some Chinese brands you may not have heard of on Amazon and Acer. The monitor I tested is from JSAUX, a Shenzhen-headquartered company that has been around for eight years and has made a name for itself <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23769329/jsaux-valve-steam-deck-pc-gaming-accessories-china-interview-hands-on-testing">selling Steam Deck accessories</a>.</p> <p>I suspect that many versions of a portable monitor that have two laptop-size screens could boost productivity or helpfully expand an already extensive setup, but there are some things about JSAUX's <a href="https://jsaux.com/products/flipgo-portable-dual-monitor?srsltid=AfmBOootYX28ubITzkyDRmIkfXaDTUtI0QXsZo5eDD9pOiu6G6pe7Qgx">FlipGo Pro 13.5-inch monitor </a>that put it in the more niche product category.</p> <aside class="ars-sidebar"> <h4 data-toc-skip> FlipGo Pro 13.5 Specs </h4> <br> <b>Resolution:</b> 2x 2256×1504<br> <b>Refresh Rate:</b> 60 Hz<br> <b>Panel Type: </b>IPS<br> <b>Weight:</b> 2. 38 lbs (1.08 kg)<br> <strong>Brightness: </strong>400 nits<strong><br> </strong><strong>Contrast:</strong> 1,500:1<br> <b>OS Support:</b> Windows, Linux, MacOS </aside> <p>The biggest of these features seemed small to me at first but ended up proving handy in maximizing the dual-screen monitor's versatility: a button on the side of the gadget makes the monitor quickly switch between working as two discrete displays and one unified one.</p> <div class="ars-lightbox"><figure><img width="1024" height="576" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/UV-2-1024x576.jpg" class="fullwidth large" alt="Dual-screen portable monitor" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/UV-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/UV-2-640x360.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/UV-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/UV-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/UV-2-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/UV-2-384x216.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/UV-2-1152x648.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/UV-2-980x551.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/UV-2-1440x810.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"><figcaption> The button on top toggles the monitor between acting like two displays or one. <div class="ars-gallery-caption-credit">Credit: Credit: Scharon Harding </div> </figcaption></figure></div> <p>It was great to have a way to quickly tell my system whether it should maximize windows across both screens or one—or stretch a window down the left half of both screens or just one. As a result, this was something I turned to multiple times a day.</p> <p>When using a dual-screen gadget, things can get wonky as you try moving and sizing windows. I've used a few dual-screen devices with Windows 11 but tested the FlipGo Pro with Windows 10. The older operating system lacks the <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/learning-center/organize-screen-with-snap-layouts">Snap Layouts</a> feature that has made dual-screen computers way more feasible than ever. Yet, navigating and working with the FlipGo Pro on Windows 10 felt pretty simple, thanks to that one button.</p> <p>That said, using the FlipGo Pro’s two screens as a unified display wasn’t always smooth. The bezels and hinge separating the two screens break up the flow. It’s distracting and jarring when a beautiful photograph is unnaturally split into two or when a line of text you’re reading is broken up by the division.</p> <div class="ars-lightbox"><figure><img width="1024" height="576" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/unified-2-1024x576.jpg" class="fullwidth large" alt="Dual-screen portable monitor" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/unified-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/unified-2-640x360.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/unified-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/unified-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/unified-2-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/unified-2-384x216.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/unified-2-1152x648.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/unified-2-980x551.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/unified-2-1440x810.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"><figcaption> The hinge breaking up a shot of the new Mac Mini. <div class="ars-gallery-caption-credit">Credit: Credit: Scharon Harding </div> </figcaption></figure></div> <p>When viewing something lengthy, though—like a news feed or spreadsheet—the division typically wasn’t so bad, especially with the length of the unified display minimizing the need for scrolling.</p> <div class="page-anchor-wrapper"><a class="record-pageview" name="page-2" data-page="2" data-url="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/11/after-working-with-a-dual-screen-portable-monitor-for-a-month-im-a-believer/" href="https://arstechnica.com/"></a></div> <h2>3:2 aspect ratio</h2> <p>Each of the FlipGo Pro’s 13.5-inch screens has the 3:2 aspect ratio that's still rare among consumer computing devices, even after a trend a couple of years ago where<a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/12/lgs-1618-ultra-tall-monitor-means-less-scrolling/"> more companies</a> experimented with <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/02/ultra-tall-portable-monitor-is-a-516-portal-to-perpetual-newsfeeds/">monitors</a> with taller <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/11/ultra-tall-732-monitor-is-ready-for-your-never-ending-newsfeed/">aspect ratios</a>; many new laptops these days have inched closer to it with a ratio of 16:10 instead of 16:9.</p> <p>I typically used the FlipGo Pro with a 16:10 laptop screen, meaning that the portable monitor provided me with a taller view that differed from what most laptops offer. When the FlipGo Pro is working as one unified screen, it delivers a 6:2 (or 2:6) experience. These more unique aspect ratios, combined with the abilities to easily rotate the lightweight FlipGo Pro from portrait to landscape mode and swap between a dual or unified monitor, amplified the gadget's versatility and minimal desk space requirement.</p> <h2>Dual-screen monitors edge out dual-screen PCs</h2> <p>The appeal of a device that can bring you two times the screen space without being a burden to carry around is obvious. Many of the options until now, however, have felt experimental, fragile, or overly niche for most people to consider.</p> <p>I recently gave praise to the concept behind a<a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/08/acemagics-x1-is-a-clever-but-delicate-approach-to-dual-screen-laptops/"> laptop with a secondary screen</a> that attaches to the primary through a 360-degree hinge on the primary display's left side:</p> <div class="ars-lightbox"><figure><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1212" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240823_133513-scaled.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="AceMagic X1" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240823_133513-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240823_133513-300x142.jpg 300w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240823_133513-640x303.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240823_133513-768x364.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240823_133513-1536x727.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240823_133513-2048x970.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240823_133513-980x464.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240823_133513-1440x682.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px"><figcaption> The AceMagic X1 dual-screen laptop. <div class="ars-gallery-caption-credit">Credit: Credit: Scharon Harding </div> </figcaption></figure></div> <p>Unlike the dual-screen <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/06/a-threat-to-portable-monitors-everywhere-lenovo-yoga-book-9i-review/">Lenovo Yoga Book 9i</a>, the AceMagic X1 has an integrated keyboard and touchpad. However, the PC's questionable durability and dated components and its maker's sketchy reputation (<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/acemagic-mini-pc-virus-incident-comprehensive-resolution-and-future-security-measures-302073617.html">malware </a>was once <a href="https://www.theregister.com/2024/02/29/acemagic_chinese_pc_malware_infection/#:~:text=Chinese%20PC-maker%20Acemagic%20customized,to%20get%20infected%20with%20malware">found </a>inside AceMagic <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pi0_wzdz7aY">mini PCs</a>) prevent me from recommending the laptop.</p> <p>Meanwhile, something like the FlipGo Pro does something that today's dual-screen laptops fail to do in their quest to provide extra screen space. With its quick swapping from one to two screens and simple adjustability, it's easy for users of various OSes to maximize its versatility. As tech companies continue exploring the integration of extra screens, products like the FlipGo Pro remind me of the importance of evolution over sacrifice. A second screen has less value if it takes the place of critical features or quality builds. While a dual portable monitor isn't as flashy or groundbreaking as a laptop with two full-size displays built in, when well-executed, it could be significantly more helpful—which, at least for now, is groundbreaking enough.</p> + laptops + monitors + reviews + + + Dragon Age: The Veilguard and the choices you make while saving the world + + Marisol Cuervo + + https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/11/dragon-age-the-veilguard-and-the-choices-you-make-while-saving-the-world/ + https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/11/dragon-age-the-veilguard-and-the-choices-you-make-while-saving-the-world/#comments + 6198e83a8468bd60674043877c92e784a506ca7b + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 12:30:19 +0000 + <p> “Events are weaving together quickly. The fate of the world shall be decided.” </p><figure><img width="1152" height="648" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ss_a252774678fde933d4fbee722db855b731b0e627.1920x1080-1152x648.jpg" class="intro-image absolute min-w-full min-h-full h-auto object-cover" alt="A screenshot of the game showing characters standing before a sweeping vista" loading="eager" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ss_a252774678fde933d4fbee722db855b731b0e627.1920x1080-1152x648.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ss_a252774678fde933d4fbee722db855b731b0e627.1920x1080-640x360.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ss_a252774678fde933d4fbee722db855b731b0e627.1920x1080-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ss_a252774678fde933d4fbee722db855b731b0e627.1920x1080-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ss_a252774678fde933d4fbee722db855b731b0e627.1920x1080-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ss_a252774678fde933d4fbee722db855b731b0e627.1920x1080-384x216.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ss_a252774678fde933d4fbee722db855b731b0e627.1920x1080-980x551.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ss_a252774678fde933d4fbee722db855b731b0e627.1920x1080-1440x810.jpg 1440w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ss_a252774678fde933d4fbee722db855b731b0e627.1920x1080.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1152px) 100vw, 1152px" /><figcaption> <em>Dragon Age: The Veilguard</em> is as much about the world, story, and characters as the gameplay. <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: EA </span> </figcaption></figure> <div class="page-anchor-wrapper"><a class="" name="page-1" data-page="1" data-url="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/11/dragon-age-the-veilguard-and-the-choices-you-make-while-saving-the-world/" href="https://arstechnica.com/"></a></div> <p>BioWare’s reputation as a AAA game development studio is built on three pillars: world-building, storytelling, and character development. <a href="https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Codex">In-game codices</a> offer textual support for fan theories, replays are kept fresh by systems that encourage experimenting with alternative quest resolutions, and players get so attached to their characters that an entire fan-built ecosystem of player-generated fiction and artwork has sprung up over the years.</p> <p>After two very publicly disappointing releases with <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/03/early-review-mass-effect-andromeda-is-dragon-age-inquisition-in-space/"><i>Mass Effect: Andromeda</i></a> and <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2019/02/anthem-game-review-honestly-its-not-finished/"><i>Anthem</i></a>, BioWare pivoted back to the formula that brought it success, but I’m wrapping up the first third of <i>The Veilguard</i>, and it feels like there’s an ingredient missing from the special sauce. Where are the quests that really let me agonize over the potential repercussions of my choices?</p> <p>I love <a href="https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Thedas">Thedas</a>, and I love the ragtag group of friends my hero has to assemble anew in each game, but what really gets me going as a roleplayer are the morally ambiguous questions that make me squirm: the dreadful and delicious BioWare decisions.</p> <p>Should I <a href="https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Broken_Circle">listen to the tormented templar</a> and assume every mage I meet is so dangerous that I need to adopt a "strike first, ask questions later" policy, or can I assume at least some magic users are probably not going to murder me on sight? When I find out <a href="https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Demands_of_the_Qun">my best friend’s kleptomania</a> is the reason my city has been under armed occupation for the past 10 years, do I turn her in, or do I swear to defend her to the end?</p> <p>Questions like these keep me coming back to replay BioWare games over and over. I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of the fourth game in the Dragon Age franchise so I can find out what fresh dilemmas I’ll have to wrangle, but at about 70 hours in, they seem to be in short supply.</p> <h2>The allure of interactive media, and the limitations</h2> <p>Before we get into some actual BioWare choices, I think it’s important to acknowledge the realities of the medium. These games are brilliant interactive stories. They reach me like my favorite novels do, but they offer a flexibility not available in printed media (well, outside of the old Choose Your Own Adventure novels, anyway). I’m not just reading about the main character’s decisions; I’m making the main character’s decisions, and that can be some heady stuff.</p> <p>There's a limit to how much of the plot can be put into a player's hands, though. A roleplaying game developer wants to give as much player agency as possible, but that has to happen through the illusion of choice. You must arrive at one specific location for the sake of the plot, but the game can accommodate letting you choose from several open pathways to get there. It’s a railroad—hopefully a well-hidden railroad—but at the end of the day, no matter how great the storytelling is, these are still video games. There’s only so much they can do.</p> <p>So if you have to maintain an illusion of choice but also want to to invite your players to thoughtfully engage with your decision nodes, what do you do? You reward them for playing along and suspending their disbelief by giving their choices meaningful weight inside your shared fantasy world.</p> <p>If the win condition of a basic quest is a simple “perform action X at location Y,” you have to spice that up with some complexity or the game gets very old very quickly. That complexity can be programmatic, or it can be narrative. With your game development tools, you can give the player more than one route to navigate to location Y through good map design, or you can make action X easier or harder to accomplish by setting preconditions like puzzles to solve or other nodes that need interaction. With the narrative, you’re not limited to what can be accomplished in your game engine. The question becomes, “How much can I give the player to emotionally react to?”</p> <p>In a field packed with quality roleplaying game developers, this is where BioWare has historically shined: making me have big feelings about my companions and the world they live in. This is what I crave.</p> <div class="page-anchor-wrapper"><a class="record-pageview" name="page-2" data-page="2" data-url="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/11/dragon-age-the-veilguard-and-the-choices-you-make-while-saving-the-world/" href="https://arstechnica.com/"></a></div> <h2>Who is (my) Rook, anyway?</h2> <p><i>The Veilguard</i> sets up your protagonist, Rook, with a lightly sketched backstory tied to your chosen <a href="https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Factions_(The_Veilguard)">faction</a>. You pick a first name, you are assigned a last name, and you read a brief summary of an important event in Rook’s recent history. The rest is on you, and you reveal Rook’s essential nature through the dialog wheel and the major plot choices you make. Those plot choices are necessarily mechanically limited in scope and in rewards/consequences, but narratively, there’s a lot of ground you can cover.</p> <figure class="ars-img-shortcode id-2061909 align-fullwidth"> <div> <img width="1024" height="576" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/06-Rook-1024x576.jpg" class="fullwidth large" alt="One version of the protagonist in Dragon Age The Veilguard, with a dialogue wheel showing options" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/06-Rook-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/06-Rook-640x360.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/06-Rook-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/06-Rook-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/06-Rook-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/06-Rook-384x216.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/06-Rook-1152x648.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/06-Rook-980x551.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/06-Rook-1440x810.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"> </div> <figcaption> <div class="caption font-impact mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> For the record, I picked “Oof.” That’s just how my Rook rolls. <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: Marisol Cuervo </span> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> <p>During the game’s tutorial, you’re given information about a town that has mysteriously fallen out of communication with the group you’re assisting. You and your companions set out to discover what happened. You investigate the town, find the person responsible, and decide what happens to him next. Mechanically, it’s pretty straightforward.</p> <p>The real action is happening inside your head. As Rook, I’ve just walked through a real horror show in this small village, put together some really disturbing clues about what’s happening, and I'm now staring down the person responsible while he’s trapped inside an uncomfortably slimy-looking cyst of material the game calls <a href="https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Blight">the Blight</a>. Here is the choice: What does my Rook decide to do with him, and what does that choice say about her character? I can’t answer that question without looking through the lens of my personal morality, even if I intend for Rook to act counter to my own nature.</p> <p>My first emotional, knee-jerk reaction is to say screw this guy. Leave him to the consequences of his own making. He’s given me an offensively venal justification for how he got here, so let him sit there and stare at his material reward for all the good it will do him while he’s being swallowed by the Blight.</p> <p>The alternative is saving him. You get to give him a scathing lecture, but he goes free, and it’s because you made that choice. You walked through the center of what used to be a vibrant settlement and saw this guy, you know he’s the one who allowed this mess to happen, and you stayed true to your moral center anyway. Don’t you feel good? Look at you, big hero! All those other people will die from the Blight, but you held the line and said, “Well, not this one.”</p> <figure class="ars-img-shortcode id-2061919 align-fullwidth"> <div> <img width="1024" height="576" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/08-Making-a-Choice-1024x576.jpg" class="fullwidth large" alt="A dialogue wheel gives the player a decisive choice" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/08-Making-a-Choice-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/08-Making-a-Choice-640x360.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/08-Making-a-Choice-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/08-Making-a-Choice-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/08-Making-a-Choice-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/08-Making-a-Choice-384x216.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/08-Making-a-Choice-1152x648.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/08-Making-a-Choice-980x551.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/08-Making-a-Choice-1440x810.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"> </div> <figcaption> <div class="caption font-impact mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> Being vindictive might feel good, but I feel leaving him is a profoundly evil choice. <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: Marisol Cuervo </span> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> <p>There’s no objectively right answer about what to do with the mayor, and I’m here for it. Leaving him or saving him: Neither option is without ethical hazards. I can use this medium to dig deep into who I am and how I see myself before building up my idea of who my Rook is going to be.</p> <p>Make your decision, and Rook lives with the consequences. Some are significant, and some… not so much.</p> <div class="page-anchor-wrapper"><a class="record-pageview" name="page-3" data-page="3" data-url="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/11/dragon-age-the-veilguard-and-the-choices-you-make-while-saving-the-world/" href="https://arstechnica.com/"></a></div> <h2>Your choices are world-changing—but also can’t be</h2> <p>Longtime BioWare fans have historically been given the luxury of having their choices—large and small—acknowledged by the next game in the franchise. In past games, this happened largely through small dialog mentions or NPC reappearances, but as satisfying as this is for me as a player, it creates a big problem for BioWare.</p> <p>Here’s an example: depending on the actions of the player, ginger-haired bard and possible romantic <a href="https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Leliana">companion Leliana</a> can be missed entirely as a recruitable companion in <i>Dragon Age: Origins</i>, the first game in the franchise. If she is recruited, she can potentially die in a <a href="https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/The_Urn_of_Sacred_Ashes">later quest</a>. It’s not guaranteed that she survives the first game. That’s a bit of a problem in <i>Dragon Age II</i>, where Leliana shows up in one of the <a href="https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/The_Exiled_Prince">downloadable content packs</a>. It’s a bigger problem in the third game, where Leliana is the official spymaster for the titular Inquisition. BioWare calls these NPCs who can exist in a superposition of states "quantum characters."</p> <figure class="ars-img-shortcode id-2061923 align-fullwidth"> <div> <img width="1024" height="416" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/10-Quantum-Characters-Darrah-1024x416.png" class="fullwidth large" alt="A tweet that says BioWare's default stance is to avoid using quantum characters, but an exception was made for Liliana" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/10-Quantum-Characters-Darrah-1024x416.png 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/10-Quantum-Characters-Darrah-640x260.png 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/10-Quantum-Characters-Darrah-768x312.png 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/10-Quantum-Characters-Darrah-980x398.png 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/10-Quantum-Characters-Darrah.png 1172w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"> </div> <figcaption> <div class="caption font-impact mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> One of the game's creative leaders talking about "quantum characters." <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: Marisol Cuervo </span> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> <p>If you follow this thought to its logical end, you can understand where BioWare is coming from: After a critical mass of quantum characters is reached, the effects are impossible to manage. BioWare sidesteps the Leliana problem entirely in <i>The Veilguard</i> by just not talking about her.</p> <p>BioWare has staunchly maintained that, as a studio, it does not have a set canon for the history of its games; there’s only the personal canon each player develops as a result of their gameplay. As I’ve been playing, I can tell there’s been a lot of thought put into ensuring none of <i>The Veilguard</i>’s in-game references to areas covered in the previous three games would invalidate a player’s personal canon, and I appreciate that. That’s not an easy needle to thread. I can also see that the same care was put into ensuring that this game’s decisions would not create future quantum characters, and that means the choices we're given are very carefully constrained to this story and only this story.</p> <p>But it still feels like we’re missing an opportunity to make these moral decisions on a smaller scale. <i>Dragon Age: Inquisition</i> introduced a collectible and cleverly hidden item for players to track down while they worked on saving the world. Collect enough trinkets and you eventually open up an entirely optional area to explore. Because this is BioWare, though, there was a catch: To find the trinkets, you had to stare through the <a href="https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Ocularum">crystal eyes of a skull</a> sourced from the body of a mage who has been forcibly cut off from the source of all magic in the world. Is your Inquisitor on board with that, even if it comes with a payoff? Personally, I don’t like the idea. My Inquisitor? She thoroughly looted <a href="https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Solasan">the joint</a>. It’s a small choice, and it doesn’t really impact the long-term state of the world, but I still really enjoyed working through it.</p> <p>Later in the first act of <i>The Veilguard</i>, Rook finally gets an opportunity to make one of the big, ethically difficult decisions. I’ll avoid spoilers, but I don’t mind sharing that it was a satisfyingly difficult choice to make, and I wasn’t sure I felt good about my decision. I spent a lot of time staring at the screen before clicking on my answer. Yeah, that’s the good stuff right there.</p> <p>In keeping with the studio’s effort to avoid creating quantum worldstates, <i>The Veilguard</i> treads lightly with the mechanical consequences of this specific choice and the player is asked to take up the narrative repercussions. How hard the consequences hit, or if they miss, comes down to your individual approach to roleplaying games. Are you a player who inhabits the character and lives in the world? Or is it more like you’re riding along, only watching a story unfold? Your answer will greatly influence how connected you feel to the choices BioWare asks you to make.</p> <div class="page-anchor-wrapper"><a class="record-pageview" name="page-4" data-page="4" data-url="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/11/dragon-age-the-veilguard-and-the-choices-you-make-while-saving-the-world/" href="https://arstechnica.com/"></a></div> <h2>Is this better or worse?</h2> <p>Much online discussion around <i>The Veilguard</i> has centered on Bioware’s decision to incorporate only three choices from the previous game in the series, <i>Inquisition</i>, rather than using the existing <a href="https://dragonagekeep.com/en_US/">Dragon Age Keep</a> to import an entire worldstate. I’m a little disappointed by this, but I’m also not sure anything in Thedas is significantly changed because my Hero of Ferelden was a softie who convinced the guard in the Ostagar camp to give his lunch to <a href="https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/The_Hungry_Deserter">the prisoner</a> who was in the cage for attempted desertion.</p> <p>At the same time, as I wrap up the first act, I’m missing the mild tension I should be feeling when the dialog wheel comes up, and not just because many of the dialog choices seem to be three flavors of “yes, and…” One of my companions was deeply unhappy with me for a period of time after I made the big first-act decision and sharply rebuffed my attempts at justification, snapping at me that I should go. Previous games allowed companions to leave your party forever if they disagreed enough with your main character; this doesn’t seem to be a mechanic you need to worry about in <i>The Veilguard</i>.</p> <p>Rook’s friends might be divided on how they view her choice of verbal persuasion versus percussive diplomacy, but none of them had anything to say about it while she was very earnestly attempting to convince a significant NPC they were making a pretty big mistake. One of Rook’s companions later asked about her intentions during that interaction but otherwise had no reaction.</p> <figure class="ars-img-shortcode id-2061922 align-fullwidth"> <div> <img width="1024" height="576" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/12-BioWare-Punches-Too-Much-1024x576.jpg" class="fullwidth large" alt="Another dialogue choice in Veilguard" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/12-BioWare-Punches-Too-Much-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/12-BioWare-Punches-Too-Much-640x360.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/12-BioWare-Punches-Too-Much-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/12-BioWare-Punches-Too-Much-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/12-BioWare-Punches-Too-Much-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/12-BioWare-Punches-Too-Much-384x216.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/12-BioWare-Punches-Too-Much-1152x648.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/12-BioWare-Punches-Too-Much-980x551.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/12-BioWare-Punches-Too-Much-1440x810.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"> </div> <figcaption> <div class="caption font-impact mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> BioWare, are you OK? Why do you keep punching people who don’t agree with you? <span class="caption-credit mt-2 whitespace-nowrap text-xs"> Credit: Marisol Cuervo </span> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> <p>Seventy hours into the game, I’m looking for places where I have to navigate my own ethical landscape before I can choose to have Rook conform to, or flaunt, the social mores of northern Thedas. I’m still helping people, being the hero, and having a lot of fun doing so, but the problems I’m solving aren’t sticky, and they lack the nuance I enjoyed in previous games. I want to really wrestle with the potential consequences before I decide to do something. Maybe this is something I’ll see more of in the second act.</p> <p>If the banal, puppy-kicking kind of evil has been minimized in favor of larger stakes—something I applaud—it has left a sort of vacuum on the roleplaying spectrum. BioWare has big opinions about how heroes should act and how they should handle interpersonal conflict. I wish I felt more like I was having that struggle rather than being told that’s how Rook is feeling.</p> <p>I’m hopeful my Rook isn’t just going to just save the world, but that in the next act of the game, I'll see more opportunities from BioWare to let her do it her way.</p> + bioware + dragon-age + dragon-age-the-veilguard + dragon-age-veilguard + ea + rpg + + + diff --git a/CssSelector&home_page=https:__jvgs.net&url_selector=li&content_selector=article&limit=6 b/CssSelector&home_page=https:__jvgs.net&url_selector=li&content_selector=article&limit=6 new file mode 100644 index 000000000..f383a9d1f --- /dev/null +++ b/CssSelector&home_page=https:__jvgs.net&url_selector=li&content_selector=article&limit=6 @@ -0,0 +1,69 @@ + + + + JVGS + JVGS + https://jvgs.net + + + + https://github.com/RSS-Bridge/rss-bridge/favicon.ico + JVGS + https://jvgs.net + + + Low Class Goods - Jeff&#039;s Animal Crossing Blog + Jeff + https://www.jvgs.net/acblog/2024/11/12/low-class-goods/ + https://www.jvgs.net/acblog/2024/11/12/low-class-goods/ + Wed, 13 Nov 2024 03:59:16 +0000 + <article id="post-5852" class="post-5852 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized"> <header class="entry-header"> <h1 class="entry-title">Low Class Goods</h1> </header><!-- .entry-header --> <div class="entry-content"> <p>Last Friday, I received a goodbye letter from Piper in the mail. Yes, already! She only lived in Forest for about ten days!</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img fetchpriority="high" width="450" height="346" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ac-piper-out-sm-300x231.jpg" alt="Guess what, Jeff! I realize this is a little cuckoo, but I've decided to move. Have I lost it? No!!! I've just got to try to get a fresh start. I don't even know where I'm going yet! See ya! -Piper" class="wp-image-5853" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></figure></div> <p>I was playing after midnight, and I followed a suggestion I received from D. Val on Youtube. I purposely let bees sting my face, and then I went around town to see everyone&#8217;s reactions to my swollen face late at night. Some villagers were scared, others laughed at me, some basically called me stupid, and one tried to arrest me! You can see all of that in the video here:</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe title="Animal Crossing - After Midnight (with bee sting reactions, Wisp)" width="660" height="371" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KJCQVu0n3lU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>I played again today, and I got to meet my newest neighbor Peanut. She recently lived in my Wild World town for three years before moving out in June, and I really like her a lot. So I&#8217;m glad to have her back!</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="450" height="346" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ac-peanut2024-sm-300x231.jpg" alt="Peanut: My name's Peanut. So, like, what's yours?" class="wp-image-5855" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></figure></div> <p>Genji seemed to be in a really good mood, and he gave me a free pear.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="450" height="346" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ac-genji-pear-sm-300x231.jpg" alt="Genji: So I'm gonna throw you this pear for free, Jeff! Lucky you!" class="wp-image-5856" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></figure></div> <p>Meanwhile, Hank was looking forward to the harvest festival, and the holiday season in general. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="450" height="346" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ac-hank-harvest-sm-300x231.jpg" alt="Hank: Did you know that the Harvest Festival marks the beginning of the festive season in Forest?" class="wp-image-5857" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></figure></div> <p>He said it&#8217;s his favorite time of year, and he can&#8217;t wait to stuff his gut. 😆</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="450" height="346" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ac-hank-gut-sm-300x231.jpg" alt="Hank: There's gonna be this huge feast! I'm gonna stuff my gut, okey-dokey!" class="wp-image-5858" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></figure></div> <p>Over by the wishing well, Ursala told me that she won&#8217;t wear anything except Gracie fashions. The only problem is that Tom Nook is too cheap to stock them.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="450" height="346" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ac-ursala-nook-sm-300x231.jpg" alt="Ursala: That Tom Nook is too cheap to carry any real designer articles like that!" class="wp-image-5859" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></figure></div> <p>She said Tom Nook&#8217;s goods are low class. 😆</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="450" height="346" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ac-ursala-lowclass-sm-300x231.jpg" alt="Ursala: You look surprised! But, my dea, simply EVERYONE knows that his goods are slightly low class!" class="wp-image-5860" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></figure></div> <p>Tom Nook was also in the area, and he wanted to sell me a manhole cover for exactly 1,000 bells. I declined, and he didn&#8217;t take the refusal well.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="450" height="346" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ac-tom-insane-sm-300x231.jpg" alt="Tom: What?! You're not serious! That's insane! Madness! Sheer madness!" class="wp-image-5861" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></figure></div> <p>Still, he said he wouldn&#8217;t <em>force </em>me to buy it. How generous of him! 🙄</p> <p>Today&#8217;s glowing spot contained 30,000 bells instead of the usual 1,000. That&#8217;s always a nice surprise!</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="450" height="346" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ac-30kfall-sm-300x231.jpg" alt="Check it out! I dug up 30,000 bells!" class="wp-image-5862" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></figure></div> <p>I hope you all enjoy your harvest festival and holiday season! I&#8217;ll be back with another entry in December. Never Stop Crossing!</p> <p></p> </div><!-- .entry-content --> <footer class="entry-footer"> <span class="posted-on"><span class="screen-reader-text">Posted on </span><a href="https://www.jvgs.net/acblog/2024/11/12/low-class-goods/" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date published updated" datetime="2024-11-12T22:59:16-05:00">November 12, 2024</time></a></span><span class="byline"><span class="author vcard"><span class="screen-reader-text">Author </span><a class="url fn n" href="https://www.jvgs.net/acblog/author/jvgsjeff/">Jeff</a></span></span> </footer><!-- .entry-footer --> </article> + + + + Robin&#039;s Hood - Jeff&#039;s ACCF Blog + Jeff + https://www.jvgs.net/accfblog/2024/11/09/robins-hood/ + https://www.jvgs.net/accfblog/2024/11/09/robins-hood/ + Sun, 10 Nov 2024 04:58:00 +0000 + <article id="post-13097" class="post-13097 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized"> <header class="entry-header"> <h1 class="entry-title">Robin&#8217;s Hood</h1> </header><!-- .entry-header --> <div class="entry-content"> <p>November is here now, and that means mushrooms are growing all around town. And one each day will be mush furniture in disguise, like this mush closet here.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img fetchpriority="high" width="500" height="268" src="https://www.jvgs.net/accfblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/RUU_8061-sm-150x80.jpg" alt="WHOA!" class="wp-image-13098" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div> <p>I found a new house in the spot where Gabi lived earlier this year. Inside, I found Robin the&#8230;robin. However, there was no sign of Batman.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="500" height="268" src="https://www.jvgs.net/accfblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/RUU_8062-sm-150x80.jpg" alt="Robin: Well, the rumors are true! I am the newly arrived Robin that the whole town is talking about!" class="wp-image-13099" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Welcome to the &#8216;hood, Robin!</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Robin has lived in Forest before, back in 2012-13. And Robin&#8217;s presence has given new meaning to Midge&#8217;s greeting, &#8220;We&#8217;re all birds.&#8221; 😆 </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="500" height="278" src="https://www.jvgs.net/accfblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/accf-midge-birds-150x83.jpg" alt="Midge: Oh, hello, pop star. We're all birds!" class="wp-image-13104" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div> <p>Admittedly, Midge and Robin are the only birds in town right now. But that greeting will start to look prophetic if more birds continue to flock to town.</p> <p>When I put some bells into my savings account, my balance reached 65 million bells.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="500" height="268" src="https://www.jvgs.net/accfblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/RUU_8063-sm-150x80.jpg" alt="Your current balance is 65,000,000 bells." class="wp-image-13100" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div> <p>Later on, I learned that Antonio locked himself out of his house. His catchphrase fit in quite well with his sentence, and he seemed to be asking if his key could be in a hole.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="500" height="268" src="https://www.jvgs.net/accfblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/RUU_8064-sm-150x80.jpg" alt="Antonio: I wonder if I dropped it when I was doing inverted fruit-bat squats outside... Could it be, in a hole?" class="wp-image-13101" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div> <p>Of course, the key is actually in a river, not a hole. And I didn&#8217;t bother going fishing for it. Sorry, Antonio. 😛 Maybe you can sniff it out yourself.</p> <p>I walked over to the Roost and asked K.K. Slider for a random song. He performed Aloha K.K. for me.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="500" height="268" src="https://www.jvgs.net/accfblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/RUU_8065-sm-150x80.jpg" alt="K.K.: All right, get ready to dig the riffs on this ditty: Aloha K.K.." class="wp-image-13102" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div> <p>When I rode the bus out to the city, I ran into Drift there (one of my current Wild World villagers). He wished that just once, he could meet a date in front of the fountain. That does sound nice.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="500" height="268" src="https://www.jvgs.net/accfblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/RUU_8066-sm-150x80.jpg" alt="Drift: If only once, I wish I could meet a date out in front of the fountain, brah!" class="wp-image-13103" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div> <p>I guess he&#8217;s hoping to make a <em>splash </em>in the dating pool. </p> <p>Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and I&#8217;ll see you all next time!</p> </div><!-- .entry-content --> <footer class="entry-footer"> <span class="posted-on"><span class="screen-reader-text">Posted on </span><a href="https://www.jvgs.net/accfblog/2024/11/09/robins-hood/" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date published" datetime="2024-11-09T23:58:00-05:00">November 9, 2024</time><time class="updated" datetime="2024-11-10T01:16:54-05:00">November 10, 2024</time></a></span><span class="byline"><span class="author vcard"><span class="screen-reader-text">Author </span><a class="url fn n" href="https://www.jvgs.net/accfblog/author/jvgsjeff/">Jeff</a></span></span> </footer><!-- .entry-footer --> </article> + + + + Mumble Mumble Mumble - Jeff&#039;s ACWW Blog + Jeff + https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/2024/11/09/mumble-mumble-mumble/ + https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/2024/11/09/mumble-mumble-mumble/ + Sun, 10 Nov 2024 04:33:12 +0000 + <article id="post-7768" class="post-7768 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized"> <header class="entry-header"> <h1 class="entry-title">Mumble Mumble Mumble</h1> </header><!-- .entry-header --> <div class="entry-content"> <p>On Wednesday, Octavian assumed that I thought he wants to do nothing but collect seashells. That&#8230;hadn&#8217;t crossed my mind a single time, but okay, sure.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img fetchpriority="high" width="400" height="299" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/octavian-shells-150x112.jpg" alt="Octavian: Hey, hon. I bet you think all I wanna do is collect shells." class="wp-image-7769" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>He said he likes to collect shells, but he insisted that he&#8217;s an octopus first and foremost. Octopi can collect and use shells too, so I&#8217;m not sure I get his point.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="400" height="299" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/octavian-octopus-150x112.jpg" alt="Octavian: But first and foremost, I'm an octopus!" class="wp-image-7770" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>On Thursday, Mom sent an amusing letter about Dad falling out of a tree. 😛</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="400" height="299" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/mom-dad-tree-150x112.jpg" alt="Dear Jeff, Your dad fell out of a tree today. He was shaking the fruit out when bees flew out. I laughed and laughed! -Mom" class="wp-image-7771" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>Pascal was standing by the shore, and he told me it&#8217;s really mean to call something fishy. 🐟</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="400" height="299" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/pascal-fishy-150x112.jpg" alt="Pascal: When you think about it, calling something fishy is really mean, maaannn." class="wp-image-7772" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Even if it&#8217;s a mermaid?</figcaption></figure></div> <p>He handed me an anchor and then dived into the ocean.</p> <p>Truffles asked me if she looked &#8220;crazy cute&#8221; in her outfit. I moved the slider towards &#8220;Not so much&#8230;&#8221; and she got mad at me for mumbling. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="400" height="299" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/truffles-mumble-150x112.jpg" alt="Truffles: It's always mumble mumble mumble with you." class="wp-image-7773" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I&#8217;m Not Mumble-ina!</figcaption></figure></div> <p>I guess I should have moved the slider all the way to &#8220;Not so much&#8221; for a clearer response. 😆</p> <p>Today is La-Di-Day, the day that villagers can sing a song that you can choose as the new town tune. I didn&#8217;t ask anyone to sing for me though, because I&#8217;m still fairly happy with my current town tune. But villagers still talk about the event, including Filbert.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="400" height="299" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/filbert-singing-150x112.jpg" alt="Filbert: Singing is SOOO fun! Well, not as fun as eating a snack, but what is?" class="wp-image-7774" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>I went down to the Roost to check out the Saturday night show. I asked for a random song, and K.K. Slider performed &#8220;Neopolitan&#8221; for me.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="400" height="299" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/kk-11924-150x112.jpg" alt="K.K. All right, get ready to dig the riffs on this ditty: Neapolitan!" class="wp-image-7775" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>Have a good night, everyone! I&#8217;ll be back again next week. Never Stop Crossing!</p> </div><!-- .entry-content --> <footer class="entry-footer"> <span class="byline"><span class="author vcard"><img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c27d879b16e3317f0d6fa350680e5023?s=98&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' class='avatar avatar-49 photo' height='49' width='49'/><span class="screen-reader-text">Author </span> <a class="url fn n" href="https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/author/jvgsjeff/">Jeff</a></span></span><span class="posted-on"><span class="screen-reader-text">Posted on </span><a href="https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/2024/11/09/mumble-mumble-mumble/" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date published updated" datetime="2024-11-09T23:33:12-05:00">November 9, 2024</time></a></span> </footer><!-- .entry-footer --> </article> + + + + Gothic Flimflammery - Jeff&#039;s New Horizons Blog + Jeff + https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/2024/11/08/gothic-flimflammery/ + https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/2024/11/08/gothic-flimflammery/ + Fri, 08 Nov 2024 22:52:28 +0000 + <article id="post-8436" class="post-8436 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized"> <header class="entry-header"> <h1 class="entry-title">Gothic Flimflammery</h1> </header><!-- .entry-header --> <div class="entry-content"> <p>Pascal popped up while I was diving on Sunday, and he lectured me about gravity&#8230;and apples. (He also gave me a pearl in exchange for my scallop.)</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img fetchpriority="high" width="700" height="394" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/pascal-gravity-sm-250x141.jpg" alt="Pascal: they say the apple didn't fall far from the tree, but where else was it gonna fall? Gravity calls the shots, maaan." class="wp-image-8438" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">That&#8217;s a real down-to-earth view of the situation.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Wisp was hanging out later, and I found all of his spirits and returned them to him. He thanked me by giving me a meeting-room table. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="700" height="394" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/acnh-wisp-meeting-sm-250x141.jpg" alt="Wisp: Here, have... a meeting-room table!" class="wp-image-8439" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure></div> <p>Maybe we can sit around it with his recovered ghosts, and have some nice spirited discussions.</p> <p>On Monday, Static questioned why I was wearing my suit of armor. He thought I was just trying to scare him.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="700" height="394" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/static-scare-sm-250x141.jpg" alt="Static: Level with me, kiddo. You're only in that getup 'cause you're tryin' to scare me, right?" class="wp-image-8440" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure></div> <p>I&#8217;m not trying to scare you, dude. The armor is for protection while I work the <em>knight </em>shift. He angrily told me to stop it, saying he wouldn&#8217;t be scared by my gothic flimflammery!</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="700" height="394" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/static-gothic-sm-250x141.jpg" alt="Static: Well, quit it! I ain't gonna be scared by your gothic flimflammery. Not now, not ever, zap nuts!" class="wp-image-8441" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure></div> <p>Actually, &#8220;zap nuts&#8221; are one hazard the suit insulates me from. No more shocking surprises down there. 😛</p> <p>I visited Merengue today, and Static was also there. Merengue told me to come in and join Static&#8230;on a cake. So now I&#8217;m getting serial killer vibes from her, and I&#8217;m picturing me and Static on a cake in the oven, being baked alive, as Merengue laughs maniacally. 😛</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="700" height="394" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/merengue-static-sm-250x141.jpg" alt="Merengue: Skippy, come in and join Static, on a cake!" class="wp-image-8442" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure></div> <p>At the campsite, I had a <em>super </em>good camper today: Kid Cat!</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="700" height="394" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/kidcat-camper-sm-250x141.jpg" alt="Kid Cat: Yo! How's it going? They call me Mega-Arm Kid Cat." class="wp-image-8443" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure></div> <p>I&#8217;m generally reluctant to kick anyone out, but I wanted to at least see who he would replace if I did ask him to move in. Turns out, I&#8217;d have to give up Static. And I&#8217;m definitely not going to do that.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="700" height="394" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/kidcat-trade-sm-250x141.jpg" alt="Kid Cat: Alright! The heat is on! Let me pitch an idea... Whaddays think of trading Static away for me?" class="wp-image-8444" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure></div> <p>I like Kid Cat a lot, but not more than Static. Sorry, Kid Cat. Maybe we&#8217;ll meet again someday.</p> <p>Here are a few other quick notes about this week:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>On Sunday, I played a treasure hunt game with Agent S; I won a checkered sweater vest.</li> <li>Tuesday, I sold 21 bugs to Flick for 102,000 bells.</li> <li>Jolly Redd was in town today, and I bought a red cruiser bike from him.</li> <li>I returned lost bag to Rio, and she gave me athletic outfit.</li> </ul> <p>Yesterday, I posted my latest video, New Horizons Moments #29. Here it is if you haven&#8217;t seen it yet:</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="New Horizons Moments #29 (Animal Crossing)" width="660" height="371" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mwEs1AgaBKA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>I&#8217;ll see you next time. Never Stop Crossing!</p> </div><!-- .entry-content --> <footer class="entry-footer"> <span class="posted-on"><span class="screen-reader-text">Posted on </span><a href="https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/2024/11/08/gothic-flimflammery/" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date published" datetime="2024-11-08T17:52:28-05:00">November 8, 2024</time><time class="updated" datetime="2024-11-08T22:45:34-05:00">November 8, 2024</time></a></span><span class="byline"><span class="screen-reader-text">Author </span><span class="author vcard"><a class="url fn n" href="https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/author/jvgsjeff/">Jeff</a></span></span> </footer><!-- .entry-footer --> </article> + + + + Stinky Market - Jeff&#039;s ACWW Blog + Jeff + https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/2024/11/02/stinky-market/ + https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/2024/11/02/stinky-market/ + Sun, 03 Nov 2024 03:58:00 +0000 + <article id="post-7757" class="post-7757 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized"> <header class="entry-header"> <h1 class="entry-title">Stinky Market</h1> </header><!-- .entry-header --> <div class="entry-content"> <p>On Wednesday, Whitney was ecstatic about her new outfit. She thought it made her look like she was glowing. 😛</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img fetchpriority="high" width="400" height="299" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/whitney-glowing-150x112.jpg" alt="Whitney: Oh, wow! Doesn't this outfit make me look like I'm glowing?" class="wp-image-7759" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>However, this was <strong>not </strong>the outfit I gave her last week! That was a bunny shirt, and this&#8230;is not.</p> <p>Yesterday was November 1st, and I got my latest bank statement from the postal division at town hall. I earned 66,750 bells for the month. I&#8217;m now 2/3 of the way to the maximum monthly payout!</p> <p>Saharah was in town, and I helped her out again. I took some carpet packages to Tom Nook, Mabel, and Pelly (for Phyllis). She offered me a tropical vista or a daisy meadow.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="400" height="299" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/saharah-11124-150x112.jpg" alt="Saharah: Do you want a tropical vista or a daisy meadow?" class="wp-image-7760" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>I chose the wallpaper, but it didn&#8217;t matter. It seems like the items she offer repeat very frequently, and I rarely see anything that I haven&#8217;t already acquired from her. Maybe she has a smaller selection of items in this game&#8230;because in City Folk, there are items from her I&#8217;m <em>still </em>waiting to get, after 16 years!</p> <p>I shot down a balloon present that contained a lunar lander! I already shot down a space station a few weeks back, and now I&#8217;ve shot something off the moon?! 😆</p> <p>Today, the flea market was underway. I asked Drift about four of his five bugs, and he said they were all off-limits. The whole event seems pointless if the villagers refuse to sell almost everything. (I didn&#8217;t ask about his covered wagon.)</p> <p>Over at Octavian&#8217;s house, he told me that all of his stuff has a weird odor.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="400" height="299" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/octavian-odor-150x112.jpg" alt="Octavian: Now, I know my stuff all has a weird kinda odor to it. I'm aware of that!" class="wp-image-7761" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Interesting approach for a salesman.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>But he wanted to know which item was the most stinky. 😛</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="400" height="299" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/octavian-stinky-150x112.jpg" alt="Octavian: But I need to know which piece is the MOST stinky! Will ya tell me?" class="wp-image-7762" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>His lone outfit (a bone shirt) was the obvious choice, because everything else was just space items. But he told me he wasn&#8217;t selling the shirt. And because I didn&#8217;t want to take his space stuff he may need to return to his home planet someday, I just left him to stew with his stinky stuff. 😆</p> <p>Bones was trying to move out of town, but I quickly changed his mind for him.</p> <p>I headed down to the Roost, where I asked K.K. Slider for a random song. He performed K.K. Cruisin&#8217; for me.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="400" height="299" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/kk-11224-150x112.jpg" alt="K.K. Slider sings and plays the guitar at the Roost." class="wp-image-7763" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>After the show, I made a quick stop at Nookington&#8217;s and then I went to town hall. I found a classic bed in the recycle bin. Why would anyone throw away a good night&#8217;s sleep? </p> <p>I&#8217;ll see you all next time. Goodnight! 🌛</p> </div><!-- .entry-content --> <footer class="entry-footer"> <span class="byline"><span class="author vcard"><img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c27d879b16e3317f0d6fa350680e5023?s=98&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' class='avatar avatar-49 photo' height='49' width='49'/><span class="screen-reader-text">Author </span> <a class="url fn n" href="https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/author/jvgsjeff/">Jeff</a></span></span><span class="posted-on"><span class="screen-reader-text">Posted on </span><a href="https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/2024/11/02/stinky-market/" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date published" datetime="2024-11-02T23:58:00-04:00">November 2, 2024</time><time class="updated" datetime="2024-11-03T00:54:50-04:00">November 3, 2024</time></a></span> </footer><!-- .entry-footer --> </article> + + + + Into November - Jeff&#039;s New Horizons Blog + Jeff + https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/2024/11/01/into-november/ + https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/2024/11/01/into-november/ + Sat, 02 Nov 2024 03:58:00 +0000 + <article id="post-8421" class="post-8421 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized"> <header class="entry-header"> <h1 class="entry-title">Into November</h1> </header><!-- .entry-header --> <div class="entry-content"> <p>On Monday, June was talking about how she takes good care of her hair. She used her catchphrase in a way that made perfect, logical sense.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img fetchpriority="high" width="700" height="394" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/june-style-sm-250x141.jpg" alt="June: Then again, I do think of hair care as more science than simply style, in my hair!" class="wp-image-8424" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure></div> <p>Yesterday was Halloween, and I decided to participate this year (at least for a little bit). I put on a knight costume, and indoor villagers would give me additional candy.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="700" height="394" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ketchup-candy-sm-250x141.jpg" alt="Ketchup: Happy Halloweeeen! Time to get back to scaring--and GETTING scared! Anything can happen!" class="wp-image-8425" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure></div> <p>Outdoor villagers however, would demand candy <em>from </em>me. But having a villager like June threaten me with a trick was more adorable than scary. 😆</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="700" height="394" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/june-hween-sm-250x141.jpg" alt="June: Trick or treat! Could I have some candy, please? If not, I'll play a trick on you, in my hair." class="wp-image-8426" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure></div> <p>She gave me a spooky table setting in return for the candy. But the villagers will occasionally give you a lollipop instead of spooky furniture (or pumpkins).</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="700" height="394" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/bones-lollipop-sm-250x141.jpg" alt="Bones: Are you ready for something in return? It's...a lollipop! I guess you suckered me into giving you one!" class="wp-image-8427" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">And yes, I changed into a gold suit of armor. It&#8217;s not just rusted or anything. 😛</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Eventually, I found Jack (the czar of Halloween) near the plaza. I gave him some candy, and he rewarded me with&#8230;his face. 🎃</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="700" height="394" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/jack-face2024-sm-250x141.jpg" alt="Jack: Feast your eyes on the king-size prize! I bestow upon you Jack's face!" class="wp-image-8428" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">His face really lights up the room. Face it: He&#8217;s <em>gourd</em>-geous!</figcaption></figure></div> <p>When I gave him a lollipop, he gave me a spooky carriage. That&#8217;s a <em>wheely </em>nice reward!</p> <p>Rio later gave me another lollipop, which I also gave to Jack. This time, he gave me a spooky wand&#8230;which is definitely less exciting than a carriage. I wrapped up my game for the night after that.</p> <p>Tonight, it was raining in town, and Static seemed a bit agitated. That cranky old squirrel. 😆</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="700" height="394" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/static-rain-sm-250x141.jpg" alt="Static: I coulda told you it was gonna rain." class="wp-image-8429" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure></div> <p>Now that November is here, mushrooms can now be found around town. That includes rare mushrooms (worth 16,000 bells apiece), which can appear buried underground. I actually found two of them in town tonight!</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="700" height="394" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rare2024-sm-250x141.jpg" alt="Look! I dug up a rare mushroom!" class="wp-image-8430" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure></div> <p>Renee the rhino was camping at the campsite tonight. But I already have one rhino (one who is much sweeter), and I&#8217;m not looking for another.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="700" height="394" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/renee-camper2-sm-250x141.jpg" alt="Renee: But here's a question... Is it always this awesome here? That's what I wanna know, yo yo yo!" class="wp-image-8431" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">No, no, no.<br>Now go, go, go.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>I hit a new milestone at some point earlier this week, even though I didn&#8217;t notice it at the time. I&#8217;ve now saved up four million Nook Miles, and this is my current total:</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="372" height="182" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/4m-250x122.jpg" alt="4,016,200 Nook Miles" class="wp-image-8422" sizes="auto, (max-width: 372px) 100vw, 372px" /></figure></div> <p>Here are a few other quick notes about the past week:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>On Sunday, June was sick with a cold. I gave her some medicine, and she rewarded me with a basic school desk. </li> <li>I helped Wisp, and he gave me a hanging cube light.</li> <li>On Tuesday, I helped out Gulliver. He sent me another veil the next day. As for why he sends such awful rewards, I guess that&#8217;s <em>veiled </em>in mystery.</li> <li>Yesterday, a message bottle gave me a new DIY recipe, for a cute lily crown.</li> </ul> <p>Have a great weekend, and Never Stop Crossing! </p> </div><!-- .entry-content --> <footer class="entry-footer"> <span class="posted-on"><span class="screen-reader-text">Posted on </span><a href="https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/2024/11/01/into-november/" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date published" datetime="2024-11-01T23:58:00-04:00">November 1, 2024</time><time class="updated" datetime="2024-11-02T00:28:15-04:00">November 2, 2024</time></a></span><span class="byline"><span class="screen-reader-text">Author </span><span class="author vcard"><a class="url fn n" href="https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/author/jvgsjeff/">Jeff</a></span></span> </footer><!-- .entry-footer --> </article> + + + + diff --git a/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=18604 b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=18604 new file mode 100644 index 000000000..9dd75dd25 --- /dev/null +++ b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=18604 @@ -0,0 +1,267 @@ + + + + GameBanana - Super Mario Bros. Wonder + GameBanana - Super Mario Bros. Wonder + https://gamebanana.com/games/18604 + + + + https://images.gamebanana.com/static/img/favicon/favicon.ico + GameBanana - Super Mario Bros. Wonder + https://gamebanana.com/games/18604 + + + Oops All Break Time + Getlucky12341 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/555550 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/555550#PostsListModule + fbf2290a84fb103e12217c401d4a06b6a318bde5 + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 01:43:38 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673554e5e8bf9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673554eb9e639.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673554ee7b574.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673554f1a1ab4.jpg"/><br>Oops All Break Time is a small 1 World mod I'm working on that adds 18 brand new Mini "Break Time" Stages in World 1. They're short 1 minute stages with the goal of showing off cool ideas that you might not have seen in vanilla Mario Wonder. +Across these 18 stages you'll find puzzles, Yoshi levels, unexpected game mechanics, and more! Can you collect all 20 Wonder Seeds?<br><br>:Special Thanks:<br><br>-Manu77 for putting the Captain Toad model over Yellow and Blue Toad<br><br>-Rimea for making very helpful Mario Wonder mod videos<br><br>-Everyone in the WonderLand Discord Server<br><br><br>FYI<br>The level that replaces the first Wiggler Race crashes when playing on Ryujinx, I can try working on a fix tomorrow + + Worlds/Levels + Worlds/Levels + + + Custom Level: Bombastic Timer in a Fiery Castle! + Vadenimo + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554746 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554746#PostsListModule + 5b997457b076c59c129528428f36eae3c8c07209 + Sun, 10 Nov 2024 13:30:35 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6730b4d1241c4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6730b4d4ef1e8.jpg"/><br>It replaces "<a href="https://www.mariowiki.com/Evade_the_Seeker_Bullet_Bills!" title="Evade the Seeker Bullet Bills!">Evade the Seeker Bullet Bills!</a>" in Castle Bowsers levels. The level contains three purple 10 coins and one Wonder effect.<br><br>Playable on the newest version on the Nintendo Switch. It also contains German, English and Japanese level names.<br> + + Worlds/Levels + Worlds/Levels + + + Banana 10 Coins (Donkey Kong Country) + Behon + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554581 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554581#PostsListModule + 3c6334d9ae5481a19e7f9b6f3902ab3321af979c + Sat, 09 Nov 2024 16:57:50 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672f9455dd7d7.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672f9455645d3.jpg"/><br>Just thought it'd be a fun quick exercise to replace simple object models rather than rigged characters and also thought it would be fun to have different collectibles from different games.&nbsp; Includes custom textures and UI icons.<br><br>Model used:&nbsp;https://www.models-resource.com/wii_u/donkeykongcountrytropicalfreeze/model/58209/ + + Items + Items + + + Halloween Mario Skin + CosmicKirby64 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553272 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553272#PostsListModule + 6773c487adda86c8f5376dc7c2d1ba03dd33f659 + Sun, 03 Nov 2024 14:58:24 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67278e99202fa.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67278eae27839.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67278eb3330ec.jpg"/><br>Better late then never I guess but A small spooky texture edit for mario with dark overalls red eyes white skin and bloodlines to compatible with all powerups except elephant and chibi mario and you'll look real spooky when adventuring around the flower kingdom!<br><br><b>Should work on 1.0.0 and 1.0.1 but keep in mind it the skin texture edit doesn't show on the world map only in levels</b> + + Mario + Characters + + + super xbox bros + AxolotlAnimation + https://gamebanana.com/mods/550491 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/550491#PostsListModule + a32bca6a3a9d6d2f209a75ebb59f31752877aab9 + Wed, 23 Oct 2024 11:07:17 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6718d81c60f43.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6718e01e45f1b.jpg"/><br><b>hi and welcome to my first mario wonder mod</b><br><br>just a little logo mod thats all<br><br><span class="RedColor">im not sure if this mod works on a real switch but you can try and tell me in the comments</span> + + Title Screen/Title Logo + UI + + + Custom Level: Here Come the Hoppycats! + Vadenimo + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549950 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549950#PostsListModule + cbb9d5510bbce14fd58a00ebbc6fcbcd8bf18ce5 + Mon, 21 Oct 2024 18:52:28 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67154cff8dadb.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67154d028695d.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> v1.0.1 Game Support<br><em>Change</em>: You can play this level in the newest version of the game.<br><hr><br><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a1iCTIfWut8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br><br>This level replaces the level "Here Come the Hoppos" in World 1 of the game.<br><br>Now playable on every version.<br><del><br>Only playable in Version 1.0.0.</del><br><br>German and Japanese names have been added.<br><br>Happy 1st Anniversary, Super Mario Bros. Wonder!<br><br>スーパーマリオブラザーズワンダー、1周年おめでとう！<br> + + + Worlds/Levels + Worlds/Levels + + + Custom Level: Rrrock 'n' Rrroll + Vadenimo + https://gamebanana.com/mods/504237 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/504237#PostsListModule + f9741e47dd64bdc33a0c6830309e4d7684d10309 + Mon, 21 Oct 2024 18:51:37 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6609b1bdb9b1d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6609b1be4fdbc.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> v1.0.1 Game Support<br><em>Change</em>: Version 1.0.1 of the game is supported for this level!<br><hr><br><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-Bt1Y9d5UW4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>This custom level is a collab-level made by me and NicTube. This is my first full custom Mario Wonder level.<br><br>Please play on the game version 1.0.0. You can play it on 1.0.1 via emulation.<br> + + + + Worlds/Levels + Worlds/Levels + + + Finn the human! + Frasko + https://gamebanana.com/mods/478991 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/478991#PostsListModule + 68704248ac32ee64effc2b89aca2a4594536a803 + Tue, 15 Oct 2024 08:17:59 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65527a28d3936.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/655275a830562.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/655275a83594c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/655275a7bfd3f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/655275a7df321.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/655275a82fcc9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/655275a818475.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/655275a8243cb.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/655275a85ea33.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/655275a874672.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/655275a896989.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Vertex fix<br><em>Change</em>: Fixed vertex on the left side of the head<br><hr><br>Finn from Adventure Time!! Comes with UI, Layout, all powerup textures... lacks some of wonders transformations like ball and slime. Also lacks custom voice.<br><br>If people want it, i could release one with normal recolors for the powerups instead of character references!!!<br><br>Goes over Luigi!!!<br><br><h1>IF YOU COULD HELP ME WITH MODDING VOICELINES, I WOULD BE VERY GRATEFUL!! owo</h1>Also follow <a href="https://twitter.com/Jagresion">@Jagresion</a> on twitter!! he helped me a lot with blender stuff!! fr the goat!!!! + + + Luigi + Characters + + + Daisy but it's N64 + txmpanii + https://gamebanana.com/mods/547653 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/547653#PostsListModule + 5a4964e2f986e026187b39fad86b80a10fdc8f55 + Thu, 10 Oct 2024 05:11:33 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6707cd7feaba8.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67075a4df257c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670761653b1f5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670761653b132.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6707616541c5b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67075f9f5db8e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67075f9f254f8.jpg"/><br>This mod is to give Daisy (and all of her forms) her N64 dress pattern! UI is included, all power-ups except the Elephant one have been done. Map models have also been done as well!<img src="https://i.pinimg.com/474x/48/70/ef/4870ef3bef2ee7efd2c7d2711474c456.jpg"> + + Daisy + Characters + + + NES Golf Mario (Its kinda bad) + LeapWeaver + https://gamebanana.com/mods/547519 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/547519#PostsListModule + 3f5ece47d3526e217e028281ccce560c94b5ee7a + Wed, 09 Oct 2024 13:37:24 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6706863c7fe34.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67068645ecce6.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6706864c2d778.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6706864ca41be.jpg"/><br>SMALL MARIO IS NOT OR ANY POWER-UPS INCLUDED! Why? Cuz im lazy.<br><br><a href="https://gamebanana.com/requests/54600">NES Golf Mario and Luigi [Super Mario Bros. Wonder] [Requests] (gamebanana.com)</a>&nbsp;I saw someone wanted this, so I made it for free. I really dont care about GameBanana's points. + + Mario + Characters + + + Dark Bowser! (Bowsers inside Story) + LeapWeaver + https://gamebanana.com/mods/547428 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/547428#PostsListModule + d3bae4a12788a179482574113a01392f272ed715 + Tue, 08 Oct 2024 22:57:38 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6705b830b78bc.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6705b85a5be0e.jpg"/><br>He may appear like twice, I just made it for fun + + Characters + Characters + + + SMBW Backwards (World 1 to 2) + Elytro + https://gamebanana.com/mods/528043 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/528043#PostsListModule + a748b06f4e587b4c7d92c6dbdedc262a1b2ab030 + Sun, 01 Sep 2024 08:32:08 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66946f1c6c823.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66946f5b533b7.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d4279b2e645.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d4279b14e40.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> World 2 Update<br><em>Addition</em>: Added every World 2 Level<br><em>Addition</em>: Added the levels 'Leaping Smackerel', 'Robbird Cove', 'Blewbird Roost', and 'Badge Challenge Dolphin Kick I' (Levels in between end of World 1 and start of World 2)<br><em>Adjustment</em>: The player now faces left in the beginning of every level (where it makes sense)<br><em>Adjustment</em>: Changed 'Break Time! Pop Up Hoppo' to be actually challenging<br><em>Bugfix</em>: Fixed camera in 'Badge Challenge Parachute Cap I'<br><em>Bugfix</em>: Fixed timer in 'KO Arena Pipe-Rock Rumble'<br><hr><br>I plan to eventually make every level playable backwards, so far I have done all levels in world 1 except for 'Break Time! Wonder Token Tunes'. This level can't really be backwards. I also made 'Bonus: Coins Galore!' backwards. I have also swapped the position of the Wonder Flower and Wonder Seed in each level.<br><br>If you use this mod in a video credit my YouTube channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ElytroYT" class="SelectedElement" target="_blank">youtube.com/@ElytroYT</a> + + + + + + Worlds/Levels + Worlds/Levels + + + Super CJ Bruh Wonder + diegoforfun + https://gamebanana.com/mods/538996 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/538996#PostsListModule + a554bb96af644ac915d49dda33d6651e3269aad1 + Fri, 30 Aug 2024 21:33:38 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d23a824bec4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d23a870c220.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d23a87af096.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d23a87bb05d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d23a87c3489.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d23a87bf06f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d23a87bc712.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d23a87d2e78.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d23a87d1671.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d23a87dc050.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d23a87da225.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d23a87de1c7.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d23a87dd09a.jpg"/><br>Carl Johson over Mario. Includes:<br><br><ul><li class="SelectedElement"><code>World Model for Both Super/mini forms</code></li><li><code><br></code></li><li><code>Mini CJ</code></li></ul> + + Mario + Characters + + + Wacky Wonderland V1.1 + WackyJack + https://gamebanana.com/mods/538422 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/538422#PostsListModule + 418fb19daf93ef6b588634234e0b115210e3554f + Wed, 28 Aug 2024 03:03:16 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ce8ff745ebb.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ce9001078ea.jpg"/><br>This is a long-term project that will replace every level in Super Mario Bros Wonder. Since this will take a long time, I will slowly update the mod in "parts" which consist of 2-3 levels that share a theme. Each part will have a link to their Google Drive download, but if you want to play the whole mod, you can use this download to get all of the courses in one.<br><br>Planned fixes in V1.2 <br> - Wonder seed immediate activation.<br><br>Part 1 - Climbing Up and Down<br><br>Part 2 - ???<br><br>Part 3 - ???<br><br>(There will be more than 3 parts, this is just a placeholder number.) + + Worlds/Levels + Worlds/Levels + + + Luigi with a Scarf + MatthiasCannotProgram + https://gamebanana.com/mods/537574 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/537574#PostsListModule + bf58466ec5ea9cba5221a8120f1a3a9fe7dd24d1 + Sat, 24 Aug 2024 11:58:49 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c9d2f9e1d79.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c9c97082b53.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c9c97a47923.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c9c9826f757.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c9c98c206b5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c9c99473225.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c9c9999244a.jpg"/><br>Just a little model change to give Luigi a Scarf.<br><br>When you crouch as Elephant Luigi, the scarf kinda bugs out but i'll try to fix it... someday.<br> + + Luigi + Characters + + + Super Mario Bros. Wonder Dreamland + CosmicKirby64 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/536565 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/536565#PostsListModule + 8df3dd510b0fd4dc87a4e6703fa14c9e9feea9e5 + Mon, 19 Aug 2024 17:35:15 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c376940cb4b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c376a2a1489.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c376a8b4bed.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c376b3e4891.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c376b87b51e.jpg"/><br>Super Mario Bros. Wonder Dreamland is just A small 5 level pack that I decided to make for fun cause I was bored. These 5 levels consist of 5 different themes starting with autumn, ice forest, sewers, desert and sky the desert has really badly custom sand geyser made from mario maker but it works lmao, feel free to make a video on this if you want as long as you link the mod in the desc don't bother linking my channel cause nintendo take my videos down in a week and I never upload on my mario modding channel anyway but yea enjoy you should easily be able to tell which levels are new by the crappy thumbnails the fifth level is located above the first open area section where rolla koopa derby is by the way and these levels aren't supposed to be amazing either lol (also kinda used this as an excuse to use my gmod wonder models to cook up A custom title screen)<br><br>The Story:<br><br>Mario and the gang find themselves trapped in distant isolated dreams filled with there past memories of the flower kingdom in new forms of obstacles the gang must try to make it to the end to escape out of these dreams will they be able to find there way out?<br><br>What this mod includes:<br>5 new levels<br>new title screen<br>new world map lighting<br>some new ui bits<br><br>This level pack was made for A challenge I was given which was design A level pack in under A month so here HAVE IT<br><br>Also my first level pack for this game so if levels are mediocre you know why + + Worlds/Levels + Worlds/Levels + + + All Powerups in KO Arenas + Elytro + https://gamebanana.com/mods/535697 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/535697#PostsListModule + a4519a69868c41e5f0fd50f8b8666d8e02ddc6b8 + Fri, 16 Aug 2024 13:01:47 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66bf4d09f0dfc.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66bf4d09e758f.jpg"/><br>I made every power-up available in every ko arena. there is not much to say that is literally it.<br><br>If showcased in a video, credit my YouTube channel: <a class="SelectedElement" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ElytroYT">youtube.com/@ElytroYT</a> + + Worlds/Levels + Worlds/Levels + + + Super Mario Wonder but GOOGLE TRANSLATED + DarkChaotic + https://gamebanana.com/mods/535357 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/535357#PostsListModule + b1f1a8e770a7e52ad3fbfa7a446b9415b4d810c1 + Wed, 14 Aug 2024 21:27:42 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66bd20c7de12f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66bd20c672877.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66bd20c6d5bdb.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66bd20c7d2c52.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66bd20c72cffd.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66bd20c787f0f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66bd20c72e6cd.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66bd20c7dcef3.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66bd20c7841e8.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66bd20c7a1c7c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66bd20c7e76bc.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66bd20c7e878d.jpg"/><br>Caution: Contains Dyslexia and swear words<br>Hello Hello, <br>So after a bit of work and a lot of me slamming my head into my desk, I proudly present the brain child of me watching <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@JayMoji">Jaymoji </a>play video games translated x100. <br><br>This mod changes the USen language file to what was there thrown through google translated many times for the purpose of comedy<br><br>I don't plan to do any other languages as this was a tedious process<br><br>If record a playthrough with this mod you don't to reference this page. Just me DarkChaotic<br><br>This should work with the lastest version of the game (1.0.1). Any earlier or later version idk<br>The mod should be wifi safe but BE CAUTIOUS (I also didn't changing any text regarding online so you aren't missing much) I also didn't touch the 100% completion text, but if that is requested I can do that.<br><br>Hope you enjoy :)<br><br><h1>PLEASE READ BEFORE DOWNLOADING</h1>Please download the version of the mod that corresponds with the hardware you are playing with<br><br>Switch version: extract and place on the root of sdcard<br>Ryujinx vresion: extract and place in Mods directory + + + Other/Misc + Other/Misc + + + Super Mario Bros. Wonder Remixed The Full Mod + CosmicKirby64 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/532295 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/532295#PostsListModule + 749ce64a303d5dfa4cd3263a4aabaf8327dad6c9 + Sat, 03 Aug 2024 07:38:47 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ab854188b5d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ab85468659d.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Title screen fix<br><p>Fixed bug where the game would instantly crash loading up for some people Thanks to Wonder Chico for making this fix!</p><br><em>Improvement</em>: Fixed bug where the game would instantly crash loading up for some people Thanks to Wonder Chico for making this fix!<br><hr><br><b>*MUST READ: This mod requires A 100% save file in order to be experienced properly due to level progression and accessing each world straight away I know it's inconvenient but oh well, just search 100% save on wonder's game banana page and there will probably be one also&nbsp; works with both 1.0.0 and 1.0.1, if A level has A do not play thumbnail or normal game thumbnail it means that level isn't modified*</b><br><br>Super Mario Bros. Wonder Remixed is A brand new mode for Super Mario Bros. Wonder which changes and alters levels with more of a difficulty upscale as well adding things in you wouldn't see as well as adding some new things such as levels where the floor is lava or it's backwards or every enemy is one specific one. This mode only goes over all the levels in world 1, petal isles and world 2 with some secret levels in the special world the mod also comes with some ui bits, new world map lighting and a new title screen!<br><br>Note:<br>-Multiplayer isn't recommended nor intended so expect things to not work well with it<br>-Mod has only been tested on Ryujinx and Real Switch hardware yuzu and suyu are unknown if they really work<br>-If you wanna report bugs or feedback I recommend doing it on the official remixed discord or on the mods forum in wonderland as i'll most likely see it there make sure feedback is constructive and has reasoning instead of just saying "This part sucks lmao" + + + Worlds/Levels + Worlds/Levels + + + Pink Fire Peach + Misterfan2000 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/514308 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/514308#PostsListModule + cc1451112a845a33c1e1879ae6ab0bcbb7746bc1 + Sun, 14 Jul 2024 09:11:24 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/669395701e198.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6693957cec89c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6693957c5015b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6693957cddfa3.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6693957ce0cc3.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6648c73a3cdbd.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6648c7529c687.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6648c76dae997.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6648c756d98eb.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Dark Pink palette<br><p>Added a darker pink palette for Fire Peach, copied from her Normal/Drill textures</p><br><hr><br>Fire Peach palette is strange:<br>Is the only palette that has red on it, while in the other powerups palettes it has pink. Daisy has her fire palette right.<br><br>So I decided to "fix" Fire Peach palette to include pink, copied from Normal/Drill Peach texture<br>It includes the Standees and a lighter pink color palette copied from Bubble Peach + + + Peach + Characters + + + diff --git a/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=20511 b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=20511 new file mode 100644 index 000000000..71d8d2912 --- /dev/null +++ b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=20511 @@ -0,0 +1,271 @@ + + + + GameBanana - The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom + GameBanana - The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom + https://gamebanana.com/games/20511 + + + + https://images.gamebanana.com/static/img/favicon/favicon.ico + GameBanana - The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom + https://gamebanana.com/games/20511 + + + Rideable Cows + diegoforfun + https://gamebanana.com/mods/555518 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/555518#PostsListModule + 3be1d9d44ad909e189a3b336facd0af3372bbb57 + Wed, 13 Nov 2024 22:23:24 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673526a1f2c94.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673526a95a103.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673526a981238.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673526aa2e21f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673526aa39be4.jpg"/><br>Just a funny mod i made a while back, porting those cute cows over horses to be rideable.<br><br>Includes<br><ul><li>3 Custom Textures</li></ul> + + Skins + Skins + + + Green tunic Zelda over swordfighter + Dhruv20114341 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554359 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554359#PostsListModule + ed17e0b99a1bc3e426aca173a9297588b2ac441b + Fri, 08 Nov 2024 18:54:07 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672e5c79dac0a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672e5d89583f5.jpg"/><br>Is a simple texture edit to make the default swordfighter model look the the green tunic version you can get from the training dojo<br><br>THIS IS NOT A CUSTOM IMPORTED MODEL SO DONT ASK ME FOR CUSTOMARY ATTIRE OVER SWORDFIGHTER, I HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE ON THAT + + Skins + Skins + + + Zelda and Link's Pronoun Wardrobe + SpaceGeorge + https://gamebanana.com/mods/552996 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/552996#PostsListModule + 2c0f64b6a302059831cd5b3506243233e9843d87 + Sat, 02 Nov 2024 11:58:29 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67261346a1334.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67261346bbf1e.jpg"/><br>Assorted pronoun / gender options for Zelda and Link.<br><br>The option for making both characters nonbinary with they/them pronouns is available.<br><br>Please note that there are a last few files missing from this mod that need finalized edits (and unfortunately contain a large portion of the text).<br><br>My modding time is very limited these days, but I do hope to polish this fully in the near future, as well as add other customization options.<br><br>This mod is inspired by the seemingly now defunct "Pronoun Dressing Room" project by failedslacker.<br><br>You can check out my Pronoun Wardrobe for Breath of the Wild <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/400822">here</a>.<br>Femme Hero project for TotK, which also includes adjusted pronouns, is <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/523154">here</a>. + + GUIs + GUIs + + + ZM:SP Zelda + ElevenZM + https://gamebanana.com/mods/551339 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/551339#PostsListModule + c722e7d4b694329e433819ba12f214549343fa2f + Sat, 26 Oct 2024 21:45:20 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671d629c8dc9c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671d62b971bbf.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671d62bb262e4.jpg"/><br>Gives Echoes' hooded Zelda the ZM:SP colour scheme I'm known for. Pretty simple. No plans to edit her <span class="Spoiler">other outfits</span>. + + Skins + Skins + + + Capeless Customary Attire + Malik177 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/550466 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/550466#PostsListModule + 392d5a953d311010dee6f7830b82b7cd415a26a3 + Wed, 23 Oct 2024 04:17:17 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671874564b6e0.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671874564efd9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67187456507ca.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67187463acff5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67187463b2129.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6718746abce73.jpg"/><br>Just a little modification to this outfit. I wasn't expecting this to affect the blue variant of this outfit as well. I removed the cape off of this outfit, because in my opinion I'm not really a fan of the cape on this outfit lol. Screenshots were taken using EOW UltraCam by MaxLastBreath<br><br>Put the bfres file inside the contents folder in your SD.&nbsp;<br>atmosphere/contents/title id/romfs/region_common<br><br>Then the mod should load in normally, and lastly, I'm not sure if this will work on a switch emulator since I own a modded switch and played this mod on there only.&nbsp; + + Skins + Skins + + + AnyAspectRatio (21:9, 32:9, Custom) Ultrawide + fayaz + https://gamebanana.com/mods/545899 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/545899#PostsListModule + 15dd4cb6aac590924a712b517b1a449983dd78f6 + Tue, 22 Oct 2024 04:04:40 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66fc956caeb46.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66fcd59bd2225.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66fc94f0dd852.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66fc956ca5751.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66fc956bc666b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66fc956c7421e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66fc956b9b361.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66fc956b0e0dd.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66fc956c8bde6.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66fc956b54474.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66fc956c71129.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66fca363a589e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66fcd59b0837f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66fcd59c1ac1d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66fcd59c35757.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> 1.0.2 Support and Controller Mods!<br><p>Controller mods for Xbox and Playstation are now supported by the utility.</p><p>Additionally, everything works on 1.0.2 now.</p><p>There are also new visual fixes that were done by Fl4sh9174 that were added to the utility</p><br><hr><br>Announcing AnyAspectRatio for Echoes of Wisdom! AAR is a tool that lets you scale nintendo games to fit your display as if it was made for it, and it now has support for Echoes of Wisdom!  You can download the tool to generate your own here: https://github.com/fayaz12g/aar-launcher<br>Or use a prebuilt mod from the downloads sections.<br><br>AAR for EOW currently scales all horizontal screens to make the game fit, shifting all HUD elements. There is a default, and zoomed file for both 21:9 and 32:9. <br>Default- All cutscenes and the title screen are pillar boxed<br>Zoomed- All cutscenes and title screen are zoomed in to fill your screen<br><br>You can see the images for both above, and choose.<br><br>If you notice any issues, or anything incomplete, please raise an issue here: https://github.com/fayaz12g/eow-aar + + + + + + + Other/Misc + Other/Misc + + + Hood Always Down (exefs) + KeatonTheBot + https://gamebanana.com/mods/546529 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/546529#PostsListModule + e0277ec7ad7e18a72d7047753608fcf40b545517 + Tue, 22 Oct 2024 03:18:18 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67006d5c1680b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6700653dbdff7.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67006de22bb58.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67006d23ebb26.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> 1.0.2 Update<br><em>Change</em>: Added 1.0.2 support<br><hr><br>This mod puts Zelda's hood down (as shown in cover/promotional art) when wearing the Disguise outfit. Replicates the <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/546148">Hood Down Always Mod</a>, but does the magic <b>in-memory</b>, so you're not replacing any game files.<br><br><b>Note</b>: Fixes the <i>original</i> mod's red cloak issue when switching from Royal Travel Attire.<br><br><i class="SelectedElement"><b>1.0.1 - 1.0.2</b> support.</i><br><br>Included are the pchtxt (emulator) and ips (Switch) files.<br> + + + Skins + Skins + + + Unlimited Swordfighter + KeatonTheBot + https://gamebanana.com/mods/546103 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/546103#PostsListModule + b0386cf8da9fa1ae88ad053d3a2e7a981f7f7d48 + Tue, 22 Oct 2024 03:10:44 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66fdcf854af19.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66fdceabcc8a2.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66fdcfe043d0e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66fdd02e86a2c.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> 1.0.2 Update<br><em>Change</em>: Added 1.0.2 support<br><hr><br>Included is a mod that lets you transform into the swordfighter form <b>indefinitely</b>! No time limit, no meter, and an optional no-music mod if that's your preference.<br><br><i class="SelectedElement"><b>1.0.1 - 1.0.2</b> support.</i><br><br><b>Please note</b>: For those on official hardware, you need to convert the .pchtxt file to .ips using ipswitch. <a href="https://github.com/3096/ipswitch/blob/master/example/README.md" target="_blank">https://github.com/3096/ipswitch/blob/master/example/README.md</a><br> + + + Other/Misc + Other/Misc + + + Ultrawide Mods + Fl4sh_#9174 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/544572 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/544572#PostsListModule + acdfccca42b6180aa163d6650f7ca0e150b52e0d + Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:41:13 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66f5478a9ffc8.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66f5478dc3957.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> <br><em>Addition</em>: Updated to 1.0.2<br><hr><br># The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom [01008CF01BAAC800] v1.0.1/1.0.2<br><br>-&nbsp;16.10 SteamDeck Default HUD<br>-&nbsp;20.9 Ultrawide Adjusted HUD<br>-&nbsp;21.9 Ultrawide Default HUD<br>-&nbsp;21.9 Ultrawide Adjusted HUD<br>-&nbsp;32.9 Ultrawide Default HUD<br>-&nbsp;32.9 Ultrawide Adjusted HUD<br>-2580x1080 21.9 Ultrawide Adjusted HUD (Experimental)(Can cause some issues with Menus)<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Yuzu&nbsp;</span>-&nbsp;Right click the game and select "Open Mod Data Location" and extract the .zip there<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Ryujinx&nbsp;</span>-&nbsp;Right click the game and select "Open Mods Directory"&nbsp;and extract the .zip there<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Switch&nbsp;</span>- Convert it to IPS and put the files on&nbsp;atmosphere/exefs_patches/*MOD NAME*/xxx.ips<br><br>All the mods are free, but if you like my work, please consider supporting me. Have fun!<br>@Fl4sh_#9174<br>https://Ko-fi.com/Fl4sh9174 + + Other/Misc + Other/Misc + + + Reduce/Remove BLOOM + Fl4sh_#9174 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/544571 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/544571#PostsListModule + 3e3e957d53ee2f7acd527267bada7ef113d2c84d + Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:38:02 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66f544fcb1293.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66f5450071e59.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66f54504e4e08.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> <br><em>Addition</em>: Updated to 1.0.2<br><hr><br># The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom [01008CF01BAAC800] v1.0.1/1.0.2<br><br>- Reduced BLOOM<br>- Removed BLOOM<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Yuzu&nbsp;</span><span class="SelectedElement">-&nbsp;Right click the game and select "Open Mod Data Location" and extract the .zip there</span><br><br><span class="GreenColor">Ryujinx&nbsp;</span>-&nbsp;Right click the game and select "Open Mods Directory"&nbsp;and extract the .zip there<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Switch&nbsp;</span>- Convert it to IPS and put the files on&nbsp;atmosphere/exefs_patches/*MOD NAME*/xxx.ips<br><br>All the mods are free, but if you like my work, please consider supporting me. Have fun!<br>@Fl4sh_#9174<br>https://Ko-fi.com/Fl4sh9174 + + Other/Misc + Other/Misc + + + Remove DOF/BLUR Proper + Fl4sh_#9174 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/544570 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/544570#PostsListModule + 7e4acc9758fe5d35e315d108c520f7e92736355e + Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:37:02 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66f54300db849.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66f5430114d27.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66f5430e7ca37.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66f5430f66a92.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> <br><em>Addition</em>: Updated to 1.0.2<br><hr><br># The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom [01008CF01BAAC800] v1.0.1/1.0.2<br><br>- Remove DOF/BLUR<br>- No Issues in Cutscenes<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Yuzu&nbsp;</span>-&nbsp;Right click the game and select "Open Mod Data Location" and extract the .zip there<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Ryujinx&nbsp;</span>-&nbsp;Right click the game and select "Open Mods Directory"&nbsp;and extract the .zip there<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Switch&nbsp;</span>- Convert it to IPS and put the files on&nbsp;atmosphere/exefs_patches/*MOD NAME*/xxx.ips<br><br>All the mods are free, but if you like my work, please consider supporting me. Have fun!<br>@Fl4sh_#9174<br>https://Ko-fi.com/Fl4sh9174 + + Other/Misc + Other/Misc + + + Resolution Mods + Fl4sh_#9174 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/544569 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/544569#PostsListModule + 524a81563c8a8b6f93326d47d8b65fe0f6019a7c + Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:35:21 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66f54142479c6.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66f5414f43167.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66f8342bbc6f3.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> <br><em>Addition</em>: updated to 1.0.2<br><hr><br># The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom [01008CF01BAAC800] v1.0.1/1.0.2<br>- 1920x1080<br>- 2580x1080 Ultrawide version (Experimental)<br>- Level of Detail Mod<br>- 2K Shadow Resolution (Affect Performance)<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Yuzu&nbsp;</span>-&nbsp;Right click the game and select "Open Mod Data Location" and extract the .zip there<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Ryujinx&nbsp;</span>-&nbsp;Right click the game and select "Open Mods Directory"&nbsp;and extract the .zip there<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Switch&nbsp;</span>- Convert it to IPS and put the files on&nbsp;atmosphere/exefs_patches/*MOD NAME*/xxx.ips<br><br>All the mods are free, but if you like my work, please consider supporting me. Have fun!<br>@Fl4sh_#9174<br>https://Ko-fi.com/Fl4sh9174<br> + + Other/Misc + Other/Misc + + + Stabilize FPS MOD + Fl4sh_#9174 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/545054 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/545054#PostsListModule + 332399c6397162ad6f48c761a4634b88dbfad5ee + Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:33:32 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66f801f66b873.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66f801f66e7ef.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> <br><em>Addition</em>: Updated to 1.0.2<br><hr><br># The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom [01008CF01BAAC800] v1.0.1/1.0.2<br><br>- Stabilize FPS Potato Version helps users with low-end hardware, including devices like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch without overclock, achieve higher FPS without the need for overclocking, this version caps the resolution to 1024x576, can't be used with 1080p mod.<br><br><div class="SelectedElement">- Stabilize FPS Normal Version helps more powerful rigs achieve a smoother and more stable FPS, can be used with resolution mods.</div><br><br>If you want to achieve a solid 60FPS experience, overclock your hardware.<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Yuzu&nbsp;</span>-&nbsp;Right click the game and select "Open Mod Data Location" and extract the .zip there<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Ryujinx&nbsp;</span>-&nbsp;Right click the game and select "Open Mods Directory"&nbsp;and extract the .zip there<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Switch&nbsp;</span>- Convert it to IPS and put the files on&nbsp;atmosphere/exefs_patches/*MOD NAME*/xxx.ips<br><br>All the mods are free, but if you like my work, please consider supporting me. Have fun!<br><br>@Fl4sh_#9174<br>https://Ko-fi.com/Fl4sh9174<br> + + Other/Misc + Other/Misc + + + Brown Hair Zelda Skin + Cosmid + https://gamebanana.com/mods/550227 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/550227#PostsListModule + baedc32b8e3e2d60007bd2f2823805f9e3e92b4d + Mon, 21 Oct 2024 23:31:08 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6716e4dfb7ec2.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6716e2771cfa5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6716e2ac0d91b.jpg"/><br>Simply Apply to mods folder.<br><br>(Uses Hood Always Off Mod within the zip). + + Skins + Skins + + + Japanese Logo Overwrite + Nebroc + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549575 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549575#PostsListModule + 7e0bafbef2c95d06857e3e43a1077ff6c2fbe8de + Sat, 19 Oct 2024 09:45:39 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67137f8bd681c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67137f9528e98.jpg"/><br>This simple mod replaces the World Wide logo for Echoes of Wisdom with the japanese one.<br><br>Enjoy!<br> + + GUIs + GUIs + + + Echoes of Wisdom play as link save file + hashoomix + https://gamebanana.com/mods/548889 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/548889#PostsListModule + 91d4bca5dc38f8971f5294b13ff58a0f4a3f19f8 + Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:54:52 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670f0ed64671c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670f0eda7b4da.jpg"/><br>warning the save file doesn't have save.meta file<br><br>after loading the save file don't hard save cuz the game will crash let it auto save for safe + + Other/Misc + Other/Misc + + + Link over Swordfighter (with recolours!) + Dhruv20114341 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/546618 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/546618#PostsListModule + 317a1952d998e7546df6d0ccb4654e5b5baffec2 + Tue, 15 Oct 2024 05:42:04 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670d47cb9d0ce.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670d484921903.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670d489f1c56d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670d48e70ccea.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670d495077bb9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670d49a27d636.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670dfebab50d9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670dff0996f5c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670dff4dd0999.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670dff944ccd9.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Added recolours<br><p>Added in recolours for link, the colours are from links awakening and also i included the hood as an optinal for them</p><br><hr><br>Ok, took me a day, wasn't that hard, got link over swordfighter and that's it, I am sure someone could remove the weird blue effect on the sides but other than that its link, all aura is now removed thanks to&nbsp;<a class="MemberLink" href="https://gamebanana.com/members/2739690" data-id="member_2739690">KeatonTheBot</a>&nbsp;for flame removal and&nbsp;<a class="MemberLink" href="https://gamebanana.com/members/1237255" data-id="member_1237255">diegoforfun</a>&nbsp;for the blue glow removal, if you want to help in finding link and swordfighter zelda voice then sure, post the answer in the comments!<br><br>NOTE: DO NOT have this mod on at the start unless you want to play as some swordfighter zelda saving zelda, same for nulls body segment, it will show a weird swordfighter zelda so if you dont want that then i highly recommend disabling this mod during those segments<br><br> + + + + + + + + Skins + Skins + + + Ponytail for Disguise and Dress + Acht05 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/548605 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/548605#PostsListModule + 0cb4106d210b79420676cdde7d0c96734a92197b + Mon, 14 Oct 2024 17:59:27 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670d59ead19c9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670d59f07133b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670d59f08487a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670d59efe64b4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670d59fd27756.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670d59fcbf12e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670d59fd581b0.jpg"/><br>A simple mod that changes Zelda's hairstyle to a ponytail when she wears the disguise and her dress.<br><br>There's three downloads:<br><ul><li>One for the disguise outfit (I recommend you use the <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/546529">Hood Always Down</a> mod alongside it).</li><li>One that replaces the Customary Attire with the dress and ponytail.</li><li class="SelectedElement">One that replaces the Royal Travel Attire with the dress and ponytail.</li></ul><br>I imported the ponytail's bones to the models, so it's animated in all outfits too! Anyone's free to use these as a base for their own mods as long as I'm credited.<br><br>That should be all, hope you enjoy! + + + + Skins + Skins + + + Link Over SwordFighter (No AuraFX and Blue shader) + diegoforfun + https://gamebanana.com/mods/548397 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/548397#PostsListModule + 605ca0009eefb746d09c414546520f1b4003a4cb + Sun, 13 Oct 2024 17:53:25 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670c08cccb9da.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670c08d2c0468.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670c08d39e0b4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670c08d39fe61.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670c08d3c2204.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670c08d3d1c80.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670c08d3e9fe6.jpg"/><br>Made my version of Link over Swordfighter form but without any effects when you active it.<br>There is no aura, no smoke/fire particle, no blue shader over link and also over all weapons!<br>This way, you can swap from Zelda to Link like if he was a player option from the game, just pressing the button.<br><br>Get the Unlimited Swordfighter mod by <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/2739690">Keaton</a> <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/546103">here</a><br>Thanks to <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/2739690">Keatonthebot</a> who found out how to remove the aura effect via hex edit! + + Skins + Skins + + + The Legend of Smirks + Lord Bubbles + https://gamebanana.com/mods/547778 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/547778#PostsListModule + b5538992608cf0c2ede051306c5d342dfed33599 + Thu, 10 Oct 2024 23:56:11 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670b0cb81c178.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67086957dd7e9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6708693f37b1b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6708693e1beb5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6708693e5089b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6708693e6486b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670873065793c.jpg"/><br>This mod makes the player&nbsp;smirk&nbsp;(whether Link or Zelda), even during dramatic situations :))<br><br>There are 2 versions:<br><ul><li>the standard version just edits the mouth texture so that Zelda and Link are always smiling</li><li class="SelectedElement">the evil smirk version also changes the eye textures so that the eyebrows frown permanently (in all situations), which provides a more evil look (as shown below)</li></ul><br><img src="https://files.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670873065793c.jpg" width="45%"> + + + Skins + Skins + + + diff --git a/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=5486 b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=5486 new file mode 100644 index 000000000..4794d56e4 --- /dev/null +++ b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=5486 @@ -0,0 +1,258 @@ + + + + GameBanana - Animal Crossing: New Leaf + GameBanana - Animal Crossing: New Leaf + https://gamebanana.com/games/5486 + + + + https://images.gamebanana.com/static/img/favicon/favicon.ico + GameBanana - Animal Crossing: New Leaf + https://gamebanana.com/games/5486 + + + Curly from Mouthwashing over Lucky + Waddlephone + https://gamebanana.com/mods/552793 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/552793#PostsListModule + 2ac820580905d2b81d3cfb02886fc8fbc52c456b + Fri, 01 Nov 2024 16:37:54 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6725035540385.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6725036487983.jpg"/><br>I was looking at animal crossing videos and thought Lucky kind of looks like Curly so the next day i made this LOL<br>Only replaces the texture and the name as i don't know any code stuff. I know the personality doesn't match but I still think it's funny.<br><br>I don't know how installing this in 3ds works but in Citra you just have to paste the stuff into the romfs folder in modding. + + Villagers + Skins + + + Mabel Is No Longer Homophobic + Tethys_Saturnalia + https://gamebanana.com/mods/550977 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/550977#PostsListModule + a20df9e1774ccb8df04281c9006c40b523b8b58a + Fri, 25 Oct 2024 15:52:43 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671bbbec6790a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671bbe82ab2ee.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671bbe82bbacd.jpg"/><br>This mod slightly alters Mabel's dialogue so she no longer comments on the player buying clothing intended for the opposite sex.<br><br>When I figured out how to mod dialogue in ACNL, my first thought was to get rid of this awkward-ass dialogue. You are now free to buy whatever you want without the hedgehog judging you.<br><br>The nitty gritty:<br><br>- The lines asking male players if they're buying a present when looking at a skirt or dress have been replaced with some of Mabel's other lines for looking at an item.<br><br>- The lines commenting on male players being adventurous or how an item is intended for females when trying on skirts or dresses have been replaced in the same fashion.<br><br>- "Oh, talk about boyish and cute!" for female players has been cut down to "Oh, talk about cute!"*<br><br>*I had a bit of a hard time testing this one, because I don't know what items will make Mabel trigger the "wrong gender" lines for female players. If you encounter this line, please let me know what item it was, and if there was anything unusual about her dialogue, like misplaced line breaks or not asking for confirmation before purchase.<br><br>Extra details:<br><br>- English language only - I can read enough to know she's still judging you in Spanish and French, but I do not speak enough to fix it.<br>- Built and tested on NA Welcome amiibo. Other versions' compatibility unknown.<br>- Tested on hardware (Luma) and Citra. Should work the same on both.<br>- This only changes the file relating to Mabel's dialogue inside Able Sisters. Therefore, compatibility with other mods should be pretty good, if not perfect.<br>- Yes, the dialogue's going to get a little repetitive. Sorry.<br> + + Other/Misc + Game files + + + [For iloveanimalcrossing] Oops All Cherry Blossoms + Tethys_Saturnalia + https://gamebanana.com/mods/550910 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/550910#PostsListModule + 15a68bef96e2ea065eae5fbafdf581a34a0eaaf4 + Fri, 25 Oct 2024 09:07:46 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671b5d8736e5e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671b5ebd17345.jpg"/><br>This is a code patch created for the user <a class="MemberLink" href="https://gamebanana.com/members/3341506" data-id="member_3341506">iloveanimalcrossing</a>, who requested year-round cherry blossom trees. This patch was made with <a href="https://github.com/Slattz/ACNL_REditor/releases" class="SelectedElement" target="_blank">ACNL REditor</a>.<br><br>There are two versions - cherryblossom.zip contains a version with Always Have Cherry Blossom Trees and Always Have Cherry Blossoms in Sky, while no-falling-petals.zip has only the trees, not the sky petals. No other settings are enabled.<br><br>!! NA Welcome amiibo version only !!<br><br>I've used this program many times and never had any issues, but if something isn't working, please let me know and I'll have another look.<br> + + + Other/Misc + Game files + + + Black New Hero Wig + Robocami + https://gamebanana.com/mods/550066 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/550066#PostsListModule + 14048d21f2353df406294da194c19e9355826a95 + Mon, 21 Oct 2024 03:51:39 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6715cf3a3e78f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6715cf3a3f51a.jpg"/><br>Recolor mod for <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/1761993">obsidiansunday</a><br>Replaces the new hero wig + + Clothes + Skins + + + Sasha + spicyBeefu + https://gamebanana.com/mods/541083 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/541083#PostsListModule + f333067e0f6d0664b464090e91efccebc2eeb662 + Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:47:11 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66de442a8460c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66de442f808f3.jpg"/><br>Finished port of Sasha to AC:NL! If you notice anything that seems off, please lmk in Twitter DMs.<br>Furniture was fairly half-assed because I didn't want to spend more than 2 full days making this. If anyone wants to make changes I'll gladly update the file if it's better!<br><br>Replaces Gaston (rbt04), changes motto, catchphrase, house exterior, interior, style tastes, portrait, personality, just about anything I could get at with the limited documentation. I don't play New Leaf much right now so I've been unable to test thoroughly outside of making sure the house and talking doesn't crash, use at your own risk!<br><br>Should crash your game without NL version 1.5 update, so make sure you get that first b4 loading mods.<br>Tested on USA copy of the game, not certain about other region compatibility. Gaston amiibo card will get them into your town easily! Save editors might not put correct furniture in the house.<br><br>For anyone else making custom villagers, I've filled out a bunch of unknown variables in the 010 Editor template file you can find in the tutorials. I bundled my edited one in here with Sasha. Apologies in advance if any errors.<br><br>See installation instructions for game mods for Emulator or real 3DS on google! + + Villagers + Skins + + + Powerpuff Girls + KandyKat77 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/533812 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/533812#PostsListModule + 50eb70d93189acbd343274931b0e98cf45c0c032 + Thu, 29 Aug 2024 17:43:42 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b3a0f1ac47b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b3a0deec316.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b3a0df09ca1.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b3a0df21484.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> <br><em>Adjustment</em>: Changed the eye outlines to be a little more purple<br><hr><br>Hey ya'll I'm back again with a new custom villager...s?<br><br>Yep, you guys get three this time!<br><br><a class="MemberLink" href="https://gamebanana.com/members/1908106" data-id="member_1908106">MidnightErosion</a> requested these three awhile ago, and I finally finished them today!<br><br>So, who do they all replace?<br><br>Bloss replaces Kitty<br><br>Bubs replaces Carmen<br><br>Last, but not least,<br><br>Butters replaces Canberra!<br> + + + Villagers + Skins + + + New Leaf but with New Horizons soundtrack + Ocleg + https://gamebanana.com/mods/538536 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/538536#PostsListModule + cfdd7480d9d86bece40a30ebd8fba6b66780e8f7 + Wed, 28 Aug 2024 19:15:13 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66cf70038a0f7.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66cf7006c6015.jpg"/><br><b>Ever wondered what New Leaf would sound like with New Horizon's OST?</b><br><br>Then look no further than this mod!<br><br>This mod is extremely basic and only replaces the games OST with the New Horizons soundtrack (Hourly themes and some building themes, such as the town hall). + + Game files + Game files + + + Pack 1 indoor ACNH (3DS) + Relito23_XD + https://gamebanana.com/mods/538126 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/538126#PostsListModule + 52aca8a2a574f470eb766091e82e6d1f4dd0bc4e + Mon, 26 Aug 2024 16:07:00 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66cca77d6cc2d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66cca784c64b2.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66cca78b23176.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66cca79190d8b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66cca799f1559.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66cca79a8ffd4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66cca7a201f14.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66cca7b9e35fe.jpg"/><br><b>-</b> + + Maps + Maps + + + Sito ACNH (3DS) + Relito23_XD + https://gamebanana.com/mods/538124 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/538124#PostsListModule + 79f00097f4b2e0f74bb27b7205e3817768f34199 + Mon, 26 Aug 2024 15:38:00 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66cca14b7efa0.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66cca15664f39.jpg"/><br><b>-</b> + + Skins + Skins + + + DJ K.K (3DS) + Relito23_XD + https://gamebanana.com/mods/537907 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/537907#PostsListModule + 228a036c4d7d10062d1fb7e0dcdd216f619c0234 + Sun, 25 Aug 2024 17:38:43 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66cb6c07d36d3.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66cb6c0b8a9dc.jpg"/><br><b>-</b> + + Skins + Skins + + + K.K ACNH (3DS) + Relito23_XD + https://gamebanana.com/mods/536905 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/536905#PostsListModule + a9c05bde9d66689de07f3ebf9f37606283f307be + Wed, 21 Aug 2024 11:22:27 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c5cdd4739a5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c5cdd84dd7b.jpg"/><br><b>.</b> + + Skins + Skins + + + CJ ACNH (3DS) + Relito23_XD + https://gamebanana.com/mods/536898 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/536898#PostsListModule + 618af47caf1c563c7103877ea28bfddafaf92cbf + Wed, 21 Aug 2024 09:19:35 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c5b11c7c847.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c5b11fb51c2.jpg"/><br><b>.</b> + + Skins + Skins + + + Al ACNH (3DS) + Relito23_XD + https://gamebanana.com/mods/534892 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/534892#PostsListModule + a746858afc70dad3114431f2b42c382f2f67d8a0 + Mon, 12 Aug 2024 09:19:20 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b9d359524ec.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b9d37322bc1.jpg"/><br><b>.</b> + + Skins + Skins + + + Candrés ACNH (3DS) + Relito23_XD + https://gamebanana.com/mods/534219 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/534219#PostsListModule + b2c03019f6e4c8091f20c86c97266e5482bccd35 + Fri, 09 Aug 2024 09:52:48 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b5e6d08a922.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b5e6d4ec284.jpg"/><br><b>.</b> + + Skins + Skins + + + Loading screen ACNH (3DS) + Relito23_XD + https://gamebanana.com/mods/534201 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/534201#PostsListModule + 0fefae01c8932d2d4438d9c05589d1d6b80e4c73 + Fri, 09 Aug 2024 08:01:44 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b5c499d7bc5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b5cd9648ad4.jpg"/><br><b>.</b> + + GUIs + GUIs + + + Rosita ACNH (3DS) + Relito23_XD + https://gamebanana.com/mods/534195 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/534195#PostsListModule + faf4798b2bde3d3a055706fbf1bfc70fdc97019c + Fri, 09 Aug 2024 06:59:15 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b5bdbba47dc.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b5be126e518.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b5be167e329.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b5be2110a1e.jpg"/><br><b>-</b> + + Skins + Skins + + + Paca ACNH (3DS) + Relito23_XD + https://gamebanana.com/mods/533508 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/533508#PostsListModule + 599810ef55fd77539087512bbdbefffc3ffe2f65 + Tue, 06 Aug 2024 11:59:49 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b2101fa4f92.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b2591d50550.jpg"/><br><b>-</b> + + Skins + Skins + + + -Dodo- Monkey Train ACNH (3DS) + Relito23_XD + https://gamebanana.com/mods/533006 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/533006#PostsListModule + 3b779449b5a41d8d6ea1ed54ff5fa30b03a8e81f + Sun, 04 Aug 2024 12:09:45 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66af6f7f3114b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b259e28071a.jpg"/><br>La compañia train<br><hr>• Monkey Train<br><hr>¿ Que es Monkey Train ?<br><hr>Monkey Train es una compañía organizada por Dodo Airplane para que los pasajeros viajen en tren a otros pueblos de otros jugadores.<br><hr><span class="SelectedElement">Como se puede observar en la imagen Dodo Airplane les proporciona a Monkey Train un gorro con su logo propio y su ropa de trabajo.</span><br><br> + + Skins + Skins + + + Marilín ACNH (3DS) + Relito23_XD + https://gamebanana.com/mods/532589 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/532589#PostsListModule + 0ed18c11c4ade292508cf00105b53942e9526473 + Fri, 02 Aug 2024 19:16:16 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ad30714b9ac.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b25966ca006.jpg"/><br><span class="SelectedElement">La peluquería de Marilín&nbsp;<hr>• Marilín&nbsp;<br><hr>¿ Marilín cambia de look ?<br><hr>Marilín regresa de sus vacaciones de New horizont, pero no viene a su tienda con su ropa normal.<br><hr>Desde que Fauno le a prestado algunas de sus prendas a ella , parece que le han encantado y regresa a su tienda de new leaf con esta ropa.&nbsp;</span> + + Skins + Skins + + + Tom Nook ACNH (3DS) + Relito23_XD + https://gamebanana.com/mods/532576 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/532576#PostsListModule + e30caad47b4c732471df28796ba508ad7eca205a + Fri, 02 Aug 2024 18:09:01 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b211ae3da29.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ad20b4548de.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b2599ca956f.jpg"/><br>El regreso&nbsp;<br><hr>• Tom Nook&nbsp;<br><hr>¿ El regreso ?<br><hr>Tom Nook regreso a new leaf para que gastes la última baya .<br><hr>Tom Nook regresa a ser parte de Inmobiliaria Nook mejor dicho ahora Happy Home Paradise, ahora el tendrá que trabaja para Happy home Paradise para venderte partes de la casa y cobrarte los impuestos.<br><br> + + + Skins + Skins + + + diff --git a/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=5866 b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=5866 new file mode 100644 index 000000000..5e948c696 --- /dev/null +++ b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=5866 @@ -0,0 +1,269 @@ + + + + GameBanana - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (WiiU) + GameBanana - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (WiiU) + https://gamebanana.com/games/5866 + + + + https://images.gamebanana.com/static/img/favicon/favicon.ico + GameBanana - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (WiiU) + https://gamebanana.com/games/5866 + + + Dragonborn Helmet for Link/le + PalioPolio + https://gamebanana.com/mods/555001 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/555001#PostsListModule + 68edc9c133ddcea01b4eabe06ee0d1a80c42d67f + Mon, 11 Nov 2024 11:34:54 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6731e8554c045.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6731e8d8efc18.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6731e8de516c7.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6731ea1d57369.jpg"/><br><h1><u><b>Description</b></u></h1>Celebrate Skyrim becoming a teenager by wearing this iconic helmet while slaying moblins! It fully supports Link and Linkle, with an option for users of <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/420394">Logical Braids</a> by sofiaharley. The helmet itself has stats on par with the Soldier's Helm but cannot (currently) be upgraded. If you've played through Skyrim with this helmet then you'll be used to it being quickly outpaced by all of your other equipment. <br><br><h2><b><u>Location:</u></b></h2><span class="Spoiler">On the Great Plateau, on the path up to Mount Hylia. The chest is partially buried in the ground.</span> + + Helmets + Skins + + + Frictionless Shield Surfing + Felix the Drunk + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554636 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554636#PostsListModule + 969ba2bf13e83b143416fbd62fb7ba45e990a751 + Sat, 09 Nov 2024 21:23:13 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672fd2b7ad548.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672fd2bc0daea.jpg"/><br>Shields have no surfing friction on any surface<br><br>Best paired with <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/49615">No Shield Damage from Surfing</a><br> + + Gameplay + Gameplay + + + Weak Ores + Felix the Drunk + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554625 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554625#PostsListModule + ba94689077a178e1dfce4f3cc188db4c9d9cea8d + Sat, 09 Nov 2024 20:13:52 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672fc22168f73.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672fc225aea73.jpg"/><br>Ores have 1 HP, and arrows can break them. Durability is still lost, however. + + Gameplay + Gameplay + + + That One Omori Music Mod + Cornelius Fingledoodle + https://gamebanana.com/mods/497113 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/497113#PostsListModule + f7c8fa42efa92d4964c18ba68b80a6663bfbc991 + Fri, 08 Nov 2024 22:34:08 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65d692b258f15.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65d692e7dff37.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> That One Omori Music Mod<br><em>Addition</em>: Changed the Zora's Domain music to the Underwater Highway music<br><em>Addition</em>: Changed the Gerudo Town music to the Orange Oasis music<br><hr><br>I had to cope after playing Omori somehow. There's a little surprise for if you kill a Guardian, however, so shoutout to dreamybull.<br>NOTE: PLAYING OMORI FIRST BEFORE GETTING THIS IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BUT NOT REQUIRED. IF YOU HAVEN'T PLAYED IT YET BUT WANT TO, DO NOT LOOK UP THE OMORI OST ON YOUTUBE. EVEN SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS THAT CAN SPOIL THE BIGGEST PART OF THE GAME.<br><br>SONGS CURRENTLY REPLACED<br>-------------------------------------------<br>Lost Woods - Pyrefly Forest<br>Korok Forest - See You In My Fantasy<br>Sheikah Tower - My Time<br>Guardian stalker music - Arachnophobia<br>Guardian stalker outro music- Ambasing<br>Hyrule Castle - Sweetheart's Castle<br>Castle Town - Dear Little Brother...<br>Shrine in the wilderness music - Trees...<br>Calamity Ganon (Phase 1) - OMORI<br>Calamity Ganon (Phase 2) - OMORI - ALTER<br>Temple of Time - Temple<br>Pulling Out the Master Sword - The Violin<br>House Music - A Home For Flowers (Tulip)/Basil's House<br>Gerudo Town - The Heart of the Desert<br>Zora's Domain - Underwater Highway + + Music Packs + Music Packs + + + Dragon Paraglider + HGStone + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554237 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554237#PostsListModule + 65d3ad87b9b423d0c0f035421bf3963bfc4b8604 + Fri, 08 Nov 2024 03:18:57 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672d82377c5c4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672d8306b5109.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672e7c31378a0.jpg"/><br>A re-texture of the paraglider featuring a dragon designed by my kid.<br><br> + + Paraglider + Skins + + + Heroic Wild Armor + LEGOismyNAMO + https://gamebanana.com/mods/492047 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/492047#PostsListModule + 036c3dc609d6b15c5f030a8e7e469a567b81e55e + Mon, 04 Nov 2024 05:33:00 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65da32c71d6b6.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65b1a0c4dab5b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65d99af9b03ab.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65b208a57039b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65b208a5ac031.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65b208a5a96f8.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65b209bb30524.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65d991eb803c5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65d998bf0a5b5.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Heroic Wild Armor (Default Texture Size)<br><em>Change</em>: This version V1.0.4_default replaces V1.0.3a because it had physics issues with the tunic. This version should fix those issues. V1.0.3 is still a working version with larger textures<br><hr><br>This mod replaces the default wild armor with something that looks a bit more heroic. This is my first mod and it took a while to figure it all out so I hope you enjoy it. <br><br>I created all new textures,  normal map(stitching on the pants was a pain!!), mip-map tweaks, some models from the game and some of my own. I'm really happy with how it turned out! This was a fun project!! <br><br>Credits:<br>I pulled the left Pauldron from Rixter's great "Champion's Tunic" armor mod who got it from someone named Skilar. <br><br>Note:<br>I used a large texture for the tunic so it will take a few seconds to appear at the dye shop. If you struggle with the larger textures I have added a smaller texture version (smaller = original texture size)<br> + + + Armor + Skins + + + Bonfire: A Dark Fantasy Pack + Graewyn + https://gamebanana.com/mods/551594 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/551594#PostsListModule + 77053c58a5494502d015dc8ec40975347d11697f + Sun, 03 Nov 2024 17:12:27 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671e94c47be12.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6727ab11db721.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6727ab11a6a99.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6727ab1200e5f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6727ab11bb561.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67279101ac0a0.jpg"/><br><i><span class="RedColor">Welcome to the bonfire, Unkindled Ones</span><br></i><br><h1><span class="GreenColor">Introduction</span></h1>Bonfire: A dark fantasy pack, aims to add a touch of (mostly) Soulsborne to Breath of the Wild.<br><br>The mod will release several more waves (slowly) in the future, so stay tuned for further releases!<br><br><h1><span class="GreenColor"><b>What's included</b></span></h1><ul><li class="SelectedElement">A new shop at the entrance ruins of the Lost Woods.<br></li><li>Two-Handed Weapons - 4</li><li>One-Handed Weapons - 1</li></ul><br>More to come in future updates<br><br><h1><span class="GreenColor">FAQ</span></h1><ul><li><span class="RedColor">When will the next wave be released?</span><br>When it is ready.</li><li><span class="RedColor">Will a Switch / TotK version also be made?</span><br>Yes, eventually.</li><li><span class="RedColor">Can I request a weapon to be made?</span><br>As this is a little pet project, there are no plans to take requests. But rest assured, there's plenty to come.</li><li><span class="RedColor">Are all weapons custom made or ported?</span><br>All weapons are custom made, and <i>only</i> custom made items will be added.</li><li><span class="RedColor">Can you praise the sun?</span><br>\o/</li></ul> + + + Skins + Skins + + + Heroic Wild Armor (Standalone) + Little Zelda guy + https://gamebanana.com/mods/552830 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/552830#PostsListModule + 0a6f187bb1f5b411aa51e79797ae4fdcf4d2a2e8 + Fri, 01 Nov 2024 19:12:18 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67252887bef4c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6725288e808e1.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6725288e9089d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6725288fb573b.jpg"/><br>This is a port for <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/492047">this armor</a> mod but as a standalone armor, that you can find around Akkala Citadel in 3 separate chests. + + Sets + Skins + + + Sword of Olympus + Little Zelda guy + https://gamebanana.com/mods/552765 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/552765#PostsListModule + 8e09a934d828c5fe320d31985c5baaa8b11dd4ef + Fri, 01 Nov 2024 13:56:03 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6724dd8a60d1b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6724dd995e48d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6724dde670eec.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6724ddeba34c8.jpg"/><br>The Sword of Olympus from GoW: Ragnarock.<br><br>You can find it near the Mother Godess statue in the Forgotten Temple.<br><br>Model gotten from here: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/god-of-war-ragnarock-blade-of-olympus-639cf6d88a9247138acc3d0e19583fa2 + + Swords + Skins + + + Linkle - Wild Set Shorts + PalioPolio + https://gamebanana.com/mods/552166 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/552166#PostsListModule + 049bc1150becb8d0a5b033c3d6bf366fbaf3b592 + Wed, 30 Oct 2024 05:10:30 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6721be4c90b68.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6721bfa77be68.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6721bfa7ed2b2.jpg"/><br><u><b>Wild Set Shorts for Linkle</b></u><br><br><br>This mod was made to fulfill <a href="https://gamebanana.com/requests/66355">this request</a>. It simply replaces the bikini-style underwear that was present on the Trousers of the Wild with her shorts from the Hylian Set. I also made a new icon for them to match the change, in the same resolution as <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/2164950">Benna96</a>'s HD Icons. This mod alone does not change or fix other issues present in the Wild Set (Set of the Wild?), I already made a <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/416503">separate mod for that</a>. + + Linkle + Skins + + + Archaic Set + Chalmoro Azohen + https://gamebanana.com/mods/539090 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/539090#PostsListModule + 5261e41beb72f01a00e01ca69798dd826772a54f + Wed, 30 Oct 2024 03:08:18 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d2bd597616a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d2bd6762967.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d2bd676b703.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d41200ce554.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Finally Fixed<br><p>Thanks to jesco on Discord, I looked back at the textures and found a profound issue. I believe the Warm Greaves have been reading the wrong textures this whole time. All connections should be restored. New BCML and UKMM versions have been uploaded.</p><br><em>Bugfix</em>: Fixed the Archaic Warm Greaves textures<br><hr><br>From <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/471343">KB0MB's Tears of the Kingdom mod</a>, I present the Archaic Tunic, Legwear, and Warm Greaves from Tears of the Kingdom!<br><br>I've made a few edits, however.<br><ul><li>I changed their locations. They're placed in spots reminiscent of their native game: the Archaic Legwear is <span class="Spoiler SelectedElement">in the Shrine of Resurrection (compared to their position in the Cave of Awakening)</span>, the Archaic Tunic is <span class="Spoiler">by the Ja Baij Shrine (by the combat-related power Shrine, like its position close to the Fuse Shrine)</span>, and the Archaic Warm Greaves are <span class="Spoiler">behind the Mount Hylia waterfall</span>. I've spoilered the locations for anyone who wants to find them without hints, but feel free to check if you just want to find them easily.</li><li>Rauru's arm is built into the Archaic Tunic, something that isn't the case in the original game and KB0MB's mod. Perfect for those who only want it with these. If people ask in the comments to have an option without the Rauru arm (ie. with Link's original arm), I suppose I can do that.</li><li>The last significant change I made is that there's an option in the BNP for whether you want to stay true to <i>Tears of the Kingdom</i> and not upgrade the Archaic Set, or if you want to be able to upgrade it.</li></ul>Oh, and note that long hair is not included. Sorry 'bout that. Other mods exist for that, though, no need to reinvent the wheel.<br><br>Many thanks to KB0MB for teaching me how to merge the arm on and allowing me to post this.<br><br>If there's any issues, just let me know in the comments and I'll take a look. + + + Armor + Skins + + + Black Plague Doctor Armor and Staff + Little Zelda guy + https://gamebanana.com/mods/551603 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/551603#PostsListModule + 173334b2eaee424f512ffa84b34c22e8683bcebf + Sun, 27 Oct 2024 19:58:50 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671e9b3d8d735.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671e9b5866797.jpg"/><br>Just in time for Halloween, enjoy this weird and creepy looking Black Plague Doctor suit for Link!<br><br>All the items will appear inside a new special Black Plague Chest.<br><br>Check the video for the location of the items!<br> + + Mod Packs + Mod Packs + + + Linkle Armor Mannequin Fix + ZKW121 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/550699 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/550699#PostsListModule + b62d6a6ead29724b3ec2b135072ae1eb1fb44d9e + Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:29:55 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671a3d0f451e2.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671a3d16591fb.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671a3d1be6779.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671a3d256c648.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671a3d2c70344.jpg"/><br>This mod replaces the armor stands with Linkle's armor models.<br _mstmutation="1">Applicable to Linkle 3.0.<br>Please report any bugs you encounter and I will fix them next time. + + Armor + Skins + + + Assassin's Shield (Standalone) + obsidiansunday + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549768 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549768#PostsListModule + b2e3eef9729537643081aafd4a2a3f06f9cd991e + Mon, 21 Oct 2024 19:36:50 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671443d9bb7e4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671443e104ae1.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671443ea4166f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671443f32ad81.jpg"/><br>An ancient Assassin traveled to the lands of Hyrule long ago, and during his travels he left this shield. It's a rather rare find.&nbsp;<br><br>This is a retexture of the knights shield made to look like a decorative shield for an Assassin.&nbsp;<br><br>It can be purchased from Ancient Oven Cherry.<br> + + Shields + Skins + + + Ezio Auditore's Outfit (Assassin's Creed 2) + obsidiansunday + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549770 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549770#PostsListModule + 50686720cab7ab66a558739083338c6c9e4241b2 + Mon, 21 Oct 2024 19:28:03 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67143bd7ad28f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67143c1a56f2d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67143c58de529.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67143c6480b34.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67143ccbcf835.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67143cd294d19.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67143cd411bee.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6714939b453c7.jpg"/><br>Long ago, an ancient Assassin named Ezio Auditore traveled to the land of Hyrule. No one knows exactly what made him journey here, but he left these mysterious garbs across the lands during his travels.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br>Ezio left the three pieces of his armor in three places of great altitude. Search the highest places in hyrule to find them.&nbsp;<br><br>If you cannot find them, a piece is <span class="Spoiler">located in Akkala Citadel, next to the tower.</span> One is <span class="Spoiler SelectedElement">located on the ledges leading up dueling peaks, on the inside on the south mountain.</span> The last piece is <span class="Spoiler">located atop Hebra Mountain.&nbsp;</span><br><br>The set can also be purchased from Ancient Oven Cherry + + Sets + Skins + + + Blade of Demise + Little Zelda guy + https://gamebanana.com/mods/546970 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/546970#PostsListModule + 408b748e2c3cf5e715431a9107419073af58a79d + Mon, 21 Oct 2024 09:10:16 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6702b87147b27.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6702b87bdbc58.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6702b881b5b3a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6702b89766832.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> True Blade of Demise Update<br><em>Adjustment</em>: Made True Blade of Demise's handle bigger so Link can actually hold it<br><em>Optimization</em>: Removed unnecessary files so mod file size is smaller<br><hr><br>Blade of Demise from Skyward Sword made by <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/3744025">Little Zelda guy</a> and <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/3666821">ZKCRMD7</a>.<br><br>You can find it in a chest at the Spring of Power.<br> + + Swords + Skins + + + NPC Weapons + Little Zelda guy + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549432 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549432#PostsListModule + 11af831ccb4fc2a0b39e24febe9347f1830d72f2 + Fri, 18 Oct 2024 19:11:04 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6712af5743749.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6712afa85d641.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6712afa877d77.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6712afa87b3bf.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6712afa87869d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6712afa875b70.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6712afa8bf6f8.jpg"/><br>Various items and weapons from NPC around Hyrule can now be used as weapons by Link, made by <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/3744025">Little Zelda guy</a>!<br><br>Check the video to see the weapon's locations!<br><br>The Old Man's Lantern's original creator is <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/1704241">banan039</a>. + + Weapons + Skins + + + Deku from oot (Octarock) + Piranha K + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549197 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549197#PostsListModule + 88756347de66bc5657934352e51342cd8f35503d + Thu, 17 Oct 2024 17:32:07 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6711431117489.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6711431a91028.jpg"/><br><font _mstmutation="1" _msttexthash="58325007" _msthash="5914"> (Deutsch)<br _mstmutation="1" _istranslated="1"><br _mstmutation="1" _istranslated="1"> Hallo ich habe +gesehen, das jemand auf Gamebanana diese Mod haben möchte, und ich +fande diese Idee so cool, dass ich beschlossen hab diese Mod +umzusetzen. <br _mstmutation="1" _istranslated="1"><br _mstmutation="1" _istranslated="1"> <br _mstmutation="1" _istranslated="1"> <br _mstmutation="1" _istranslated="1"><br _mstmutation="1" _istranslated="1"><br _mstmutation="1" _istranslated="1"><br _mstmutation="1" _istranslated="1"> Hallo, das habe ich gesehen +Jemand auf Gamebanana möchte diesen Mod haben und ich dachte mir diese Idee +war so cool, dass ich mich entschlossen habe, diesen Mod zu implementieren.</font><br><br> + + + Enemy + Enemy + + + Ancient Horse DNA (horses warp regardless of gear) + aaron31121 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/432466 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/432466#PostsListModule + 859d9f03af8472d37847e31800ae467610df6d54 + Tue, 15 Oct 2024 16:22:19 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64128848229bf.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6412884ab29d7.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Add Switch BOTW support<br><p>Add .pchtxt file for Switch BOTW.</p><br><hr><br>Well, I got bored of <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/371538">riding my horse</a> through the desert.  From this boredom came crushing despair until I one day realized that <b>my boredom didn't stem from wasting too many hours of my life</b> playing BOTW!  Rather!  It was because I and my four-legged furry friends<b> lacked sufficient ability to express our tastes properly!</b><br><br>Like most of you, I and my four-legged friends have been limited to a single choice of horse gear....the Ancient gear.  I mean - after all - who wants to lose the convenience of being able to warp your horse to oneself from anywhere on the map?  But at the same time, the Ancient horse gear looks rather....tacky....to say the least!  How could you do this to us, Nintendo?<br><br>Well, in the end I expanded my very limited reverse engineering skills used to create <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/371538">Unauthorized Horse</a> and they - combined them with a boatload of caffeine (as in, the drug, not the program) and way too many late nights of staring at a wall of PowerPC assembly - finally figured out an ASM patch to make your horse capable of warping to you regardless of gear choice.<br><br>In the end I finally escaped Nintendo's forced-monotony and - erm - somewhat questionable ... style choices.  And so, despite their best efforts to the contrary, my trusty steed and I are back to traveling the land in style!<br><br>Hope you enjoy :-P + + + + Horse + Mounts + + + Beta + Royal Guard Champion's Tunics + Sonic Gamer + https://gamebanana.com/mods/531768 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/531768#PostsListModule + 06f05533846d5f10d8d879f234f6856a530dd15d + Mon, 14 Oct 2024 11:39:43 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66aac62e3a0ad.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670d0237b9c13.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670d02397371b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67058b34b7333.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c920f63f0c0.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b5454b55017.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b4c437bf41a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b545524d82f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66aac62e9b5bc.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66aac62f17d00.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b254986849d.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Better texture again lol<br><p>Got a bit better at sprite work and made the emblem much sharper as the previous update had it looking super curved and blurry. This makes it more clear and consistent with the texture in the footage.</p><br><hr><br><span class="SelectedElement">Edits the Champion's Tunic to look like the version seen in the E3 2014 trailer.</span><br><br>Also has a version that recolours the green sleeves of the Champion's Tunic to match the concept art shown in Master Works for Zelda Tears of the Kingdom.<br><br>I also made a Royal Guard recolour of the Champion's Tunic based on the Super Smash Bros Ultimate skin and saw there wasn't a Wii U version (until now).<br><br>For those wanting the Beta Champion's Tunic in Tears of the Kingdom, check out <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/545876">this awesome port</a> by <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/2608444">hulmerist</a>! + + + + + Armor + Skins + + + diff --git a/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=6386 b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=6386 new file mode 100644 index 000000000..16bcb0ccf --- /dev/null +++ b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=6386 @@ -0,0 +1,260 @@ + + + + GameBanana - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch) + GameBanana - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch) + https://gamebanana.com/games/6386 + + + + https://images.gamebanana.com/static/img/favicon/favicon.ico + GameBanana - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch) + https://gamebanana.com/games/6386 + + + Dragon Paraglider + HGStone + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554238 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554238#PostsListModule + a225532677fc8af7ac156b85047861757a8ae575 + Fri, 08 Nov 2024 03:27:35 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672d85174dbf2.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672d8516d4b0a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672e7ddbef2df.jpg"/><br>A re-texture of the paraglider featuring a dragon designed by my kid.<br> + + Paraglider + Skins + + + Self-Lighting Lantern-SMALL + Logansam + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553987 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553987#PostsListModule + 7f114e633cc23efd18b89e5c38bea8adbda19545 + Wed, 06 Nov 2024 20:51:45 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672bd6b93b408.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672bd6bd20987.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672bd6c401aa7.jpg"/><br>This is a small version of this mod&nbsp;https://gamebanana.com/mods/167779&nbsp; by&nbsp;<a class="MemberLink" href="https://gamebanana.com/members/1524238" data-id="member_1524238">leeanderthal</a><a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/submissions/contributions/1524238" class="CreditsLink" aria-label="Contributions"><spriteicon class="SubnavigatorIcon ContributionsIcon"></spriteicon></a><div class="SelectedElement">and in .bnp format, i just edit parameters and localization to match hand.</div> + + Weapons + Skins + + + Legendary Master-Cycle (code: WOLF) + Logansam + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553940 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553940#PostsListModule + 8803400b40708452544dce7c13ce8a2615b17084 + Wed, 06 Nov 2024 16:09:50 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b94af27c14.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b94b34dcee.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b94b72a0eb.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b94bb558c4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b94bf8f6ab.jpg"/><br>Legendary Master-Cycle (code: WOLF)<br><br><b>*<span class="RedColor">THIS MOD REQIRES&nbsp;<font color="#6ee16c">MASTER-CYCLE</font></span>*</b><br><br>This mod will replace the default Master-Cycle, and replace it with the original Master-Cycle design (code: WOLF)<br><font><font color="#6ee16c">CHEERS, AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!&nbsp;</font></font>from,&nbsp;<span class="RedColor">SOCKPOPPET&nbsp;</span><span class="RedColor">MODS</span><br><br>This mod is inspired by a bounty/request:&nbsp;<a href="https://gamebanana.com/requests/16648">https://gamebanana.com/requests/16648</a><br>Bounty posted by:&nbsp;<a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/1754235" class="MemberLink">kenton0910</a><br><br>Modifications:<br>-Added vertices&nbsp;to the 3D model<br>-Modified 3d models<br>-Modified textures<br>Modified UV maps + + Motorcycle + Game files + + + Betters Inn + Logansam + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553937 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553937#PostsListModule + ee2549038c734a22292bdde2caa3204d0d4d0345 + Wed, 06 Nov 2024 15:58:35 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b9218e47e0.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b921e0a71a.jpg"/><br><ul><li>Better Inn Perks (More stamina and extra hearts from inns).</li><li>From&nbsp;<a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/49532"><b>Hyrule Rebalance</b></a>&nbsp;Project</li></ul> + + Other/Misc + Game files + + + Better Drops + Logansam + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553935 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553935#PostsListModule + bfdcaa003f687dd9240b37b67fb43de9659f45ff + Wed, 06 Nov 2024 15:53:10 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b90c85218f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b90d597a9e.jpg"/><br>This is a very simple and effective mod, it will add custom better drops for Wooden Boxes, Iron Boxes, Barrels, Old Barrels and Pots.<br><br><span class="GreenColor">*Wooden Boxes will randomly drop raw food, insects, fishes and weapons</span><br><br><span class="GreenColor">*Irox Boxes will randomly drop roasted food, insects, and arrows (including elemental arrows and very low probability of dropping single ancient arrow)</span><br><br><span class="GreenColor">*Barrels will drop fresh food like milk, eggs, butter</span><br><br><span class="GreenColor">*Old Barrels will drop regular arrows</span><br><br><span class="GreenColor">*Pots will drops rupees.</span><br><br>This Mod is already included as a selectable option in&nbsp;<a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/343366">Dark Army Resurrection</a>.<br><br><span class="GreenColor"><b>ENJOY</b></span> + + Other/Misc + Game files + + + Depth of Field Mod (DOF) + Logansam + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553934 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553934#PostsListModule + 03878e67d64b3b796ccab18e0b26d51323759fa4 + Wed, 06 Nov 2024 15:49:03 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b8fcc0a953.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b8fd0d9893.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b8fd63156e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b8fda69d15.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b8fde3f283.jpg"/><br><b><i>PROJECT HYRULE</i></b><br><br>Presents:&nbsp;<b>DEPTH OF FIELD</b><br><br>This mod adds/enhances Depth of Field to the game. DOF is an effect in games that gives the illusion of depth to a landscape on your screen. (Blurriness in the background) Enjoy!!! + + Camera + Game files + + + Better Blights + heavenseyes + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553439 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553439#PostsListModule + 00c1bd6e498d3f08eba755a2851386886192ac96 + Mon, 04 Nov 2024 01:58:46 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6728291451d6c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6728293d13c52.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6728293d15e5f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672829911132b.jpg"/><br>Altered appereance of all 4 blights. Watch video for details + + Enemies + Skins + + + Angel Wings + heavenseyes + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553435 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553435#PostsListModule + 4efe2296c53856a0b3a2cc89e2c2d5f8ddbb9c6f + Mon, 04 Nov 2024 01:48:15 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672827c1e7176.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672826fd05c5b.jpg"/><br>Changes paraglider to pair of angel wings + + Paraglider + Skins + + + Stalduga + heavenseyes + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553430 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553430#PostsListModule + 6e7b329e998117d0b8f6dda72af6ecb8aa7f8ac5 + Mon, 04 Nov 2024 01:38:56 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6728251d3d5f9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6728251d27f18.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6728251d3e09e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6728255745ead.jpg"/><br>Whenever Modluga or Molduking is killed, it will spawn a Dark Stalduga - skeletal version of the monster. Has 3x more hp than regular Molduga.<br> + + Enemies + Skins + + + Stalhorse over Giant Horse + XModxGodX + https://gamebanana.com/mods/551916 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/551916#PostsListModule + 218fc37f7563e6eb27106c8b7e39e6c4a526901b + Tue, 29 Oct 2024 03:28:44 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672055f182427.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672055f890a74.jpg"/><br>A port of the 4th option of <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/168093">this mod.</a> Don't really feel like porting the others or the optional effect. Recommended pairing it with <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/432466">this mod as well.</a> <br>Note the stats screen says it has no stamina but it is has Satori level stamina. Have no idea what will happen if carried over to TotK so use with caution. + + Horses + Skins + + + Breath of the Waaaahld Improved Edition + XModxGodX + https://gamebanana.com/mods/439981 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/439981#PostsListModule + deb0cc79bbb418cc856d609fdac331dc97856130 + Tue, 29 Oct 2024 03:01:05 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ac8c368462d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ac8c4af3b56.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ac8c5ba749b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c159323356e.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Gloves and Title Screen<br><em>Addition</em>: Ported the title screen images from the original Wii U version<br><em>Adjustment</em>: Added his emblem to his gloves<br><em>Adjustment</em>: Gave him proper Tangents and Bittangents<br><hr><br>Basically the old Waluigi mod but with: <br>-Improved texture quality. (no joke this IS Waluigi's Smash 4 model but the compression of the textures on the original would make you think otherwise)<br>-Link's textures are kept in tact meaning Armor doesn't look as weird. (Outside of helmets and the like)<br>-Waluigi doesn't turn red in cold weather now<br>-Link's default belt there but invisible (without it some clothes like the champion tunic was awkwardly cut in half)<br>-The original switch port had an oddly textured paraglider included for some reason this was removed<br>Note: due to my lack of interest in the Wii U version I have no intention of backporting it again feel free to do it yourself though. + + + + + + + Link + Skins + + + Berserker Armor + heavenseyes + https://gamebanana.com/mods/550673 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/550673#PostsListModule + 6b79ac8e4de0a18b5dd05f6cf094352ef8371a68 + Thu, 24 Oct 2024 06:18:23 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6719e6a638227.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6719e6ab15f3e.jpg"/><br><span class="SelectedElement">Berserker armor  tribute to  <a jsname="UWckNb" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kentaro_Miura" data-ved="2ahUKEwjMqPrmraaJAxVbADQIHZ7OBWgQFnoECBQQAQ" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kentaro_Miura&ved=2ahUKEwjMqPrmraaJAxVbADQIHZ7OBWgQFnoECBQQAQ" target="_blank"><h3 class="LC20lb MBeuO DKV0Md">Kentaro Miura</h3></a>Comes with fully functional cape and helmet. Its independent armor, it doesn't replace any armor in game. Armor can be found in chests inside Katosa Aug Shrine.</span><br><br> + + Armor + Skins + + + Madara Armor + heavenseyes + https://gamebanana.com/mods/550664 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/550664#PostsListModule + 43afa43f9d8f9ccedf4d63ae8ad1a52864e8ea9c + Thu, 24 Oct 2024 04:53:29 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6719d021dc3c9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6719d0218c344.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6719d021d5f2a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6719d021e202f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6719d021d8fb1.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6719d021d70e7.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6719d021f02fb.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6719d021ef949.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6719d021c26d0.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6719d021e67d8.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6719d021c9266.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6719d021cc33d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6719d021e5ffd.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6719d021c9376.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6719d021e5c15.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6719d021c48fa.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6719d021d928f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6719d021c560d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6719d76641059.jpg"/><br>Dyeable, buy it in ancient oven cherry. Comes with gunbai, which shoots fire. All models are from Jump Force! <br><br>psst the best model of the Armor is the  original color when u first buy it before dyeing it  but u can always dye it back to original cooler! in the last pic lmk if you u want a version which changes the color from black to a more gray look + + Armor + Game files + + + Ezio Auditore's Outfit (Assassin's Creed 2) + heavenseyes + https://gamebanana.com/mods/550461 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/550461#PostsListModule + 8eef9b3dced694e24a33b4ce8c100e5884677227 + Wed, 23 Oct 2024 03:47:59 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/671874b76eda2.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67186f9f2ecd1.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67186f9ea320c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67186f9f115f0.jpg"/><br>Long ago, an ancient Assassin named Ezio Auditore traveled to the land of Hyrule. No one knows exactly what made him journey here, but he left these mysterious garbs across the lands during his travels.  <br><br>Ezio left the three pieces of his armor in three places of great altitude. Search the highest places in hyrule to find them. <br><br>If you cannot find them, a piece is <span class="Spoiler">located in Akkala Citadel, next to the tower.</span> One is <span class="Spoiler SelectedElement">located on the ledges leading up dueling peaks, on the inside on the south mountain.</span> The last piece is <span class="Spoiler">located atop Hebra Mountain. </span><br> + + Armor + Game files + + + Champion's Tunic totk + Logansam + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549411 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549411#PostsListModule + 0cead19ba688ba5f8efebcb9d6c23ea4fc53d6b3 + Fri, 18 Oct 2024 17:05:43 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6712955002835.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6712955585f09.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67129559c246c.jpg"/><br>This is just a simple change edit. the&nbsp;Champion's Tunic totk over&nbsp;Champion's Tunic Botw,<br>Enjoy, this item is given by impa in kakariko town.... + + Armor + Game files + + + Bigger Moon Smaller Sun + Logansam + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549237 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549237#PostsListModule + 5320fafd261e8dc196a052f07152fef5855eaf0a + Thu, 17 Oct 2024 21:17:02 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67117ea795534.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67117ead9fb18.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67117eb2711bd.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67117ebbf1d76.jpg"/><br>As the title says this mod simply rescale dimensions of Moon and Sun.<br>Moon is gonna be bigger while Sun becomes smaller.<br><br>MOD by&nbsp;<a class="MemberLink" href="https://gamebanana.com/members/1783085" data-id="member_1783085">miirkuz</a><a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/submissions/contributions/1783085" class="CreditsLink" aria-label="Contributions"><spriteicon class="SubnavigatorIcon ContributionsIcon"></spriteicon></a> + + Other/Misc + Effects + + + King's Lantern as a weapon + Logansam + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549236 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549236#PostsListModule + b3d9d75c5917405a3c15fc11a253f5776898cf3b + Thu, 17 Oct 2024 21:12:18 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67117d984f43a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67117d9dc9cac.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67117da114fe6.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67117da4cda9e.jpg"/><br>Old man's lantern, buy it in Giro (Faron Woods). Features:<br><ul><li>star fragment glow,</li><li>original textures and materials,</li><li>original blinking animations,</li><li>glows stronger during nights,</li><li>original sounds,</li><li>1:1 scale<br><br></li><li>MOD BY&nbsp;<a class="MemberLink" href="https://gamebanana.com/members/1704241" data-id="member_1704241">banan039</a><a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/submissions/contributions/1704241" class="CreditsLink" aria-label="Contributions"><spriteicon class="SubnavigatorIcon ContributionsIcon"></spriteicon></a></li><li class="SelectedElement">https://gamebanana.com/mods/299110 (Wiiu version)</li></ul><br><br> + + Weapons + Skins + + + Darker Nights & Brighter Lights + Logansam + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549228 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549228#PostsListModule + 74afb3ad872984441f60144d14fc024034a38da4 + Thu, 17 Oct 2024 20:49:27 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6711783750761.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6711783ca17f1.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67117840df0b8.jpg"/><br>Darker Nights & Brighter Lights is a stand alone mod from the Survival of the Wild project. For those that just want the graphical effects and not the whole mod project by <a class="MemberLink" href="https://gamebanana.com/members/1680793" data-id="member_1680793">Silentverge</a><a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/submissions/contributions/1680793" class="CreditsLink" aria-label="Contributions"><spriteicon class="SubnavigatorIcon ContributionsIcon"></spriteicon></a> <br><br>This was a challenge and I managed to get it working on the switch. Link has a lamp on his waist and long hair. oh and it has the  less darker black....<br> + + OverWorld/Field + Maps + + + Switch shirt Remake + Logansam + https://gamebanana.com/mods/548814 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/548814#PostsListModule + a8430079ae61541524bef83275c3d51ae52a4a82 + Tue, 15 Oct 2024 18:56:41 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670ebab65aba4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670ebabb9dd18.jpg"/><br>Redesigns the Switch Shirt to make it look more comfortable,<br><br>i edit this mod&nbsp;https://gamebanana.com/mods/340021 by&nbsp;<a class="MemberLink" href="https://gamebanana.com/members/1720121" data-id="member_1720121">Ghost1720121</a><a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/submissions/contributions/1720121" class="CreditsLink" aria-label="Contributions"><spriteicon class="SubnavigatorIcon ContributionsIcon"></spriteicon></a><div class="SelectedElement">and change colors and logo</div> + + Armor + Skins + + + Minimal, black Sheik's Mask + Logansam + https://gamebanana.com/mods/548806 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/548806#PostsListModule + c5e6574bfff6e0458145fdbe4cda0e41fd9d5aee + Tue, 15 Oct 2024 18:41:48 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670eb6fdd66f4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/670eb70225dc4.jpg"/><br><ul><li>This mod removes the upper part of the Sheik's Mask and changes its color to black<br>is a port from a TOTK MOD by&nbsp;<a class="MemberLink" href="https://gamebanana.com/members/3059492" data-id="member_3059492">SrLeorio</a><a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/submissions/contributions/3059492" class="CreditsLink" aria-label="Contributions"><spriteicon class="SubnavigatorIcon ContributionsIcon"></spriteicon></a></li><li>i just edit some files to match Botw version.</li></ul><br> + + Armor + Skins + + + diff --git a/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=7617 b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=7617 new file mode 100644 index 000000000..087466bc9 --- /dev/null +++ b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=7617 @@ -0,0 +1,273 @@ + + + + GameBanana - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom + GameBanana - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom + https://gamebanana.com/games/7617 + + + + https://images.gamebanana.com/static/img/favicon/favicon.ico + GameBanana - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom + https://gamebanana.com/games/7617 + + + Jump Good + Felix the Drunk + https://gamebanana.com/mods/555586 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/555586#PostsListModule + 3511ed8fad87c6b5d77e77f8bcdf770505f09ee4 + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 06:05:02 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673592893d77c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6735928cc0566.jpg"/><br>Jump height increased, sidehopping and backflipping extended.<br> + + Player + Effects + + + Ever Crisis Sephiroth + PotatoFried17 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/555580 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/555580#PostsListModule + a640fb8fc976b7be1276aeb8020161624b462406 + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 05:11:19 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673581e19ac87.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6735824125935.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67358281d273c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67358291d5b6f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673582cb0eece.jpg"/><br><b class="SelectedElement">Young Sephiroth's armour set and weapon from Final Fantasy Ever Crisis, everything costs 1000 poes, armour has physics, stats:</b><br><br><i>Armour Def: 20<br>- Heat resistance<br>- Speed up<br>- Attack up<br>- Doesn't slow down by sand<br><br>Weapon atk: 60<br>-Rush damage up<br>-Charge speed up<br>-Doesn't break</i><br><br><img src="https://files.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673582cb0eece.jpg"><br><b><span class="GreenColor">To get it go to Hylia Lake and buy it from the Moogle/Moguri, there's the exact location above.</span></b><br><br>If you want another of these young sephiroth sets let me know :)<br><br><b><u>Compatibility:</u></b><br>Made with 1.2.1, use tkmm.<br> + + Armor set + Models + + + Leonhart's Outfit & Sword + PotatoFried17 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/555201 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/555201#PostsListModule + 95d4421743dae8d7c002d8d8a1c34279b395efea + Tue, 12 Nov 2024 23:01:33 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6733dc1838809.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6733dc4dd676d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6733dc63999ae.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6733dc759b692.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6733dc870eb40.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Leonhart's gunblade<br><em>Addition</em>: Added the gunblade<br><hr><br><b>Almost we all played Final Fantasy so there's no need to introduce anything.</b><br><br>To get the armour and the gunblade go to the <span class="GreenColor"><b>oasis at the desert</b></span>, always forget the name, climb all the way to the <span class="GreenColor"><b>top of the watchtower</b></span> to find a cool Moguri, he sells the pieces <span class="GreenColor"><b>1000 poes each</b></span>, the stats are:<br><br><i>Def 20<br>Cold Resistance<br>Heat Resistance<br>Attack Up</i><br>&nbsp;<br><i class="SelectedElement">The gunblade also has 20 atk and works similar to the master sword, will shoot beams on throw even when not having full hp, these beams are stronger, smaller, faster, and with much more range, this doesn't edit the original Master Sword or it's beam at all.</i><br><br><b><u>Made with 1.2.1, use tkmm.</u></b><br><br>By the way, there is a request on this and other outfits, I won't make them all, I just wanted to make this and perhaps I'd do another one I have in aim but that's that, so anyone is still welcome to go and do it. + + Armor set + Models + + + North Lomei Labyrinth Armory, Standalone Weapons + heydo6 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/540941 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/540941#PostsListModule + 90083c1a7bb742c3835d381f929f9d9aa2417e00 + Sun, 10 Nov 2024 20:07:20 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ddb4850beac.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ddb79c84ea8.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ddb77814f67.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ddb78e2ff03.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ddba86f1c32.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ddaf40aec1a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66dda8ea19463.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ddb7c4104db.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ddaf238822b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ddaf0af14a7.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ddaee950315.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ddaef54be19.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ddba551b347.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ddaf182e568.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ddaf5f0bb26.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ddaf8a7d786.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ddba4a2be44.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ddba61869c6.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ddbaaf5825e.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> North Lomei Labyrinth Armory<br><p>Fix: Weapons near the entrance of the Labyrinth now respawn with a Bloodmoon.<br><br>Update also includes a couple small decoration add-ons. <br><br></p><br><hr><br>North Lomei Labyrinth Armory<br><br>Mod reworks North Lomei Labyrinth E-1<br><br>Twin Gerudo Scimitar (sword and shield)<br>Bow of Light (80hp long range)<br><br>There is a secret area above Mayaotaki Shrine which we've <br>stocked with nearly every weapon in the game. <br>Added about 20 extra treasure chests to the area<br>Added a drop table to the Ice Sickles on the ceiling <br>Added a few new enemies as well <br><br>Plenty new stuff to explore and Fortress of Solitude for Link to rest and restock<br><br>Notes:<br>This mod should be placed at <span class="GreenColor">higher priority</span> when used with Tkmm<br><br>Please post any feedback or problems in comments. <br>Mod was tested on Switch and Yuzu 1.2.1<br>Included <span class="GreenColor">tkcl info file</span> for easy installation with Tkmm<br><span class="GreenColor">Mod is for 1.2.1</span>, for other versions please use <a href="https://gamebanana.com/wips/81203">Tkmm<br><br> <br><span class="GreenColor SelectedElement">Thanks to TotK/BotW community for help/support/teaching</span><br><span class="RedColor">Special Thanks to everyone developing tools <3</span><br><span class="GreenColor">Thanks to Nintendo for making this all possible</span></a> + + + Overworld + Map + + + Closed Mouth + Lord Bubbles + https://gamebanana.com/mods/473069 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/473069#PostsListModule + ed93771a582db95ec0d7a43dfc6eb326168b8ecb + Sun, 10 Nov 2024 18:46:23 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6524a926b241b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65243ce7a41f3.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Fixed TKMM incompatibility<br><p>Fixed the incompatibility issue with TKMM, caused by the AnimationParam file being located outside of the actor pack.</p><p>This fix makes the old animation compatibility patches no longer functional, but it has been rendered obsolete because of TKMM.</p><br><hr><br>This mod consists of modifications to Link's default facial expression, to make it so his mouth is no longer constantly open.<br><br>It isn't done by modifying Link's face model, but by editing the animations instead, therefore&nbsp;this method&nbsp;avoids any potential issues.<br><br>It is compatible with every mod that edits Link's base model.<br><br>If you want to use this with other mods, please refer to the <a href="https://tkmm.org/docs">TKMM documentation</a>.<br><br><img src="https://files.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65243ce7a41f3.jpg"><br><br> + + Other/Misc + Other/Misc + + + Small QoL Droptable Mod 1.2.1 totk + heydo6 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/512466 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/512466#PostsListModule + e4f4f7ecf722dcc08f2063648eb5f964b6e4dcfb + Sun, 10 Nov 2024 04:17:26 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6712ee12ef966.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/663c5a4d84c76.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/663c5a7cc1c91.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/663c5b1ba9ec8.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6730272d9d392.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6730275289eb3.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67302769ce545.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673027a450e12.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673027b180517.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67302ce7e044f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67302e8dd1608.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67302e95a9d4f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67303238a4b05.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> QoL DropTable Mod<br><p>I've added many more rare and improved DropTables <br><br>Detailed list is below, Enjoy <span class="RedColor">&lt;3</span><br></p><br><hr><br>These Droptables were often overlooked in some large mods I've used<br>Tested on Yuzu and Switch console, hope you enjoy &lt;3<br><br>This Mod Is for <span class="GreenColor">1.2.1 Only</span><br>Please use <a href="https://tkmm.org/" target="_blank">Tkmm</a> for other versions<br><br><span class="GreenColor">RupeeRabbit</span> aka <span class="GreenColor">Blupee</span> now drop all Dragon parts<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Old Barrel</span> (No drop before) now drop Elemental Fruit <br><br><span class="GreenColor">Picking up rocks</span> have all insect types <br><br><span class="GreenColor">Breaking Pots</span> now have higher rupee value drops <br><br><span class="GreenColor">Arrow bundle</span> size increase to 10 arrows and 25 arrows <br><br><span class="RedColor"><b>Update: </b><span class="GreenColor"><b>new addition to this mod below </b><br></span></span><br><span class="GreenColor">BubbulFrog</span> will drop one fairy along with normal items<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Eggs</span> now have drops when broken<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Monster Extract</span> now have drops when broken<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Milk</span> now have drops when broken<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Oil</span> now have drops when broken<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Goron Spice</span> now have drops when broken<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Horse Traveling Salesmen</span> many rare lvl1 armor, found near <span class="GreenColor">MainField</span><br><br><span class="GreenColor">WallCracks</span>, Broken Rock Walls have improved drops <br><br><span class="GreenColor">Icicles</span> hanging from walls and ceilings have improved drops<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Molduga</span> Sandworm drop table includes all salable lvl1 armor <br><br><span class="GreenColor">ALL Trees</span> Now has improved drop tables <br>&nbsp; (different trees types have different drops)<br><br>Some drop tables also have <span class="GreenColor">rare</span> bonus items<br><span class="GreenColor"><span class="GreenColor">1</span> in 200</span> chance of finding a heart container under a rock<br><br>Check out TotK <a href="https://discord.gg/yJrtEV8W" target="_blank">Discord</a> for more help.<br><br><span class="GreenColor SelectedElement">Thanks TotK/BotW community for help/teaching.</span><br><span class="RedColor">Special Thanks to everyone developing tools &lt;3.</span><br><span class="GreenColor">Thanks to Nintendo for making this all possible.</span><br>&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> + + Drops + Gameplay + + + Universal Armor Stats and Effects + William Tael + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554450 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554450#PostsListModule + 50af65eb114cc8211b565b3374944280a1bb5f67 + Sat, 09 Nov 2024 04:46:44 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672ee90fbdf11.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672ee90fe4269.jpg"/><br>This mod makes every piece of armor have all the possible effects that any other piece can have, so that means if you use the head piece of, say, the Zora armor, it will have fire lightning resist effects and many others. I know, not many people may want this in a first playthrough. It's ok.<br><br>Previously known as "Legend of The Drip - Universal Armor Stats and Effects" mod from Nexus Mods, that has been taken down even though it was working fine. <br>I won't let a good mod die, so, if you feel like complaining against this repost... <br>Cry in a video and send me. <br><br>As far as I remember, it only works on v1.1.1, or at least that's the only rstb file I've saved from this dead mod. I don't know how to make this work with later updates, but if you do, please tell me on the comments. <br> + + Player + Effects + + + BGM Volume Options + Felix the Drunk + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554432 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554432#PostsListModule + 40a62d18bd41f46043e4ed3266fb7f77269f8ff4 + Sat, 09 Nov 2024 02:46:05 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672ecc737a166.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672ecc9aefe18.jpg"/><br>Several mods exist to silence BGM, but none of them offered volume options.<br> + + + + + + Music + Sounds + + + Easy Ore + Felix the Drunk + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553369 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553369#PostsListModule + aa01411fcd733394c9f0dc3cbec7f9cb8aaed88c + Sat, 09 Nov 2024 01:49:12 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6727e49695914.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6727e49e7cbf8.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Easy Ores<br><em>Bugfix</em>: missed a spot -.-<br><hr><br>All ores have 1HP and do not consume weapon durability.<br><br>Also, arrows work on them.<br><br>No effect on Froxes or rock walls<br><br>Recommended to pair with <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/445703">Loaded Zonaite Deposits and Autocollect</a><br> + + Other/Misc + Other/Misc + + + Proud Dragon Spikes + Felix the Drunk + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554266 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554266#PostsListModule + 4bc37c9d7cfd16fcfabfe1c0dff6bc611efe1a43 + Fri, 08 Nov 2024 07:17:02 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672dbab0a9ec6.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672dbabed5e5d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672dbac61414c.jpg"/><br>Overhauls the size and shape of Dragon Spikes, largely for more graceful attachments to weapons.<br><br>Their extreme size as arrowheads could not be adjusted, so the model is moved beneath the players feet. This does not affect the trajectory or destination of the arrow and explosion, despite the altered visual arc.<br><br>The Spikes are now more easily visible on the Dragons themselves as well.<br> + + Weapons & Shields + Models + + + You're a Wizard! + Real Princess Zelda + https://gamebanana.com/mods/533928 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/533928#PostsListModule + 8ada4135f33c8e939026c8d7edbdc978fea06b76 + Thu, 07 Nov 2024 04:03:41 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b41152b3f79.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b4115fb9435.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b411653a44c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b41167637a8.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b4117506c73.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b411793eeb5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b411f299435.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b4123612a9d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b4123989755.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b4123d31598.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b4123f8585b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b41246e534f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b41249dd617.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b4124e1a29c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b7227bb14b8.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b4125b8cc74.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b412631c18c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66f07800bcf20.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b41278f121c.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Minor Crafting Fix<br><p>I accidentally forgot to change the crafting requirements for the fire essence from testing. It should now only require magic essence (though, as long as you had enough magic essence, it would just ignore the other requirements anyway).</p><br><em>Bugfix</em>: Fixed the fire essence crafting costs<br><hr><br><span class="GreenColor">Have you ever wanted to be a wizard? Do you feel there is a lack of magic in this magic heavy fantasy world? Do you just wanna cast cool spells while looking cool with a cool wand?</span><br><br>If you answered yes to any of these, you may be a wizard! Oh, and this mod is absolutely for you.<br><span class="RedColor"><br>What it does:</span> This mod adds two new wands, 7 new fuses called "essences", a new and powerful armor set, red, green, and blue potions and a brand new NPC that sells you all of these! It also adds a couple new decorative items such as books and bottles and edits the notes on the shelf to be written by the wizard to expand the immersion.<br><br><span class="RedColor">The breakdown of these essences: </span><br><br><img src="https://files.gamebanana.com/bitpit/water_essence.gif" width="35%"><br><br><b>Water Essence:</b> This essence, when attached to your wand or a separate weapon, will shoot water projectiles a short distance that deal damage when you swing your wand.<br><br><img src="https://files.gamebanana.com/bitpit/ice_essence.gif" width="35%"><br><br><b>Ice Essence:</b> When this essence is attached to your wand, it will shoot a large icy projectile. Much of the time it will shatter on the player and cause a small AOE that can either knock back or freeze enemies. When doing a jump slash, you will launch the projectile in front of you instead, which falls a short distance.<br><br><img src="https://files.gamebanana.com/bitpit/fire_essence.gif" width="35%"><br><br><b>Fire Essence:</b> When you attach this essence to your wand, you will fire a large fire ball in whatever direction you are facing (even up or down!). It deals damage and leaves behind a trail of fire if launched over grass that can burn enemies.<br><br><img src="https://files.gamebanana.com/bitpit/earth_essence.gif" width="35%"><br><br><b>Earth Essence:</b> This essence, when attached to your wand, allows you to throw boulders! They will roll over your enemy and deal damage.<br><br><img src="https://files.gamebanana.com/bitpit/lightning_essence.gif" width="35%"><br><br><b>Lightning Essence:</b> This essence allows you to send down lightning upon your enemies when you strike them with your wand, dealing heavy damage and shocking them, as well as dealing fire damage. It will deal damage to you, however!<br><br><img src="https://files.gamebanana.com/bitpit/clone_essence.gif" width="35%"><br><br><b>Clone Essence: </b>This essence will allow you to summon a copy of yourself that copies your actions. It will also copy your armor and any weapon you have equipped. Even though it may not seem this way, it will unfuse your wand, thus consuming the Clone Essence. If you want the visual effect off of the weapon, just unequip and reequip it.<br><br><img src="https://files.gamebanana.com/bitpit/light_essence.gif" width="35%"><br><br><b>Light Essence:</b> The essence allows you to shoot a Light Arrow at insane speeds and range. It deals direct damage. It does not have the same effect as a real Light Arrow, unfortunately.<br><br><img src="https://files.gamebanana.com/bitpit/default_wand.gif" width="35%"><br><br>But what if you don't have anything attached to your wand? No worries! Your unfused wand utilizes the essence of wind and can shoot a wind slash similar to the Eightfold Longblade.<br><br><span class="GreenColor">The armor:</span> If you have a total of 30,000 rupees (wow!), you can buy the full Master Wizard's Armor. Each piece provides 30 points to your armor rating. The hat will provide lightning, burn, and freeze immunity. The cape will provide mobility up, swim speed up, and climb speed up, all at rank 3. The boots will provide Movement speed up rank 3, sand and snow speed up, and no fall damage.<br><br><span class="GreenColor">New Potions:</span> There are three new potions: the red, green, and blue potions. They are considered materials and can be used in cooking (providing 30 minute boosts on meal effects). However, their main use is through their own effects. The red potion fully heals Link. The green potion fully recharges the Zonai battery. The blue potion fully heals Link and fully recharges the Zonai battery. They can be bought from the wizard OR can drop from the barrels in the wizard's well. <br><br>The reason I had the green and blue potions recharge the Zonai charge is because I wanted these to be like the classic potions in older Legend of Zelda games. The Zonai battery was originally meant to be a magic meter early in the development of TotK, and kind of provides the same function. <br><br><span class="GreenColor">Where to find the shopkeeper:</span> A wizard resides in a well in the Tabantha region who can sell you all of these items. He also sells insects for elixirs, too! If you have trouble finding him: <span class="Spoiler">He is located in Dronoc's Pass Well</span><br><br><span class="GreenColor">All that this changes:</span> There are a few changes this makes to the base game. It changes the barrels found in the well to drop one of the new potions. The notepad found on the table is a vanilla notepad that was edited to fit in with the changes the well has gotten. It changes a few tips on the loading screen to give magic related tips. It also changes the name of the well that the wizard is hiding in. This also changes Reede's outfit and UMii_Hylia_HatC_C_200 due to new outfits for umiis possibly not being possible to make. <br><br><span class="GreenColor SelectedElement">Now introducing our expansion to this mod: You're a Wizard! Plus</span><br><br>This features a simple crafting system utilizing a new essence called "Magic Essence" that allows you to craft spells, potions, and upgrade armor!  The Wizard armor is now upgradeable. When you purchase it, it will only have 5 defense for each piece and have only some of the effects that the Master Wizard's set has. To get all of them and the 30 defense for each piece, you must upgrade each piece twice at the Great Fairy. All essences and the potions are now more expensive due to the new crafting system. You may also see that the crafting tables look suspiciously familiar...<br><br>To craft the Magic Essence, so you can in turn craft other items, it requires Frox Guts. This is to give fighting Froxes more of a purpose and to force a soft minimum level requirement in order to upgrade the armor. <br><br><img src="https://files.gamebanana.com/bitpit/magic_essence.gif" width="23%"><br>You can even apply it to your wand for a light effect<br><br><img src="https://files.gamebanana.com/bitpit/miasma_essence.gif" width="23%"><br>Now has a Miasma Essence, allowing for your wand to shoot bolts of miasma/gloom to deal direct damage to enemies.<br><br><span class="RedColor">Issues to look out for:</span> Unfortunately, the fire ball has no sound. <br><br>The lightning strike is invisible and the light arrows do not give up any light effects when flying through the air. <br><br>The essences also do not match their icons due to an inability to make custom elink at this moment. <br><br>The newly added books and bottles in the Wizard's hideout have no collision due to that being unable to be added in the map editor.<br><br> Also, while these can be shot from arrows, they are not intended to and nearly all of them will cause a fire explosion like the ruby. <br><br>The green and blue potions will have the "use" indicator rather than the "drink" one like the red potion has. They also will use the recharge animation when using a Zonai charge, the reason for this is because to allow an item to give the recharge effect, it MUST have both the use indicator on it and be a material in the inventory.<br><br>Crafting system in "You're a Wizard! Plus" is somewhat buggy, and due to the issues present, I had to make it extremely simple. Everything only requires one material to make and some of it also requires rupees.<br><br><span class="RedColor"><b>WARNING:</b></span> The clone essence can be unstable. In some cases, it can cause infinite loading, panic moons, or may crash your game! Through my testing, infinite loading and crashes very rarely happened, but I also run the game on an emulator. Running on actual hardware could have more unstable effects. Another thing to note is when you bring the clone essence out of your inventory, your game may momentarily freeze or load for a second or two, the reason is because actor spawning items load the actor they spawn into memory when the item is loaded into the world, this is so it does not have to load the actor when it spawns it.<br><br>This should be compatible with 1.1.0, 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.2.0, and 1.2.1. It was tested via emulator on version 1.1.2 and 1.2.1<br><br>This mod has been entered into the <a href="https://gamebanana.com/jams/127">Triforce of Wisdom Mod Jam</a>: This mod relates heavily to the Triforce of Wisdom, as wizards have always been attributed to being wise and magic itself is often associated with knowledge and wisdom. Princess Zelda, often the holder of the Triforce of Wisdom in many of the games, is often a character with strong magical powers such as that of sealing evil. In the games she is featured as a playable character, both canon and non-canon, she is often seen wielding a wand and/or using magic to complete challenges and fight enemies. Not only that, but it isn't very <i>wise</i> to bring a sword to a magic fight. So, be wise, delve into the knowledge and strength that magic can provide, and use it to achieve great feats.<br><br>Credits and thanks: I want to thank the amazing <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/2121006">TheRicoLicious</a> for his immense help in making this mod happen! He does amazing work. Another thanks to Bread Mann for helping me figure out some nonsense with the npc. Also, thank you to <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/2343073">Deadpanned</a> for allowing me to use the Miasma projectile from <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/479009">The Second Quest</a>!<br><br>If you have any issues, feel free to contact me on Discord @ therealprincesszelda provided I haven't been banned yet! :D<br> + + + + Armor set + Models + + + Master Sword Ethereal White Glow + charlie92155 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553915 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553915#PostsListModule + f329ca452634b0fa560bedbb0649a8d27b1fc29a + Wed, 06 Nov 2024 13:23:43 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672e160a3f6b5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672e14ed831da.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b6c210585a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b6c21b6655.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b6c21b4910.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b6c21b8da0.jpg"/><br>This was my attempt to port <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/49597">this mod</a> as best I could. Got rid of the ghostly (ghastly) blue on the master sword and gave it a clean white glow unfortunately the totk model is a bit more complex.<br><br>This will work with all versions 1.1.0 +<br><br>Thank you <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/2207282">heydo6</a> for help with textures.<br>Thank you <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/1595627">CEOBrainz</a> for original idea<br>Thank you dt12345 for <a href="https://github.com/dt-12345/ptcl">PCTL Tool</a><br> + + Effects + Effects + + + Project Soulsborne v1.5 + PotatoFried17 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553183 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553183#PostsListModule + 6d4a96ed81f8fc16844d58f113ebc73529e01690 + Wed, 06 Nov 2024 10:27:18 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b3fc2a6655.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b4017a5a99.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b400088eb3.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b402d1ffa5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6726fa8b70738.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6726fa9fecbc0.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6726fab1f0408.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6726fac76ce3f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6726fadcebfe4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6726fb000db0b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6726fb11e6b93.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6726fb3e62e0d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6726fb4f3eb81.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Weapons for the first bunch of sets<br><p>Most of the added weapons have custom sheaths, same as the bows with the quivers.</p><br><em>Addition</em>: Added over 20 weapons<br><em>Bugfix</em>: Removed a file editing Purah that wasn't supposed to be in the mod folder, but was part of another mod i was working on at that time.<br><hr><br>There are plenty of mods to make the game harder while keeping it fun, such as <span class="GreenColor">DAR</span>, <span class="GreenColor">CM</span>, but then in order to truly enjoy those challenging mods I needed certain stuff to go with that, like not just more items, but stuff that fits for a challenging playthrough, you guessed it, soulsborne stuff.<br><br>As of now the mod features 10 armour sets with full physics and various skills, alongside over 20 weapons to match each set, these however are breakable, since believe it or not the mod is designed with balance in mind.<br><br><i class="SelectedElement">Next update will include 5 to 10 armour sets from Elden Ring alongside some matching weapons for each set, but it will take some time</i><i>.</i><br><br><b><span class="GreenColor">To get these you will need poes as usual, there is a statue at the room of awakening, there are two sets that are free, so you could buy those from the very start.</span></b><br><br><b><u>Made with 1.2.1, use tkmm and report any bugs, if any.</u></b><br> + + Models + Models + + + ToTK Remastered Reshade + aurorastar_ + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553891 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553891#PostsListModule + ed296fefa08c81e1fdb5c9db7a1abe382e685892 + Wed, 06 Nov 2024 09:37:39 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b335ee2f69.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b3618725d2.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b3618e055b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b3618e2634.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b36190227d.jpg"/><br>BoTW had outstanding art direction and looked amazing at times, but was held back by an ugly yellow tint and constant haze throughout areas of the game. ToTK continues this trend and while there have been many high-contrast, vibrant Reshade presets uploaded on here none of them were made specifically to alleviate this problem.<br><br>The ToTK Remastered Reshade is a LUT that works for both BoTW and ToTK and removes the 'piss filter' from the game, resulting in more natural colours, with some luma adjustments also having been made to improve clarity and use of the dynamic range.  <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/446995">Serfrost's Defogger</a> is also highly recommended for ToTK.<br><br>Additionally, the preset also uses Dehaze and Deband to further get rid of the haziness- this requires <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C_NuhBVdXc">depth buffer setup </a>which may cause flickering as the game's (when played on a Switch emulator) depth buffer can be quite problematic, so feel free to turn those effects off if you'd prefer to. Unfortunately, the UI will be affected by colour correction and there is no easy way to fix this. The best workaround would be to bind your menu key to Reshade's effect toggle in settings.<br><br>Below are some comparison screenshots of the LUT and preset at different times of day. The preset has been applied on the left side of the image, with the right side being entirely vanilla.<br><br><b>Dawn</b><br><br><img src="https://files.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b3618725d2.jpg"><br><br><b>Noon</b><br><br><img src="https://files.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b36190227d.jpg"><br><br><b>Dusk</b><br><br><img src="https://files.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b3618e055b.jpg"><br><br><b>Night</b><br><br><img src="https://files.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672b3618e2634.jpg"> + + Reshade Presets + Visual Overhaul + + + Echoes of the Wraithgrove + heydo6 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553854 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/553854#PostsListModule + e541e8379ec61bc8e338fd68a335a278c78bec06 + Wed, 06 Nov 2024 03:54:32 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672adf3dd3612.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672adf50dff06.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672adf560ae53.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672adf646499f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672ae68c8c667.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672ae6b7b3573.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672ae694ed94a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672ae69e5e9be.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672ae6a8015c4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672ae6b05112f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672ae70f3e3bf.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672ae77b44bd5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672ae7cfd3683.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672ae72d3c3b0.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672ae7354b700.jpg"/><br><span class="GreenColor">Echoes of the Wraithgrove </span><br><br><span class="RedColor">Thanks</span> <a href="https://sketchfab.com/feed" target="_blank">Sketchfab</a> for the <a href="https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/free-stylized-fantasy-rpg-weapons-set-90004b4748404e0baa064e9db33a8f90" target="_blank">base models</a> <span class="RedColor">&lt;3</span><br><br>This mod adds<span class="GreenColor"> </span><span class="RedColor SelectedElement"><span class="GreenColor">SIX</span></span> weapons and the <span class="GreenColor">Wraithbane Lynel</span><br>All weapon have <span class="RedColor">infinite durability </span><br>Weapons are placed on the wall in <span class="RedColor">Zelda's house</span> near Hateno Village<br>Lynel &amp; weapons are a little south of Riverside Stable near <span class="RedColor">Owlan Bridge</span><br>Everything respawns with a Bloodmoon<br>Weapons can also be purchased from <span class="RedColor">Riverside Stable</span><br><br>Mod was built and test on Switch and Yuzu <span class="GreenColor">1.2.1</span><br>Please use <a href="https://tkmm.org/" target="_blank">Tkmm</a> for other versions <br>Include tkcl info file for easy merging<br><br>"Echoes of the Wraithgrove"<br>&nbsp; This name combines the ancient feel of "Echoes of Eldergrove"<br>with the haunting presence of the Wraith Lynel, suggesting a <br>haunted forest where the beast lurks.<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Thanks to TotK/BotW community for help/teaching.</span><br><span class="RedColor">Special Thanks to everyone developing tools &lt;3.</span><br><span class="GreenColor">Thanks to Nintendo for making this all possible.</span><br> + + Weapons & Shields + Models + + + The Master cycle Returns(almost)! + coolbotato + https://gamebanana.com/mods/552538 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/552538#PostsListModule + 5d01d9137e7d352eec5cf0339b19bd16afa360ca + Mon, 04 Nov 2024 16:31:38 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6728f60ec102c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6728f60ede54a.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Texture updated<br><p>added kinda og texture</p><br><hr><br>this mod replaces the golden horse with the master cycle zero from botw enjoy!<br><br>i havent added the animations or textures yet but plan to <br><br> + + + + Misc + AI & Events + + + Phantom Knight Armor Mod + heydo6 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/552820 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/552820#PostsListModule + 40a275800c7b84526ed4ab8d23db64d1c07a0e63 + Fri, 01 Nov 2024 20:03:46 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67252944823a8.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67252957eb7c5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67252a180da3c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67252999a165d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672529bfa8cc0.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672529e06d76d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672529f906e2d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6725226762218.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6725228055cbc.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67252eb470303.jpg"/><br>Thanks <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/1677242">N8endo</a> for the original <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/168177">work</a> <span class="RedColor"><3 </span><br><br>Started as and update for another version of Phantom Armor<br>This adds New textures, Icons, location, custom actors, 16 color Dyes<br><span class="RedColor">First Ver:</span>  Base actors, 8 defense, Attack Up Only<br>  ( Vanilla with model upgrades )<br><span class="RedColor">Second Ver:</span>  adds most of the effects in game to armor<br>Added three treasure chest to <span class="GreenColor">Bottomless Pond Well</span><br>  ( just north of RiverSide Stable )<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Note:</span> Don't use this mod with my other <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/508259">Phantom Armor version<br></a>  (both edit the same model and actors)<br><span class="RedColor"> </span><span class="RedColor"><span class="RedColor"> </span><span class="GreenColor"><span class="RedColor SelectedElement">Sorry for two similar mods, <span class="GreenColor">Newer</span> </span></span></span><br><br>Mod was built and test on Switch and Yuzu 1.2.1<br>Please use <a href="https://tkmm.org/" target="_blank">Tkmm</a> for other versions <br>Include tkcl info file for easy merging<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Thanks to TotK/BotW community for help/teaching.</span><br><span class="RedColor">Special Thanks to everyone developing tools <3.</span><br><span class="GreenColor">Thanks to Nintendo for making this all possible.</span><br><br><span class="GreenColor">Second version</span> <br><span class="RedColor">Head</span> (QuietnessUp)<br>- QuietnessUp<br>- ClimbSpeedUp<br>- DivingMobilityUp<br>- ResistElectric<br>- AttackUpThunderstorm<br>- ChargePowerUpThunderstorm<br>- ResitLightning<br>- DecreaseSwimStamina<br>- ClimbWaterfall<br>- NoSlip<br><br><span class="RedColor">Upper</span> (AttackUp)<br>- AttackUp<br>- DefenseUp<br>- ResistCold<br>- AttackUpCold<br>- MiasmaGuard<br>- ChargeSpeedUp<br>- DecreaseChargeAttackStamina<br>- AttackUpBone<br>- LightFootprints<br>- ChargePowerUpCold<br>- ResistFreeze<br><br><span class="RedColor">lower</span> (ResistHot)<br>- AllSpeed<br>- ResistHot<br>- AttackUpHot<br>- SwimSpeedUp<br>- ExStaminaMaxUp<br>- ChargePowerUpHot<br>- NoBurning<br>- SandMoveUp<br>- SnowMoveUp<br>- NightMoveSpeedUp + + + Armor set + Models + + + Phantom Armor Rework + heydo6 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/508259 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/508259#PostsListModule + 3ba1e1dd54358b800551e5c73f81624534d5e4a9 + Fri, 01 Nov 2024 18:28:36 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67251712ee4b0.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6725173ff3e5b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672517491f814.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67251755980f3.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6725176cb0c96.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67251a815b105.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67251c6c3c401.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Phantom Armor Rework<br><p>Added a second version with all effects<br>Added three treasure chests to collect armor <br>Some minor improvements </p><br><hr><br>Thanks <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/1677242">N8endo</a> for the original <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/316360">work</a> <span class="RedColor"><3 </span><br><br>Gives Phantom armor a more formidable look<br><span class="RedColor">First Ver:</span>  Actors untouched, use with any better armor mod<br><span class="RedColor">Second Ver:</span>  adds most of the effects in game to armor<br>Added three treasure chest to <span class="GreenColor">Bottomless Pond Well</span><br>  ( just north of RiverSide Stable )<br><br>Mod was built and test on Switch and Yuzu 1.2.1<br>Please use Tkmm for other versions <br>Include tkcl info file for easy merging<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Thanks to TotK/BotW community for help/teaching.</span><br><span class="RedColor">Special Thanks to everyone developing tools <3.</span><br><span class="GreenColor">Thanks to Nintendo for making this all possible.</span><br><br><span class="GreenColor">Second version</span> <br><span class="RedColor">Head</span> (QuietnessUp)<br>- QuietnessUp<br>- ClimbSpeedUp<br>- DivingMobilityUp<br>- ResistElectric<br>- AttackUpThunderstorm<br>- ChargePowerUpThunderstorm<br>- ResitLightning<br>- DecreaseSwimStamina<br>- ClimbWaterfall<br>- NoSlip<br><br><span class="RedColor">Upper</span> (AttackUp)<br>- AttackUp<br>- DefenseUp<br>- ResistCold<br>- AttackUpCold<br>- MiasmaGuard<br>- ChargeSpeedUp<br>- DecreaseChargeAttackStamina<br>- AttackUpBone<br>- LightFootprints<br>- ChargePowerUpCold<br>- ResistFreeze<br><br><span class="RedColor">lower</span> (ResistCold)<br>- AllSpeed<br>- ResistHot<br>- AttackUpHot<br>- SwimSpeedUp<br>- ExStaminaMaxUp<br>- ChargePowerUpHot<br>- NoBurning<br>- SandMoveUp<br>- SnowMoveUp<br>- NightMoveSpeedUp + + + Armor set + Models + + + Dark Fierce Deity Armor 1.2.1 + heydo6 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/506264 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/506264#PostsListModule + 7a58cf6e7197ea9759cf310c487fb4ddd7767fca + Thu, 31 Oct 2024 01:34:07 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6722da4346fa4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6722dae992d70.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6722db005d7a9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6722db87520a5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c2b06a232a8.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c2b08de4274.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66156bad21bd9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6722df6c33e46.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Dark Fierce Deity Armor<br><p>Added a second version with all effects</p><br><hr><br><span class="GreenColor SelectedElement">Dark Fierce Deity Mod </span><br><br>Thanks to <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/2071625">PledWanderer</a> and <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/2621151">Manijro</a> for the original <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/353261">mod<br></a><br>Gives the Fierce Deity armor a more sinister look<br><span class="RedColor">First Ver:</span>  Actors untouched, use with any better armor mod<br><span class="RedColor">Second Ver:</span>  adds most of the effects in game to armor<br><br>Mod was built and test on Switch and Yuzu 1.2.1<br>Please use Tkmm for other versions <br>Include tkcl info file for easy merging<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Thanks to TotK/BotW community for help/teaching.</span><br><span class="RedColor">Special Thanks to everyone developing tools <3.</span><br><span class="GreenColor">Thanks to Nintendo for making this all possible.</span><br><br><span class="GreenColor">Second version</span> <br><span class="RedColor">Head</span> (QuietnessUp)<br>- QuietnessUp<br>- ClimbSpeedUp<br>- DivingMobilityUp<br>- ResistElectric<br>- AttackUpThunderstorm<br>- ChargePowerUpThunderstorm<br>- ResitLightning<br>- DecreaseSwimStamina<br>- ClimbWaterfall<br>- NoSlip<br><br><span class="RedColor">Upper</span> (AttackUp)<br>- AttackUp<br>- DefenseUp<br>- ResistCold<br>- AttackUpCold<br>- MiasmaGuard<br>- ChargeSpeedUp<br>- DecreaseChargeAttackStamina<br>- AttackUpBone<br>- LightFootprints<br>- ChargePowerUpCold<br>- ResistFreeze<br><br><span class="RedColor">lower</span> (ResistCold)<br>- AllSpeed<br>- ResistHot<br>- AttackUpHot<br>- SwimSpeedUp<br>- ExStaminaMaxUp<br>- ChargePowerUpHot<br>- NoBurning<br>- SandMoveUp<br>- SnowMoveUp<br>- NightMoveSpeedUp + + + Armor set + Models + + + Weapons of Legend - Past Zelda Gear (Standalone) + Tach9 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/455944 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/455944#PostsListModule + 3907523eba8cfa2c06cdcf3998678930ddf42fe3 + Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:29:42 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6510770cbcda5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6510770adaf57.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65029c5545982.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64f37484aadc5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64f3746d527c7.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64ed47c6e4cc9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64ea41e46c4e3.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64e786910cfe7.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64bdf47779cbf.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64d2f99991379.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64cc020e41e4c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64cc020e39ce2.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64c9f6637eeff.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64c9f717b810c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64c31a7a963f2.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64c74ae81c7e2.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64c56500ac806.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64c56489b2e9f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64c200c005857.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64c200c47fe81.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64c200c4be811.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64c200c2215ff.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64c0bb84a9ab5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64ba1a219b1db.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64ba1a0b54250.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64ba1acad8754.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/64c200c54fc53.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> v4.0.1 - Kokiri Sword (OoT) and Gilded Sword Fix<br><p>Thanks to Ch33zedH4m64 for reporting these issues.</p><br><em>Improvement</em>: Fixed a normals problem on Kokiri Sword (OoT) and Gilded Sword<br><hr><br>This is what will likely be the largest project that I carry out in Tears of the Kingdom modding and one that is largely motivated by nostalgia and a passion to learn new things. In a final version of this mod, I plan to bring many past swords, shields, bows, and potentially other items from past Zelda games into Tears of the Kingdom as standalone weapons.<br><br><span class="GreenColor"><u>All items are available from the <b>Bargainer Statue at Lookout Landing for poes.</b></u></span><br>This should give an ample incentive for exploring the depths and collecting poes as you go.<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Breakable Weapons:</span><br>A separate download includes pack files to make most weapons breakable. Drop the romfs folder from this folder into the main folder. Currently a few updates behind. I will update at some point.<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Visible Bows:</span><br>A separate download includes pack files to make the bows of this mod, and the quiver visible, drop its romfs folder into the main download's folder.<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Functional Mirror Shields:</span><br>A separate download includes pack files to re-enable the light reflecting ability of the mirror shields. Drop the romfs folder from this folder into the main mod folder.<br><br><span class="GreenColor">Unbreakable Razor Sword:</span><br>A separate download includes a pack file to make the Razor Sword unbreakable. Just drop it in your mods folder and overwrite the one from the main mod.<br><span class="GreenColor"><br><br><b><u>What's included:</u></b></span><br>Icons for all added weapons<br>(Modified Textures for most if not all models at this point).<br><br><span class="GreenColor"><b>The Legend of Zelda:</b></span><br>-White Sword (Hyrule Warriors Model)<br>-Shield of the Hero (Cross Shield) (<a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/174392">Pik Model</a>)<br><br><span class="GreenColor"><b>Zelda II:</b></span><br>-Magical Sword (Issuelink Model)<br><br><span class="GreenColor"><b>Link's Awakening:</b></span><br>-Mirror Shield (Asalazar Model)<span class="GreenColor"><br><br><b>A Link to the Past:</b></span><br>-Fighter's Sword (Asalazar Custom Model)<br>-Fighter's Shield (Asalazar Custom Model)<br>-Red Shield (Asalazar Custom Model)<br>-Master Sword (Issuelink's OoT Master Sword, heavily edited by me)<br>-Mirror Shield (Issuelink Model)<br>-Ganon's Trident (Hyrule Warriors Model w/ Custom Textures by me)<br><br><span class="GreenColor"><b>Ocarina of Time:</b></span><br>-Kokiri Sword (Smash Ultimate Model)<br>-Boomerang (Smash Ultimate Model)<br>-Fairy Bow (Smash Ultimate Model w/ Rigging by Asalazar)<br>-Master Sword (Issuelink Model w/ Edits By Me)<br>-Deku Shield (Smash Ultimate Model)<br>-Hylian Shield of Time (New model from MessyProduct and Asalazar)<br>-Megaton Hammer (New model from Asalazar)<br>-Gerudo Mirror Shield (<a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/167938">Issuelink Model</a>)<br>-Crescent Mirror Shield (<a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/167940">Issuelink Model</a>)<br>-Phantom Ganon Trident (Asalazar Custom Model)<br><br><span class="GreenColor"><b>Majora's Mask:</b></span><br>-Kokiri Sword (MM) (Hyrule Warriors Model)<br>-Ikana Mirror Shield (Edited Issuelink Model)<br>-Razor Sword (<span class="GreenColor">Breakable (100 Durability)</span>) (<a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/443079">Asalazar Model</a>)<br>-Hero's Shield (<a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/443079">Asalazar Model</a>)<br>-Gilded Sword (Issuelink Model)<br>-Hero's Bow (MM) (Asalazar Model)<br>-Great Fairy Sword (Issuelink Model)<br><br><span class="GreenColor"><b>Wind Waker:</b></span><br>-Master Sword (Edited Smash Ultimate Model)<br>-Mirror Shield (Hyrule Warriors Model)<br>-Skull Hammer (WWHD Model)<br>-Ganondorf's Swords (WWHD Model)<br><br><span class="GreenColor"><b>Phantom Hourglass:</b></span><br>-Phantom Sword (Edited Hyrule Warriors Model)<br>-Island Lobster Shield (Wooden Shield) (Hyrule Warriors Model)<br><br><span class="GreenColor"><span class="GreenColor"><b>Spirit Tracks:</b></span></span><br>-Lokomo Sword (Edited Hyrule Warriors Model)<br>-Shield (Spirit Tracks Model)<br>-Phantom Weapons (Smash Ultimate (Zelda Down-B) Model)<br><br><span class="GreenColor"><b>Twilight Princess:</b></span><br>-Ordon Sword (TPHD Model)<br>-Ordon Shield (TPHD Model)<br>-Hylian Shield of Twilight (TPHD Model w/ Edits by Asalazar)<br>-Master Sword of Twilight (Issuelink Sword Model, Asalazar Sheath Model)<br>-Hero's Bow (Twilight Princess) (TPHD Model)<br>-Darknut Sword/Shield (Hyrule Warriors Model)<br><br><span class="GreenColor"><b>Skyward Sword:</b></span><br>-Sacred Bow (SSHD Model)<br>-Goddess Shield (SSHD Model)<br>-Demise's Sword (SSHD Model)<br>-Ghirahim's Sword (SSHD Model)<br><br><b><span class="GreenColor">Breath of the Wild:</span></b><br>-Bow of Light<br><br>Necessary RSDB, Mals, and Resource Table files for 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.2.0, 1.2.1<br><br><span class="GreenColor"><b><u class="SelectedElement">Potential Future Plans:</u></b></span><br>The Legend of Zelda:<br>-Magical Sword (Hyrule Warriors Model)<br><br>Wind Waker:<br>-Hero's Sword<br>-Darknut Sword (WWHD Model)<br><br>Minish Cap/Four Swords:<br>-Four Sword<br><br>Twilight Princess:<br>-Gale Boomerang (TPHD Model)<br>-Wooden Sword (TPHD Model)<br>-Wooden Shield (TPHD Model)<br>-Twilight Scimitar (TPHD Model)<br><br>Skyward Sword:<br>-Master Sword (Unawakened)<br>-Goddess Sword<br>-Goddess Longsword<br>-Wooden/Iron Shields<br><br><span class="GreenColor"><b>Merging With Other Mods:</b></span><br>I have added some cursory <a href="https://tkmm.org/docs/index.html">TKMM</a> support in the main mod download. I did a quick test and it seemed to work, but it's very much thrown together right now.<br><br>For the purposes of merging with other mods I have included various files to aid in this process.<br>Files for aiding in merging are in the Merging Txt Files download. Those include the RSDB files.txt file which shows the changes I made to the RSDB files and the Mals.txt file which shows the changes I have made to the language files.<br><br><span class="GreenColor"><br><span class="GreenColor">Tested on Yuzu, Ryujinx, and Homebrew Switch With Versions 1.1.0, 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.2.0, and 1.2.1</span></span><br><br><span class="RedColor"><span class="RedColor">Known Issues</span></span>: <br>-Dropping Master Swords or the Phantom or Lokomo sword will result in them simply vanishing. They will not be dropped from lightning, however, so this issue will only pop up if you intentionally drop them.<br><br>-OoT/MM Mirror Shields appear dark in the inventory screen. I am not sure if this is possible to fix, but I am looking into it on the side. + + + + + + + + Weapons & Shields + Models + + + diff --git a/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=8177 b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=8177 new file mode 100644 index 000000000..ae473df46 --- /dev/null +++ b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=8177 @@ -0,0 +1,119 @@ + + + + GameBanana - The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds + GameBanana - The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds + https://gamebanana.com/games/8177 + + + + https://images.gamebanana.com/static/img/favicon/favicon.ico + GameBanana - The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds + https://gamebanana.com/games/8177 + + + Xinput Control Scheme (Emulator) + Pleasance + https://gamebanana.com/mods/525005 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/525005#PostsListModule + c8fa5739b4c7857ac45bbeaa6b5be7ace9169dc4 + Mon, 01 Jul 2024 02:50:10 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/668211f8ee156.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/668211f2940fb.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/668211f26a44c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/668211f27e71d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/668211f2a3aa0.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/668211f288385.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/668211f28cc5a.jpg"/><br>This mod replaces the button icons in game from Nintendo's layout to Xbox's.<br><br><img src="https://i.imgur.com/96pre9d.png" width="25%"><br><br>The default mod doesn't change how the game controls, it just makes the button prompts match what you would be pressing on an Xbox controller. <b>B = Confirm/Interact</b>, <b>A = Cancel/Sword</b>.<br><br>The A+B Swapped mod is to make <b>A = Confirm/Interact</b> and <b>B = Cancel/Sword</b>, which may be more intuitive, but changes button placement.<br><br>The button prompts for <b>L + R</b> in-game are also changed to <b>LB + RB</b> <i>(If there enough desire for it, I could make version for <b>LT + RT</b>, or just the default <b>L + R)</b></i>. My reasoning for this change, is that on a 3DS emulator, <b>R-Stick</b> and <b>RT</b> make the most sense for stylus movement and tapping.<br><br><br><b><br>INSTALLATION:</b><br><br>- Open your emulator, right click <i>The legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds</i> and click <i>'Open Custom Texture Location'. </i><br><br>- Extract the mod and place the entire folder contained within inside that location.<br><br>- In the menu bar of the emulator, click <i>Emulation</i> <i>&gt; Configure...</i> <br><br>- On the left-hand of that menu, click Graphics and then ensure the box<i> 'Use Custom textures' </i>is checked.<br><br>- Now, click <i>Controls </i>on the left-hand side and bind your controller in the way the <i>CONFIG </i>image on this mod page instructs, respective to which version of the mod you chose. <b>D-pad</b>, <b>Select</b> and <b>Start</b> can all be bound normally. <b>Circle Pad</b> should be <b>Left Analog Stick</b>. <b>C-Stick</b> can be unbound, so can <b>ZL</b> and <b>ZR</b>.<br><br>- Click OK and Enjoy!<br><br><b><br>Optional Fix:</b><br><br>- Right click <i>The legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds</i> in your emulator and click <i>'Open Mods Location'.</i><br><br>- Extract the and place the RomFS folder inside that location.<br> + + + + GUIs + GUIs + + + Toon Link Between Worlds + Takeshre + https://gamebanana.com/mods/484137 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/484137#PostsListModule + 8fe11125d2f2d7a57a86483e7174de2c39182764 + Sat, 23 Mar 2024 15:15:12 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/657b8a77e9c03.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/657b8a6fdc9d9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/657b8a7517a7a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/657b8a6f5a8f8.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/657b8b3170bdb.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/657b8b319914e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/657b8a76e3345.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/657b8a6bae519.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/657b8a7419040.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/657b8a73eefe5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/657b8a717139a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/657b8a740dacf.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/657b8a74b1f35.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/657b8a71d14cc.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Wind Waker Voice Pack<br><em>Addition</em>: Added an optional voice pack that replaces all 75 of Link's voice clips with Wind Waker Link's voice<br><hr><br>This mod allows you to play as Toon Link in A Link Between Worlds, including:<br><br><ul><li><b><span class="GreenColor">Tri Force Heroes Link Model</span></b>, edited to work with A Link Between Worlds' cutscenes and equipment<br></li><li><b><span class="GreenColor">Wind Waker-style Hero's Sword</span></b>, replacing Link's starting sword<br></li><li><b><span class="GreenColor">Wind Waker-style Master Sword</span></b>, appearing dormant at first and returning to its true power through upgrading!</li><li><span class="GreenColor"><b>Wind Waker-style Hero's Shield</b></span>, replacing the basic shield available at shops</li><li><b><span class="GreenColor">Wind Waker-style Mirror Shield</span></b>, replacing the Hylian Shield</li><li><b><span class="GreenColor">Edited Wall Merge Link</span></b> to resemble Toon Link's colors and design</li><li class="SelectedElement"><b><span class="GreenColor">Custom Item Icons</span></b> for every sword, shield, and tunic obtainable in the game</li></ul><br>A <b><span class="GreenColor"><u>Wind Waker Voice Pack</u></span></b> is also available as a separate download, so you can have the <i>sound</i> of the Hero of Winds too!<br> + + + Skins + Skins + + + ALttP Fighter's Shield + Takeshre + https://gamebanana.com/mods/479645 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/479645#PostsListModule + 73b1f67a7cc509dcbc7e0663fee13ecd19ddb05e + Fri, 08 Mar 2024 02:33:06 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6557e281b4742.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6557e29af2f25.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6557e2a04beec.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6557e2bd8e395.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6557e2ca6546f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6557e2ea02235.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6557e2f46105f.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Cutscene Fixes<br><em>Bugfix</em>: Resolved issue where the Hylian Shield replacements weren't working in cutscenes and were crashing them on console<br><hr><br>The Fighter's Shield was a design that appeared in official artwork for A Link to the Past, Link's Awakening, and the Oracle games. This mod adds a version of it into A Link Between Worlds, with three available options:<br><ul><li><span class="GreenColor"><b><u>Fighter Over Basic Shield</u></b></span> - Replaces the basic orange shield with the Fighter's Shield</li><li><span class="GreenColor"><u><b>Fighter Over Hylian Shield</b></u></span> - Replaces the Hylian Shield with the Fighter's Shield</li><li><span class="GreenColor"><u><b>Fighter and Red Shields</b></u></span> - Replaces the basic orange shield with the Fighter's Shield, and replaces the Hylian Shield with the Red Shield from A Link to the Past's artwork</li></ul><br>As many of this game's files are stored within the same archives, <span class="RedColor"><b>other mods are likely to conflict unless merged</b></span>. A fourth download is included containing the extracted modified files, which can be imported into the relevant archives as a way to merge this mod with others.<br> + + + + + Skins + Skins + + + tylers alttp mirror shield mod + steven tyler sean herr + https://gamebanana.com/mods/498219 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/498219#PostsListModule + 0a6e7e480539511c3fbc3797484a0182f898f166 + Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:02:32 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65dedbcf2001c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65dedbd89f9f9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65dedbe23e0a9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65dedbec1232b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65dedbf1e89b1.jpg"/><br>i have personally only tested on citra but ive been told it works on console just fine<br>the mod was made for the us build of the game and with english<br>ill work on other builds<br>but if you are impatient you can use the manual merge files to get the models and icons working in other versions<br><br>i cant do translations though so any help translating a couple lines would be appreciated<br>https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zxWqJk37PUxRUJzeVYFa6XD4kesYyvR3Y-sPp3jYPDc/edit?usp=sharing<br>make sure to leave your name so you can be credited<br>and remember it needs to be short enough to fit in the text box<br>and should generally keep the last bit of the text (mentioning what the shield does and how to use it) + + + Skins + Skins + + + Fierce Deity in ALBW + TravisS2204 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/483954 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/483954#PostsListModule + 87682a7fc2d128585171bd14e77f5450d540e4af + Sun, 28 Jan 2024 23:03:26 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6579ee221b6bd.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6579ee22338bd.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6579ee22b57da.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/659f69da3cd4d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/659f69da43f89.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/659f69da65b9e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65a5ae1496f90.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65a5ae14bb149.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65b6dc8ad837d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65b6dc8ad4718.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65b6dc8b1cf6c.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> ALT Version added<br><p>Alternate Version with lighter clothing added.</p><br><hr><br>Ported From Triforce Heroes!<br><br>Modded 3DS Folder goes to "[SDRoot]:\luma\titles\"<br><br>this is for the USA Copy but it might work for PAL but i will not be porting if it doesn't<br> + + + Skins + Skins + + + Mario between worlds + feldright + https://gamebanana.com/mods/474536 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/474536#PostsListModule + c4809ab7d70c7e463fcea703fd41223ed91a453c + Wed, 18 Oct 2023 19:03:49 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65302b31d4d6b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65302b353ca9f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65302b35b7d6c.jpg"/><br>This mod replace link model with mario model there still things to replace like icon flat link or link in cutscenes.<br><br> I tested it on real hardware only with the europe version of the game so if you found any problem please contact me on discord @feldright<br> + + Skins + Skins + + + A Link Between The Past + PhantomTwilight + https://gamebanana.com/mods/428319 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/428319#PostsListModule + 2ca2b14f1064389dd6657eedae480f5a3f66d919 + Sat, 18 Feb 2023 21:22:49 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/63f140a5b8d0e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/63f140a9adec3.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/63f140b101a25.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/63f140b5c1c05.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/63f140b9b7d1e.jpg"/><br>A Texture Pack For A Link Between Worlds That Makes Link Look Like Link's Sprite From A Link To The Past! + + Texture Packs + Skins + + + Ravio Skin + jazzrabbit + https://gamebanana.com/mods/249666 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/249666#PostsListModule + e2b91374b8f62690f3a954506f55263c645fef17 + Sun, 14 Mar 2021 22:22:04 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/604e876b6d864.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/604e87735512a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/604e87aeb7f5b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/604e8a66e0734.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/604e877dc22c4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/604e87761c3b3.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/604e877e2c509.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/604e8780970e9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/604e8a83b8eef.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/604e87959dbfa.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/604e879950499.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/604e879fca9ce.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/604e87a76a9e1.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/604e87a9e3015.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/604e87abc7a04.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/604e8c056e7cf.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/604e9891233f6.jpg"/><br>This texture pack for The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds gives you the appearance of  Ravio, the timid hero of Lorule. Made specifically for use with the Citra emulator.<br><br>This mod replaces Link's textures with texture's resembling Ravio's color scheme. This applies to both the character models, and the merged to wall textures. It also has custom color pallets for all 3 different tunics as well as a custom version of the Hylian Shield with a Lorulian twist. + + Texture Packs + Skins + + + diff --git a/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=8216 b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=8216 new file mode 100644 index 000000000..8ae93eb06 --- /dev/null +++ b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=8216 @@ -0,0 +1,261 @@ + + + + GameBanana - The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD + GameBanana - The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD + https://gamebanana.com/games/8216 + + + + https://images.gamebanana.com/static/img/favicon/favicon.ico + GameBanana - The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD + https://gamebanana.com/games/8216 + + + Miles "Tails" Prower + XModxGodX + https://gamebanana.com/mods/519199 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/519199#PostsListModule + 57cd2e500a7a5af98149205daeb479af87875455 + Tue, 29 Oct 2024 05:49:20 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66a30997bff76.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66a309a49780f.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Mild eye texture touch up and alt version<br><em>Addition</em>: Added a version with both quests giving him the regular non-boom look<br><em>Adjustment</em>: fixed up the eye texture having some weird artifacts in some animations<br><em>Tweak</em>: fixed his eye models being slightly too far away from his head model<br><hr><br>Tails over Link. <br>Has the the sword and shield removed from the back since they look super out of place otherwise. + + + Link + Skins + + + The Legend of Zelda: The Oven Baker (Yummy!) + Craepion2211 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/513109 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/513109#PostsListModule + 7809f8a81118e358e3d1fc0548d3654088d94a8f + Sun, 20 Oct 2024 19:44:26 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6699a166ed92e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66404b1be936f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66404b6d2f82a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/664575ca780bd.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/664ea43c579da.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66457515870ec.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6646c0e48f026.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/667c458b5c799.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> More Textures + Working on the Mod Again<br><em>Change</em>: Turned the Hyoi Pear into an actual pear (shows up only when in use)<br><em>Change</em>: Changed the Game Over text to "Skill Issue"<br><em>Change</em>: Changed the KoRL sail to the sail from One Piece (at the request of Mang)<br><hr><br>(IMPORTANT: There's a lot of spots where the game crashes and you have to disable the mod to progress. Make sure you always save your game and let me know if you can offer help with these bugs.)<br>A mod that replaces random stuff in wind waker. This mod was originally "Random WWHD Texture Edits" but that name was too dumb so I renamed it.<br>The list of stuff I changed is too long for me to recall but credits to Siivagunner for the save select music. + + Other/Misc + Skins + + + Xbox Controller Buttons + jeicy03 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/543444 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/543444#PostsListModule + 13438d6f4fe02a4577ac1afdbd910c37556a67f4 + Sat, 21 Sep 2024 04:54:21 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ee5148ccb57.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ee514e8bac4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ee514eb6724.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ee514ed7ce0.jpg"/><br><div class="SelectedElement">This mod replace the Wii U buttons with the Xbox buttons.</div>Works with EU (EN, DE, FR, IT, ES) and US (EN, FR, ES) versions of the game.<br><br>The buttons are:<br>A => B<br>B => A<br>X => Y<br>Y => X<br>ZR => RT<br>ZL => LT<br><br>Instructions:<br>1. Extract the archive and paste contet into folder \cemu\graphicspack<br>2. Run Cemu and enabled in the Graphic Packs menu<br><br> + + User Interface + User Interface + + + Playstation Controller Buttons + jeicy03 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/543403 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/543403#PostsListModule + c7637db1baf7dcae7dd45cf719043627a7f0d988 + Sat, 21 Sep 2024 01:11:02 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ee1cd908c17.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ee1cd97dfde.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ee1cd9ae856.jpg"/><br>This mod replace the Wii U buttons with the Playstation buttons.<br>Works with EU (EN, DE, FR, IT, ES) and US (EN, FR, ES) versions of the game.<br><br>The buttons are:<br>A => O<br><div class="SelectedElement">B => X</div>X => △<br>Y => ◻<br>ZR => R2<br>ZL => L2<br><br>Instructions:<br>1. Extract the archive and paste contet into folder \cemu\graphicspack<br>2. Run Cemu and enabled in the Graphic Packs menu<br><br> + + User Interface + User Interface + + + red tunic wiyh grand ma taker + fadyzeldink + https://gamebanana.com/mods/540134 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/540134#PostsListModule + bc6c659849645865142c9cc20ea0cf4880e0b84d + Wed, 04 Sep 2024 19:07:36 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d8af60728b7.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d8af6752d53.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d8af6d977ec.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d8af756fa45.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d8af7b37698.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d8af844ed65.jpg"/><br>red tunic<br> + + Link + Skins + + + blue tunic wiyh grand ma taker + fadyzeldink + https://gamebanana.com/mods/540108 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/540108#PostsListModule + 700fa3e20dc4de5d21f206c1dd615f28b4dd8705 + Wed, 04 Sep 2024 17:18:00 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d895d0176f5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d895d6297c9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d895da7cb58.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d895e07315c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d895e49c400.jpg"/><br><font><font>تغيير اللون الى ازرق عندما تاخذه من الجدة وفي اللعبة </font></font> + + Link + Skins + + + Classic purple Toon Link + Frasko + https://gamebanana.com/mods/540051 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/540051#PostsListModule + bd82a2509054d169c269b0ce8acfb974d77f89d1 + Wed, 04 Sep 2024 12:09:01 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d84dbdcc7b9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d84dbdab785.jpg"/><br>Classic purple Link's tunic from four swords/DS minigames..?? Enjoy! :3 + + Link + Skins + + + Classic red Toon Link + Frasko + https://gamebanana.com/mods/540050 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/540050#PostsListModule + 8c3f7a5f4e330a982b83024242a97933f74a04ac + Wed, 04 Sep 2024 12:05:44 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d84c7bbd1a4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d84c7ba44bf.jpg"/><br>Classic red Link's tunic from four swords/triforce/DS minigames..?? Enjoy! + + Link + Skins + + + Dark Purple Tunic + Recko + https://gamebanana.com/mods/539774 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/539774#PostsListModule + 65eb7612d7aede1494d6add6b2495492b50470d1 + Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:25:29 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d65461e415a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d6546269e91.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d654627a766.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d654637b1d3.jpg"/><br>(INTENDED FOR CEMU)<br><br>Retextures the tunic to be dark purple and replaces the hero's charm 3d model with majora's mask from MM3D. + + Link + Skins + + + Toon Imp Midna in Wind Waker HD + OniFox + https://gamebanana.com/mods/531825 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/531825#PostsListModule + 1d02adf0bb1a86e0a16a5011db3b8af7c0992093 + Sun, 01 Sep 2024 09:11:04 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bc8c74d70.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd171cb39.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd17b19ae.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd1795664.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd17b3b60.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd16e3634.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6be508af2e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd17317d1.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd17c750d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd17890af.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd1790693.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd171286c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66a9263292d2a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66a926400a57b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd16ea11b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd1708116.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd170e770.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6be5083e89.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd1718863.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd171020e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd167cac4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd1659b55.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd173a395.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd17a2875.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd17a79a2.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd170c866.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd17a3070.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd16e4c2e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd1668a97.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bd1728e08.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c6bf99a69f1.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Version 1.2 Update! VOICEPACK ADDED!<br><em>Addition</em>: Added a Voicepack, which replaces Link's voice with Imp Midna's from Twilight Princess<br><hr><br><b>Toon Imp Midna Playermodel Mod for The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD!</b><br><br>This mod replaces the default Link Playermodel with a custom Imp Midna model! It also replaces the&nbsp;<span class="SelectedElement">Hero's Charm model and icon with the Ordon Shield, The Hero's Clothes model with the Fused Shadow,</span>&nbsp;the Link icon on the Map with Midna's face, and includes a Voicepack to replace Link's voice with Midna!<br><br>This is the first mod I've made for Wind Waker in general, and I opted for HD due to the lack of custom playermodels for it. I will be making an SD version of this mod in the future however, as I don't want to leave any players Midna-less!<br><br>Future updates may come with this mod, such as changing the dialogue and story to work with Midna's presence, and maybe some other model replacements!<br><br>Please let me know if you encounter any bugs with the mod! Follow the provided 'README (Install Guide).txt' to make sure you install this mod properly! + + + + Link + Skins + + + golden item/ادوات ذهبية + fadyzeldink + https://gamebanana.com/mods/538274 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/538274#PostsListModule + 8c1e7e957dc34b05c95638586d8ed7df84e51cd2 + Tue, 27 Aug 2024 09:56:44 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66cda0c9cccaa.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66cda18753a2d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66cda1e78fe3a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66cda2396ae1d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66cda2600c997.jpg"/><br>this mod change color item to gold with link pijama<br> + + Skins + Skins + + + red bomorang/بومورانغ احمر + fadyzeldink + https://gamebanana.com/mods/538142 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/538142#PostsListModule + d44abb9c18a3081dedf1ea58010b5a9bf1cd625e + Mon, 26 Aug 2024 17:14:35 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ccb695c018b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66ccb789c39e5.jpg"/><br>from yellow to red bomorang + + Skins + Skins + + + Chito + Durian8 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/533258 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/533258#PostsListModule + 6659e9184fbae08ab7eb1ca946c24a726feb54f1 + Mon, 05 Aug 2024 12:12:58 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b0c19267636.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b0c1975d941.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b0c19832c81.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66b0c1a3be3a7.jpg"/><br>Chito and unlike Yuuri she has both hands and textures.<br> + + Link + Skins + + + Goku: WindWaker HD + Durian8 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/532897 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/532897#PostsListModule + 7fb4c002a3e29d52b4188c066dfb7870ce6269f9 + Sat, 03 Aug 2024 23:54:06 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66aec274d15a0.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66aec29879a1a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66aec298452af.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66aec29898673.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66aec29898983.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66aec29897d26.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66aec298bfc08.jpg"/><br>A Son Goku like model based on the Dragon Ball GT design. Hope to replace the sword with power poll in the future, along some other stuff.<br> + + Link + Skins + + + Yuuri Mod: Wind Waker HD + Durian8 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/531396 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/531396#PostsListModule + 3c5859001649e74a22f0caba7397bb0736d41013 + Sun, 28 Jul 2024 20:07:12 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66a6a405b7329.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66a6a4062e54c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66a6a40638fae.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66a6a40641514.jpg"/><br>yuuri from Girls Last Tour as link. very poor quality, needs tunic and idk why the hands are missing<br> + + Link + Skins + + + Twilight Princess Gale Boomerang + Craepion2211 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/525139 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/525139#PostsListModule + 11763b33c59a33e2ff506835173b18eef75d1e0e + Mon, 01 Jul 2024 17:56:54 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6682f1ea39606.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6682f20b82197.jpg"/><br>Basically replaces the Boomerang model with the Gale Boomerang model from Twilight Princess.<br>I got the model from <a href="https://www.models-resource.com/gamecube/zeldatwilightprincess/model/44452/">The Models Resource</a> so shoutout to them. + + Other/Misc + Skins + + + Blue Tunic + rs9f + https://gamebanana.com/mods/523301 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/523301#PostsListModule + aee474b27ad874d1667cdcd5cacd22430981b3fa + Sun, 23 Jun 2024 00:55:05 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6677725dd36b1.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6677725dd78cd.jpg"/><br>A small mod I made that gives Link a blue tunic + + Link + Skins + + + Peter Griffin + Bry_Dawg02 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/522893 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/522893#PostsListModule + 1e83dad8f8a49610e1827cbae3b22159f42414fa + Fri, 21 Jun 2024 01:32:04 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6674d713141c0.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6674d7310698e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6674d730ae830.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6674d730df5f0.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6674d7312ed55.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6674d73137804.jpg"/><br>My first model import for Wind Waker HD!<br><span class="GreenColor"><br>Instructions:<br>1. Unpack the zip file<br>2. Place "Wind Waker HD - Peter Griffin Moblin" folder in your cemu>graphicPacks folder<span class="GreenColor"><br></span></span><span class="GreenColor">3. Boot Cemu, and open the Graphics Pack tab for either Wind Waker or the Randomizer</span><br><br><span class="RedColor SelectedElement">Instructions for injecting SZS file to permanent_3d.pack for Rando Skins, Linkle, etc.:<br>1. Unpack SZS zip<br>2. find the permanent_3d.pack in your desired mod and open it with <a href="https://github.com/KillzXGaming/Switch-Toolbox">Switch Toolbox</a><br>"content\Common\Pack"<br>3. Replace "Mo2.szs" with the one from the zIp folder by right clicking the file and clicking <br>"Replace Raw Data"<br></span><span class="RedColor">4. Save!</span><br> + + + + + Enemies + Skins + + + Blue Telescope + Seal Enthusiast + https://gamebanana.com/mods/522528 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/522528#PostsListModule + e3f657617b5a2d57537bef3328a6d742495028fc + Wed, 19 Jun 2024 04:20:52 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66725ab43c3cf.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66725ac06f855.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66725ac09ccbe.jpg"/><br>A mod for the Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD that makes the Telescope blue, It is the first mod for WWHD to support the WWHD randomizer by design. + + Other/Misc + Skins + + + Ultra Double Supa Ray Tracing RTX 4K Link + isaacthegroot + https://gamebanana.com/mods/513959 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/513959#PostsListModule + b2e1e6118a2a76ce7b30e507f4a8238c57d92c24 + Thu, 16 May 2024 22:47:10 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66468ce8d76cd.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66468ce8d81f3.jpg"/><br><a href="file:///D:/cemu/cemu_1.26.2/screenshots/Screenshot_2024-05-16_16-15-40.png">this link is a screenshot of it</a><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/static/img/mascots/detective.png" data-error-src="file:///D:/cemu/cemu_1.26.2/screenshots/Screenshot_2024-05-16_16-15-40.png" class="ImgError SelectedElement" title="Image Not Found"> + + Link + Skins + + + diff --git a/GovTrack b/GovTrack new file mode 100644 index 000000000..7cec10453 --- /dev/null +++ b/GovTrack @@ -0,0 +1,96 @@ + + + + GovTrack - Posts from Us + GovTrack - Posts from Us + https://www.govtrack.us/posts + + + + https://www.govtrack.us/favicon.ico + GovTrack - Posts from Us + https://www.govtrack.us/posts + + + President-elect Trump asks Senate to take a recess + Joshua Tauberer + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/453/2024-11-11_president-elect-trump-asks-senate-to-take-a-recess + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/453/2024-11-11_president-elect-trump-asks-senate-to-take-a-recess + Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <p>We're back. And it's a little sooner than we expected.  President-elect Trump put his thumb on incoming Republican senators' leadership elections over the weekend by <a href="https://x.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1855692242981155259">demanding</a> that the Senate allow "recess appointments" next year. He wants to get around the Constitution's checks and balances that gives the Senate its role in confirming nominees. Here's why, and some other ways Trump could do it.</p> <h3>Recess appointments have been essentially defunct for more than a decade</h3> <p>Normally the President nominates and then the Senate confirms top government positions including <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_positions_filled_by_presidential_appointment_with_Senate_confirmation">more than 1,000 agency heads and senior officers</a>, senior military officers including generals, as well as judges and Supreme Court justices. But there was a workaround: <a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/article-2/section-2/clause-3/">Article II, section 2, clause 3 of the Constitution</a> gives the President the power to make temporary appointments when the Senate is out of session for <a href="https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/RS21308.html">at least ten days</a>, called <a href="https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/RS21308.html">recess appointments</a>. These appointments last for <a href="https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/RS21308.html#fn38">at most two years</a>. The President can seek confirmation of the appointee to make it permanent, or not, and there are some laws that limit paying certain recess appointees to discourage doing it.</p> <p>In the first 100 years of the country, the recess appointment power made sense: the Senate was <a href="https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/RS21308.html">out of session more than it was in session</a>. In modern times, recess appointments had been a way for the President to use the Senate's short breaks to work around senators withholding their "advice and consent."</p> <p>But the recess appointment power has been essentially defunct for more than a decade now (<a href="https://x.com/danielschuman/status/1855787305958621264">here's a chart</a>). In 2011 the Senate simply stopped going into recess to prevent recess appointments, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NLRB_v._Noel_Canning">in 2014 the Supreme Court upheld the Senate's practice</a> after President Obama made recess appointments anyway. The last recess appointment seems to have been <a href="https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/R42329.pdf">in 2010</a> (excluding the ones vacated in the 2014 ruling). Trump tried <a href="https://www.vox.com/2020/4/16/21223488/trump-adjourn-congress-recess-appointment-constitution-mitch-mcconnell">to use this power back in 2020</a> but, as far as I can tell, he didn't have the opportunity to do so because the Senate remained in session.</p> <p>Over long holidays and other times when senators aren't expected to be working at the Capitol (like the last few weeks), one senator gavels in and gavels out every few days so that the time off isn't legally a recess. No recess, no recess appointment. These "pro forma" sessions have now long been standard practice.</p> <p>Trump is asking the Senate to voluntarily go on a break without pro forma sessions for the 10 days long enough to be considered in recess, and the House would need to agree. If Congress chooses to abrogate one of its Constitutional duties, that would be concerning.</p> <h3>Why Trump may be asking</h3> <p>There are three reasons Trump may be thinking about it again. "Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more," Trump wrote on X last weekend, which is true: Vetting a nominee, holding a hearing, and making floor time for a vote can take time and hold up a President's agenda. It is often too slow. But the process is the point: It's a check on unqualified nominees.</p> <p>But it doesn't take long if senators want to move fast. In Trump's first term, his Defense and Homeland Security Secretaries were confirmed the same day Trump took office, thanks to Senate leg-work that was finished before Inauguration Day, but <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2017/02/25/politics/donald-trump-cabinet-vacancies/index.html">the Senate held back others</a>. Sometimes senators drag it out: Senate tradition allows any senator to request a "hold," such as when Sen. Tuberville (R) <a href="https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2023/12/06/here-are-the-425-military-leaders-finally-confirmed-by-the-senate/">held the nomination of 400 military officers for 10 months</a> last year over a largely unrelated policy dispute.  Recess appointments could accelerate policy changes in Trump's first year.</p> <p>Trump may also be hoping to appoint officials that he thinks may not get enough support in the Senate for confirmation. Although Republicans will hold 52 to 54 seats in the Senate, only 50 is needed for confirmation (with soon-to-be Vice President Vance casting a tie-breaking vote). But senators don't always fall in line. Recess appointments would get around needing a Senate vote. (The 60-vote filibuster or "cloture" threshold doesn't apply here. Since 2013, the threshold for nominations has been a simple majority. Democrats dropped the higher threshold for nominations that year to get around Republican no's.)</p> <p>Lastly, Trump's would-be nominees may not want to go through the Senate's normally rigorous vetting process, background checks, and public hearings in order to keep their personal life and business dealings out of the public eye.</p> <h3>What could happen</h3> <p>The Senate could choose to go into recess, if the House agrees. A recess intended to abrogate a Constitutional duty would be very concerning, however. It would remove an important check on presidential power and let senators green-light appointments without being on the record voting for them, but that might be the point. If there are enough legislators in both chambers voting in favor of a recess (both chambers must agree), then there are probably enough senators to confirm the nomination anyway. </p> <p>The President <a href="https://www.vox.com/2020/4/16/21223488/trump-adjourn-congress-recess-appointment-constitution-mitch-mcconnell">can't force the Senate into recess</a>, although maybe the President and the House can together. That would be even more concerning. It's never happened.</p> <p>The Senate could also change its norms by holding closed hearings to skip public vettings of nominees, they could confirm more nominees without a record of how each senator votes (which they do for many <a href="https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/RS20986.html">noncontroversial</a> non-political nominations), or, better, they could find a way to vet nominees faster.</p> <p>There are some alternatives for the President: Trump could <a href="https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/R40119.html">use the Vacancies Reform Act to fill these roles temporarily</a> by promoting top civil servants that support his policies. That's the best option for a temporary appointment. Congress may find some positions to give the President power to appoint without Senate consent (but the Constitution requires top decision-makers be Senate-confirmed), and they may also repeal those <a href="https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/RS21308.html">statutory limits on paying recess appointees</a>. He could also simply leave these positions vacant to hamstring agencies that don't follow his agenda.</p> <p>For a list of Senate-confirmed positions in the civil service, <a href="https://www.opm.gov/about-us/open-government/plum-reporting/plum-data/">search the PLUM Data</a> for "PAS" appointments.</p> + &middot; Analysis and Commentary &middot; by Joshua Tauberer + + + What To Expect, And What Not, on Election Day and in the Weeks Ahead + Joshua Tauberer + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/451/2024-10-31_what-to-expect-and-what-not-on-election-day-and-in-the-weeks-ahead + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/451/2024-10-31_what-to-expect-and-what-not-on-election-day-and-in-the-weeks-ahead + Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <p>The period between Election Day and when all the results are final can be, let's say, a little bumpy. Some things are an expected part of what it means to have free and fair elections. But some are not.</p> <p>Here are some principles to sort out what's normal and what's not normal:</p> <p><em>Normal</em></p> <ul> <li> <p>Some media outlets will "call" races, but elections officials will still be counting all the ballots. Results come in piecemeal, and some states are faster than others. </p> </li> <li> <p>We expect candidates to use state and federal courts to resolve disputes about how to get to certified vote totals. This is the right way to do it.</p> </li> </ul> <p><em>Not Normal</em></p> <ul> <li>But if clerks and other officials fail to certify a result or seek to select a winner based on something other than the total of all certified totals, that would <em>not</em> be normal — or worse.</li> </ul> <h3>What to expect on Election Night and in the weeks after</h3> <p>As the votes are counted, expect to see the earliest reports on Election Night based mostly on mail-in ballots, then some precinct-by-precinct in-person voting results will start to mix in. Only about half of the country's votes will be reported by midnight Eastern Time. Over days more mail-in ballots will be processed and added into the totals. The "winners" will seem to lurch back and forth as ballots are added in — it happens in every close election.</p> <p>In Utah, where since 2018 nearly all citizens have voted by mail, clerks <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2024-10-25/ap-decision-notes-what-to-expect-in-utah-on-election-day">begin the counting before Election Day</a> so their results are fairly fast. Similarly, you can see <a href="https://escambiavotes.gov/docs/soelibraries/notices/legal-notice-canvassing-board-meetings-august-20-primary.pdf?sfvrsn=b16010f2_1">here</a> that Florida began scanning mail-in ballots for its last primary election nearly a month before the election. But in Pennsylvania, the law is that mail-in ballots <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2024-10-22/ap-decision-notes-what-to-expect-in-pennsylvania-on-election-day">can't be processed until Election Day</a>, drawing out the timeline. In 2020, the Associated Press (AP) called the race for president in Pennsylvania on the Saturday morning after Election Day. Recounts in counties in four other states weren't complete until the end of the month — though <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/fact-check/contrary-to-social-media-posts-recounts-of-the-2020-us-presidential-election-idUSL2N2WJ1J9/">none flipped the winner</a>. While AP waits for nearly all the votes to be in, most media outlets use statistics to predict sooner how the uncounted votes will go based on past precinct results.</p> <p>Court challenges have already started, and that's a good thing. Judges in Georgia and Florida recently <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/10/politics/georgia-florida-voter-registration-deadlines/index.html">ruled against left-aligned groups seeking to extend voter registration</a> after the two disruptive hurricanes there, and a federal judge in North Carolina <a href="https://www.wral.com/story/gop-officials-can-t-purge-225-000-voters-in-nc-trump-appointed-judge-rules/21678839/">ruled against the Republican Party seeking to remove 225,000 voter registrations</a> that they claimed were illegal (but may not have been). In Pennsylvania, <a href="https://www.justsecurity.org/104174/election-top-10-oct-23/">ongoing litigation</a> is considering whether voters should be notified if their mail-in ballots are rejected. This is the time to resolve disputes, and courts are the place to do it.</p> <p>Federal law recognizes that court challenges are an expected and welcome part of the process. The law gives states five weeks to count the votes for president and work through those court challenges. By December 11, <a href="https://campaignlegal.org/sites/default/files/2024-09/ElectingthePresident_FromElectionDaytotheJointSession.pdf">states must send certified results</a> of their presidential election — their slate of "electors" — to the federal government. The majority of electors determines the next president.</p> <h3>Now to what's not normal.</h3> <p>State officials must certify election results, but some elections officials throughout the country have been looking for ways to avoid reporting out the vote totals. In 2022, elections officials in North Carolina, Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania and New Mexico <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/election-officials-refused-certify-results-few-held-accountable">refused to certify election results</a>, in some cases until a court ordered them to do so. This year, Georgia's elections board told its clerks to withhold certification until they perform an "inquiry," which the state's Supreme Court <a href="https://www.justsecurity.org/104174/election-top-10-oct-23/">ruled</a> went beyond state law. Elections officials must count up the votes quickly following their state's procedures. Disputes should, and do, get resolved in court, not by clerks or politicians.</p> <p>Election results must be based on those certified vote totals. Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) recently suggested North Carolina's legislature should vote to <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/25/trump-freedom-caucus-north-carolina-electors-00185520">award the state's presidential electors to candidate Donald Trump in lieu of an election</a> because of potential difficulty voting following the recent hurricanes. In the 2020 election, most Republicans in Congress voted to drop the electors from Arizona and Pennsylvania out of the final count. (I know many of you believe that they voted to delay certification for an investigation, but that never happened. You won't find any vote to delay in the Congressional Record, video, or transcript.) A free and fair election requires having an election and then accepting all of its certified results once the time for court challenges is complete.</p> <p>What if the election isn't fair? You wouldn't be the first to think an election wasn't fair. I think everyone will find something about it that they don't think is fair. Or many things. But we still must conclude the election. Challenge it in court, yes. If the laws (and courts) still fail us, then we live to fight for a fairer election another day by changing the law for the next election. The paraphrased John Adams quote "a government of laws, not of men" is how we keep going. It's worked for 235 years. Refusing the result because you think it wasn't fair is not acceptable in a country of laws.</p> <p>Finally, election fraud shouldn't happen either, and some may be discovered after the election. But comprehensive <a href="https://apnews.com/article/voter-fraud-election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-7fcb6f134e528fee8237c7601db3328f">reviews of state investigations and prosecutions</a> after the 2020 election, as well as reviews of prosecutions and investigations <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/28/technology/noncitizen-voting-election.html">during and before the Trump Administration</a>, have shown that improper votes have not favored one party over the other, and they have numbered far fewer than the state margins that determine winners. Those ballots are also often screened-out by standard procedures before the election is over.</p> <p>Let's hope for a smooth election, but now you know more about what kinds of bumps to expect and what we hope not to see.</p> <p>Newly elected legislators don't take office until January 3rd at noon, so we'll be back with more updates once Congress comes back with everyone's same legislators later in November for the "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lame_duck_(politics)#:%7E:text=Origins%20of%20the%20term,-Literally%2C%20the%20term&amp;text=In%201761%2C%20Horace%20Walpole%20wrote,up%20as%20a%20lame%20duck%22.">lame duck</a>" session. And we may have more to say ahead of Congress's January 6 counting of presidential electors. So see you here soon.</p> <p><em>Correction: We originally wrote Rep. Harris was from North Carolina. He is from Maryland. Embarrassed, we apologize for the mistake.</em></p> + &middot; Analysis and Commentary &middot; by Joshua Tauberer + + + Elections: A Day in the Life of an Election Worker + Amy West + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/450/2024-10-28_elections-a-day-in-the-life-of-an-election-worker + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/450/2024-10-28_elections-a-day-in-the-life-of-an-election-worker + Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <p>On Election Day, my GovTrack hat comes off and another hat goes on: I am an election worker in Florida. This will be my fourth election. I’m the <a href="https://escambiavotes.gov/election-worker-information">Equipment Operator</a> for my precinct.</p> <p>This is a skilled, paid position with training before every election. This year, Florida will have had a Presidential Preference vote in March, a primary election for all other offices in August, and finally the general election in November. I will have had training three times by November 5th. </p> <p>My role starts the day before Election Day when the staff for the precinct meet at the polling place to get tables arranged, set up the voting booths, and check in with the facility staff responsible for letting us in the next morning. On the day of the election, I’m up around 4am to get back to the polling place a little before 6am. (By the way, because the polling place to which I’m assigned is not my polling place, I vote early.) </p> <p>Florida law gives the public the right to observe set up, but since 2018 when I started, no one has. The set up process is fairly rote and I’m given a checklist to make sure I do it all in the correct order and way, including: </p> <ul> <li> <p>Unlocking &amp; unsealing the part of the tabulator where the marked ballots will go and verifying there’s no marked ballots from any previous elections in there (there has never been an old ballot in there, but we still check)</p> </li> <li> <p>Turning on the machine</p> </li> <li> <p>Verifying that its count is at zero, that it has the right precinct number, date and time (it always has been right, but we always check)</p> </li> <li> <p>Getting the rest of the workers to review and sign the report that is automatically printed that shows the above</p> </li> <li> <p>Setting up the accessible voting machine</p> </li> </ul> <p>The staff assigned to the ballots and check-in have their own procedures. There’s also a person called the <a href="https://escambiavotes.gov/election-worker-information">Poll Deputy</a> who makes sure no campaign activity takes place within 150 feet of the precinct (we’re supplied with a handy pre-measured rope), sets up directional signs, and controls the flow of voters. If it’s a nice day, that’s probably the best job because you get to spend it outside in the sun.</p> <p>Then, we all take our oath of office, make sure we’ve got our badges on, and get some coffee before opening the doors at 7am sharp.</p> <p><em>7am to 7pm</em></p> <p>Each voter starts at the check-in desk. <a href="https://dos.fl.gov/elections/for-voters/voting/election-day-voting/">Florida requires voters to show ID at check in</a> and to verify their signature. Then they’re given a receipt that they take to the ballot table. At the ballot table they’re given their ballot in exchange for the receipt, and then they go to one of the booths to vote.</p> <p>When they’ve finished, the voter comes to my area, puts their ballot in the machine, and as soon as I hear the thunk of the ballot landing in the box and see the number increase on the screen, I thank them for voting and offer them a sticker.  My role is seeing to it that the ballots successfully run through the tabulator and get counted. If there’s a paper jam, I help clear it. If a voter gets an error message (too many choices for one contest, mismarked ballot, and similar issues), I explain the message and they can decide to cast the ballot as is, go back for a new one, or live with it not being cast at all.</p> <p>If someone wishes to use the accessible machine, the machine prints their selections. It’s basically a complicated pen. While it was initially set up with hearing and vision impaired voters in mind, anyone can use it and examples have included folks with temporary issues like forgetting to bring their reading glasses. The ballot from this machine goes into the tabulator just like all the others.</p> <p>Once an hour, the clerk goes around and checks with each station to see how many check-ins there have been, how many ballots have been issued and how many tabulated. These numbers should match (and since I started they always have). That way, when 7pm rolls around, there’s no surprise.</p> <p><em>7pm to 8pm</em></p> <p>Doors close at 7pm sharp. Just as in set up, the public may observe the evening checklist. Two reports that are now printed from the tabulator are the first time we see any information other than how many ballots were cast. One goes to the Supervisor of Elections office. This copy is reviewed &amp; signed by all of the precinct staff. The other copy is taped to the door of the precinct for anyone who comes by to view. This is also the only time of day that the tabulator is online. When it’s finished transmitting results to the Supervisor of Elections, it begins to shut down. Then I unseal and pull out the ballot box from the tabulator, make sure nothing’s left inside, and lock and seal the ballot box. It will go with the clerk to the Supervisor of Elections when we all leave. </p> <p>Then, while the clerk does some closing paperwork, the rest of us pack and lock up all the other equipment, and about 8pm, we go home.</p> <p>What I want to convey is that this is a highly prescribed task. As of October 2020, <a href="https://files.floridados.gov/media/703582/2020-election-code-complete.pdf">the election code was 184 pages</a>. We’re not freestyling. Due to Hurricanes <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/desantis-orders-election-changes-in-counties-hit-hard-by-helene/">Helene</a> and <a href="https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/desantis-issues-order-to-allow-election-changes-in-wake-of-hurricane-milton/3448670/">Milton</a>, Gov. DeSantis has approved some modifications to rules for polling places and mail-in voting, but overall the process will still be similar in polling places throughout the state. </p> <p>Maybe I’ll even see you on Election Day.</p> + &middot; Analysis and Commentary &middot; by Amy West + + + GovTrack Marks Two Decades of Tracking Congress + Joshua Tauberer + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/449/2024-10-18_govtrack-marks-two-decades-of-tracking-congress + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/449/2024-10-18_govtrack-marks-two-decades-of-tracking-congress + Fri, 18 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <p>We know more today about what the U.S. Congress is doing, both the good and the bad, than ever before. That doesn’t mean Congress has become perfect. Transparency gives us an opportunity to hold powerful people and institutions accountable, but we have to use it.</p> <p>This week you’re hearing from Josh, the founder of GovTrack.us. I launched GovTrack 20 years ago and I, along with our small team, are still at it.</p> <p>Our legislative tracking tools, district maps, bill summaries, and legislator statistics have been used by tens of millions of students and educators, policy professionals, and voters, as well as by congressional office staff, political candidates, and journalists. We send out half-a-million emails every week to those of you subscribing to our bi-weekly analysis of activity in Congress.</p> <p>We have also advocated to make Congress more open. And it’s worked. Features we pioneered on GovTrack including customized email alerts, advanced bill search filters, a calendar of upcoming committee meetings, zoomable Congressional district maps, and a data API for researchers and software developers — you can now find all of those on Congress’s official website <a href="https://www.congress.gov/">Congress.gov</a>. Over the years we’ve gotten to know the <a href="https://congressionaldata.org/the-congressional-data-task-force-continues-efforts-to-modernize-congressional-tech-including-itself/">behind-the-scenes people working in Congress’s support offices</a> building these tools and digitizing the law with an excitement that was hard to find when we started. I am rooting for them to make GovTrack obsolete.</p> <p>But what I am proud of the most is seeing our users reach beyond rudimentary civics knowledge and media-driven fantasies to face the reality of how the legislative branch actually works.</p> <p>I’ve been asked many times over the years if legislators have ever given us a hard time about shining a light on them. It’s never happened. More often than not they want the benefit of attention given to their legislation. And many <a href="https://rollcall.com/2024/10/03/derek-kilmer-is-still-trying-to-fix-congress/">legislators from both parties have been strong supporters of institutional reforms</a> including transparency.</p> <p>But this summer we were the target of a petty, dishonest, and <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/posts/434/2024-07-26_we-retracted-our-single-year-legislator-report-cards-after-warning-about-their-unreliability">vile attack from right-wing media</a>, influencers, and their viewers over statistical noise in our numerical analysis of legislator behavior. It was a rough time for me. Transparency and accountability for Congress has more detractors than I realized.</p> <p>There is more left for Congress to do. This year we began publishing <a href="https://rollcall.com/2024/10/03/derek-kilmer-is-still-trying-to-fix-congress/">bi-weekly summaries of what’s happening in Congress</a>, and we wish we could write you with even more updates throughout the week because so much more significant legislation is moving through Congress than we have the space (or time and budget) to write about. Congress isn’t doing the work to let you know all about it in plain language — they should. We also publish a database of <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/misconduct">legislator misconduct</a> because Congress’s ethics committees are not meeting our, or your, expectations.</p> <p>Speaking of budget, did you know we have no full time employees? We’re all part time trying to make the most of GovTrack’s limited resources.</p> <p>In some personal-professional news, I now serve on the first <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/governmentwide-initiatives/us-open-government/open-government-federal-advisory-committee">Open Government Federal Advisory Committee</a>, an official executive-branch advisory body that has been asked to make recommendations to create a more open government. Daniel Schuman, who has been writing our legislative previews this year, has also been appointed to the committee — as its chair. Keep your fingers crossed for us.</p> <p>Finally, thank you for using our service, especially those of you who have sent feedback over the years (I read every message), and even more if you <a href="https://www.patreon.com/govtrack">support us on Patreon</a> or have a <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/accounts/membership">hide-the-ads subscription</a>. And also thanks to our team, past and present.</p> <p>Keep on tracking.</p> + &middot; News About GovTrack &middot; by Joshua Tauberer + + + Disaster Relief II: FEMA Fund Facts + Amy West + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/448/2024-10-11_disaster-relief-ii-fema-fund-facts + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/448/2024-10-11_disaster-relief-ii-fema-fund-facts + Fri, 11 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h2>The Disaster Relief Fund is funded, for now</h2> <p>You've probably heard conflicting news about the state of FEMA's funding. As Chad Pergram of Fox News <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/follow-money-understanding-femas-disaster-budget-hurricane-milton-aftermath">explained</a>, Congress's "continuing resolution" in September appropriated funds in a way that's immediately available to FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund. There's $20 billion dollars available to spend on North Carolina, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina, and it's enough to make it to when Congress comes back into session in November after the election. But when Congress returns, the DRF isn't the only program helping disaster victims that will be running out of appropriated funds. The National Flood Insurance Program and the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/10/11/sba-funding-milton-helene/">Small Business Administration's disaster assistance programs</a> are also running out. These programs each draw from separate accounts set in law.</p> <h2>Agency funding is designated for specific purposes</h2> <p>You may have also read about how <a href="https://www.fema.gov/grants/shelter-services-program">FEMA administers a different and vastly smaller fund that provides reimbursement to state and local governments and non-profits</a> providing services to immigrants released by the Department of Homeland Security. The claim is that FEMA should have used this money for disaster relief. Fox News <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/speaker-johnson-addresses-claims-fema-diverted-funds-immigration-efforts-american-people-disgusted">debunked this</a>:</p> <p>It would be illegal if FEMA did so. Agencies don't have the freedom to move money around whenever they think it's needed. Why? Because <a href="https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript">Article 1, Section 9 of the Constitution</a> gives Congress the power to appropriate funds:</p> <blockquote> <p>No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law</p> </blockquote> <p>These programs are appropriated <em>separately</em> within laws passed by Congress and signed by the President. The only way to move the funding is to change the law --- which Congress can do but FEMA can't. (Sometimes the law includes provisions to allow funds to be moved around by agencies or the President, but to our knowledge no such provision exists in this case.)</p> <p>If you want a taste of how many different specific allocations Congress makes each year, the <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/budget/2025">President's yearly budget requests</a> give a clue. There are thousands of different programs to which funds are allocated and which agencies have to manage individually so that they may provide an account of their spending to Congress for the next round of funding.</p> <h2>The House is the accelerator</h2> <p>In previous updates we've described the power struggles among the Republicans in the House while not focusing on internal conflicts within the Democratic Party in the House. Nor have we written about conflicts in either party in the Senate. There is a reason for this, but it may not be what you think.</p> <p>In the House, the majority rules. But this Congress, there's been enough disagreement within the majority party --- the Republicans --- about both policy priorities and legislative methods, that it's been very challenging to pass key legislation with solely Republican votes. Part of the <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/follow-money-understanding-femas-disaster-budget-hurricane-milton-aftermath">Fox News article</a> we linked to at the top discusses this very dynamic in relationship to further disaster funding. Democrats in the House have little to do while Republicans search for agreement amongst themselves about what bills to bring to the floor.</p> <p>The same problem has plagued Democrats in the past and surely will again if they return to the majority.</p> <h2>The Senate is the brake</h2> <p>Unlike the House, Senate rules give the <em>minority</em> significant power. Why? Because in the Senate, in order to get to a vote on a bill, at least 60 of the 100 Senators must agree to end debate (aka "cloture or "motion to proceed," or ending a filibuster). In other words, a minority of senators can kill any proposal. For fast-tracked bills, it takes only one senator objecting to prevent a vote. So the Senate majority has much less power than in the House. They get the bulk of committee seats, they set the floor schedule and general direction of the chamber, but it's not enough to pass bills. Consequently, we haven't written much about the current Senate Democratic majority this year.</p> <p>Republicans are expected to flip the Senate this fall but without getting 60 or more seats. In 2017, with just 52 votes, Republicans faced a 60-vote threshold that applied as well to Supreme Court nominations. In order to confirm now-Justice Gorsuch, Republicans <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/115-2017/s109">changed the rules so that the 60-vote threshold didn't apply to Supreme Court nominations</a>. All parliamentary rules are fair game to change. So whether the braking power of the Senate remains may be up to them.</p> <p>See you all in the next post, and hopefully no more hurricanes.</p> + &middot; Analysis and Commentary &middot; by Amy West + + + The Politics of Disaster Relief + Daniel Schuman + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/447/2024-10-07_the-politics-of-disaster-relief + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/447/2024-10-07_the-politics-of-disaster-relief + Mon, 07 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <p>Hello Gov Trackers,</p> <p>You probably weren’t expected to hear from me until mid-November, but how could I stay away? More importantly, how can Congress? </p> <p>Legislators left town in September to campaign after passing a “skinny” Continuing Resolution that kept the federal government funded, temporarily. It provided more money for the Secret Service but did not include the $10 billion in <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/22/politics/government-funding-continuing-resolution/index.html">requested funds for the Federal Emergency Management Agency</a>, which had indicated it was running out of money. Legislators did allow for FEMA to more rapidly draw down its appropriated funds.</p> <p>Since then the landfall of Hurricane Helene left unbelievable destruction in its path. Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm as of Monday, October 7, is currently bearing down on Florida. </p> <p>The <a href="https://rollcall.com/2024/09/30/biden-floats-recess-action-on-helene-supplemental/">billions of dollars in outstanding emergency needs</a> range from Vermont’s 2024 flooding to Hawaii’s 2023 wildfires. President Biden suggested Congress may need to return “early,” a point raised by several Republican and Democratic legislators, although Speaker Johnson thus far has indicated an unwillingness to do so.</p> <p>This is not entirely surprising, as spending money is at the crux of his dilemma. One faction within the Republican party wants to rein in all spending, toppling prior Republican Speaker <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/11/21/house-republicans-cut-spending/">Kevin McCarthy</a> and pushing out Speaker <a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-united-states-congress-b0149e2c85294a759eaa63755d7596ad">John Boehner</a> over those issues.</p> <p>Passing emergency spending legislation prior to the election likely would split the Republican party. The ascendant hardline faction would seek to oppose spending or to attach extraneous conditions that they know could never receive agreement from the Senate or White House (in jargon we’d call these “poison pills”). (One confounding factor here is that some hardliners are in states that suffered huge blows from these natural disasters. They might be willing to flip the script.)</p> <p>More traditional Republicans may be willing to spend the funds, but such a vote would tamp down enthusiasm in their districts and open them to primary challenges later on. Speaker Johnson, having to shepherd such legislation into law, would have to irritate one side or another, which doesn’t bode well for his longevity at the top spot.</p> <p>Making matters more politically complex is that the House and Senate would have to return to Washington, D.C. The House eliminated its ability to vote remotely and the Senate never possessed that capability. It is possible that both chambers could operate with less than a quorum, although any objections — which one could expect from hardline members — would throw efforts to quickly vote into disarray.</p> <p>In the meantime, millions of Americans are looking for help. If the past is any guide, help won’t be coming until November, if then.</p> + &middot; Analysis and Commentary &middot; by Daniel Schuman + + + Mailbag: UN Funding; Things Congress Doesn&#39;t Do + Amy West + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/446/2024-10-02_mailbag-un-funding-things-congress-doesnt-do + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/446/2024-10-02_mailbag-un-funding-things-congress-doesnt-do + Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <p>Before we head into our series on how elections work in the U.S. we thought we'd cover a few lingering questions we've gotten over the last few months.</p> <h2>UN Funding</h2> <p>We were asked about Congress and UN funding. <a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/">The Congressional Research Service</a> has a <a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10354">report</a> on the types of funding provided by the US and statutes authorizing (or in some cases, prohibiting) the funding. We'll add that the UN has been a controversial entity from inception (as was its predecessor the League of Nations). There has always been a faction of the US population that thinks we should not be involved with the UN at all. How much traction that view gets in mainstream politics tends to ebb and flow. In the late 1950s and early 1960s as the John Birch Society was in its heyday, this perspective was fairly strong. The book <a href="https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/rick-perlstein/before-the-storm/9781568584126/?lens=bold-type-books">Before the Storm</a> by Rick Perlstein provides some useful background.</p> <p>Currently, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has been targeted by Congressional Republicans for defunding or at least reduced funding. A search of <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/browse?congress=118&amp;text=unrwa#sort=relevance">bills introduced this session</a> shows at least 18 bills specifically about UNRWA. Most have not passed, but provisions in <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s2438">appropriations bills that did pass</a> allow for funds to be withheld if UNRWA doesn't meet certain conditions.</p> <h2>Things Congress Doesn't Do</h2> <p>In our survey in the spring, we got a couple of responses about property taxes and police. While Congress can pass laws that might indirectly affect property tax rates and local law enforcement, in general, these are issues that are determined at the state and local level. We want to mention this because while we obviously think it's important to interact with your members of Congress, they aren't the only government officials who matter.</p> <p>Many of the everyday issues that get people's attention are local. For example, ambulance services may be a county service. Your GovTracker lives in a county in FL that has had some issues with its ambulance service. Enough in fact to be the primary driver for one of the candidates to run for one of the county commission seats.</p> <p>So! Remember to check to see if the thing about which you're concerned is a federal, state or local issue and act accordingly. Also remember that sometimes an issue can span multiple jurisdictions. Environmental harms are a typical instance of this. It can make it more difficult to effect change, but it can also mean you have more people to work with.</p> <p>See you all next week!</p> + &middot; Analysis and Commentary &middot; by Amy West + + + New Laws Passed! + Amy West + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/445/2024-09-27_new-laws-passed + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/445/2024-09-27_new-laws-passed + Fri, 27 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <p>Every session of Congress has tens of thousands of introduced bills. Of those, only a small percentage ever pass one chamber, let alone both.</p> <p>This week, the House was unusually busy in general and passed several bills that will now become law in the process. To celebrate these bills literally beating the odds, we're going to focus on the ones that will become law in this week's recap.</p> <p>If you want to see all the voice votes, the <a href="https://x.com/HouseDailyPress?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">House Press Gallery X account</a> remains the best bet. If you just want to see all the roll call votes, we recommend <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes">our site</a>.</p> <h2>Government Funding</h2> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr9747">H.R. 9747: Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025</a> passed the House <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h450">341-82</a> and the Senate <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/s255">78-18</a>. This resolution expires December 20, so both chambers may well be passing another continuing resolution near the end of the year.</p> <p>The reason for this resolution and indeed the ones preceding it are the same: drafting a regular funding bill (aka an appropriation) that can pass on Republican votes alone has been consistently unsuccessful. So, to even get a bill out of the House that prevents a shut down, the Republican leadership has had to first let more conservative regular appropriations bills fail and then, finally, as time runs out, put up a continuing resolution that will garner Democratic votes and actually pass. A bill that House Democrats agree to has (so far) always been acceptable to enough Senators of both parties to pass there too.</p> <p>What's a little weird about it all is that as we show below, on specific topics, there are bills that can pass handily. But appropriations in general keep getting caught up in internal Republican fights over priorities and methods, failing on the floor and then being put off by passage of continuing resolutions.</p> <h2>Government Administration</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s1549">S. 1549: Congressional Budget Office Data Access Act</a> passed by voice vote and goes to the President next. From the Library of Congress summary: "This bill exempts the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) from the Privacy Act of 1974 to expedite the sharing of data and information between CBO and federal agencies."</li> <li><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s679">S. 679: GAO Database Modernization Act of 2023</a> passed by voice vote and goes to the President next. This bill would require agencies to let the Government Accountability Office know when a regulation is no longer in force so that GAO can keep its database up to date.</li> </ul> <h2>Alzheimer's Programs</h2> <ul> <li> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s133">S. 133: NAPA Reauthorization Act</a> passed by voice vote and goes to the President next. It reauthorizes the programs under the National Alzheimer's Project.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s134/summary">S. 134: Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act</a> passed by voice vote and goes to the President next. From the Library of Congress summary: "This bill requires the National Institutes of Health to annually submit, beginning in FY2024, an estimate of its budget and personnel needs for carrying out initiatives pursuant to the National Alzheimer's Project directly to the President for review and transmittal to Congress."</p> </li> </ul> <h2>Homeland Security</h2> <ul> <li> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s670">S. 670: IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act</a> passed by voice vote and goes to the President next. This bill provides support for Department of Homeland Security employees whose work with trafficking victims has been traumatic.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s794">S. 794: CTPAT Pilot Program Act of 2023</a> passed by voice vote and goes to the President next. From the Library of Congress summary: "This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to carry out a pilot program that assesses whether allowing certain entities to participate in the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) would enhance port security, combat terrorism, prevent supply chain security breaches, or otherwise meet the goals of CTPAT."</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s4698">S. 4698: DHS Joint Task Forces Reauthorization Act of 2024</a> passed by voice vote and goes to the President next.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr9106">H.R. 9106: Enhanced Presidential Security Act of 202</a> passed the House <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h439">405-0</a> and the Senate by unanimous consent. It goes to the President next. It provides for expanded Secret Service protection for presidential and vice presidential candidates.</p> </li> </ul> <h2>Election Security</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6513">H.R. 6513: COCOA Act of 2024</a> passed the House a few weeks ago. Then the Senate made some changes and passed it with the changes by unanimous consent. Finally, the House accepted those changes and passed it <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h449">413-1</a>. It goes to the President next for signing. This bill provides statutory authority for election observers designated by members of Congress.</li> </ul> <h2>Manufacturing</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s2228">S. 2228: Building Chips in America Act of 2023</a> passed the House <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h440">257-125</a>. It goes to the President next. The bill limits environmental reviews of proposed new semi-conductor production projects.</li> </ul> <p>This is a controversial bill within the Democratic party. Most of the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan centrist group in the House, voted for it, but the four no votes in that caucus came from Democrats. The New Democrat Coalition, also a centrist group but this time all Democrats, was more divided with 60 yes votes and 20 no votes. The House Progressive Caucus, again all Democrats, was largely in sync with 11 yes votes and 71 no votes. Overall, more Democrats opposed this bill than voted for it while nearly all voting Republicans were for it.</p> <h2>Programming note</h2> <p>Since Congress is out now until after the election, we plan to do another installment of our mailbag this coming week on some still unanswered questions you've sent us. We will also have one or two posts about some behind the scenes activities in Congress that might seem too inside baseball at first glance, but are worth hearing about because of how the outcome might affect how the next Congress functions.</p> <p>Mostly though, we'll spend from October through the end of this Congress in January writing about how elections actually work in the US. We're pretty excited about this series and hope you'll find it enlightening!</p> + &middot; Legislative Recap &middot; by Amy West + + + Jam Session + Daniel Schuman + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/444/2024-09-23_jam-session + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/444/2024-09-23_jam-session + Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <p><strong>It's the last week Congress will meet until November 12th</strong></p> <p>Hello Gov Trackers,</p> <p>As everyone <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/posts/442/2024-09-16_great-performances">anticipated last week</a>, the House Republicans' <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/house-republicans-vote-funding-bill-shutdown-trump-save-act-rcna171635">6-month continuing resolution (CR)</a> which included a provision on non-citizen voter registration failed with 14 Republicans voting against it (<a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4887868-dems-republicans-funding-bill-vote/">for reasons largely unrelated to the voter registration provision</a>).</p> <p>Where does that leave things this week? A three-month <a href="https://rules.house.gov/bill/118/hr-PIH-Continuing-Appropriations-and-Extensions-Act-2025">clean continuing resolution</a>, meaning without any controversial provisions, was teed up for consideration by the <a href="https://rules.house.gov/media/announcement/meeting-announcement-september-23-2024">House Rules Committee on Monday, September 23</a>. It was initially expected to pass the House with bipartisan support later in the week.</p> <p>That was until late that night when House Republicans announced they would <a href="https://x.com/JakeSherman/status/1838347314475249691">fast-track the bill</a> under a procedure that requires a higher 2/3rds majority to pass. They don’t <em>want</em> it to pass and are using it as an ideological litmus test for their own party members. (Non-citizen voting is already illegal and very rare. The provision was intended to elevate a false narrative that non-citizen voting is commonplace and would sway the upcoming election. Instead, it could <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/07/11/house-bill-noncitizens-federal-election/74366347007/">prevent far more citizens from registering to vote than non-citizens</a>.)</p> <p>This week's "CR" does contain some additional provisions which do more than just keep the government open, but likely nothing that would impede its passage. Section 101 of the bill is the part that keeps funding levels steady-ish. Nearly everything after that, for 48 pages, is additional funding of one form or another. For example, should a continuing resolution address the shape of grave markers in Santa Fe? I don’t know, but it’s in section 313.</p> <p>The Senate, not fully trusting the House to get on program, have readied their own continuing resolution just in case. Per the Constitution, the Senate cannot originate an appropriations bill, but the House already has sent over a few and the Senate can just scoop out the contents and send it right back. Heck, they might send it over and adjourn, “jamming” the House and forcing them to either take the Senate drafted appropriations bill or shut down the government. A government shutdown occurs when the prior allocation of funding by Congress to federal agencies (called "appropriations") expires at the end of the government's fiscal year on September 30, leaving agencies without any budgets to spend on civil servants, contractors, and other purchases.</p> <hr> <p>Why do we have a continuing resolution and a government shutdown looming? I could write a book on this topic, but the short answer is politics, a narrow margin of control in the House, and rivalries among the factions inside the Republican majority party in the House. The appropriations bills meant to be passed well ahead of the end of the government's fiscal year were laden with provisions and funding levels that could neither get the full support of the House or pass the Senate.</p> <p>A faction of hardline Republicans insisted on non-viable language because it meets with their ideological litmus test for what the House must do, it is helpful in their elections, it provides an opportunity to purge non-hardlines in their primary races, it provides an opportunity to cow Republicans who disagree with them, it gives them leverage over the Speaker, and (they believe) it is helpful for former President Trump as he seeks to return to the presidency. Should the House Speaker insist on appropriations language hardliners like, such a bill cannot get a majority in the House (and even less in the Senate where Democrats hold a slim majority).</p> <p>A government shutdown is generally viewed as bad politics, but the hardliners view it as putting pressure on their more moderate Republican colleagues to move towards their position and force Democrats to negotiate. They also realize that should Republicans lose control of the House, the loss of Republicans in swing districts would increase the percentage of hardline Republicans in the House, thus strengthening their power within the party and allowing them to gain even more control, so they can fully control the agenda. In the unlikely scenario that Republicans would gain seats after a shutdown, it would validate their arguments that hardline positioning is a political winner.</p> <p>So the best political result for the Speaker, many Republicans, and nearly all Democrats, is to enact a short term continuing resolution to avoid a vote on the hard issues until after the election. December is the time furthest away from the next election before legislators' terms end on January 3, the political landscape may have changed by then, and it becomes easier to reach a bipartisan agreement.</p> <hr> <p>The House will <a href="https://www.majorityleader.gov/schedule/weekly-schedule.htm">start holding votes at 6:30 pm on Monday</a> the 23rd — to force members to be in town — and there’s a lot of suspension (2/3rds majority) bills scheduled for the floor. I count 38 bills on suspension for Monday, 21 on suspension Tuesday, plus four (likely five) bills subject to a rule. We’re getting close to the end of the year, and desperation is growing high to move non-controversial bills into law or send them over to the other chamber so they can get folded into an “omnibus” bill. That is, when the Congress moves the giant Defense Authorization bill in December, some of these other bills will get added onto it and ride the train into becoming law.</p> <p>The House has <a href="https://www.congress.gov/committee-schedule/weekly/2024/09/23?q=%7B%22chamber%22%3A%22House%22%7D">33 committee meetings scheduled</a>, with five each scheduled in the Homeland Security and Oversight and Accountability Committees, followed by four in Veterans’ Affairs. A major purpose of this week’s work, as it is the final week the House will be in session until after the election, is to assail the Biden administration and focus on upcoming election administration. House Financial Services will hold an oversight hearing on the Securities and Exchange Commission and Homeland Security will look at “CrowdStrike’s faulty software update.”</p> <p>The Senate returns at 3pm on Monday the 23rd and will <a href="https://www.democrats.senate.gov/2024/09/19/schedule-for-monday-september-23-2024">proceed to consider nominations</a>, of course. Beyond that, your guess is as good as mine, although I expect they’ll move a continuing resolution if the House falls apart, or if they don’t like what they see.</p> <p>The Senate has <a href="https://www.congress.gov/committee-schedule/weekly/2024/09/23?q=%7B%22chamber%22%3A%22Senate%22%7D">23 meetings scheduled for this week</a>  between Tuesday and Thursday. This includes six business meetings before Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Foreign Relations, Commerce, Environment, Indian Affairs, and Judiciary. While some legislation will be considered, the committees will be processing a lot of nominations. The Judiciary Committee will hold the most meetings this week, at four.</p> <hr> <p>While it is always possible for the House and Senate to reconvene after this week, the next <a href="https://www.majorityleader.gov/uploadedfiles/2024_house_calendar_-_revised_july_2024.pdf">scheduled meeting of the House</a> is on November 12th, which is the <a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/resources/pdf/2024_calendar.pdf">same day the Senate is expected to return</a>.</p> <p>I hope you’ve enjoyed these weekly previews of action in the House and Senate. We read everything you send, so if you have suggestions about what you like or don’t like, let us know!</p> <hr> <p>Update 9/23/2024: This post was revised and extended.</p> <p>Correction 9/26/2024: This post originally said that the 14 Republicans who voted against the original CR was "likely because they didn't want to be blamed for a government shutdown when the Senate would have surely rejected it." The Hill <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4887868-dems-republicans-funding-bill-vote/">asked those legislators</a> why they voted that way, and it was for other reasons. Apologies. That part was added by JT during editing, so apologies also to Daniel.</p> + &middot; Legislative Preview &middot; by Daniel Schuman + + + diff --git a/GovTrack&feed=bill-summaries b/GovTrack&feed=bill-summaries new file mode 100644 index 000000000..e4ffc1260 --- /dev/null +++ b/GovTrack&feed=bill-summaries @@ -0,0 +1,195 @@ + + + + GovTrack - Bill Summaries + GovTrack - Bill Summaries + https://www.govtrack.us/events/bill-summaries + + + + https://www.govtrack.us/favicon.ico + GovTrack - Bill Summaries + https://www.govtrack.us/events/bill-summaries + + + H.R. 6513 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6513/summary + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6513/summary + Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:26:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title">Bill Summary</h4> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6513/summary" >H.R. 6513: COCOA Act of 2024</a></p> </div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Sep 13, 2024 2:26 p.m. </div> <div class="event_body"> </div> + + Bill Summary + + + H.R. 6408 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6408/summary + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6408/summary + Mon, 15 Apr 2024 10:15:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title">Bill Summary</h4> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6408/summary" >H.R. 6408: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to terminate the tax-exempt status of terrorist supporting organizations.</a></p> </div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Apr 15, 2024 10:15 a.m. </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>According to the <a href="https://www.cbo.gov/publication/59923#:%7E:text=Summary,State%20as%20a%20terrorist%20organization.">Congressional Budget Office</a>, “H.R. 6408 would suspend the tax-exempt status of organizations that support terrorism. Under current law, an entity’s tax-exempt status is suspended if it is designated by the Department of State as a terrorist organization. H.R. 6408 would extend that prohibition to include organizations identified as having provided material support or resources to a terrorist or terrorist-supporting organization within the prior three years. The bill would establish procedures for the department to provide notice …</p> </div> + + Bill Summary + + + H.R. 6015 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6015/summary + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6015/summary + Mon, 15 Apr 2024 10:12:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title">Bill Summary</h4> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6015/summary" >H.R. 6015: Iran Sanctions Accountability Act of 2023</a></p> </div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Apr 15, 2024 10:12 a.m. </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>According to the <a href="https://www.cbo.gov/publication/59796#:%7E:text=Summary,the%20efficacy%20of%20those%20regulations.">Congressional Budget Office</a>, “H.R. 6015 would require the Administration to issue regulations to ensure that humanitarian exceptions to sanctions on Iran do not facilitate international terrorism or the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The bill would require periodic reports on the efficacy of those regulations. It also would direct the United States Executive Director at the World Bank to oppose financial assistance to Iran.”</p> </div> + + Bill Summary + + + H.R. 6245 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6245/summary + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6245/summary + Mon, 15 Apr 2024 10:11:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title">Bill Summary</h4> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6245/summary" >H.R. 6245: Holding Iranian Leaders Accountable Act of 2023</a></p> </div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Apr 15, 2024 10:11 a.m. </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>According to the <a href="https://www.cbo.gov/publication/59930#:%7E:text=Summary,specified%20Iranian%20groups%20and%20individuals.">Congressional Budget Office</a>, “ H.R. 6245 would require the Administration to report to the Congress on funds and assets controlled by specified Iranian groups and individuals. That report would include information on how those funds were acquired, how they have been used, and which non-Iranian financial institutions hold any of those funds or assets or knowingly provide financial services to a person covered by the report. The initial report would be required within 180 days of …</p> </div> + + Bill Summary + + + H.R. 5917 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr5917/summary + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr5917/summary + Mon, 15 Apr 2024 10:02:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title">Bill Summary</h4> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr5917/summary" >H.R. 5917: Strengthening Tools to Counter the Use of Human Shields Act</a></p> </div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Apr 15, 2024 10:02 a.m. </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>According to the <a href="https://www.cbo.gov/publication/59850">Congressional Budget Office</a>, “ H.R. 5917 would reinstate sanctions against people who use civilians as human shields in conflict zones. The authority to impose those specific sanctions, which expired at the end of calendar year 2023, would be extended through calendar year 2030. The bill also would add members and supporters of the Palestine Islamic Jihad militant group who are involved in the use of civilians as human shields to the list of people who would …</p> </div> + + Bill Summary + + + H.R. 6603 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6603/summary + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6603/summary + Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:58:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title">Bill Summary</h4> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6603/summary" >H.R. 6603: No Technology for Terror Act</a></p> </div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Apr 15, 2024 9:58 a.m. </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>According to the <a href="https://www.cbo.gov/publication/59997#:%7E:text=The%20bill%20would%20require%20the,ultimate%20destination%20of%20those%20components.">Congressional Budget Office</a>, “H.R. 6603 would codify existing export controls that restrict the transfer of U.S. technology to Iran. The bill would require the Department of Commerce to issue licenses to export component parts of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as cameras, sensors, and circuits, if Iran is the ultimate destination of those components.”</p> </div> + + Bill Summary + + + H.R. 5914 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr5914/summary + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr5914/summary + Sun, 14 Apr 2024 13:18:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title">Bill Summary</h4> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr5914/summary" >H.R. 5914: VETT Act</a></p> </div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Apr 14, 2024 1:18 p.m. </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>This bill would, according to the sponsor, "<a href="https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-introduces-veterans-education-transparency-and-training-act#:%7E:text=The%20VETT%20Act%20is%20a,veterans'%20access%20to%20quality%20programs.">modify educational form requirements for veterans and establish an online portal through the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to serve as a comprehensive resource center for trainings available to veterans through School Certifying Officials (SCOs)</a>".</p> </div> + + Bill Summary + + + H.R. 4639 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr4639/summary + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr4639/summary + Sun, 14 Apr 2024 13:08:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title">Bill Summary</h4> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr4639/summary" >H.R. 4639: Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act</a></p> </div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Apr 14, 2024 1:08 p.m. </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>This bill would prohibit law enforcement from buying data from data brokers to circumvent the fourth amendment.</p> </div> + + Bill Summary + + + H.R. 4877 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr4877/summary + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr4877/summary + Sun, 14 Apr 2024 12:57:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title">Bill Summary</h4> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr4877/summary" >H.R. 4877: Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act</a></p> </div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Apr 14, 2024 12:57 p.m. </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Secretary of Energy to carry out a research, development, and demonstration program with respect to abandoned oil wells.</p> </div> + + Bill Summary + + + H.R. 4016 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr4016/summary + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr4016/summary + Sun, 14 Apr 2024 12:46:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title">Bill Summary</h4> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr4016/summary" >H.R. 4016: Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act</a></p> </div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Apr 14, 2024 12:46 p.m. </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>For those veterans who become unable to manage their VA benefits, the <a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/fiduciary/index.asp">VA has a program in which another person can serve as a fiduciary</a> to help the veteran. However, as with anything, there's the potential for fraud. This bill would provide for reimbursement to veterans defrauded by fiduciaries.</p> </div> + + Bill Summary + + + H.R. 4824 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr4824/summary + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr4824/summary + Sun, 14 Apr 2024 12:38:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title">Bill Summary</h4> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr4824/summary" >H.R. 4824: Carbon Sequestration Collaboration Act</a></p> </div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Apr 14, 2024 12:38 p.m. </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>This bill would direct the Secretary of Energy to start performing carbon sequestration work and evaluating the effects of it. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/whats-difference-between-geologic-and-biologic-carbon-sequestration">carbon sequestration can be divided into geologic and biologic sequestration</a>. The former often can assist oil wells which are no longer producing at high levels to produce more oil. Geologic sequestration involves forcing CO2 into geologic formations while biologic generally refers to growing more vegetation, like trees, which can capture and store carbon.</p> </div> + + Bill Summary + + + H.R. 529 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr529/summary + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr529/summary + Sun, 14 Apr 2024 12:29:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title">Bill Summary</h4> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr529/summary" >H.R. 529: Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act</a></p> </div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Apr 14, 2024 12:29 p.m. </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>This bill would change the current limit of U.S. "customs waters" from 12 miles to 24 miles. This would double the distance from shore that <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/about/congressional-resources/testimony/statement-record-customs-water">Customs and Border Protection could operate</a>. If passed, it would bring U.S. Customs authorizations into alignment with Presidential Proclamations from 1988 and 1999.</p> </div> + + Bill Summary + + + H.R. 1792 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr1792/summary + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr1792/summary + Fri, 05 Apr 2024 15:28:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title">Bill Summary</h4> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr1792/summary" >H.R. 1792: South Pacific Tuna Treaty Act of 2023</a></p> </div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Apr 5, 2024 3:28 p.m. </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>This bill "<a href="https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/premium/supply-trade/us-bill-would-enact-changes-made-to-south-pacific-tuna-treaty-in-2016">would remedy differences between amendments made to the South Pacific Tuna Treaty in 2016 and current U.S. law</a>." The bill has strong support from the U. S. tuna fishing industry. Per its sponsor, in particular it would <a href="https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/committee-passes-amata-s-south-pacific-tuna-treaty-act">stabilize high-seas fishing days</a> and codify access to various island nations’ Exclusive Economic Zone waters.</p> </div> + + Bill Summary + + + H.R. 788 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr788/summary + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr788/summary + Fri, 26 Jan 2024 11:25:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title">Bill Summary</h4> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr788/summary" >H.R. 788: Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2023</a></p> </div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Jan 26, 2024 11:25 a.m. </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>Per the Library of Congress, this bill "...prohibits the federal government from entering into or enforcing a settlement agreement on behalf of the United States that provides for a payment to any person or entity other than the United States. The bill provides exceptions to allow payments that (1) remedy actual harm (including to the environment) caused by the party making the payment, or (2) constitute a payment for services rendered in connection with the case."</p> <p>What that means in …</p> </div> + + Bill Summary + + + H.R. 6830 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6830/summary + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6830/summary + Wed, 27 Dec 2023 09:39:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title">Bill Summary</h4> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6830/summary" >H.R. 6830: Books Save Lives Act</a></p> </div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Dec 27, 2023 9:39 a.m. </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>The lead House sponsor concluded a roundtable discussion about the bill by <a href="https://pen.org/congresswoman-ayanna-pressley-hosts-pen-america-for-roundtable-on-book-bans/">reading aloud the Langston Hughes poem “Harlem.”</a></p> <h2>Context</h2> <p>Book challenges and removals from U.S. public school classrooms and libraries <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/education/4213725-book-challenges-at-record-high-report/">have reached record highs in 2023</a>, driven in large part by conservative groups like <a href="https://www.momsforliberty.org/">Moms for Liberty</a>.</p> <p>Most of the challenged or removed titles portray or advocate progressive messages about sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity, or race. The most challenged title last school year was <em>Tricks</em> by …</p> </div> + + Bill Summary + + + S. 3509 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3509/summary + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3509/summary + Thu, 21 Dec 2023 11:38:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title">Bill Summary</h4> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3509/summary" >S. 3509: Healthy MOM Act</a></p> </div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Dec 21, 2023 11:38 a.m. </div> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-gestation-period">The Guinness World Record for longest pregnancy in the animal kingdom</a> is held by the alpine salamander of the Swiss Alps, at up to four or five years.</p> <h2>Context</h2> <p>There are three main ways people can get health insurance: through their job, through government programs like Medicare (for those ages 65+) or Medicaid (for those below a certain income), or they can register for a subsidized plan through <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/">HealthCare.gov</a>, nicknamed Obamacare.</p> <p><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/25/politics/aca-enrollment-2023/index.html">A record 16.3 million people signed up via …</a></p> </div> + + Bill Summary + + + H.R. 6716 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6716/summary + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6716/summary + Thu, 21 Dec 2023 11:38:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title">Bill Summary</h4> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6716/summary" >H.R. 6716: Healthy MOM Act</a></p> </div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Dec 21, 2023 11:38 a.m. </div> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-gestation-period">The Guinness World Record for longest pregnancy in the animal kingdom</a> is held by the alpine salamander of the Swiss Alps, at up to four or five years.</p> <h2>Context</h2> <p>There are three main ways people can get health insurance: through their job, through government programs like Medicare (for those ages 65+) or Medicaid (for those below a certain income), or they can register for a subsidized plan through <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/">HealthCare.gov</a>, nicknamed Obamacare.</p> <p><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/25/politics/aca-enrollment-2023/index.html">A record 16.3 million people signed up via …</a></p> </div> + + Bill Summary + + + S. 3483 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3483/summary + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3483/summary + Wed, 20 Dec 2023 10:26:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title">Bill Summary</h4> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3483/summary" >S. 3483: Consequences for Climate Vandals Act</a></p> </div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Dec 20, 2023 10:26 a.m. </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>Jackson Pollock paintings *already *look like they’ve been vandalized.</p> <h2>Context</h2> <p>In 2022 and 2023, climate activists have increasingly taken to vandalizing works in art museums to stage public protests for their cause.</p> <p>In the U.S., <a href="https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4363616-climate-activist-smearing-paint-degas-sculpture-pleads-guilty/">two climate activists in April smeared red and black paint</a> over the glass display case for the sculpture <em>Little Dancer Aged Fourteen</em> by Edgar Degas at D.C.’s National Gallery of Art.</p> <p>Up north, <a href="https://news.artnet.com/art-world/national-gallery-of-canada-climate-protest-2355871">a climate activist in August smeared washable pink paint</a> directly onto the …</p> </div> + + Bill Summary + + + H.R. 6592 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6592/summary + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6592/summary + Mon, 18 Dec 2023 10:21:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title">Bill Summary</h4> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6592/summary" >H.R. 6592: Fight Book Bans Act</a></p> </div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Dec 18, 2023 10:21 a.m. </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>After the Rapid City, South Dakota school system removed the Dave Eggers novel <em>The Circle</em>, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2022/06/24/dave-eggers-book-bans-south-dakota/">Eggers provided hundreds of free copies to the city’s high school seniors</a>.</p> <h2>Context</h2> <p>Book removals from U.S. public school classrooms and libraries <a href="https://pen.org/report/book-bans-pressure-to-censor/">increased by +33% during the 2022–23 school year</a>, according to PEN America.</p> <p>Most censored titles contain unfiltered depictions of — or progressive messages about — racism, sexuality, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The most censored title last school year was …</p> </div> + + Bill Summary + + + H.R. 6627 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6627/summary + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6627/summary + Thu, 14 Dec 2023 12:27:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title">Bill Summary</h4> <div class="event_body"> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6627/summary" >H.R. 6627: To reinstate pilots fired or forced to resign because of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.</a></p> </div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Dec 14, 2023 12:27 p.m. </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>Republicans say the last time a pilot was treated this unfairly was when <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/infamous-1960s-tv-show-turn-on-youtube-1235611379/">the 1969 sketch comedy show *Turn On *was cancelled after its first commercial break</a>.</p> <h2>Context</h2> <p>In September 2021, President Joe Biden signed an executive order mandating the Covid vaccine for <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/09/09/executive-order-on-requiring-coronavirus-disease-2019-vaccination-for-federal-employees/">federal employees</a> and <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/09/09/executive-order-on-ensuring-adequate-covid-safety-protocols-for-federal-contractors/">federal contractors</a>. Since most major U.S. airlines have federal contracts, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/exclusive-white-house-pressing-us-airlines-quickly-mandate-vaccines-2021-10-01/">most of those companies implemented a corporate vaccine requirement</a> in accordance with Biden’s executive order.</p> <p>The actual punishment varied. While both <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/21/american-southwest-ceos-vow-not-to-fire-workers-over-federal-vaccine-mandate-.html">American …</a></p> </div> + + Bill Summary + + + diff --git a/GovTrack&feed=enacted-bills b/GovTrack&feed=enacted-bills new file mode 100644 index 000000000..ab464caca --- /dev/null +++ b/GovTrack&feed=enacted-bills @@ -0,0 +1,195 @@ + + + + GovTrack - New Laws + GovTrack - New Laws + https://www.govtrack.us/events/enacted-bills + + + + https://www.govtrack.us/favicon.ico + GovTrack - New Laws + https://www.govtrack.us/events/enacted-bills + + + H.R. 9779 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr9779 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr9779 + Fri, 04 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr9779" >H.R. 9779: COCOA Act of 2024</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Oct 4, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>All of this bill was incorporated into H.R. 6513: COCOA Act of 2024, which was enacted (🖊️ by president) on October 4, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + H.R. 6513 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6513 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6513 + Fri, 04 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr6513" >H.R. 6513: COCOA Act of 2024</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Oct 4, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>Last Action: Signed by President.</p> <p>Explanation: This bill was enacted after being signed by the President on October 4, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + H.R. 7184 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr7184 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr7184 + Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr7184" >H.R. 7184: Congressional Budget Office Data Access Act</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Oct 2, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>Some of this bill was incorporated into S. 1549: Congressional Budget Office Data Access Act, which was enacted (🖊️ by president) on October 2, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + S. 2228 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s2228 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s2228 + Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s2228" >S. 2228: Building Chips in America Act of 2023</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Oct 2, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>Last Action: Signed by President.</p> <p>Explanation: This bill was enacted after being signed by the President on October 2, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + S. 1549 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s1549 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s1549 + Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s1549" >S. 1549: Congressional Budget Office Data Access Act</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Oct 2, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>Last Action: Signed by President.</p> <p>Explanation: This bill was enacted after being signed by the President on October 2, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + H.R. 9460 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr9460 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr9460 + Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr9460" >H.R. 9460: DHS Joint Task Forces Reauthorization Act of 2024</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Oct 1, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>Some of this bill was incorporated into S. 4698: DHS Joint Task Forces Reauthorization Act of 2024, which was enacted (🖊️ by president) on October 1, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + H.R. 9106 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr9106 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr9106 + Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr9106" >H.R. 9106: Enhanced Presidential Security Act of 2024</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Oct 1, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>Last Action: Signed by President.</p> <p>Explanation: This bill was enacted after being signed by the President on October 1, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + S. 4698 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s4698 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s4698 + Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s4698" >S. 4698: DHS Joint Task Forces Reauthorization Act of 2024</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Oct 1, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>Last Action: Signed by President.</p> <p>Explanation: This bill was enacted after being signed by the President on October 1, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + H.R. 8405 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr8405 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr8405 + Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr8405" >H.R. 8405: To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 90 McCamly Street South in Battle Creek, Michigan, as the “Sojourner Truth Post Office”.</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Oct 1, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>All of this bill was incorporated into S. 3851: A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 90 McCamly Street South in Battle Creek, Michigan, as the “Sojourner Truth Post Office”., which was enacted (🖊️ by president) on October 1, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + H.R. 8296 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr8296 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr8296 + Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr8296" >H.R. 8296: GAO Database Modernization Act of 2024</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Oct 1, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>All of this bill was incorporated into S. 679: GAO Database Modernization Act of 2023, which was enacted (🖊️ by president) on October 1, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + H.R. 8276 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr8276 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr8276 + Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr8276" >H.R. 8276: Reuse Excess Property Act</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Oct 1, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>All of this bill was incorporated into S. 2685: Reuse Excess Property Act, which was enacted (🖊️ by president) on October 1, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + S. 3851 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3851 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3851 + Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3851" >S. 3851: A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 90 McCamly Street South in Battle Creek, Michigan, as the “Sojourner Truth Post Office”.</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Oct 1, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>Last Action: Signed by President.</p> <p>Explanation: This bill was enacted after being signed by the President on October 1, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + S. 3640 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3640 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3640 + Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3640" >S. 3640: A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 155 South Main Street in Mount Clemens, Michigan, as the “Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson Post Office”.</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Oct 1, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>Last Action: Signed by President.</p> <p>Explanation: This bill was enacted after being signed by the President on October 1, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + S. 3639 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3639 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3639 + Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3639" >S. 3639: A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2075 West Stadium Boulevard in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as the “Robert Hayden Post Office”.</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Oct 1, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>Last Action: Signed by President.</p> <p>Explanation: This bill was enacted after being signed by the President on October 1, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + H.R. 5914 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr5914 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr5914 + Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr5914" >H.R. 5914: VETT Act</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Oct 1, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>Some of this bill was incorporated into S. 656: Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023, which was enacted (🖊️ by president) on October 1, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + S. 2685 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s2685 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s2685 + Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s2685" >S. 2685: Reuse Excess Property Act</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Oct 1, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>Last Action: Signed by President.</p> <p>Explanation: This bill was enacted after being signed by the President on October 1, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + S. 2226 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s2226 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s2226 + Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s2226" >S. 2226: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Oct 1, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>Some of this bill was incorporated into S. 794: CTPAT Pilot Program Act of 2023, which was enacted (🖊️ by president) on October 1, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + H.R. 2830 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr2830 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr2830 + Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr2830" >H.R. 2830: Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Oct 1, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>All of this bill was incorporated into S. 656: Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023, which was enacted (🖊️ by president) on October 1, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + S. 794 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s794 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s794 + Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s794" >S. 794: CTPAT Pilot Program Act of 2023</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Oct 1, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>Last Action: Signed by President.</p> <p>Explanation: This bill was enacted after being signed by the President on October 1, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + H.R. 1405 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr1405 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr1405 + Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr1405" >H.R. 1405: IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Oct 1, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>All of this bill was incorporated into S. 670: IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act, which was enacted (🖊️ by president) on October 1, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + diff --git a/HumbleBundle b/HumbleBundle new file mode 100644 index 000000000..6ece08109 --- /dev/null +++ b/HumbleBundle @@ -0,0 +1,477 @@ + + + + Humble Bundle - bundles + Humble Bundle - bundles + https://humblebundle.com/bundles + + + + https://humblebundle.com/favicon.ico + Humble Bundle - bundles + https://humblebundle.com/bundles + + + Pathfinder Second Edition "Happy Birthday, Remaster!" Bundle from Paizo Inc. + Paizo + https://humblebundle.com//books/pathfinder-second-edition-happy-birthday-remaster-bundle-from-paizo-inc-books + 3372d4eee70016eccfaca7caf6fba50cb86113eb + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 19:00:00 +0000 + Get <em>Pathfinder GM Core</em>, <em>Pathfinder Player Core</em>, <em>Pathfinder Core GM Screen</em>, <em>The Choosing (Stolen Fate 1 of 3)</em>, <em>Broken Tusk Moon (Quest for the Frozen Flame 1 of 3)</em>, and more!<br>Gather your friends for endless adventure with the Ultimate Pathfinder Second Edition Bundle from Paizo Inc.! Experience the best way to play <em>Pathfinder</em> with this amazing bundle, which includes rulebooks, new scenarios, a bestiary, flip-mats, and campaign resources for <em>Pathfinder GM Core</em>, <em>Pathfinder Second Edition Beginner Box: Remastered Edition</em>, and <em>Pathfinder Player Core</em>, and more. Tabletop RPGs have never been this fun—get everything you need to embark on an epic journey together while supporting ComicBooks For Kids! with your purchase. + + + books + Humble RPG Bundle + 72 books + $888 Value + + + Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay + Cubicle 7 Entertainment Ltd + https://humblebundle.com//books/warhammer-fantasy-roleplay + 137e6683e8a1922dd8ac4426a1319c1c8f2c92fb + Thu, 24 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0000 + Get <em>Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay Lustria</em>, <em>Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay Starter Set</em>, <em>Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay Imperial Zoo</em>, <em>Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay Core Rulebook</em>, and more!<br>Gather up your party for a new <em>Warhammer</em> adventure with this bundle of tabletop role-playing books from acclaimed game company, Cubicle 7! This TTRPG explorer’s kit contains rulebooks, sourcebooks, and campaign resources for <em>Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay</em> like <em>Winds of Magic</em>, <em>Imperial Zoo</em>, <em>Salzenmund: City of Salt and Silver</em>, and more. Get everything you need to embark on an epic journey together, and help support Children’s Health Ireland with your purchase. + + + books + Humble RPG Bundle + 26 books + $381 Value + + + Coding Cookbooks 2024 by O'Reilly + O'Reilly + https://humblebundle.com//books/coding-cookbooks-2024-oreilly-books + 24b2b8fc291bac6d58c9fdbd3c3a0eae9676a5e2 + Mon, 11 Nov 2024 19:00:00 +0000 + Get <em>Gitops Cookbook</em>, <em>Python Cookbook</em>, <em>Terraform Cookbook</em>, <em>JavaScript Cookbook</em>, <em>Deep Learning Cookbook</em>, <em>Machine Learning with Python Cookbook</em>, and more!<br>Looking for the recipe to coding success? Pick up these concise, easy-to-use digital guides and references from O’Reilly! This bundle features the latest updates to popular courses like <em>Machine Learning with Python Cookbook</em>, and <em>Tableau Desktop Cookbook: Quick & Simple Recipes to Help You Navigate Tableau Desktop</em>. The books in this bundle cover a wide range of topics, including programming with Qiskit, Q#, C#, SQL, and PowerShell; understanding machine learning; using Linux; and lots more. Plus, your purchase helps support Code for America. Update your library with these new courses today! + + + books + Humble Tech Book Bundle + 22 books + $1,320 Value + + + Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ultimate Collection + IDW Publishing + https://humblebundle.com//books/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-ultimate-collection-books + 15516d6204e7d3000722036a93775ec2686fb69f + Sat, 09 Nov 2024 19:00:00 +0000 + Get <em>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Armageddon Game</em>, <em>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Feat. The Last Ronin</em>, <em>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Reborn, Vol. 1 - From The Ashes</em>, and more!<br>Lose yourself in the totally classic <em>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</em> comic series in this bundle from publisher IDW. Read 25+ comic books featuring everyone’s favorite ninja turtles—Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael, and Donatello! Get far out titles like <em>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin Director's Cut</em>, <em>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection, Vol. 1</em>, <em>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Armageddon Game</em>, and help support Make-A-Wish with your purchase! <br><br><a style="color: #ef9741;"><strong><em>The titles in this bundle are available through Kobo.com. To access the content, create or log in to your Kobo.com account.</em></strong></a></p> + + + books + Humble Comics Bundle + 27 books + $739 Value + + + G.I. JOE Roleplaying Game by Renegade Game Studio + Renegade Game Studios + https://humblebundle.com//books/gi-joe-roleplaying-game-renegade-game-studio-books + 7d9cc29fc8d90306ab305f97bcdc7bbe8f79482a + Sat, 09 Nov 2024 19:00:00 +0000 + Get <em>GI JOE Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook PDF</em>, <em>GI JOE Roleplaying Game Free Bonus Material</em>, <em>GI JOE Roleplaying Game Cobra Codex Sourcebook PDF</em>, and more!<br>Gather up your party for endless adventure with this bundle of tabletop role-playing books from Renegade Game Studios! This TTRPG explorer’s kit contains expansions, add ons, and new campaign resources for the <em>G.I. JOE Roleplaying Game</em>. Plus, you get an awesome G.I. JOE Roleplaying Game Cobra Dice Set including a journal, dice bag, and more. Get everything you need to embark on an epic journey together, and help support The Movember Foundation with your purchase! <br><br><a style="color:#EF9741">Shipping of physical items is limited to addresses in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.</a> + + + books + Humble RPG Bundle + 19 books + $440 Value + + + Shells and Scripting for Seasoned Admins by O'Reilly + O'Reilly + https://humblebundle.com//books/shells-and-scripting-for-seasoned-admins-oreilly-books + 28d711dbb67ab343b4f369dec3892927b0a7cf72 + Mon, 28 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0000 + Get <em>Learning the bash Shell: Unix Shell Programming</em>, <em>Bash Pocket Reference: Help for Power Users and Sys Admins</em>, <em>PowerShell Pocket Reference: Portable Help for PowerShell Scripters</em>, and more!<br>Level up your coding skills with this bundle of ebooks! Learn PowerShell, scripting, Linux, and more with this library of 10+ courses from O’Reilly. Programs like <em>Efficient Linux at the Command Line: Boost Your Command-Line Skills</em>, <em>Learning the Bash Shell: Unix Shell Programming</em>, and <em>Efficient Linux at the Command Line: Boost Your Command-Line Skills</em> are great for novice coders and seasoned pros alike. Get this amazing bundle and help support Code for America with your purchase. + + + books + Humble Tech Book Bundle + 17 books + $694 Value + + + Mutants & Masterminds 3e RPG Collection by Green Ronin + Green Ronin Publishing + https://humblebundle.com//books/mutants-masterminds-rpg-collection-green-ronin-books + 02f8cc81c2a4f82eb2bc79842fbcb4cc4956cf5d + Sat, 26 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0000 + Get <em>Freedom City</em>, <em>Power Profiles</em>, <em>Rogues Gallery</em>, <em>Mutants & Masterminds Deluxe Hero's Handbook</em>, <em>Mutants & Masterminds Deluxe Gamemaster's Guide</em>, and more!<br>Gather up your party for epic adventures with this bundle of tabletop role-playing books from Green Ronin. Answer the hero's call and defend the globe from nefarious masterminds. This TTRPG explorer’s kit contains rulebooks, sourcebooks, and campaign resources for <em>Mutants & Masterminds Third Edition</em>, including awesome add-ons like <em>Freedom City</em>, <em>Rogues Gallery</em>, and more. Get everything you need to embark on a heroic journey together, and help support World Central Kitchen with your purchase!<br/><br/><p style="color: #ef9741;"><b><u>The content in this bundle is redeemed through the DriveThruRPG website.</b></u></p> + + + books + Humble RPG Bundle + 19 books + $364 Value + + + 7th Sea RPG Collection by Chaosium + Chaosium, Inc. + https://humblebundle.com//books/7th-sea-rpg-collection-chaosium-books + 49b6b8c87190c8fd67f95f3576fb041854754fee + Thu, 07 Nov 2024 19:00:00 +0000 + Get <em>7th Sea Map Pack</em>, <em>7th Sea Pirate Nations</em>, <em>7th Sea: Crescent Empire</em>, <em>7th Sea: Khitai Core Rulebook</em>, <em>7th Sea Core Rulebook (Second Edition)</em>, and more!<br>Gather up your party for endless adventure with a staple from the tabletop role-playing game genre—<em>7th Sea</em>. This collection of books, campaigns, and resources will have your merry gang of crewmen swashbuckling and spellcasting in no time. Get amazing loot like <em>7th Sea: Lands of Gold and Fire</em>, <em>7th Sea: The New World</em>, <em>7th Sea: Land of 1000 Nations</em>, and more. Explore this sea-worthy bundle from Chaosium Inc. plus, your purchase will support Oceana!</p> + + + books + Humble RPG Bundle + 35 books + $321 Value + + + Programming MEGA Bundle 2024 by Packt + Packt + https://humblebundle.com//books/programming-mega-bundle-2024-packt-books + d2a8db1de34ff2279b9c3d6e683e08939dbdef82 + Mon, 04 Nov 2024 19:00:00 +0000 + Get <em>Learn LLVM 17</em>, <em>C++ High Performance</em>, <em>Modern Python Cookbook</em>, <em>JavaScript Design Patterns</em>, <em>Build Your Own Programming Language</em>, <em>System Design Guide for Software Professionals</em>, and more!<br>Level up your coding skills with the Programming Mega Bundle 2024! This amazing library features 15+ courses specifically curated with emerging trends and industry standards in mind. Get great courses from publisher, Packt like Learn LLVM 17, System Design Guide for Software Professionals, and Build Your Own Programming Language. Grow your career possibilities with courses for novice coders and seasoned pros, and help support Code.org with your purchase! + + + books + Humble Tech Book Bundle + 21 books + $798 Value + + + Windows Sysadmin and DevOps by Packt + Packt + https://humblebundle.com//books/windows-sysadmin-and-devops-packt-books + 056a25337b969db56295a1dfab52a5904756e686 + Mon, 21 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0000 + Get <em>Mastering Windows 365</em>, <em>The DevOps Career Handbook</em>, <em>Mastering Windows Server 2022</em>, <em>Mastering PowerShell Scripting</em>, <em>Security Monitoring with Wazuh</em>, and more!<br>Learn the skills and gain the knowledge you need to succeed in system administration and development operations for Windows with this bundle of insightful courses by Packt. Inside this amazing curriculum, you’ll get expert insights on mastering Windows Server 2022, Windows security and hardening, PowerShell scripting, and more. Deepen your understanding of SysAdmin and DevOps whether you’re a novice or a seasoned professional, and help support Save the Children with your purchase! + + + books + Humble Tech Book Bundle + 20 books + $741 Value + + + Shadowrun Fiction Mega Bundle by Catalyst Game Labs + Catalyst Game Labs + https://humblebundle.com//books/shadowrun-fiction-mega-bundle-catalyst-game-labs-books + 265ebf5931fe4f3a54a5a9d648d064e56fea28ff + Sat, 02 Nov 2024 18:00:00 +0000 + Get <em>Shadowrun: Dark Synergy</em>, <em>Shadowrun: Deniable Assets</em>, <em>Shadowrun: Magic, Machines, and Mayhem</em>, <em>Shadowrun: Shaken (The Jimmy Kincaid Trilogy, Volume 1)</em>, and more!<br>Experience the dark, dystopian future of <em>Shadowrun</em>, where magic and technology collide! Whether you're jumping in for the first time or an experienced shadowrunner, there's something for any fan of the Sixth World in this massive ebook library of dozens of novels and anthologies, including <em>Dark Synergy</em>, <em>Magic, Machines, and Mayhem</em>, and <em>Shadow Borders</em>. Plus, a portion of your purchase helps support the BINC Foundation, a charity dedicated to assisting booksellers and comic sellers in times of financial crisis. + + + books + Humble Book Bundle + 40 books + $407 Value + + + Black Hammer by Jeff Lemire from Dark Horse + Dark Horse Comics + https://humblebundle.com//books/black-hammer-jeff-lemire-from-dark-horse-books + 3cf2d9d730ee87ced02cb5af99b37036d1828af2 + Thu, 31 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0000 + Get <em>Mazebook</em>, <em>Berserker Unbound Volume 1</em>, <em>Skulldigger and Skeleton Boy: From the World of Black Hammer Volume 1</em>, and more!<br>Lose yourself in the renowned <em>Black Hammer</em> comic series with this bundle from Dark Horse Comics! Get 20+ titles including <em>Black Hammer Volume 1: Secret Origins</em>, <em>Black Hammer: Visions</em>, featuring amazing guest writers &amp; artists including Scott Snyder, Patton Oswalt, Chip Zdarsky, Mariko Tamaki and many more, and Eisner and GLAAD Media Award-nominated <em>Barbalien</em>, to name just a few. Follow the lives and times of former heroes, now outcast, as they exist in a now hero-less society. The full bundle also includes two acclaimed Jeff Lemire graphic novels not related to <em>Black Hammer: Mazebook</em> and <em>Berserker Unbound</em>. Read the tales of <em>Black Hammer</em> and support The Hero Initiative with your purchase! + + + comics + Humble Comics Bundle + 23 comics + $293 Value + + + G.I. JOE Deck-Building Game Collection + Renegade Game Studios + https://humblebundle.com//books/gi-joe-deckbuilding-game-collection-books + 232560fcaf92d20d9a856350a29c159cd4900168 + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 19:00:00 +0000 + Get <em>G.I. JOE Deck-Building Game</em>, <em>G.I. JOE Deck-Building Game Bonus Box 1</em>, <em>G.I. JOE Deck-Building Game Cold Snap Expansion</em>, and more!<br>Gather up your party for a deck-building game experience like no other—join the war against the nefarious group, Cobra, in the <em>G.I. Joe Deck-Building Game</em>. Create a team of elite comrades and lead them to battle against your friends. Joe, Snake Eyes, and more are at your disposal… How will you use them? Get the <em>G.I. JOE Deck-Building Game Cold Snap Expansion</em>, <em>G.I. JOE Deck-Building Game Shadow of the Serpent Expansion</em> and other physical goods shipped to your home. Plus, a portion of your purchase helps support the charity of your choice!</p> <p><a style="color: #ef9741;"> Shipping is only available in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. </a></p> + + + books + Humble Physical Game Bundle + 5 books + $125 Value + + + Dragon Age and Mass Effect Comics by Dark Horse ENCORE + Dark Horse Comics + https://humblebundle.com//books/dragon-age-and-mass-effect-comics-dark-horse-encore-books + c9a35c32a9cad6d395c632e316ea97ba55932a71 + Mon, 28 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0000 + Get <em>Dragon Age: The Missing</em>, <em>Mass Effect: Discovery</em>, <em>Mass Effect: Foundation Volume 1</em>, and more!<br>The masterfully realized universes of famed game maker BioWare come alive on the page in this collection of <em>Dragon Age</em> and <em>Mass Effect</em> comics from Dark Horse! Prime yourself for high adventure with <em>Dragon Age: The Missing</em>, the comic story that leads into <em>Dragon Age: The Veilguard</em>, the upcoming fourth installment in the beloved RPG series. Get into Commander Shepard’s offscreen adventures in <em>Mass Effect Volume 1: Redemption</em>, which takes place after the events of the revered <em>Mass Effect 2</em>. Get more than 15 exciting <em>Dragon Age</em> and <em>Mass Effect</em> volumes in this bundle, and support Child’s Play with your purchase! + + + comics + Humble Comics Bundle + 18 comics + $189 Value + + + Hidden Histories by Thom Hartmann + Berrett Koehler + https://humblebundle.com//books/hidden-histories-thom-hartmann-books + f9252f74cdd8338018e23a42de150bfacc9aa25a + Tue, 05 Nov 2024 19:00:00 +0000 + Get <em>The Hidden History of Monopolies</em>, <em>The Hidden History of Neoliberalism</em>, <em>The Hidden History of Guns and the Second Amendment</em>, and more!<br>What better time to learn the secret history of the United States of America? Get the complete 10-book collection of Thom Hartmann’s Hidden Histories. Learn about The War on Voting, American Democracy, and Monopolies! Thrill to tales of The Supreme Court and the Betrayal of America; Guns and the Second Amendment; and more! Pay what you want for 10 amazing books and help support the Worldreader with your purchase! + + + books + Humble Book Bundle + 10 books + $181 Value + + + 2K Presents: The Sid Meier Collection + Take 2 Interactive + https://humblebundle.com//games/2k-presents-sid-meier-collection + ff34a5b4ac071b095e161c2404a9e23ec24a7c8e + Fri, 08 Nov 2024 19:00:00 +0000 + Get <em>Sid Meier's Pirates!</em>, <em>Sid Meier's Starships</em>, <em>Sid Meier's Railroads!</em>, <em>Sid Meier's Civilization V: Complete</em>, <em>Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI: Leader Pass</em>, and more!<br>Explore the outstanding games and worlds of <em>Sid Meier</em> with our latest bundle! <em>Sid Meier’s Civilization VI</em> headlines this engaging library of great games—choose from a variety of civilizations and lead your people to prosperity. Enjoy awesome add ons to <em>Sid Meier’s Civilization VI</em> like the Leader Pass, the New Frontier Pass, Beyond Earth - The Collection, and more! Start your adventure today and help support Covenant House and The Michael J. Fox Foundation. + + + games + 2K Presents + 20 games + $397 Value + + + Let's Get Tactical with Kalypso + Kalypso Media USA Inc. + https://humblebundle.com//games/lets-get-tactical-with-kalypso + 92a9c340d750cb89c0c3f9017a514f568b35e4b2 + Wed, 13 Nov 2024 19:00:00 +0000 + Get <em>Dungeons 3</em>, <em>Sudden Strike 3</em>, <em>Sudden Strike 4</em>, <em>Disciples: Liberation</em>, <em>Commandos 3 - HD Remaster</em>, and more!<br>Explore the games of Kalypso with our Let’s Get Tactical Bundle! Packed with outstanding real-time strategy and role-playing games, this library highlights some of the best titles in the genres. Battle through hoards of demonic enemies in <em>Disciples: Liberation</em>, build your own sick dungeons in <em>Dungeons 3 Complete Collection</em>, wage war from the comfort of your computer in <em>Sudden Strike 4</em>, and more. Play amazing games and help support One Tree Planted with your purchase! + + + games + Let's Get Tactical with Kalypso + 26 Items + $315 Value + + + RuneScape: Devourer + Jagex Games Studio + https://humblebundle.com//games/runescape-devourer + e6f3cb8504eeef85df0e28de2563e7914ab07cfc + Wed, 06 Nov 2024 19:00:00 +0000 + Get <em>4 Knowledge Bombs</em>, <em>420 RuneCoins</em>, <em>100 Keys</em>, <em>4 Umbral Chests</em>and more!<br>Lose yourself in the immersive world of Gielinor with the new <em>RuneScape: Devourer</em> Bundle. Experience the long-running MMOrpg and its new story quest complete with special in-game gear! Unbox up to 4 Umbral Chests, 420 RuneCoins, 100 Keys, 10 Medium Protean Packs, and more. Plus, one month of RuneScape membership is included with your purchase. Pay what you want to level up your <em>RuneScape</em> experience, and help support SpecialEffect with your purchase!!<br/><br/> <em>Buyers who already own cosmetic items will not receive duplicates.</em> <br/><br/>Restrictions:<br/><em>Bundle purchase grants single key that will redeem all items on one Runescape account. Limit one key redemption per account.</em><br/><br/><i><span>Ironman characters will only receive the membership, cosmetic rewards and RuneCoins.<br/><br/></span></i><i>Players with mobile membership can claim either bundle, but membership will only be used once their mobile membership has ended.<br/><br/>Players can only purchase one Humble code (either the Premium or Standard Bundle, not both).</i><br/><br/><em><span style="color: #ff9900;">Accounts with two and a half years or more of membership stacked will not be able to&nbsp;redeem.</span></em> + + + games + RuneScape + 9 ITEMS + $98 Value + + + House Flipper 2024 + Frozen District + https://humblebundle.com//games/house-flipper + 38e031394aea2045b65e7cbe8eca8ae459bcf851 + Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0000 + Get <em>House Flipper</em>, <em>House Flipper VR</em>, <em>House Flipper - Pets DLC</em>, <em>House Flipper - Farm DLC</em>, <em>House Flipper - Popart DLC</em>, and more!<br>Get your screwdriver, new tiles, and knowhow with this value-packed <em>House Flipper</em> bundle—featuring the core game, an amazing collection of add-ons, and DLC. Fire up the farm or pets DLC and create sprawling farms with the most adorable creatures around. Tackle a variety of home renovation scenarios and sell your investments for big profits in this addicting home-simulator title. Pay what you want for the ultimate <em>House Flipper</em> bundle and help support No Kid Hungry with your purchase! + + + games + House Flipper Humble Bundle 2024 + 8 games + $124 Value + + + Generation Zero: The Ultimate Resistance + Systemic Reaction AB + https://humblebundle.com//games/generation-zero-ultimate-resistance + b89a92a8ddb6782e9fd588f9d091b13abbe4867e + Fri, 01 Nov 2024 18:00:00 +0000 + Get <em>Generation Zero</em>, <em>Generation Zero - FNIX Rising</em>, <em>Generation Zero - Alpine Unrest</em>, and more!<br>Jump into the world of <em>Generation Zero</em> with our fully loaded game bundle! This stealth-action shooter sees players battling against futuristic mechanical enemies in a world inspired by the Swedish Cold War era. Enjoy the core game plus the complete collection of DLCs and add-ons like the <em>Alpine Unrest</em>, <em>FNIX Rising</em>, and June 2024’s Heavy Weapons Pack. Pay what you want for the ultimate <em>Generation Zero</em> experience, and help support Girls Who Code and Special Effect with your purchase! + + + games + Generation Zero + 19 Items + $116 Value + + + DESIGN with CorelDRAW & PERFECT with AI + Publishers + https://humblebundle.com//software/design-with-coreldraw-perfect-with-ai-software + 97e512d0881aadc73a2bf6906e0d9949fd166aef + Thu, 24 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0000 + Get Love, Rain, HDR FX, and more!<br>Master one of the most widely adapted design programs with our CorelDRAW 2024 Bundle. Get amazing software like <em>Corel Painter 2023</em>, <em>PaintShop Pro 2023</em>, and <em>Vision FX</em>. Learn professional graphic design software with vector, technical illustration, and CAD software options to design logos, posters, drafting, and more. Level up your creative skills and help support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals today! + + + software + DESIGN with CorelDRAW & PERFECT with AI + 26 items + $1,647 Value + + + MAPS Extravaganza Revisited 2024 + Profantasy Software + https://humblebundle.com//software/maps-extravaganza-revisited-2024-software + fe5b1de2e8a4fc4cb93d9926db8aa78a9bfb5c83 + Wed, 13 Nov 2024 19:00:00 +0000 + Get Perspectives 3, City Designer 3, Dungeon Designer 3, Floorplan Collection, Tome of Ultimate Mapping, Campaign Cartographer 3+ Lifetime License, and more!<br>Design maps for your own tabletop campaigns, fantasy settings, and more! This bundle includes everything you need to create stunning, print-worthy works of art that will bring your worlds to life. Get powerful software like Campaign Cartographer 3+ (including a Lifetime License), City Designer 3, Dungeon Designer 3, Tome of Ultimate Mapping, and more. Unlock a treasury that will take your tabletop games and fantasy stories to the next level, and help support Save the Children with your purchase. + + + software + Humble Software Bundle + 12 items + $313 Value + + + Super Game Asset Bundle (+7,000 Assets) for Godot, Unreal and Unity + Leartes Studios + https://humblebundle.com//software/super-game-asset-bundle-7000-assets-for-godot-unreal-and-unity-software + ae943e792614b542b1fd09adfecd0be227f4582f + Thu, 31 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0000 + Get Wills Room, Fantasy Icons, Haunted Village, and more!<br>Game developers, build your worlds with the Super Game Assets Bundle for Unreal, Godot, and Unity—featuring 7,000+ audio, visual, and environmental assets. This high-quality bundle features a truly diverse collection of themed assets ranging from medieval to cyberpunk. Create the next great RPG or action game with the Super Game Assets Bundle and help support Direct Relief with your purchase! + + + software + Super Game Asset Bundle (+7,000 Assets) for Godot, Unreal and Unity + 61 items + $3,983 Value + + + Monument Studios: TTRPG Audio Compendium + Monument Studios + https://humblebundle.com//software/monument-studios-ttrpg-audio-compendium-software + 19070d0edb74381c8e2d28fd6d421b904333f431 + Mon, 11 Nov 2024 19:00:00 +0000 + Get Battle Music Vol 1 & 2: 115 Battle Scores (6.5GB), Cinematic Hits: 471 Samples (1.5GB) , and more!<br>Create the perfect audioscape for your game, film, or creative project with this bundle of royalty-free sounds from Monument Studios! This massive library features loops, samples, one-shots, instruments, and others for a variety of genres & styles. Amazing collections like <em>Battle Music Vol 1 & 2</em>, <em>Fantasy Music Vol 1</em>, <em>Cinematic Hits</em>, and more. Get the assets you need to achieve the sound you’re looking for, and help support Direct Relief with your purchase! + + + software + Monument Studios + 19 items + $570 Value + + + Learn Squared Presents: Concept Art in Unreal Engine + Learn Squared + https://humblebundle.com//software/learn-squared-presents-concept-art-in-unreal-engine-software + 187049b0a67cca574acb47757f125b3295b7d8ba + Thu, 17 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0000 + Get VFX in Unreal, Unreal Engine 5 Basics, Substance Designer Essentials, and more!<br>Learn to use one of the best video game engines in the industry with the ultimate Unreal Engine bundle from Learn Squared! This curriculum will help you level up your skills with courses like <em>Unreal Engine 5 Basics</em>, <em>Concept Art in Unreal Engine 5</em>, and more. You'll create vibrant, stylized environments and gain foundational skills in CGI filmmaking, making this bundle perfect for aspiring game artists, concept designers, and filmmakers. Familiarize yourself with Unreal Engine 5’s latest tools like Nanite and Lumen too. Get the expert advice and knowledge you seek, and help support Girls Who Code with your purchase! + + + software + Learn Squared Presents + 8 items + $673 Value + + + Gamedev Market: Best of 2024 + GameDev Market + https://humblebundle.com//software/gamedev-market-best-2024-software + 22e948b3deb690f83efa0bbad8f5ddf4b9c8a83d + Mon, 04 Nov 2024 19:00:00 +0000 + Get Aramech, Wooden UI, RPG MMO 2, and more!<br>Game developers, build your worlds with this bundle of 75+ assets from GameDev Market! This massive collection features a diverse range of high-quality assets, including detailed tilesets, unique character sprites, huge music and sound effects packs, and so much more. Perfect for indie developers and seasoned studios alike, this bundle has everything you need to help bring your game to life, and help support The Michael J. Fox Foundation with your purchase! + + + software + Gamedev Market + 87 items + $1,248 Value + + + The 2024 Learn Unity Game Development Bundle + GameDev.TV + https://humblebundle.com//software/2024-learn-unity-game-development-bundle-software + 67949329709779b18eca87dde74e110b161cc5d5 + Thu, 07 Nov 2024 19:00:00 +0000 + Get Unity Game Feel Course, Unity Shader Graph Course, Unity VR/XR Developer Course, and more!<br>Learn to create games with Unity with these online courses from GameDev.tv! This comprehensive curriculum covers core skills and advanced concepts for the powerful and popular development platform. Find out how to make a 2D RPG combat system, VR experience, or turn-based strategy game. Get trained up on visual scripting, multiplayer, network coding, and more. Level up your Unity game dev skills, and help support Oceana with your purchase!<br><p>GameDev.tv have spent the last decade working with world class instructors to create the perfect learning experience for game development. Join our global community of over 2 million students and start making your own games today! + + + software + The 2024 Learn Unity Game Development Bundle + 11 items + $1,645 Value + + + The Big Phat Music Bundle + Phat Phrog Studio + https://humblebundle.com//software/big-phat-music-bundle-software + 26bfcfec3312f04170e39c82f7dc57958db58fc7 + Mon, 28 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0000 + Get Chiptune Music Collection, RPG Music Bundle: Volume 1, RPG Music Bundle: Volume 2, and more!<br>Create the ultimate audioscape with Phat Phrog Studio's flagship bundle! This exclusive collection offers nearly 3,000 royalty-free tracks across 300+ music albums split into 86 genre-diverse asset packs, from RPG battle themes, mysterious survival melodies, heart pounding adrenaline action to chilled lo-fi beats. With 130+ hours of high-quality WAV files, including over 1,200 ambient tracks that are perfect for TTRPG's, this bundle has been developed over three years, valued at nearly $4,000. Game-ready and YouTube-friendly, it's everything you need for immersive soundscapes—all while supporting Direct Relief! + + + software + The Big Phat Music Bundle + 86 items + $3,949 Value + + + The Complete Learn to Code Python and ML Megabundle + Mammoth Interactive + https://humblebundle.com//software/complete-learn-to-code-python-and-ml-megabundle-software + a536ea5065893ea324881f495a56c5b5172cb666 + Mon, 14 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0000 + Get 101+ PyGame Codebases - Video Game Collection, 77+ Python App Collection - SaaS Starter Templates, Comprehensive Python Foundations - A Beginner's Guide to Coding, and more!<br>Unlock the Ultimate Python & Machine Learning Mega Bundle and transform your coding journey! This all-in-one collection is perfect for beginners and seasoned pros alike, offering exclusive resources like 77+ Python App Collection - SaaS Starter Templates and 333+ Interview Code Solutions. With over 40 premium courses, you’ll master predictive modeling, PyGame development, and finance automation with ease. Gain insider knowledge from courses like Foundations of Predictive Machine Learning with Python and Cursor. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your skills and support a great cause. Your purchase helps benefit Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Get it before it’s gone! + + + software + The Complete Learn to Code Python and ML Megabundle + 45 items + $2,000 Value + + + The Ultimate 3D Sculpting & Character Mastery Bundle + Flipped Normals + https://humblebundle.com//software/ultimate-3d-sculpting-character-mastery-bundle-software + 20cca44afd863cad0e268db9076712fc478917c7 + Mon, 07 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0000 + Get introduction to ZBrush, FlippedNormals Eye Kit, FlippedNormals Face VDM, and more!<br>FlippedNormals is here to help bring your character ideas to virtual life! Learn the basics of anatomy, and how to sculpt in Zbrush, plus a selection of kits for eyes, faces, skin, and more. Breathe life into your digital creations while supporting Cancer Research UK with your purchase! + + + software + The Ultimate 3D Sculpting & Character Mastery Bundle + 21 items + $1,044 Value + + + Award Winning Assets - The Crown Collection + Publishers + https://humblebundle.com//software/naturemanufacture-awardwinningassets-thecrowncollection-software + bedf84d7d1c1f5fb8cb3d03dba7725d58faccc54 + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 19:00:00 +0000 + Get L.V.E 2023, Armor Pack 2, Mountain Trees, and more!<br>Game developers—build rich worlds, unique environments, and lush landscapes with Award Winning Assets - The Crown Collection. This bundle from NatureManufacture, winner of Unity's publisher of the year award, features environments, characters, meshes, models, animations, music, SFX, and more! Get the assets you need to help bring your game to life, and help support Starlight Children's Foundation with your purchase. + + + software + Award Winning Assets - The Crown Collection + 27 items + $1,113 Value + + + Linux Specialist - From Rookie to Pro + Packt + https://humblebundle.com//software/linux-specialist-from-rookie-to-pro-software + 6f4e84ea414bfe2b9b0ab3e27d9e75ce3df4f71b + Mon, 21 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0000 + Get Linux Command Line, Linux in the Cloud, Linux for Beginners, and more!<br>Go from novice to expert in Linux with this comprehensive bundle that introduces users to the fundamentals in stages so students can truly master the operating system. Begin with the basics like the command line and progress into advanced skills like shell scripting, system management, and server administration. Explore cloud-based Linux environments, become proficient in system automation, and master Linux services in the cloud. Gain the expertise you need to become confident, powerful Linux professionals while supporting Alzheimer's Research UK with your purchase. + + + software + Linux Specialist - From Rookie to Pro + 15 items + $3,749 Value + + + Plugin Boutique Music Production Bundle + Beatport + https://humblebundle.com//software/plugin-boutique-music-production-bundle-software + b9bae626437d58e60330fa58cdb8cc507141cad7 + Fri, 01 Nov 2024 18:00:00 +0000 + Get WaveOsc, FilterMod, Lifeline EQ, Zenith - Sci-Fi Fx, Evocative Underscores, and more!<br>Create the perfect audioscape for your game, film, or creative project with this bundle of exceptional sounds! This massive library features loops, samples, and instruments for a variety of genres & styles. Gain access to professional quality software like <em>WaveOsc</em>, <em>FilterMod</em>, <em>ResDelay</em>, and more. Perfect for novices or professionals—get the assets you need to achieve the sound you’re looking for, and help support Music Will with your purchase! + + + software + Plugin Boutique Music Production Bundle + 30 items + $1,062 Value + + + diff --git a/NPR b/NPR new file mode 100644 index 000000000..decca4aba --- /dev/null +++ b/NPR @@ -0,0 +1,140 @@ + + + + NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories + NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories + https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1002 + + + + https://media.npr.org/chrome/favicon/favicon.ico + NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories + https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1002 + + + How the CDC could change under the next Trump administration + Pien Huang + https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/11/14/nx-s1-5186971/cdc-cuts-restructuring-trump-2024-election + https://text.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/11/14/nx-s1-5186971/cdc-cuts-restructuring-trump-2024-election + https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/11/14/nx-s1-5186971/cdc-cuts-restructuring-trump-2024-election + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 19:42:49 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-34213" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 3000; --source-height: 2000; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x2000+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F27%2F2efbdc774c3a833582efa75ad088%2Fgettyimages-1231695499.jpg" class="img" type="image/webp" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x2000+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F27%2F2efbdc774c3a833582efa75ad088%2Fgettyimages-1231695499.jpg" data-format="webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x2000+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F27%2F2efbdc774c3a833582efa75ad088%2Fgettyimages-1231695499.jpg" class="img" type="image/jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x2000+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F27%2F2efbdc774c3a833582efa75ad088%2Fgettyimages-1231695499.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x2000+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F27%2F2efbdc774c3a833582efa75ad088%2Fgettyimages-1231695499.jpg" class="img" alt="Protesters against masks, vaccines and vaccine passports march outside the headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta in 2021." data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x2000+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F27%2F2efbdc774c3a833582efa75ad088%2Fgettyimages-1231695499.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Protesters against masks, vaccines and vaccine passports march outside the headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta in 2021. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>In its 78-year history, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has evolved from its origins tackling malaria to an agency that aims to safeguard almost every aspect of Americans' health.</p> <p>But the CDC's sprawling mission could be in for some big changes in the new Trump administration. House Republicans have called for cuts to the CDC's budget, and former Trump administration officials have suggested restructuring the agency in ways that would diminish its reach and influence.</p> <div id="resnx-s1-5186971-100" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5186971-100" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>Some of the agency's responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, including shifting recommendations on masks, unpopular travel restrictions and controversies over guidance to schools sparked criticism and a backlash. </p> <p>In the midst of the pandemic, there <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/94/2021/05/RWJF-Harvard-Report_FINAL-051321.pdf"><u>was a wide gap in trust</u></a> in the CDC by party affiliation. Only 27% of Republicans had a "great deal" or "quite a lot" of trust in CDC compared with 76% of Democrats, according to a poll conducted in early 2021 by NPR, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.</p> <p>One response: For the first time, the president's pick for CDC director will require Senate confirmation. Republican lawmakers <a href="https://www.govexec.com/management/2021/09/republican-senators-look-make-cdc-director-senate-confirmed-position/185376/"><u>had pushed for the change</u></a>, which became law in 2023.</p> <p>President-elect Donald Trump didn't say much about CDC on the campaign trail. But those advising him — such as noted vaccine skeptic <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/07/nx-s1-5181889/analyzing-what-rfk-jr-said-on-morning-edition-about-his-health-policy-vision"><u>Robert F Kennedy Jr</u></a>. — have long pushed for a shift in how the nation approaches vaccines, science and public health. The Trump transition team has yet to announce a pick for CDC director.</p> <h3 class="edTag">Wide latitude for change</h3> <p>As it is, "there is a lot of leeway an administration has – they don't need support from Congress to change how things are organized, to change the emphasis," says <a href="https://www.kff.org/person/jennifer-kates/"><u>Jennifer Kates</u></a>, a senior vice president at the nonprofit research group KFF.</p> <p>The CDC leadership will have broad influence over core functions of the agency, such as setting the nation's vaccine guidance and deciding what data the agency collects, and if and how it is shared. "There's a lot of discretion that the new administration is going to have to decide what role it wants CDC to play," Kates says.</p> <p>The CDC recommends policies that state and local authorities decide whether to adopt. Much of the agency's influence relies on its reputation, which took a hit during the COVID pandemic. CDC made early mistakes with testing, and issued guidance that many people were either confused by or disagreed with.</p> <p>In the last Trump administration, there was an added layer of political meddling, says <a href="https://apha.org/about-apha/executive-board-and-staff/apha-staff/georges-c-benjamin-md"><u>Dr. Georges Benjamin</u></a>, executive director of the American Public Health Association: "You saw things such as [political advisers] going on their website and changing things without anyone's permission, and trying to mess around with the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index.html">MMWR</a>," a scientific publication from CDC.</p> <p>CDC employees also censored themselves, on topics like climate change that they didn't think the Trump administration would support, Benjamin says. "I think the real challenge is whether or not the administration is going to play it straight and allow the agency to do its work without political interference," he says.</p> <h3 class="edTag">Budget cuts at CDC would strain local health departments</h3> <p>House Republicans have been pushing to cut the CDC's budget and eliminate some programs. </p> <p>The effects would be felt by state and local authorities and community groups, which receive about 70% of the CDC's funds, <a href="https://www.apha.org/-/media/files/pdf/advocacy/speak/200611_cdc_hrsa.pdf"><u>according to APHA</u></a>. "When they cut those dollars at the federal level, they're cutting the funding for local communities," Benjamin says, "Local elected officials and their legislative sessions, they're going to have to make up the difference or let people go."</p> <p>Officials from the previous Trump administration have suggested restructuring the CDC, perhaps by <a href="https://www.project2025.org/policy/"><u>splitting it into two parts</u></a>: one that collects data, and another that makes policy recommendations. Or else narrowing the agency's scope to <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2825240"><u>only infectious diseases</u></a>.</p> <p>Several former CDC directors, including those who served in the prior Trump, Bush, and Reagan administrations, have called proposals to downsize the CDC a "prescription for disaster," in an <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2024/09/05/cdc-directors-funding-core-mission/"><u>op-ed for STAT News</u></a>. "These recommendations would hollow out the CDC, they would cost lives, cost money. </p> <p>They would do the opposite of making America healthier," says <a href="https://www.drtomfrieden.net/"><u>Dr. Tom Frieden</u></a>, CDC director in the Obama administration who now heads the health nonprofit Resolve to Save Lives.</p> <p>Frieden says the threats that lower life expectancy in the U.S. are "not just infectious disease, but also cancer, environmental risks, injuries and the things that are killing most Americans," such as heart disease and accidents, including overdoses.</p> <p>"If some of these changes do come to pass, we will have to rely further on local and state health departments as a bulwark against damaging policies that may be enacted — even as they may have their resources curtailed," says Dr. David Chokshi, former health commissioner of New York City.</p> </div> + Shots + Shots - Health News + CDC + public health + Trump's presidential transition + + + Senate Republicans concerned with Gaetz nomination ask to access House ethics probe + Deirdre Walsh + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/nx-s1-5191708/gaetz-nomination-republicans-ethics-probe + https://text.npr.org/2024/11/14/nx-s1-5191708/gaetz-nomination-republicans-ethics-probe + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/nx-s1-5191708/gaetz-nomination-republicans-ethics-probe + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 18:21:48 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-34187" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5848; --source-height: 4000; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5848x4000+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc0%2F41%2F73784f374630993fecd383656686%2Fgettyimages-2178146087.jpg" class="img" type="image/webp" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5848x4000+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc0%2F41%2F73784f374630993fecd383656686%2Fgettyimages-2178146087.jpg" data-format="webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5848x4000+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc0%2F41%2F73784f374630993fecd383656686%2Fgettyimages-2178146087.jpg" class="img" type="image/jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5848x4000+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc0%2F41%2F73784f374630993fecd383656686%2Fgettyimages-2178146087.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5848x4000+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc0%2F41%2F73784f374630993fecd383656686%2Fgettyimages-2178146087.jpg" class="img" alt="Senators are calling for access to a House Ethics Committee probe into former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., following his nomination to be the next Attorney General under president-elect Donald Trump." data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5848x4000+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc0%2F41%2F73784f374630993fecd383656686%2Fgettyimages-2178146087.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Senators are calling for access to a House Ethics Committee probe into former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., following his nomination to be the next Attorney General under president-elect Donald Trump. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Mario Tama/Getty Images/Getty Images North America </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>Matt Gaetz's nomination to be the next attorney general could face an uphill path in the Senate, as a growing number of Republican senators are calling for access to a House Ethics Committee probe into Gaetz's conduct. </p> <p>Gaetz resigned from the House Thursday, a day after President-elect Trump announced his nomination. That ends a House Ethics Committee investigation into sex trafficking and drug use allegations against Gaetz that began in 2021. </p> <p>Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the current chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called on the House ethics panel Thursday to "preserve and share" their report and other information gathered on Gaetz. </p> <div id="resnx-s1-5191708-100" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5191708-100" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn, who recently lost the race for Senate Majority Leader, but is a senior member of the Judiciary panel, told reporters on Thursday that the Senate "should gain access to all relevant information by whatever means necessary," including a possible subpoena of the ethics report. </p> <p>"I don't think any of us want to fly blind," he told reporters in the Capitol. "Part of this is to protect the president against information or surprises coming out later that he and his team weren't aware of."</p> <p>Cornyn admitted he does not know if the Senate has the power to demand records from the House, but he joins a number of Senators who are pushing to know the details of the Ethics Committee investigation as part of the confirmation hearing process. </p> <div id="resnx-s1-5191708-101" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5191708-101" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>The House Ethics committee initially planned to meet on Friday but it is unclear if the meeting will still proceed, according to a source familiar with the process who was grated anonymity to speak about private discussions. It is possible the panel was planning to vote during that meeting to release its report on Gaetz.</p> <p>Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., said Gaetz's nomination "will be one of those that will be well-scrutinized."</p> <p>"It'll be a fine tooth comb, and they knew that going in," Tuberville told reporters Thursday. </p> <p>Tuberville added that "I'm a Matt Gaetz fan because I've know him for a long time." </p> <p>Other Republicans Senators sidestepped questions about Gaetz. Arkansas GOP Sen. Tom Cotton simply said "no comment." Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, asked about Gaetz, instead praised another Trump nominee, New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, getting on the Senate subway told NPR "Elise is amazing!" But as the subway car pulled away she said about Gaetz, "he has an uphill battle."</p> <p>Cornyn, pressed if anything he's heard about Gaetz raised any issues about his nomination told reporters he's just read press reports and "I don't know the man."<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Gaetz nomination challenges Senate norms for nominees</h3> <p>The Gaetz nomination also sets up a potential confrontation with Democrats over their role in the Senate's constitutional power for "advice and consent" over presidential nominees. Republican leaders have repeatedly warned that they expect Democrats to either approve of qualified nominees or agree not to stand in the way of their approval.</p> <p>Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., told reporters on Wednesday that Republicans will explore all options to approve Trump's choices.</p> <p>"The Senate has an advise and consent role in the Constitution so we will do everything we can to process his [nominees] quickly and get them installed in their positions so they can begin to implement his agenda," Thune said.</p> <p>"We expect a level of cooperation from the Democrats to work with us to get these folks installed," he said. "Obviously, we're going to explore all options to make sure they get through and they approved quickly."</p> <p>But the possibility of unqualified nominees creates a different dynamic. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said he views Gaetz differently than some of Trump's other picks.</p> <p>"America elected Trump and you're going to expect all kinds of appointments, some are serious and quality ones like my colleague [Marco] Rubio," he told reporters in the Capitol. "There are some I will enthusiastically vote for, like Rubio. There are others who are like 'lol.'"</p> <p>Cornyn told reporters that recess appointments are a kind of "fail safe" in the event that Democrats blockade nominees.</p> <p>"He has a right to get his team in place without unnecessary delays," he said. "That's where I see the recess appointments."</p> </div> + Politics + + + Florida sues FEMA for discrimination accusing it of denying aid to Trump supporters + Debbie Elliott + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/g-s1-34188/florida-discrimination-lawsuit-fema-trump-supporters + https://text.npr.org/2024/11/14/g-s1-34188/florida-discrimination-lawsuit-fema-trump-supporters + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/g-s1-34188/florida-discrimination-lawsuit-fema-trump-supporters + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 18:14:32 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-34192" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 6000; --source-height: 4000; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x4000+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F7c%2F971593304e83a1576ebd685449b1%2Fgettyimages-2172608196.jpg" class="img" type="image/webp" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x4000+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F7c%2F971593304e83a1576ebd685449b1%2Fgettyimages-2172608196.jpg" data-format="webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x4000+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F7c%2F971593304e83a1576ebd685449b1%2Fgettyimages-2172608196.jpg" class="img" type="image/jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x4000+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F7c%2F971593304e83a1576ebd685449b1%2Fgettyimages-2172608196.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x4000+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F7c%2F971593304e83a1576ebd685449b1%2Fgettyimages-2172608196.jpg" class="img" alt="Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is suing the administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. She's accusing FEMA officials of discriminating against Florida hurricane victims who support President-elect Donald Trump." data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x4000+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F7c%2F971593304e83a1576ebd685449b1%2Fgettyimages-2172608196.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is suing the administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. She's accusing FEMA officials of discriminating against Florida hurricane victims who support President-elect Donald Trump. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Joe Raedle/Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is suing Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell, and a former FEMA supervisor for violating the civil rights of Florida residents in the response to <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/09/26/nx-s1-5129522/hurricane-helene-landfall-florida-georgia-carolinas">Hurricanes Helene</a> and <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/the-picture-show/2024/10/10/g-s1-27291/photos-hurricane-milton-slams-florida">Milton</a>, which hit in late September and early October.</p> <div id="resg-s1-34188-100" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESG-S1-34188-100" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>The <a href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/sites/default/files/2024-11/complaint-as-filed.pdf">federal lawsuit</a> accuses FEMA officials of conspiring to discriminate against Florida hurricane victims who support President-elect Donald Trump.</p> <p>The suit names Criswell, and former FEMA supervisor Marn'i Washington, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/09/g-s1-33601/fema-worker-hurricane-trump-signs-florida">who was fired</a> after reports that she directed FEMA workers in Lake Placid, Fla. to skip over houses that displayed Trump campaign signs and flags in the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/10/11/nx-s1-5149899/florida-airports-amusement-parks-reopen-as-officials-weigh-damage-from-hurricane-milton">aftermath of Hurricane Milton</a>.</p> <p>"Hurricane season is not over, and the federal agency in charge of emergency response is embroiled in scandal – caught withholding aid from storm victims in Florida who support President Trump," said Moody, a Republican.</p> <div id="resg-s1-34188-101" class="bucketwrap statichtml"> <iframe src="https://apps.npr.org/documents/document.html?embed=true&id=25292936-complaint-as-" width="100%" height="650" scrolling="no"></iframe> </div> <!-- END ID="RESG-S1-34188-101" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP STATICHTML" --> <p>"I am taking swift legal action to find out how far this political discrimination reaches and to make sure all Americans who fall victim to devastating storms are served, regardless of their political affiliation."</p> <p>After reports of the incident, Criswell <a href="https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20241109/statement-fema-administrator-deanne-criswell-employee-misconduct">called Washington's behavior "reprehensible"</a> and fired her. She said Washington's directive was a "clear violation of FEMA's core values and principles to help people regardless of their political affiliation."</p> <p>But the former supervisor, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu0o04TyLMA">in an interview</a> on media commentator Roland Martin's digital show, claimed she was following standard protocol to avoid hostility in the field.</p> <div id="resg-s1-34188-102" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESG-S1-34188-102" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>The incident came just days after conspiracy theories about FEMA spread after Hurricane Helene devastated the southeast, leading to threats of physical violence against FEMA workers in North Carolina. The agency <a href="https://www.fema.gov/node/rumor-fema-operations-threats">curtailed door-to-door field operations</a> there for a short period.</p> <p>A spokesperson with FEMA says the agency does not comment on pending litigation.</p> <p>Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis backs the legal action and says he's instructed other state agencies to investigate and "ensure those who engaged in this behavior are held accountable."<br> <br>Criswell faces <a href="https://oversight.house.gov/hearing/oversight-of-the-federal-emergency-management-agency/">Congressional scrutiny</a> over the matter as well. She's scheduled to appear before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee next Tuesday.</p> </div> + Politics + + + Any tips on having difficult conversations during the holidays? We want to hear + Brittney Melton + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/g-s1-34183/talk-politics-family-holidays-thanksgiving + https://text.npr.org/2024/11/14/g-s1-34183/talk-politics-family-holidays-thanksgiving + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/g-s1-34183/talk-politics-family-holidays-thanksgiving + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:25:28 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-34186" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 6720; --source-height: 4480; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x4480+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1b%2Fa1%2Fb14291f04293b324dc04a181c3c9%2Fgettyimages-625708976.jpg" class="img" type="image/webp" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x4480+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1b%2Fa1%2Fb14291f04293b324dc04a181c3c9%2Fgettyimages-625708976.jpg" data-format="webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x4480+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1b%2Fa1%2Fb14291f04293b324dc04a181c3c9%2Fgettyimages-625708976.jpg" class="img" type="image/jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x4480+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1b%2Fa1%2Fb14291f04293b324dc04a181c3c9%2Fgettyimages-625708976.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x4480+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1b%2Fa1%2Fb14291f04293b324dc04a181c3c9%2Fgettyimages-625708976.jpg" class="img" alt="Central American immigrants and their families pray before Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 24, 2016 in Stamford, Connecticut." data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x4480+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1b%2Fa1%2Fb14291f04293b324dc04a181c3c9%2Fgettyimages-625708976.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Central American immigrants and their families pray before Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 24, 2016 in Stamford, Connecticut. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> John Moore/Getty Images/Getty Images North America </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>November marks the beginning of a slew of holidays and celebrations with our loved ones. The time between Thanksgiving and the New Year can be an opportunity to come together with people we haven't seen in a while and catch up. But on the heels of the presidential election, differences in view could cause conflict. Ahead of these gatherings, the <em>Up First </em>newsletter team wants to hear from people who might have had disputes during past holiday celebrations. Your tips could help families and friends smoothly navigate complicated conversations.</p> <p>If you have experienced a dispute during holiday celebrations, share your advice with us via the form below, and you could be featured in the <em>Up First</em> newsletter on Nov. 24. You can also share a photo and upload your answers as a voice memo. <strong>Please submit responses by Nov. 18.</strong></p> <p>See some of your responses — and get the news you need to start your day — by <a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"><u>subscribing to our newsletter</u></a>.</p> <div id="resg-s1-34183-100" class="bucketwrap statichtml"> <iframe src="https://npr.formstack.com/forms/navigating_gathering_disputes" title="Formstack Form" width="100%" height="1200"></iframe> </div> <!-- END ID="RESG-S1-34183-100" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP STATICHTML" --> <p><em>Your submission will be governed by our general </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179876898/terms-of-use">Terms of Use</a><em> and </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">Privacy Policy</a><em>. As the Privacy Policy says, we want you to be aware that there may be circumstances in which the exemptions provided under law for journalistic activities or freedom of expression may override privacy rights you might otherwise have.</em></p> </div> + Up First Newsletter + + + Will Spotify's AI DJ make you listen longer? + Chloe Veltman + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/13/nx-s1-5184493/spotify-ai-dj-music + https://text.npr.org/2024/11/13/nx-s1-5184493/spotify-ai-dj-music + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/13/nx-s1-5184493/spotify-ai-dj-music + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-33915" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 960; --source-height: 540; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F21%2Fbc%2F2afe4b6c4790bc2ddcc6227b362c%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-1.jpg" class="img" type="image/webp" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F21%2Fbc%2F2afe4b6c4790bc2ddcc6227b362c%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-1.jpg" data-format="webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F21%2Fbc%2F2afe4b6c4790bc2ddcc6227b362c%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-1.jpg" class="img" type="image/jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F21%2Fbc%2F2afe4b6c4790bc2ddcc6227b362c%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-1.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F21%2Fbc%2F2afe4b6c4790bc2ddcc6227b362c%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-1.jpg" class="img" alt="the Spotify AI DJ plays songs based on data it gathers about users' personal preferences and introduces some of them with an AI voice, similar to a traditional radio DJ." data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F21%2Fbc%2F2afe4b6c4790bc2ddcc6227b362c%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-1.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Spotify AI DJ plays songs based on data it gathers about users' personal preferences and introduces some of them with a warm voice, similar to a traditional radio DJ. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Spotify </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>Humans want fundamentally incompatible things from music services.</p> <p>"We want to listen to all the stuff that everyone likes, but also only the stuff that we like," said <em>New Yorker</em> staff writer Kelefa Sanneh, the author of <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/576360/major-labels-by-kelefa-sanneh/"><em>Major Labels: A History of Popular Music in Seven Genres</em></a>. "And we want it to be broad and social, but also narrow and personal." </p> <p>Sanneh said this problem is very hard to solve. But that's not stopping Spotify from trying — with its <a href="https://newsroom.spotify.com/2023-02-22/spotify-debuts-a-new-ai-dj-right-in-your-pocket/">AI DJ</a> feature. </p> <p>The AI DJ, which the music streamer began rolling out nearly two years ago and is still in beta, builds on Spotify's long track record of providing listeners with personalized playlists based on individual data.</p> <p>Spotify has millions of listeners, and a staff of real human beings couldn't voice contextual recommendations for each one of them. But AI can.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Personalized DJ</h3> <p>"This is your personalized DJ just for you," said<strong> </strong>Ziad Sultan, Spotify's vice president of personalization.</p> <p>Sultan said the DJ feature goes further than creating personalized playlists: For English-speaking listeners, it uses an AI voice known as "X" to tell the listener <em>why</em> it is making the selections it is making. (The streamer also offers a Spanish language AI DJ, "Livi.") </p> <div id="resg-s1-33941" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 960; --source-height: 540; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F7f%2F21542a1c4aa19d24c0451d78fbb6%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-2-jpg.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F7f%2F21542a1c4aa19d24c0451d78fbb6%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-2-jpg.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F7f%2F21542a1c4aa19d24c0451d78fbb6%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-2-jpg.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F7f%2F21542a1c4aa19d24c0451d78fbb6%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-2-jpg.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F7f%2F21542a1c4aa19d24c0451d78fbb6%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-2-jpg.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F7f%2F21542a1c4aa19d24c0451d78fbb6%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-2-jpg.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F7f%2F21542a1c4aa19d24c0451d78fbb6%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-2-jpg.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F7f%2F21542a1c4aa19d24c0451d78fbb6%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-2-jpg.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F7f%2F21542a1c4aa19d24c0451d78fbb6%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-2-jpg.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F7f%2F21542a1c4aa19d24c0451d78fbb6%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-2-jpg.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F7f%2F21542a1c4aa19d24c0451d78fbb6%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-2-jpg.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F7f%2F21542a1c4aa19d24c0451d78fbb6%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-2-jpg.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F7f%2F21542a1c4aa19d24c0451d78fbb6%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-2-jpg.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F7f%2F21542a1c4aa19d24c0451d78fbb6%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-2-jpg.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F7f%2F21542a1c4aa19d24c0451d78fbb6%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-2-jpg.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F7f%2F21542a1c4aa19d24c0451d78fbb6%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-2-jpg.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F7f%2F21542a1c4aa19d24c0451d78fbb6%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-2-jpg.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/960x540+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F7f%2F21542a1c4aa19d24c0451d78fbb6%2Fxavier-x-jernigan-2-jpg.jpg" class="img" alt="Spotify employee Xavier Jernigan is the voice behind X, the streamer's English-language AI DJ." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Spotify employee Xavier Jernigan is the voice behind X, the streamer's English-language AI DJ. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Spotify </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>"X is this incredibly realistic but also warm voice that makes people want to engage and listen to the DJ and follow their recommendations," Sultan said.</p> <p>The company's research suggests these occasional voice prompts encourage users to discover new or long-forgotten music and so listen longer, said Xavier Jernigan, the Spotify employee who is the talent behind X. Spotify declined to share its research. </p> <p>"We know through our data that when people hear stories about the artists, about the songs and know the why as to why we recommended that song, they're less likely to skip it," said Jernigan. "It's about storytelling. It's about human connection." <br></p> <h3 class="edTag">But — do listeners really want it?</h3> <p>Others question whether this kind of context is necessary. </p> <p>"Our goal is to understand the user well enough, and understand the music well enough, that there aren't those sorts of necessities to have to contextualize it to you," said Joe Inzerillo, the chief product and technology officer at SiriusXM, which owns Spotify competitor Pandora. </p> <p>That's why Pandora doesn't have one.</p> <div id="resnx-s1-5184493-100" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5184493-100" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p><em>The New Yorker</em>'s Sanneh said he sometimes finds the Spotify AI DJ to be distracting or baffling — like when it introduced a block of songs by describing them as "music that a lot of people seem to think is good for cleaning their house to," and then proceeded to play, among other titles, Shakira's "Si Te Vas" and Celine Dion's cover of "River Deep Mountain High."</p> <p><em>"</em>And so now I'm thinking about Celine, and I'm like, 'Do people clean their house to Celine Dion?'" </p> <p>Yet some people quite like the Spotify AI DJ — including DJ Umami, a real, human DJ who spins on the radio and in clubs, and is a resident DJ for the San Francisco Giants. </p> <p>"It plays my likes on shuffle based on when I actually listen to this type of music and tempo and genre and all of those data points," Umami said. "Then they'll throw in a couple songs that they think that I would like. And I love that."</p> <p><a href="https://www.npr.org/people/1091803881/jennifer-vanasco"><em>Jennifer Vanasco</em></a><em> edited the broadcast and digital versions of this story. </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/people/728257568/chloee-weiner"><em>Chloee Weiner</em></a><em> mixed the audio.</em></p> <div id="resnx-s1-5184493-101" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5184493-101" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <div id="resnx-s1-5184493-102" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5184493-102" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> </div> + Technology + ai + DJ + spotify + Pandora + + + Lindsey Vonn announces a comeback at 40, saying she's ready to race + Bill Chappell + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/nx-s1-5191333/lindsey-vonn-return-skiing-comeback-retirement + https://text.npr.org/2024/11/14/nx-s1-5191333/lindsey-vonn-return-skiing-comeback-retirement + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/nx-s1-5191333/lindsey-vonn-return-skiing-comeback-retirement + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 16:31:23 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-34173" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5255; --source-height: 3503; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5255x3503+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F23%2Fc86472a44683bedbdf292a09d543%2Fgettyimages-869066388.jpg" class="img" type="image/webp" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5255x3503+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F23%2Fc86472a44683bedbdf292a09d543%2Fgettyimages-869066388.jpg" data-format="webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5255x3503+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F23%2Fc86472a44683bedbdf292a09d543%2Fgettyimages-869066388.jpg" class="img" type="image/jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5255x3503+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F23%2Fc86472a44683bedbdf292a09d543%2Fgettyimages-869066388.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5255x3503+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F23%2Fc86472a44683bedbdf292a09d543%2Fgettyimages-869066388.jpg" class="img" alt="Record-setting skier Lindsey Vonn says she is mounting a comeback at age 40. She's seen here in 2017, speaking to media ahead of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics." data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5255x3503+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F23%2Fc86472a44683bedbdf292a09d543%2Fgettyimages-869066388.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Record-setting skier Lindsey Vonn says she is mounting a comeback at age 40. She's seen here in 2017, speaking to media ahead of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Elsa/Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>Lindsey Vonn got a new knee earlier this year — and now she wants to test herself at the highest levels, announcing that she is training to return to competitive alpine skiing. Vonn, 40, says she's finally feeling healthy, five years after she retired.</p> <div id="resnx-s1-5191333-100" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5191333-100" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>"Well, it's off to Colorado…. I hope the [U.S. Ski Team] uniform still fits," Vonn said on Thursday <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCWoE4DJ6PF/">via Instagram</a>.</p> <p>News of Vonn's comeback bid comes 20 years after she won her first World Cup race. The women's season for the <a href="https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/alpine-skiing/calendar-results.html?eventselection=&place=&sectorcode=AL&seasoncode=2025&categorycode=WC&disciplinecode=&gendercode=W&racedate=&racecodex=&nationcode=&seasonmonth=X-2025&saveselection=-1&seasonselection=">2024-25 Alpine World Cup</a> began on Oct. 26 and will end in March 2025.</p> <p>"Getting back to skiing without pain has been an incredible journey," Vonn said in a release from <a href="https://www.usskiandsnowboard.org/news/lindsey-vonn-rejoin-stifel-us-ski-team-2024-25-season">U.S. Ski & Snowboard</a>. "I am looking forward to being back with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and to continue to share my knowledge of the sport with these incredible women."</p> <p>Vonn is one of the most decorated skiers of all time, and she still <a href="https://olympics.com/en/news/lindsey-vonn-all-ski-titles-records-medals-complete-list">holds a number of records</a>, including most World Cup victories by a woman or man in the downhill and the super-G. Her 82 World Cup wins trail only American Mikaela Shiffrin and Ingemar Stenmark of Sweden. She and Shiffrin are in an elite club of female skiers who have won World Cup events in all five disciplines: downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom and combined.</p> <p>"Her dedication and passion towards alpine skiing is inspiring and we're excited to have her back on snow and see where she can go from here," U.S. Ski & Snowboard President and CEO Sophie Goldschmidt said.</p> <p>Vonn's ability to excel in speed disciplines has taken a toll on her body, with knee injuries — and at least <a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/why-lindsey-vonn-decided-to-get-a-knee-replacement/">nine surgeries</a> — disrupting her career on the competitive circuit, even as she continued to rack up wins between setbacks.</p> <p>"I have severe tri-compartment degeneration but the main compartment that has been painful is the lateral compartment, or the outside of my knee," Vonn <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5jF4JvvAoB/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d88e6cad-a535-4a1b-8568-13c6f773dd86&img_index=6">said in April</a>. She described a type of knee replacement surgery in which bone is removed and replaced with titanium pieces.</p> <p>"With this new knee that is now a part of me… I feel like a whole new chapter of my life is unfolding before my eyes," she <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBEFFLdoOP4/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ba647a99-4362-4091-9e22-251e7ab6864a">said last month on Instagram</a>.</p> <p>If Vonn is able to return, it would be the latest sign that her abilities aren't subject to the same constraints as other athletes. Back in 2012, her thirst for speed and competition led her to argue for being <a href="https://www.espn.com/olympics/skiing/story/_/id/8587382/lindsey-vonn-request-race-men-rejected">allowed to race against men</a>, a request that the International Ski Federation rejected. </p> <p>Weeks later, she skied at up to 136 kilometers per hour (84.5 mph) <a href="https://www.eurosport.com/alpine-skiing/lindsey-vonn-faster-than-men-at-lake-louise_sto3508071/story.shtml">in a downhill training run</a> at Lake Louise in Canada — a speed reportedly unmatched by male skiers at the event.</p> <p>Vonn had recently hinted at a potential return to racing. And in recent months, her presence on slopes in New Zealand and Austria caused a stir, fueling speculation that she might try to resume competitive skiing in December, when World Cup races will be held in Colorado.</p> <p>Sofia Goggia, Vonn's friend and fellow speed specialist, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eurosport/video/7427521921903873313">welcomed those rumors</a>, saying that a) it's a sign Vonn feels healthy; and b) it would be fun to have her back.</p> <p>"It would be great to race in the World Cup with my idol," Goggia <a href="https://olympics.com/en/news/alpine-skiing-sofia-goggia-injury-comeback-lindsey-vonn-return">told the Olympics.com site</a> last month.</p> <p>Even before her knee surgery, Vonn set out last year to accomplish an imposing goal: taking on the terrifyingly steep Streif downhill course in Kitzbühel, Austria. Early in the course, racers face an 85% incline known as the <em>Mausefalle</em> (the Mousetrap). At the <a href="https://hahnenkamm.com/en/racetracks/the-streif-downhill/">steepest jump</a>, soaring distances can top 260 feet. </p> <div id="resnx-s1-5191333-101" class="bucketwrap statichtml"> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ctRnLQe2wVQ?si=lfBisPU0338Gg10l" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5191333-101" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP STATICHTML" --> <p>"When you look out of the starting gate and it's dark and you can't see the Mausefalle, it looks like you're jumping off the edge of the world and it's very intimidating," Vonn said afterward.</p> <p>She tackled the roughly 2-mile course, and its soaring jumps, at night. On a pair of borrowed skis and on a knee she would soon replace, Vonn's speed <a href="https://www.aspentimes.com/news/lindsey-vonn-becomes-first-woman-to-ski-the-streif-and-she-did-it-in-the-dark/#:~:text=She%20reached%20speeds%20of%20up,silver%20medalist%20Ryan%20Cochran%2DSiegle.">reportedly topped 62 mph</a>.</p> </div> + Sports + skiing + alpine skiing + Lindsey Vonn + + + Stargazers can see the final supermoon of the year this weekend + Chandelis Duster + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/nx-s1-5188477/november-supermoon-2024-friday + https://text.npr.org/2024/11/14/nx-s1-5188477/november-supermoon-2024-friday + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/nx-s1-5188477/november-supermoon-2024-friday + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 16:25:05 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-34172" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 1024; --source-height: 706; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1024x706+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc4%2F7c%2F521d79df4c4fb4dd13563d365726%2Fgettyimages-1806314237-1.jpg" class="img" type="image/webp" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1024x706+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc4%2F7c%2F521d79df4c4fb4dd13563d365726%2Fgettyimages-1806314237-1.jpg" data-format="webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1024x706+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc4%2F7c%2F521d79df4c4fb4dd13563d365726%2Fgettyimages-1806314237-1.jpg" class="img" type="image/jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1024x706+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc4%2F7c%2F521d79df4c4fb4dd13563d365726%2Fgettyimages-1806314237-1.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1024x706+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc4%2F7c%2F521d79df4c4fb4dd13563d365726%2Fgettyimages-1806314237-1.jpg" class="img" alt="A commercial airliner flies before the rising Beaver full moon above Kuwait City on Nov. 27, 2023." data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1024x706+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc4%2F7c%2F521d79df4c4fb4dd13563d365726%2Fgettyimages-1806314237-1.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> A commercial airliner flies before the rising Beaver full moon above Kuwait City on Nov. 27, 2023. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Yasser Al-Zayyat/Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>Skygazers across the U.S. on Friday will have one last chance to catch a glimpse of a supermoon before the year ends.</p> <p>November's full moon, called the Beaver Moon, will appear larger and brighter than a regular full moon. The moon, which <a href="https://blogs.nasa.gov/Watch_the_Skies/2024/11/12/you-woodnt-want-to-miss-the-beaver-moon-last-supermoon-of-2024/"><u>NASA says</u></a> will rise at 4:29 p.m. ET Friday, is the fourth supermoon in a row since August. The supermoon's rise and set time will shift some based on the viewer's location, according to Christopher Palma, teaching professor and adviser of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Penn State University.</p> <div id="resnx-s1-5188477-100" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5188477-100" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>"For Central PA, where I am, the moon rises at 4:29 p.m. on Nov. 15, and it sets the next morning at 8:04 a.m., so it's visible for about 15 ½ hours. For the DC area, the times only change by a few minutes," Palma says.</p> <p>The moon is considered "super" when it is full and its orbit is at the closest point to Earth, <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/moon/supermoons/"><u>according to NASA</u></a> — though the term "supermoon" is not official. Its occurrence can cause tides to be higher than normal, the agency says. The celestial phenomenon happens three to four times a year — in a cluster, or back-to-back full moons. </p> <p>November's supermoon will appear full for nearly three days starting Thursday morning through sunrise Sunday morning, <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/skywatching/the-next-full-moon-will-be-the-last-of-four-consecutive-supermoons/"><u>NASA says</u></a>. No special equipment is needed to see it but the best views will depend on the weather.</p> <p>"I am definitely in favor of having everyone observe the moon, and when it does appear at its largest when it is full, that is the easiest time to observe it," Palma says, adding that people should use a <a href="https://moon.nasa.gov/observe-the-moon-night/resources/moon-map-northern/"><u>moon map</u></a> to identify features on the lunar surface. "One place to start is to look for the crater Tycho."</p> <p>The <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/resource/tycho-crater-on-the-moon-labeled/"><u>crater</u></a> is thought to be one of the youngest and most prominent craters on the moon and can be seen as a bright spot on its surface in the lower hemisphere, NASA says.</p> <p>If you miss this supermoon, you won't be able to see the next one until October 2025, Palma says. At that time, there will be three supermoons in a row.</p> </div> + Space + supermoon + space + NASA + + + Two books delivered beauty, inspiration and humor — just when I needed them most + Maureen Corrigan + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/nx-s1-5189507/water-water-billy-collins-the-dog-who-followed-the-moon-james-norbury + https://text.npr.org/2024/11/14/nx-s1-5189507/water-water-billy-collins-the-dog-who-followed-the-moon-james-norbury + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/nx-s1-5189507/water-water-billy-collins-the-dog-who-followed-the-moon-james-norbury + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 16:08:25 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-34094" class="bucketwrap image medium"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 1650; --source-height: 2475; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1650x2475+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe5%2Fc0%2F3ad9cb4e490cb891a85309f76ee3%2F9780593731024.jpg" class="img" type="image/webp" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1650x2475+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe5%2Fc0%2F3ad9cb4e490cb891a85309f76ee3%2F9780593731024.jpg" data-format="webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1650x2475+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe5%2Fc0%2F3ad9cb4e490cb891a85309f76ee3%2F9780593731024.jpg" class="img" type="image/jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1650x2475+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe5%2Fc0%2F3ad9cb4e490cb891a85309f76ee3%2F9780593731024.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1650x2475+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe5%2Fc0%2F3ad9cb4e490cb891a85309f76ee3%2F9780593731024.jpg" class="img" alt="Water, Water: Poems by Billy Collins" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1650x2475+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe5%2Fc0%2F3ad9cb4e490cb891a85309f76ee3%2F9780593731024.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>Sometimes, I do believe there is a Book God who sends the book I need, when I need it. This week, the Book God sent a special delivery of not one, but two much needed books.</p> <p>For years, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2016/12/14/504716937/billy-collins-on-how-to-become-a-poet-and-why-poetry-can-be-a-game">Billy Collins</a> has been both blessed and burdened with the tag line that identifies him as "one of America's favorite poets." I say "burdened" because if a poet is popular, the suspicion arises that they're a mere rhymester, a step or two up from a Hallmark assembly line troubadour. </p> <p>Even at this late stage in Collins' career — he's in his early 80s now, has served as Poet Laureate, and has published 12 earlier collections of poetry — his simplicity of language invites cynics to regard him as simplistic. Those of us who've long read his work know better.</p> <div id="resnx-s1-5189507-100" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5189507-100" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p><em>Water, Water</em>,<em> </em>Collins' collection of 60 new poems, takes its title from the Romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge's ballad <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43997/the-rime-of-the-ancient-mariner-text-of-1834"><em>The Rime of the Ancient Mariner</em></a><em> </em>and its often misquoted lines: "Water, water<em>,</em> every where,/Nor any drop to drink." </p> <p>Coleridge is also the guy who talked about making the familiar strange and the strange familiar, which is an apt description of what Collins has always done in his own work. If anything has shifted in Collins' poems over the years, it's that the theme of aging is more prevalent; specifically the way aging makes a person estranged from their former selves and others.</p> <div id="resnx-s1-5189507-101" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5189507-101" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>Take the poem called "When a Man Loves Something." Like most of Collins' work, it appears to be autobiographical, narrated in what Collins himself drolly calls, the "first-person-selfish point of view."<strong> </strong>Collins starts out remembering a night when he heard the blues singer <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2015/04/14/399596752/percy-sledge-had-a-voice-the-whole-world-heard">Percy Sledge</a> perform in a roadhouse "on the edge of a California desert." A loopy interlude follows:</p> <blockquote class="edTag"><div><p>Years later, when I lived in Florida,<br>We had a plumber<br>Whose name was Lynn Hammer.<br>I like to introduce people to one another,<br>But Lynn Hammer said<br>he had never heard of Percy Sledge<br>and put his head back under the sink.<br>So many miscues like that these days,</p></div></blockquote> <p>Near the poem's end, Collins imagines there's a planet called "the Past," and he's on it, orbiting the sun.</p> <p>Collins is his own most eloquent critic. In a poem bearing the stripped down title of, "Your Poem," he suggests that one of the go-to emotions in his work is: "buoyant ease in the shadow of mortality". This whole collection is filled with poems that strike that rare attitude. And, some of them, like "Emily Dickinson in Space," are among the best poems that Collins has ever written.</p> <p>Now for something completely different.</p> <div id="resg-s1-34098" class="bucketwrap image medium"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 1257; --source-height: 1500; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1257x1500+0+0/resize/200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2e%2Ff5%2Fd353366c438699246242d0b94fa7%2F91dxpzcdc-l-sl1500.jpg 200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1257x1500+0+0/resize/300/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2e%2Ff5%2Fd353366c438699246242d0b94fa7%2F91dxpzcdc-l-sl1500.jpg 300w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1257x1500+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2e%2Ff5%2Fd353366c438699246242d0b94fa7%2F91dxpzcdc-l-sl1500.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1257x1500+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2e%2Ff5%2Fd353366c438699246242d0b94fa7%2F91dxpzcdc-l-sl1500.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1257x1500+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2e%2Ff5%2Fd353366c438699246242d0b94fa7%2F91dxpzcdc-l-sl1500.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1257x1500+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2e%2Ff5%2Fd353366c438699246242d0b94fa7%2F91dxpzcdc-l-sl1500.jpg 1600w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1257x1500+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2e%2Ff5%2Fd353366c438699246242d0b94fa7%2F91dxpzcdc-l-sl1500.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 300px, (min-width: 1025px) 300px, (min-width: 768px) 252px, calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1257x1500+0+0/resize/200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2e%2Ff5%2Fd353366c438699246242d0b94fa7%2F91dxpzcdc-l-sl1500.jpg 200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1257x1500+0+0/resize/300/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2e%2Ff5%2Fd353366c438699246242d0b94fa7%2F91dxpzcdc-l-sl1500.jpg 300w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1257x1500+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2e%2Ff5%2Fd353366c438699246242d0b94fa7%2F91dxpzcdc-l-sl1500.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1257x1500+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2e%2Ff5%2Fd353366c438699246242d0b94fa7%2F91dxpzcdc-l-sl1500.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1257x1500+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2e%2Ff5%2Fd353366c438699246242d0b94fa7%2F91dxpzcdc-l-sl1500.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1257x1500+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2e%2Ff5%2Fd353366c438699246242d0b94fa7%2F91dxpzcdc-l-sl1500.jpg 1600w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1257x1500+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2e%2Ff5%2Fd353366c438699246242d0b94fa7%2F91dxpzcdc-l-sl1500.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 300px, (min-width: 1025px) 300px, (min-width: 768px) 252px, calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1257x1500+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2e%2Ff5%2Fd353366c438699246242d0b94fa7%2F91dxpzcdc-l-sl1500.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1257x1500+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2e%2Ff5%2Fd353366c438699246242d0b94fa7%2F91dxpzcdc-l-sl1500.jpg" class="img" alt="The Dog Who Followed the Moon" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>I usually hesitate to review graphic novels and illustrated books for <em>Fresh Air</em> because it's hard to do justice to their visual power. But, James Norbury's illustrated "adult fable" called <em>The Dog Who Followed the Moon </em>fell into my hands a few weeks ago and I've been under its spell ever since. </p> <p>Norbury, who's the bestselling author and illustrator of the philosophical <em>Big Panda and Tiny Dragon</em> books, is a practicing Buddhist. His books are not meant to comfort as much as they're meant to accompany readers on their own hard journeys.</p> <p><em>The Dog Who Followed the Moon</em> opens on a winter dawn in the mountains. Norbury's blue, white and brown watercolors on the opening pages are influenced by Zen art; they make readers feel the stillness of this imaginary world. A puppy named Amaya, who's become separated from her parents, wanders into the snowy landscape. </p> <p>Starving and lonely, Amaya mistakes a wolf pack for friendly dogs. The wolves circle her and attack. Just as Amaya is about to be torn apart, she's rescued by an old Wolf, the former leader of the pack. Together, they set off through a fantastic landscape of ancient ruins and despair and loss, always looking for the moon to lead them, and struggling to keep the faith when it disappears behind clouds.</p> <p>Norbury says in his "Afterword" that <em>his</em> moon was his art and that he "spent twenty-five years with very little money ... depressed, anxious, defeated, addicted, ..." before coming out the other side. "Inspirational" is a word that's become cheapened, but it's a fitting word for <em>The Dog Who Followed the Moon</em> — an inspirational and gorgeous book about not giving up.</p> </div> + + Book Reviews + Fresh Air + Poetry + books + + + In a new opera, a life in music and a struggle with memory loss intertwine + Garrett Schumann + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/nx-s1-5147421/opera-memory-loss-lucidity-lucy-shelton-laura-kaminsky + https://text.npr.org/2024/11/14/nx-s1-5147421/opera-memory-loss-lucidity-lucy-shelton-laura-kaminsky + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/nx-s1-5147421/opera-memory-loss-lucidity-lucy-shelton-laura-kaminsky + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:36:24 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-34054" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 4526; --source-height: 2950; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4526x2950+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3a%2F6b%2F0eb200054d4d9c4fb03cee5de6c6%2Fimg-0538-2-shelton-fix.jpg" class="img" type="image/webp" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4526x2950+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3a%2F6b%2F0eb200054d4d9c4fb03cee5de6c6%2Fimg-0538-2-shelton-fix.jpg" data-format="webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4526x2950+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3a%2F6b%2F0eb200054d4d9c4fb03cee5de6c6%2Fimg-0538-2-shelton-fix.jpg" class="img" type="image/jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4526x2950+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3a%2F6b%2F0eb200054d4d9c4fb03cee5de6c6%2Fimg-0538-2-shelton-fix.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4526x2950+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3a%2F6b%2F0eb200054d4d9c4fb03cee5de6c6%2Fimg-0538-2-shelton-fix.jpg" class="img" alt="" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4526x2950+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3a%2F6b%2F0eb200054d4d9c4fb03cee5de6c6%2Fimg-0538-2-shelton-fix.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Soprano Lucy Shelton, at age 80, is starring in <em>Lucidity</em>, a new opera by Laura Kaminsky that focuses on aging and memory loss. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Bowie Dunwoody </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>Soprano Lucy Shelton has premiered more than 100 new works in a decades-long career as a concert and recital artist. "I haven't spent my time as an opera singer," Shelton, 80, explained in a video chat last month. "I preferred vocal chamber music, and mostly new music where I worked with living composers." But this week, Shelton will do something she has only done once before in her long, decorated career: premiere an opera. She stars in <em>Lucidity</em> by composer Laura Kaminsky and librettist David Cote, in a debut production presented by On Site Opera that opens tonight and runs through Saturday at New York City's Abrons Arts Center.</p> <div id="resnx-s1-5147421-100" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5147421-100" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>Signing on to <em>Lucidity </em>was an easy decision for Shelton thanks to her longtime friendship with Kaminsky, which dates back to the 1980s. "Laura wanted to write something for me," Shelton explained. In 2019, Kaminsky encouraged Shelton to put on a 75th birthday recital at New York City's Merkin Hall. "I thought that might be the last time I would perform on stage," Shelton recalled. "The fact that I still get to do this is scary but brings me so much joy."</p> <p>The plot of <em>Lucidity </em>revolves around Lili, a former opera singer struggling with memory loss. "I'm the same age as the character," Shelton acknowledged with a laugh. "Anytime I forget anything in my daily life, I just think, 'Well I'm just practicing my part.' " In October, Shelton spoke with NPR alongside Kaminsky, Cote and her castmate mezzo-soprano Blythe Gaissert, who plays Dr. Klugman, a neuroscientist who abandoned a burgeoning career as a singer for a more certain professional path. The rest of <em>Lucidity</em>'s cast of four includes baritone Eric McKeever, who plays Lili's adopted son Dante, and soprano Christina María Castro, who plays Sunny, a clarinetist Dr. Klugman hires to provide Lili music therapy.</p> <div id="resg-s1-34057" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 4032; --source-height: 3024; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F43%2F8a%2F9f16d5e54a8b96d65b4f7b329753%2Fl-to-r-yasmina-spiegelberg-cristina-maria-castro-lucy-shelton-copyfix.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F43%2F8a%2F9f16d5e54a8b96d65b4f7b329753%2Fl-to-r-yasmina-spiegelberg-cristina-maria-castro-lucy-shelton-copyfix.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F43%2F8a%2F9f16d5e54a8b96d65b4f7b329753%2Fl-to-r-yasmina-spiegelberg-cristina-maria-castro-lucy-shelton-copyfix.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F43%2F8a%2F9f16d5e54a8b96d65b4f7b329753%2Fl-to-r-yasmina-spiegelberg-cristina-maria-castro-lucy-shelton-copyfix.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F43%2F8a%2F9f16d5e54a8b96d65b4f7b329753%2Fl-to-r-yasmina-spiegelberg-cristina-maria-castro-lucy-shelton-copyfix.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F43%2F8a%2F9f16d5e54a8b96d65b4f7b329753%2Fl-to-r-yasmina-spiegelberg-cristina-maria-castro-lucy-shelton-copyfix.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F43%2F8a%2F9f16d5e54a8b96d65b4f7b329753%2Fl-to-r-yasmina-spiegelberg-cristina-maria-castro-lucy-shelton-copyfix.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F43%2F8a%2F9f16d5e54a8b96d65b4f7b329753%2Fl-to-r-yasmina-spiegelberg-cristina-maria-castro-lucy-shelton-copyfix.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F43%2F8a%2F9f16d5e54a8b96d65b4f7b329753%2Fl-to-r-yasmina-spiegelberg-cristina-maria-castro-lucy-shelton-copyfix.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F43%2F8a%2F9f16d5e54a8b96d65b4f7b329753%2Fl-to-r-yasmina-spiegelberg-cristina-maria-castro-lucy-shelton-copyfix.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F43%2F8a%2F9f16d5e54a8b96d65b4f7b329753%2Fl-to-r-yasmina-spiegelberg-cristina-maria-castro-lucy-shelton-copyfix.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F43%2F8a%2F9f16d5e54a8b96d65b4f7b329753%2Fl-to-r-yasmina-spiegelberg-cristina-maria-castro-lucy-shelton-copyfix.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F43%2F8a%2F9f16d5e54a8b96d65b4f7b329753%2Fl-to-r-yasmina-spiegelberg-cristina-maria-castro-lucy-shelton-copyfix.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F43%2F8a%2F9f16d5e54a8b96d65b4f7b329753%2Fl-to-r-yasmina-spiegelberg-cristina-maria-castro-lucy-shelton-copyfix.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F43%2F8a%2F9f16d5e54a8b96d65b4f7b329753%2Fl-to-r-yasmina-spiegelberg-cristina-maria-castro-lucy-shelton-copyfix.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F43%2F8a%2F9f16d5e54a8b96d65b4f7b329753%2Fl-to-r-yasmina-spiegelberg-cristina-maria-castro-lucy-shelton-copyfix.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F43%2F8a%2F9f16d5e54a8b96d65b4f7b329753%2Fl-to-r-yasmina-spiegelberg-cristina-maria-castro-lucy-shelton-copyfix.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F43%2F8a%2F9f16d5e54a8b96d65b4f7b329753%2Fl-to-r-yasmina-spiegelberg-cristina-maria-castro-lucy-shelton-copyfix.jpg" class="img" alt="" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Soprano Lucy Shelton (right) plays the role of Lili, an aging opera singer struggling with memory loss. Yasmina Spiegelberg (left) and Cristina María Castro are also in the cast. <br><br> <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Piper Gunnarson </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>Kaminsky, 68, also relates to the characters in <em>Lucidity</em>. "I was kind of Dr. Klugman in reverse because I was a psychology major, but I just wanted to write music," she observed. Kaminsky's active, international career as a chamber music composer changed forever in 2014 when she broke into the world of contemporary opera with <em>As One</em>. Written with librettists Mark Campbell and Kimberly Reed, <em>As One</em> is based on Reed's life and tells the story of a transgender woman's journey to self-acceptance. The opera became a stalwart, and has been produced over 60 times in the United States since its premiere. <em>Lucidity</em> is Kaminsky's seventh opera, and all of these follow <em>As One</em>'s lead in telling topical, realistic stories about individual self-discovery and the relationships between people.</p> <p>Librettist David Cote initially approached Kaminsky in 2014 after seeing a production of <em>As One </em>at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. "I thought, 'Laura has a beautiful compositional voice'," Cote recalled, "and <em>As One </em>was a very lyrical, concise and direct emotional expression of opera that I wanted to be a part of." Kaminsky added, "I didn't really know him and his work, but then, in 2015, I saw his opera <em>The Scarlet Ibis </em>[composed by Stefan Weisman] and I thought that the storytelling was evocative and compelling."</p> <p>It took time for the pair to arrive at the story that would become <em>Lucidity</em>. "David came to me with multiple ideas for grand operas," Kaminsky explained, "but creatively I live in a very intimate world." Kaminsky's operas usually feature small casts, a handful of instruments and relatable stories that invite the audience into the narrative. As she explained, "For me, the idea of a personal story was crucial — if David and I couldn't get there, we weren't going to work together." The duo found the seed for <em>Lucidity</em>'s plot in their shared grief, as Cote and Kaminsky both lost loved ones to extended illnesses around the time their collaboration began. "As we developed <em>Lucidity</em>, it became clearer that we were really drawing on our personal histories," Cote said. "Laura, with her father who had dementia, and I, as caregiver to my wife in her final few months."</p> <p>From this experience, they created a piece that deals with the sacrifices and sensitivities that emerge from the conflict between caring for one's family and pursuing one's dreams. This theme comes to a head for each character in different ways. Lili and Dante argue over his decision to abandon piano performance to take care of his mother. Sunny fights with her parents over her choice to work as a musician. And, Dr. Klugman, an old music school classmate of Dante's, confronts the emotional fallout of her choice to pursue science over singing.</p> <div id="resg-s1-34058" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5472; --source-height: 3648; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3648+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4e%2F7e%2Fd905d7534bce982673f29d7b59c0%2Fimg-0955-2.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3648+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4e%2F7e%2Fd905d7534bce982673f29d7b59c0%2Fimg-0955-2.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3648+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4e%2F7e%2Fd905d7534bce982673f29d7b59c0%2Fimg-0955-2.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3648+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4e%2F7e%2Fd905d7534bce982673f29d7b59c0%2Fimg-0955-2.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3648+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4e%2F7e%2Fd905d7534bce982673f29d7b59c0%2Fimg-0955-2.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3648+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4e%2F7e%2Fd905d7534bce982673f29d7b59c0%2Fimg-0955-2.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3648+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4e%2F7e%2Fd905d7534bce982673f29d7b59c0%2Fimg-0955-2.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3648+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4e%2F7e%2Fd905d7534bce982673f29d7b59c0%2Fimg-0955-2.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3648+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4e%2F7e%2Fd905d7534bce982673f29d7b59c0%2Fimg-0955-2.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3648+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4e%2F7e%2Fd905d7534bce982673f29d7b59c0%2Fimg-0955-2.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3648+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4e%2F7e%2Fd905d7534bce982673f29d7b59c0%2Fimg-0955-2.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3648+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4e%2F7e%2Fd905d7534bce982673f29d7b59c0%2Fimg-0955-2.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3648+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4e%2F7e%2Fd905d7534bce982673f29d7b59c0%2Fimg-0955-2.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3648+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4e%2F7e%2Fd905d7534bce982673f29d7b59c0%2Fimg-0955-2.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3648+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4e%2F7e%2Fd905d7534bce982673f29d7b59c0%2Fimg-0955-2.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3648+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4e%2F7e%2Fd905d7534bce982673f29d7b59c0%2Fimg-0955-2.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3648+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4e%2F7e%2Fd905d7534bce982673f29d7b59c0%2Fimg-0955-2.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3648+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4e%2F7e%2Fd905d7534bce982673f29d7b59c0%2Fimg-0955-2.jpg" class="img" alt="" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Composer Laura Kaminsky and librettist David Cote created an opera which deals with the sacrifices and sensitivities that emerge from the conflict between caring for one's family and pursuing one's dreams. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Bowie Dunwoody </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>One anchor of Lili's story in <em>Lucidity</em> takes the form of recurring references to Franz Schubert's 1828 composition <em>The Shepherd On The Rock</em> that appear in Kaminsky's score and Cote's libretto. In the opera's second scene, Lili's mounting cognitive challenges are made clear when she struggles to perform the work, which she once had memorized. And, later, Lili defiantly listens to a recording of the piece alone, on headphones to avoid a disagreement with Dante.</p> <p>That recording carries its own specific meaning. As director Sarah Meyers explained over email, "It is only later in the opera, as the walls are beginning to deteriorate between the characters, that the audience gets to hear the Schubert recording." What the audience hears is actually Shelton singing <em>Shepherd</em> in a recording she made decades ago. The characters on stage, of course, hear a younger Lili, fully in command of her power. "I find it very important that this recording opens the first scene in the opera in which all four characters are present simultaneously," Meyers said. "The music brings them together."</p> <p><em>Lucidity</em>'s score is characteristic of the distinctly expressionistic style displayed in Kaminsky's other operas. In an aria that opens <em>Lucidity</em>'s final scene, Sunny finally demands that her parents accept her choice as a musician. Soprano Christina María Castro's solo part alternates between angular bursts, accompanied by rhythmically energetic textures in the ensemble, and long, tender melodies. And the aria's instrumentation -- voice, clarinet and piano -- provides another subtle reference to <em>Shepherd On The Rock</em>.</p> <p>After <em>Lucidity</em>'s premiere in New York this week, the opera embarks on a national tour, first to Seattle Opera on November 21-24 and then to Houston's Opera In The Heights on February 21-23, 2025. Select audiences around the country have already heard parts of <em>Lucidity </em>at unique previews organized by neuroscientists who are interested in the piece's scientific subject matter. "We hope the opera inspires urgency into the need for research [to understand] the mechanisms underlying dementia," Dr. Rui Costa, CEO of the Allen Institute, wrote in an email. Mezzo-soprano Blythe Gaissert performed scenes from <em>Lucidity </em>at a special presentation Dr. Costa organized in Seattle this March, and noticed the music's impact on the audience. "I think people are surprised by how much they connect to something they haven't personally experienced," she explained.</p> <p>Many Americans can relate to the complexities of age and taking care of aging parents, friends and other family members dealing with dementia, memory loss or more general cognitive decline. Architect Charles Renfro, a longtime friend and follower of Kaminsky's work who is a co-sponsor of <em>Lucidity</em>'s premiere performances, connected to the opera due to his experience caring for his mother-in-law after she suffered a stroke in 2021. "The subject matter immediately resonated with me," Renfro said, "and I thought, 'Laura, you've done it again, you've hit the nail on the head. You made a piece that no one has dared to make about a topic that needs to be addressed across our cultural spectrum.'"</p> <p>For Shelton, <em>Lucidity </em>continues a new, unexpected phase of her long career. She premiered her first grand opera in 2021 as 'The Teacher' in <em>Innocence</em>, a role written for her by the late Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho. "I almost didn't accept the part," Shelton recalled, "but it [was] an extraordinary project which will even give me my Met debut in the spring of 2026."</p> <p>Musically, Shelton's parts in both operas employ a flexible and varied array of vocal techniques to make her performance more expressive. "Of course, Laura's and Kaija's operas are full of <em>sprechstimme</em>, which is something I enjoy and continue to be able to do at my age," Shelton pointed out, referring to a vocal performance technique that falls between singing and speaking. Dramatically, the role of Lili calls on Shelton to stretch herself. "I'm not someone who shows anger or frustration, I don't use words aggressively," Shelton explained. "So I'm enjoying having that in my character." She added, "Dante calls her a 'diva' and I don't think I was ever a real diva."</p> <p>On Site Opera's music director Geoff McDonald sees Shelton's performance in <em>Lucidity </em>as a showcase for how compelling her abilities continue to be. "Her range of expressivity requires great technical control as well as a certain courage," he explained, "and Lucy has made a career boldly recruiting all her voice can do." Shelton shows us there are some skills only a singer with decades of experience -- lived and performed -- could hope to bring to the stage.<br></p> </div> + Music + Lucy Shelton + + + In northern Israel, migrant workers are farming while under fire from Hezbollah + Scott Neuman + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/g-s1-33746/israel-agriculture-migrant-workers-hezbollah-lebanon-war-thailand + https://text.npr.org/2024/11/14/g-s1-33746/israel-agriculture-migrant-workers-hezbollah-lebanon-war-thailand + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/g-s1-33746/israel-agriculture-migrant-workers-hezbollah-lebanon-war-thailand + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:31:55 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-34025" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 4980; --source-height: 3320; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4980x3320+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F07%2Ff1%2Fe21d8437406ba7612b82bd9e3502%2Fgettyimages-2181394790.jpg" class="img" type="image/webp" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4980x3320+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F07%2Ff1%2Fe21d8437406ba7612b82bd9e3502%2Fgettyimages-2181394790.jpg" data-format="webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4980x3320+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F07%2Ff1%2Fe21d8437406ba7612b82bd9e3502%2Fgettyimages-2181394790.jpg" class="img" type="image/jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4980x3320+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F07%2Ff1%2Fe21d8437406ba7612b82bd9e3502%2Fgettyimages-2181394790.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4980x3320+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F07%2Ff1%2Fe21d8437406ba7612b82bd9e3502%2Fgettyimages-2181394790.jpg" class="img" alt="A foreign worker from Thailand rests after he was evacuated from Metula following a rocket strike from Lebanon, that killed four foreign workers from Thailand and one Israeli citizen on October 31, 2024 in Kfar Yuval, Israel." data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4980x3320+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F07%2Ff1%2Fe21d8437406ba7612b82bd9e3502%2Fgettyimages-2181394790.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> A worker from Thailand rests after he was evacuated from Metula following a rocket strike from Lebanon that killed four laborers from Thailand and one Israeli citizen on Oct. 31 in Kfar Yuval, Israel. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Amir Levy/Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>TEL AVIV, Israel — Ubon Namsan says he's become used to the loud whoosh that signals an incoming rocket from Hezbollah in Lebanon, a country only a few thousand feet north of the Israeli kiwi orchard where he sifts through leafy rows of vines hand-picking the ripe fruit.</p> <div id="resg-s1-33746-100" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESG-S1-33746-100" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>Like the vast majority of the 30,000 foreign farm laborers in Israel, Namsan is from Thailand. These days, he and four other Thai men in his group spend most of their time working in a 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) sliver of rugged, hilly terrain adjacent to the Lebanese border. When the rockets fly, they scramble to a shelter in the basement of a nearby farm building. </p> <p>Namsan and the others work in an area that Israel has declared off-limits to its own civilians, ordering them to evacuate last month amid ongoing military operations against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group in Lebanon. Even so, with permission from Israel's military, farm owners and the foreign laborers they employ continue to work in that area, tending fields and livestock.</p> <p>Although agriculture has steadily fallen as a percentage of Israel's GDP in recent years, the country is famous for its produce. Agricultural exports to such markets as the European Union and the United States were valued at nearly $2.5 billion in 2021.</p> <div id="resg-s1-34021" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 766; --source-height: 1022; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/766x1022+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2F42%2F15e1f90946af9472ced174fbb1f4%2Fscott2.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/766x1022+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2F42%2F15e1f90946af9472ced174fbb1f4%2Fscott2.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/766x1022+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2F42%2F15e1f90946af9472ced174fbb1f4%2Fscott2.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/766x1022+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2F42%2F15e1f90946af9472ced174fbb1f4%2Fscott2.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/766x1022+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2F42%2F15e1f90946af9472ced174fbb1f4%2Fscott2.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/766x1022+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2F42%2F15e1f90946af9472ced174fbb1f4%2Fscott2.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/766x1022+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2F42%2F15e1f90946af9472ced174fbb1f4%2Fscott2.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/766x1022+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2F42%2F15e1f90946af9472ced174fbb1f4%2Fscott2.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/766x1022+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2F42%2F15e1f90946af9472ced174fbb1f4%2Fscott2.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/766x1022+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2F42%2F15e1f90946af9472ced174fbb1f4%2Fscott2.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/766x1022+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2F42%2F15e1f90946af9472ced174fbb1f4%2Fscott2.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/766x1022+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2F42%2F15e1f90946af9472ced174fbb1f4%2Fscott2.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/766x1022+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2F42%2F15e1f90946af9472ced174fbb1f4%2Fscott2.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/766x1022+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2F42%2F15e1f90946af9472ced174fbb1f4%2Fscott2.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/766x1022+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2F42%2F15e1f90946af9472ced174fbb1f4%2Fscott2.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/766x1022+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2F42%2F15e1f90946af9472ced174fbb1f4%2Fscott2.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/766x1022+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2F42%2F15e1f90946af9472ced174fbb1f4%2Fscott2.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/766x1022+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2F42%2F15e1f90946af9472ced174fbb1f4%2Fscott2.jpg" class="img" alt="Ubon Namsan poses in a selfie in southern Israel, where he picked passion fruit at a farm in October of last year, when Hamas attacked. Photo credit Ubon Namsan. " loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Thai farmworker Ubon Namsan poses in a selfie last year in southern Israel, where he picked passionfruit at a farm in October 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel. More than 1,200 people were killed that day, Israel says, among them 66 foreign laborers, most of them Thai. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Ubon Namsan </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>For Namsan, 28, the work means wages that are easily three times what he could make back home. The average $1,500 a month he earns is a huge incentive, even if it means working on a battlefront. On top of that, he gets an extra $80 each month as a premium for working in what Israel has classified as a restricted military zone.</p> <p>"I know it's dangerous because it's close to the border," he says, speaking to NPR through an interpreter via a social-media app. "But I'm not scared anymore."</p> <p>He's had time to adjust to Israel's war zones. <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/11/09/1211191682/thailand-israel-hamas-attack-hostages-farm-workers">NPR spoke with Namsan last year<u>,</u></a> after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that took place very near where he was working just outside of Gaza. Israel says more than 1,200 people were killed that day, among them 66 foreign laborers — most of them Thai.</p> <div id="resg-s1-33746-101" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESG-S1-33746-101" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>Another 251 people were taken hostage, including 31 Thai agricultural workers and a Filipino caregiver. Although most of the foreigners were subsequently released, Israeli authorities say two Thai captives and a Tanzanian student are now listed as dead. Six Thais and a Nepali agricultural student are believed still being held inside Gaza.</p> <p>In the immediate aftermath of the attack, Namsan was one of <a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hamas-war-thai-workers-dd03c7a7d133eacacf314668b4dee493">some 7,000 Thai laborers in Israel who went home to Thailand<u>,</u></a> as part of an emergency airlift organized by their government. Like him, many decided to return to Israel. Hezbollah began firing on Israel a day after the attack as a show of support for Palestinians in Gaza, where health officials say more than 43,600<strong> </strong>Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military since last October.</p> <div id="resg-s1-34024" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5615; --source-height: 3743; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5615x3743+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F12%2F23%2F240ea0c14f1ba9e7acc45881612c%2Fgettyimages-2176200601.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5615x3743+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F12%2F23%2F240ea0c14f1ba9e7acc45881612c%2Fgettyimages-2176200601.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5615x3743+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F12%2F23%2F240ea0c14f1ba9e7acc45881612c%2Fgettyimages-2176200601.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5615x3743+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F12%2F23%2F240ea0c14f1ba9e7acc45881612c%2Fgettyimages-2176200601.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5615x3743+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F12%2F23%2F240ea0c14f1ba9e7acc45881612c%2Fgettyimages-2176200601.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5615x3743+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F12%2F23%2F240ea0c14f1ba9e7acc45881612c%2Fgettyimages-2176200601.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5615x3743+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F12%2F23%2F240ea0c14f1ba9e7acc45881612c%2Fgettyimages-2176200601.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5615x3743+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F12%2F23%2F240ea0c14f1ba9e7acc45881612c%2Fgettyimages-2176200601.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5615x3743+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F12%2F23%2F240ea0c14f1ba9e7acc45881612c%2Fgettyimages-2176200601.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5615x3743+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F12%2F23%2F240ea0c14f1ba9e7acc45881612c%2Fgettyimages-2176200601.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5615x3743+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F12%2F23%2F240ea0c14f1ba9e7acc45881612c%2Fgettyimages-2176200601.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5615x3743+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F12%2F23%2F240ea0c14f1ba9e7acc45881612c%2Fgettyimages-2176200601.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5615x3743+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F12%2F23%2F240ea0c14f1ba9e7acc45881612c%2Fgettyimages-2176200601.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5615x3743+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F12%2F23%2F240ea0c14f1ba9e7acc45881612c%2Fgettyimages-2176200601.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5615x3743+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F12%2F23%2F240ea0c14f1ba9e7acc45881612c%2Fgettyimages-2176200601.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5615x3743+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F12%2F23%2F240ea0c14f1ba9e7acc45881612c%2Fgettyimages-2176200601.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5615x3743+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F12%2F23%2F240ea0c14f1ba9e7acc45881612c%2Fgettyimages-2176200601.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5615x3743+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F12%2F23%2F240ea0c14f1ba9e7acc45881612c%2Fgettyimages-2176200601.jpg" class="img" alt="A woman holds a portrait of Thai hostage Pongsak Thaenna, held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, during a gathering in tribute to the victims of the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas in Paris, on October 6, 2024." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> At an Oct. 6 gathering in Paris in tribute to victims of the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, a woman holds a portrait of Thai hostage Pongsak Thaenna, kidnapped by Hamas and held in the Gaza Strip. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Stepehane De Sakutin/AFP via Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>Namsan says his family is grateful for the money he sends home to northeast Thailand, a largely impoverished region where rice cultivation predominates. They also understand the dangers he faces.</p> <p>"They support me. If I want to stay, I stay. If I want to go home, I go home. The decision is mine," he says. </p> <p>At one point as he's speaking, Namsan suddenly breaks off the conversation to run for a nearby shelter as a salvo of rockets streaks overhead. He counts about 10 and says Israeli missiles intercepted all of them. He and his coworkers are safe.</p> <p>For others, though, the willingness to farm under fire has had deadly consequences: in October, a Thai laborer working near Israel's northern border was killed when previously unexploded ordnance detonated under a tractor he was driving. That same month, an Israeli farm owner and four Thai workers were killed, with a fifth laborer badly hurt, after Hezbollah rockets landed in a field near the northern Israeli town of Metula. And in March, <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-man-killed-2-others-injured-in-missile-attack-in-israel-reports-pti-citing-officials-2510632-2024-03-05">an Indian laborer was killed and two others injured</a> when an anti-tank missile fired from Lebanon exploded near the northern border community of Margaliot.</p> <div id="resg-s1-33746-102" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESG-S1-33746-102" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>There are about 137,000 foreigners working legally in Israel, not only from Thailand but also dozens of other countries, including the Philippines, Moldova and Ukraine, according to Israel's Population and Immigration Authority. They are employed in jobs that don't interest most Israelis — ranging from child care to construction.</p> <div id="resg-s1-34023" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 1536; --source-height: 2048; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1536x2048+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F89%2F27%2F829a8ab040eb90774056f1f53394%2Fscott1.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1536x2048+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F89%2F27%2F829a8ab040eb90774056f1f53394%2Fscott1.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1536x2048+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F89%2F27%2F829a8ab040eb90774056f1f53394%2Fscott1.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1536x2048+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F89%2F27%2F829a8ab040eb90774056f1f53394%2Fscott1.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1536x2048+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F89%2F27%2F829a8ab040eb90774056f1f53394%2Fscott1.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1536x2048+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F89%2F27%2F829a8ab040eb90774056f1f53394%2Fscott1.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1536x2048+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F89%2F27%2F829a8ab040eb90774056f1f53394%2Fscott1.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1536x2048+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F89%2F27%2F829a8ab040eb90774056f1f53394%2Fscott1.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1536x2048+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F89%2F27%2F829a8ab040eb90774056f1f53394%2Fscott1.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1536x2048+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F89%2F27%2F829a8ab040eb90774056f1f53394%2Fscott1.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1536x2048+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F89%2F27%2F829a8ab040eb90774056f1f53394%2Fscott1.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1536x2048+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F89%2F27%2F829a8ab040eb90774056f1f53394%2Fscott1.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1536x2048+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F89%2F27%2F829a8ab040eb90774056f1f53394%2Fscott1.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1536x2048+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F89%2F27%2F829a8ab040eb90774056f1f53394%2Fscott1.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1536x2048+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F89%2F27%2F829a8ab040eb90774056f1f53394%2Fscott1.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1536x2048+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F89%2F27%2F829a8ab040eb90774056f1f53394%2Fscott1.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1536x2048+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F89%2F27%2F829a8ab040eb90774056f1f53394%2Fscott1.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1536x2048+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F89%2F27%2F829a8ab040eb90774056f1f53394%2Fscott1.jpg" class="img" alt="Containers of freshly harvested kiwifruit in a farm field in northern Israel." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Containers of freshly harvested kiwi in a farm field in northern Israel. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Ubon Namsan </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>Namsan says the farm owner he now works for has always clearly explained the dangers and given him and his coworkers the option not to work in risky areas. But he's heard that other Thai laborers don't get a choice.</p> <p>Under Israeli law, foreign workers have the right to switch employers, according to Aelad Cahana, a lawyer with Kav LaOved, a nonprofit organization that advocates for labor rights in Israel. But Cahana acknowledges that few Thai workers speak Hebrew or English, and for them, changing jobs can prove difficult. "Contacting a farmer in a different place is very hard," he says.</p> <p>He says foreign workers on farms are especially vulnerable because they work in the open. "There is no safe zone that you can get to, even if you have two seconds, you cannot get anywhere. You're just in the middle of the field."</p> <div id="resg-s1-33746-103" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESG-S1-33746-103" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>The story is much the same elsewhere along the border. In the evacuated Israeli village of Shtula, situated directly on the border with Lebanon about an hour by road from Metula, Thai workers are given hazard pay to operate a large chicken coop. They work next to a similar enclosure that was destroyed several months ago by a Hezbollah rocket that killed thousands of chickens. Their job is considered vital because Shtula provides the majority of the region's eggs.</p> <p>The Thais are "very afraid to be here," says Shlomi, a security squad leader for the village who is affiliated with the Israeli military and was not authorized to give his full name due to his role patrolling the border in the line of Hezbollah fire. </p> <p>Following last month's deaths near Metula, a member of a security squad told <a href="https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-10-31/ty-article/.premium/five-killed-one-severely-wounded-by-rocket-fire-from-lebanon-in-metula-northern-israel/00000192-e2b8-df50-a1bf-fbfa477d0000?utm_source=App_Share&utm_medium=iOS_Native"><em>Haaretz</em></a> newspaper that the army had allowed the workers to access the area, despite it being closed to civilians. Israel's military tells NPR that "requests from farmers for agricultural work in closed military zones are reviewed. Based on situational assessments, exceptions are made to permit agricultural work in restricted military areas."</p> <p>Days after the Thai laborers were killed in Metula, Thailand <a href="https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2894872/thai-govt-sends-letter-of-protest-to-israel">sent a letter of protest</a> to Israel calling for a stop to its nationals being sent to work in high-risk areas. Thailand's Ambassador Pannabha <a href="https://en.davar1.co.il/556019/">Chandraramya also reached out to Israel's Interior Minister</a> Moshe Arbel, asking that foreign agricultural workers stop being employed inside the "confrontation line," which marks the military's no-go area near Lebanon. </p> <p>Asked if foreign workers are still being employed in those restricted areas, Israel's Interior Ministry referred NPR to <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/employers-forbidden-from-hiring-foreign-laborers-in-evacuated-areas-interior-minister-warns-after-thai-worker-killed/">recent comments</a> by Arbel pledging that the government would "intensify enforcement against employers of foreign workers in evacuated workers."</p> <p>"The duty to protect every human life outweighs the need to turn on drip irrigation in an evacuated agricultural area," Arbel said after meeting with Chandraramya last week.</p> <div id="resg-s1-34022" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 702; --source-height: 944; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/702x944+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5f%2F42%2F7394de7e4462b4b55e9e56473f07%2Fscott3.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/702x944+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5f%2F42%2F7394de7e4462b4b55e9e56473f07%2Fscott3.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/702x944+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5f%2F42%2F7394de7e4462b4b55e9e56473f07%2Fscott3.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/702x944+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5f%2F42%2F7394de7e4462b4b55e9e56473f07%2Fscott3.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/702x944+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5f%2F42%2F7394de7e4462b4b55e9e56473f07%2Fscott3.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/702x944+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5f%2F42%2F7394de7e4462b4b55e9e56473f07%2Fscott3.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/702x944+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5f%2F42%2F7394de7e4462b4b55e9e56473f07%2Fscott3.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/702x944+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5f%2F42%2F7394de7e4462b4b55e9e56473f07%2Fscott3.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/702x944+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5f%2F42%2F7394de7e4462b4b55e9e56473f07%2Fscott3.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/702x944+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5f%2F42%2F7394de7e4462b4b55e9e56473f07%2Fscott3.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/702x944+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5f%2F42%2F7394de7e4462b4b55e9e56473f07%2Fscott3.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/702x944+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5f%2F42%2F7394de7e4462b4b55e9e56473f07%2Fscott3.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/702x944+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5f%2F42%2F7394de7e4462b4b55e9e56473f07%2Fscott3.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/702x944+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5f%2F42%2F7394de7e4462b4b55e9e56473f07%2Fscott3.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/702x944+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5f%2F42%2F7394de7e4462b4b55e9e56473f07%2Fscott3.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/702x944+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5f%2F42%2F7394de7e4462b4b55e9e56473f07%2Fscott3.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/702x944+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5f%2F42%2F7394de7e4462b4b55e9e56473f07%2Fscott3.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/702x944+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5f%2F42%2F7394de7e4462b4b55e9e56473f07%2Fscott3.jpg" class="img" alt="Near the Israel-Lebanon border, Ubon Namsan and his fellow laborers enjoy a traditional meal from their native Thailand. " loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Near Israel's border with Lebanon, Ubon Namsan and fellow laborers enjoy a traditional meal from their native Thailand. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Ubon Namsan </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>Uri Dorman, secretary-general of the Israel Farmers' Federation, says that despite Arbel's comments, the army continues to grant permission for owners to access their lands on a case-by-case basis. "There was a lot of attention given to the interior minister's remarks, but only the [Israeli military] can give us permission," he says. He is quick to point out — as evidenced by the death of the Israeli farm owner in Metula — that the risk is shared between the farmers and the foreign laborers they employ.</p> <p>Cahana, of the laborers' rights group, says despite Arbel's promises to the contrary, "in practice" foreign workers are still employed inside the restricted zone.</p> <div id="resg-s1-33746-104" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESG-S1-33746-104" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>However, there are signs that Israel may be nearing completion of its operation inside Lebanon. Defense Minister Israel Katz said Sunday that Israeli forces had been "victorious" against Hezbollah and "eliminated" Hamas. It's not known whether that will mean an end to the daily rain of rockets that threaten the lives of farmers and farm laborers in the north.</p> <p>Namsan doesn't think he will be leaving northern Israel anytime soon. "There are still a lot of farms left to harvest here," he says.</p> <p>He recently posted a video to Facebook of smoke billowing from a field as warplanes can be heard thundering overhead. The caption reads: "This is what my job is every day next to the border."<br></p> <p><em>NPR's Daniel Estrin reported from Shtula, Israel near the Lebanon border. Yanal Jabarin contributed from Tel Aviv and Wassana Laisukang from Washington, D.C. </em></p> </div> + Middle East crisis — explained + Israel + agriculture workers + migrant workers + Thailand + Israel and Hezbollah + Lebanon + + + diff --git a/NPR§ion=1180232252 b/NPR§ion=1180232252 new file mode 100644 index 000000000..29effb93d --- /dev/null +++ b/NPR§ion=1180232252 @@ -0,0 +1,124 @@ + + + + NPR Series: Up First Newsletter + NPR Series: Up First Newsletter + https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1180232252 + + + + https://media.npr.org/chrome/favicon/favicon.ico + NPR Series: Up First Newsletter + https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1180232252 + + + Any tips on having difficult conversations during the holidays? We want to hear + Brittney Melton + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/g-s1-34183/talk-politics-family-holidays-thanksgiving + https://text.npr.org/2024/11/14/g-s1-34183/talk-politics-family-holidays-thanksgiving + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/g-s1-34183/talk-politics-family-holidays-thanksgiving + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:25:28 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-34186" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 6720; --source-height: 4480; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x4480+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1b%2Fa1%2Fb14291f04293b324dc04a181c3c9%2Fgettyimages-625708976.jpg" class="img" type="image/webp" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x4480+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1b%2Fa1%2Fb14291f04293b324dc04a181c3c9%2Fgettyimages-625708976.jpg" data-format="webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x4480+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1b%2Fa1%2Fb14291f04293b324dc04a181c3c9%2Fgettyimages-625708976.jpg" class="img" type="image/jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x4480+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1b%2Fa1%2Fb14291f04293b324dc04a181c3c9%2Fgettyimages-625708976.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x4480+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1b%2Fa1%2Fb14291f04293b324dc04a181c3c9%2Fgettyimages-625708976.jpg" class="img" alt="Central American immigrants and their families pray before Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 24, 2016 in Stamford, Connecticut." data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x4480+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1b%2Fa1%2Fb14291f04293b324dc04a181c3c9%2Fgettyimages-625708976.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Central American immigrants and their families pray before Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 24, 2016 in Stamford, Connecticut. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> John Moore/Getty Images/Getty Images North America </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>November marks the beginning of a slew of holidays and celebrations with our loved ones. The time between Thanksgiving and the New Year can be an opportunity to come together with people we haven't seen in a while and catch up. But on the heels of the presidential election, differences in view could cause conflict. Ahead of these gatherings, the <em>Up First </em>newsletter team wants to hear from people who might have had disputes during past holiday celebrations. Your tips could help families and friends smoothly navigate complicated conversations.</p> <p>If you have experienced a dispute during holiday celebrations, share your advice with us via the form below, and you could be featured in the <em>Up First</em> newsletter on Nov. 24. You can also share a photo and upload your answers as a voice memo. <strong>Please submit responses by Nov. 18.</strong></p> <p>See some of your responses — and get the news you need to start your day — by <a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"><u>subscribing to our newsletter</u></a>.</p> <div id="resg-s1-34183-100" class="bucketwrap statichtml"> <iframe src="https://npr.formstack.com/forms/navigating_gathering_disputes" title="Formstack Form" width="100%" height="1200"></iframe> </div> <!-- END ID="RESG-S1-34183-100" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP STATICHTML" --> <p><em>Your submission will be governed by our general </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179876898/terms-of-use">Terms of Use</a><em> and </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">Privacy Policy</a><em>. As the Privacy Policy says, we want you to be aware that there may be circumstances in which the exemptions provided under law for journalistic activities or freedom of expression may override privacy rights you might otherwise have.</em></p> </div> + Up First Newsletter + + + Trump's attorney general pick. And, what if the Department of Education is scrapped + Brittney Melton + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/g-s1-34143/up-first-newsletter-donald-trump-attorney-general-mike-gaetz-department-of-education + https://text.npr.org/2024/11/14/g-s1-34143/up-first-newsletter-donald-trump-attorney-general-mike-gaetz-department-of-education + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/g-s1-34143/up-first-newsletter-donald-trump-attorney-general-mike-gaetz-department-of-education + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 13:02:10 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <p><em>Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news">Subscribe</a><em> here to get it delivered to your inbox, and </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510318/up-first/">listen</a><em> to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day.</em><br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Today's top stories</h3> <p><strong>President-elect Donald Trump says he'll nominate Matt Gaetz, a Florida lawmaker who's faced repeated investigations, for attorney general. </strong>Gaetz, a Trump ally, has limited legal experience but is known for frequently challenging the Justice Department. The nomination has drawn criticism from Democrats and is <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/13/g-s1-34082/senate-reaction-gaetz-gabbard-trump-cabinet">causing concern among some</a> Senate Republicans.</p> <div id="resg-s1-34097" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5472; --source-height: 3078; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+285/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd4%2F79%2F17db403645728279b9e8ab8f0f43%2Fgettyimages-2155427362.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+285/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd4%2F79%2F17db403645728279b9e8ab8f0f43%2Fgettyimages-2155427362.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+285/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd4%2F79%2F17db403645728279b9e8ab8f0f43%2Fgettyimages-2155427362.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+285/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd4%2F79%2F17db403645728279b9e8ab8f0f43%2Fgettyimages-2155427362.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+285/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd4%2F79%2F17db403645728279b9e8ab8f0f43%2Fgettyimages-2155427362.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+285/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd4%2F79%2F17db403645728279b9e8ab8f0f43%2Fgettyimages-2155427362.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+285/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd4%2F79%2F17db403645728279b9e8ab8f0f43%2Fgettyimages-2155427362.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+285/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd4%2F79%2F17db403645728279b9e8ab8f0f43%2Fgettyimages-2155427362.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+285/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd4%2F79%2F17db403645728279b9e8ab8f0f43%2Fgettyimages-2155427362.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+285/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd4%2F79%2F17db403645728279b9e8ab8f0f43%2Fgettyimages-2155427362.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+285/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd4%2F79%2F17db403645728279b9e8ab8f0f43%2Fgettyimages-2155427362.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+285/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd4%2F79%2F17db403645728279b9e8ab8f0f43%2Fgettyimages-2155427362.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+285/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd4%2F79%2F17db403645728279b9e8ab8f0f43%2Fgettyimages-2155427362.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+285/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd4%2F79%2F17db403645728279b9e8ab8f0f43%2Fgettyimages-2155427362.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+285/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd4%2F79%2F17db403645728279b9e8ab8f0f43%2Fgettyimages-2155427362.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+285/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd4%2F79%2F17db403645728279b9e8ab8f0f43%2Fgettyimages-2155427362.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+285/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd4%2F79%2F17db403645728279b9e8ab8f0f43%2Fgettyimages-2155427362.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+285/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd4%2F79%2F17db403645728279b9e8ab8f0f43%2Fgettyimages-2155427362.jpg" class="img" alt="Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) questions Attorney General Merrick Garland during a hearing by the House Judiciary Committee, on June 4. President-elect Trump announced his intent to nominate Gaetz to head up the Department of Justice" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) questions Attorney General Merrick Garland during a hearing by the House Judiciary Committee, on June 4. President-elect Trump announced his intent to nominate Gaetz to head up the Department of Justice Wednesday. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Allison Bailey/AFP via Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>Gaetz was under review by the House Ethics Committee, but that probe ended last night </strong>when he resigned from the House, NPR's Carrie Johnson tells <em>Up First</em>. The committee planned to release its findings as early as this week. Now, it's unclear if that will happen. Trump says Gaetz will <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1212866782:1262284342">root out corruption within the Justice Department</a>. He will also possibly carry out Trump's retribution against prosecutors and his perceived enemies.</li></ul> <p><strong>Several Democratic-led states are forming coalitions and developing plans to push back against policies</strong> they expect from the incoming administration. State leaders are making efforts to protect against what they describe as threats to democracy and constitutional norms. This comes as the GOP wins a full trifecta of power in the nation's capital: the presidency, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/13/g-s1-33714/republican-election-house-of-representatives">control of the House</a> and a three-seat majority in the Senate. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>A new group called Governors Safeguarding Democracy broadly says they're going to work with legal experts and advocates to tackle</strong> challenges facing democracy. NPR's Ryland Barton says Trump was not mentioned on the group's website or announcement. The group responded to an idea floated by Trump's incoming deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller that National Guard units from red states could execute mass deportations in blue states. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1212866782:1262284342">called that plan unacceptable</a> and said he wouldn't cooperate.</li></ul> <p><strong>French officials are deploying thousands of police to secure a Paris stadium ahead of a soccer match tonight </strong>between the French and Israeli national teams. The match is moving forward despite calls to postpone it or change venues due to antisemitic and anti-Arab violence in Amsterdam last week when an Israeli team played there. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>The match has been called high-risk, but French officials say they won't back down in the face of antisemitic threats</strong>, NPR's Eleanor Beardsley says. They deployed 4,000 officers, which is four times more than usual with double layers of security. Officials say fewer than 13,000 tickets have been sold for the location, which seats 80,000. Beardsley says French Jews have remarked that they feel like they're <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1212866782:1262284342">being blamed for the war</a>, especially the longer it goes on.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">Special series</h3> <div id="resg-s1-33555" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5546; --source-height: 3120; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5546x3120+0+290/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F94%2Fabb87fc540858d133e7453315b36%2Fgettyimages-2182359433.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5546x3120+0+290/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F94%2Fabb87fc540858d133e7453315b36%2Fgettyimages-2182359433.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5546x3120+0+290/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F94%2Fabb87fc540858d133e7453315b36%2Fgettyimages-2182359433.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5546x3120+0+290/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F94%2Fabb87fc540858d133e7453315b36%2Fgettyimages-2182359433.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5546x3120+0+290/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F94%2Fabb87fc540858d133e7453315b36%2Fgettyimages-2182359433.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5546x3120+0+290/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F94%2Fabb87fc540858d133e7453315b36%2Fgettyimages-2182359433.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5546x3120+0+290/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F94%2Fabb87fc540858d133e7453315b36%2Fgettyimages-2182359433.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5546x3120+0+290/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F94%2Fabb87fc540858d133e7453315b36%2Fgettyimages-2182359433.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5546x3120+0+290/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F94%2Fabb87fc540858d133e7453315b36%2Fgettyimages-2182359433.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5546x3120+0+290/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F94%2Fabb87fc540858d133e7453315b36%2Fgettyimages-2182359433.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5546x3120+0+290/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F94%2Fabb87fc540858d133e7453315b36%2Fgettyimages-2182359433.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5546x3120+0+290/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F94%2Fabb87fc540858d133e7453315b36%2Fgettyimages-2182359433.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5546x3120+0+290/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F94%2Fabb87fc540858d133e7453315b36%2Fgettyimages-2182359433.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5546x3120+0+290/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F94%2Fabb87fc540858d133e7453315b36%2Fgettyimages-2182359433.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5546x3120+0+290/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F94%2Fabb87fc540858d133e7453315b36%2Fgettyimages-2182359433.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5546x3120+0+290/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F94%2Fabb87fc540858d133e7453315b36%2Fgettyimages-2182359433.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5546x3120+0+290/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F94%2Fabb87fc540858d133e7453315b36%2Fgettyimages-2182359433.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5546x3120+0+290/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F94%2Fabb87fc540858d133e7453315b36%2Fgettyimages-2182359433.jpg" class="img" alt="Former President Donald Trump holds a campaign rally at Macomb Community College on Nov. 1, in Warren, Mich. With four days until the election, Trump is campaigning on Friday in the battleground states of Michigan and Wisconsin. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Former President Donald Trump holds a campaign rally at Macomb Community College on Nov. 1, in Warren, Mich. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><em>Each day this week, Morning Edition will dive deep into one of the promises President-elect Donald Trump has made for day one of his administration. </em></p> <p><strong>One of Trump's clearest campaign promises is his plan to close the Department of Education.</strong> Since 1979, the federal department has overseen everything from college student loans to aid for public school special education. It doesn't operate public schools and universities — that's left to state and local governments. Jon Valant, an education policy expert at the Brookings Institution, says many Republicans have been calling for the Department of Education's elimination for some time. Valant explores the reasons behind this push and the <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=nx-s1-5181966:nx-s1-5249584-1">potential consequences if it were to be accomplished</a>.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Life advice</h3> <div id="resg-s1-33496" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 4500; --source-height: 2531; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+17/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe9%2Fd9%2F88a757e94055b1470639baa847fc%2Flk-kids-and-quitting-harlan.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+17/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe9%2Fd9%2F88a757e94055b1470639baa847fc%2Flk-kids-and-quitting-harlan.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+17/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe9%2Fd9%2F88a757e94055b1470639baa847fc%2Flk-kids-and-quitting-harlan.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+17/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe9%2Fd9%2F88a757e94055b1470639baa847fc%2Flk-kids-and-quitting-harlan.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+17/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe9%2Fd9%2F88a757e94055b1470639baa847fc%2Flk-kids-and-quitting-harlan.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+17/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe9%2Fd9%2F88a757e94055b1470639baa847fc%2Flk-kids-and-quitting-harlan.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+17/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe9%2Fd9%2F88a757e94055b1470639baa847fc%2Flk-kids-and-quitting-harlan.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+17/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe9%2Fd9%2F88a757e94055b1470639baa847fc%2Flk-kids-and-quitting-harlan.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+17/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe9%2Fd9%2F88a757e94055b1470639baa847fc%2Flk-kids-and-quitting-harlan.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+17/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe9%2Fd9%2F88a757e94055b1470639baa847fc%2Flk-kids-and-quitting-harlan.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+17/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe9%2Fd9%2F88a757e94055b1470639baa847fc%2Flk-kids-and-quitting-harlan.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+17/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe9%2Fd9%2F88a757e94055b1470639baa847fc%2Flk-kids-and-quitting-harlan.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+17/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe9%2Fd9%2F88a757e94055b1470639baa847fc%2Flk-kids-and-quitting-harlan.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+17/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe9%2Fd9%2F88a757e94055b1470639baa847fc%2Flk-kids-and-quitting-harlan.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+17/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe9%2Fd9%2F88a757e94055b1470639baa847fc%2Flk-kids-and-quitting-harlan.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+17/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe9%2Fd9%2F88a757e94055b1470639baa847fc%2Flk-kids-and-quitting-harlan.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+17/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe9%2Fd9%2F88a757e94055b1470639baa847fc%2Flk-kids-and-quitting-harlan.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+17/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe9%2Fd9%2F88a757e94055b1470639baa847fc%2Flk-kids-and-quitting-harlan.jpg" class="img" alt="Photograph of a deflated soccer ball sitting in high grass. " loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>Extracurricular activities can encourage grit and foster belonging in children. But for some kids, it can also cause stress-inducing obligations.</strong> It can be hard for parents to know when a child is ready to stop taking part in an activity. Vanessa Lapointe, a child psychologist and parenting coach, has <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/09/g-s1-33481/why-its-so-hard-for-parents-to-let-their-kid-quit">advice on how to have hard conversations</a> with your child about quitting. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>⚾<strong> If the news of them wanting to quit elicits a strong response </strong>from you, unpack whether the problem lies with you.</li><li>⚾ <strong>Ask your child what's going on.</strong> Sometimes the issue turns out to be simple.</li><li>⚾<strong> The younger your child is, the less likely they are to express their emotions verbally.</strong> Pay attention to other cues to figure out how they feel.</li><li>⚾ <strong>Quitting or toughing it out aren't the only options.</strong> Consider a creative compromise.</li></ul> <p><strong>Click here</strong> for more <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/09/g-s1-33481/why-its-so-hard-for-parents-to-let-their-kid-quit">ways to talk to your child</a> about quitting.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">3 things to know before you go</h3> <div id="resg-s1-34066" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 3770; --source-height: 2121; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3770x2121+0+196/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F9c%2F6e74863d4fa39d5913eaabac7f7b%2Fap23055097756716.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3770x2121+0+196/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F9c%2F6e74863d4fa39d5913eaabac7f7b%2Fap23055097756716.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3770x2121+0+196/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F9c%2F6e74863d4fa39d5913eaabac7f7b%2Fap23055097756716.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3770x2121+0+196/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F9c%2F6e74863d4fa39d5913eaabac7f7b%2Fap23055097756716.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3770x2121+0+196/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F9c%2F6e74863d4fa39d5913eaabac7f7b%2Fap23055097756716.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3770x2121+0+196/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F9c%2F6e74863d4fa39d5913eaabac7f7b%2Fap23055097756716.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3770x2121+0+196/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F9c%2F6e74863d4fa39d5913eaabac7f7b%2Fap23055097756716.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3770x2121+0+196/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F9c%2F6e74863d4fa39d5913eaabac7f7b%2Fap23055097756716.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3770x2121+0+196/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F9c%2F6e74863d4fa39d5913eaabac7f7b%2Fap23055097756716.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3770x2121+0+196/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F9c%2F6e74863d4fa39d5913eaabac7f7b%2Fap23055097756716.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3770x2121+0+196/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F9c%2F6e74863d4fa39d5913eaabac7f7b%2Fap23055097756716.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3770x2121+0+196/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F9c%2F6e74863d4fa39d5913eaabac7f7b%2Fap23055097756716.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3770x2121+0+196/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F9c%2F6e74863d4fa39d5913eaabac7f7b%2Fap23055097756716.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3770x2121+0+196/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F9c%2F6e74863d4fa39d5913eaabac7f7b%2Fap23055097756716.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3770x2121+0+196/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F9c%2F6e74863d4fa39d5913eaabac7f7b%2Fap23055097756716.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3770x2121+0+196/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F9c%2F6e74863d4fa39d5913eaabac7f7b%2Fap23055097756716.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3770x2121+0+196/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F9c%2F6e74863d4fa39d5913eaabac7f7b%2Fap23055097756716.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3770x2121+0+196/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F9c%2F6e74863d4fa39d5913eaabac7f7b%2Fap23055097756716.jpg" class="img" alt="Students walk by the Rush Rhees Library at the University of Rochester on Feb. 22, 2023." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Students walk by the Rush Rhees Library at the University of Rochester on Feb. 22, 2023. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Ted Shaffrey/AP </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <ol class="edTag"><li><strong>The University of Rochester is investigating the origin of hundreds of "wanted" posters</strong> that appeared across campus accusing some staff of <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/13/nx-s1-5189488/university-rochester-wanted-posters-faculty-gaza-war">contributing to an "ethnic cleansing" in Gaza</a>.</li><li><strong>Over the weekend, the Florida Department of Education released a list of over 700 books banned</strong> from K-12 schools throughout the state in the last academic year. The list grew by <a href="https://www.cfpublic.org/education/2024-11-11/florida-list-banned-books-schools">almost 400 books</a> from the one released a year ago. (via <a href="https://www.cfpublic.org/">Central Florida Public Radio</a>)</li><li><strong>Shaboozey's hit "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" has been No. 1 on the <em>Billboard</em> Hot 100 for </strong>17 nonconsecutive weeks, becoming the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/13/nx-s1-5188593/pop-charts-shaboozey-17-weeks-no-1">longest-running chart-topper of the decade</a>.</li></ol> <p><em>This newsletter was edited by </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/people/859721331/suzanne-nuyen"><em>Suzanne Nuyen</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> + + Up First Newsletter + + + Analyzing Trump's cabinet picks so far. And, Biden's intimate view of the White House + Brittney Melton + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/13/g-s1-34008/up-first-newsletter-donald-trump-key-cabinet-members-pete-hegseth-elon-musk-president-biden + https://text.npr.org/2024/11/13/g-s1-34008/up-first-newsletter-donald-trump-key-cabinet-members-pete-hegseth-elon-musk-president-biden + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/13/g-s1-34008/up-first-newsletter-donald-trump-key-cabinet-members-pete-hegseth-elon-musk-president-biden + Wed, 13 Nov 2024 13:01:37 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <p><em>Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news">Subscribe</a><em> here to get it delivered to your inbox, and </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510318/up-first/">listen</a><em> to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day.</em><br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Today's top stories</h3> <p><strong>President-elect Donald Trump is ramping up the assembly of his team for a second term in the White House. </strong>He says he will nominate former <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/12/g-s1-33899/trump-mike-huckabee-ambassador-israel-evangelical-gaza-hamas-war">Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee</a> to be ambassador to Israel, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/11/g-s1-33696/trump-stefanik-un-ambassador">House Rep. Elise Stefanik</a> to serve as U.N. Ambassador and <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/11/nx-s1-5187098/trump-national-security-adviser-mike-waltz">Rep. Mike Waltz of Florida</a> to be his national security adviser. Trump has also tapped <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/12/g-s1-33972/trump-elon-musk-vivek-ramaswamy-doge-government-efficiency-deep-state">Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy</a> to lead a new government agency called the Department of Government Efficiency. Some of his selections, like <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/12/g-s1-33970/trump-pete-hegseth-fox-news-defense-department-military">TV host Pete Hegseth</a> for secretary of defense, have raised some eyebrows. Here's who else Trump has <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/12/g-s1-33773/trump-cabinet-advisers-administration">picked as cabinet members and key advisors</a> so far.</p> <div id="resg-s1-33845" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 4527; --source-height: 2546; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4527x2546+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F11%2F0463b0284f88a7cc71a8a73d5a92%2Fgettyimages-2183216502.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4527x2546+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F11%2F0463b0284f88a7cc71a8a73d5a92%2Fgettyimages-2183216502.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4527x2546+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F11%2F0463b0284f88a7cc71a8a73d5a92%2Fgettyimages-2183216502.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4527x2546+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F11%2F0463b0284f88a7cc71a8a73d5a92%2Fgettyimages-2183216502.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4527x2546+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F11%2F0463b0284f88a7cc71a8a73d5a92%2Fgettyimages-2183216502.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4527x2546+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F11%2F0463b0284f88a7cc71a8a73d5a92%2Fgettyimages-2183216502.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4527x2546+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F11%2F0463b0284f88a7cc71a8a73d5a92%2Fgettyimages-2183216502.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4527x2546+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F11%2F0463b0284f88a7cc71a8a73d5a92%2Fgettyimages-2183216502.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4527x2546+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F11%2F0463b0284f88a7cc71a8a73d5a92%2Fgettyimages-2183216502.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4527x2546+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F11%2F0463b0284f88a7cc71a8a73d5a92%2Fgettyimages-2183216502.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4527x2546+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F11%2F0463b0284f88a7cc71a8a73d5a92%2Fgettyimages-2183216502.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4527x2546+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F11%2F0463b0284f88a7cc71a8a73d5a92%2Fgettyimages-2183216502.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4527x2546+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F11%2F0463b0284f88a7cc71a8a73d5a92%2Fgettyimages-2183216502.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4527x2546+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F11%2F0463b0284f88a7cc71a8a73d5a92%2Fgettyimages-2183216502.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4527x2546+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F11%2F0463b0284f88a7cc71a8a73d5a92%2Fgettyimages-2183216502.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4527x2546+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F11%2F0463b0284f88a7cc71a8a73d5a92%2Fgettyimages-2183216502.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4527x2546+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F11%2F0463b0284f88a7cc71a8a73d5a92%2Fgettyimages-2183216502.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4527x2546+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F11%2F0463b0284f88a7cc71a8a73d5a92%2Fgettyimages-2183216502.jpg" class="img" alt="Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to speak during an election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Center on Nov. 6, in West Palm Beach, Fla." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to speak during an election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Center on Nov. 6, in West Palm Beach, Fla. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>Trump's selections reflect his focus on loyalty and show a more nationalistic and transactional emphasis when it comes to his policy priorities</strong>, NPR's Franco Ordoñez tells <em>Up First</em>. A strong opposition to China, support for Israel and skepticism for Ukraine is expected. A House Republican committee chair expressed shock after Hegseth was named secretary of defense. The representative said Hegseth <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1212604219:1262210817">wasn't on the known list of names</a> under consideration. Hegseth is a decorated veteran but lacks the management and high-profile national security experience expected for this role, Ordoñez says</li></ul> <p><strong>A U.S. jury has awarded $42 million to three former detainees of the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.</strong> The abuse they received there by American troops is one of the lasting legacies of the invasion of Iraq. Photos of the abuse were published in 2004. <em>Warning: This story contains graphic descriptions of the torture of the prisoners. </em> <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧<strong> The jury said U.S. military contractor CACI could be found guilty because the interrogators CACI supplied to the prison conspired with U.S. soldiers to inflict torture on the plaintiffs</strong>, NPR's Ruth Sherlock says. CACI denies this characterization and said its employees didn't take part in abuse committed by the military police in Abu Ghraib. This case specifically focuses on the three plaintiffs and does not pave the way for compensation for other victims. Sherlock remarks that the verdict shows <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1212604219:1262210817">how hard it is for victims of</a> U.S. military abuse to get any kind of remedy.</li><li>➡️ <strong>Last year, Sherlock spoke with former Abu Ghraib detainee Talib al-Majl</strong>, who is not one of the three plaintiffs in this latest case. He told Sherlock that the 16 months he was <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/04/11/1167341565/us-iraq-war-abu-ghraib-survivor">held in prison ruined his life</a>.</li></ul> <p><strong>United Kingdom Prime Minister Kier Starmer has announced plans to cut climate pollution</strong> by at least 81% compared to 1990 levels by 2035. He made the pledge to fight global warming at the COP29 Climate Summit, which is underway this week. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧<strong> The U.K. plans to reach this goal by investing in</strong> climate solutions like wind energy, solar, big batteries and nuclear energy, NPR's Julia Simon says. Starmer also made an economic argument for the change, saying it is a <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1212604219:1262210817">huge opportunity to invest in U.K. businesses</a>. There hasn't been as much optimism for U.S. leadership at this climate summit, Simon says. President-elect Trump has previously called climate change a hoax.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">Special series</h3> <div id="res1093400696" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 2993; --source-height: 1683; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2022/04/18/gettyimages-1235961474_wide-07b0bf2718c8ca23174801d0fe139cd9125cf751.jpg?s=400&c=85&f=webp 400w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2022/04/18/gettyimages-1235961474_wide-07b0bf2718c8ca23174801d0fe139cd9125cf751.jpg?s=600&c=85&f=webp 600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2022/04/18/gettyimages-1235961474_wide-07b0bf2718c8ca23174801d0fe139cd9125cf751.jpg?s=800&c=85&f=webp 800w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2022/04/18/gettyimages-1235961474_wide-07b0bf2718c8ca23174801d0fe139cd9125cf751.jpg?s=900&c=85&f=webp 900w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2022/04/18/gettyimages-1235961474_wide-07b0bf2718c8ca23174801d0fe139cd9125cf751.jpg?s=1200&c=85&f=webp 1200w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2022/04/18/gettyimages-1235961474_wide-07b0bf2718c8ca23174801d0fe139cd9125cf751.jpg?s=1600&c=85&f=webp 1600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2022/04/18/gettyimages-1235961474_wide-07b0bf2718c8ca23174801d0fe139cd9125cf751.jpg?s=1800&c=85&f=webp 1800w" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2022/04/18/gettyimages-1235961474_wide-07b0bf2718c8ca23174801d0fe139cd9125cf751.jpg?s={width}&c={quality}&f={format}" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2022/04/18/gettyimages-1235961474_wide-07b0bf2718c8ca23174801d0fe139cd9125cf751.jpg?s=400&c=85&f=jpeg 400w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2022/04/18/gettyimages-1235961474_wide-07b0bf2718c8ca23174801d0fe139cd9125cf751.jpg?s=600&c=85&f=jpeg 600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2022/04/18/gettyimages-1235961474_wide-07b0bf2718c8ca23174801d0fe139cd9125cf751.jpg?s=800&c=85&f=jpeg 800w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2022/04/18/gettyimages-1235961474_wide-07b0bf2718c8ca23174801d0fe139cd9125cf751.jpg?s=900&c=85&f=jpeg 900w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2022/04/18/gettyimages-1235961474_wide-07b0bf2718c8ca23174801d0fe139cd9125cf751.jpg?s=1200&c=85&f=jpeg 1200w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2022/04/18/gettyimages-1235961474_wide-07b0bf2718c8ca23174801d0fe139cd9125cf751.jpg?s=1600&c=85&f=jpeg 1600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2022/04/18/gettyimages-1235961474_wide-07b0bf2718c8ca23174801d0fe139cd9125cf751.jpg?s=1800&c=85&f=jpeg 1800w" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2022/04/18/gettyimages-1235961474_wide-07b0bf2718c8ca23174801d0fe139cd9125cf751.jpg?s={width}&c={quality}&f={format}" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2022/04/18/gettyimages-1235961474_wide-07b0bf2718c8ca23174801d0fe139cd9125cf751.jpg?s=1100&c=50&f=jpeg" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2022/04/18/gettyimages-1235961474_wide-07b0bf2718c8ca23174801d0fe139cd9125cf751.jpg?s={width}&c={quality}&f={format}" class="img" alt="Money from fossil fuels is directly financing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a leading climate scientist says." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Money from fossil fuels is directly financing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a leading climate scientist says. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><em>Each day this week, Morning Edition will dive deep into one of the promises President-elect Donald Trump has made for day one of his administration.</em></p> <p><strong>Trump has promised to boost America's fossil fuel industry.</strong> As part of this plan, he intends to eliminate policies and regulations that support green technologies, such as those found in the Inflation Reduction Act. Additionally, he has expressed a desire to lower energy prices and terminate offshore wind projects. Brian Murray, director of the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability at Duke University, speaks with NPR's A Martínez about what that <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=nx-s1-5181963:x">would mean for the U.S.' climate goals</a>.</p> <h3 class="edTag">Picture show</h3> <div id="resg-s1-33439" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 3000; --source-height: 1688; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2F61%2F1053cab7424081f42e09129dfff5%2Fpotus-x-life-on-film.PNG 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2F61%2F1053cab7424081f42e09129dfff5%2Fpotus-x-life-on-film.PNG 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2F61%2F1053cab7424081f42e09129dfff5%2Fpotus-x-life-on-film.PNG 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2F61%2F1053cab7424081f42e09129dfff5%2Fpotus-x-life-on-film.PNG 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2F61%2F1053cab7424081f42e09129dfff5%2Fpotus-x-life-on-film.PNG 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2F61%2F1053cab7424081f42e09129dfff5%2Fpotus-x-life-on-film.PNG 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2F61%2F1053cab7424081f42e09129dfff5%2Fpotus-x-life-on-film.PNG 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2F61%2F1053cab7424081f42e09129dfff5%2Fpotus-x-life-on-film.PNG" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2F61%2F1053cab7424081f42e09129dfff5%2Fpotus-x-life-on-film.PNG 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2F61%2F1053cab7424081f42e09129dfff5%2Fpotus-x-life-on-film.PNG 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2F61%2F1053cab7424081f42e09129dfff5%2Fpotus-x-life-on-film.PNG 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2F61%2F1053cab7424081f42e09129dfff5%2Fpotus-x-life-on-film.PNG 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2F61%2F1053cab7424081f42e09129dfff5%2Fpotus-x-life-on-film.PNG 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2F61%2F1053cab7424081f42e09129dfff5%2Fpotus-x-life-on-film.PNG 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2F61%2F1053cab7424081f42e09129dfff5%2Fpotus-x-life-on-film.PNG 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2F61%2F1053cab7424081f42e09129dfff5%2Fpotus-x-life-on-film.PNG" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/png" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2F61%2F1053cab7424081f42e09129dfff5%2Fpotus-x-life-on-film.PNG" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2F61%2F1053cab7424081f42e09129dfff5%2Fpotus-x-life-on-film.PNG" class="img" alt="Christian Baiocco, Griffin Katz and Grant Weintrob pose for a film photo with President Joseph Biden." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Christian Baiocco, Griffin Katz and Grant Weintrob pose for a film photo with President Joseph Biden. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> photo provided by Life on Film. </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>The creators behind the viral TikTok account @lifeonfilm.27 give film cameras to strangers all over the world</strong> and compile the images into a video. They have even featured celebrities such as Ed Sheeran and Ice Spice. In September, one of the most powerful men in the world, President Biden, was given a camera. The resulting photos offer a glimpse into his life, showcasing views of the White House taken from the presidential limo, as well as newly signed bills and other documents in the Oval Office. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>📷 <strong>See Biden's photos </strong>and the video showcasing an <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/10/nx-s1-5170271/biden-was-given-a-film-camera-the-result-a-new-intimate-view-of-the-white-house">intimate view of the White House</a>.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">3 things to know before you go</h3> <div id="resg-s1-33829" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 624; --source-height: 351; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/415x233+0+91/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F10%2F41%2Fa9f4a52a438cb939511e0e1210b1%2Fnicholashamlett.PNG 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/415x233+0+91/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F10%2F41%2Fa9f4a52a438cb939511e0e1210b1%2Fnicholashamlett.PNG 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/415x233+0+91/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F10%2F41%2Fa9f4a52a438cb939511e0e1210b1%2Fnicholashamlett.PNG 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/415x233+0+91/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F10%2F41%2Fa9f4a52a438cb939511e0e1210b1%2Fnicholashamlett.PNG 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/415x233+0+91/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F10%2F41%2Fa9f4a52a438cb939511e0e1210b1%2Fnicholashamlett.PNG 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/415x233+0+91/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F10%2F41%2Fa9f4a52a438cb939511e0e1210b1%2Fnicholashamlett.PNG 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/415x233+0+91/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F10%2F41%2Fa9f4a52a438cb939511e0e1210b1%2Fnicholashamlett.PNG 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/415x233+0+91/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F10%2F41%2Fa9f4a52a438cb939511e0e1210b1%2Fnicholashamlett.PNG" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/415x233+0+91/resize/400/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F10%2F41%2Fa9f4a52a438cb939511e0e1210b1%2Fnicholashamlett.PNG 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/415x233+0+91/resize/600/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F10%2F41%2Fa9f4a52a438cb939511e0e1210b1%2Fnicholashamlett.PNG 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/415x233+0+91/resize/800/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F10%2F41%2Fa9f4a52a438cb939511e0e1210b1%2Fnicholashamlett.PNG 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/415x233+0+91/resize/900/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F10%2F41%2Fa9f4a52a438cb939511e0e1210b1%2Fnicholashamlett.PNG 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/415x233+0+91/resize/1200/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F10%2F41%2Fa9f4a52a438cb939511e0e1210b1%2Fnicholashamlett.PNG 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/415x233+0+91/resize/1600/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F10%2F41%2Fa9f4a52a438cb939511e0e1210b1%2Fnicholashamlett.PNG 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/415x233+0+91/resize/1800/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F10%2F41%2Fa9f4a52a438cb939511e0e1210b1%2Fnicholashamlett.PNG 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/415x233+0+91/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F10%2F41%2Fa9f4a52a438cb939511e0e1210b1%2Fnicholashamlett.PNG" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/png" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/415x233+0+91/resize/1100/quality/50/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F10%2F41%2Fa9f4a52a438cb939511e0e1210b1%2Fnicholashamlett.PNG" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/415x233+0+91/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F10%2F41%2Fa9f4a52a438cb939511e0e1210b1%2Fnicholashamlett.PNG" class="img" alt="Three side-by-side photos of Hamlett as seen on his wanted poster." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Nicholas Hamlett, 45, was the subject of a weekslong manhunt following the Oct. 18 murder of Steven Lloyd. Authorities say Hamlett befriended Lloyd and lured him into a wooded area in Tennessee, killing him in an attempted identity theft plot. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Monroe County Tennessee Sheriff's Office </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <ol class="edTag"><li><strong>Nicholas Hamlett was arrested after a weeks-long manhunt for killing a man in Tennessee.</strong> Hamlett <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/12/nx-s1-5187641/faked-bear-attack-murder-arrest">reported the killing to police as a bear attack</a> in an attempt to steal the victim's identity, according to authorities.</li><li><strong>In a recent interview, Denzel Washington says he plans to retire after a few more projects</strong>, including a <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/13/nx-s1-5189146/denzel-washington-black-panther-3-retire">third <em>Black Panther</em> movie</a>. The film hasn't been confirmed yet.</li><li><strong>Samantha Harvey has won the 2024 Booker Prize</strong> for her science fiction novel, <em>Orbital</em>, which <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/12/nx-s1-5184530/orbital-by-samantha-harvey-wins-2024-booker-prize">follows six astronauts orbiting Earth</a> for one day of their nine-month mission.</li></ol> <p><em>This newsletter was edited by </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/people/859721331/suzanne-nuyen"><em>Suzanne Nuyen</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> + + Up First Newsletter + + + Top contenders to lead the Senate. And, Trump's DOJ priorities + Brittney Melton + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/12/g-s1-33815/up-first-newsletter-congress-returns-senate-leadership-contenders-donald-trump-justice-department + https://text.npr.org/2024/11/12/g-s1-33815/up-first-newsletter-congress-returns-senate-leadership-contenders-donald-trump-justice-department + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/12/g-s1-33815/up-first-newsletter-congress-returns-senate-leadership-contenders-donald-trump-justice-department + Tue, 12 Nov 2024 12:52:55 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <p><em>Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news">Subscribe</a><em> here to get it delivered to your inbox, and </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510318/up-first/">listen</a><em> to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day.</em><br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Today's top stories</h3> <p><strong>Congress returns this week with a busy agenda. The first item on the list is electing who will lead each chamber.</strong> President-elect Donald Trump has made it known he wants to influence these choices, and his allies are pushing to make his preferences happen.</p> <div id="res151536934" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 998; --source-height: 561; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/04/27/getty-congress_wide-54bb4f5f72baff781386b6e87c9dc7b095a26b5e.jpg?s=400&c=85&f=webp 400w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/04/27/getty-congress_wide-54bb4f5f72baff781386b6e87c9dc7b095a26b5e.jpg?s=600&c=85&f=webp 600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/04/27/getty-congress_wide-54bb4f5f72baff781386b6e87c9dc7b095a26b5e.jpg?s=800&c=85&f=webp 800w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/04/27/getty-congress_wide-54bb4f5f72baff781386b6e87c9dc7b095a26b5e.jpg?s=900&c=85&f=webp 900w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/04/27/getty-congress_wide-54bb4f5f72baff781386b6e87c9dc7b095a26b5e.jpg?s=1200&c=85&f=webp 1200w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/04/27/getty-congress_wide-54bb4f5f72baff781386b6e87c9dc7b095a26b5e.jpg?s=1600&c=85&f=webp 1600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/04/27/getty-congress_wide-54bb4f5f72baff781386b6e87c9dc7b095a26b5e.jpg?s=1800&c=85&f=webp 1800w" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/04/27/getty-congress_wide-54bb4f5f72baff781386b6e87c9dc7b095a26b5e.jpg?s={width}&c={quality}&f={format}" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/04/27/getty-congress_wide-54bb4f5f72baff781386b6e87c9dc7b095a26b5e.jpg?s=400&c=85&f=jpeg 400w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/04/27/getty-congress_wide-54bb4f5f72baff781386b6e87c9dc7b095a26b5e.jpg?s=600&c=85&f=jpeg 600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/04/27/getty-congress_wide-54bb4f5f72baff781386b6e87c9dc7b095a26b5e.jpg?s=800&c=85&f=jpeg 800w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/04/27/getty-congress_wide-54bb4f5f72baff781386b6e87c9dc7b095a26b5e.jpg?s=900&c=85&f=jpeg 900w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/04/27/getty-congress_wide-54bb4f5f72baff781386b6e87c9dc7b095a26b5e.jpg?s=1200&c=85&f=jpeg 1200w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/04/27/getty-congress_wide-54bb4f5f72baff781386b6e87c9dc7b095a26b5e.jpg?s=1600&c=85&f=jpeg 1600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/04/27/getty-congress_wide-54bb4f5f72baff781386b6e87c9dc7b095a26b5e.jpg?s=1800&c=85&f=jpeg 1800w" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/04/27/getty-congress_wide-54bb4f5f72baff781386b6e87c9dc7b095a26b5e.jpg?s={width}&c={quality}&f={format}" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/04/27/getty-congress_wide-54bb4f5f72baff781386b6e87c9dc7b095a26b5e.jpg?s=1100&c=50&f=jpeg" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/04/27/getty-congress_wide-54bb4f5f72baff781386b6e87c9dc7b095a26b5e.jpg?s={width}&c={quality}&f={format}" class="img" alt="Congress promo art" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>Senators John Cornyn of Texas and John Thune of South Dakota are the frontrunners to replace Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who is stepping down from leadership</strong>, NPR's Barbara Sprunt tells <em>Up First</em>. However, <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1212541648:1262149690">there is a push from Trump-world for</a> Florida Senator Rick Scott to get the top leadership gig. The vote for who will lead is secret. The House of Representatives, where the GOP appears to be on track to retain a majority, will have leadership elections for Speaker tomorrow.</li></ul> <p><strong>One of Trump's biggest decisions will be selecting the leader of the Justice Department.</strong> On the campaign trail, he criticized the DOJ and FBI. Soon, he will have the opportunity to address his grievances. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>Some potential candidates for the attorney general position include</strong> Utah Sen. Mike Lee, Jeff Clark, a DOJ official Trump attempted to promote in 2020, and Mark Paoletta, a longtime D.C. attorney. NPR's Carrie Johnson says <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1212541648:1262149690">top priorities for Trump's new DOJ would involve</a> his plans to pardon people involved in the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. Trump could cut grant funding for local police that oppose his immigration plans, enforce the Comstock Act against mailing abortion medications, and reinstate federal capital punishment for around 40 individuals on death row.</li></ul> <p><strong>President Biden travels to Peru and Brazil this week to meet with leaders of the world's biggest economies at two summits</strong>: APEC in Lima and the G20 in Rio. This is likely his last significant opportunity to <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/12/nx-s1-5184403/trump-biden-apec-g20">leave a mark on the global stage</a>, but it comes on the heels of Trump's victory. As a result, Biden finds himself in a challenging position regarding his final message. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>Over the past four years, the Biden administration has focused on </strong>rebuilding alliances, expanding NATO, and countering China's influence since taking office after Trump, NPR's Asma Khalid says. Biden is expected to provide assurances about the United States' <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1212541648:1262149690">long-term commitment to global affairs</a>. He has mostly retained the tariffs on China that were implemented during the Trump era, and one key message he might convey this week is that the threat of imposing additional tariffs is a reality.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">Special series</h3> <div id="resg-s1-33700" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 4414; --source-height: 2943; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4414x2943+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F4d%2Fd5cc2fb94495ab56ba26a9ce783f%2Fgettyimages-2161855824.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4414x2943+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F4d%2Fd5cc2fb94495ab56ba26a9ce783f%2Fgettyimages-2161855824.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4414x2943+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F4d%2Fd5cc2fb94495ab56ba26a9ce783f%2Fgettyimages-2161855824.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4414x2943+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F4d%2Fd5cc2fb94495ab56ba26a9ce783f%2Fgettyimages-2161855824.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4414x2943+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F4d%2Fd5cc2fb94495ab56ba26a9ce783f%2Fgettyimages-2161855824.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4414x2943+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F4d%2Fd5cc2fb94495ab56ba26a9ce783f%2Fgettyimages-2161855824.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4414x2943+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F4d%2Fd5cc2fb94495ab56ba26a9ce783f%2Fgettyimages-2161855824.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4414x2943+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F4d%2Fd5cc2fb94495ab56ba26a9ce783f%2Fgettyimages-2161855824.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4414x2943+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F4d%2Fd5cc2fb94495ab56ba26a9ce783f%2Fgettyimages-2161855824.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4414x2943+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F4d%2Fd5cc2fb94495ab56ba26a9ce783f%2Fgettyimages-2161855824.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4414x2943+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F4d%2Fd5cc2fb94495ab56ba26a9ce783f%2Fgettyimages-2161855824.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4414x2943+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F4d%2Fd5cc2fb94495ab56ba26a9ce783f%2Fgettyimages-2161855824.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4414x2943+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F4d%2Fd5cc2fb94495ab56ba26a9ce783f%2Fgettyimages-2161855824.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4414x2943+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F4d%2Fd5cc2fb94495ab56ba26a9ce783f%2Fgettyimages-2161855824.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4414x2943+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F4d%2Fd5cc2fb94495ab56ba26a9ce783f%2Fgettyimages-2161855824.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4414x2943+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F4d%2Fd5cc2fb94495ab56ba26a9ce783f%2Fgettyimages-2161855824.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4414x2943+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F4d%2Fd5cc2fb94495ab56ba26a9ce783f%2Fgettyimages-2161855824.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4414x2943+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F4d%2Fd5cc2fb94495ab56ba26a9ce783f%2Fgettyimages-2161855824.jpg" class="img" alt="Tom Homan speaks at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July. " loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Tom Homan speaks at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July. Trump announced on Sunday that the former acting ICE director will oversee border control in his second administration. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><em>Each day this week, Morning Edition will dive deep into one of the promises President-elect Donald Trump has made for day one of his administration. </em></p> <p><strong>One of Trump's signature campaign promises was to "launch the largest deportation program of criminals in the history of America." </strong>Now, he's appointed a <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/11/nx-s1-5186522/tom-homan-border-czar-trump">'border czar,' Tom Homan</a>, to carry it out. Homan led Immigration and Customs Enforcement for part of Trump's first term. Andrew Selee, president of the non-partisan Migration Policy Institute, talks with <em>Morning Edition</em> about what a <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=nx-s1-5181962:nx-s1-5249580-1">plan for mass deportation might look like</a> including whether living in a red or blue state matters.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Today's listen</h3> <div id="resg-s1-30979" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5760; --source-height: 3840; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5760x3840+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F5b%2F2a44ac7b4bc2a84fa56b4df0cc9f%2F7y7a3199.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5760x3840+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F5b%2F2a44ac7b4bc2a84fa56b4df0cc9f%2F7y7a3199.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5760x3840+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F5b%2F2a44ac7b4bc2a84fa56b4df0cc9f%2F7y7a3199.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5760x3840+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F5b%2F2a44ac7b4bc2a84fa56b4df0cc9f%2F7y7a3199.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5760x3840+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F5b%2F2a44ac7b4bc2a84fa56b4df0cc9f%2F7y7a3199.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5760x3840+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F5b%2F2a44ac7b4bc2a84fa56b4df0cc9f%2F7y7a3199.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5760x3840+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F5b%2F2a44ac7b4bc2a84fa56b4df0cc9f%2F7y7a3199.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5760x3840+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F5b%2F2a44ac7b4bc2a84fa56b4df0cc9f%2F7y7a3199.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5760x3840+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F5b%2F2a44ac7b4bc2a84fa56b4df0cc9f%2F7y7a3199.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5760x3840+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F5b%2F2a44ac7b4bc2a84fa56b4df0cc9f%2F7y7a3199.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5760x3840+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F5b%2F2a44ac7b4bc2a84fa56b4df0cc9f%2F7y7a3199.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5760x3840+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F5b%2F2a44ac7b4bc2a84fa56b4df0cc9f%2F7y7a3199.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5760x3840+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F5b%2F2a44ac7b4bc2a84fa56b4df0cc9f%2F7y7a3199.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5760x3840+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F5b%2F2a44ac7b4bc2a84fa56b4df0cc9f%2F7y7a3199.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5760x3840+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F5b%2F2a44ac7b4bc2a84fa56b4df0cc9f%2F7y7a3199.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5760x3840+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F5b%2F2a44ac7b4bc2a84fa56b4df0cc9f%2F7y7a3199.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5760x3840+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F5b%2F2a44ac7b4bc2a84fa56b4df0cc9f%2F7y7a3199.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5760x3840+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F5b%2F2a44ac7b4bc2a84fa56b4df0cc9f%2F7y7a3199.jpg" class="img" alt="Karla Sofía Gascón plays the title role in Jacques Audiard's film Emilia Pérez" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Karla Sofía Gascón plays the title role in Jacques Audiard's film <em>Emilia Pérez</em> <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Shanna Besson/PAGE 114 - WHY NOT PRODUCTIONS - PATHÉ FILMS - FRANCE 2 CINÉMA </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>Karla Sofia Gascón plays the title role in the new film <em>Emilia Pérez</em>, the world's first Mexican cartel musical focusing on a trans woman.</strong> When Gascón's character is introduced, she is known as the cartel leader "Manitas" del Monte, who rules by fear and deadly force. But she wants to leave the life of violence behind and become her true self: a woman. She emerges from gender-affirming surgery, performing good deeds to right the wrongs from her past. <em>Morning Edition</em> and <em>Up First</em> host Steve Inskeep spoke with Gascón about what drew her to the role. Listen to <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=nx-s1-5036437:nx-s1-5229879-1">what she had to say about the character</a> and more.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">3 things to know before you go</h3> <div id="resg-s1-33723" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5144; --source-height: 3430; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5144x3430+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F7c%2Fa0e1c8a8452096c0f9f225eb866f%2Fap24316546148779.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5144x3430+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F7c%2Fa0e1c8a8452096c0f9f225eb866f%2Fap24316546148779.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5144x3430+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F7c%2Fa0e1c8a8452096c0f9f225eb866f%2Fap24316546148779.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5144x3430+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F7c%2Fa0e1c8a8452096c0f9f225eb866f%2Fap24316546148779.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5144x3430+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F7c%2Fa0e1c8a8452096c0f9f225eb866f%2Fap24316546148779.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5144x3430+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F7c%2Fa0e1c8a8452096c0f9f225eb866f%2Fap24316546148779.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5144x3430+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F7c%2Fa0e1c8a8452096c0f9f225eb866f%2Fap24316546148779.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5144x3430+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F7c%2Fa0e1c8a8452096c0f9f225eb866f%2Fap24316546148779.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5144x3430+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F7c%2Fa0e1c8a8452096c0f9f225eb866f%2Fap24316546148779.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5144x3430+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F7c%2Fa0e1c8a8452096c0f9f225eb866f%2Fap24316546148779.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5144x3430+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F7c%2Fa0e1c8a8452096c0f9f225eb866f%2Fap24316546148779.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5144x3430+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F7c%2Fa0e1c8a8452096c0f9f225eb866f%2Fap24316546148779.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5144x3430+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F7c%2Fa0e1c8a8452096c0f9f225eb866f%2Fap24316546148779.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5144x3430+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F7c%2Fa0e1c8a8452096c0f9f225eb866f%2Fap24316546148779.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5144x3430+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F7c%2Fa0e1c8a8452096c0f9f225eb866f%2Fap24316546148779.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5144x3430+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F7c%2Fa0e1c8a8452096c0f9f225eb866f%2Fap24316546148779.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5144x3430+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F7c%2Fa0e1c8a8452096c0f9f225eb866f%2Fap24316546148779.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5144x3430+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F7c%2Fa0e1c8a8452096c0f9f225eb866f%2Fap24316546148779.jpg" class="img" alt="Cynthia Erivo, left, and Ariana Grande arrive at the premiere of "wicked" in los angeles on saturday. " loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Cynthia Erivo, left, and Ariana Grande arrive at the premiere of "Wicked" in Los Angeles on Saturday. Mattel is among the many brands have collaborated on "Wicked"-themed products ahead of the movie's release. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <ol class="edTag"><li><strong>Toy company Mattel is apologizing after packaging for</strong> its <em>Wicked</em> dolls had a misprint <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/11/nx-s1-5186699/wicked-movie-dolls-porn-misprint-mattel">leading shoppers to a pornographic website</a>.</li><li><strong>A South Carolina research facility has recovered 25 of the 43 monkeys</strong> that <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/11/g-s1-33738/monkeys-escape-lab-south-carolina">escaped from the laboratory last week</a> when a caretaker accidentally left the door to their enclosure unsecured.</li><li><strong>A study of cells from 84 brains found that Alzheimer's </strong>has two distinct phases and that a specific <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/11/11/nx-s1-5183228/alzheimers-brain-timeline-shift-trickle-torrent">type of neuron is particularly vulnerable</a>, suggesting treatments may be most helpful early in the disease.</li></ol> <p><em>This newsletter was edited by </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/people/g-s1-2467/obed-manuel"><strong><em>Obed Manuel</em></strong></a><em>.</em></p> </div> + + Up First Newsletter + + + The fight over control of the House. And, veterans stung by botched home program + Brittney Melton + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/11/g-s1-33681/up-first-newsletter-house-seats-donald-trump-january-6-pardons-veterans-day + https://text.npr.org/2024/11/11/g-s1-33681/up-first-newsletter-house-seats-donald-trump-january-6-pardons-veterans-day + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/11/g-s1-33681/up-first-newsletter-house-seats-donald-trump-january-6-pardons-veterans-day + Mon, 11 Nov 2024 13:08:38 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <p><em>Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news">Subscribe</a><em> here to get it delivered to your inbox, and </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510318/up-first/">listen</a><em> to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day.</em><br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Today's top stories</h3> <p><strong>President-elect Donald Trump has begun selecting members of his staff; however, it’s uncertain </strong>how much power his party will have in Congress. Republicans won the Senate and will choose their leader this week. There's one seat left to be called. The party could also have a narrow majority in the House. Currently, the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/07/g-s1-33301/2024-house-seats-undecided-control">GOP holds 213 seats in the House</a>, while Democrats have 203. To secure a majority, a party needs 218 seats.</p> <div id="resg-s1-32907" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 6000; --source-height: 3375; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x3375+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2F02%2F9fe12b2b4190b6a57c4f376aa901%2Fgettyimages-2170375346.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x3375+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2F02%2F9fe12b2b4190b6a57c4f376aa901%2Fgettyimages-2170375346.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x3375+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2F02%2F9fe12b2b4190b6a57c4f376aa901%2Fgettyimages-2170375346.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x3375+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2F02%2F9fe12b2b4190b6a57c4f376aa901%2Fgettyimages-2170375346.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x3375+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2F02%2F9fe12b2b4190b6a57c4f376aa901%2Fgettyimages-2170375346.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x3375+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2F02%2F9fe12b2b4190b6a57c4f376aa901%2Fgettyimages-2170375346.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x3375+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2F02%2F9fe12b2b4190b6a57c4f376aa901%2Fgettyimages-2170375346.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x3375+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2F02%2F9fe12b2b4190b6a57c4f376aa901%2Fgettyimages-2170375346.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x3375+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2F02%2F9fe12b2b4190b6a57c4f376aa901%2Fgettyimages-2170375346.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x3375+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2F02%2F9fe12b2b4190b6a57c4f376aa901%2Fgettyimages-2170375346.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x3375+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2F02%2F9fe12b2b4190b6a57c4f376aa901%2Fgettyimages-2170375346.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x3375+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2F02%2F9fe12b2b4190b6a57c4f376aa901%2Fgettyimages-2170375346.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x3375+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2F02%2F9fe12b2b4190b6a57c4f376aa901%2Fgettyimages-2170375346.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x3375+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2F02%2F9fe12b2b4190b6a57c4f376aa901%2Fgettyimages-2170375346.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x3375+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2F02%2F9fe12b2b4190b6a57c4f376aa901%2Fgettyimages-2170375346.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x3375+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2F02%2F9fe12b2b4190b6a57c4f376aa901%2Fgettyimages-2170375346.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x3375+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2F02%2F9fe12b2b4190b6a57c4f376aa901%2Fgettyimages-2170375346.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x3375+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2F02%2F9fe12b2b4190b6a57c4f376aa901%2Fgettyimages-2170375346.jpg" class="img" alt="An exterior view of the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 9, in Washington, D.C." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> An exterior view of the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 9, in Washington, D.C. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Kent Nishimura/Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>There are still 19 House seats left to be called, but it could be days until there’s a verdict in those races</strong>, NPR’s Danielle Kurtzleben tells <em>Up First</em>. Half of the House districts are in California, where it takes a while to count votes, due to the certification process of same-day and mail-in ballots in such a large state. In the meantime, Trump posted on Truth Social overnight that he will appoint Tom Homan as his <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1212475058:1262105076">“border czar,” who will be in charge of</a> mass deportations. Over the weekend, he also said he won’t be inviting Mike Pompeo or Nikki Haley to be in his cabinet.</li></ul> <p><strong>Israel’s ousted defense minister, Yoav Gallant, told family members of Israeli hostages in Gaza that there’s nothing more</strong> for the Israeli military to achieve in Gaza. He also says that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is responsible for holding up a cease-fire deal in July that could have ended the war and brought the remaining hostages home. Netanyahu fired Gallant last week, citing that trust between them had “eroded” and that <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/10/g-s1-33621/israels-ousted-defense-minister-says-the-military-has-done-all-it-can-in-gaza">“significant differences” had emerged between them</a> on how to proceed in the war. Gallant discussed his views on the Israeli military in a closed-door meeting on his last day in office. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>Gil Dickman, who attended the meeting and had a cousin who was taken hostage and killed by Hamas in Gaza, tells NPR’s Kat Lonsdorf that</strong> he felt Gallant was able to speak more freely than in similar meetings in the past. Since July, thousands of Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military, bringing the death toll up to over 43,000, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. There are 101 remaining Israeli hostages, some of which have been confirmed to be dead. Many Israelis see Gallant’s firing as an example of Netanyahu trying to get rid of anyone who disagrees with him, Lonsdorf says. Some say they <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1212475058:1262105076">feel like their democracy is at stake</a>.</li></ul> <p><strong>An NPR investigation revealed that a VA home loan program intended to assist veterans </strong>ended up forcing thousands into high-cost mortgages. Documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act indicate that at least 1,300 veterans faced monthly payment increases of over 50%. While a rescue plan being rolled out by the Department of Veterans Affairs is now being implemented, it <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/11/nx-s1-5181983/veterans-mortgages-covid-forbearance-va">excludes many who require assistance</a>.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Special Series</h3> <div id="resg-s1-33309" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 7000; --source-height: 3937; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7000x3937+0+117/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2F73%2Ff3de996d4586babe682ac4fa982e%2Fgettyimages-1230734366.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7000x3937+0+117/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2F73%2Ff3de996d4586babe682ac4fa982e%2Fgettyimages-1230734366.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7000x3937+0+117/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2F73%2Ff3de996d4586babe682ac4fa982e%2Fgettyimages-1230734366.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7000x3937+0+117/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2F73%2Ff3de996d4586babe682ac4fa982e%2Fgettyimages-1230734366.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7000x3937+0+117/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2F73%2Ff3de996d4586babe682ac4fa982e%2Fgettyimages-1230734366.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7000x3937+0+117/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2F73%2Ff3de996d4586babe682ac4fa982e%2Fgettyimages-1230734366.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7000x3937+0+117/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2F73%2Ff3de996d4586babe682ac4fa982e%2Fgettyimages-1230734366.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7000x3937+0+117/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2F73%2Ff3de996d4586babe682ac4fa982e%2Fgettyimages-1230734366.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7000x3937+0+117/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2F73%2Ff3de996d4586babe682ac4fa982e%2Fgettyimages-1230734366.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7000x3937+0+117/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2F73%2Ff3de996d4586babe682ac4fa982e%2Fgettyimages-1230734366.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7000x3937+0+117/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2F73%2Ff3de996d4586babe682ac4fa982e%2Fgettyimages-1230734366.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7000x3937+0+117/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2F73%2Ff3de996d4586babe682ac4fa982e%2Fgettyimages-1230734366.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7000x3937+0+117/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2F73%2Ff3de996d4586babe682ac4fa982e%2Fgettyimages-1230734366.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7000x3937+0+117/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2F73%2Ff3de996d4586babe682ac4fa982e%2Fgettyimages-1230734366.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7000x3937+0+117/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2F73%2Ff3de996d4586babe682ac4fa982e%2Fgettyimages-1230734366.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7000x3937+0+117/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2F73%2Ff3de996d4586babe682ac4fa982e%2Fgettyimages-1230734366.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7000x3937+0+117/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2F73%2Ff3de996d4586babe682ac4fa982e%2Fgettyimages-1230734366.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7000x3937+0+117/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2F73%2Ff3de996d4586babe682ac4fa982e%2Fgettyimages-1230734366.jpg" class="img" alt="Jake Lang, center, and other Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Jake Lang, center, and other Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Brent Stirton/Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><em>Each day this week, Morning Edition will dive deep into one of the promises President-elect Donald Trump has made for day one of his administration.</em></p> <p><strong>Trump has promised to pardon the people convicted in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. </strong>Is that a promise he can keep? In March, he wrote on Truth Social that one of his first acts if elected president would be to free people he calls Jan. 6 "hostages," who he claims are wrongfully imprisoned. Kim Wehle, who wrote the book <em>Pardon Power: How the Pardon System Works — and Why</em>, speaks with NPR's Leila Fadel about <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=nx-s1-5181960:nx-s1-5249579-1">limitations to presidential pardons</a>, whether pardons can be challenged, and the checks and balances to this presidential power.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">From our hosts</h3> <div id="resg-s1-33500" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5637; --source-height: 3171; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5637x3171+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2Fd1%2Fa28fe125446caa845c1b14af6e93%2Fgettyimages-2182935216.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5637x3171+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2Fd1%2Fa28fe125446caa845c1b14af6e93%2Fgettyimages-2182935216.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5637x3171+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2Fd1%2Fa28fe125446caa845c1b14af6e93%2Fgettyimages-2182935216.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5637x3171+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2Fd1%2Fa28fe125446caa845c1b14af6e93%2Fgettyimages-2182935216.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5637x3171+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2Fd1%2Fa28fe125446caa845c1b14af6e93%2Fgettyimages-2182935216.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5637x3171+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2Fd1%2Fa28fe125446caa845c1b14af6e93%2Fgettyimages-2182935216.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5637x3171+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2Fd1%2Fa28fe125446caa845c1b14af6e93%2Fgettyimages-2182935216.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5637x3171+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2Fd1%2Fa28fe125446caa845c1b14af6e93%2Fgettyimages-2182935216.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5637x3171+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2Fd1%2Fa28fe125446caa845c1b14af6e93%2Fgettyimages-2182935216.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5637x3171+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2Fd1%2Fa28fe125446caa845c1b14af6e93%2Fgettyimages-2182935216.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5637x3171+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2Fd1%2Fa28fe125446caa845c1b14af6e93%2Fgettyimages-2182935216.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5637x3171+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2Fd1%2Fa28fe125446caa845c1b14af6e93%2Fgettyimages-2182935216.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5637x3171+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2Fd1%2Fa28fe125446caa845c1b14af6e93%2Fgettyimages-2182935216.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5637x3171+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2Fd1%2Fa28fe125446caa845c1b14af6e93%2Fgettyimages-2182935216.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5637x3171+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2Fd1%2Fa28fe125446caa845c1b14af6e93%2Fgettyimages-2182935216.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5637x3171+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2Fd1%2Fa28fe125446caa845c1b14af6e93%2Fgettyimages-2182935216.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5637x3171+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2Fd1%2Fa28fe125446caa845c1b14af6e93%2Fgettyimages-2182935216.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5637x3171+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1a%2Fd1%2Fa28fe125446caa845c1b14af6e93%2Fgettyimages-2182935216.jpg" class="img" alt="President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at the Santander Arena on Nov. 4, in Reading, Penn." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at the Santander Arena on Nov. 4, in Reading, Penn. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><em>This essay was written by </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/people/4080709/steve-inskeep"><strong><em><u>Steve Inskeep</u></em></strong></a><strong><em>, </em></strong><em>Morning Edition and Up First host</em></p> <p><strong>Demography isn't destiny.</strong></p> <p><strong>The twenty-first century has not worked out as many Democrats expected. </strong>A decade ago, some Democrats felt that an ever-more diverse population assured them of a governing majority. This would be sort of like California: a big, rich, super diverse state that Democrats have dominated for decades, with the sole exception being Arnold Schwarzenegger's governorship.</p> <p><strong>Nationwide, the percentage of the population that identified as white was dropping; </strong>the percentage that identified as nonwhite kept climbing, mainly due to immigration. That put the Republican Party’s overwhelmingly white coalition at a disadvantage. Demography was destiny, some analysts thought.</p> <p><strong>Instead, the Democratic coalition cracked.</strong> According to <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/05/g-s1-32612/what-we-know-from-the-early-exit-polls-so-far"><u>exit polls</u></a> (which are not reliable, but are what we have), the percentage of white voters in this election went up. Republicans <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/07/g-s1-33331/unpacking-the-2024-youth-vote-heres-what-we-know-so-far"><u>broadened their coalition</u></a> to include many <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=nx-s1-5182951:nx-s1-5250582-1"><u>people of colo</u></a>r — without abandoning any of the rhetoric that seemed in the past to drive nonwhite voters away — and certainly without letting go of Donald Trump.</p> <p><strong>We can have a long discussion about just why this happened. </strong>What’s clear is that changing demographics did not determine the election, at least not in the straightforward way that some would have assumed. It remains for Democrats to absorb this reality — and for Republicans to take power this time.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">3 things to know before you go</h3> <div id="resg-s1-33651" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 2976; --source-height: 1674; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2976x1674+0+310/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F67%2Fc162e3d543498b6b2084493c8352%2F53136296973-d8f02b9abd-o.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2976x1674+0+310/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F67%2Fc162e3d543498b6b2084493c8352%2F53136296973-d8f02b9abd-o.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2976x1674+0+310/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F67%2Fc162e3d543498b6b2084493c8352%2F53136296973-d8f02b9abd-o.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2976x1674+0+310/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F67%2Fc162e3d543498b6b2084493c8352%2F53136296973-d8f02b9abd-o.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2976x1674+0+310/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F67%2Fc162e3d543498b6b2084493c8352%2F53136296973-d8f02b9abd-o.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2976x1674+0+310/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F67%2Fc162e3d543498b6b2084493c8352%2F53136296973-d8f02b9abd-o.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2976x1674+0+310/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F67%2Fc162e3d543498b6b2084493c8352%2F53136296973-d8f02b9abd-o.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2976x1674+0+310/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F67%2Fc162e3d543498b6b2084493c8352%2F53136296973-d8f02b9abd-o.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2976x1674+0+310/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F67%2Fc162e3d543498b6b2084493c8352%2F53136296973-d8f02b9abd-o.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2976x1674+0+310/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F67%2Fc162e3d543498b6b2084493c8352%2F53136296973-d8f02b9abd-o.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2976x1674+0+310/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F67%2Fc162e3d543498b6b2084493c8352%2F53136296973-d8f02b9abd-o.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2976x1674+0+310/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F67%2Fc162e3d543498b6b2084493c8352%2F53136296973-d8f02b9abd-o.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2976x1674+0+310/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F67%2Fc162e3d543498b6b2084493c8352%2F53136296973-d8f02b9abd-o.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2976x1674+0+310/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F67%2Fc162e3d543498b6b2084493c8352%2F53136296973-d8f02b9abd-o.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2976x1674+0+310/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F67%2Fc162e3d543498b6b2084493c8352%2F53136296973-d8f02b9abd-o.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2976x1674+0+310/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F67%2Fc162e3d543498b6b2084493c8352%2F53136296973-d8f02b9abd-o.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2976x1674+0+310/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F67%2Fc162e3d543498b6b2084493c8352%2F53136296973-d8f02b9abd-o.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2976x1674+0+310/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F33%2F67%2Fc162e3d543498b6b2084493c8352%2F53136296973-d8f02b9abd-o.jpg" class="img" alt="The Tuskegee University campus is pictured in 2023. A shooting on campus left one person dead and more than a dozen injured." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> The Tuskegee University campus is pictured in 2023. A shooting on campus left one person dead and more than a dozen injured. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> 2C2K Photography/Flickr Creative Commons </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <ol class="edTag"><li><strong>Jaquez Myrick, 25, has been arrested in connection to yesterday’s early morning shooting </strong>that left <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/10/nx-s1-5185988/tuskegee-university-shooting-homecoming-alabama">one person dead and 16 injured</a> at Tuskegee University in Alabama, according to law enforcement.</li><li><strong>In 1971, 18-year-old Betsy Cornwell found herself stranded at night </strong>when her key broke off in the ignition of her car. <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/07/nx-s1-5183213/car-thief-kindness-good-news">A car thief became</a> her unlikely unsung hero when he went out of his way to make sure she got home safely.</li><li><strong>The H5 bird flu has reportedly been detected in a human</strong> in Canada for the first time, according to health officials. The test is being sent to <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/11/nx-s1-5186467/bird-flu-human-canada">another lab for confirmation</a>.</li></ol> <p><em>This newsletter was edited by </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/people/859721331/suzanne-nuyen"><em>Suzanne Nuyen</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> + + Up First Newsletter + + + What Trump’s first days in office could be like. And, world leaders react to his win + Brittney Melton + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/08/g-s1-33391/up-first-newsletter-president-elect-donald-trump-chief-of-staff-deportation-january-6-pardons + https://text.npr.org/2024/11/08/g-s1-33391/up-first-newsletter-president-elect-donald-trump-chief-of-staff-deportation-january-6-pardons + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/08/g-s1-33391/up-first-newsletter-president-elect-donald-trump-chief-of-staff-deportation-january-6-pardons + Fri, 08 Nov 2024 13:02:56 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <p><em>Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news">Subscribe</a><em> here to get it delivered to your inbox, and </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510318/up-first/">listen</a><em> to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day.</em></p> <h3 class="edTag">Today's top stories</h3> <p><strong>What will President-elect Donald Trump's first 100 days in office look like? He's made a lot of promises.</strong> <a href="http://www.npr.org/2024/11/06/nx-s1-5181800/2024-election-trump-first-100-days-agenda">On his first day</a>, he says will close the border and launch “the largest deportation program of criminals in the history of America.” He has pledged to dismantle President Biden's climate agenda and increase energy exploration. Additionally, he intends to revise the Affordable Care Act and impose new tariffs on U.S. imports. His agenda includes a focus on banning transgender women from participating in sports and eliminating critical race theory from schools.</p> <div id="resg-s1-33074" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5538; --source-height: 3115; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5538x3115+0+288/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F49%2F61%2F2366c06b4aca943df1b788b69873%2Fgettyimages-2183214472.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5538x3115+0+288/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F49%2F61%2F2366c06b4aca943df1b788b69873%2Fgettyimages-2183214472.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5538x3115+0+288/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F49%2F61%2F2366c06b4aca943df1b788b69873%2Fgettyimages-2183214472.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5538x3115+0+288/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F49%2F61%2F2366c06b4aca943df1b788b69873%2Fgettyimages-2183214472.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5538x3115+0+288/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F49%2F61%2F2366c06b4aca943df1b788b69873%2Fgettyimages-2183214472.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5538x3115+0+288/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F49%2F61%2F2366c06b4aca943df1b788b69873%2Fgettyimages-2183214472.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5538x3115+0+288/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F49%2F61%2F2366c06b4aca943df1b788b69873%2Fgettyimages-2183214472.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5538x3115+0+288/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F49%2F61%2F2366c06b4aca943df1b788b69873%2Fgettyimages-2183214472.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5538x3115+0+288/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F49%2F61%2F2366c06b4aca943df1b788b69873%2Fgettyimages-2183214472.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5538x3115+0+288/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F49%2F61%2F2366c06b4aca943df1b788b69873%2Fgettyimages-2183214472.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5538x3115+0+288/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F49%2F61%2F2366c06b4aca943df1b788b69873%2Fgettyimages-2183214472.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5538x3115+0+288/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F49%2F61%2F2366c06b4aca943df1b788b69873%2Fgettyimages-2183214472.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5538x3115+0+288/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F49%2F61%2F2366c06b4aca943df1b788b69873%2Fgettyimages-2183214472.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5538x3115+0+288/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F49%2F61%2F2366c06b4aca943df1b788b69873%2Fgettyimages-2183214472.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5538x3115+0+288/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F49%2F61%2F2366c06b4aca943df1b788b69873%2Fgettyimages-2183214472.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5538x3115+0+288/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F49%2F61%2F2366c06b4aca943df1b788b69873%2Fgettyimages-2183214472.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5538x3115+0+288/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F49%2F61%2F2366c06b4aca943df1b788b69873%2Fgettyimages-2183214472.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5538x3115+0+288/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F49%2F61%2F2366c06b4aca943df1b788b69873%2Fgettyimages-2183214472.jpg" class="img" alt="President-elect Donald Trump arrives to speak during an election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Center on Nov. 6, in West Palm Beach, Fla. Trump has articulated ambitious plans for his first 100 days in office." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> President-elect Donald Trump arrives to speak during an election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Center on Nov. 6, in West Palm Beach, Fla. Trump has articulated ambitious plans for his first 100 days in office. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧<strong> “Trump wants to return and resume where he left off after his first term in office. Clearly, the top priority is immigration,”</strong> NPR’s Franco Ordoñez says. He plans to invoke a wartime authority known as the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which would allow him to deport foreign nationals without a hearing. Leon Fresco, who served on Trump’s Homeland Security Advisory Council during his first term, states that Trump is attempting to create an <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1211598405:1262001722">environment of “shock and awe” designed to</a> instill fear and encourage people to take matters into their own hands and self-deport.</li><li>➡️ <strong>Take a deeper look</strong> into why Trump won the election with <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/08/g-s1-33274/2024-election-how-trump-won-takeaways">nine key takeaways</a>. And, read <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/06/g-s1-33053/trump-win-world-reaction">what world leaders have to say</a> about Trump's return.</li></ul> <p><strong>Trump announced yesterday that his campaign manager, Susie Wiles, will be his White House chief of staff.</strong> In his victory speech, he praised Wiles for her work and said she is known for working behind the scenes. She will be the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/07/nx-s1-5183242/trump-chief-of-staff-susie-wiles">first woman to hold the job</a>. Any new administration will need to fill about 4,000 political positions. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>Trump’s transition is behind schedule because these plans are supposed to begin in the summer before it's clear which candidate will win</strong>, NPR’s Tamara Keith tells <em>Up First</em>. Each team is invited to sign formal legal agreements with the General Services Administration to get things started, but Trump’s team has not yet done so. A week before Trump’s victory, Howard Lutnick, the co-chair of his transition team, stated they were ready and had many candidates. A campaign adviser has informed NPR the <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1211598405:1262001722">competition for these roles is intense</a>. Loyalty to Trump and a desire to disrupt Washington are top qualifications, the adviser said.</li></ul> <p><strong>It's been almost four years since a mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.</strong> Trump has <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/07/nx-s1-5181581/2024-election-trump-capitol-riot-pardons">promised to pardon these rioters</a> once he returns to the White House. Federal authorities charged more than 1,000 people in connection with the Jan. 6 attack. Trump has called the people facing charges hostages and political prisoners. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>This massive investigation is one of the largest in the history of the Justice Department</strong>, NPR’s Ryan Lucas says. It started on the day of the riot and remains ongoing. The defendants are aware of Trump's promises and are seeking pardons. This includes both non-violent offenders and individuals convicted of attacking police officers, among other serious charges. Approximately 200 people have been convicted at trial, including <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1211598405:1262001722">members of two far-right extremist groups</a>: the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">Life advice</h3> <div id="res1198334076" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 2658; --source-height: 1495; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/09/07/gettyimages-1335806101_wide-8df881f4ad932c0fe87a400e6d157d3fc0303f33.jpeg?s=400&c=85&f=webp 400w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/09/07/gettyimages-1335806101_wide-8df881f4ad932c0fe87a400e6d157d3fc0303f33.jpeg?s=600&c=85&f=webp 600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/09/07/gettyimages-1335806101_wide-8df881f4ad932c0fe87a400e6d157d3fc0303f33.jpeg?s=800&c=85&f=webp 800w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/09/07/gettyimages-1335806101_wide-8df881f4ad932c0fe87a400e6d157d3fc0303f33.jpeg?s=900&c=85&f=webp 900w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/09/07/gettyimages-1335806101_wide-8df881f4ad932c0fe87a400e6d157d3fc0303f33.jpeg?s=1200&c=85&f=webp 1200w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/09/07/gettyimages-1335806101_wide-8df881f4ad932c0fe87a400e6d157d3fc0303f33.jpeg?s=1600&c=85&f=webp 1600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/09/07/gettyimages-1335806101_wide-8df881f4ad932c0fe87a400e6d157d3fc0303f33.jpeg?s=1800&c=85&f=webp 1800w" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/09/07/gettyimages-1335806101_wide-8df881f4ad932c0fe87a400e6d157d3fc0303f33.jpeg?s={width}&c={quality}&f={format}" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/09/07/gettyimages-1335806101_wide-8df881f4ad932c0fe87a400e6d157d3fc0303f33.jpeg?s=400&c=85&f=jpeg 400w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/09/07/gettyimages-1335806101_wide-8df881f4ad932c0fe87a400e6d157d3fc0303f33.jpeg?s=600&c=85&f=jpeg 600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/09/07/gettyimages-1335806101_wide-8df881f4ad932c0fe87a400e6d157d3fc0303f33.jpeg?s=800&c=85&f=jpeg 800w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/09/07/gettyimages-1335806101_wide-8df881f4ad932c0fe87a400e6d157d3fc0303f33.jpeg?s=900&c=85&f=jpeg 900w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/09/07/gettyimages-1335806101_wide-8df881f4ad932c0fe87a400e6d157d3fc0303f33.jpeg?s=1200&c=85&f=jpeg 1200w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/09/07/gettyimages-1335806101_wide-8df881f4ad932c0fe87a400e6d157d3fc0303f33.jpeg?s=1600&c=85&f=jpeg 1600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/09/07/gettyimages-1335806101_wide-8df881f4ad932c0fe87a400e6d157d3fc0303f33.jpeg?s=1800&c=85&f=jpeg 1800w" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/09/07/gettyimages-1335806101_wide-8df881f4ad932c0fe87a400e6d157d3fc0303f33.jpeg?s={width}&c={quality}&f={format}" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/09/07/gettyimages-1335806101_wide-8df881f4ad932c0fe87a400e6d157d3fc0303f33.jpeg?s=1100&c=50&f=jpeg" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/09/07/gettyimages-1335806101_wide-8df881f4ad932c0fe87a400e6d157d3fc0303f33.jpeg?s={width}&c={quality}&f={format}" class="img" alt="Photo of a spoon over a bowl of cereal. Three pieces of cereal in the spoon form a happy face." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>Eating your food too quickly prevents proper digestion</strong> and reduces the opportunity to appreciate your meal fully. Lilian Cheung, a mindful eating lecturer at Harvard, shares techniques for slowing down. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🍽️ <strong>Eliminate distractions, including your cell phone</strong>, to enjoy your food and recognize when you’re full.</li><li>🍽️ <strong>Try stretching your mealtime</strong> to 20 minutes.</li><li>🍽️ <strong>Buy time by engaging your senses to appreciate</strong> all the little details about your food.</li><li>🍽️ <strong>Remember, chewing </strong>is an important part of digestion.</li></ul> <p><strong>See the full list</strong> of techniques that can <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/09/09/1196977570/5-ways-to-eat-more-mindfully">help you eat more mindfully</a>.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Weekend picks</h3> <div id="res1227543421" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 2555; --source-height: 1437; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/01/29/theoutrun-still1-saoirseronan_wide-0aa1fe6977d8dfb6640235b31d83fa1c3b3712bf.jpg?s=400&c=85&f=webp 400w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/01/29/theoutrun-still1-saoirseronan_wide-0aa1fe6977d8dfb6640235b31d83fa1c3b3712bf.jpg?s=600&c=85&f=webp 600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/01/29/theoutrun-still1-saoirseronan_wide-0aa1fe6977d8dfb6640235b31d83fa1c3b3712bf.jpg?s=800&c=85&f=webp 800w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/01/29/theoutrun-still1-saoirseronan_wide-0aa1fe6977d8dfb6640235b31d83fa1c3b3712bf.jpg?s=900&c=85&f=webp 900w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/01/29/theoutrun-still1-saoirseronan_wide-0aa1fe6977d8dfb6640235b31d83fa1c3b3712bf.jpg?s=1200&c=85&f=webp 1200w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/01/29/theoutrun-still1-saoirseronan_wide-0aa1fe6977d8dfb6640235b31d83fa1c3b3712bf.jpg?s=1600&c=85&f=webp 1600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/01/29/theoutrun-still1-saoirseronan_wide-0aa1fe6977d8dfb6640235b31d83fa1c3b3712bf.jpg?s=1800&c=85&f=webp 1800w" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/01/29/theoutrun-still1-saoirseronan_wide-0aa1fe6977d8dfb6640235b31d83fa1c3b3712bf.jpg?s={width}&c={quality}&f={format}" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/01/29/theoutrun-still1-saoirseronan_wide-0aa1fe6977d8dfb6640235b31d83fa1c3b3712bf.jpg?s=400&c=85&f=jpeg 400w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/01/29/theoutrun-still1-saoirseronan_wide-0aa1fe6977d8dfb6640235b31d83fa1c3b3712bf.jpg?s=600&c=85&f=jpeg 600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/01/29/theoutrun-still1-saoirseronan_wide-0aa1fe6977d8dfb6640235b31d83fa1c3b3712bf.jpg?s=800&c=85&f=jpeg 800w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/01/29/theoutrun-still1-saoirseronan_wide-0aa1fe6977d8dfb6640235b31d83fa1c3b3712bf.jpg?s=900&c=85&f=jpeg 900w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/01/29/theoutrun-still1-saoirseronan_wide-0aa1fe6977d8dfb6640235b31d83fa1c3b3712bf.jpg?s=1200&c=85&f=jpeg 1200w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/01/29/theoutrun-still1-saoirseronan_wide-0aa1fe6977d8dfb6640235b31d83fa1c3b3712bf.jpg?s=1600&c=85&f=jpeg 1600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/01/29/theoutrun-still1-saoirseronan_wide-0aa1fe6977d8dfb6640235b31d83fa1c3b3712bf.jpg?s=1800&c=85&f=jpeg 1800w" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/01/29/theoutrun-still1-saoirseronan_wide-0aa1fe6977d8dfb6640235b31d83fa1c3b3712bf.jpg?s={width}&c={quality}&f={format}" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/01/29/theoutrun-still1-saoirseronan_wide-0aa1fe6977d8dfb6640235b31d83fa1c3b3712bf.jpg?s=1100&c=50&f=jpeg" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/01/29/theoutrun-still1-saoirseronan_wide-0aa1fe6977d8dfb6640235b31d83fa1c3b3712bf.jpg?s={width}&c={quality}&f={format}" class="img" alt="Saoirse Ronan in The Outrun." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Saoirse Ronan in <em>The Outrun</em>. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> The Outrun Film Ltd - Roy Imer./Sundance Institute </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>Check out what </strong><a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/culture/"><strong>NPR</strong></a><strong> is watching, reading and listening to this weekend:</strong></p> <p><strong>🍿 Movies: </strong>In <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/06/nx-s1-5178008/saoirse-ronan-the-outrun"><em>The Outrun</em></a>, a young woman played by Saoirse Ronan grapples with her alcohol addiction. She seeks sobriety before returning to Orkney, Scotland, to help her father manage his farm.</p> <p><strong>📺 TV: </strong>Revisit NPR's <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/09/09/nx-s1-5075302/what-to-watch-netflix-hbo-hulu-apple-tv">fall TV recommendations</a> to catch up on the shows that have already started and prepare for the ones that will premiere this month.</p> <p><strong>📚 Books: </strong>Katherine Rundell's new book, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/07/nx-s1-5178051/vanishing-treasures-review-katherine-rundell"><em>Vanishing Treasures</em></a>, features creatures from the wombat to the spider. It is essential reading for anyone seeking to spark their wonder.</p> <p><strong>🎵 Music:</strong> Take a deep breath and calm your nerves with a <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/05/1211597136/relaxing-music-songs-to-calm-the-nerves">playlist featuring</a> Max Richter, Hania Rani, Fleet Foxes, Yasmin Williams and more.</p> <p><strong>🎮 Games:</strong> Whether you want to unwind and take your mind off all the election news or just want to check out some new games, here are <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/10/25/nx-s1-5165463/video-game-recommendations">three video game suggestions</a>.</p> <p><strong>❓ Quiz:</strong> This week's quiz includes the great, the late, the clickbait and surprisingly not a lot of politics. I am too embarrassed to announce my score — I am hoping you can <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/07/g-s1-33133/pygmy-hippo-mariah-carey-raygun-new-york-news-quiz">redeem me with yours</a>.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">3 things to know before you go</h3> <div id="resg-s1-33322" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 3633; --source-height: 2044; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3633x2044+0+189/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff6%2F18%2F4a9bf9ba42ce9dc1908159edea99%2Fap23124679536770.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3633x2044+0+189/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff6%2F18%2F4a9bf9ba42ce9dc1908159edea99%2Fap23124679536770.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3633x2044+0+189/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff6%2F18%2F4a9bf9ba42ce9dc1908159edea99%2Fap23124679536770.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3633x2044+0+189/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff6%2F18%2F4a9bf9ba42ce9dc1908159edea99%2Fap23124679536770.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3633x2044+0+189/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff6%2F18%2F4a9bf9ba42ce9dc1908159edea99%2Fap23124679536770.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3633x2044+0+189/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff6%2F18%2F4a9bf9ba42ce9dc1908159edea99%2Fap23124679536770.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3633x2044+0+189/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff6%2F18%2F4a9bf9ba42ce9dc1908159edea99%2Fap23124679536770.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3633x2044+0+189/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff6%2F18%2F4a9bf9ba42ce9dc1908159edea99%2Fap23124679536770.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3633x2044+0+189/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff6%2F18%2F4a9bf9ba42ce9dc1908159edea99%2Fap23124679536770.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3633x2044+0+189/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff6%2F18%2F4a9bf9ba42ce9dc1908159edea99%2Fap23124679536770.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3633x2044+0+189/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff6%2F18%2F4a9bf9ba42ce9dc1908159edea99%2Fap23124679536770.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3633x2044+0+189/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff6%2F18%2F4a9bf9ba42ce9dc1908159edea99%2Fap23124679536770.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3633x2044+0+189/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff6%2F18%2F4a9bf9ba42ce9dc1908159edea99%2Fap23124679536770.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3633x2044+0+189/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff6%2F18%2F4a9bf9ba42ce9dc1908159edea99%2Fap23124679536770.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3633x2044+0+189/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff6%2F18%2F4a9bf9ba42ce9dc1908159edea99%2Fap23124679536770.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3633x2044+0+189/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff6%2F18%2F4a9bf9ba42ce9dc1908159edea99%2Fap23124679536770.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3633x2044+0+189/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff6%2F18%2F4a9bf9ba42ce9dc1908159edea99%2Fap23124679536770.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3633x2044+0+189/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff6%2F18%2F4a9bf9ba42ce9dc1908159edea99%2Fap23124679536770.jpg" class="img" alt="More than 40 rhesus macaque primates have escaped from a research facility in South Carolina. Pictured here are River, left, and Timon, both rhesus macaques who were previously used in medical research, in an outdoor enclosure at Primates Inc., in Westfield, Wis., on May 13, 2019. " loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> FILE - River, left, and Timon, both rhesus macaques who were previously used in medical research, sit in an outdoor enclosure at Primates Inc., in Westfield, Wis., on May 13, 2019. The sanctuary is a 17-acre rural compound where research animals can live their remaining years when their studies are done. A report released on Thursday, May 4, 2023, says a shortage of monkeys available for medical research undermines U.S. readiness to respond to public health emergencies. (AP Photo/Carrie Antlfinger, FILE) <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Carrie Antlfinger/AP </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <ol class="edTag"><li><strong>Dozens of monkeys have escaped from their research facility in Yemassee, S.C.</strong> Police are <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/07/g-s1-33320/monkeys-south-carolina-escape">advising residents to lock their doors</a> and windows until they are apprehended.</li><li><strong>Federal, state and local authorities are investigating reports of </strong>Black college and high school students <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/07/g-s1-33340/racist-text-messages-african-americans-splc-fbi">receiving racist texts about being</a> "selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation."</li><li><strong>Tuberculosis has reclaimed the title of</strong> <strong>the deadliest</strong> infectious disease with <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2024/11/07/g-s1-30783/tb-tuberculosis-deadliest-infectious-disease-covid">1.25 million deaths in 2023</a>, according to the 2024 Global Tuberculosis Report published by WHO.</li></ol> <p><em>This newsletter was edited by </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/people/859721331/suzanne-nuyen"><em>Suzanne Nuyen</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> + + Up First Newsletter + + + How Trump regained the White House. And, where the federal cases against him stand + Brittney Melton + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/07/g-s1-33244/up-first-newsletter-donald-trump-indictments-presidential-term-kamala-harris-concession-speech + https://text.npr.org/2024/11/07/g-s1-33244/up-first-newsletter-donald-trump-indictments-presidential-term-kamala-harris-concession-speech + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/07/g-s1-33244/up-first-newsletter-donald-trump-indictments-presidential-term-kamala-harris-concession-speech + Thu, 07 Nov 2024 13:01:11 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <p><em>Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news">Subscribe</a><em> here to get it delivered to your inbox, and </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510318/up-first/">listen</a><em> to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day.</em><br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Today's top stories</h3> <p><strong>Vice President Harris yesterday conceded the election, urging her supporters not to despair about her loss</strong> and to "<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/06/g-s1-33064/harris-speech-election-results">never give up</a> the fight for our democracy." Her 107-day campaign started with President Biden's dramatic exit from the race and ended with major setbacks for the Democratic party. How did it happen? Take a look at <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/07/nx-s1-5181045/how-harris-lost-trump-2024">how Harris lost the election</a>, and <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/06/g-s1-33007/how-trump-won-policies">how Trump was able to win</a> the presidency.</p> <div id="resg-s1-33013" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5735; --source-height: 3226; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5735x3226+0+301/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7b%2Ffb%2F66c27c454b159295f6a1268560a0%2Fap24311295190771.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5735x3226+0+301/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7b%2Ffb%2F66c27c454b159295f6a1268560a0%2Fap24311295190771.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5735x3226+0+301/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7b%2Ffb%2F66c27c454b159295f6a1268560a0%2Fap24311295190771.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5735x3226+0+301/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7b%2Ffb%2F66c27c454b159295f6a1268560a0%2Fap24311295190771.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5735x3226+0+301/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7b%2Ffb%2F66c27c454b159295f6a1268560a0%2Fap24311295190771.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5735x3226+0+301/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7b%2Ffb%2F66c27c454b159295f6a1268560a0%2Fap24311295190771.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5735x3226+0+301/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7b%2Ffb%2F66c27c454b159295f6a1268560a0%2Fap24311295190771.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5735x3226+0+301/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7b%2Ffb%2F66c27c454b159295f6a1268560a0%2Fap24311295190771.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5735x3226+0+301/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7b%2Ffb%2F66c27c454b159295f6a1268560a0%2Fap24311295190771.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5735x3226+0+301/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7b%2Ffb%2F66c27c454b159295f6a1268560a0%2Fap24311295190771.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5735x3226+0+301/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7b%2Ffb%2F66c27c454b159295f6a1268560a0%2Fap24311295190771.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5735x3226+0+301/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7b%2Ffb%2F66c27c454b159295f6a1268560a0%2Fap24311295190771.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5735x3226+0+301/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7b%2Ffb%2F66c27c454b159295f6a1268560a0%2Fap24311295190771.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5735x3226+0+301/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7b%2Ffb%2F66c27c454b159295f6a1268560a0%2Fap24311295190771.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5735x3226+0+301/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7b%2Ffb%2F66c27c454b159295f6a1268560a0%2Fap24311295190771.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5735x3226+0+301/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7b%2Ffb%2F66c27c454b159295f6a1268560a0%2Fap24311295190771.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5735x3226+0+301/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7b%2Ffb%2F66c27c454b159295f6a1268560a0%2Fap24311295190771.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5735x3226+0+301/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7b%2Ffb%2F66c27c454b159295f6a1268560a0%2Fap24311295190771.jpg" class="img" alt="Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump waves as he walks with former first lady Melania Trump at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. " loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump waves as he walks with former first lady Melania Trump at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Evan Vucci/AP </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>"I've been saying for some time now that we're in the middle of a political realignment in the country,"</strong> NPR's Domenico Montanaro tells <em>Up First</em>. One of the most surprising exit poll findings is that the share of white voters in the electorate increased for the first time since 1992. But it wasn’t just white voters: Trump managed to secure 46% of Latinos, marking the <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1211598341:1261937232">best performance by a Republican candidate</a> among this demographic in history. Many voters expressed that they felt better off financially under Trump’s presidency, making it difficult for Vice President Harris to separate herself from President Biden on issues related to the economy and immigration.</li><li>➡️ <strong>While Republicans have reclaimed control of the Senate, it will take days, if not longer, to determine control of the House.</strong> Several close races have not yet been called. Here's <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/06/nx-s1-5182290/2024-election-results-where-things-stand">where the 2024 election stands</a> as of Wednesday night.</li></ul> <p><strong>Trump began this year facing federal indictments that could have led to prison time.</strong> However, he could conclude 2024 free from his most serious legal challenges. Special Counsel Jack Smith is taking <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/06/g-s1-33021/trump-trials-jack-smith-election-2024">steps to end both federal cases</a> against Trump before he takes office, according to a source familiar with Justice Department deliberations. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>Attorney General Bill Barr says people have considered the allegations of election interference</strong> against Trump and voters have decisively rejected them, NPR's Carrie Johnson reports. It <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1211598341:1261937232">remains unclear how much progress</a> Smith has made on his report of findings and whether the current administration will release any part of it before Inauguration Day.</li></ul> <p><strong>Trump has made promises throughout his campaign that would reshape the economy.</strong> He's said he would lower income taxes, increase taxes on imports called tariffs, and enact mass deportations, including on people who work in the U.S. Here's <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/06/nx-s1-5181327/trump-election-economy-tariffs-deportations">what a second Trump presidency could mean</a> for the U.S. economy. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>Trump has remarked that his tariffs would generate enough revenue to fund other aspects of his agenda</strong>, NPR’s Scott Horsley says. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates that Trump’s overall economic plans <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1211598341:1261937232">could add nearly $8 trillion to</a> the federal debt over the next decade. Economists have also noted that some of his policies, such as the deportation of immigrant farm workers, could lead to higher prices on things like groceries.</li><li>➡️ <strong>Take a look at </strong>what the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/06/nx-s1-5181800/2024-election-trump-first-100-days-agenda">first 100 days of Trump's second term</a> could look like. And, here's how U.S. <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/11/06/nx-s1-5181861/2024-election-trump-kennedy-health-care">health care</a> and <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/06/nx-s1-5181891/trump-win-climate-change-fossil-fuels-clean-energy">climate policy</a> could change under his leadership.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">Life advice</h3> <div id="resg-s1-31308" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 1800; --source-height: 1013; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1800x1013+0+188/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8e%2F55%2F17b16e1245ffb736482ea9aa7752%2Fhow-to-find-lost-things-sullberg-1800px.gif 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1800x1013+0+188/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8e%2F55%2F17b16e1245ffb736482ea9aa7752%2Fhow-to-find-lost-things-sullberg-1800px.gif 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1800x1013+0+188/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8e%2F55%2F17b16e1245ffb736482ea9aa7752%2Fhow-to-find-lost-things-sullberg-1800px.gif 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1800x1013+0+188/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8e%2F55%2F17b16e1245ffb736482ea9aa7752%2Fhow-to-find-lost-things-sullberg-1800px.gif 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1800x1013+0+188/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8e%2F55%2F17b16e1245ffb736482ea9aa7752%2Fhow-to-find-lost-things-sullberg-1800px.gif 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1800x1013+0+188/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8e%2F55%2F17b16e1245ffb736482ea9aa7752%2Fhow-to-find-lost-things-sullberg-1800px.gif 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1800x1013+0+188/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8e%2F55%2F17b16e1245ffb736482ea9aa7752%2Fhow-to-find-lost-things-sullberg-1800px.gif 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1800x1013+0+188/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8e%2F55%2F17b16e1245ffb736482ea9aa7752%2Fhow-to-find-lost-things-sullberg-1800px.gif" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1800x1013+0+188/resize/400/quality/85/format/gif/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8e%2F55%2F17b16e1245ffb736482ea9aa7752%2Fhow-to-find-lost-things-sullberg-1800px.gif 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1800x1013+0+188/resize/600/quality/85/format/gif/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8e%2F55%2F17b16e1245ffb736482ea9aa7752%2Fhow-to-find-lost-things-sullberg-1800px.gif 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1800x1013+0+188/resize/800/quality/85/format/gif/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8e%2F55%2F17b16e1245ffb736482ea9aa7752%2Fhow-to-find-lost-things-sullberg-1800px.gif 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1800x1013+0+188/resize/900/quality/85/format/gif/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8e%2F55%2F17b16e1245ffb736482ea9aa7752%2Fhow-to-find-lost-things-sullberg-1800px.gif 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1800x1013+0+188/resize/1200/quality/85/format/gif/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8e%2F55%2F17b16e1245ffb736482ea9aa7752%2Fhow-to-find-lost-things-sullberg-1800px.gif 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1800x1013+0+188/resize/1600/quality/85/format/gif/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8e%2F55%2F17b16e1245ffb736482ea9aa7752%2Fhow-to-find-lost-things-sullberg-1800px.gif 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1800x1013+0+188/resize/1800/quality/85/format/gif/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8e%2F55%2F17b16e1245ffb736482ea9aa7752%2Fhow-to-find-lost-things-sullberg-1800px.gif 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1800x1013+0+188/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8e%2F55%2F17b16e1245ffb736482ea9aa7752%2Fhow-to-find-lost-things-sullberg-1800px.gif" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/gif" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1800x1013+0+188/resize/1100/quality/50/format/gif/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8e%2F55%2F17b16e1245ffb736482ea9aa7752%2Fhow-to-find-lost-things-sullberg-1800px.gif" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1800x1013+0+188/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8e%2F55%2F17b16e1245ffb736482ea9aa7752%2Fhow-to-find-lost-things-sullberg-1800px.gif" class="img" alt="An illustration shows a golden house key lost in high green grass, surrounded by wildflowers and insects. " loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Finding missing items is an art and a science. The next time you misplace your house key, try these strategies to hunt it down. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Allie Sullberg/for NPR </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>There is an art and science to finding missing items.</strong> <em>Life Kit </em>asked visual search scientists, a metal-detecting enthusiast and a detective to share effective methods for locating lost objects. Here are <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/10/31/nx-s1-5050813/expert-techniques-to-find-missing-objects">some useful techniques</a>: <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🔍 <strong>Identify what makes your object stand out</strong>, such as its size, color, texture or shape. Then, search based on that feature.</li><li>🔍 <strong>Recreate how the object would move in the area where you last saw it. </strong>Observing how the object falls, lands, or moves can offer insights into where it might be.</li><li>🔍 <strong>Scan the environment in 360 degrees. </strong>That means “looking down, looking up, looking left and right, crouching down to change your perspective, turning around to view things that weren't visible to you when you first approached them,” says Michael Hout, a cognitive psychologist.</li><li>🔍 <strong>Look in weird and unexpected places</strong> where you wouldn’t usually put the items.</li></ul> <p><strong>Click here</strong> for the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/10/31/nx-s1-5050813/expert-techniques-to-find-missing-objects">full list of techniques</a> for finding lost objects.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Picture Show</h3> <div id="resg-s1-26352" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5616; --source-height: 3159; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+293/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F95%2Fba%2F883f6ab944dcb90d1713253ad92e%2Frainbowgirls-0030-juliagunther.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+293/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F95%2Fba%2F883f6ab944dcb90d1713253ad92e%2Frainbowgirls-0030-juliagunther.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+293/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F95%2Fba%2F883f6ab944dcb90d1713253ad92e%2Frainbowgirls-0030-juliagunther.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+293/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F95%2Fba%2F883f6ab944dcb90d1713253ad92e%2Frainbowgirls-0030-juliagunther.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+293/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F95%2Fba%2F883f6ab944dcb90d1713253ad92e%2Frainbowgirls-0030-juliagunther.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+293/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F95%2Fba%2F883f6ab944dcb90d1713253ad92e%2Frainbowgirls-0030-juliagunther.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+293/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F95%2Fba%2F883f6ab944dcb90d1713253ad92e%2Frainbowgirls-0030-juliagunther.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+293/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F95%2Fba%2F883f6ab944dcb90d1713253ad92e%2Frainbowgirls-0030-juliagunther.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+293/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F95%2Fba%2F883f6ab944dcb90d1713253ad92e%2Frainbowgirls-0030-juliagunther.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+293/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F95%2Fba%2F883f6ab944dcb90d1713253ad92e%2Frainbowgirls-0030-juliagunther.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+293/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F95%2Fba%2F883f6ab944dcb90d1713253ad92e%2Frainbowgirls-0030-juliagunther.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+293/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F95%2Fba%2F883f6ab944dcb90d1713253ad92e%2Frainbowgirls-0030-juliagunther.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+293/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F95%2Fba%2F883f6ab944dcb90d1713253ad92e%2Frainbowgirls-0030-juliagunther.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+293/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F95%2Fba%2F883f6ab944dcb90d1713253ad92e%2Frainbowgirls-0030-juliagunther.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+293/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F95%2Fba%2F883f6ab944dcb90d1713253ad92e%2Frainbowgirls-0030-juliagunther.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+293/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F95%2Fba%2F883f6ab944dcb90d1713253ad92e%2Frainbowgirls-0030-juliagunther.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+293/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F95%2Fba%2F883f6ab944dcb90d1713253ad92e%2Frainbowgirls-0030-juliagunther.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+293/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F95%2Fba%2F883f6ab944dcb90d1713253ad92e%2Frainbowgirls-0030-juliagunther.jpg" class="img" alt="Ntombozuko 'Nozuko' Ndlwana (from left), Thozama, Nana, Zintle, Hlomela Msesele and Tsidi Zondi (in front) pose for a photo backstage during the Miss Lesbian beauty pageant in the Khayelitsha township of Cape Town, South Africa, in 2012." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Ntombozuko 'Nozuko' Ndlwana (from left), Thozama, Nana, Zintle, Hlomela Msesele and Tsidi Zondi (in front) pose for a photo backstage during the Miss Lesbian beauty pageant in the Khayelitsha township of Cape Town, South Africa, in 2012. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Julia Gunther </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>In the independent documentary project <em>Rainbow Girls</em>, photographer Julia Gunther highlights</strong> the experiences of protection and prejudice faced by a group of South African lesbian women. The project consists of images taken at the <em>Miss Lesbian</em> pageant, showcasing portraits of lesbian activists, filmmakers and everyday women celebrating and advocating for LGBTQ rights in Cape Town. These portraits were captured 10 years apart.<br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>📷 <strong>See photos</strong> from the project, <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/the-picture-show/2024/11/01/g-s1-14402/rainbow-girls-documentary-captures-lgbtq-life-in-south-africa">hear from the women showcased in the images</a> and learn more about LGBTQ rights in South Africa.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">3 things to know before you go</h3> <div id="resg-s1-33249" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 1200; --source-height: 675; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1200x675+0+63/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc6%2F3b%2Fc68a323a4523bd037c7916bd1b83%2Fnpr-brightspotcdn.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1200x675+0+63/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc6%2F3b%2Fc68a323a4523bd037c7916bd1b83%2Fnpr-brightspotcdn.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1200x675+0+63/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc6%2F3b%2Fc68a323a4523bd037c7916bd1b83%2Fnpr-brightspotcdn.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1200x675+0+63/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc6%2F3b%2Fc68a323a4523bd037c7916bd1b83%2Fnpr-brightspotcdn.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1200x675+0+63/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc6%2F3b%2Fc68a323a4523bd037c7916bd1b83%2Fnpr-brightspotcdn.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1200x675+0+63/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc6%2F3b%2Fc68a323a4523bd037c7916bd1b83%2Fnpr-brightspotcdn.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1200x675+0+63/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc6%2F3b%2Fc68a323a4523bd037c7916bd1b83%2Fnpr-brightspotcdn.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1200x675+0+63/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc6%2F3b%2Fc68a323a4523bd037c7916bd1b83%2Fnpr-brightspotcdn.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1200x675+0+63/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc6%2F3b%2Fc68a323a4523bd037c7916bd1b83%2Fnpr-brightspotcdn.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1200x675+0+63/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc6%2F3b%2Fc68a323a4523bd037c7916bd1b83%2Fnpr-brightspotcdn.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1200x675+0+63/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc6%2F3b%2Fc68a323a4523bd037c7916bd1b83%2Fnpr-brightspotcdn.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1200x675+0+63/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc6%2F3b%2Fc68a323a4523bd037c7916bd1b83%2Fnpr-brightspotcdn.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1200x675+0+63/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc6%2F3b%2Fc68a323a4523bd037c7916bd1b83%2Fnpr-brightspotcdn.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1200x675+0+63/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc6%2F3b%2Fc68a323a4523bd037c7916bd1b83%2Fnpr-brightspotcdn.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1200x675+0+63/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc6%2F3b%2Fc68a323a4523bd037c7916bd1b83%2Fnpr-brightspotcdn.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1200x675+0+63/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc6%2F3b%2Fc68a323a4523bd037c7916bd1b83%2Fnpr-brightspotcdn.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1200x675+0+63/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc6%2F3b%2Fc68a323a4523bd037c7916bd1b83%2Fnpr-brightspotcdn.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1200x675+0+63/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc6%2F3b%2Fc68a323a4523bd037c7916bd1b83%2Fnpr-brightspotcdn.jpg" class="img" alt="Amazon warehouse workers in Bessemer, Ala., have voted twice on whether to unionize, but the results remained too close to call since 2022." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Amazon warehouse workers in Bessemer, Ala., have voted twice on whether to unionize, but the results remained too close to call since 2022. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> <i>Patrick Fallon/AFP via Getty</i>/AFP </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <ol class="edTag"><li><strong>Amazon workers at an Alabama warehouse will </strong>have a third <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/06/nx-s1-5087567/amazon-union-warehouse-bessemer-alabama">chance to vote on unionizing</a> thanks to a federal labor judge’s ruling.</li><li><strong>Bernie Marcus, who co-founded Home Depot, died on Monday</strong> at 95. He became a <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/06/1226837379/bernie-marcus-home-depot-obituary">prolific philanthropist after the</a> home improvement chain’s success.</li><li><strong>Australian breakdancer Raygun, who faced backlash for</strong> her performance at the Paris Olympics, is <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/07/nx-s1-5182777/raygun-retiring-olympics-breakdancer-australia-breaking">retiring from competition</a>.</li></ol> <p><em>This newsletter was edited by </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/people/859721331/suzanne-nuyen"><em>Suzanne Nuyen</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> + + Up First Newsletter + + + Trump wins a second term. And, Republicans reclaim Senate control + Brittney Melton + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/06/g-s1-32961/up-first-newsletter-donald-trump-second-term-senate-gop-control-reproductive-rights + https://text.npr.org/2024/11/06/g-s1-32961/up-first-newsletter-donald-trump-second-term-senate-gop-control-reproductive-rights + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/06/g-s1-32961/up-first-newsletter-donald-trump-second-term-senate-gop-control-reproductive-rights + Wed, 06 Nov 2024 12:56:41 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <p><em>Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news">Subscribe</a><em> here to get it delivered to your inbox, and </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510318/up-first/">listen</a><em> to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day.</em><br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Today's top stories</h3> <p><em>NPR's Domenico Montanaro joins us today to give us a snapshot of the state of the race. Subscribe to </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/politics"><em><u>NPR's Politics Newsletter</u></em></a><em> and check out </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/live-updates/trump-harris-2024-election-results"><em><u>NPR's live blog</u></em></a><em> for more election updates and analysis.</em></p> <div id="res1193859821" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5270; --source-height: 2964; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/08/15/gettyimages-1563724712_wide-ae0ad0fb3bfd11ba19040c97b7038abc772689d3.jpg?s=400&c=85&f=webp 400w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/08/15/gettyimages-1563724712_wide-ae0ad0fb3bfd11ba19040c97b7038abc772689d3.jpg?s=600&c=85&f=webp 600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/08/15/gettyimages-1563724712_wide-ae0ad0fb3bfd11ba19040c97b7038abc772689d3.jpg?s=800&c=85&f=webp 800w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/08/15/gettyimages-1563724712_wide-ae0ad0fb3bfd11ba19040c97b7038abc772689d3.jpg?s=900&c=85&f=webp 900w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/08/15/gettyimages-1563724712_wide-ae0ad0fb3bfd11ba19040c97b7038abc772689d3.jpg?s=1200&c=85&f=webp 1200w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/08/15/gettyimages-1563724712_wide-ae0ad0fb3bfd11ba19040c97b7038abc772689d3.jpg?s=1600&c=85&f=webp 1600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/08/15/gettyimages-1563724712_wide-ae0ad0fb3bfd11ba19040c97b7038abc772689d3.jpg?s=1800&c=85&f=webp 1800w" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/08/15/gettyimages-1563724712_wide-ae0ad0fb3bfd11ba19040c97b7038abc772689d3.jpg?s={width}&c={quality}&f={format}" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/08/15/gettyimages-1563724712_wide-ae0ad0fb3bfd11ba19040c97b7038abc772689d3.jpg?s=400&c=85&f=jpeg 400w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/08/15/gettyimages-1563724712_wide-ae0ad0fb3bfd11ba19040c97b7038abc772689d3.jpg?s=600&c=85&f=jpeg 600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/08/15/gettyimages-1563724712_wide-ae0ad0fb3bfd11ba19040c97b7038abc772689d3.jpg?s=800&c=85&f=jpeg 800w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/08/15/gettyimages-1563724712_wide-ae0ad0fb3bfd11ba19040c97b7038abc772689d3.jpg?s=900&c=85&f=jpeg 900w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/08/15/gettyimages-1563724712_wide-ae0ad0fb3bfd11ba19040c97b7038abc772689d3.jpg?s=1200&c=85&f=jpeg 1200w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/08/15/gettyimages-1563724712_wide-ae0ad0fb3bfd11ba19040c97b7038abc772689d3.jpg?s=1600&c=85&f=jpeg 1600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/08/15/gettyimages-1563724712_wide-ae0ad0fb3bfd11ba19040c97b7038abc772689d3.jpg?s=1800&c=85&f=jpeg 1800w" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/08/15/gettyimages-1563724712_wide-ae0ad0fb3bfd11ba19040c97b7038abc772689d3.jpg?s={width}&c={quality}&f={format}" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/08/15/gettyimages-1563724712_wide-ae0ad0fb3bfd11ba19040c97b7038abc772689d3.jpg?s=1100&c=50&f=jpeg" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/08/15/gettyimages-1563724712_wide-ae0ad0fb3bfd11ba19040c97b7038abc772689d3.jpg?s={width}&c={quality}&f={format}" class="img" alt="Former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally in Erie, Pa., on July 29." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally in Erie, Pa., on July 29. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Joed Viera/AFP via Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <blockquote class="edTag"><div><p><strong>Former President Donald Trump has been elected president again, </strong>according to a race call by the Associated Press. Trump <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/06/nx-s1-5180057/donald-trump-wins-2024-election">won the key states of Wisconsin and Pennsylvania</a>, with a combined 29 electoral votes to clinch more than the 270 necessary to win the presidency. As of 6:15 a.m. ET Wednesday, Trump had 277 electoral votes total. Several states, including Michigan, Arizona and Nevada are still outstanding.<br><br><strong>Prior to the race call for Wisconsin, Trump spoke at Palm Beach Convention Center</strong> in West Palm Beach, Fla., where he stood flanked by family and staff and spoke to a crowd of supporters. “We overcame obstacles that nobody thought possible,” Trump said.<br><br><strong>Trump said he won the popular vote,</strong> but those results have not been tabulated.<br><br><strong>He will return to the White House after falsely claiming the 2020 election was rigged</strong> and stoking the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. He is also the first convicted felon to win the White House.<br><br><strong>Republicans have </strong><a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/06/g-s1-32830/2024-election-senate-control-republicans"><strong>retaken the Senate</strong></a><strong>. </strong>They could very well have in the neighborhood of 55 to 56 Senate seats when all the counting is done. The House will not be determined for some time. It could take a week or so, as there are many close races. Sixty-two seats remain uncalled at this hour. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control of the House. It appears they may come very close. But whoever wins control will do so by a very small margin.<br><br>— by <a href="https://www.npr.org/people/392602474/domenico-montanaro">Domenico Montanaro</a>, NPR's political editor/correspondent<br></p></div></blockquote> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>Trump’s political career was expected to end after the Jan. 6 attack and multiple indictments</strong>, NPR’s Franco Ordoñez tells <em>Up First</em>. Trump’s message on the economy resonated with many. Others told Ordoñez <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1211598300:1261845920">what appealed to them was how he spoke</a>, that he wasn’t politically correct and that he wasn’t a politician.</li><li>🎧<strong> People at Harris' event in D.C. last night realized things weren't going their way even before North Carolina was called in Trump's favor</strong>, NPR's Deepa Shivaram says. Democrats must now try to <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1211598300:1261845920">figure out how this happened</a> and discover ways the party can rebuild.</li></ul> <p><strong>Now that Republicans have reclaimed a Senate majority</strong>, Trump will have the opportunity to appoint more judges and increase his influence over the courts. However, any efforts to advance legislation will depend on control of the House, which is still too close to call. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>Democrats are still </strong><a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1211598300:1261845920"><strong>defending tight Senate races</strong></a> in Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Nevada, NPR's Deirdre Walsh says. In the House, there’s a possibility Democrats could win a narrow majority. If Democrats can't flip the House, Republicans will control both chambers of Congress and the White House.</li><li>➡️ <strong>Two Black women will serve together in the Senate </strong>for the first time in U.S. history. Maryland’s Angela Alsobrooks and Delaware’s Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/06/g-s1-32817/black-female-senators-angela-alsobrooks-lisa-blunt-rochester">doubled the number of Black ever women elected</a> to the U.S. Senate from two to four. Both are Democrats.</li><li>➡️ <strong>Delaware State Sen. Sarah McBride also made history. </strong>She is the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/05/g-s1-32741/sarah-mcbride-transgender-first-delaware">first openly transgender person</a> elected to serve in Congress.</li><li>➡️<strong> Voters in 10 states are deciding whether to include</strong> protections for reproductive rights in their state constitutions. Here’s <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/05/g-s1-32418/abortion-ballot-initiatives-2024-election">where they stand now</a>.</li><li>➡️ <strong>Arizona voters have approved</strong> a GOP-backed immigration measure allowing state and local law enforcement to <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/06/g-s1-32916/arizona-immigration-border-measure">arrest undocumented migrants</a>.</li><li>📷 <strong>NPR network photographers spent Election Day documenting Americans casting their votes.</strong> See photos of what Election Day <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/the-picture-show/2024/11/05/g-s1-32292/photos-see-what-election-day-looked-like-across-the-country">looked like across the country</a>.</li><li>🎧 <strong>The presidential campaign season has been full of unexpected moments</strong>, words and sounds. Take a step back and <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=nx-s1-5172236:g-s1-32960">experience the 2024 race through archival soundbites</a>.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">Picture show</h3> <div id="resg-s1-31633" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 4000; --source-height: 2250; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2250+0+209/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0b%2F9d%2F3154d5424346857d6447520e1c87%2F102924-mr-npr-white-house-7.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2250+0+209/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0b%2F9d%2F3154d5424346857d6447520e1c87%2F102924-mr-npr-white-house-7.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2250+0+209/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0b%2F9d%2F3154d5424346857d6447520e1c87%2F102924-mr-npr-white-house-7.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2250+0+209/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0b%2F9d%2F3154d5424346857d6447520e1c87%2F102924-mr-npr-white-house-7.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2250+0+209/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0b%2F9d%2F3154d5424346857d6447520e1c87%2F102924-mr-npr-white-house-7.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2250+0+209/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0b%2F9d%2F3154d5424346857d6447520e1c87%2F102924-mr-npr-white-house-7.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2250+0+209/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0b%2F9d%2F3154d5424346857d6447520e1c87%2F102924-mr-npr-white-house-7.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2250+0+209/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0b%2F9d%2F3154d5424346857d6447520e1c87%2F102924-mr-npr-white-house-7.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2250+0+209/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0b%2F9d%2F3154d5424346857d6447520e1c87%2F102924-mr-npr-white-house-7.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2250+0+209/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0b%2F9d%2F3154d5424346857d6447520e1c87%2F102924-mr-npr-white-house-7.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2250+0+209/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0b%2F9d%2F3154d5424346857d6447520e1c87%2F102924-mr-npr-white-house-7.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2250+0+209/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0b%2F9d%2F3154d5424346857d6447520e1c87%2F102924-mr-npr-white-house-7.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2250+0+209/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0b%2F9d%2F3154d5424346857d6447520e1c87%2F102924-mr-npr-white-house-7.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2250+0+209/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0b%2F9d%2F3154d5424346857d6447520e1c87%2F102924-mr-npr-white-house-7.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2250+0+209/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0b%2F9d%2F3154d5424346857d6447520e1c87%2F102924-mr-npr-white-house-7.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2250+0+209/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0b%2F9d%2F3154d5424346857d6447520e1c87%2F102924-mr-npr-white-house-7.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2250+0+209/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0b%2F9d%2F3154d5424346857d6447520e1c87%2F102924-mr-npr-white-house-7.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2250+0+209/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0b%2F9d%2F3154d5424346857d6447520e1c87%2F102924-mr-npr-white-house-7.jpg" class="img" alt="The East Colonnade, previously lined with static photo collages, now features digital displays under each archway, highlighting American history and key moments in the White House and presidency, as seen on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> The East Colonnade, previously lined with static photo collages, now features digital displays under each archway, highlighting American history and key moments in the White House and presidency, as seen on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Moriah Ratner for NPR </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>The White House has been offering the same tour for decades</strong>, with little change over the years. Now, First Lady Jill Biden has introduced a new tour that allows visitors to walk into rooms and experience new interactive elements. These enhancements include videos, digital photos and touchable replicas, providing a more engaging, museum-like experience.<br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>📷 <strong>See photos </strong>of the tour including <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/01/nx-s1-5164579/white-house-tour-update-how-to">one of the new additions</a>: the Diplomatic Reception Room.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">Today's listen</h3> <div id="resg-s1-32534" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 7977; --source-height: 4487; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7977x4487+0+831/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F25%2Fe1%2F7660a95e463994c49bf4f865a2b5%2Fcso20241004-081.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7977x4487+0+831/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F25%2Fe1%2F7660a95e463994c49bf4f865a2b5%2Fcso20241004-081.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7977x4487+0+831/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F25%2Fe1%2F7660a95e463994c49bf4f865a2b5%2Fcso20241004-081.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7977x4487+0+831/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F25%2Fe1%2F7660a95e463994c49bf4f865a2b5%2Fcso20241004-081.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7977x4487+0+831/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F25%2Fe1%2F7660a95e463994c49bf4f865a2b5%2Fcso20241004-081.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7977x4487+0+831/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F25%2Fe1%2F7660a95e463994c49bf4f865a2b5%2Fcso20241004-081.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7977x4487+0+831/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F25%2Fe1%2F7660a95e463994c49bf4f865a2b5%2Fcso20241004-081.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7977x4487+0+831/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F25%2Fe1%2F7660a95e463994c49bf4f865a2b5%2Fcso20241004-081.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7977x4487+0+831/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F25%2Fe1%2F7660a95e463994c49bf4f865a2b5%2Fcso20241004-081.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7977x4487+0+831/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F25%2Fe1%2F7660a95e463994c49bf4f865a2b5%2Fcso20241004-081.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7977x4487+0+831/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F25%2Fe1%2F7660a95e463994c49bf4f865a2b5%2Fcso20241004-081.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7977x4487+0+831/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F25%2Fe1%2F7660a95e463994c49bf4f865a2b5%2Fcso20241004-081.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7977x4487+0+831/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F25%2Fe1%2F7660a95e463994c49bf4f865a2b5%2Fcso20241004-081.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7977x4487+0+831/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F25%2Fe1%2F7660a95e463994c49bf4f865a2b5%2Fcso20241004-081.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7977x4487+0+831/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F25%2Fe1%2F7660a95e463994c49bf4f865a2b5%2Fcso20241004-081.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7977x4487+0+831/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F25%2Fe1%2F7660a95e463994c49bf4f865a2b5%2Fcso20241004-081.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7977x4487+0+831/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F25%2Fe1%2F7660a95e463994c49bf4f865a2b5%2Fcso20241004-081.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7977x4487+0+831/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F25%2Fe1%2F7660a95e463994c49bf4f865a2b5%2Fcso20241004-081.jpg" class="img" alt="Lucas and Arthur Jussen perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Christoph Eschenbach in October 2024. (© Todd Rosenberg Photography 2024)" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Lucas and Arthur Jussen perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Christoph Eschenbach in October 2024 <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Todd Rosenberg/Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>Brothers Lucas and Arthur Jussen first performed for the Dutch queen when they were just 12 and 8 years old.</strong> About 20 years later, they are now touring the world and performing in major concert halls. This month, the piano duo released a set of recordings they call "tiny diamonds" — short waltzes and lullabies influenced by, and in some cases diverging from, French Impressionism of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This release <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/04/nx-s1-5104202/lucas-arthur-jussen-reve-new-album">marks the first volume in a planned trilogy</a>. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>NPR’s A Martínez speaks with them about their new EP. </strong>Hear their thoughts and <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=nx-s1-5104202:nx-s1-5236055-1">listen to some of the music</a>.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">3 things to know before you go</h3> <div id="resg-s1-32475" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 6720; --source-height: 3780; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x3780+0+350/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff9%2F9d%2Ffc5cb3564ca58287937e7012daf8%2F24-10-haggis-pygmy-hippo-lm-2.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x3780+0+350/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff9%2F9d%2Ffc5cb3564ca58287937e7012daf8%2F24-10-haggis-pygmy-hippo-lm-2.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x3780+0+350/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff9%2F9d%2Ffc5cb3564ca58287937e7012daf8%2F24-10-haggis-pygmy-hippo-lm-2.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x3780+0+350/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff9%2F9d%2Ffc5cb3564ca58287937e7012daf8%2F24-10-haggis-pygmy-hippo-lm-2.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x3780+0+350/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff9%2F9d%2Ffc5cb3564ca58287937e7012daf8%2F24-10-haggis-pygmy-hippo-lm-2.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x3780+0+350/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff9%2F9d%2Ffc5cb3564ca58287937e7012daf8%2F24-10-haggis-pygmy-hippo-lm-2.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x3780+0+350/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff9%2F9d%2Ffc5cb3564ca58287937e7012daf8%2F24-10-haggis-pygmy-hippo-lm-2.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x3780+0+350/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff9%2F9d%2Ffc5cb3564ca58287937e7012daf8%2F24-10-haggis-pygmy-hippo-lm-2.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x3780+0+350/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff9%2F9d%2Ffc5cb3564ca58287937e7012daf8%2F24-10-haggis-pygmy-hippo-lm-2.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x3780+0+350/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff9%2F9d%2Ffc5cb3564ca58287937e7012daf8%2F24-10-haggis-pygmy-hippo-lm-2.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x3780+0+350/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff9%2F9d%2Ffc5cb3564ca58287937e7012daf8%2F24-10-haggis-pygmy-hippo-lm-2.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x3780+0+350/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff9%2F9d%2Ffc5cb3564ca58287937e7012daf8%2F24-10-haggis-pygmy-hippo-lm-2.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x3780+0+350/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff9%2F9d%2Ffc5cb3564ca58287937e7012daf8%2F24-10-haggis-pygmy-hippo-lm-2.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x3780+0+350/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff9%2F9d%2Ffc5cb3564ca58287937e7012daf8%2F24-10-haggis-pygmy-hippo-lm-2.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x3780+0+350/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff9%2F9d%2Ffc5cb3564ca58287937e7012daf8%2F24-10-haggis-pygmy-hippo-lm-2.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x3780+0+350/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff9%2F9d%2Ffc5cb3564ca58287937e7012daf8%2F24-10-haggis-pygmy-hippo-lm-2.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x3780+0+350/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff9%2F9d%2Ffc5cb3564ca58287937e7012daf8%2F24-10-haggis-pygmy-hippo-lm-2.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6720x3780+0+350/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff9%2F9d%2Ffc5cb3564ca58287937e7012daf8%2F24-10-haggis-pygmy-hippo-lm-2.jpg" class="img" alt="Baby Haggis, a pygmy hippo, was born to parents Otto and Gloria at Edinburgh Zoo on Oct. 30." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Baby Haggis, a pygmy hippo, was born to parents Otto and Gloria at Edinburgh Zoo on Oct. 30. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's Edinburgh Zoo/RZSS </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <ol class="edTag"><li><strong>Move over Moo Deng. There’s a new tiny pygmy hippo.</strong> The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's Edinburgh Zoo announced its own newborn. A <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/05/nx-s1-5179701/moo-deng-haggis-pygmy-hippo-scotland">female calf, named Haggis</a> was born on Oct. 30.</li><li><strong>Rafael has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane. </strong>It's expected to batter the Cayman Islands and Cuba before <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/05/g-s1-32656/hurricane-rafael-cayman-islands-cuba-gulf-of-mexico">moving into the Gulf of Mexico</a>.</li><li><strong>The black-footed ferret has successfully given birth</strong>, marking the first time a U.S. clone of an <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/05/nx-s1-5179961/black-footed-ferrets-clone-endangered-species">endangered species produced offspring</a>.</li></ol> <p><em>This newsletter was edited by </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/people/859721331/suzanne-nuyen"><em>Suzanne Nuyen</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> + + Up First Newsletter + + + Everything you need to know on Election Day. And, how to reduce political stress + Brittney Melton + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/05/g-s1-32386/up-first-newsletter-election-day-kamala-harris-donald-trump + https://text.npr.org/2024/11/05/g-s1-32386/up-first-newsletter-election-day-kamala-harris-donald-trump + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/05/g-s1-32386/up-first-newsletter-election-day-kamala-harris-donald-trump + Tue, 05 Nov 2024 12:50:06 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <p><em>Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news">Subscribe</a><em> here to get it delivered to your inbox, and </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510318/up-first/">listen</a><em> to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day.</em><br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Today's top stories</h3> <p><strong>Vice President Harris and former President Donald Trump have concluded their presidential campaigns </strong>in what is anticipated to be a close race. Trump spent his final day in Grand Rapids, Mich., while Harris wrapped up her campaign in Philadelphia. No one knows what will happen after this wild election season comes to an end. Here's <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/04/g-s1-32206/2024-election-overview">what we're watching for today</a>.</p> <div id="resg-s1-32280" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 3600; --source-height: 2025; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F5d%2F5ff126d5423e9f6e628909215ad5%2Fdiptych-27.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F5d%2F5ff126d5423e9f6e628909215ad5%2Fdiptych-27.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F5d%2F5ff126d5423e9f6e628909215ad5%2Fdiptych-27.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F5d%2F5ff126d5423e9f6e628909215ad5%2Fdiptych-27.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F5d%2F5ff126d5423e9f6e628909215ad5%2Fdiptych-27.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F5d%2F5ff126d5423e9f6e628909215ad5%2Fdiptych-27.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F5d%2F5ff126d5423e9f6e628909215ad5%2Fdiptych-27.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F5d%2F5ff126d5423e9f6e628909215ad5%2Fdiptych-27.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F5d%2F5ff126d5423e9f6e628909215ad5%2Fdiptych-27.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F5d%2F5ff126d5423e9f6e628909215ad5%2Fdiptych-27.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F5d%2F5ff126d5423e9f6e628909215ad5%2Fdiptych-27.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F5d%2F5ff126d5423e9f6e628909215ad5%2Fdiptych-27.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F5d%2F5ff126d5423e9f6e628909215ad5%2Fdiptych-27.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F5d%2F5ff126d5423e9f6e628909215ad5%2Fdiptych-27.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F5d%2F5ff126d5423e9f6e628909215ad5%2Fdiptych-27.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F5d%2F5ff126d5423e9f6e628909215ad5%2Fdiptych-27.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F5d%2F5ff126d5423e9f6e628909215ad5%2Fdiptych-27.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6e%2F5d%2F5ff126d5423e9f6e628909215ad5%2Fdiptych-27.jpg" class="img" alt="Left: Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally at Bojangles Coliseum, in Charlotte, N.C., Sept. 12. Right: Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump listens during a campaign rally at Santander Arena, Nov. 4, in Reading, Pa. " loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Left: Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally at Bojangles Coliseum, in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. Right: Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump listens during a campaign rally at Santander Arena, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Reading, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Jacquelyn Martin/AP; Evan Vucci/AP </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧<strong> If this is Trump’s last campaign, it will be the end of an era</strong>, NPR’s Danielle Kurtzleben tells <em>Up First</em>. No one will be able to replicate his unique style successfully. If he loses, the Republican Party will need to redefine its identity without him. On his final campaign day, he <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1211598295:1261661675">stayed true to his message</a>, promising mass deportations and saying tariffs are a great solution for the economy.</li><li>➡️ <strong>If Trump is reelected, he'll be the second president in U.S. history to win </strong>non-consecutive terms. Grover Cleveland was the first. Take a look at <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/04/g-s1-32048/grover-cleveland-trump-non-consecutive-terms">how Cleveland made it happen</a>.</li><li>🎧 <strong>NPR’s Deepa Shivaram says it’s significant that Harris spent her final day exclusively in Pennsylvania</strong>, a state with 19 electoral votes. Most voters there don’t cast their ballots until Election Day. Harris <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1211598295:1261661675">encouraged people to vote</a> and to motivate those around them to do the same. Her message focused on who she is and did not mention Trump, except for one reference to “the other guy.”</li><li>➡️ <strong>Harris is one of many VPs who successfully won their party's nomination for president.</strong> Actually <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/04/g-s1-31927/vice-presidents-run-president-history">winning the election has been more difficult</a>.</li><li>➡️ <strong>Roughly eight in 10 people from both the Republican and Democratic parties put politics on their list of the biggest stressors.</strong> Dr. Joshua Stein, a psychiatrist in Minnesota, joins <em>Morning Edition </em>with <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=nx-s1-5163291:nx-s1-5231546-1">advice on ways to reduce</a> election-induced stress.</li><li>➡️ <strong>NPR partners with The Associated Press to report election results.</strong> Here's <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/04/g-s1-31268/2024-election-ap-race-calls-results">how the race-calling process works</a>.</li></ul> <p>NPR will be reporting live on race calls, ballot measures, the presidential electoral vote count and more. <strong>Stay tuned wherever you get your news:</strong> <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>💻<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.npr.org/live-updates/trump-harris-2024-election-results"><strong>Read our live blog</strong></a><strong>: </strong>We'll provide fast updates and results from around the country.</li><li>✉️ <a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/politics"><strong>Get the Politics newsletter</strong></a><strong>: </strong>Breaking down the big stories and why they matter.</li><li><strong>🚨 </strong><a href="http://www.npr.org/newsletter/breaking-news"><strong>Get breaking news alerts</strong></a><strong>: </strong>Sent when there are big updates, like race calls or upset alerts.</li><li><strong>🎧 </strong><a href="http://www.npr.org/podcasts/510310/npr-politics-podcast"><strong>Listen to the NPR Politics Podcast</strong></a><strong>: </strong>Our experts provide insights into what's happening.</li><li><strong>🎙️ </strong><a href="http://app.npr.org/streamStation"><strong>Listen to your local NPR station</strong></a><strong>:</strong> Our special live coverage begins as polls begin to close and will continue as results come in.</li><li><strong>📱 </strong><a href="http://www.npr.org/app"><strong>Get the NPR app</strong></a><strong>: </strong>Get the latest updates and stream your station.</li></ul> <p><strong>Israel’s government announced it will cancel its agreement with UNRWA</strong>, the primary United Nations agency providing aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Israel claims the agency, which employs 13,000 people in Gaza, has been infiltrated by Hamas. UNRWA dismissed nine staff members. The U.N.’s investigative body says those nine staffers may have been involved in attacking Israel, but it could not verify the information Israel used to support its allegations. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧<strong> The U.S. is concerned about the laws passed last week that ban contact between Israel and UNRWA</strong>, NPR's Aya Batrawy says. The outcome of the presidential election will influence how this situation develops moving forward. With <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1211598295:1261661675">less than 90 days until</a> the legislation goes into effect, Israel has not provided an alternative plan to the UNRWA. “In short, people are going to suffer because there is already hunger and starvation across Gaza,” Batrawy says.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">Today's listen</h3> <div id="res132964747" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 2045; --source-height: 1150; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://legacy.npr.org/assets/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?null 400w, https://legacy.npr.org/assets/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?null 600w, https://legacy.npr.org/assets/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?null 800w, https://legacy.npr.org/assets/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?null 900w, https://legacy.npr.org/assets/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?null 1200w, https://legacy.npr.org/assets/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?null 1600w, https://legacy.npr.org/assets/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?null 1800w" data-template="https://legacy.npr.org/assets/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?null" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://legacy.npr.org/assets/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?null 400w, https://legacy.npr.org/assets/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?null 600w, https://legacy.npr.org/assets/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?null 800w, https://legacy.npr.org/assets/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?null 900w, https://legacy.npr.org/assets/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?null 1200w, https://legacy.npr.org/assets/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?null 1600w, https://legacy.npr.org/assets/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?null 1800w" data-template="https://legacy.npr.org/assets/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?null" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://legacy.npr.org/assets/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?null" data-template="https://legacy.npr.org/assets/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?null" class="img" alt="This Stuart and Sons piano features veneer made from 2,000-year-old logs and an ebony border." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> This Stuart and Sons piano features veneer made from 2,000-year-old logs and an ebony border. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Courtesy of Stuart and Sons </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>A nearly 200-year-old manuscript of a waltz by composer Frédéric Chopin was recently discovered</strong> at the Morgan Library & Museum in New York. Curator Robinson McClellan found it while sorting through a collection gifted to the library. Initially uncertain whether the manuscript was indeed by Chopin, he sought the expertise of music history professor Jeffery Kallberg to confirm its authenticity. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>Listen to</strong> the newly found music and <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=nx-s1-5167919:nx-s1-5237880-1">learn how they verified the work</a>.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">Life advice</h3> <div id="resg-s1-29973" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5231; --source-height: 2942; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5231x2942+0+138/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fff%2Ff5b734304a93b61dd9046c9e5fa8%2Flk-counterfeit-gettyimages-1164875870.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5231x2942+0+138/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fff%2Ff5b734304a93b61dd9046c9e5fa8%2Flk-counterfeit-gettyimages-1164875870.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5231x2942+0+138/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fff%2Ff5b734304a93b61dd9046c9e5fa8%2Flk-counterfeit-gettyimages-1164875870.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5231x2942+0+138/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fff%2Ff5b734304a93b61dd9046c9e5fa8%2Flk-counterfeit-gettyimages-1164875870.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5231x2942+0+138/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fff%2Ff5b734304a93b61dd9046c9e5fa8%2Flk-counterfeit-gettyimages-1164875870.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5231x2942+0+138/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fff%2Ff5b734304a93b61dd9046c9e5fa8%2Flk-counterfeit-gettyimages-1164875870.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5231x2942+0+138/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fff%2Ff5b734304a93b61dd9046c9e5fa8%2Flk-counterfeit-gettyimages-1164875870.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5231x2942+0+138/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fff%2Ff5b734304a93b61dd9046c9e5fa8%2Flk-counterfeit-gettyimages-1164875870.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5231x2942+0+138/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fff%2Ff5b734304a93b61dd9046c9e5fa8%2Flk-counterfeit-gettyimages-1164875870.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5231x2942+0+138/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fff%2Ff5b734304a93b61dd9046c9e5fa8%2Flk-counterfeit-gettyimages-1164875870.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5231x2942+0+138/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fff%2Ff5b734304a93b61dd9046c9e5fa8%2Flk-counterfeit-gettyimages-1164875870.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5231x2942+0+138/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fff%2Ff5b734304a93b61dd9046c9e5fa8%2Flk-counterfeit-gettyimages-1164875870.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5231x2942+0+138/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fff%2Ff5b734304a93b61dd9046c9e5fa8%2Flk-counterfeit-gettyimages-1164875870.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5231x2942+0+138/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fff%2Ff5b734304a93b61dd9046c9e5fa8%2Flk-counterfeit-gettyimages-1164875870.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5231x2942+0+138/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fff%2Ff5b734304a93b61dd9046c9e5fa8%2Flk-counterfeit-gettyimages-1164875870.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5231x2942+0+138/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fff%2Ff5b734304a93b61dd9046c9e5fa8%2Flk-counterfeit-gettyimages-1164875870.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5231x2942+0+138/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fff%2Ff5b734304a93b61dd9046c9e5fa8%2Flk-counterfeit-gettyimages-1164875870.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5231x2942+0+138/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fff%2Ff5b734304a93b61dd9046c9e5fa8%2Flk-counterfeit-gettyimages-1164875870.jpg" class="img" alt="A lot of pills scattered on a blue background. A question mark laid out of pills. Counterfeit medicinal products. Empty space to insert text" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> A lot of pills scattered on a blue background. A question mark laid out of pills. Counterfeit medicinal products. Empty space to insert text <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Kirill Greshnov/Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>How confident are you that what you're buying online is real?</strong> There's a good chance you've been misled at some point. Nearly 70% of consumers have unknowingly bought counterfeit products online at least once in the past year, according to a 2023 study from Michigan State University. Counterfeit items like medications, skin creams, vitamins and safety products such as brake pads, life jackets and dog leashes can pose serious dangers. Here are <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/10/26/nx-s1-5163453/how-to-avoid-buying-counterfeit-products-red-flags">red flags to look for</a> on e-commerce platforms: <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🚩 <strong>You can buy cheap meds</strong> at an online pharmacy without a prescription.</li><li>🚩 <strong>You don't recognize the name of the seller you're buying from.</strong> Sites like Amazon and Walmart.com allow third-party sellers, or independent vendors, to use their platforms to sell goods.</li><li>🚩 <strong>The reviews are all bad — or all good.</strong> Illegal companies can post fake reviews or hide bad ones by reporting or downvoting them.</li></ul> <p><strong>Here’s the complete list </strong>of things to look out for to <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/10/26/nx-s1-5163453/how-to-avoid-buying-counterfeit-products-red-flags">avoid buying fake products</a>.</p> <h3 class="edTag">3 things to know before you go</h3> <div id="resg-s1-32304" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 3600; --source-height: 2025; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F74%2F634537c14dc6abb00b2659205f80%2Fgettyimages-2182115557.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F74%2F634537c14dc6abb00b2659205f80%2Fgettyimages-2182115557.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F74%2F634537c14dc6abb00b2659205f80%2Fgettyimages-2182115557.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F74%2F634537c14dc6abb00b2659205f80%2Fgettyimages-2182115557.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F74%2F634537c14dc6abb00b2659205f80%2Fgettyimages-2182115557.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F74%2F634537c14dc6abb00b2659205f80%2Fgettyimages-2182115557.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F74%2F634537c14dc6abb00b2659205f80%2Fgettyimages-2182115557.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F74%2F634537c14dc6abb00b2659205f80%2Fgettyimages-2182115557.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F74%2F634537c14dc6abb00b2659205f80%2Fgettyimages-2182115557.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F74%2F634537c14dc6abb00b2659205f80%2Fgettyimages-2182115557.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F74%2F634537c14dc6abb00b2659205f80%2Fgettyimages-2182115557.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F74%2F634537c14dc6abb00b2659205f80%2Fgettyimages-2182115557.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F74%2F634537c14dc6abb00b2659205f80%2Fgettyimages-2182115557.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F74%2F634537c14dc6abb00b2659205f80%2Fgettyimages-2182115557.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F74%2F634537c14dc6abb00b2659205f80%2Fgettyimages-2182115557.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F74%2F634537c14dc6abb00b2659205f80%2Fgettyimages-2182115557.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F74%2F634537c14dc6abb00b2659205f80%2Fgettyimages-2182115557.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3600x2025+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F74%2F634537c14dc6abb00b2659205f80%2Fgettyimages-2182115557.jpg" class="img" alt="Striking machinists at Boeing picket outside the company's Renton Production Facility in Washington. Some 33,000 workers walked off the job in September demanding higher pay and better retirement benefits. Union members have voted down two previous contract offers from Boeing ahead of Monday's vote." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Striking machinists at Boeing picket outside the company's Renton Production Facility in Washington. Some 33,000 workers walked off the job in September demanding higher pay and better retirement benefits. Union members have voted down two previous contract offers from Boeing ahead of Monday's vote. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <ol class="edTag"><li><strong>Boeing machinists voted to approve</strong> a contract offer yesterday, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/05/nx-s1-5179037/boeing-machinists-union-strike-vote">ending a strike that lasted</a> over 53 days.</li><li><strong>How can you make sure a child learns something deeply</strong> and for a long time? <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/11/04/nx-s1-5173590/impossible-improbable-try-asking-a-toddler">Violate their expectations</a>, according to a new study from the journal PNAS.</li><li><strong>McDonald’s could repair its soft-serve ice cream machines </strong>more quickly now due to a <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/02/g-s1-31893/mcdonalds-broken-ice-cream-machine-copyright-law">new exemption to a copyright law</a>.</li></ol> <p><em>This newsletter was edited by </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/people/859721331/suzanne-nuyen"><em>Suzanne Nuyen</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> + + Up First Newsletter + + + Why these women are secretly voting for Harris. And, how to avoid election misinfo + Brittney Melton + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/04/g-s1-31987/up-first-newsletter-kamala-harris-and-donald-trump-swing-state-campaign-conservative-women-vote + https://text.npr.org/2024/11/04/g-s1-31987/up-first-newsletter-kamala-harris-and-donald-trump-swing-state-campaign-conservative-women-vote + https://www.npr.org/2024/11/04/g-s1-31987/up-first-newsletter-kamala-harris-and-donald-trump-swing-state-campaign-conservative-women-vote + Mon, 04 Nov 2024 13:26:03 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <p><em>Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news">Subscribe</a><em> here to get it delivered to your inbox, and </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510318/up-first/">listen</a><em> to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day.</em><br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Today's top stories</h3> <p><strong>Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Harris embark on their last leg of the presidential campaign today</strong> as they race across the swing states. Yesterday, Harris focused on Michigan. Before that, she made a stop in New York City to play herself on <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/02/nx-s1-5176605/2024-election-kamala-harris-snl"><em>Saturday Night Live</em></a>. Trump turned things up with three rallies yesterday and Saturday. They will continue the momentum today with a slew of rallies going late into the evening.</p> <div id="resg-s1-31702" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 2400; --source-height: 1350; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5%2F0a%2F31f57fed468885d1ddb24e92eb80%2F2-images-3.png 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5%2F0a%2F31f57fed468885d1ddb24e92eb80%2F2-images-3.png 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5%2F0a%2F31f57fed468885d1ddb24e92eb80%2F2-images-3.png 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5%2F0a%2F31f57fed468885d1ddb24e92eb80%2F2-images-3.png 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5%2F0a%2F31f57fed468885d1ddb24e92eb80%2F2-images-3.png 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5%2F0a%2F31f57fed468885d1ddb24e92eb80%2F2-images-3.png 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5%2F0a%2F31f57fed468885d1ddb24e92eb80%2F2-images-3.png 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5%2F0a%2F31f57fed468885d1ddb24e92eb80%2F2-images-3.png" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5%2F0a%2F31f57fed468885d1ddb24e92eb80%2F2-images-3.png 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5%2F0a%2F31f57fed468885d1ddb24e92eb80%2F2-images-3.png 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5%2F0a%2F31f57fed468885d1ddb24e92eb80%2F2-images-3.png 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5%2F0a%2F31f57fed468885d1ddb24e92eb80%2F2-images-3.png 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5%2F0a%2F31f57fed468885d1ddb24e92eb80%2F2-images-3.png 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5%2F0a%2F31f57fed468885d1ddb24e92eb80%2F2-images-3.png 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5%2F0a%2F31f57fed468885d1ddb24e92eb80%2F2-images-3.png 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5%2F0a%2F31f57fed468885d1ddb24e92eb80%2F2-images-3.png" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/png" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5%2F0a%2F31f57fed468885d1ddb24e92eb80%2F2-images-3.png" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5%2F0a%2F31f57fed468885d1ddb24e92eb80%2F2-images-3.png" class="img" alt="Former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris focus on different ways to bring down housing costs, but both say America needs to build more housing." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris focus on different ways to bring down housing costs, but both say America needs to build more housing. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images; Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>North Carolina is a significant swing state for Trump</strong>, NPR’s Franco Ordoñez, who has been traveling with him, tells <em>Up First</em>. Trump won the state twice in the presidential election, but it’s now very competitive. Trump has <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1211598258:1261585723">spent more time in North Carolina</a> than in Pennsylvania, indicating it is a must-win state for him. Trump has four rallies today: one in North Carolina, two in Pennsylvania and one in Grand Rapids, Mich.</li><li>🎧 <strong>Harris’ campaign believes it’s gaining ground with</strong> college-educated voters, suburbanites and women, which are key groups in North Carolina, NPR’s Asma Khalid says. Today, Harris will be in Pennsylvania, showing how <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1211598258:1261585723">vital the state is for Democrats</a>.</li><li>➡️ <strong>Both candidates will be in Reading, Pa. today</strong>, the city with the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/03/nx-s1-5177354/2024-election-trump-harris-puerto-rico-pennsylvania">highest percentage of Latinos</a> in the state.</li><li>➡️ <strong>Republicans are favored to control </strong>the Senate thanks to a 2024 election map. Here are the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/02/g-s1-31697/senate-races-to-watch">races to watch</a>.</li></ul> <p><strong>Boeing’s striking machinists vote today on the company’s latest contract proposal. </strong>This comes after weeks of the strike and <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/01/nx-s1-5174234/boeing-strike-machinists-union-contract-vote">two previously rejected offers</a>. Union leaders are supporting the new agreement, cautioning that members could end up with less if they choose not to accept it. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>NPR’s Joel Rose says Boeing is offering a 38% wage hike</strong> and a $12,000 ratification bonus. However, the company has not agreed to one key demand: the restoration of the traditional pension plan that was frozen in 2014 during the last contract negotiations. Boeing says the <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1211598258:1261585723">pension plan is too expensive</a>.</li></ul> <p><strong>In political ads and campaign speeches, a message has been directed toward Republican women, reminding them that their votes are private. </strong>This means no one will know if they vote for Harris in secret. The ads aim to reach conservative-leaning women like T— identified only by her first initial — who feels that living in a politically divided household is affecting her marriage of over 40 years. To avoid confrontation, she mailed her absentee ballot from the home of another family member. Here is what she and other conservative women <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/03/nx-s1-5159978/republicans-for-harris-women-voters-secret-votes-quiet-voters-2024-election-trump">keeping their votes for Harris confidential have to say</a>.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Life advice</h3> <div id="resg-s1-28608" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5847; --source-height: 3289; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5847x3289+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2F1f%2Ff04e905045ed9d209eb49a500503%2Fgettyimages-1368872054.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5847x3289+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2F1f%2Ff04e905045ed9d209eb49a500503%2Fgettyimages-1368872054.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5847x3289+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2F1f%2Ff04e905045ed9d209eb49a500503%2Fgettyimages-1368872054.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5847x3289+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2F1f%2Ff04e905045ed9d209eb49a500503%2Fgettyimages-1368872054.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5847x3289+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2F1f%2Ff04e905045ed9d209eb49a500503%2Fgettyimages-1368872054.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5847x3289+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2F1f%2Ff04e905045ed9d209eb49a500503%2Fgettyimages-1368872054.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5847x3289+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2F1f%2Ff04e905045ed9d209eb49a500503%2Fgettyimages-1368872054.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5847x3289+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2F1f%2Ff04e905045ed9d209eb49a500503%2Fgettyimages-1368872054.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5847x3289+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2F1f%2Ff04e905045ed9d209eb49a500503%2Fgettyimages-1368872054.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5847x3289+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2F1f%2Ff04e905045ed9d209eb49a500503%2Fgettyimages-1368872054.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5847x3289+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2F1f%2Ff04e905045ed9d209eb49a500503%2Fgettyimages-1368872054.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5847x3289+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2F1f%2Ff04e905045ed9d209eb49a500503%2Fgettyimages-1368872054.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5847x3289+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2F1f%2Ff04e905045ed9d209eb49a500503%2Fgettyimages-1368872054.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5847x3289+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2F1f%2Ff04e905045ed9d209eb49a500503%2Fgettyimages-1368872054.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5847x3289+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2F1f%2Ff04e905045ed9d209eb49a500503%2Fgettyimages-1368872054.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5847x3289+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2F1f%2Ff04e905045ed9d209eb49a500503%2Fgettyimages-1368872054.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5847x3289+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2F1f%2Ff04e905045ed9d209eb49a500503%2Fgettyimages-1368872054.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5847x3289+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2F1f%2Ff04e905045ed9d209eb49a500503%2Fgettyimages-1368872054.jpg" class="img" alt="Online news search and reading, news updates, news websites, information on newspapers, public events, events, announcements on smartphone screen" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Online news search and reading, news updates, news websites, information on newspapers, public events, events, announcements on smartphone screen <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>Election Day is tomorrow. As we wait for the final results</strong>, it can be easy to be duped by misleading information. Here are some tips to <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/10/16/nx-s1-5048818/how-to-stop-spreading-misinformation-2024-election">avoid spreading false election-related information</a>: <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🗳️ <strong>Keep in mind</strong> results can shift dramatically throughout election night, depending on which ballots are counted first.</li><li>🗳️ <strong>Misleading information is often created to</strong> confuse or provoke an emotional reaction. If you feel this, it may be a sign to slow down, pause and do some research.</li><li>🗳️ <strong>Consider how trustworthy your source is.</strong> If you don’t see multiple news outlets reporting a story, it is a sign to wait before sharing.</li></ul> <p><strong>Click here</strong> for more things to <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/10/16/nx-s1-5048818/how-to-stop-spreading-misinformation-2024-election">consider to avoid spreading misinformation</a>.</p> <h3 class="edTag">Picture show</h3> <div id="resg-s1-30796" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 7038; --source-height: 3959; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7038x3959+0+368/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2Fd8%2F8da53cc54fc58b4e1c211350b791%2F0n8a1546.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7038x3959+0+368/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2Fd8%2F8da53cc54fc58b4e1c211350b791%2F0n8a1546.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7038x3959+0+368/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2Fd8%2F8da53cc54fc58b4e1c211350b791%2F0n8a1546.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7038x3959+0+368/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2Fd8%2F8da53cc54fc58b4e1c211350b791%2F0n8a1546.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7038x3959+0+368/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2Fd8%2F8da53cc54fc58b4e1c211350b791%2F0n8a1546.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7038x3959+0+368/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2Fd8%2F8da53cc54fc58b4e1c211350b791%2F0n8a1546.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7038x3959+0+368/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2Fd8%2F8da53cc54fc58b4e1c211350b791%2F0n8a1546.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7038x3959+0+368/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2Fd8%2F8da53cc54fc58b4e1c211350b791%2F0n8a1546.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7038x3959+0+368/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2Fd8%2F8da53cc54fc58b4e1c211350b791%2F0n8a1546.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7038x3959+0+368/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2Fd8%2F8da53cc54fc58b4e1c211350b791%2F0n8a1546.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7038x3959+0+368/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2Fd8%2F8da53cc54fc58b4e1c211350b791%2F0n8a1546.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7038x3959+0+368/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2Fd8%2F8da53cc54fc58b4e1c211350b791%2F0n8a1546.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7038x3959+0+368/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2Fd8%2F8da53cc54fc58b4e1c211350b791%2F0n8a1546.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7038x3959+0+368/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2Fd8%2F8da53cc54fc58b4e1c211350b791%2F0n8a1546.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7038x3959+0+368/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2Fd8%2F8da53cc54fc58b4e1c211350b791%2F0n8a1546.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7038x3959+0+368/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2Fd8%2F8da53cc54fc58b4e1c211350b791%2F0n8a1546.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7038x3959+0+368/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2Fd8%2F8da53cc54fc58b4e1c211350b791%2F0n8a1546.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7038x3959+0+368/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2Fd8%2F8da53cc54fc58b4e1c211350b791%2F0n8a1546.jpg" class="img" alt="A police officer looks through damage caused by a shell at the Omdurman Maternity Hospital in Omdurman, Sudan, on Sept. 7." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> A police officer looks through damage caused by a shell at the Omdurman Maternity Hospital in Omdurman, Sudan, on Sept. 7. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Luke Dray for NPR </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>The ongoing conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the powerful paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces has severely affected</strong> much of the country. Omdurman, once the cultural heart of Sudan, was known for its rich history, including monuments, mausoleums and universities. In May, the SAF declared that they had "liberated" Omdurman after intense clashes that ended several months of RSF occupation. Since then, hundreds of people arrived daily, but the peace they find in Omdurman is only relative. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>📷 <strong>See photos</strong> of what life is <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/01/nx-s1-5168376/sudan-khartoum-ombdurman-war-africa">like within the city</a>.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">3 things to know before you go</h3> <div id="res834560641" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 3600; --source-height: 2025; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2020/04/14/gettyimages-673081794_wide-e62f8f2cfdd2b60cd9bb86e386c951c5a1e94115.jpg?s=400&c=85&f=webp 400w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2020/04/14/gettyimages-673081794_wide-e62f8f2cfdd2b60cd9bb86e386c951c5a1e94115.jpg?s=600&c=85&f=webp 600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2020/04/14/gettyimages-673081794_wide-e62f8f2cfdd2b60cd9bb86e386c951c5a1e94115.jpg?s=800&c=85&f=webp 800w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2020/04/14/gettyimages-673081794_wide-e62f8f2cfdd2b60cd9bb86e386c951c5a1e94115.jpg?s=900&c=85&f=webp 900w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2020/04/14/gettyimages-673081794_wide-e62f8f2cfdd2b60cd9bb86e386c951c5a1e94115.jpg?s=1200&c=85&f=webp 1200w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2020/04/14/gettyimages-673081794_wide-e62f8f2cfdd2b60cd9bb86e386c951c5a1e94115.jpg?s=1600&c=85&f=webp 1600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2020/04/14/gettyimages-673081794_wide-e62f8f2cfdd2b60cd9bb86e386c951c5a1e94115.jpg?s=1800&c=85&f=webp 1800w" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2020/04/14/gettyimages-673081794_wide-e62f8f2cfdd2b60cd9bb86e386c951c5a1e94115.jpg?s={width}&c={quality}&f={format}" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/webp" /> <source srcset="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2020/04/14/gettyimages-673081794_wide-e62f8f2cfdd2b60cd9bb86e386c951c5a1e94115.jpg?s=400&c=85&f=jpeg 400w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2020/04/14/gettyimages-673081794_wide-e62f8f2cfdd2b60cd9bb86e386c951c5a1e94115.jpg?s=600&c=85&f=jpeg 600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2020/04/14/gettyimages-673081794_wide-e62f8f2cfdd2b60cd9bb86e386c951c5a1e94115.jpg?s=800&c=85&f=jpeg 800w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2020/04/14/gettyimages-673081794_wide-e62f8f2cfdd2b60cd9bb86e386c951c5a1e94115.jpg?s=900&c=85&f=jpeg 900w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2020/04/14/gettyimages-673081794_wide-e62f8f2cfdd2b60cd9bb86e386c951c5a1e94115.jpg?s=1200&c=85&f=jpeg 1200w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2020/04/14/gettyimages-673081794_wide-e62f8f2cfdd2b60cd9bb86e386c951c5a1e94115.jpg?s=1600&c=85&f=jpeg 1600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2020/04/14/gettyimages-673081794_wide-e62f8f2cfdd2b60cd9bb86e386c951c5a1e94115.jpg?s=1800&c=85&f=jpeg 1800w" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2020/04/14/gettyimages-673081794_wide-e62f8f2cfdd2b60cd9bb86e386c951c5a1e94115.jpg?s={width}&c={quality}&f={format}" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" class="img" type="image/jpeg" /> <img src="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2020/04/14/gettyimages-673081794_wide-e62f8f2cfdd2b60cd9bb86e386c951c5a1e94115.jpg?s=1100&c=50&f=jpeg" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2020/04/14/gettyimages-673081794_wide-e62f8f2cfdd2b60cd9bb86e386c951c5a1e94115.jpg?s={width}&c={quality}&f={format}" class="img" alt="Quincy Jones pictured in Beverly Hills in 2017." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Quincy Jones pictured in Beverly Hills in 2017. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Chris Delmas/AFP via Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <ol class="edTag"><li><strong>Quincy Jones, who produced Michael Jackson’s <em>Thriller</em> album</strong> and performed with stars such as Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, died yesterday. <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/04/834546599/quincy-jones-pop-mastermind-thriller-producer-dies">He was 91</a>.</li><li><strong>Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands claimed victory</strong> in the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/03/nx-s1-5177334/nyc-marathon-2024-results">New York City Marathon men’s race yesterday</a>. It was the 35-year-old's fourth attempt at the race.</li><li><strong>Brian Perkins started using a cane a few years ago. He refused a stranger's help</strong> at the laundromat one day, despite having more clothes than he could carry to his car. His <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/10/30/nx-s1-5172575/stranger-help-cane-kindness-good-news">unsung hero’s surprising actions and words</a> changed his life forever.</li></ol> <p><em>This newsletter was edited by </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/people/859721331/suzanne-nuyen"><em>Suzanne Nuyen</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> + + Up First Newsletter + + + diff --git a/Phoronix b/Phoronix new file mode 100644 index 000000000..c072b2798 --- /dev/null +++ b/Phoronix @@ -0,0 +1,95 @@ + + + + Phoronix + Phoronix + https://www.phoronix.com/ + + + + https://www.phoronix.com/favicon.ico + Phoronix + https://www.phoronix.com/ + + + OpenMP 6.0 Released With An Emphasis On Easier Parallel Programming + Michael Larabel + https://www.phoronix.com/news/OpenMP-6.0-Released + https://www.phoronix.com/news/OpenMP-6.0-Released + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 18:02:42 +0000 + <div class="content"> <div style="float: left; padding: 0 10px 10px;"><img alt="PROGRAMMING" src="https://www.phoronix.com/assets/categories/programming.webp" width="100" height="100" /></div> The OpenMP Architecture Review Board announced from SC24 that OpenMP 6.0 is now available as a major upgrade to the OpenMP specification for multi-process programming within C / C++ / Fortran. A big emphasis on OpenMP 6.0 is making it easier for developers to embrace. <br /> <br />OpenMP 6.0 aims to make it easier to support parallel programming in new applications, easier to adapt to new use-cases, and more fine-grained developer control. <br /> <br />OpenMP 6.0 simplifies task programming with support for task execution by free-agent threads, allowing for recording of task graphs for efficient replay, and other improvements. OpenMP 6.0 also brings support for array syntax applications, better control over memory allocations and accessibility, easier writing of asynchronous data transfers, and other improvements for enhanced device support / offloading. There is also easier programming of loop transformations, support for induction, support for C23 / Fortran 2023 / C++23, grater user control of storage resources and memory spaces, and other improvements. <br /><p align="center"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=2024&image=openmp_6" alt="OpenMP 6.0" /></p> <br />More details on the OpenMP 6.0 specification release via <a href="https://www.openmp.org/home-news/openmp-arb-releases-openmp-6-0-for-easier-programming/">OpenMP.org</a>.</div> + + + Upstream Linux Developers Take Aim At TUXEDO's Out-Of-Tree GPLv3 Drivers + Michael Larabel + https://www.phoronix.com/news/TUXEDO-Drivers-Taint-Patches + https://www.phoronix.com/news/TUXEDO-Drivers-Taint-Patches + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:10:40 +0000 + <div class="content"> <div style="float: left; padding: 0 10px 10px;"><img alt="HARDWARE" src="https://www.phoronix.com/assets/categories/hardware.webp" width="100" height="100" /></div> A new patch series posted today to the Linux kernel mailing list would block kernel modules/drivers from TUXEDO Computers from accessing GPL-only symbols in the kernel. <br /> <br />TUXEDO Computers maintains a set of kernel drivers currently out-of-tree for their various laptops for additional functionality around power profiles, keyboard backlight controls, WMI, sensor monitoring, the embedded controller, and other functionality. They have said they want to eventually mainline these drivers but in the name of allowing for rapid hardware support they maintain them out-of-tree and ship them with their Ubuntu-based TUXEDO OS and also have the driver sources available via GitLab. <br /><p align="center"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=tuxedo-sirius16-gen2&image=tuxedo_sirius16gen2_1_med" alt="TUXEDO laptop" /></p> <br />The issue at hand though is that these kernel drivers marked as GPLv3+ and that conflicts with the upstream Linux kernel code licensed as GPLv2. There was <a href="https://gitlab.com/tuxedocomputers/development/packages/tuxedo-drivers/-/commit/9db67459510f18084694c597ff1ea57ef1842f4e">a commit</a> to change the driver license from GPLv3 to GPL(v2) but was <a href="https://gitlab.com/tuxedocomputers/development/packages/tuxedo-drivers/-/commit/a8c09b6c2ce6393fe39d8652d133af9f06cfb427">reverted</a> by TUXEDO Computers on the basis of "until the legal stuff is sorted out." <br /> <br />Thus Linux developer Uwe Kleine-König took to drafting <a href="https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/20241114103133.547032-4-ukleinek@kernel.org/T/">this set of patches</a> to prevent these TUXEDO GPLv3 drivers from accessing the GPL (v2) only kernel symbols: <br /><blockquote>"Tuxedo licenses the modules used on their hardware under GPLv3+, to "keep control of the upstream pacing" – and want to re-license the code while upstreaming. <br /> <br />They were asked to then at least not use MODULE_LICENSE("GPL") which declares compatibility to the kernel's GPLv2. They accepted the pull request and shortly after reverted the change and so continue to lie about the license. <br /> <br />So teach the module loader that these modules are proprietary despite their declaration to be GPLv2 compatible "until the legal stuff is sorted out"."</blockquote> <br />The patches check for the gxtp7380, ite_8291, ite_8291_lb, ite_8297, ite_829x, stk8321, tuxedo_compatibility_check, tuxedo_io, tuxedo_nb02_nvidia_power_ctrl, tuxedo_nb04_keyboard, tuxedo_nb04_wmi_ab, tuxedo_nb04_wmi_bs, tuxedo_nb04_sensors, tuxedo_nb04_power_profiles, tuxedo_nb04_kbd_backlight, tuxedo_nb05_keyboard, tuxedo_nb05_kbd_backlight, tuxedo_nb05_power_profiles, tuxedo_nb05_ec, tuxedo_nb05_sensors, tuxedo_nb05_fan_control, tuxi_acpi, tuxedo_tuxi_fan_control, clevo_wmi, tuxedo_keyboard, clevo_acpi, and uniwill_wmi kernel modules and will taint if they are present. <br /> <br />In response to these patches, Werner Sembach of TUXEDO Computers commented on the LKML thread: <br /><blockquote>As already being implied by that commit message, this is sadly not an issue that can be sorted out over night. <br /> <br />We ended up in this situation as MODULE_LICENSE("GPL") on its own does not hint at GPL v2, if one is not aware of the license definition table in the documentation. <br /> <br />It was and is never our intention to violate neither GPL v2 nor GPL v3 and we are working on it. <br />... <br />I can not tell anything else than I wrote above so I probably can't gain your trust that it was an honest mistake. <br /> <br />Thing is we are working on rewriting the driver bit by bit directly for upstream under GPL v2, e.g. <br />https://lore.kernel.org/all/<a href="https://www.phoronix.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection" class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="192b292b2d282929282821292f2c21372e2f2a202f342b346e6a7c596d6c617c7d767a7674696c6d7c6b6a377a7674">[email&#160;protected]</a>/ <br /> <br />And we don't stop anyone else from doing so and actively involve ourself in the process, giving advice where we can from our experience with the devices, e.g. https://github.com/Wer-Wolf/uniwill-laptop/issues/1 <br /> <br />And tuxedo-drivers got code in the past from external contributors under GPL v3 that also weren't aware of the correct definition of MODULE_LICENSE("GPL") which needs to be sorted out. <br /> <br />And no tuxedo-drivers module would get accepted upstream as is at the moment, because the focus of the driver package is mainly to get support for new devices out as quickly as possible, while upstream rightfully has way stricter guidelines on code quality (not implying that tuxedo-drivers has bad code quality, it's a spectrum after all). <br /> <br />What I want to say: If the end goal is upstream support for our devices nothing is speed up by the relicensing, arguably it's slowed down because someone now has to sort out legal stuff. If you want to take on the actual coding work yourself, please do so, I will give you advice as I did with Armins uniwill laptop driver and several times on the mailing list.</blockquote> <br />We'll see if/when these patches for taining on the TUXEDO drivers get picked up for the mainline kernel and how long until the TUXEDO drivers end up being cleaned up or rewritten for mainline inclusion.</div> + + + Supermicro H13SSL-N For AMD EPYC 9005 "Turin" 1P Servers + Michael Larabel + https://www.phoronix.com/review/supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin + https://www.phoronix.com/review/supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0000 + <div class="content"> <p>While it's difficult still finding Intel Xeon 6 &quot;<a href="https://www.phoronix.com/search/Granite+Rapids">Granite Rapids</a>&quot; motherboards/servers widely available at Internet retailers/distributors, when it comes to the AMD <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/search/EPYC+9005">EPYC 9005</a> &quot;Turin&quot; processors that launched just last month, there is better availability thanks in large part to leveraging the existing SP5 socket. For those wanting to assemble a single socket AMD EPYC 9005 series server, one of the readily available options in the retail channel is the Supermicro H13SSL-N motherboard.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://www.phoronix.com/image-viewer.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_1_lrg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_1_med" alt="Supermicro H13SSL-N" /></a></p> <p>In order to facilitate more ongoing AMD EPYC 9005 series performance testing follow-up articles at Phoronix looking at different features and benchmarking new Linux kernel features, I was shopping around for an EPYC 9005 compatible motherboard for assembling another EPYC Turin test server. Plus it's always helpful having an actual retail board in hand for testing, in addition to the vendor reference server platform. The motherboard I ended up basing this secondary EPYC Turin 1P server on was the Supermicro H13SSL-N that I bought retail and can be found at a number of Internet shops.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://www.phoronix.com/image-viewer.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_2_lrg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_2_med" alt="Supermicro H13SSL-N packaging" /></a></p> <p>With the EPYC 9005 series processors retaining Socket SP5, it's possible for existing SP5 motherboards to receive a BIOS update to extend the EPYC 9004 product support to the new EPYC 9005 series. That's the ideal case at least of simply needing a BIOS update and your existing SP5 motherboard will run with the new EPYC 9005 Turin processors. But some motherboard models are only supporting EPYC 9005 with a newer board revision. There is also the matter of some of the top-end EPYC 9005 series SKUs having a 500 Watt TDP compared to the EPYC 9004 series having topped out at 400 Watts. So for some existing motherboards they will be limited to handling only up to 400W TDP processors and not the 400+ Watt processors. Even so for fitting within 400 Watt limits, beyond the EPYC 9655(P) with 96 Turin classic cores, there are higher core count Turin dense models at 400 Watts or less: the EPYC 9745 128-core, EPYC 9825 144-core, and EPYC 9845 160-core processors. Similarly, another consideration with EPYC 9005 comes support for DDR5-6000 (or DDR5-6400 in select cases) compared to DDR5-4800 with EPYC 9004, so there may be some support limitations there too. Long story short, you will want to check the motherboard product page / support matrix for confirming EPYC 9005 compatibility with existing SP5 motherboards.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://www.phoronix.com/image-viewer.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_3_lrg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_3_med" alt="Supermicro H13SSL-N side view" /></a></p> <p>Going into this build I set out to find an EPYC 9005 compatible motherboard with additional requirements of supporting up to the full 12 memory channel capability of the platform (with some of the lower-end EPYC 9004/9005 motherboards having support for just eight memory DIMMs), handling up to at least 400 Watt CPUs, and given the difficult ongoing state of the web ad industry (and unfortunately rampant ad blocker usage, etc, all combining for making operations difficult -- if you enjoy all my Linux hardware testing/benchmarking, a good reminder to join <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/phoronix-premium">Phoronix Premium</a>) to be as economical as possible.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://www.phoronix.com/image-viewer.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_4_lrg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_4_med" alt="Supermicro H13SSL-N board revision 2.0" /></a></p> <p>With those items in mind, I ended up quickly settling on the Supermicro H13SSL-N. There are other lower-cost motherboards like the Tyan Tomcat HX S8050, ASRock Rack BERGAMOD8-2L2T, and ASRock Rack GENOAD8UD-2T/X550 but they only provide support for eight memory channels. Of course, if your budget allows and/or after a number of extra server platform features, there is no shortage of more expensive motherboard options.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://www.phoronix.com/image-viewer.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_6_lrg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_6_med" alt="Supermicro H13SSL-N socket area" /></a></p> <p>The Supermicro H13SSL-N is an ATX motherboard originally designed for the EPYC 9004 Genoa/Bergamo processors and has been revised to support the EPYC 9005 series. Board revision 2.0 (or newer) is required for the H13SSL-N to handle EPYC 9005 series processors and only up to 400 Watt TDPs. The H13SSL-N can support up to twelve channel DDR5-6000 memory with EPYC 9005 series processors with up to 4.5TB of DDR5-6000 memory in total. This EPYC 9004/9005 motherboard has eight SATA 3 ports, dedicated IPMI LAN port, dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, two PCIe 5.0 x8 slots, and two PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots for plenty of connectivity. All the basics one would expect from a 2024 server platform.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://www.phoronix.com/image-viewer.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_7_lrg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_7_med" alt="Supermicro H13SSL-N PCIe slots" /></a></p> </div><div class="content"> <p align="center"><a href="//www.phoronix.com/image-viewer.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_5_lrg" target="_blank"><img src="//www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_5_med" alt="Supermicro H13SSL-N motherboard" /></a></p> <p>With this test server needing not any 10Gb Ethernet or any other non-standard / advanced I/O features and working to keep costs to a minimum, the Supermicro H13SSL-N was the best choice I could find of the readily available options. The Supermicro H13SSL-N is available from a number of Internet retailers for $669~690 USD or as high as $989 at Amazon.</p> <p align="center"><a href="//www.phoronix.com/image-viewer.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_8_lrg" target="_blank"><img src="//www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_8_med" alt="Supermicro H13SSL-N rear I/O ports" /></a></p> <p>I ended up buying the Supermicro H13SSL-N from Wiredzone for $632 USD. Besides being the lowest price I could find, Wiredzone uses drop shipping from Supermicro to fulfill the order... So in advance I asked them if they could indeed confirm/request with Supermicro that I receive a 2.x board revision for EPYC 9005 series support and they were happy to oblige. Sure enough, I ended up receiving a Supermicro H13SSL-N R2.0 board with EPYC 9005 series support out-of-the-box paired with their BIOS 3.0 release. It took about two weeks for delivery but was otherwise a nice experience from Wiredzone and able to buy the MBD-H13SSL-N for the lowest price and ensure EPYC 9005 series support.</p> <p align="center"><a href="//www.phoronix.com/image-viewer.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_10_lrg" target="_blank"><img src="//www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_10_med" alt="Supermicro H13SSL-N server setup with AMD EPYC 9655" /></a></p> <p>The Supermicro H13SSL-N has been working out well in my testing thus far. Currently running with a 400 Watt <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/review/amd-epyc-9655">EPYC 9655</a> 96-core / 192-thread processor, 12 x 64GB DDR5-6000 memory, NVMe storage, and a variety of Linux distributions have all been working out fine on this board.</p> <p align="center"><a href="//www.phoronix.com/image-viewer.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_11_lrg" target="_blank"><img src="//www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_11_med" alt="Supermicro H13SSL-N BMC" /></a></p> <p>While some Supermicro servers are using OpenBMC these days, this motherboard is not. The conventional Supermicro web-based BMC interface works out fine, there is Redfish API support available, and the HTML5 KVM viewer continues to work out well.</p> <p align="center"><a href="//www.phoronix.com/image-viewer.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_12_lrg" target="_blank"><img src="//www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_12_med" alt="Supermicro H13SSL-N BMC" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="//www.phoronix.com/image-viewer.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_13_lrg" target="_blank"><img src="//www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_13_med" alt="Supermicro H13SSL-N HTML5 KVM viewer" /></a></p> <p>Within a number of upcoming articles you'll be able to find AMD EPYC Turin benchmarks on the Supermicro H13SSL-N as I use it to carry out a number of other focused/follow-up benchmarks in addition to ongoing tests from the AMD Volcano reference platform. In my testing thus far the Supermicro H13SSL-N is working out well.</p> <p align="center"><a href="//www.phoronix.com/image-viewer.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_9_lrg" target="_blank"><img src="//www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=supermicro-h13ssln-epyc-turin&image=supermicro_turin_9_med" alt="Supermicro H13SSL-N motherboard view" /></a></p> <p>The &quot;TLDR&quot; is that if you are looking at assembling an AMD EPYC 9005 series server for up to 400 Watt SKUs and with up to 12 channel memory and not needing any extra onboard features like faster networking or other specialized I/O, the Supermicro H13SSL-N is an interesting ATX motherboard that can be bought today with 5th Gen AMD EPYC support and priced competitively.</p> </div> + + + Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 Enters Beta With Many New Features & Updates + Michael Larabel + https://www.phoronix.com/news/Red-Hat-RHEL-10-Beta + https://www.phoronix.com/news/Red-Hat-RHEL-10-Beta + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:26:30 +0000 + <div class="content"> <div style="float: left; padding: 0 10px 10px;"><img alt="RED HAT" src="https://www.phoronix.com/assets/categories/redhat.webp" width="100" height="100" /></div> The first public beta of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 (RHEL 10) was released on Wednesday with a wide variety of new/updated packages, new features, and other changes over RHEL 9. <br /> <br />There is a lot in store for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 with the beta release bringing changes such as: <br /> <br />- The graphics system for the install image switched from X.Org to Wayland. <br /> <br />- Within the RHEL 10 installer, newly created users will have administrative privileges by default unless un-checking the option. <br /> <br />- Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) support for the graphical remote access replaces VNC usage. <br /> <br />- Some prominent versions of software packages available in the RHEL 10 Beta include Python 3.12, PHP 8.3, Perl 5.40, Ruby 3.3, Node.js 22, Git 2.45, MySQL 8.4, PostgreSQL 16, MariaDB 10.11, and Valkey 7.2. <br /> <br />- GCC 14.2 provides the default compiler stack with RHEL 10.0 Beta including glibc 2.39, Binutils 2.41, and other updated toolchain components. LLVM 18.1.8 is also available with RHEL 10 Beta as is Rust 1.79. <br /> <br />- There's a new file browser available from the Cockpit web console via the cockpit-files package for more easily managing files and directories within that convenient web interface. <br /> <br />- RHEL 10 targets the x86-64-v3 micro-architecture feature level for AMD and Intel CPUs. <br /> <br />- The Linux 6.11 kernel is powering the RHEL 10.0 Beta. <br /> <br />- Among the new device drivers in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 are the IAA accelerator and QuickAssist drivers by default. There is also now the AMD PMF and HSMP drivers, and others. <br /> <br />- Available as a technical preview feature is AMD SEV / SEV-ES / SEV-SNP support for KVM virtual machines. <br /> <br />- The Composefs file-system is available as a technology preview. <br /> <br />- Dropped support for GFS2 file-systems. <br /> <br />- PulseAudio has been removed from RHEL 10 in favor of PipeWire. <br /> <br />More details on the Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 Beta changes via the <a href="https://docs.redhat.com/en/documentation/red_hat_enterprise_linux/10-beta/">RedHat.com documentation</a>. Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10.0 is expected to be out in H1'2025.</div> + + + AMD 3D V-Cache Optimizer Driver To Be Merged For Linux 6.13 + Michael Larabel + https://www.phoronix.com/news/AMD-3DV-Optimizer-Linux-6.13 + https://www.phoronix.com/news/AMD-3DV-Optimizer-Linux-6.13 + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 13:39:19 +0000 + <div class="content"> <div style="float: left; padding: 0 10px 10px;"><img alt="AMD" src="https://www.phoronix.com/assets/categories/amd.webp" width="100" height="100" /></div> Last month AMD Linux engineers posted patches for <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/news/AMD-3DV-Cache-Optimizer-Linux">a 3D V-Cache Optimizer driver for Linux</a> that allows the user to communicate their cache vs. frequency preference depending upon workload and for the 3D V-Cache processors where some CCDs have the larger cache but not all. That driver is now ready for appearing in the upcoming <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/search/Linux+6.13">Linux 6.13</a> kernel. <br /> <br />The Ryzen X3D processors with 3D V-Cache for some core complex dies (CCDs) but not all can now have a bias set under Linux whether it should be optimized for frequency mode or cache mode. When the 3D V-Cache optimizer driver is set to frequency mode, cores with the faster CCD are prioritized over the larger cache but lower clocked CCD. <br /> <br />Alternatively, the "cache mode" of the 3D V-Cache Optimizer Driver sets the preference to cores within the CCD where there is the larger L3 cache before the CCD with the smaller L3 cache. <br /><p align="center"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=2024&image=amd_x3d_mode" alt="amd_x3d_mode documentation" /></p> <br />The 3D V-Cache frequency vs. cache mode preference with this driver can be set by users via the <strong>/sys/bus/platform/drivers/amd_x3d_vcache/AMDI0101\:00/amd_x3d_mode</strong> file. Writing a value to that sysfs file of "frequency" will set the frequency mode while "cache" will set the cache mode. Of course, reading from that file will tell you what mode the optimizer driver is currently functioning. <br /><p align="center"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=2024&image=amd_3dvcache_driver_queued" alt="AMD 3D V-Cache Optimizer Driver for Linux 6.13" /></p> <br />As of yesterday the AMD 3D V-Cache Optimizer Driver "amd_3d_vcache" was queued into <a href="https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/pdx86/platform-drivers-x86.git/log/?h=for-next">platform-drivers-x86.git's for-next branch</a>. With it hitting that branch, it's now set to be merged for the upcoming Linux 6.13 merge window. The Linux 6.13 merge window is expected to begin next week while the stable Linux 6.13 kernel won't be out until around late January or early February. Some Linux distributions though <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/news/CachyOS-November-2024">like CachyOS have already decided to back-port this driver</a> for their kernel builds.</div> + + + Linux 6.13 To Tune Intel Granite Rapids For Better Performance Out-Of-The-Box + Michael Larabel + https://www.phoronix.com/news/Linux-6.13-Granite-Rapids-EPP + https://www.phoronix.com/news/Linux-6.13-Granite-Rapids-EPP + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 12:02:16 +0000 + <div class="content"> <div style="float: left; padding: 0 10px 10px;"><img alt="INTEL" src="https://www.phoronix.com/assets/categories/intel.webp" width="100" height="100" /></div> A patch queued yesterday ino the Linux power management subsystem's "linux-next" branch ahead of the upcoming Linux 6.13 merge window will tune Intel Xeon Granite Rapids processors for better performance out-of-the-box. <br /> <br />For running with Intel Xeon Granite Rapids (including upcoming Granite Rapids D processors) with the Intel P-State "powersave" governor as is commonly the default on Ubuntu and other Linux distributions, Granite Rapids will enjoy better performance with Linux 6.13. <br /> <br />The change is adjusting the performance of the Energy Performance Preference (EPP) value in the balance_performance mode. This won't have an impact though if you are already running Granite Rapids with the "performance" governor. <br /> <br /><a href="https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/rafael/linux-pm.git/commit/?h=linux-next&id=00e2c199cb3780357790852502a74719d14554ec">The patch</a> queued ahead of Linux 6.13 explains: <br /><blockquote>cpufreq: intel_pstate: Update Balance-performance EPP for Granite Rapids <br /> <br />Update EPP default for balance_performance to 32. <br /> <br />This will give better performance out of the box using Intel P-State powersave governor while still offering power savings compared to performance governor. <br /> <br />This is in line with what has already been done for Emerald Rapids and Sapphire Rapids.</blockquote> <br />Indeed it was just earlier this year that <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/news/Linux-6.11-Lands-EMR-EPP-Update">the EPP for Emerald Rapids was tuned</a> for better performance. It's a bit surprising that Granite Rapids wasn't tuned at that time or any point prior to today, two months after these Xeon 6 P-core processors were announced. <br /><p align="center"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=intel-xeon-6980p&image=intel_xeon6980p_1s_1_med" alt="Intel Granite Rapids CPU" /></p> <br />The Linux 6.13 merge window is expected to open next week while the stable Linux 6.13 kernel will be out around late January or early February. It's also possible this straight-forward Intel P-State patch may get back-ported to existing stable kernel versions. In any event look for better Granite Rapids performance for those using the default "powersave" governor.</div> + + + Linux To Allow Disabling TPM PCR Integrity Protection Due To Performance Bottleneck + Michael Larabel + https://www.phoronix.com/news/Linux-TPM-Disable-PCR-Integrity + https://www.phoronix.com/news/Linux-TPM-Disable-PCR-Integrity + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 11:35:49 +0000 + <div class="content"> <div style="float: left; padding: 0 10px 10px;"><img alt="LINUX SECURITY" src="https://www.phoronix.com/assets/categories/linuxsecurity.webp" width="100" height="100" /></div> Linux 6.10 introduced <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/news/Linux-610-TPM-Encrypt-Integrity">TPM bus encryption and integrity protection</a> for enhancing the Trusted Platform Module support to protect against interposers from compromising them with TPM sniffing attacks. There is now a new option being added to opt-out of this protection due to a discovered performance bottleneck. <br /> <br />Merged yesterday ahead of the Linux 6.12 stable kernel release is a measure to allow disabling PCR integrity protection with the TPM driver. Opting out of this added security protection is being done since a performance hit was realized with the Integrity Measurement Architecture (IMA). <br /><p align="center"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=2024&image=tpm" alt="TPM module" /></p> <br />The <a href="https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=27184f8905ba680f22abf1707fbed24036a67119">commit</a> to Linux 6.12 Git yesterday explains: <br /><blockquote>"The initial HMAC session feature added TPM bus encryption and/or integrity protection to various in-kernel TPM operations. This can cause performance bottlenecks with IMA, as it heavily utilizes PCR extend operations. <br /> <br />In order to mitigate this performance issue, introduce a kernel command-line parameter to the TPM driver for disabling the integrity protection for PCR extend operations (i.e. TPM2_PCR_Extend)."</blockquote> <br />The <strong>tpm.disable_pcr_integrity=</strong> kernel command line parameter is added to allow disabling the PCR integrity protection. <br /><p align="center"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=2024&image=tpm_disable_integrity" alt="TPM module" /></p> <br />The default behavior is leaving PCR integrity protection enabled for Linux x86_64 systems.</div> + + + Intel Touch Host Controller "THC" Driver Support Being Worked On For Linux + Michael Larabel + https://www.phoronix.com/news/Intel-Touch-Host-Controller + https://www.phoronix.com/news/Intel-Touch-Host-Controller + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 11:20:34 +0000 + <div class="content"> <div style="float: left; padding: 0 10px 10px;"><img alt="INTEL" src="https://www.phoronix.com/assets/categories/intel.webp" width="100" height="100" /></div> The newest Linux driver being developed by Intel is for the Touch Host Controller (THC) as a new high performance input tech for enhancing touch screen, touch pad, and stylus input handling. <br /> <br />Intel Touch Host Controller IP originates from the Tigerlake days but has been extended since -- most recently for Lunar Lake with industrial standard HID over I2C support. Intel engineer Even Xu explains in the patch series introducing Intel THC support for Linux: <br /><blockquote>"THC IP now evoluates to V4, it can support 3 different modes: IPTS, HIDSPI and HIDI2C. Here are upgrade history: <br />- THC v1, for TGL/LKF, supports intel private IPTS (Intel Precise Touch and Stylus) protocol ( IPTS mode) <br />- THC v2, for ADL, add industrial standard HID over SPI protocol support (HIDSPI mode) <br />- THC v3, for MTL, enhance HID over SPI mode <br />- THC v4, for LNL, add inudstrial standard HID over I2C protocol support (HIDI2C mode) <br /> <br />Linux Surface community already implemented IPTS mode. These patch series provides THC HIDSPI mode and THC HIDI2C mode support on Linux. <br /> <br />These patch series includes: <br />1. Document for THC hardware and software introduction. <br />2. Intel THC Hardware layer driver which provides control interfaces for protocol layer. <br />3. Intel QuickSPI (R) driver working as a HIDSPI device driver which implements HID over SPI protocol and flow. <br />4. Intel QuickI2C (R) driver working as a HIDI2C device driver which implements HID over I2C protocol and flow."</blockquote> <br />This is some nearly 8k lines of code working out this new Intel THC driver support for Linux systems. <br /><p align="center"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=2024&image=intel_thc_hid" alt="Intel THC" /></p> <br /><a href="https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/20241114053416.4085715-2-even.xu@intel.com/">This documentation patch</a> covers more details on the Intel THC architecture. If Intel THC support interests you, learn more via <a href="https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/20241114053416.4085715-1-even.xu@intel.com/">this patch series</a>.</div> + + + Bcachefs Squeezes More Fixes Into Linux 6.12 + Michael Larabel + https://www.phoronix.com/news/Bcachefs-Fixes-Linux-6.12-Final + https://www.phoronix.com/news/Bcachefs-Fixes-Linux-6.12-Final + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 11:07:57 +0000 + <div class="content"> <div style="float: left; padding: 0 10px 10px;"><img alt="LINUX STORAGE" src="https://www.phoronix.com/assets/categories/linuxstorage.webp" width="100" height="100" /></div> Ahead of the expected final <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/search/Linux+6.12">Linux 6.12</a> stable kernel release this weekend, a last round of <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/search/Bcachefs">Bcachefs</a> file-system fixes were submitted today for this next kernel version. <br /> <br />This latest round of Bcachefs fixes contain a number of small Syzbot fixes brought up by the Syzkaller kernel fuzzer. There is also a fix for a case where the btree write buffer wasn't being flushed on the shutdown path and thus leading to shutting down while operations were still in flight. That shutdown fix is expected to address a range of problems. <br /> <br />While <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/news/Bcachefs-Failures-Drop-40p">Bcachefs has been hunting down remaining bugs</a> and reported a 40% drop over the prior month, Bcachefs lead developer Kent Overstreet warned in today's pull request that more bugs are on the horizon. When enabling Bcachefs self-healing support it's expected to bring in another wave of Syzbot bugs. Overstret explained: <br /><blockquote>"test dashboard is looking good, rebasing to rc6 fixed the crazy hangs we were seeing on rc1... <br /> <br />(and they were crazy; processes were getting stuck on inode lock when lockdep said nothing was holding it). <br /> <br />this fixes one minor regression from the btree cache fixes in the last pull request (in the scan_for_btree_nodes repair path) - and the shutdown path fix is the big one here, in terms of bugs closed. <br /> <br />so I would say things are slowing down here, except now that I've got an easy way to run syzbot reproducers I'm noticing that we're losing a lot of coverage because mainly we're mostly bailing out when we see something corrupt. When self healing is flipped on for more stuff there's probably going to be another flood of syzbot stuff..."</blockquote> <br />See <a href="https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/seaiutwvlv35bllqy55ajospsaiynelevpcmov7kax4txomo3c@uam4pyhzmzuu/">the pull request</a> for the latest batch of Bcachefs fixes.</div> + + + AMD Developing Next-Gen Fortran Compiler Based On Flang, Optimized For AMD GPUs + Michael Larabel + https://www.phoronix.com/news/AMD-Next-Gen-Fortran-Compiler + https://www.phoronix.com/news/AMD-Next-Gen-Fortran-Compiler + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:15:08 +0000 + <div class="content"> <div style="float: left; padding: 0 10px 10px;"><img alt="AMD" src="https://www.phoronix.com/assets/categories/amd.webp" width="100" height="100" /></div> AMD today went public with details on the "AMD Next-Gen Fortran Compiler" as a new Fortran compiler they are working on based on LLVM's Flang. <br /> <br />The AMD Next-Gen Fortran Compiler is a new open-source Fortran compiler focused on OpenMP offloading to AMD GPUs with a direct interface to ROCm and HIP. <br /><p align="center"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=2024&image=amd_next_gen_fortran" alt="AMD Next-Gen Fortran Compiler" /></p> <br />This downstream of Flang is focused on AMD GPU offloading and interacting with the ROCm compute stack. This downstream is open-source and tested across various Linux distributions while using the ROCm driver. <br /> <br />This is akin to AMD's <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/search/AOMP">AOMP</a> compiler efforts as their LLVM downstream focused on providing the latest OpenMP offload support to AMD GPUs... But at least for now this "next-gen" compiler is being developed via a separate codebase from AOMP. <br /> <br />This also isn't to be confused with AMD's CPU compiler efforts... Over in <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/search/AOCC">AOCC</a> land for the AMD Optimizing C/C++ Compiler they have already been shipping a Flang version for Fortran support catered to the AMD Zen-based processors. But with this Next-Gen Fortran Compiler it's on the GPU front. Yes, AMD's multiple downstreams of LLVM for different product families can get a bit confusing and overlapping in some areas. <br /> <br />AMD today published <a href="https://rocm.blogs.amd.com/ecosystems-and-partners/fortran-journey/README.html">this ROCm blog post</a> outlining their Next-Gen Fortran Compiler. For now at least the GitHub repository being worked on for this new Fortran compiler is under <a href="https://github.com/amd/InfinityHub-CI/tree/main/fortran">AMD's InfinityHub CI tree</a>.</div> + + + diff --git a/ScribbleHub&context=List&url=https:__www.scribblehub.com_series-finder_?sf=1&gi=6&tgi=1088&sort=dateadded b/ScribbleHub&context=List&url=https:__www.scribblehub.com_series-finder_?sf=1&gi=6&tgi=1088&sort=dateadded new file mode 100644 index 000000000..98ce036b8 --- /dev/null +++ b/ScribbleHub&context=List&url=https:__www.scribblehub.com_series-finder_?sf=1&gi=6&tgi=1088&sort=dateadded @@ -0,0 +1,734 @@ + + + + Scribble Hub List - Series Finder + Scribble Hub List - Series Finder + https://www.scribblehub.com/series-finder/?sf=1&gi=6&tgi=1088&sort=dateadded + + + + https://scribblehub.com/favicon.ico + Scribble Hub List - Series Finder + https://www.scribblehub.com/series-finder/?sf=1&gi=6&tgi=1088&sort=dateadded + + + Friendly Fyre [Gender-bender Cozy Kingdom Builder] + KiaLeep + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1296773/friendly-fyre-genderbender-cozy-kingdom-builder/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1296773-friendly-fyre-genderbender-cozy-kingdom-builder/chapter/1299858/#comments + 4e447495f3dab7cbdcfcd6a7ec959c58970b1aff + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 14:13:37 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Reborn as the Dark Lord... Born to make friends.</p> <p>After living 50 years as a human scientist, being reborn as a fire-wielding harpy is a bit of a shock. Not to mention, Fyre now has the physiology one might expect from someone with two X chromosomes—along with that of a bird. However she's much more concerned about the Role that's appeared at the bottom of her game-like stats sheet: The Dark Lord.</p> <p>That's probably fine... Right?</p> <p>Stuck in a freezing cave, Fyre forms a pact with a ravenous and morally ambiguous Dungeon Core, which helps tunnel a path to civilization. Though she now has some semblance of shelter, the community she joins is barely scraping by itself. But with the power of her fire—and science!—she believes she can help build a thriving metropolis.</p> <p>There's just one hang up: These people were forsaken by the gods for the very power Fyre now wields. She can't abandon the lives of the people who have come to rely on her. But reviving the lost civilization might mean incurring the wrath of the heavens—and embracing her role of The Dark Lord.</p> <p>What to expect:</p> <p>- A trans MC (there's the genderbender tag for a reason!)<br /> - Cozy kingdom building<br /> - A unique take on Dungeon Cores<br /> - Magic approached from a scientific perspective<br /> - Girl Love (BUT it's a very slow burn! Like, only expect the smallest flickers of feelings to start developing in the first 50 chapters!)</p> <p>Post Schedule: 5 days a week for the first month</p> <p>Note: This is a spin-off of the Glass Kanin series, however this book is written as a stand-alone! You do NOT have to have read the Kanin books in order to understand and enjoy this novel - but you might catch some references if you do!<br /> Also, this is cross-posted from RoyalRoad! You can find me there under the same username. </p> <p>Discord Link: https://discord.com/invite/qPHDuVw9XK</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1296773-friendly-fyre-genderbender-cozy-kingdom-builder/chapter/1299858/"><div class="chapter-title">Chapter 1 – Phoenix</div></a></h3><div class="chp_raw" id="chp_raw"><p><em>So this is what dying feels like,</em> I think.</p> <p>There’s no fear. No sadness. Just clinical observation as the pain fades from my chest, and the surrounding cubicle walls are consumed by the darkness of my tunneling vision.</p> <p>Died at my desk, was it? They always said I would. Ah, well. It was a good run. Over fifty years. Not as long as I would have liked, but longer than some. My life doesn’t flash before my eyes as my consciousness fades, but I do think about the big moments. Marriage. Divorce. The nurse placing my daughter in my arms.</p> <p>It’s only then that sorrow crashes through me. Becoming a father was my greatest joy, and my greatest failure. I would have liked to have seen her one last time.</p> <p>As sight, sound, and sensation leave me, all I can do is heave a mental sigh of regret. I suppose now comes The Great Mystery. Afterlife or oblivion? Reincarnation, or something inconceivable? It will be interesting to finally know, if nothing else.</p> <p>Abruptly, malice closes around me. It licks at my essence like acid, faintly eating away at my mind. I try to flinch away from this new, horrific sensation, but it seems to be everywhere, and the more I struggle, the more I can’t make sense of where I am, or what I’m experiencing. I spiral with disorientation, all comprehension of time and space slipping away from me. All I understand is that this is bad—existentially bad—and I need to escape.</p> <p>As the biting void whirls around me, I encounter a tiny, fragile grain of kindness suspended in the enmity, like the faint glow of a candle in the dark. I try to move toward it, and surprisingly find I’m able to. I huddle close and begin to notice other small flickering lights nearby as well. I can’t <em>see</em> them, exactly, but I can <em>feel </em>them there. Other… <em>presences</em>.</p> <p><em>I’m sorry.</em> The words come from the small spark of warmth. <em>I didn’t mean for this to happen. I’m sorry. </em></p> <p><em>Hello?</em> I try to reply. The other lights—people?—are also emitting confusion, fear, curiosity. <em>What’s wrong? </em>I ask. <em>Where are we? What can we do?</em></p> <p>If the light hears me, it doesn’t respond. I’m not sure how I can tell, but I can sense it struggling to not go out. Struggling to not be swallowed by the hunger. Its attention is elsewhere—external? I try to cast my mind outward as well and am rewarded with a chaotic tangle of sensations. A blur of colors, the stinging smell of the sea, a distant roar like a waterfall, and feelings of hatred and famine that aren’t mine, pounding at me from every angle. I—my mind—my soul?—begins to ache.</p> <p><em>“...hoping you’d forgotten about me…”</em></p> <p>With a surge of anger, an impression of movement passes through me. Time and space feel more concrete again. I’m being lurched around even as the darkness continues to eat at me, like I’m slowly being digested in the belly of a giant beast.</p> <p>Something is happening outside. A struggle. The hungry dark is exuding a sense of triumph—which suddenly shifts to hesitation, then alarm, then everything is illuminated with a burst of light.</p> <p>The world careens around me once more, and now the maelstrom of emotions are injured, upset, desperate. I can almost feel myself slipping from the grasp of the dark cloud of hunger. I can feel its viscosity thinning. Then—</p> <p>Pain slams through me. For a moment, the acidic corrosion magnifies a thousand fold, stripping my essence away.</p> <p><em>It’s going to eat me,</em> I realize. And there’s nothing I can do to stop it.</p> <p>Then, just as abruptly, it evaporates. The other minds are gone. That single spark of warmth has vanished. I’m left alone with the lingering pain of an intangible wound as I fade into the world.</p> <hr /> <p>I take in a shuddering breath, the cold of my surroundings immediately digging its claws into my skin. I blink my eyes rapidly, but can see nothing. This isn’t the same nothing I’d previously experienced, however—that was a true absence of sight. This is just dark. Pitch black. Like I’m in the bowels of a cave.</p> <p>What even <em>was</em> that? Was it real? A strange dream? I thought I had died. I touch a hand to my chest, recalling the moment I felt my heart stop. My fingers run over something soft, like a downy blanket, but beneath it I can feel the steady beat of my pulse. Well. I seem to be alive now. But where am I?</p> <p>I groan, rolling onto my side as the cold, hard ground grinds against my hip bone. Maybe I <em>am</em> in a cave. There’s freezing stone beneath my hands, and I still can’t see anything. My body feels strange and clunky, as if each movement is not exactly what I intend it to be. A shiver runs through me, cold prickling all over my body. Am I going numb? I might be experiencing early stages of hypothermia. If I don’t do something to warm up soon, I’ll be in trouble.</p> <p>[New user established. Populating stats.]</p> <p>I tip my head at the feminine voice. Not a human voice, though. Vaguely mechanical, like something out of an arcade.</p> <p>“Hello?” I call. I clear my throat. My voice doesn’t sound right. “Is someone there?”</p> <p><em>Definitely </em>not right. My voice has always been quiet and slightly croaky—like I had a cold I couldn’t quite get rid of. The words coming out of my mouth presently are the same low alto they’ve always been, but now they’re warm and smooth, like all the roughness has been sanded away.</p> <p>Also, they’re distinctly feminine.</p> <p>“What…” I trail off, touching my throat. Something soft and skin-tight is covering my neck as well. The covering ruffles as I run my fingers over it, but doesn’t come away. What’s happening? Where am I? There’s too many questions to process at once.</p> <p>[Compilation complete. Role assigned. Displaying stats.]</p> <p style="text-align:center">[Name: Faber]</p> <p style="text-align:center">[Species: Harpy]</p> <p style="text-align:center">[Subspecies: Phoenix]</p> <p style="text-align:center">[Class: Psion]</p> <p style="text-align:center">[Level: 20]</p> <p style="text-align:center">[HP: 100/100]</p> <p style="text-align:center">[Mana: 200/200]</p> <p style="text-align:center">[Role: The Dark Lord]</p> <p>My mind spins as words abruptly appear in the dark. I reach a blind hand out, but no light reflects onto my skin. Somehow I instinctively recognize the words, like the voice, are not physical, but inside my own head.</p> <p>I’d think this were a dream if it didn’t all feel so real. The stone is hard and cold beneath me, and my breathing echoes in the cave around me. I shudder against the freezing air, and I suspect if I could see, my breath would be fogging. Whatever strange thing is happening, whomever this voice is and however I got here, one thing is clear enough: I’m in danger of perishing if I don’t find shelter soon.</p> <p>I push myself up onto my hands and knees, the feeling of acute physical strangeness persisting with the motion. It’s not numbness, I can tell that now. Something is different. My limbs keep getting in the way of each other, bending oddly, my feet scraping strangely across the floor. I reach a hand back to try to feel what’s going on, and I bump into my arm. But it’s not my arm. What’s this?</p> <p>I stretch my limbs out, then flinch, hissing in a startled breath as <em>six</em> limbs respond to the instinct.</p> <p>“What’s happening?” I wonder in that warm, unfamiliar voice.</p> <p>Tentatively, I reach back again, touching the extra set of limbs that shouldn’t be there. My fingers encounter soft resistance, skimming across a series of velvety… well, I know what they are just from touch, but it’s difficult to bring myself to believe it.</p> <p>Feathers?</p> <p>I trace the wing down to my back, where the limb appears to be fixed along my lower spine, just above the hips.</p> <p><em>Harpy</em>. The word comes to me unbidden as my attention flickers back to those strange words fixed in the corner of my vision. <em>Phoenix</em>.</p> <p>I huff out a disbelieving laugh. This might not be a dream, but it certainly can’t be coherent, sane thought. A hallucination? Drugs, or a concussion, or…</p> <p>I shiver. Death?</p> <p>The heart attack was so vivid. I was so sure I had died, and maybe I had.</p> <p>A faint pressure of anxiety squeezes around my heart. I take in a shuddering breath, and let it out slowly. No, I can’t let myself panic. Fear impedes reason. I have to keep myself together. Think through all this rationally. There’s a logical explanation for everything—even if that explanation is one I won’t like.</p> <p>Like being dead.</p> <p>But even if that’s true, it doesn’t make what I’m experiencing any more sensible. “I’m not <em>really</em> a harpy, am I?”</p> <p>[Affirmative.]</p> <p>I freeze. Did the voice just respond to me?</p> <p>[Affirmative.]</p> <p>In my mind, too! Unless it was only a coincidence. I decide to test that hypothesis. <em>Can you really hear me?</em> I think.</p> <p>[Affirmative,] the voice repeats.</p> <p>I shake my head at the absurdity of it all. But at least I have someone to speak to—someone who might be able to give me answers.</p> <p><em>What are you?</em> I think, deciding that’s less unsettling than hearing my new voice. <em>Are you a person? A program?</em></p> <p>[This unit is a clone of the unit designated Echo,] Echo says. [This audiovisual display acts as the interface between your neuromagical pathways and the extraplanar arcane network which governs select users’ metaphysical evolution within the System.]</p> <p>That’s a lot of interesting words. <em>There’s other users in this… System?</em></p> <p>[Affirmative.]</p> <p><em>How many?</em> I ask. <em>Are there any nearby?</em></p> <p>[This unit does not have access to that data,] Echo says.</p> <p><em>Can you ping anyone?</em> I wonder. <em>Escalate a service request?</em></p> <p>[Command not recognized.]</p> <p>I smile slightly to myself. Well, it was worth a shot.</p> <p><em>Alright, then, Echo. How else can you help me?</em> I shift into a more comfortable sitting position, blinking against the black, uncomfortably trying to ignore the existence of my wings. <em>Don’t suppose you can summon a blanket to warm me up?</em></p> <p>[Negative,] Echo says, which pulls a small, unsurprised chuckle from me. But then she says something that <em>is </em>surprising. [However, the user may create a source of warmth via spell activation.]</p> <p>I blink. “Spell?”</p> <p>[List of user’s known spells,] Echo recites.</p> <p>[Spark: Summon a small flame maintained above the caster’s hand. Mana cost: 1 per minute. Required affinity: Fire.]</p> <p>[Blaze: Summon a flame of variable size and shape capable of moving with the caster’s intent. Mana cost: 10 per cubic yard per second. Required affinity: Fire.]</p> <p>[Psionic Touch: Communicate telepathically with any thinking entity while maintaining physical contact with the target. Required Class: Psion. Mana cost: 1 mana per 5 seconds.]</p> <p>I reel with this new information. She can’t mean <em>magic</em>? I can’t do magic. I’m an engineer!</p> <p>Or, was.</p> <p>I struggle to wrap my mind around what Echo is saying. Magic flies against everything I’ve ever known. Everything I’ve ever studied, and every assumption I’ve ever made in my career.</p> <p>Then again, magic is just a word. Perhaps there is a rational system here, merely hiding beneath the veneer of mysticism. I suppose whichever way the coin falls, there’s only one way to find out. Even if my well-being didn’t hinge on the immediate need to find a source of warmth, my curiosity wouldn’t allow me to dismiss all this out of hand.</p> <p><em>Alright, Echo,</em> I think, trying to suppress my skepticism. <em>How do I go about casting Spark?</em></p> <p>[The user may activate the relevant arcanum simply by envisioning the spell, though audio cues typically assist in concentration.]</p> <p>Sounds a bit wishy-washy to me. But I won’t knock it until I try it. I hold my hand out in front of me, still invisible in the complete darkness. I imagine a fire there, hovering in my palm, warming my shivering body, and I say, “Spark.”</p> <p>Light flares into existence. I jerk my head away and squeeze my eyes shut as the light stabs into my skull, and a white sphere is burned into my vision. But the warmth that kisses my face, hand, and arms is unmistakable.</p> <p>Cautiously, I peek an eye back open. There, nestled in the palm of my hand, the size of a peach, is a flickering orange flame. I stare at it in awe. I made this? This came from me?</p> <p><em>It’s too close to my hand, </em>I realize. Practically resting on my skin. Yet, it only feels pleasantly warm. A wonderful, soothing warmth that’s already spreading down my arm and driving the fangs of cold away. I bring it closer to my chest to try to warm the rest of my body as well. <em>Why isn’t it burning me?</em> I ask Echo.</p> <p>[In addition to providing the Fire Affinity, harpies with the subspecies of “phoenix” are allotted Fire Damage and Burn Effect resistance,] Echo says.</p> <p>I snort at that. Clearly. Of course.</p> <p>But I’m only fire resistant, I note. Not fireproof. Good to remember as I use this ability to stave off hypothermia.</p> <p>I gingerly bring my other hand close to warm over the fire, then pause as light spills over my arm. It’s covered in a layer of delicate feathers, and my fingers are sharpened into claws. It’s such a bizarre sight. I can’t <em>really</em> be a harpy now, can I? How does that even happen? What’s caused all this?</p> <p>Questions neither I nor Echo, it seems, have an answer to. Instead, I move my cupped hand of fire up and down my limbs in fascination, warming myself as I get my first look at this strange new body.</p> <p>The feathers are all the colors of a sunrise. Purple, red, orange, pink, yellow. A burst of warm colors to rival the flames in my fingers. The feathers are shorter on my arms and longer on my main body. And longest, of course, on my wings. I timidly stretch one out: The tip vanishes into the darkness, but even then I can tell it’s around six feet long. I frown. A wingspan of twelve feet? That shouldn’t be nearly enough to produce sufficient lift for flight. How much do I weigh, at any rate? I don’t <em>feel</em> like I have the hollow bones of a bird.</p> <p>[Weight: 45 kg,] Echo reports.</p> <p>Hm. Handy. <em>Are there other numbers you can display?</em></p> <p>[Most physical or quantifiable attributes can be displayed.]</p> <p>Interesting. But there you have it: I might have lost a little weight, but I’m still much too heavy for flight. At least, according to aerodynamics.</p> <p>Carefully and awkwardly folding the wing back in, I catch a glimpse of my fire reflecting off something near my feet. Upon closer inspection, I find the light is reflecting off my feet themselves. If they can be called feet.</p> <p>Each of my legs each end in an eagle-like talon—three clawed toes in the front, one thumb-like claw in the rear. I flex the digits, and am rather disturbed by their immediate response, as if I’d somehow been expecting them to be false boots concealing my <em>actual</em> toes. But they’re real. As real as the wings.</p> <p>I take a steadying breath in, and slowly let it out. A breathing exercise I’d been doing as long as I could remember. This is all very strange, but it’s manageable. I can work with these new… <em>accessories</em>, at least as long as I need to in order to find out what’s going on and how I ended up in this state.</p> <p>It’s even a bit fitting—or perhaps, ironic is the better term. I spent my whole life obsessed with planes, learning aeronautics, dreaming about flight as birds passed overhead. And now I am one, of a sort.</p> <p>As I finish examining my feet, the firelight illuminates yet another change in my body parts—or rather, the lack of one.</p> <p>My eyebrows shoot up as I double check my body. That can’t be right. I run a hand down my chest, which feels rather flat, I think—though I suppose that wouldn’t be surprising for a bird. Coupled with my voice, and a specific lack of equipment…</p> <p><em>Echo,</em> I ask.<em> Am I a woman?</em></p> <p>[Sex: Female]</p> <p>[Gender: Undetermined]</p> <p>I stare at the word Female printed over the top of my vision. Harpies were always women in mythology, weren’t they? It shouldn’t be surprising. It makes sense. I suppose I should have put it all together right away.</p> <p>I lean back, trying to process this newest bit of information. My mind chews on it, forces it down the gullet, and reluctantly starts to digest.</p> <p>I died. I was reborn. I’m in the body of a harpy. I can do fire magic.</p> <p>And I’m a woman.</p> <p>I try to find the words to sum up my feelings on the subject. “Well this is all just… rather unexpected, isn’t it?”</p> </div> + + Comedy + Drama + Fantasy + Gender Bender + Isekai + LitRPG + Romance + Slice of Life + Animal Characteristics + Beast Companions + Caring Protagonist + Curious Protagonist + Destiny + Dragons + Engineer + Evil Religions + Fantasy World + Female Protagonist + Game Elements + Girl's Love Subplot + Kingdom Building + Leadership + Lost Civilizations + Male to Female + Mature Protagonist + Non-human Protagonist + Phoenixes + Prophecies + Psychic Powers + Reincarnated into Another World + Scientists + Sentient Objects + Transgender + + + But Mom, Boys can&#8217;t be Witches + ElenaV + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1297587/but-mom-boys-cant-be-witches/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1297587-but-mom-boys-cant-be-witches/chapter/1297591/#comments + ce911f7534434702fece67f8b30199bfd97c77da + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 13:13:38 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Reuben moved in with his estranged mom. His mom wants to start a new Coven, and insists Reuben should join. The problem. Reuben is a guy. But luckily, mom has a solution. </p> <p>Now Ruby joined her mom's coven, filled with older witches who are eager to teach her something. Maybe transitioning was not a bad thing after all. </p> <p>=========Extract=========</p> <p>"Mom, can you drive to dad's place first? My things are already packed."</p> <p>"No need. You won't be needing them."</p> <p>"But I don't even have any spare sets of clothes here."</p> <p>Mom reached closer, and ran her gloved hand through the inner lining of his tuxedo. "You look fine in this. But believe me when I say this, you won't need them again." A mysterious glint appeared in mom's eyes, something that worried Reuben, but he dismissed those thoughts.</p> <p>==========================================================</p> <p>Author Notes: </p> <p>This is just a side project to scratch that itch to produce smut while I focus on my other stories.<br /> Creative sugggestions for scenes/ideas are always welcome.</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1297587-but-mom-boys-cant-be-witches/chapter/1297591/"><div class="chapter-title">Chaper 1</div></a></h3><div class="chp_raw" id="chp_raw"><p style="text-align:justify">Reuben Galand gave a smile as wide as possible under the given circumstances. All around, family, friends and a few distant relatives from across the world cheered, a very jubilant and joyous occasion as they congratulated the newly-wed Mr. and Mrs. Galand.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben took a step aside, slowly sinking away from cheers, as his father Marcel carried his new wife in the traditional bridal carry.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">At 44, Marcel was still in his prime. No onset of the typical receding male hairline or the slight weight gain in the belly. Only twin streaks of gray hair along either temple were any indications of his father aging, and even that added an element of appeal to most women as well as for some men.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Nested cozily in his father's arms, Selina, his new stepmother, the now Mrs. Galand beamed a smile that would brighten a dark room. All eyes and smiles, directed at his father. Her bridal veil, a very flimsy and gossamer, thin fabric, trailed behind her, dancing on the floor. When his father was close to stepping on it accidentally, Reuben rushed. He gathered the delicate material, relished in the feel of the feathery soft fabric in his hands, before he gave it to Selina.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"You are so sweet," Selina whispered. She had one arm around his father's neck and the other clutched a handful of flowers. Fine satin gloves covered both her palms, reaching all the way above her elbows, with embedded pearls trailing along a barely perceptible crisscross pattern.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben gave a sheepish smile and sunk back into the crowd. A paradox. They had known each other since he was ten. Selina was eighteen at the time. They, that is, he and his father, had moved into this new neighbourhood, and Selina was this energetic teenager next door. Now, at the age of 18, Reuben would have loved nothing more than to revel in his new stepmother's happiness. The only problem was, he could not.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Just when he thought, he could disappear unnoticed, he bumped into Uncle Craven.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Kiddo, you good?" asked Uncle Craven as the tall imposing man slowly ushered Reuben away from the dance floor.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Just a few steps to the left were the men's rooms, and directly behind Uncle Craven was the exit. Reuben noted, already conjuring an excuse. It's either an urgent call to relieve a full bladder or come up with a justification for ushering guests. He considered the man blocking his path again, all square jaws and rigid back. The excuse to toilet will not work. Uncle Craven will probably accompany him there.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Just trying to help with ushering," replied Reuben.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Craven dismissed those words with a click of his tongue. "You know, your father would still want you here. You still fine with this?" The man pointed to himself. "I mean, Marcel wanted you to be the best man for his big day. " Then, he thrust a well folded paper in his hands. "Kiddo, there is still time. You can do the speech. Make your old man proud."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Many things could be said of the man before him. He was his father's best friend, the guy who used to sort of used to baby-sit Reuben with a six-pack of beer and sports on the television. Over the years, he went from being that always-available friend to that middle-aged guy who had small boxes in his cellar. Boxes which were labeled and filled with Christmas decorations, Halloween oddities, and which he regularly opened once a year to put up the decorations and kept them closed, till the following year. That is how, from Mr. Enders he became Uncle Craven, the quintessential family father.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben flicked the letter open, and gave a cursory glance. "Did you write it with Chatgpt?" He asked.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"I know you are intelligent, Reuben. Nothing escapes you." Craven gave a nervous laugh and scratched the back of his head. "In my days, we used to tell some embarrassing tale, add some naughty jokes, and called it a speech. Nowadays, you can't even do that. They come out very misogynistic, you see."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"You're preaching to the choir, Uncle." Reuben flipped the first page, read the next few sentences. Then flipped again, trying to find any amusing detail. There were none. Not like Chatgpt would know his father personally. Unlike Uncle Craven. So, he returned it.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Craven's vice-like grip on shoulders halted Reuben in his steps. For once, he wished he inherited his physical frame from his Father. Dad was sleek and yet muscle-defined, like an Olympic gymnast. Reuben, on the contrary, ended up being a low-budget duplicate of slenderman, an artefact from his mother. His *biological* mother, Reuben reminded himself.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Kiddo, you were barely two when I first met you." Craven's voice lowered to a gentle level. "And I have seen Marcel reject many a date, because as much as they desired your father, none of them could envision accommodating you in the core of their lives. Your father was single for a long, long time. And would have been that way for the rest of his life." The grip on Reuben's shoulder tightened, making a statement. "That is how much you mean to Marcel."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"I understand. I do." Reuben said with conviction. "But I am not that good with having the spotlight on me. You get it, Uncle?"</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Craven released his grip, gave a concerned look. "I am not talking about the speech. I mean, your decision to move in with *her*."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Craven, stop intimidating the boy." Reuben's deliverance came in the form of a sauntering Aunt Tasha, Uncle Craven's wife.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">She carried a flute of champagne in one raised hand and moved with an elegance that belittled everything around. Aunt Tasha always had that grace with her steps, almost ethereal, like she stumbled from a different realm to grace poor mortals on earth.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reaching closer, Tasha gave a small peck on Craven's lips. Not too long or tight, just short and quick enough to not get her makeup ruined, but still sufficient enough to convey the very alive intimacy between them.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben averted his gaze upwards to count at imaginary cowebs.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Shooing her husband away, Tasha ushered Reuben to his designated seat beside her. That arrangement suited Reuben fine. With Uncle Craven, occupied otherwise; it was just him, with Aunt Tasha and their twins.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Just four years younger than Reuben, he recalled a time when the twins considered him a hero, and followed him religiously. Then, puberty hit, and they became proverbial assholes. These days, they just screamed loser behind his back. They would probably not come close. There were plenty of other things that kept their attention, like forbidden alcohol and chocolate fondue fountains.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Let me get a drink." Reuben extracted himself for a brief twenty seconds, in which, he grabbed a flute of champagne, emptied its contents into a vase and filled it with lemonade. Satisfied, he returned to sit beside Aunt Tasha.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Still not used to wine, is it?" asked Aunt Tasha.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben placed his lemonade gently beside her flute of Champagne. "That obvious?" He smiled, keeping his gaze forward, determined to make himself look unfazed. "Not wine. I don't like bubbles."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Still avoiding direct questions, aren't you?" Tasha gave one brief pat. She flashed him her flawless smile, straight white teeth, lightly glossed lips. It was actually pleasing, after all, she was closer than his own mother.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">It struck Reuben that for all her complaints about growing older, which he had heard on occasions, Tasha appeared rather gorgeous. She carried herself regally. Then, she wore a nice dress. Satin beige cocktail dress hugged her frame, enhancing her tiny waistline. Her dress encapsulated everything feminine. Yet, Reuben realized it fit Tasha perfectly because it draped loosely past her waist, billowing gently along her hips.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Then, he considered his own attire for the event. Reuben sported a dark gray tuxedo because his father insisted that it complimented his rich mahogany brown hair colour, and he paired it with a set of dusted brown leather shoes. Pretty lame by any standards, but what else is left?</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Tasha wore a nice set of pearly white pumps with lime green straps accentuating the slenderness of her ankles. Selina, beneath the flowing hem of her bridal gown, sashayed on a bridal heels with faux-diamond straps. She had another pair of bridal flats safely tucked away in a seemingly innocent Louis Vuitton handbag now in the possession of her best friend. After the first dance as Mrs. Galand, she would quickly switch into her flats, because those were a more appropriate choice for a long day.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben knew it for a fact because, he accompanied her during the dress fitting. He even managed to stand in for her, during the rehearsal. Then Selina, exhausted from long tryouts with various bridal gowns, sat to rest her weary legs. Reuben even got to model for her while the bridal boutique girl, did the adjustments as Selina, seated on a comfy divan, listed few alterations.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Still, considering how rushed this marriage was, it is a marvel they managed to deliver her gown in time." Aunt Tasha said, catching him staring at his new stepmom. Her eyes lit up, as though she had an epiphany.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben scoffed at the term. *Stepmom*, might be a bit misnomer. Selina already claimed him as her own, even before the wedding. Her social media posts tagged him as her son. Not stepson.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Well," he murmured," would you believe if I say, she was the one who chased dad?"</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"I totally believe you." Aunt Tasha sealed the moment with a wink. Then, her tone turned serious. "But are you sure about moving with your mother? I mean, if you are concern about your dad's privacy, we have spare room. It could be arranged, Reuben. You don't have to go through this."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">He took her hands in his palms, and gave them a gentle squeeze of reassurance. That was Tasha. Always worried about him. In many ways, Tasha filled the role of his mother more than his own mother ever had.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"What could go wrong?" Reuben justified with just enough confidence to alleviate Tasha's concern. "She is my mom, after all."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Morgane could be a bit..." Tasha bit her lower lip, as though purchasing time to find the right word.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Eccentric? Crazy? Unhinged?" Reuben provided</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Unconventional is what I would have used." Tasha liberated her hand from his hold, and slowly relieved a dangling medallion from her neck.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben considered it for a moment. Very elegant design and also peculiar. Like the kind of gift, a Tolkien-nerd who could boast Sindarin comprehensive ability would give to his girlfriend. Uncle Craven definitely was not a Tolkien-nerd. He was more of a Jack Reacher kind of guy.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Would you trust me?" She took his palms in her, and the medallion lay trapped between. "Reuben, would you tell me what is happening to you? I mean not this whole Dad getting married or moving with Mom, but I sense deep down, something, like a void eroding you from within."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben chuckled, trying to make light of her concern. But that proved futile. As much, Tasha filled a maternal role, his actual mother failed it. So, in some convoluted bias, it was impossible to lie to Tasha.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Anyway, this is an auspicious time. All these joy and happiness around, there is so much positive vibes here," explained Aunt Tasha. "I can help you."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Never pegged you as the kind for esoteric stuff." Rueben laughed, a simple and unguarded expression. "That was my mother's domain."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"You don't need to be esoteric for positivity. Now close your eyes."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben did, as she asked. She had never given him a reason to suspect. On the contrary, she had given him every reason to trust.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Reuben, the ancient shamans had some wisdom in their thoughts. Sometimes, what we really require, is actually hidden even from us. That is why, these shamans traveled through spiritual realms, to seek answers. Only a change in perspective can bring the truth."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben kept his eyelids shut. With nothing else competing, his vision relaxed, drawing him deeper.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Aunt Tasha rubbed soothing circles along his palms. Her touch brought him deeper, lulling him.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Now I don't want you to think of your problem. To seek and find what it is." Tasha continued. "Just acknowledge, if not to anyone, but to yourself, that you do have a problem. Something that bothers you. Something needs to change, inherently. Accept it. To yourself. And the universe will provide an answer."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Then, everything changed. The medallion felt warm, and a vague pulsation emanated from it. Almost as though, it remained dormant, until Aunt Tasha's words coaxed it to awake.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Then, came the silence. Not a normal one. A harrowing silence that cut the din of a wedding celebration. The strong clip-clop of expensive heels on well polished marble floors followed. A very precise and well controlled rhythm. Every stroke definite and resounding with power, and they approached closer. Much closer. Till they stopped beside Reuben.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Strong, warm and yet feminine hands clutched one side of his cheek, and lips, full and soft pressed tight on his other cheek.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Rueben flicked his eyes open.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"There. No matter how old you are, you are never too old to not receive a kiss from your mom." Morgane plopped on the seat beside Reuben, ignoring the well-placed naming card.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Morgane." Aunt Tasha gave a curt greeting of acknowledgement.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Tasha." Mom responded in kind, with controlled civility.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Seated between the two, Reuben felt like a harmless bloke caught between two cockatrices trying to kill each other with their looks. He gave a sad look at his lemonade and wished it was alcohol.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Mom, you can't be here." Reuben finished his lemonade in a gulp, for what courage that would bring, he knew not. "You are not on the guest list."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Morgane dusted imaginary lint off her expensive black dress. Her skirt ended inches above her knees, revealing an ample amount of skin. Her creamy white skin begged attention. But she paired it with elegant shoulder-length gloves. It gave her outfit, an alluring air, one which fit perfectly since Morgane wore it.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">That led Reuben's attention to her sparkling blue pendant. Set high along her collarbone, it glittered against her cream-colored skin. Latent feminine power radiated through it. Somehow, Reuben felt the urge to reach out and touch. Maybe if he asked, mom would even let him touch it. Or better, lend it.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">With a flick of her wrist, Morgane ambushed a passing waiter. She relieved him, rather shamelessly, of three flutes of champagne. She drowned the first one in a mouthful and added. "Hmm... This is quality stuff. Marcel spared no expense."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Aunt Tasha interrupted. "Do you never worry about decorum?"</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Morgane raised her champagne flute. "Cheers!"</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Ignoring her antics, Reuben reminded her. "I will remind you, *Mother*. You are NOT invited."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">She glanced him sideways. "Tell me, how does it feel? Now that your Dad is marrying your babysitter."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben shifted closer to Tasha, seemingly seeking courage from her presence. He reminded himself on why the relationship with mom was always strenuous. Morgane, with her whip-like tongue, and an inherent penchant for stating facts in a lacerating manner, left very little to work with. Only mom could take something joyous like dad's wedding and twist it to sound scandalous.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Mom." Reuben issued a sibilant hiss. "First, Selina was never my babysitter. Second, dad is not that kind of person, and third, this is a great moment for dad and Selina, so you should stop trying to make it sound shockingly outrageous."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Morgane's eyebrow arched dangerously. He regretted his choice instantly. Because, whenever she rose her eyebrows, bad news followed. And, Morgane wielded her eyebrows better than any weapon. It had destroyed many foes, flummoxed many a school teacher.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Shockingly outrageous? Me?" Morgane laid a gloved hand on her chest, just below the blue pendant, in an exaggerated sign of disappointment. "Sleeping with a babysitter isn't that weird. I am not suggesting that. No. I am not that prude. Besides..." Morgane let a well controlled pause fall. "Even if Marcel slept with your babysitter, it is not like I have not drunk from that cup."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Mom, let me refresh your memory." Reuben leaned back, arms folded in front. "You only hired girls as babysitters for me."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Morgane raised her silencing palm. "Precisely." Her mischievous lips quirked sideways.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Suddenly, her arched eyebrows seemed to carry more than one meaning.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">After a moment of pondering, Reuben concluded that he was reading too much into those gestures. It was just mom's way of getting under his skin. Nothing more.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Meanwhile, Reuben caught his dad looking at his direction. His brows creased. No words were needed. Then, Selina turned. The smile she beamed at him was wholesome, as though the clouds parted and the ray of sunshine soaked the soggy wet earth.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"A bit chaste for my taste." Morgane pursed her lips. That did very little to hide anything. "What is the point in appearing chaste in that pristine white gown, when it is an open secret that soon, they would ravaged. Your dad's hands would be pulling that classy updo, and she would moaning all wild under your father's ministrations, while twisting like a human pretzel."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben choked. Yet, Morgane seemed oblivious, slowly finished her champagne, and called for more.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">That was the last straw. Reuben stood up. "Mom, you came to pick me, right? Then, lets leave."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">He leaned and placed a customary quick peck on Aunt Tasha's cheek, and received a tight hug, and an affectionate kiss on the forehead in return.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Remember, you always have a place with us." Tasha whispered, and turned to his mom. "I would like to say it was nice seeing you again, Morgane, but both, You and I know that that would be a lie."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"You know, I too would love to invite you to my new place, *Tasha*." Something about the way Morgane inflected the name seemed to imply more than Reuben knew. "But as I have this new iron grill installed on my fence and your breed does not like the aesthetics. So, I will spare you the trouble of coming up with an excuse."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Mom, can you drive to dad's place first? My things are already packed."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"No need. You won't be needing them."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"But I don't even have any spare sets of clothes here."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Mom reached closer, and ran her gloved hand through the inner lining of his tuxedo. "You look fine in this. But believe me when I say this, you won't need them again." A mysterious glint appeared in mom's eyes, something that worried Reuben, but he dismissed those thoughts.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">If it were mom's way of throwing money on new clothes as a way of making up for the lost time, then she already missed her opportunity. Too late to mend anything.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Morgane rotated swiftly, stomped on her high-heeled foot. The movement caught Reuben's attention, dragging his gaze all along her black pumps, glossy black painted toenails, dangling laces, and sliver pearls tracing slowly along her ankles. She definitely dressed impeccably. Yet, she held herself completely different than Aunt Tasha. More predatory, compelling, and commanding.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Unknowingly, he raked his gaze all along her toned shapely legs encased in sheer nylon stockings, till Morgane tugged him closer.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Her voice became surprisingly soft. Very surreal and surprisingly, almost mom-like. "Look, I know things haven't been exactly smooth between us."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">That took Reuben aback. The admission came unexpectedly.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"But I promise, we will forge a new bond, sharing wonderful moments." Mom continued. "We could spend nights talking; sleep wrapped in my arms on the couch." Liberating her fingers from the confines of her gloves, she ran them through his long hair, tossing them gently over his shoulders. "We could do each other's hair and nails."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Mom stepped closer, maintaining her soft tone. She guided him gently, turning him towards the reflection on the long window pane on the other side of the hall. The resemblance was stunning. Despite his qualms, Reuben had to agree.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Morgane tilted his chin. "Oh, darling." Her voice trailed, became husky. "Look at you. If you were to wear a dress, we would even be mistaken for sisters."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"But I am a bloke, Mom." After a second, Reuben examined himself through his mom's mischievous twinkling gaze. He found nothing. That statement hung between them. A lot unsaid. Finally, it struck. "Why would I agree to wear a dress anyway?"</p> <p style="text-align:justify">No answer came from her. Only a very knowing smirk and again the mysterious and dangerous glint in her eyes was all he got in response.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">When they reached the foyer, Reuben heard Marcel's voice.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Reuben, a minute." He turned to catch dad rushing towards him.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">His silver cuff links glistened with diamond studs, as he drew near. His new tuxedo cut perfectly, enhancing his chiseled features. That may explain why many considered Selina to be lucky.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Morgane." Dad gave a prim nod. The smile he beamed at the guest never faltered. In fact, not even a twitching of a muscle or facial nerve. "Can I have a moment with my son?"</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Morgane clasped Reuben's shoulder. "Fine." Her tone rose above." Take all the time you need." Something about the way she said those words felt more akin to a last bit of merciful favour; as though dad would never see him again.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Dad brought him closer, his hands clasping him on both shoulder. "Hey buddy, you leaving so soon?" The disappointment in his voice could not be concealed.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben shrugged as if bereft of any culpability, which he was. "You know mom. How she can be. Better to leave with her soon, than let her crash the celebration."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Marcel reached into his pockets, and thrust a card into his hands. "Keep the credit card safe, just in case of emergency. Okay? It has enough funds to keep going for a year."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben almost felt guilty. Dad abandoned his own wedding celebration just to ensure that the additional safety net reached him. That one gesture expressed greater depths than words ever could. Dad was not just a good man. He was a great man and an awesome dad.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"I raised you alone, and I would like to think that I did a good job of it." Marcel's voice lowered to value acceptable for serious confessions. "Morgane and I, have our differences, but that is ours to settle. Remember, she is still your mom. Respect her, and treat her well. Can I ask that of you, buddy?"</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben nodded. With both dad's hands rested heavily upon his shoulders, it wasn't possible otherwise. Still, Marcel's gaze contained reassurance. Dad tried. Really, he tried. Despite not willing to let him go, dad tried to put a brave face. It just seemed futile. Inwardly, Reuben shook his head. A poor charade. Even that was typical dad.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben knew, he should say something. Just anything. If only to keep dad happy.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Just when he started to give his assent, Selina arrived. Even masked by layer of professional bridal makeup, the concern still showed up.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Everything alright?" Selina asked, then she turned to Morgane who stood a few steps away. "Hello, I am Reuben's new mom."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Morgane's eyebrows arched to a dangerous level. Reuben could swear, he saw his mom's nostrils fume. Like literal fumes. Mom looked ready. She seemed all tensed, like a coiled serpent ready to strike. Even her body language indicated, she would spring forward, claws extended, ready to disembowel Selina.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"New mom?" Mom repeated the word as if it were venom festering on her tongue. "Do you think of it like a girlfriend situation? You are his new mom, so what am I? Ex-mom?"</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Dad's hands drifted towards Selina's waist. He pulled her closer. "Morgane, could you please stop antagonising Selina?"</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Me, antagonise *her*?" Morgane sniffed contemptuously. Yet her attention remained fully concentrated on Selina. "What kind of ridiculous accusation are you throwing at me, Marcel?"</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben tilted his head. When he examined carefully, he saw both, his mom, standing beside him, dressed impeccably and oozing sophistication in her immaculate black dress matched perfectly with her shoulder length gloves, while Selina stood close, clad virtuously within layers upon layers, costly silks draping gracefully all along her frame, folded past her waist, spilling onto marble floors.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">His new stepmom seemed serene, completely unfazed by his mother. It was subtle, yet very apparent. In fact, he never expected Selina, not to back down. He looked caught between two extremities --between Selina's bridal calm, flawlessly soothing, hinting curves, drawing attention subtly, unlike his mom's attire which consisted half plunging neckline, generous display of skin.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Like it or not, I am a very much a part of his life now." Selina charged, like a relentless, enraged bull. "You need to accept it."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Never." The anger evaporated without a trace from Morgane's feature. Replaced by a suggestive and somewhat disturbing smirk, promising pleasures both profane, wild and tempting.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">With not a second to spare, Morgane grabbed Reuben by the wrist and marched toward the door.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Selina shouted from behind. "You still haven't answered. Tell me. What in your opinion will make me from his stepmom to his mom?"</p> <p style="text-align:justify">That stopped mom. She halted her steps. Momentarily. Then, she turned, one hand raised to her ear, thumb and pinky extended in a universal sign of asking someone to call. Even her lips moved in the form of making those words, but Morgane did that so slowly, and so deliberately, with a salacious grin that left very little to imagination, like signalling a booty call.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Anger seared on Selina's face, and beside her, dad facepalmed.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Just when Reuben thought that their relationship might be salvageable, Mom went and did it. In her typical manner, she effortlessly managed to spoil his stepmom's big day, and walked out without a worry.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Outside, Reuben's attention snapped as Marcel called behind him. "Remember what I said, and no matter what, you can always call me."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Those words lingered even as he walked after Morgane, till mom approached a parked red corvette, sleek and imposing like it was meant to own the space.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Mom, can you not rent an electric hybrid or something compact like normal people?" asked Reuben.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Mom pulled him closer. Her lips brushed his ears, her tone warm. "There are two kinds of people, darling. Those satisfied with mediocrity. Then, there are people, willing to risk everything, reach their full potential. Never settle darling." Mom swung her arm wide. "Also, it's not rented. It's mine. I mean, can be yours."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben chuckled inwardly. Like his affection can be bartered for a design with a powerful engine. Not interested, Mother.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Morgane slithered inside to sit behind the steering wheel. Reuben took the other side. His attention became consumed, considering his mom's grace behind the steering wheel. Her fingers gripped hard, wrapping tightly round steering wheel. His vision lingered, distracted. Reuben tried to clasp his seat belt buckle, it failed him. Again.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Noticing, Morgane nudged his side. "Move closer, darling. I will fix it."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">He complied. Reluctantly. With their distance measured only inches apart, he gulped, a nervous swallow, shifting awkwardly.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Mom released her hold, one hand draped his shoulder, while her free fingers gently pried open his seat belt buckle, attached it safely, tugging till it clicked. Then, she whispered softly. "No need to worry, darling. You can always depend on your mother."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">They drove towards his new home. It was late, time ebbed slowly. With nothing much happening, Reuben remained lost inside his thoughts. For distraction, he concentrated elsewhere. The corvette purred silently, its glossy paint surface gleaming beneath street lights, bouncing between alternate shadows and light.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Morgane cleared her throat. "Something on your mind?" She asked.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben clenched his fists. This tactic, pretending to care. Mom used it all the time. She would flash her brilliant smile, her eyebrows arched dangerously high, though he never understood why. Something about making people lower their guard. Mom called it a mere illusion. He thought otherwise.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"So you are loaded with cash?" he asked.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Mom gave a wink. "Pretty much."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"And still allowed dad to raise alone? Never gave any child support?"</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Morgane snorted. "You make me sound like a real villain, darling."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Mom glanced in his direction, searching his expression. That single act seemed worrying, because Reuben failed completely grasp her train of thoughts.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"There are things you need to know about men, like your father." She spoke as though he weren't one.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben gave a non-committal scoff.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Marcel cannot allow the dent in his ego when I pay." Mom took her free hand, raking through his well-beyond shoulder length hair. Then, they moved. Her free palm pressed against his cheek, soft and gentle.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Morgane laughed. "All I am saying, you can never know, darling. Some blokes may be responsible in one aspect and can be pretty thick-headed when it comes to others."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">That startled Reuben. Mom spoke as though she were giving advice on men. He is not even gay. Would make perfect sense, if he were their daughter, which he wasn't.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben shrugged loose, defiantly. "I can't believe you are doing it. Making it all about you."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Mom pushed her ebony black hair, one hand hooking it behind her ears. Then, she plunged her hand through them, pushing them behind the nape of her neck. All done slowly, calculated, till her sharp silken hair framed her pretty features. "Who else can I make it all about?"</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"What is new with you, Mom?" Reuben leaned back and observed her controlled features shifting. "How is it going with your witchy communal thingy?"</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Coven." Morgane corrected with a sibilant hiss of frustration. "Bitches could never appreciate raw and untamed talent. Tossed me out." Her expression soon retained their previous guile. "But now that I have you, we will show them what real peak magic control looks like."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben sank back in his seat.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Will there be an altar in her home, where Mom would take a sacrificial knife and carve runes on his body? Drain his blood and offer it to some eldritch being? All plausible scenarios considering, it is Mom. Reuben might be scrawny, not all beefy like his dad, but he was certain he could overpower mom, when it came to that.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Besides, his father might be on a three-month cruise with his new stepmom, but he still had the credit card. And dad would abandon his honeymoon, and come, if he needed. Then, there are the Enders, close enough to real family. All bases covered.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Any further rumination on escape routes was cut short and mom drove through the gates of a walled Villa.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Not a house. A freaking villa.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Mom killed the engine in front of the main portico, and beamed a dazzling smile at him.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Wake up darling. We are here."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben stumbled out and considered the impressive gothic structure looming before him.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Morgane sauntered closer, looped both her palms around his arm, and ushered him up the stairs leading to the massive carved doors. Despite the inconsistency of everything, Reuben took a moment to relish. Something about Mom's body pressed close, gave Reuben a pause. This might be the closest he got to his mom in the past years.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Mom, shouldn't you be parking the car elsewhere? You might be blocking the path for the other residents."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Mom chuckled, gliding closer. Her cheek brushed against his. "This house may appear huge, darling, but it has only one owner."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Her velvety curtain of hair caressed his cheeks. As though she perceived something in him, she slid her finger along his chin, dragging his attention back at her. "It had only one resident. Now..." Mom had a beautiful smile. "Two."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Then, she freed her hands, and snapped her fingers. The door opened silently. That should worry him, because people can't expect entrances opening magically. However, Reuben stepped within. Must be some amazing state of art electronic home assistance Mom invested in her new villa.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben followed behind mom's sashaying form. It was mesmerising, because her high heels clip-clopped loudly; rhythmically. Then, it stopped. Mom halted halfway through, slowly pivoted, half turning her attention behind him. Reuben snapped his gaze back, just in time to watch the doors close, automatically.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">The closed doors presented nothing extraordinary. Heavy wooden antique doors, complete with gothic black hinges. Even its stout handles, and heavy ring above remained undisturbed.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Then, mom removed her gloves and pressed them into Reuben's palm. His breath hitched. Mom wore silk gloves. Soft and smooth and pleasurable to touch.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Do you like silken clothings, darling?" she asked. "When we go shopping tomorrow, you can have your wardrobe filled with silken shirts, slacks and PJs. Also remind me, some new satin bed covers for you. Your room is not yet complete."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"That's alright, I can sleep on the couch." Reuben volunteered. Dad had, on occasion, taken him camping in the wilderness, so he considered himself pretty flexible when it came to sleeping arrangements.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Nonsense. You will sleep in my room tonight. Nothing awkward about sharing a single bed with your mom." Morgane continued her prattling about the temporary arrangements. "We can talk about things. Make up for the missed time. This will be a nice bonding time."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Have about a no for an answer." Reuben stood his ground. "I am a guy. A dude. A bloke. Can't be climbing on your bed."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Morgane ignored with a dismissive wave of her hands. She tilted his chin to meet her gaze. Something about those gaze unsettled him. The flash within her features appeared mischievous.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"Its cute. Even your obliviousness, and your denial of everything, darling, let me tell you, it is so adorable. Almost makes me want to just spoil you more."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Her words only heightened his discomfort, but then Mom started parading him towards, the ornate staircase. Every step seemed filled with purpose, complete dominance, reverberating through Reuben, imposing itself upon him.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Morgane gave his ass one solid smack, soundly echoing through her expansive villa. "Follow me, darling." Her words followed suit, punctuated each step.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben could not understand. Why those motions held him, striking him dumb, forcing him almost mute.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"We have a long day tomorrow, and an even bigger schedule." Mom continued. "I have plans. Big plans. We are starting our own coven."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">"But Mom, I can't be a witch. I am a boy."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">There was a mysterious gleam in Mom's eyes when she lurched closer. The movement was graceful, and somewhat predatory. Her lips moved in suggestive ways. "Darling, that can be fixed."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">She extended her arms, slowly creeping them forward, making minuscule motions with her fingertips. When she flexed those fingers, raw power surged along her arms. "Just accept the truth and the power within can set you apart."</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Then, Mom snapped her fingers, and a purple hue filled Reuben's vision. He inhaled sharply, as though the very air turned oppressive. The expensive tuxedo became heavier, and slipped. His pants felt tight in odd places and sloppy in others.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">He took a step. Even the leather shoes felt loose. Tied laces liberated from the knots and tossed on the sides.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">Reuben stumbled to fall, but mom was there to catch before unconsciousness took over.</p> <div class="wi_news"> <div class="wi_news_title"><i class="fa fa-exclamation-triangle" aria-hidden="true" style="padding-right:5px;"></i> Announcement</div> <div class="wi_news_body">Dear Readers, If you have enjoyed the first chapter, feel free to leave a comment or kudos.<br />I can be found in the following:<br /><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/elenavbarden.bsky.social" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blusky</a><br /><a href="https://discord.gg/taeslair" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Discord</a></div> </div> </div> + + Comedy + Fantasy + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Romance + Slice of Life + Smut + Complex Family Relationships + Magical Girls + Mysterious Family Background + Transgender + Witches + + + To Stay Awake + alpineprincess + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1294095/to-stay-awake/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1294095-to-stay-awake/chapter/1294102/#comments + 374df2ffa8fa9544ddbebbdbbee76d58c304414a + Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Su is just one of millions of clone troopers bred to fight in the Galactic Republic's brutal war. But unlike her brothers, Su has a secret: ever since she learned what a woman was, she has always wished she could be one. Before now, she's had no choice but to push the feeling deep down and accept her miserable life. But when Su is promoted to the rank of ARC Trooper, she spills her secret, and soon finds herself stepping into a larger world.</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1294095-to-stay-awake/chapter/1294102/"><div class="chapter-title">Chapter 1: They’re My Brothers</div></a></h3><div class="chp_raw" id="chp_raw"><p>“We’re completely exposed!”</p> <p>Hearing her commanding officer, Su instinctively dived behind the broken, mangled AT-TE as a hail of blaster fire screamed over her. Thank the force for the comlinks that projected the clones’ voices; otherwise she wouldn’t have been able to hear a thing as the enemy began an assault on their left flank. Su peeked out from behind her cover to see several rows of super battle droids guiding an AAT, an armored droid tank.</p> <p>Blast it! But there was no time to despair.</p> <p>Clones did not despair. They followed orders.</p> <p>“Captain!” Su shouted. “Tank inbound!”</p> <p>Captain Roe turned, holding onto his dual pistols like it was his only hope for survival. He looked through his rangefinder, and gestured toward Su.</p> <p>“Su, go with Beam and Huk and take a rocket launcher. Get up to that hill on our right. Find an angle and take out that tank!”</p> <p>The mission seemed impossible, but there wasn’t time to doubt. Standing up quickly in her once-white armor now covered with mud, Su met up with Beam and Huk at the edge of their line. Beam had retrieved a launcher from one of their fallen brothers—she wasn’t sure which one—and he and the others prepared themselves to run. There was a bombed out building at the foot of the hill. They would have to sprint for it.<br />It was no accident that she and Beam had been selected for this mission. The two were best friends, and some of the best troopers in Beta Company. Huk was also extremely capable, but he was in a different platoon, and so Su didn’t know him as well. The fact that he was still alive after the disaster that this battle had become was a testament to his skill.</p> <p>“Why do we always get the ‘special’ missions, eh Su?” Beam said, giving her a friendly elbowing.</p> <p>“Just focus on the situation at hand, Beam,” Su said. Beam always had a habit of coping with bad situations by joking.</p> <p> </p> <p>“I’ll follow you two,” Huk said. “For as long as we survive, that is.”</p> <p>Beam slung the rocket launcher on his back and held up his hands, counting down with his fingers. Three, two, one…</p> <p>Go!</p> <p>Amid a volley of enemy fire, the three ran out into the open field. Su tried not to think about how risky the situation was, but it was difficult not to notice how their mass-produced armor didn’t protect them at all from droid blasters. But Su trusted Captain Roe that this was their only option. And thankfully, he and what was left of their company provided plenty of cover fire.</p> <p>Reaching the bombed-out building, Su and the others dived through a broken window. The three of them seemed to be alright; a shot had clearly grazed Beam’s armor, and Huk’s visor was cracked, but it was nothing life-threatening.</p> <p>“We should have enough cover to go up that hill,” Su shouted over the battle-noise. “Either way, we have to. Let’s move it!”</p> <p>They scampered up the hill, which was littered with yellow, chalky boulders and charred vegetation. Herdessa had been a secure republic stronghold at one point, a fortress to protect the critically important trade routes which criss-crossed through the region. Not only was it important, but it had first sided with the separatists before rejoining the Republic. Now, General Grievous was bent on revenge, stopping at nothing to capture the planet.</p> <p>It looked like he was going to succeed. But the battle wasn’t over yet. Cities in the region were being evacuated under the leadership of the Jedi, and it was the responsibility of the 501st Legion’s Beta Company to hold off the clankers long enough for this to happen. They would be the last to be carried off planet, whether in a gunship, or in body bags.</p> <p>Since Geonosis, Beta Company had fought in all manner of battles, but none of them had gone this badly. The 501st, one of the Republic’s finest legions, was taking heavy casualties against the seemingly endless forces of the seppies.</p> <p>“It’s never easy, is it?” Su heard Huk say. She looked ahead, seeing a massive chasm. In order to reach the top of the hill, the only place where they would have a sight on the AAT, they would have to cross it.</p> <p>Su cursed. “We’ll just have to find a way. We could try the grappling hooks in our blasters?”</p> <p>“We’ll swing down quite a ways and we’ll have to climb up that precipice, but it’ll be possible,” Huk said. “I don’t see a better way.”</p> <p>“No!” Beam broke in. “It’s too, uh, it’s too dangerous. As soon as we swing down we’ll slam into the rocks. We have to find a way around!”<br />Clones were designed to be brave, but every one of them had their own fear. For Beam, it was heights. Su had seen him take on an entire dwarf spider droid by himself once, but he could never stand too close to the edge on an LAAT when the doors were open.</p> <p>Su put her hand on Beam’s shoulder, and took off her helmet so she could look at him with her own eyes. Her long hair was still in the bun she had placed it in the previous morning, thankfully—sometimes when she took off her helmet, her locks would go all over the place and make a big mess. Her fellow clones always wondered why she had grown her hair long, but only she knew why.</p> <p>She couldn’t dare tell any of them.</p> <p>“We’re going to get through this, Beam,” she assured him. “Nothing here is going to hurt you. All you have to do is keep your eyes on me, and don’t look down. I’ll buy you a drink when you’re done.”</p> <p>“Su’s right,” Huk said. “We’re all on your side here. We’re not going to let anything happen to you.”</p> <p>Su hadn’t expected so much compassion from a clone they didn’t know well, but she accepted it readily.</p> <p>Beam sighed, and nodded his head. Su put her helmet back on, and the three of them readied their blasters, setting them to the grappling hook setting. They shot the rope and secured it at the top of the cliff, fixed the length of the cable, and leaped down into the chasm. Below them was a disgusting pile of sulfur and trash, a distance too far to survive in a fall.</p> <p>Thankfully, the cable held true. They swung down and slammed against the wall. Their armor protected them from any injury, but the impact caused some of the rocks to become loose. The yellower they were, the more fragile they were, and more quickly they broke off and threatened to end their mission. Su and the others dodged what must have been over a dozen boulders, and began climbing the rope. It was little trouble, even for Beam. Years of training had ensured that they all had the upper body strength.</p> <p>“Just like the simulations,” Su said as she helped Beam over the rim of the chasm.</p> <p>“I guess it wasn’t all that bad,” Beam said. “Looks like I’m the one who owes you a drink after this.”</p> <p>Su could hear a smile in his voice. “Let’s not worry about that now. We’ll all be drinking if we make it out of this in one piece.”</p> <p>The three continued up the hill, eventually reaching a point close enough to the peak that the entire battle was visible. What was also visible was how awful the situation was. The droids were closing in from two different directions, and Beta Company was taking heavy fire. They had managed to take down a surprisingly large amount of super battle droids, but the AAT, which was painted by Separatist loyalists with menacing skull designs, was still wreaking havoc. The rocket launcher was the only weapon present with enough firepower to take it down—a task which was all in the hands of Beam, Huk, and Su now.</p> <p>“How many rockets do we have, Beam? And which one of us has the best aim?”</p> <p>“I brought four,” Huk said. “It should be enough to take down the AAT, if we hit all four.”</p> <p>“Damn it,” Su said. “I wish Blastech would give us better weapons.”</p> <p>“We all do, brother,” said Huk.</p> <p>Su cringed behind her helmet. She hated being called that. She had told Beam, but he didn’t know why. Su tried to push the discomfort down and focus on the situation at hand.</p> <p>“Let me shoot it,” Su insisted. Beam handed her the launcher, and Huk set the backpack with rockets down beside her. Su laid down on the ground to get a more stable hand. Setting her sights on the vehicle, she breathed in, exhaled, and squeezed the trigger.</p> <p>The rocket hit true, and rocked the AAT dramatically, knocking down some B1s which had been walking beside it.</p> <p>“We’ll have to go fast before it calculates our position!” Huk shouted.</p> <p>“Don’t tell me what I already know,” Su shouted back. She was already loading another rocket. She got ready to fire again, and again the shot hit true, damaging the front lower hull. It’s ability to launch missiles was depleted, but the massive cannon on top still posed a huge threat to the clones. Swiveling around, it turned its attention from the rest of Beta Company to Su, Huk, and Beam.</p> <p>“Covering fire!” Su shouted as she aimed the rocket launcher. But it was too late. Just as she squeezed the trigger, a blast from the AAT’s cannon threw off her aim. The rocket flew off uselessly into the sky, and Su was thrown back, away from the cliffside. A cloud of dust overtook the three.</p> <p>Bad. Bad, bad, bad.</p> <p>As the dust cleared, Su realized that there weren’t enough rockets left to destroy the AAT. Even worse, Beam and Huk were lying motionless on the ground on opposite sides of her. Su ran over to Beam, taking his helmet off. A nasty bruise lay on his forehead, and he was unconscious, but still breathing. When she ran over to Huk and took his helmet off, he was awake, but struggling to breathe.</p> <p>Su knew she had to save them. But she would be putting the rest of Beta Company in jeopardy if she didn’t find a way to destroy the AAT, even with only one rocket left. Grabbing the backpack with the last of their ammo and struggling over to the blown-up edge of the cliff, Su gazed out over the battlefield. Trying to think of a solution, she gazed down at her armor, covered with yellow dust.</p> <p>Then, she looked around at the boulders strewn about everywhere.</p> <p>Finally, she saw the AAT, which was focused on Beta Company once again… sitting under a massive, yellow cliff.</p> <p>Su raised the rocket launcher, pointed it at the cliff, and fired.</p> <p>The cliff crumpled into a slurry of massive boulders, which began to rain on the AAT and the surrounding droid forces. One particularly giant rock landed on the tank’s central cannon, and sent the vehicle on its back. It continued to be buried in dirt as the droids around it scrambled for cover. She could hear Beta Company cheering as they began a counter-attack, taking cover behind the various boulders and pushing the rest of the droids back.</p> <p>Su raised her comlink, which was built into the armor that covered her wrist.</p> <p>“Mission complete.”</p> <p>“Very well done, Su,” she heard Captain Roe say.</p> <p>“Beam and Huk are down. I need a medic, immediately!”</p> <p>“Negative. Our only remaining medic is assisting our wounded right now. We can’t spare him. The gunships will come soon, and we’ll get them help then. Do what you can for now.”</p> <p>As soon as she pressed stop on the comlink, Su knew she couldn’t just stand around. She could try to pick off clankers with her blaster rifle while she waited for the gunship.</p> <p>No. I can’t just sit here. I have to help Beam and Huk. They’re my brothers.</p> <p>Even if they don’t truly know me…</p> <p>They’re my brothers.</p> <p>Su took off her helmet, which she could barely see through due to the dust, and dropped it onto the ground. She took a good look at Beam and Huk, both still lying on the rocks. Huk in particular seemed to be in bad pain.</p> <p>She had no other choice. She had to carry them both down to the rest of the company. She lifted Huk and slung him over her right shoulder—and, with her legs shaking, slung Beam over her left.</p> <p>Slowly, carefully, she went down the hill, carrying her brothers. Both of her shoulders were on fire, and her arms were in agony. The journey was extended by having to find a way around the deep gorge—there was no way she could get across while carrying these two—but eventually, she made it down.</p> <p>As she walked into the battle line, where the medic was tending to several wounded men, her knees finally gave away, and she collapsed. As she faded off from exhaustion, she saw the blurry images of the medic and Captain Roe running over to her.</p> </div> + + Action + Adventure + Fanfiction + Fantasy + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Psychological + Romance + Sci-fi + A Star Wars Fanfiction. + Clones + Fantasy World + Female Protagonist + Soldiers + Transgender + Wars + + + A Quiet Day at the Library + Violet_Velvet + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1293827/a-quiet-day-at-the-library/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1293827-a-quiet-day-at-the-library/chapter/1293830/#comments + 9e1716f7e77a0e2ba45eec7a94ce45f3e782f906 + Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>The library is closing soon, please make sure to put back any books you are not checking out today. Remember, the exit is on the left hand side of the building.</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1293827-a-quiet-day-at-the-library/chapter/1293830/"><div class="chapter-title">A Quiet Day At The Library</div></a></h3><div class="chp_raw" id="chp_raw"><p>Bright orange sunlight shone through the library’s windows, illuminating the dust that fell between each meticulously maintained bookshelf. A young woman sat at a desk made of soft pine, with a stack of papers, and a black safe by her feet. Her short crop of black hair parted by ram horns, while her ears ended in points. Round glasses framed her yellow eyes, accentuated by black sclera, and her skin was a beautiful shade of indigo.</p> <p>The daimonkin was pleasantly humming to herself as she pored over the catalogue of checkouts and returns, marking each line with her inkwell pen. The woman’s long, sinuous tail was eagerly flicking to and fro as she finished sorting out the day’s affairs. An odd combination of musty books combined with the pleasant floral scent of her tea, safely contained in a porcelain pot. It had long since gone cold, but she still enjoyed the special blend prepared by Rosa.</p> <p>So absorbed in her work was she that it came as a surprise when she suddenly heard the rapping of knuckles on her desk.</p> <p>“Eep!” She cutely squeaked in surprise.</p> <p>The elfin man, with an easy smile and short blonde hair, laid his hand on the counter. He wore a white uniform, trimmed with gold stitching, and a proud golden brooch that marked him as a Seeker of the Church. He was much taller than the woman at the desk, and used that height to loom over her. “Terribly sorry to interrupt, I was simply struck by how cute you looked while conducting your work.”</p> <p><i>Oh gods, how long was he watching me for?</i></p> <p>The daimonkin felt her heart skip a beat, and swallowed past the lump in her throat, then straightened her glasses. With some composure regained, she turned to address the elf, her voice soft and mellow.</p> <p>“N-No, I’m sorry for not noticing you. How can I help you today, Mister…?”</p> <p>The man’s smile never faltered, and he let out a soft chuckle. “Oh, your voice is as lovely as your face.” </p> <p><i>Ew.</i></p> <p>“However, while I would love to simply chat you up all evening, I do have some business to attend to.”</p> <p>His smile dropped for a moment, mouth forming into a stoic business face. Slender fingers reached into the pocket of his perfectly tailored black coat, and produced a slip of paper, which he presented to her.</p> <p>A cursory scan of the parchment revealed it to be the latest books that had been deemed heretical by the Pontiff. The woman’s expression remained neutral, her tail kept still, while her heart rate accelerated with each passing title. <i>A History of Hexology, The Complete Works of Metamon Price, </i>and most concerningly of all to her, <i>A Guide to Self-Fulfillment: When Things No Longer Fit.</i></p> <p>In truth, she had anticipated the banning of most of these works ever since the new Pontiff rose to power the previous year, on promises of returning the Kingdom to its former glory days. It was certainly a bold claim to make, given that by most people’s metrics, the Kingdom had been enjoying a period of peace and prosperity since the vanquishing of the Demon Lord five decades prior. </p> <p>While the Daimonkin didn’t care much for politics, her particular circumstances meant she could not afford the luxury of apathy.</p> <p>Precisely for reasons like this list.</p> <p>Looking back up to the elf, the woman kept up her veneer of amicable professionalism. </p> <p>“Seeker, I believe you’ll find that we have already removed these particular books from our selection, ahead of the Pontiff’s orders.”</p> <p>His professional stoicism turned into a slight frown, before rapidly switching back to the former easy smile. Had she imagined it?</p> <p>“‘Tis so good to hear that your library continues to be the shining bastion of enlightenment for all places of learning in our fair kingdom. Though, one does have to wonder how you managed to learn of his Grace’s orders, before the orders had even been made public?”</p> <p><i>Damn. He’s sharp. That’s a Seeker for you.</i><i><br /></i><i><br /></i>The woman smiled softly, and gently shook her head.</p> <p>“I simply take the Holy Verses to heart, and try to live by them every day. Knowledge must be tempered with faith, and that which contradicts must surely be false, no?”</p> <p>It made her stomach roil just to repeat those words, but if it meant getting the man off her back…</p> <p>Stroking his chin in thought, the blonde elf nodded, seemingly satisfied with her answer.</p> <p>“Such wisdom to be gained when visiting the library, why one might think those words came from a priestess and not a Daimonkin.”</p> <p>She smiled softly. “The sisters taught me a great deal in the home, it has been a guiding principle for me throughout my career.”</p> <p>Not entirely inaccurate. The pontiff would likely lose his silly hat, should he ever find out what the sisters did behind their closed doors. And their plethora of accumulated knowledge meant that as a child, the daimonkin was not starved for material.</p> <p>The man’s smile faltered for just a moment, and he shook his head ever so slightly. </p> <p>“Dreadfully sorry, I meant no offense to your character. ‘Tis simply my job to ensure that all is well in the Pontiff’s holy city.” </p> <p>His smile returned, and she detected just a hint of a dangerous glint in his eyes. It reminded her of the time she saw a lion in the Menagerie, being offered a live deer by its handlers. </p> <p>“To that end, surely a pious woman such as yourself would not object to a cursory inspection of the premises?”</p> <p>A pit opened in her stomach, and the woman hesitated but briefly.</p> <p>“By all means, inspect away. Though, it is already so late, and I was just about to close down the library for the evening. Perhaps you could come by tomorrow?”</p> <p>Her hopes of pushing him off until the following day were dashed as the man’s predatory smile returned, sending a shudder through her body.</p> <p>“Of course, I would not wish to take up too much of your evening. Therefore, the boys and I will be sure to make our inspection as swift and painless as possible.”</p> <p>As if on cue, a collection of soldiers marched their way into her library, their gilded armor gleaming in the twilight. They wielded halberds, with swords at their hips, and full faced helmets. </p> <p>“All right boys, get to searching. And if you find anything remotely suspicious, do let us know so that the young lady can handle it <i>personally. </i>Though do remember to not make a mess, and remember to be quiet in the library~”</p> <p>The soldiers were relentless in their search, glaring at every book as though it were possessed by the Demon King, handling each bound tome roughly with their gauntleted hands. Swallowing past the lump in her throat, the woman did her best to retain the calm exterior she’d been trying so hard to maintain. Her eyes kept darting to the black safe hidden behind her desk.</p> <p><i>What I would give to have Rosa and Abby here with me now.</i></p> <p>The Seeker was true to his word however, and the soldiers completed their inspection before the sun could set behind the mountains. Pacing back and forth across the aisles, the golden haired Seeker gave each book a cursory glance. Some were turned over to be inspected from the other side, others were opened, the first few pages browsed before being returned to the shelf, until finally he emerged and gave his easy smile to the woman.</p> <p>“Everything here seems to be in order. I must say, you have done an admirable job of curating this collection, Miss Melanie.”</p> <p>She began to smile, but it faltered again.</p> <p>“I am relieved to hear that, though I don’t recall giving you my name.”</p> <p>His smile turned dangerous again, and the woman felt her skin crawl.</p> <p>“Why, you did not! Nor have I given mine. You must understand that as a Seeker, it is crucial that I know the names of everyone in this town, and for none to know of mine in turn. And… it is absolutely <i>vital</i> that I remain ever vigilant, and take notice of small, easy to miss details. For instance, that safe behind your desk.”</p> <p>Before the woman could even react, the Seeker nodded to his soldiers, and they surrounded her desk. One placed a gauntleted hand on her shoulder, while the Seeker approached the safe with a confident stride. His predatory grin was wider than ever now, his triumph for a successful hunt imminent.</p> <p>The woman swallowed again, her heart pounding a mille a minute.</p> <p>“Now, let’s see what’s in here…”</p> <p>With deft fingers, the man perfectly turned the safe’s dial, and the daimonkin swiftly realized that he had been observing her for quite a while now. This level of scrutiny and invasion of privacy would not be given to anyone besides a Daimonkin like herself, just another reminder of where the new regime’s priorities lay.</p> <p>With a terrifying click, the safe unlocked, and the Seeker slowly opened the door like he was unearthing a vault of lost treasure. His face downturned into a frown as he examined the contents therein, then produced several slips of paper for the woman to inspect. </p> <p>“What are these?”</p> <p>She let out a theatrical sigh, and quietly shook her head.</p> <p>“Overdue marks, my lord Seeker. I believe you’ll find that people in this city are simply dreadful when it comes to returns. Why, I believe on that particular note, you’ll find the name of your captain.”</p> <p>A few of the soldiers couldn’t help but let out chuckles at the idea of their vaunted, holy commander returning an overdue library book. The Seeker’s pointed ears turned flush with humiliation, and he tossed the carefully sorted stack of notices on the floor, before his hand gripped her by the jaw. She stood stock still, eyes petrified in fear as he stared directly into hers.</p> <p>“Where are the books, <i>Devilling?</i>”</p> <p>She swallowed. </p> <p>“I-I don’t know what you’re-”</p> <p>“<i>Don’t lie to me!</i> I saw you stash them into this safe just yesterday. Now tell me where you’ve hidden them, or I’ll start taking your horns-”</p> <p>A commanding feminine tone cut through his words. </p> <p>“What is the meaning of this?”</p> <p>Stepping into the library was a sister of the church, her body hidden under dark robes, with white trimming that accentuated the outfit’s simplicity. Her hair was kept tucked under a habit, though her silver locks were peeking through the sides.</p> <p>“A-Abby!” The daimonkin shouted.</p> <p>The sister approached the Seeker and gave him a stern glare. “Benedict, have you fallen so far in your organization that you are willing to threaten innocent young women?”</p> <p>His face contorted into anger, and with cheeks as red as his ears. </p> <p>“Do not interfere, Sister. This is official Seeker business, far above your station!”</p> <p>The sister’s frown deepened, and she lifted a finger, while entering his personal space, despite being shorter.</p> <p>“Seeker business is tearing apart libraries in search of books they do not possess, then making threats due to your own blunder? I wonder what the Captain might say if I brought this to her attention?”</p> <p>For the first time since arriving, the Seeker hesitated. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again. He turned his attention back to the daimonling, jaw still held tightly between his fingers, and finally released his grip on her.</p> <p>“This isn’t over, <i>Devilling</i>. I’ll be back, and next time I’ll expose you for what you are.”</p> <p>He stormed out of the library, with his men following closely behind him, their interlocking metal armor clanking loudly as they went. The sister gave each of them a polite bow, and once the last of them were gone, closed the door and locked it.</p> <p>With the soldiers gone, the daimonkin collapsed to the floor, her knees no longer able to hold her up. Hot tears fell from her eyes, staining the makeup she’d carefully applied in the morning. Warm and soft arms closed in around her, cradling her head against the sister’s bosom. </p> <p>“It’s all right Mel, you did great. You’re fine.”</p> <p>Soft hands stroked the daimonkin’s black hair, and she shook her head a few times as her hands tightened their grip around the sister.</p> <p>“I… I can’t do this anymore, Abby.”</p> <p>This was the third raid in the past three moons, and the shakedowns got to her more and more each time. Loving fingers stroked her cheek, and gently lifted up her chin to look into the sister’s bright green eyes. A soft kiss was planted on her forehead, prompting a soft whimper from the daimonkin.</p> <p>“I’m sorry, my dear sweet Melanie. I know how hard this is for you, and I’m proud of you for sticking with it, in spite of everything.” </p> <p>Her hands stroked the daimonkin’s cheek, and she leaned into each soft touch like a needy kitten. The sister giggled in response, and kissed her forehead again.</p> <p>“I know you don’t want to give up yet. You know how important it is for those books to be available to the children in the Home. You told me once that you want to ensure they have an easier time than you did.”</p> <p>It was true, she had said that. When she first took over the library, and carefully curated the books that had changed her life forever. Hexes to change her body, magical theory to put those spells into practice, and of course, the guide to self-realization that led her to uncovering her true gender. All things frowned upon by the church, but amplified in recent years to a terrifying crescendo.</p> <p>“I… I did say that, but now things are just… so hard.” The sister waited patiently, while her companion got the rest of her words out. “I don’t know if I’m strong enough to keep doing this, if I can endure…”</p> <p>The sister’s green eyes glistened with sympathy. “On your own, it would be impossible. No one person can be expected to bear so much weight in their life.” She smiled softly. “That’s why you don’t have to. You have me, you have Rosa… and together, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish together. Not to mention, all the people within the church who disagree with the Pontiff’s agenda, and are working hard to undo the harm he has caused.”</p> <p><i>Oh gods, I love her, I love her so much…</i><i><br /></i><i><br /></i>Sniffing, and wiping away the rest of her tears, the librarian nodded, and smiled. </p> <p>“O-Okay… thank you, Abby. So much.”</p> <p>The sister gave a wicked smile, then hugged her girlfriend to her chest again. Muffled squeals could be heard, eliciting more giggles from the mischievous sister.</p> <p>“You don’t have to thank me, silly. If anything, thank you for protecting those books for the children. … They are still safe, right?”</p> <p>Nodding her head, the librarian reached her hand behind the safe, until she found the switch hidden in the back. With a push and a click, the hidden door on the bottom slid open, revealing the hidden stack of books therein.</p> <p>“Safe and sound, thanks to this contraption provided by Victor. I swear, that man is a wizard with his hands.”</p> <p>A special commission from a brilliant mind in the city, the safe’s hidden compartment meant she could protect all the materials the church would deem “heretical”. They were the books that had saved her life, once upon a time. And now they were still around to help save many other youth who might be in need of them.</p> <p>“Quite ingenious, we’ll have to both thank her later, perhaps with some biscuits and tea from Rosa’s garden.” She looked around at the scattered stacks of paper, and books that were taken down from their shelf. “Now then, let’s get this place cleaned up before you close it down for the evening.”</p> <p>By this point, the daimonkin knew better than to question her girlfriend once she’d made up her mind on something.</p> <p>Over the next hour, they got busy putting the books back on the shelf (in their proper order of course), and getting the papers off the floor. With the sister’s help, it took half as much time as it normally would, and by the time the sun finished falling behind the snow capped mountains, the library’s doors were locked for the night.</p> <p>With a cloak and hood over her blouse and skirt to keep out the chill autumn air, the librarian lit her oil lantern and began to walk back home with the sister. The pair were largely silent as they walked, content to enjoy the other’s company on a night stroll. In the safety of the darkness, they held hands and laced their fingers.</p> <p>Words were not needed to convey the pair’s love for each other, and indeed they would not fully encapsulate the depths of their affection.</p> <p>Finally arriving at the flophouse she called home, the daimonkin turned to her love, and smiled softly.</p> <p>“Thank you very much, for everything this evening.”</p> <p>An impish grin spread on the sister’s face, as she took a step forward, using her height to make the daimonkin’s heart jump and tail stand up straight.</p> <p>“Do you honestly think after the events of today that I would leave you by yourself tonight?” Her fingers extended towards that sinuous tail, tracing ever so gently along the tip, and down the length of it. The daimonkin felt her blood begin to pump to her cheeks, and other places. Its stiffening presence creating a cyclic loop of embarrassment and arousal.</p> <p>“B-But, don’t you have to…”</p> <p>“Pray tomorrow? Oh love, I do that every day, and there’s no reason I can’t do it at your place in the morning. Now, be a good girl, and let me <i>in.”</i></p> <p>“Ph-Phrasing, Abby…”</p> <p>“Oh, I know what I said, sugar.”</p> <p>Left with little choice but to invite her girlfriend home for the evening, the daimonkin unlocked the door and stepped inside, with the mischievous sister following closely behind.</p> <p>Needless to say, neither of them enjoyed much rest that evening.</p> </div> + + Fantasy + Girls Love + Romance + Demons + Evil Religions + Library + Magic + Transgender + + + Magically Binding + gayannabeth + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1277710/magically-binding/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1277710-magically-binding/chapter/1277712/#comments + 79f5a6c98aec301a49d9da90c6c94ac86c16f0f4 + Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>While searching for ways to get out of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, Harry learns both that he's completely screwed, and that most magical contracts in wizarding Britain are completely useless. Oh, and also that she's actually a girl, and so's her rival.</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1277710-magically-binding/chapter/1277712/"><div class="chapter-title">Chapter 1: An Interesting Revelation</div></a></h3><div class="chp_raw" id="chp_raw"><p><span style="font-weight:400"></p> <div class="wi_authornotes"> <div> <div class="p-avatar-wrap"><a class="avatar has-link" href="/profile/138304/gayannabeth/"><img id="acc_ava_change profile" alt="" src="https://cdn.scribblehub.com/avatar/s/34/ava_138304_1699202101.jpg"></a></div> <p><span class="an_username"><a href="/profile/138304/gayannabeth/">gayannabeth</a></span></div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> <div class="wi_authornotes_body"> This was originally posted to my ao3. There are only two chapters so far, and I am reposting them to here now.</div> </p></div> <p>Dumbledore snatched the paper out of the air. He looked at it in shock. He muttered something to himself, then louder, so the entire hall could hear, announced, “Harry Potter!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry sunk down in his seat, trying to hide.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Would Harry Potter please come up here at once!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry continued trying to hide. He didn’t want this. He just wanted a normal school year, just this once.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Hermione nudged his arm. “Go.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry looked at her in betrayal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“It’ll be worse if you don’t. Just get this over with.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry took a deep breath. Hermione was right, of course, as usual. He slowly stood up and walked up to where Dumbledore was standing, trying to hide his shaking hands by stuffing them in his pockets. All around him, students were whispering.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Attention seeker.” “Spoiled brat.” Harry wasn’t any of those, he just wanted to be normal and left alone.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Of course, he’s Harry Potter, he can do anything.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry stopped in front of Dumbledore. “I didn’t put my name in the cup, professor. I- I don’t know how-”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Dumbledore’s face softened. “I know, Harry. We’ll try to sort this out, but for now, just go join the other champions.”</span></p> <p><i><span style="font-weight:400">Other champions.</span></i><span style="font-weight:400"> Harry didn’t want to be a champion.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry slipped into the room, trying to be silent so maybe the champions wouldn’t notice him. No luck.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“What is it?” Cedric asked. “Do they want us back out?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry opened his mouth to respond. “I- I- the cup…”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">He was interrupted by Bagman. “Simply amazing. Absolutely insane. Lady and gentlemen, may I present: the fourth tri-wizard champion.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry wished he could be anywhere else right now. Like Australia, that was pretty far away, right?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Fleur looked bewildered. “But surely there ‘as to be some mistake? ‘E is too young.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Bagman was quickly followed by Crouch, all three headmasters as well as professors McGonagall Moody and Snape.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“His name came out of the Goblet of Fire,” Crouch said. “He is bound to compete in the tournament.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Fleur turned to her headmistress. “‘Eadmistress, they are saying this little boy ‘as to compete! Surely there must be some mistake?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Crouch puffed up pompously. “His name came out of the cup, the Goblet of Fire constitutes a binding magical contract. He must compete or forfeit his magic.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Wait, </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">what?!</span></i><span style="font-weight:400"> Lose his magic? That could not happen.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry started breathing hard, the room around him seemed to fade away. If he lost his magic, he would need to return to the Dursleys. Permanently.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Well maybe someone </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">is </span></i><span style="font-weight:400">hoping Potter will die in this tournament. He does have a lot of enemies, as you are no doubt aware, Headmaster Karkaroff,” Moody said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Risk of death? Harry could handle that, he was used to it by now.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“What exactly are you trying to imply, Mad-Eye?” Karkaroff shot back.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Moody shrugged. “It’s no secret that not all of the Dark Lord’s followers were ever caught. Any one of them could wish death on the boy.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">That made sense. Too much sense.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Alastor, enough,” Dumbledore said. “We </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">will</span></i><span style="font-weight:400"> investigate why Mr. Potter’s name came out of the Goblet. For now, as much as I loathe it, the rules are clear: he must compete or lose his magic.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Bagman clapped. “Right then! Instructions! So, the first task is on November 24th. You will not be told what you will be facing beforehand, we will be testing your ability to face the unknown. You will be armed only with your wand. Good luck, tri-wizard champions.”</span></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry didn’t feel like partying. The other Gryffindors felt otherwise. He just decided to push through and go right to bed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“So how’d you do it then?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry turned to Ron in confusion. “Do what?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Ron scoffed. “Come off it, Harry. You can drop the act around me. How’d you, ya know, get your name in.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry sighed. “I didn’t, Ron. I- I don’t know what happened.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Ron scoffed. “Sure. Just… why didn’t you tell me? Even if I hadn’t been picked, we could have at least done it together.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry flopped onto his bed. “I didn’t put my name in. Believe me or not, that’s the truth.”</span></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-weight:400">The next morning, Ron was up before Harry, which was unusual. Fine by Harry, he didn’t feel like trying again to convince Ron of the obvious. Or anyone else for that matter. He quickly dressed himself, and ran down the dormitory stairs and through the common room to the portrait hole, which opened just as he arrived, revealing Hermione, who was holding a stack of toast.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Hermione smiled. “I grabbed breakfast for you,” she said. “Figured you wouldn’t want to sit in the great hall with everyone staring at you.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry smiled back at her. “Thanks, Hermione. You’re the best.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Hermione blushed. “It’s just toast.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">The two of them walked through the halls together, Harry munching on the toast. Hermione had gotten him some strawberry jam. His favourite.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“So Professor Moody thinks someone might be trying to kill you?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry nodded. “One of Voldemort’s old followers who was never caught, yes.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Hermione sighed. “And if you didn’t compete, you would lose your magic.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry stopped walking. “Yes.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Seems a bit convoluted for an assassination. Do you think there might be something more going on?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“What do you mean?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Hermione stopped and turned to face Harry. “I mean, what if this isn’t just about having you killed? After all, there isn’t even a guarantee this succeeds, and there are definitely much simpler ways to kill you.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“So are you saying they might want me in the tournament for other reasons?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Hermione shrugged. “Possibly. Also possible that this is just the least traceable way to have you killed.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">They resumed walking.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“D’you think we could find a way to get me out?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Hermione bit her lip. “Well, if the people organising this say you can’t, I’m not hopeful, but…” she trailed off.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“But what?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“We could ask the Gringotts Goblins. There’s no one who knows magical contracts better than them.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Wait, how would we do that?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“This Saturday is a Hogsmeade weekend. We can sneak off to Diagon then.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry’s eyes widened. “What?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Hermione rolled her eyes. “You heard me. We sneak out and go to Gringotts, see if we can figure out a way to get you out.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry opened and closed his mouth without a sound coming out, then said. “I can’t believe-”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“That I’m suggesting breaking the rules? I’m pretty sure I’ve done that many times before.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“But…”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“No buts. We’re doing this, Harry. I will not have you dying in this tournament if we can prevent it.”</span></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-weight:400">That Saturday, Harry and Hermione found themselves sneaking off to the Hog’s Head. The bartender gave them a suspicious look, but didn’t bother them as they used the floo to head to Diagon Alley.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry stumbled out of the fireplace in the Leaky Cauldron, being caught by Hermione, who helped steady him.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“I hate doing that.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“It’s not exactly pleasant, yes.” Hermione grabbed Harry’s hand and started walking him out back to the alley.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">The two wayward students strolled quickly through the alley, both wearing hooded cloaks to avoid being recognized. Once they reached Gringotts, they quickly got in line to see a teller.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">The line moved quickly, and it was finally their turn.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“And how may I help you two?” the goblin at the counter practically growled at them.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry gulped, but Hermione’s voice was steady. “We wish to talk to a contract expert.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“And would you happen to be able to pay for such a service?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry nodded, pulling out his coin purse. “Yes.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">The goblin smiled (or scowled, it was difficult for Harry to tell), and called over another goblin.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Grimsnare! Take Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger to see a contract expert.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">The other goblin wordlessly lead Harry and Hermione down a short side hallway, and up to a door labelled ‘Rustlebrass Cragglebark - Contract Master’ and knocked on the door, which immediately swung open.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Ah, Mr. Potter. We’ve been expecting you,” said the goblin - Rustlebrass - behind the desk.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry and Hermione stepped up the desk, Grimsnare bowing to them and leaving the room, the door closing behind him. “Uh, you were?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Rustlebrass nodded. “Of course. Please, sit.” The goblin gestured and two chairs appeared behind the two students.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“So, you were expecting us?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Rustlebrass nodded. “Yes. We read the papers too, Mr. Potter. We figured you would come here to ask about magical contracts.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry nodded. “Yeah, we were hoping to ask about that, and to see if you knew of some way to get out of it, especially since I didn’t actually enter myself.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">The goblin sighed. “Unfortunately, due to the unique nature of how the Goblet of Fire works, the name entered merely needs to be written by the individual being entered, they don’t even need to be the one to put it in or even know that it’s being done. It’s actually quite badly designed, unlike Gringotts’ magical contract system.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Hermione frowned. “What do you mean?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">The goblin smirked (or scowled) at her. “Well, any contract created by us must be signed by all those who it applies to.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Hermione narrowed her eyes. “But I’ve read that a head of house can sign a contract on behalf of their entire family?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">The goblin laughed. “While most wizards believe that, this is not the case. If they want something like that, it would need to be a magical treaty, which they could have us assist with, but the rules around those are very different, and the last time a magical treaty was signed was around 150 years ago. Most wizards seem to be entirely oblivious to there existence nowadays. Not only that, but they still seem to believe that two heads of houses can sign contracts that affect their children within this bank. They cannot. There are so many marriages that were done by contract that are, technically, not valid. Oh, the marriage is valid. The contracts, however, were not.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry sighed. “Shame about the Goblet. Why are you telling us this?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">The goblin laughed again. “Curiosity. You have a great deal of influence, I was simply curious if you could finally get that information into the other wizards' thick skulls.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry bowed his head. “I could certainly try. If that’s all, then we should probably not take up much more of your time. Thank you.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Rustebrass inclined his head in return. “It was a pleasure. You were certainly much less disrespectful than most wizards.”</span></p> <div class="wi_authornotes"> <div> <div class="p-avatar-wrap"><a class="avatar has-link" href="/profile/138304/gayannabeth/"><img id="acc_ava_change profile" alt="" src="https://cdn.scribblehub.com/avatar/s/34/ava_138304_1699202101.jpg"></a></div> <p><span class="an_username"><a href="/profile/138304/gayannabeth/">gayannabeth</a></span></div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> <div class="wi_authornotes_body"> Be sure to join my <a href="https://discord.gg/8KZvZHq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Discord</a>!</div> </p></div></p> </div> + + Comedy + Fanfiction + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Romance + School Life + Harry Potter + Appearance Changes + Child Protagonist + Comedic Undertone + Contracts + Cute Protagonist + Enemies Become Lovers + Famous Protagonist + Female Protagonist + Girl's Love Subplot + Glasses-wearing Protagonist + Male to Female + Transgender + + + These Rainy Autumn Nights + Shadell + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1285482/these-rainy-autumn-nights/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1285482-these-rainy-autumn-nights/chapter/1285486/#comments + b5845530880c76e75a94b3746e0dff41eb73db12 + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 13:13:40 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Again and again and again we repeat the motions; our lives shrink into an endless succession of todays as unchanging as the sky. We need each other to love and to hate, to have something alive in a world where nothing can die and no bonds can form. </p> <p>If only we were brave enough to face the unceasing rains of a world that cares not for girls like us, perhaps then something might begin. ​</p> <p>These Rainy Autumn Nights is an approximately 17k word, psychological horror, timeloop novelette about a group of trans lesbians in a girls' boarding school. This story contains depictions of self-harm and abusive relationships. </p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1285482-these-rainy-autumn-nights/chapter/1285486/"><div class="chapter-title">299,709</div></a></h3><div class="chp_raw" id="chp_raw"><p>It is exactly 63 steps from my door to the grand staircase drilling through the center of our world. I do not bother with a light. In truth, I do not even need to count the steps to know exactly where I am. When it is not pitch black, the hallway is a thing of beauty. Every door, every candle holder, has its unique charm. The embellishments on the third door from mine are much more angular than the rest, rougher, especially on the top where few see. Perhaps they were the first carved; perhaps the last. Each door has its own eccentricities, a little uniqueness you don’t notice on the first or tenth or thousandth viewing. I do not know if human hands actually carved them, if our world became what like this by conquering an older space or sprang from some hell in its present form. In any case, there is a subtle human warmth to the hallway, to most of the school.</p> <p>The staircase is different. Stylistically, it was designed with the same melodramatic sensibilities as everything else. And yet, it is too perfect, a flawless spiral descending from the top floor down to the basement. There are no errors in the carvings on the banisters, no spaces where a human might have spared some detail or taken a shortcut. The wooden steps fit together just too perfectly. I do not need to avoid any creaking planks as I descend.</p> <p>I see the light of her candle long before I reach the base of the stairs. My tiny hope that stealth would actually help me avoid notice is dashed.</p> <p>Passiflora awaits me, regal and doll-like. In one hand she holds a lit candle, ignoring the way the burgundy wax pools over her fingers. No matter how subtle, how quiet, how careful, she always seems to know when I will make my attempts.</p> <p>“Even if you make it,” she says, contorting her face into what someone unfamiliar with her might term a smile, “do you really believe the world would accept you?”</p> <p>“I don’t know.” We talk in a language of shared cliches, the same conversations etching themselves to the same ends again and again. It is her role to play the cautioning elder, mine to push the philosophical debates aside and focus on the pragmatic.</p> <p>“Are you going to stop me?”</p> <p>This hurts her in a way the wax no longer does. She uses the hurt as a weapon, but I do not believe the hurt itself a lie. I am not sure if I could endure a world that stole away even our capacity to wound one another anew.</p> <p>“I want only what is best for you, for us.” Her voice is chiding, as if I should trust her to have any interests but her own in heart, as if she really believes what she says. “But I clearly have no power to stop you.”</p> <p>This too is familiar, as is the way she moves forward, her right hand caressing my cheek, her left making a show of keeping the candle carefully away, her lips pressing themselves into my neck..</p> <p>“Come with me,” I ask, as I have always asked. She dreads escape into a larger world too much to make the attempt.</p> <p>“I am not strong enough,” she says, as if that weakness is not of her own volition. “And even if we had the strength to return outside and find a new way of living, those things would still gore us for the attempt.”</p> <p>I try to push her away, to make my way for the grand doors that have defined the border of my world for so long.</p> <p>“Oh Star.” she adopts the intimate name, better to play to my heart. “Will you leave me to whither here alone?”</p> <p>And, as I have countless times before, I let the guilt and hurt win. I allow myself to be turned, to be taken by the hand back up the stairs. She is crude in her manipulations, or perhaps I have known her so long that even her most tasteless and odorless poison has become rote. But I have not the strength to deny her. One day, in a moment of weakness, she may be persuaded to join me in the escape. Until then, I can only register my protests through action.</p> <p>I pretend not to see the way her lip curls ever so slightly upward as she leads me into her room. Perhaps the night will not be a total waste.</p> <p> </p> <div class="wi_authornotes"> <div> <div class="p-avatar-wrap"><a class="avatar has-link" href="/profile/72088/shadell/"><img id="acc_ava_change profile" alt="" src="https://cdn.scribblehub.com/avatar/s/18/ava_72088_1639430184.jpg"></a></div> <p><span class="an_username"><a href="/profile/72088/shadell/">Shadell</a></span></div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> <div class="wi_authornotes_body"> Well, this is a bit different in tone from most of my other work, but it was a lot of fun to write and I hope you like it! </p> <p>I'll be publishing chapters of this one over the next few weeks on Scribblehub, but if you'd like to support my work, or you just don't want to wait, this story was featured in this year's Trans Writing Lair <a href="https://itch.io/b/2684/stwl-presents-the-fruit-of-our-efforts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Halloween Bundle</a> and can be found on itch.io in epub and pdf formats in its entirety along with a lot of other great stories!</p> </div></div></p> </div> + + Gender Bender + Horror + Psychological + Romance + Abusive Characters + All-Girls School + Love Triangles + Selfish Protagonist + Transgender + + + Ranma 3/2 + Jaqui_K + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1285829/ranma-/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1285829-ranma-/chapter/1285836/#comments + 2b467cd2b340e14e635313e4808330550115221f + Sat, 02 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>What happens when the Spring of Drowned Girl isn't the only one Ranma falls into that day.</p> <p>Wait, Spring of Drowned Triplets?!</p> <p>With three times the Ranma, how will the Tendo dojo survive, much less the rest of Nerima?</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1285829-ranma-/chapter/1285836/"><div class="chapter-title">Chapter 1: Here&#8217;s Ranma&#8230;and Ranma&#8230;and Ranma?!</div></a></h3><div class="chp_raw" id="chp_raw"><div class="wi_authornotes"> <div> <div class="p-avatar-wrap"><a class="avatar has-link" href="/profile/150818/jaqui_k/"><img id="acc_ava_change profile" alt="" src="https://cdn.scribblehub.com/avatar/s/37/ava_150818_1705710248.jpg"></a></div> <p><span class="an_username"><a href="/profile/150818/jaqui_k/">Jaqui_K</a></span></div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> <div class="wi_authornotes_body"> Thank you to Beedok for the amazing artwork</div> </p></div> </p> <p>It was a relatively quiet Sunday in the Nerima district of Tokyo, Japan. The early morning rain shower had ceased, leaving a few puddles remaining, and the remainder of the day looked to be nice and sunny. The regular crowd of locals, tourists, and other visitors were busy heading around town. Suddenly, this relatively normal day was interrupted by the approaching sounds of splashing and thudding. </p> <p>Turning to see what was going on, the nearby group of people were shocked to find a young girl with pink hair racing down the street, chased closely by a giant panda of all things. The animal caught up and took a swipe at the girl, only for her to avoid the attack by leaping several meters into the air. She then threw aside her oversized travel pack and performed several twists to right herself before landing with a strong kick that managed to knock the panda away and onto its back.</p> <p>“Not too bad for a <em>girl </em>, huh?” the pinkette taunted while flipping her braid over her back. “And it’s just me, so you don’t have that excuse this time.”</p> <p>A few of the more curious bystanders slowly approached the downed animal, but quickly backed away when it performed a kip up of all things to get back on its hind legs and actually adopted a martials arts stance that definitely seemed out of place for a panda bear. </p> <p>The girl seemed not to be surprised by this action and merely huffed before adopting a stance of her own, which was much more fitting for a human, especially one wearing a red sleeveless chinese style shirt with black kung fu pants and cloth armbands. “Alright, then bring it on, old man.”</p> <p>The panda proceeded to do just that, rushing forward and going after the girl with a variety of martial arts punches and kicks. The girl for her part managed to block or avoid the strikes while angrily ranting the entire time. </p> <p>“Honestly, I don’t know why you’d think I would actually agree to this crap. I’m with them, this whole thing sucks! What the hell makes you think we’d let you go and pick a fiancée for us.” She quickly sidestepped a punch and grabbed the overextended panda arm, then she twisted her body and flung the beast over her shoulder and into a stop sign pole. “That’s not your call to make!”</p> <p>The entire pole collapsed onto the ground, along with the panda, who seemed to be down for the count. The girl looked down at the animal for a moment, then scoffed and flicked her braid back over her shoulder. “I’m going to find the others and then we’re heading back to China. I’m sure with the three of us we can figure something out.” She calmly went over to retrieve her bag, unaware that the panda had managed to get up and was slowly sneaking up on her. At the last moment, she finally noticed the presence from behind and quickly spun around, just in time for the panda to whack her on the head with the stop sign, causing the girl to collapse to the ground unconscious. </p> <p>There were several murmurs from the crowd as the panda picked up the girl and her bag, but any attempts to intervene were quickly quelled by the animal giving loud barks in their direction, no one really wanting to risk dealing with a kung fu panda. </p> <p>Several minutes after the beast left with the girl, anyone that was still in the area was greeted with the new sight of two more teenagers dropping down from the rooftops. The newcomers were dressed very similar to the previous pink haired girl, although the colors were different. The one with her long black hair pulled back into a low ponytail was fittingly wearing a black shirt, while the short haired redhead was garbed in blue.</p> <p>“Looks like we just missed them,” the raven haired girl noted while picking up a pair of discarded shoes next to a now bent stop sign. </p> <p>The redhead immediately went over to one of the people still loitering around and grabbed him by the shirt collar. “Hey, did ya see a girl with pink hair and a panda come by here?”</p> <p>“Um, y-yeah,” the nervous man stammered out, “They had this really crazy fight, and the panda knocked out the girl and carried her off.”</p> <p>“And ya didn’t try to stop him?!” The grip on the guy’s shirt tightened just a bit more.</p> <p>“S-sorry,” the man said while shrinking back as much as he could, “it was a giant bear that knows martial arts. What was I supposed to do?”</p> <p>The red haired teen held on for a couple more seconds, then let the terrified man go with a scoff. “Dammit, this sucks! We were trying to get away from the panda’s dumb scheme, and now-”</p> <p>The redhead’s rant was interrupted by a hand on the shoulder from the taller one of the duo, who gave a reassuring smile. “Hey, we’ll just need to go with our original plan to get out of this. It’ll be okay. After all, we don’t lose, right?” The dark haired teen then paused for a few seconds in thought before looking down at the guy who had collapsed into a seated position on the ground. “Pardon me, do you happen to know where the Tendo Dojo is?”</p> <hr /> <p>“A fiancé?!” Akane Tendo could not believe what she was hearing.</p> <p>Her father, Soun Tendo, gave an enthusiastic nod to his three daughters, apparently oblivious to his youngest one’s outrage. “That’s right. His name is Ranma Saotome and he is the son of an old friend of mine. If one of you were to marry him and take over the dojo, then our family legacy will be secure.”</p> <p>“Hold on,” Akane called out while slamming a hand down on the table, “you can’t just spring something like this on us out of nowhere!”</p> <p>“I have to agree, Father,” The eldest daughter, Kasumi, agreed. “We’ve never even met this Ranma.”</p> <p>Soun gave a chuckle. “Oh, that won’t be a problem soon. It seems that they are returning from a long training trip to China and are stopping by here.” He gestured to the postcard on the table they were seated around that managed to completely upend any plans the four may have had for the day. </p> <p>“Oh wow, China!” the middle daughter, Nabiki, cooed. “So is he cute?”</p> <p>“Eh, going to China’s not <em>that </em>impressive,” Akane grumbled out.</p> <p>“Hmmm, how old is he?” Kasumi wondered. “I hope he’s not too immature.”</p> <p>Soun merely chuckled to himself for a few moments, then suddenly stopped. “I have no idea,” he plainly responded.</p> <p>“No idea?” Nabiki narrowed her eyes as she leaned forward on the table. </p> <p>“I’ve never met the boy.”</p> <p>Akane was more than livid now. “Wait, <em>you </em>haven’t even met-”</p> <p>Her building rant was cut off by the noises of a loud argument coming from the entranceway. Well, a one-sided argument at least as it sounded like a person with a high pitched voice was yelling at someone who was only responding with an occasional grunt. </p> <p>“Oh my, it sounds like we have guests,” Kasumi noted.</p> <p>Nabiki happily jumped up and rushed to the entrance. “Alright, time to see how cute he really is!”</p> <p>Soun followed close behind. “Oh Saotome, my old friend, how I missed you!”</p> <p>Akane grumbled some more, but still got up as well and slowly went after them, along with Kasumi. However, the two only made it to the hallway when they were greeted with their other sister and their father racing back towards them, looking scared. </p> <p>“Hey, what’s going on?” Akane asked as Nabiki huddled up next to her and Soun turned to stand in front of them, blocking the hallway. Loud footsteps drew her attention towards what was coming around the corner and heading towards them: a very large panda carrying a squirming person over its shoulder, which served to answer her question while simultaneously raising several more.</p> <p>“Knock it off, you’re scaring them!” the person on the panda’s shoulder yelled out while still squirming in its grasp. “You know you’re not getting away with this, right? When they find me they are going to knock your head off!”</p> <p>“Father, is this your friend?” Kasumi asked.</p> <p>Soun merely responded with a rapid shake of his head.</p> <p>“Oh yeah, cause a huge panda coming to visit is such a normal thing!” Nabiki called out.</p> <p>Soun shook his head again.</p> <p>“What is going on?” Akane wondered. </p> <p>More shaking of his head.</p> <p>The panda seemed to be either unknowing or uncaring about the reactions going on around it as it merely stepped forward and set down its involuntary passenger right in front of the girls’ father. </p> <p>Soun just looked down at the pink haired person who was nervously looking right back up at him when a thought suddenly occurred to him. “Wait, you wouldn’t happen to be…”</p> <p>Their guest held a wide eyed smile as they looked around the room, then turned away and gave a sigh while they fiddled with their braid and responded, “Ranma Saotome. I’m sorry about this.”</p> <p>“Ranma! Oh, you’re finally here!” Soun exclaimed as he quickly wrapped Ranma in a hug before the pinkette could protest.</p> <p>Nabiki also now looked excited. “Oh, he really is a cutie. A bit short, maybe, but that hair is definitely a statement. I hope that’s not too weird for my fiancé, Daddy.”</p> <p>Soun just laughed and squeezed tighter. “No, of course not. I’m just so happy to meet him. I’ve been waiting for this day for so long, ever since Genma first told me he had a…huh?!” He suddenly froze, then released his hug and pulled Ranma back to arms length, a now shocked look on his face. </p> <p>The three sisters were confused by their father’s sudden change in demeanor. Nabiki then narrowed her eyes as she took a closer look at their pink haired guest. She stepped forward and confirmed her new suspicions by poking Ranma right in the chest. </p> <p>“Um, could you please stop that.” Ranma softly complained. </p> <p>Nabiki ignored the comment and turned to her father with half lidded eyes. “Yeah, this is a girl.”</p> <p>Before Soun was able to pass out completely from the shock, another loud commotion from the entrance drew everyone’s attention. Two new figures skidded around the corner and paused for just a moment to assess the situation.</p> <p>“Hey, you jerk!” the one with red hair yelled out, charging forward with a kick at the panda, who actually managed to block the strike.</p> <p>The one with long black hair also charged in, but stopped at the last moment and pointed past the Tendos with an overly shocked expression that was clearly put on. “Look! A duck is riding a unicycle!”</p> <p>While none of the Tendo sisters were fooled by such a cheap and obvious distraction, both their father and the panda quickly turned around to see the strange phenomenon. The strange ponytailed intruder took advantage of the distraction and kicked the panda right into the wall, causing the entire hallway to tremble as it slid down to the ground, completely knocked out. </p> <p>Akane narrowed her eyes at this. “Hey, I know it’s a wild animal and all, but should you really be doing that to an endangered species?”</p> <p>The black haired fighter gave a small scoff, flicking a long ponytail off one shoulder. “Don’t worry, he’s tough enough to handle that. In fact, I’m pretty sure he’s too stupid to get seriously hurt. Besides, I was just protecting my little sister.”</p> <p>“Hey, I don’t need saving!” Ranma complained. “I had this…” She trailed off and Soun approached once again.</p> <p>“Little sister?” He echoed, looking between the three with a new hope building in his eyes. “Wait, does that mean…”</p> <p>“Yeah, we’re all siblings. You could even call us triplets I guess.” the short haired redhead casually replied.</p> <p>“You guess?” Akane asked, although she supposed the redhead was just referring to the fact that the three were certainly not identical. In addition to the wildly different hair and eye colors, there was also a noticeable height difference with the black haired, blueish gray eyed one being the tallest at about the same height as or maybe slightly taller than Akane herself, and the pink haired girl with the admittedly striking red eyes was the shortest, with the red haired, blue eyed one in the middle.</p> <p>“Yeah, it’s a little complicated,” The redhead continued, stepping forward with hands in pockets next to the pink haired girl. “Name’s Ranma Saotome. Sorry ‘bout this whole mess.”</p> <p>The black haired triplet briefly sent a glare over to the redhead, then sighed and also stepped forward, looking down at the ground and sheepishly rubbing the back of their head. “Yes, I am also Ranma Saotome, and I am also very sorry about this.”</p> <p><img class="aligncenter" src="https://file.garden/Y8gBG1O_hHHIeRhj/Commission%20from%20Beedok%20-%20Triplet%20Ranmas.png" alt="" width="800" /></p> <p> </p> <p>“Wait, you’re <em>all </em>named Ranma?” Nabiki asked, pointing out the obvious.</p> <p>“Yep,” the red haired Ranma replied with a smirk. “Let’s just say our father is kind of an idiot.”</p> <p>“Well, Genma was always rather...simple with such things,” Soun reluctantly admitted with a laugh. A big smile then grew on his face. “So, does that mean that one of you is…” The smile as well as the hope in his eyes slowly began to fade as he continued to look between the two non pink haired triplets.</p> <p>Nabiki, starting to get a little tired of this whole thing, simply stepped forward and performed the same confirmation as before with the dark haired Ranma as well as the redhead.</p> <p>“Please don’t do that.”</p> <p>“Hey, hands off!”</p> <p>She once again ignored the complaints and turned back to her father with another half lidded stare. “Yeah, they’re both also girls.”</p> <hr /> <p>Kuroma sighed and lightly tugged on their ponytail. Dammit, this was supposed to be a simple plan, just grab their little sister and get out of there before their idiot dad could do anything stupid. But then the Tendo father had to go and pass out, and it would have been sort of rude of them to just leave and let his daughters take care of this dumb mess. Not to mention the kind of trouble their stupid pop would cause if he were left here alone. That was basically the excuse they decided on for why everyone was now seated in what was apparently the Tendo’s family room. Well, everyone except for the panda that was passed out in the backyard and the Tendo father who was lying down next to Kuroma still apparently in shock and being attended to by the nice and matronly seeming Tendo daughter that introduced herself as Kasumi.</p> <p>“Oh dear, is your pet going to be alright?” Kasumi wondered.</p> <p>“Don’t worry, he’ll be fine,” Kuroma reassured her. “Sorry about your hallway though. I hope I didn’t damage anything too bad.”</p> <p>“Hey, it’s fine, Ranma,” the girl with the long blue hair named Akane answered. “You and Ranma were just trying to protect Ranma…wow, this name thing must be really confusing for you all.”</p> <p>“Yeah, I get that. It’s why we all came up with our own names for each other. You can call me Kuroma. That one over there…” They gestured towards their red haired sibling who was lazily leaning on the large table most of them were seated around.</p> <p>“Yo, I go by Akama,” the redhead casually said with a wave. “And we refer to her as Pin-”</p> <p>“Sakura!” Their pink haired sister loudly interrupted with a scowl, breaking out of her quiet mood just long enough to get indignant. “My name is Sakura, and don’t you forget it!”</p> <p>“Okay, that’s great and all,” the girl with the very sharp looking bob cut who called herself Nabiki sardonically stated, “but that still doesn’t take away the fact that I was promised a fiancé! I’m blaming you for this, Dad. You should have checked before getting my hopes up!”</p> <p>“Genma said that he had a son!” The Tendo father wailed from the ground. </p> <p>“Oh really, and which son is that?” Nabiki shot back. “The one with the huge bazongas, the one with the tig ol bitties, or this one with the massive rack?”</p> <p>Kuroma noted the irony of the girl using Akama to prove her point. <em>Although you’re still blowing your chance at a fiancé if you keep pissing off my brother like that.</em></p> <p>Akama grumbled and batted the grabby girl’s hand away. “I told ya, hands off!” he yelled while shooting a glare at the middle Tendo sister. “What makes you think you can just-”</p> <p>“Whatever, this place is a bit too crowded for my liking right now,” Nabiki interrupted as she casually stood up and walked off. “Have fun dealing with the Weird Sisters,” she called out to the other two Tendo girls as she left the room.</p> <p>Akama just blinked in surprise for a few seconds at the casual dismissal, before he remembered to get angry again. “Hey! I’m not done with you. Get back here!” He yelled out as he got up and chased after her.</p> <p>Kuroma rolled their eyes at their brother's antics, but any mirth was immediately dulled by Sakura giving another sigh and dipping her head low. They really hated seeing their sister like this and wondered what they could do to cheer her up. Interestingly, it seemed that the Akane girl sitting next to Sakura had the same thought as she looked sympathetically towards the pink haired girl, then turned towards Kuroma with a pleading expression, as if asking for advice on what to do. They wracked their brain, trying to come up with the perfect idea when their eye caught the martial arts gi the girl was wearing. Giving a smile, they pointed to Sakura while nodding their head in the direction of the other side of the Tendo house where they remembered seeing a separate building for a dojo. To help emphasize the point, they also made a few silent martial arts poses with their hands. </p> <p>Akane stared for a few moments before finally getting the hint. Turning back towards Sakura, she put a gentle hand on the girl’s shoulder while giving a warm smile. “Hey, do you want to check out our dojo?”</p> <p>Sakura looked over at the blue haired girl, first with confusion, then with a small smile building on her face. “Sure.”</p> <p>“That’s great!” Akane’s smile grew even wider. “I’d love to be friends with you, if that’s alright.”</p> <p>Sakura’s own smile also grew as she gave an enthusiastic nod. The two got up and walked off together, Sakura flashing Kuroma a hopeful look before leaving the room.</p> <p>“That was a very nice thing you did for your sister,” Kasumi warmly noted once the two of them were alone, well aside from the man still lying on the floor, but he didn’t really count. </p> <p>Kuroma felt the growing pride in their chest swell even more at the compliment. “Yeah, I try to do what I can for her. Our dad sure isn’t going to.”</p> <p>“I see.” Kasumi looked lost in thought for a bit before speaking up again. “What about your mother?”</p> <p>“My mother? I don’t know.” Kuroma’s smile turned wistful as they looked at the ground. “I never knew her. For as long as I could remember it was just me and Pops…and my siblings too of course.”</p> <p>“And you took it upon yourself to take care of them,” Kasumi concluded with an apparent nod of approval. “That was very brave of you.”</p> <p>“If you say so,” Kuroma said with a shrug. They then narrowed their eyes and looked around, Kasumi’s words reminded them that there was someone missing. “So where’s your mother at? I’d love to meet her.” While Kasumi’s expression remained unchanged, Kuroma couldn’t help but notice the slight flinch she gave. If this was from before, they probably would have missed it or even just ignored it entirely, but now that they had siblings they needed to watch out for, they’ve learned to be much better at picking up on such things. “Oh…sorry. I didn’t mean to…”</p> <p>“No, it’s alright. I was the one that brought it up first.” Kasumi gave a friendly smile that Kuroma could tell was genuine, but they could also notice the tiniest hints of strain underneath. “Our mother passed away several years ago. Even since then, I have been taking care and supporting my sisters. I do what I can for them, although I’m sure it’s still nothing compared to what you’ve done for your sisters all those years while traveling around the world.”</p> <p>“Um, well…” Sure Kuroma knew they were doing a great job helping out their little siblings, especially against the stupid panda and that sore loser girl who’s probably still mad at Akama, but they definitely didn’t want to exaggerate or anything. Plus this girl seemed really nice and they didn’t want to make her feel bad. “We’ve really only been on the road together for a few weeks now, with this whole China training trip and everything that happened during it, so I’m sure it’s not a big deal. Uh, besides, I’m sure you’re still doing awesome with your sisters anyway.”</p> <p>“Oh, it’s really not that impressive,” Kasumi responded. “I’m mostly doing my part around the house. Cleaning their rooms, washing and mending their clothes, cooking meals and making their bentos. Oh my, I just realized.” She quickly got to her feet. “With this many extra guests for dinner, I may not have enough ingredients.”</p> <p>“Hey it’s fine,” Kuroma said, standing up as well. “Don’t worry, we can take care of ourselves.”</p> <p>Kasumi gave another warm smile. “But you are our guests, so I insist. It’s not a worry at all. I was planning on grocery shopping soon, so I may as well get that done today.”</p> <p>“Oh, in that case we’d be happy to stay for dinner.” Kuroma gave a big laugh as they rubbed the back of their neck. <em>Yeah, with a house this huge, I bet they can afford an actual ton of food. Not sure how exactly stupid Pops managed to make friends with a rich dude, but I’m not gonna complain, especially for Sakura’s sake. </em>They gave a quick glance to the open doors to the backyard, figuring the panda would be out for at least a few more hours. “Do you want some help with your shopping?”</p> <p>“Thank you for the offer, but you are still our guest and I don’t wish to burden you,” Kasumi said in that same super polite tone of hers. </p> <p>“Hey, it’s no burden at all,” Kuroma said, flashing a big grin. “Besides, you’ll probably need help carrying all that food. My siblings can have pretty big appetites.”</p> <p>“Hmmm, I suppose that is true,” Kasumi admitted before flashing a smile of her own. “Very well, I accept your generous offer. Shall we be off then?”</p> <hr /> <p>“Seriously, where the heck did you go?” Akama grumbled to himself as he headed up to the second floor of the house after spending what felt like ages searching the ground floor for that insulting jerk. <em>And how the heck did the panda even manage to sucker a guy with a house this big? Guess I still have a few things to learn from the old man. </em>He shook off that thought and went back to the focus of his current ire while checking what turned out to be a decent sized, but mostly empty room. <em>Where does that girl get off on questioning my manhood or my boobs? I happen to like my tits, thank you very much, and they sure don’t make me less of a man. Heck, being the man I am even with a huge rack just shows how awesome I am at it.</em></p> <p>His search came to a very abrupt end as the insulting jerk inquisition opened one of the doors in the hallway and stuck her head out while casually gnawing on a popsicle. “Oh, it’s you. The heck do you want?”</p> <p>Akama was taken aback for just a moment, then narrowed his eyes. “What I want is an apology from you. My boobs are not squeak toys, dammit!” </p> <p>The jerk that he sorta recalled was named Nabiki just stood there and looked him up and down for a few seconds. He was definitely prepared though. Whatever challenge was coming, he was more than ready for it. Finally, she made her action by…holding one hand out, palm up? “500 yen,” was all she said.</p> <p>“I…wait, that’s it?” He was almost a little disappointed, but if that’s all it took to completely humble this girl, he wouldn’t complain. He made sure to suppress a smirk as he fished out some coins from his pocket. Honestly, it would take so much more than this, if at all, for him to get on his knees and grovel for forgiveness like the dumb panda would always do. “Alright, here you go,” he said, handing over the change. </p> <p>He watched while she counted the coins in her hand, very patiently waiting for the begging to start. However, instead she gave a very singsongy, “Thanks! A pleasure doing business with you,” before popping back in her room and closing the door.</p> <p>It took a couple of moments for Akama to process what just happened, but once he did he was quick to pound on the door. Sure, he could have easily just broken through the thing, but then Sakura and maybe Kuroma would also get in trouble for it. </p> <p>Soon enough, the door opened again with the jerk girl giving a half lidded glare. “What now?”</p> <p>“Whaddya mean what now?” Akama shot back. “What about the apology?”</p> <p>The girl tilted her head slightly while managing to perfectly fake looking confused. “Apology? I never said I’d do that.”</p> <p>“I paid you 500 yen!” Akama pointed out, absolutely fuming at this point and doing his best to be intimidating while still having to look up at the jerk.</p> <p>Somehow, the girl wasn’t cowering in fear and in fact looked somewhat bored. “Yeah, and I already thanked you for your generosity. If for some reason that’s still not enough, I suppose I can also consider it as services rendered for falsely getting my hopes up. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am quite busy at the moment.”</p> <hr /> <p>Nabiki rolled her eyes as she closed the door and went back to her magazine, reading as she lazily laid on her bed. <em>Honestly, what’s with that redhead? She should be thanking me for confirming how great her tits are. So gullible too, and still really cute. Ugh, it sucks that she had to be a girl; it’s so dumb that it’d totally tank my reputation, but that’s this stupid world, for now at least, and reputation is key in the business world.</em></p> <p>“Hey! I’m not done with you yet!” Nabiki looked up as the sounds of the redhead yelling could be heard from outside her open window. She smirked a little as she put up a hand to her mouth to call out, “What’s that? I can’t hear you from down there.”</p> <p>She went back to her magazine, expecting the dummy to continue her rant for a bit more before giving up. Instead, what she got was a loud thump right from her window. Looking up again, she found an irate redhead crouching on her windowsill leaning in. “I said that I’m not done with you yet.”</p> <p>Nabiki quickly got off her bed while still maintaining a cool control of the situation. “Alright, alright, no need to wreck my window or my room over this. I somehow doubt you could afford the repair bill. How’d you get up here anyway?”</p> <p>Her intruder just looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “Simple, I jumped.”</p> <p>“From the ground?”</p> <p>“Yeah, of course,” the redhead shrugged, then went into the room proper. “Now, about that apology…”</p> <p>Nabiki held up a hopefully placating hand as she kept her composure. “For the record, I’m still blaming my dad for this. I mean really, getting me so excited about a cute boy coming over as a potential fiancé, who’s even had the chance to go to China! Then you three show up. Don’t get me wrong, you’re still cute and all, but you can see why’d I be so upset about all that, right?”</p> <p>“Hey! I know I don’t live up to your stupid expectations,” the redhead shot back, “but it’s not like I wanted a fiancée in the first place!”</p> <p>“Well there you go then,” Nabiki responded with a quick laugh. “It all worked out and you got a pretty girl to touch your honestly amazing boobs. Twice even! So what’s there to be mad about?”</p> <p>For some reason, the redhead wasn’t swayed by her flawless logic. “Oh, you wanna know what I got to be mad about? How about let’s start with this stupid plan my dumb Pops dropped on us right when we get back to Tokyo. Then, when Kuroma and me of course tell him where to shove it, he goes and abducts our little sister, as if she’d actually go along with this stupid thing either. So, instead of spending my day scamming a bunch of food vendors out of free treats, I have to go and rescue her. And then, almost the moment I get here, there’s this rude chick that goes right up and grabs me, and not even in a pleasant way. Seriously, if that was your attempt at being friendly, you really need to work on your technique.”</p> <p>“Alright, first off, let’s make one thing perfectly clear.” Nabiki stepped forward and shot an accusatory finger right up between the redhead’s eyes. She held that pose for several seconds, then lowered her hand as she asked, “What was that third thing you said?”</p> <p>“Huh?” The redhead paused, then thought for a bit. “Oh, the scamming vendors thing? Yeah, it’s stupid easy. All I gotta do is bat my eyes and barely lower my collar and those guys practically trip over themselves to give me stuff.” She scoffed and crossed her arms. “Complete embarrassments to manhood if you ask me.”</p> <p>Nabiki nodded in agreement while simultaneously giving a dismissive wave. “Yes, yes, men are all but putty in our hands, couldn’t agree more. Now…” She took a quick back to her windowsill. “You said you did training in China. I’m guessing you’re pretty good at martial arts then.”</p> <p>The redhead looked taken aback for a moment, then gave a big grin. “Oh, definitely. One of the best. Top 3 for sure.”</p> <p>“Perfect,” Nabiki responded with a quick clap of her hands. “In that case, I think I have just the thing to turn your day around. It’s Akemi, right?”</p> <p>“My name’s Akama.” the now confirmed named redhead growled out.</p> <p>Nabiki gave a casual nod. “Got it. You can refer to me as Boss Nabiki. Now, how would you like to do some sports hustling? Nothing serious of course, just showing a bunch of idiot jocks what a couple of cute girls can really do.”</p> <p>Akama gave another scowl. “Okay, first off, I’m actually a guy.”</p> <p>“Hey, whatever.” Nabiki gave another lighthearted laugh. “Pull this off and I’ll call you a shapeshifting kitsune for all I care. Hold on, <em>are </em>you a kitsune? If we’re going to be partners, you’re legally obligated to inform me about such things.”</p> <p>“Nope, just a dude,” Akama replied. “I almost wish me and my siblings were kitsune though. That would make things so much easier, especially with weird chicks from China that can’t handle losing a fight.”</p> <p>“Look, I wasn’t asking for your life story. Just tell me, are you in or out.”</p> <p>Akame thought about it for a bit, then gave a nod while crossing his arms. “Yeah, why not. It’ll at least be something better to do. Alright, Nabiki, I’m in.”</p> <p>“Boss Nabiki, but we’ll work on that. Okay then, Red, time to show me just what you got.”</p> <hr /> <p>“Hey, I heard you went on a training trip in China. So do you practice kempo?”</p> <p>“Yeah, a little,” Was Sakura’s casual answer to Akane’s question as the two of them walked down the little stone path to the dojo. It was pretty much the truth. After all, there was only so much practice one could do in about 3 weeks, not even counting for an angry girl chasing after one’s brother. Of course, she also had a bit of an extra advantage by also having Ranma’s memories and experiences, although she couldn’t honestly call them her own since she didn’t actually exist back then. </p> <p>Akane led her into the dojo proper and she took a moment to take in how nice, if somewhat plain, the place looked. Decent size with wood floor and walls with the classic “Iroha” sign to promote fundamentals hanging one of them. Above the sign was a wooden shelf with a simple shrine on top of it. She nodded with satisfaction at the place, then turned back to her new friend, who was flashing her a friendly smile that was mixed with anticipation. </p> <p>“Hey, um…oh.” Akane’s expression shifted as a thought must have just occurred to her. “You said that you go by Sakura when you’re with your sisters, but do you prefer to still go by Ranma when it’s just you?”</p> <p>“They’re-” She quickly cut herself off. Yes, the two weren’t actually her ‘sisters’, but it would probably be better for them to explain that. More important was the second part, even if that was the hardest to explain. Sure, Kuroma kept insisting that the three of them were all equally ‘Ranma’, but that was easy for them to say since they were clearly the original. It was so obvious to her, especially during those rare times when they joined back together.</p> <p>“Please call me Sakura,” was the simple answer she gave, since it was simply who she was.</p> <p>Akane’s friendly smile returned. “Awright, Sakura. How about we have a little match.”</p> <p>“Really? Just the two of us?” Sakura paused in contemplation. This would be the first one on one match she’d have since…this would be her first one on one match.</p> <p>“Sure,” Akane said with a nod. “Don’t worry, this will just be a friendly spar. I’m not going to hurt you.”</p> <p>Sakura gave a look towards the door, waiting for Kuroma to burst in to put a stop to this. When that didn’t actually happen, she responded with a light, “If you say so,” and stepped up to the middle of the dojo, standing casually with her arms behind her back. </p> <p>Akane blinked at that, but shrugged and went over to stand off opposite the pink haired girl. She took a strong wide stance, then blinked again. “Um, are you ready?” Sakura just gave a smile while otherwise not moving, curious to see how the other girl would react. Akane seemed to hesitate for just a moment before resolving herself again. “Okay, here I come!” </p> <p>The blue haired girl charged in and gave a simple straight punch apparently wanting to test things out first. Sakura responded in kind by quickly sidestepping the attack and waiting to see what her new friend would do next. Akane looked to be surprised by this, but still to her credit quickly recovered and followed up with a kick that Sakura jumped over. She dodged a couple more kicks while in midair and used Akane’s leg as a springboard to get back to the ground, where she immediately needed to dodge another punch right afterwards.</p> <p><em>Wow, this is great! </em>Sakura’s first real martial arts duel, and she was having so much fun. Her opponent’s strikes were so powerful and so fast. She was still a lot faster, but that was just to be expected. As she continued to dance around her new friend’s attacks, smiling all the while, memories started to flood into her mind. Not her memories, but Ranma’s. Of him having similar spars with his friend Ucchan when they were both six, and how much fun Ranma had back then. <em>Oh, I hope she can make okonomiyaki just as good. Wait, no, maybe something like yakisoba or a nice spicy curry. Yeah, something different, cause this is my friend, not Ranma’s. And Ranma’s never had a rich girl for a friend, so take that!</em></p> <p>As fun as it was, unfortunately it looked like the spar was wrapping up as Akane was definitely letting her frustration show. Sakura hopped over with her back to the dojo wall, excited to see how this would end. “Alright, this time it’s for real!” Akane shouted out, and she stomped forward, throwing a hard, solid right punch that the pigtailed martial artist still managed to leap right over. As her opponent’s fist went straight through the dojo wall, Sakura took a moment while still in the air to contemplate how she wanted to finish this. Ranma would have ended things happily sitting on a downed and flailing Ucchan. This wasn’t Ucchan though, and besides, she wanted to do things her own way. Therefore, she chose to land right behind the taller girl, reaching up and tapping one finger to the back of her head.</p> <p>As Akane looked over to her in shock, the overwhelming euphoria of such a great fight became too much for Sakura and she began to giggle then shifted into full on joyous laughter, which the other girl joined in after a bit. </p> <p>After the laughter died down, Akane gave a long sigh. “Wow, you’re pretty good. I can tell you really went on a trip to improve your martial arts,” she said with a noticeable dejection in her voice. </p> <p>“Yeah, I’m definitely one of the best, but don’t feel too bad. You did really good, too,” Sakura noted while pointing out the hole in the dojo wall. </p> <p>Her new friend did at least smile at that, although it wasn’t as bright as the initial one that admittedly got her heart all aflutter, even if she could never realistically act on those feelings. “Thanks, but it’s still frustrating,” Akane stated as she started to leave. “I’m just glad that you’re a girl.”</p> <p>“Huh? Why’s that?” Sakura asked.</p> <p>“Oh, it’s just-” Akane stopped at the door and looked back towards Sakura “-I couldn’t stand losing to a boy.” She then turned and left the dojo.</p> <p>Sakura didn’t say anything in reply at first, instead looking around the empty dojo, ending on the fresh hole in the wall before turning her gaze to the ground and speaking in a soft low voice.</p> <p>“Yeah, I guess I’m also glad that I’m not a boy.”</p> <hr /> <p>“So, Little Sister, how did your day go?” Kuroma asked in a sing-song voice as they sat on a small stool in the very lovely Tendo furo room while busily shampooing the hair of Sakura, who was seated on her own stool in front of them.</p> <p>“Kuroma, I can wash my own hair!” Sakura protested, although she didn't even try to bat their hands away.</p> <p>“Hey, if you think about it, you kinda are doing that,” Kuroma said with a grin.</p> <p>“No dodging the question,” Akama said as he casually swept aside a bit of red hair off his forehead while leaning back in the warm furo water. “I heard that you went to spar with the blue haired chick, and when we found you just hanging out on that porch, you looked a little flushed there.”</p> <p>Sakura shivered as Kuroma poured a pail of cold water over her head to wash out the shampoo. “Sh-shut up! We just had a really nice fight. Akane’s pretty good. Maybe even half as good as we are. Hey, what about you? The heck were you doing with that one girl that kept poking us?”</p> <p>“Eh, can you really blame her for that?” Akama said while gesturing towards his breasts for emphasis. “She’s actually kinda cool when she’s on your side. We went down to this one park where a bunch of guys were playing basketball, and those dumbasses somehow got the idea that this meter and a half wonder couldn’t stack up to them. Let’s just say the two of us ended up with a nice stack of cash out of the whole thing.”</p> <p>“Ah, that’s perfect,” Kuroma noted as they rebraided Sakura’s hair. “Now we can pay Kasumi for all those groceries she bought.”</p> <p>Akama frowned as he sat up in the furo. “Do we have ta? Nabiki actually kept most of the money since she said the whole thing was her idea and all.”</p> <p>“Look, Kasumi is making dinner for all of us, and from what I’ve seen it’s gonna be amazing, so we don’t get to complain,” Kuroma pointed out. “Besides, we should at least pay her back for all the food the old man will pig out on.”</p> <p>“Right, him,” Sakura muttered out. “What do we do? I bet he’s explaining everything to Akane’s dad right now.”</p> <p>“Oh, don’t worry, Little Sister, I already have the perfect plan to take care of this,” Kuroma said, giving a reassuring pat to the girl’s head. </p> <p>Akama rolled his eyes. “Hey, as good of a plan I’m sure you have, why don’t we just team up and knock him around ‘til he comes to his senses. Take it from the embodiment of your masculinity, that would be way easier.”</p> <p>“Okay, first off, we’re never getting through that panda’s thick skull, no matter how much we beat it in,” Kuroma pointed out. “And second, I keep telling you that’s not what you are!”</p> <p>“And I keep telling you it makes perfect sense!” Akama countered. “It’s the whole Yin and Yang duality stuff. I’m our manly half wrapped up in a kickass, fire haired form. Pinkie there is the girly half our stupid Pops tried to beat out of us. That explains why she’s so tiny.”</p> <p>“I’m not sure that’s true,” Sakura muttered before glaring at her brother. “And you’re barely taller than me anyway!”</p> <p>“Still a difference though,” Akama shot back before turning back to Kuroma. “And you’re the leftover half that’s…we’ll I’m sure it’s something cause you’re the tallest one.”</p> <p>“That’s three halves, you dummy,” Kuroma pointed out. </p> <p>“Yeah well, math is bullshit anyway,” Akama said, then gave a laugh and pointed at his sibling. “Ha! If we do go with your dumb idea, then you just called yourself a dummy, you dummy!”</p> <p>Kuroma scowled and went over to bop Akama on the top of the head. “Yeah, and it looks like I need to knock some sense into myself.”</p> <p>“Bring it on!” Akama said while starting to throw punches at Kuroma. “You can’t hope to beat your own masculinity.”</p> <p>“Hey, stop it you two!” Sakura stood up as Kuroma started to throw punches right back at their brother. “We got bigger things to-woah!” As she went over to stop the fight, her foot hit a particularly slippery part of the floor and she fell forward, knocking into Kuroma and sending them both into the furo right on top of Akama. “Oops,” was all she was able to get out before a bright flash engulfed the room.</p> <hr /> <p>Akane entered the changing room feeling a bit better after a long workout. Not that she was actually feeling bad about the spar with Sakura. The pink haired girl was really nice and also extremely pretty. Still, her amazing skills showed just how far Akane still had to go. Oh well, if Sakura did decide to stick around, then she’d have a great kempo partner to help her out. </p> <p>She took the ribbon out of her hair and was about to undress for her bath when a bright light from the furo caught her attention. Curious, she very carefully crept up to the door, where she heard a muffled voice coming from the other side. </p> <p>“Huh, well I guess that simplifies things a bit.”</p> <p><em>Wait, who is that? It sort of sounds like Sakura’s eldest sister, but she seems a bit off.</em></p> <p>“Still me in control, huh? Figures. Too bad we still can’t figure out how to get you two to take charge, I’d love to see Akama having to explain this whole thing.”</p> <p><em>Control? Take charge? What’s she talking about?</em></p> <p>“Oh well, can’t be helped. We’re gonna have to explain this anyway, so might as well go out as I am.”</p> <p><em>Oh crap, I can’t have her think that I was spying on-</em></p> <p>Before Akane could fully move away, the door to the furo slid open giving her a full close up view of a bare chest. A bare chest that was also completely flat. Looking up, she found a face that, while somewhat familiar, was definitely a boy’s face. </p> <p>“Um, hi?” the boy, currently clad in only a towel around his waist, squeaked out.</p> <p>Akane very slowly and very carefully slid the furo door close, then walked out of the changing room, sliding that door closed behind her. Once that was done, she took a nice, deep breath, and screamed as loud as she could.</p> <p>Her screams continued as she raced down the hallway, into the family room, and out the sliding door to the garden where she quickly grabbed the heavy stone lantern and hoisted it up. “Alright, it’s not a problem. I’ll just take this and smash it right over his head!” </p> <p>“Akane, what are you doing?” Nabiki deadpanned as Akane slowly walked the lantern over to the porch and set it down.</p> <p>“There’s a pervert in the bathroom!” Akane angrily yelled out.</p> <p>Nabiki frowned and crossed her arms. “Is your morning school routine getting homework now? I really don’t need something like that.”</p> <p>“Oh dear, I thought Kuroma and her sisters were supposed to be in there.” Kasumi noted with worry.</p> <p>“Um, excuse me,” came a voice down the hallway.</p> <p>Akane and her sisters looked over to find the boy from before looking nervous, with his long black hair pulled back into a low ponytail and clad in a very similar outfit to the one Kuroma was wearing. </p> <p>“Who the heck are you?” Nabiki asked.</p> <p>“And what happened to Sakura and her sisters?!” Akane was quick to add.</p> <p>“Oh, um, you see…” the boy muttered out. “It’s kinda complicated, but they sorta <em>are </em>me, and I basically <em>am </em>them. Well, I’m pretty much Kuroma right now, but Akama and Sakura are also up here somewhere.” He pointed at his head as if that really answered anything for Akane, then started to rub the back of his neck as he looked down at the floor.</p> <p>“Um, I’m Ranma Saotome. I’m really, really sorry about this.”</p> </div> + + Comedy + Drama + Fanfiction + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Martial Arts + Romance + Ranma 1/2 + Arranged Marriage + Based on an Anime + Curses + Multiple Protagonists + Siblings + Transgender + + + Vampire Prey + BrieVee + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1284384/vampire-prey/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1284384-vampire-prey/chapter/1284388/#comments + 614fa357858ba3c50a03b1f949dae9ca6128eddf + Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>A monster hunter reluctantly takes a vampire captive, much to the vampire's delight.</p> <p>Chloe was having a good date, up until about halfway through dinner. With her night ruined, she hoped to enjoy the solitude of the walk home, but didn't even get that. Instead, she found herself in the midst of an incredibly confusing encounter with vampires. When things started to seem truly dangerous, her only option for safety was to take one hostage. Worst of all, her incredibly pretty captive won't stop flirting with her.</p> <p>The story is complete, although may eventually return for a part 2/collection of other scenes.</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1284384-vampire-prey/chapter/1284388/"><div class="chapter-title">Chapter 1</div></a></h3><div class="chp_raw" id="chp_raw"><p class="first-paragraph"> <div class="wi_authornotes"> <div> <div class="p-avatar-wrap"><a class="avatar has-link" href="/profile/90442/brievee/"><img id="acc_ava_change profile" alt="" src="https://cdn.scribblehub.com/avatar/s/22/ava_90442_1697731023.jpg"></a></div> <p><span class="an_username"><a href="/profile/90442/brievee/">BrieVee</a></span></div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> <div class="wi_authornotes_body"> <p class="first-paragraph">Thanks for checking out my first story!</p> <p class="first-paragraph">Content warnings: </p> <p class="first-paragraph"> <div class="sp-wrap sp-wrap-default"> <div class="sp-head" title="Expand"> Spoiler </div> <div class="sp-body folded"> <p> bigotry towards a fictional species</p> <div class="spdiv">[collapse]</div> </div> </div></div> </p></div> + + Completed + Adult + Fantasy + Girls Love + Mature + Romance + Smut + Supernatural + Fantasy Creatures + Female Protagonist + Human-Nonhuman Relationship + Male to Female + Modern Fantasy + Transgender + Vampires + + + A Failed Ritual + gayannabeth + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1277692/a-failed-ritual/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1277692-a-failed-ritual/chapter/1277693/#comments + d256852bee983e61807c7215056149b9f7fde464 + Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>When Harry goes to rescue Ginny in the Chamber of Secrets, things go a bit sideways. Now, Ginny is stuck sharing her body with a sarcastic Harry Potter, and the teenaged version of the most feared wizard to ever live.</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1277692-a-failed-ritual/chapter/1277693/"><div class="chapter-title">Chapter 1: The Death of Harry Potter</div></a></h3><div class="chp_raw" id="chp_raw"><div class="wi_authornotes"> <div> <div class="p-avatar-wrap"><a class="avatar has-link" href="/profile/138304/gayannabeth/"><img id="acc_ava_change profile" alt="" src="https://cdn.scribblehub.com/avatar/s/34/ava_138304_1699202101.jpg"></a></div> <p><span class="an_username"><a href="/profile/138304/gayannabeth/">gayannabeth</a></span></div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> <div class="wi_authornotes_body"> This story was originally posted to my AO3 over a year ago. I took it down, but now I feel like continuing it, so it's getting reposted here! Hope you enjoy :3</div> </p></div> </p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry hissed at the door. It opened slowly in response, the sound of the metal grinding on stone assaulting his ears.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">He calmly stepped through the opening, the entrance closing behind him.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">He was actually a big bundle of nerves at the moment, but he couldn’t let that show. He couldn’t afford to show any weakness.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">He had stepped into a large room. The ceiling was high and covered in stalactites. The floor was cracked, but he could still make out the stone tiles.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">He easily spotted Ginny Weasley lying on the floor at the other end of the room, her bright red hair standing out from the gloom of the chamber.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry wouldn’t exactly call Ginny his friend, nor was whatever relationship existed between them exactly the same as with other students at Hogwarts.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry was something of a loner. He barely participated in extracurricular activities. He had initially been interested in maybe Quidditch, but that had gone out the window when he found out first years weren’t allowed to play on the team, and then second year, Draco Malfoy’s father, Lucius, had essentially purchased Draco a spot on the team by donating seven top of the line brooms to the team. Incidentally, Draco’s new position was the exact one that had just opened up.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry had toyed a little with the idea of intimidating Draco off the team, but that would have inevitably come back to bite him when Draco ran crying to his father.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">How the sorting hat thought Draco Malfoy could possibly belong in Slytherin, Harry did not know.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">During the year, to Harry’s surprise, Ginny Weasley, of all people, had somehow ended up being a loner like him. All those older brothers, and they barely acknowledged her.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry had very quickly discovered his fame in the Wizarding World, and had equally quickly grown to despise it. All the fawning, the requests to see his stupid scar, the comments of “you look just like your father”, and the way everyone in Leaky Cauldron had wanted to shake his hand.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">While initially annoyed at Dumbledore ignoring his request to not be accompanied to Diagon Alley, Harry had to admit, Hagrid’s ability to keep most of the fawners away from him was rather nice. Of course Hagrid had also been a bit of a fawner himself, but he had at least tried to act professional. Harry could respect that, at least. Not much respect, but an amount, nonetheless.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Ginny had never been one to fawn. Oh sure, Harry knew she had had a massive crush on him, but other than some blushing, it never seemed to come up.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Fine by Harry. The concept of someone having a crush on him was just bizarre to him.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Ginny becoming a loner similar to Harry had initially struck Harry as being odd — when he had previously seen her, she had seemed much more outgoing and energetic. Now, she was quiet and withdrawn.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Something had changed over the summer. Harry of course didn’t pry — it would have been very rude. Plus, Harry didn’t really care all that much. It wasn't like they were friends. They were just two loners who occasionally sat at the same table in the library.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">No one sat with Harry. It was basically an unspoken rule by now. Harry had long since scared all his yearmates away with some vicious pranks, culminating in jinxing all of Ronald Weasley’s hair to fall out. Seriously, that boy was so annoying.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry had never gotten in trouble, as no one could ever actually prove it was him. It had sent a message though — leave him alone.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">This year had been both better and worse. Better in that the older students had told the new first years to avoid him. Worse because of Colin Creevey. It took Harry causing the annoying boy to trip on some stairs, landing him in the hospital wing and smashing his camera. Not irreparably, but Creevey had finally gotten the message.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Ginny, however, never tried to talk to Harry. She just sat, doing her homework, reading books, or writing in her diary. Because of this, Harry never felt the need to try and chase her off like he did with everyone else.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Back to the present, Harry crouched next to the unconscious Ginny. He quickly grabbed her wrist to feel for a pulse. He was relieved when he felt one.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Not because she was alive, but because saving someone’s life tended not to work if they died.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Ginny was lying on the floor, a peaceful look on her face, like she was asleep. Her hair fanned out around her head, her skin was pale, and a small book was tucked under her arm.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Come on, Ginny, wake up. I can’t carry you out of here.” He gently shook her shoulder, then slightly more vigorously, but she remained unconscious.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“She won’t wake,” a voice said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry turned to the source of the voice. He saw a boy, a few years older than him. He was wearing a Hogwarts Uniform, the trim green, placing him in Slytherin. Harry noticed a small prefect’s badge pinned to the robes.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Who are you?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">The mystery boy — whom Harry noticed was also partially transparent, although not nearly as much as a ghost — ignored him.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">He stepped over to Ginny, prying the book from her arms.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Who, the fuck, are you?” Harry asked again.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">The boy looked at him, a small smile on his face. “Why, Harry? Don’t you recognize me?” He smirked. “I’m not surprised. Last time you saw me, you were a baby after all.” He flipped through the book, inhaling deeply as if smelling it. “I am Lord Voldemort, of course.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry definitely did not gasp at that. Harry Potter does not gasp.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">The boy, Voldemort, smiled cruelly at Harry. “I’ve heard all about you, of course. The Boy-Who-Lived. Tell me, how is it that a mere infant, only just having turned one year old, was able to defeat the greatest sorcerer who ever lived?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“I don’t know. Ask my parents.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Voldemort sighed. “Well, it was worth a try. Regardless, some of what else I’ve heard about you is… very interesting. You push away everyone who ever tries to talk to you. The only person you ever seem remotely able to tolerate being around is Ginny Weasley. Some of what you have done to people who annoy you is… very sadistic. Not quite to my level, yet, but you do remind me of myself.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“You wouldn’t have been able to learn it, but some of what I’ve done back at the orphanage is way worse.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Is that so?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“I nearly killed someone.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">At that, the teenage Voldemort seemed speechless, and almost impressed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry smirked.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Really? That’s what shocks the terrible Lord Voldemort?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Only that you did that. And so young, too.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Oh please. I know for a fact you’ve killed before.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“I haven’t, actually. Not personally, at least.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“But you killed my parents,” Harry growled. “That totally counts.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Voldemort laughed. “I won’t deny that a version of me killed them, but </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">I</span></i><span style="font-weight:400"> have yet to. You see, Harry, I am not the same Voldemort you met as a baby. I am a memory, preserved in a diary.” He gestured to the book he was holding. “A genius work of magic, if I do say so myself. I was even able to make this version of myself act with autonomy, something that is supposedly impossible. And yet… here I am.” He gestured to himself as if to demonstrate. “Granted, there are limitations. I don’t have a physical body of my own. What limited ability my current phantom form has to interact with the physical world can be attributed to young Ginny here.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“What do you mean?” Harry asked.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“It’s very quite simple. What is it one does with a diary? They write their thoughts. Their feelings. Their very </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">soul</span></i><span style="font-weight:400"> is written into the diary. And so, Ginny Weasley wrote her soul into me. And with each word, each thought and feeling, I grew stronger. Closer and closer to having a body of my own.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry quickly drew his wand, pointing it at the phantom.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Voldemort sighed. “That won’t work, Harry. At least, not as much as you may be used to. As a trade-off to my limited effect on the physical world, the physical world has a limited effect on me. Convenient, isn’t it?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“So spells will have an effect once you get a body then, huh?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Voldemort smirked. “Oh, definitely. But you won’t be alive to try.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">He turned around, facing the massive statue of Salazar Slytherin.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Speak to me, Slytherin, greatest of the Hogwarts four!” he shouted in parseltongue.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry felt his heart rate spike as the statue’s mouth opened. A loud hiss could be heard.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry scrambled off the floor, backing up quickly.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">A large, bright green snake slithered out. Its fangs were as long as Harry was tall. It continued coming out of the mouth.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Attack!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry turned and ran. There was no way he could fight that thing.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Run all you want, Harry. Eventually, you will tire. And then you </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">will</span></i><span style="font-weight:400"> die!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry was quick to find that the Chamber was a total maze. He sprinted through an opening off the side of the main Chamber. He desperately hoped to find somewhere too small for the basilisk, but no matter how many tunnels he ran down, he had no luck.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Imagine that — the chamber built to house a basilisk had tunnels large enough for that basilisk to navigate.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry had to come up with a plan B. Not that his plan A was any good to begin with. He started taking turns down different tunnels every chance he got, hoping to confuse the snake.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Plan B also didn't pan out. Unlike what its size would suggest, the snake was very maneuverable. It was time for a plan C. The only problem was Harry was drawing a blank on a plan C.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">What </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">could</span></i><span style="font-weight:400"> Harry do against a basilisk, really? Its hide was nigh impenetrable, and no spell Harry could do could ever hope to scratch those scales. The gaze was deadly, meaning even just </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">looking </span></i><span style="font-weight:400">at the snake was a massive risk. The snake could easily crush Harry with its bulk, being as wide as he was tall. Of course, the venom was also a problem considering it was possibly the deadliest and most corrosive substance ever.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry was beginning to appreciate just what the basilisk was — a specially bred killing machine.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry burst out of the tunnels, finding himself right back in the main chamber. He had no time to think about just how turned around he had been, since the snake was hot on his heels. He sprinted back up towards where Ginny and Voldemort were. He saw Voldemort crouching on the ground, using what Harry imagined was probably Ginny's wand to inscribe some runes on the floor. They glowed faintly with a red light.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">"Ah, Harry. Right on time. You will get to witness me regain a body as you die."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry was so shocked he nearly got caught by the basilisk. As it was, he just barely dodged its strike, diving to the ground to avoid the fangs. He rolled away, pointing his wand at the snake.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">"</span><i><span style="font-weight:400">Depulso!</span></i><span style="font-weight:400">"</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">The snake's head snapped back a little, but it immediately focused back on Harry. The snake hissed in annoyance — Harry could clearly decipher that from the parseltongue profanities — and reared back to strike again.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">As the snake struck, time slowed down. Harry once again tried to roll out of the way, but his body felt sluggish. He was too slow.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Pain exploded in his right shoulder as the basilisk fang pierced the skin. Harry yelled as the agony immediately set in. His shoulder felt like it was on fire, and that fire quickly spread out from the wound.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">The snake pulled back, the fang causing further damage to his shoulder as it was removed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">It hurt so badly, Harry could barely move, much less scream. But he must have screamed, his throat hurt after all. Maybe that was from the venom, though. Harry couldn't think clearly.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry struggled to his knees through the pain, turning to face Voldemort. Voldemort looked up from his drawing.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">"Impressive. Most people would be dead by now. You've been writhing in pain for around a minute now. My ritual is finally all ready."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Voldemort had placed Ginny's body in the middle of the circle of runes. The diary had also been placed on Ginny's chest.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">"Good bye, Harry Potter." Voldemort began hissing in parseltongue. Harry could understand him, but he was finding it hard to decipher words, no matter what language they were in.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">The scar on Harry's forehead suddenly felt like it was on fire and frostbite at the same time. Harry felt as if some force were trying to dig into the scar and pull a chunk of his brain out. Harry's vision started to go dark.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">And then, it stopped. The pain in Harry's shoulder faded to a dull ache. The pain in his scar went away entirely.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Suddenly, the pain came back, more intense than before. Harry howled as an unseen knife dug into his skull, millions of tiny invisible needles piercing his skin all over. It felt to Harry as though he was being torn apart.</span></p> <p><i><span style="font-weight:400">SNAP!</span></i></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Suddenly, as the pain left Harry's body. He felt as though he was floating. He blinked, his vision clearing. He was moving towards the ritual. Voldemort was nowhere to be seen, and Ginny was still passed out. The diary on her chest was open, flicking wildly through the pages. Ink was appearing on every page, running off the diary. As soon as it touched Ginny, it disappeared — not as though it evaporated, but as though it had been absorbed into Ginny's skin.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry continued to be pulled along, being bumped around, twisting every which way. Harry noticed another body, lying on its front and covered in blood and muck. </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">Huh. That kinda looks like me.</span></i></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Then everything went dark.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry heard teen Voldemort's voice, hissing, "what is this? This was not supposed to happen." He heard a girl, Ginny, screaming in agony. Finally, it all went silent as sleep, or perhaps death, claimed him.</span></p> <div class="wi_authornotes"> <div> <div class="p-avatar-wrap"><a class="avatar has-link" href="/profile/138304/gayannabeth/"><img id="acc_ava_change profile" alt="" src="https://cdn.scribblehub.com/avatar/s/34/ava_138304_1699202101.jpg"></a></div> <p><span class="an_username"><a href="/profile/138304/gayannabeth/">gayannabeth</a></span></div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> <div class="wi_authornotes_body"> Be sure to join my <a href="https://discord.gg/8KZvZHq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Discord</a>!</div> </p></div></p> </div> + + Action + Fanfiction + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Mature + Romance + School Life + Supernatural + Harry Potter + Age Regression + Alchemy + Anti-social Protagonist + Antihero Protagonist + Appearance Changes + Child Protagonist + Enemies Become Lovers + Female Protagonist + Girl's Love Subplot + Magic + Male to Female + Sharing A Body + Transgender + + + Fervour of the Past + Tegeli + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1280641/fervour-of-the-past/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1280641-fervour-of-the-past/chapter/1280643/#comments + d76d9d1184ec70ec1637fddb39645addddc3cece + Wed, 13 Nov 2024 22:13:43 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>A torrid sci-fi adventure serial, set on a planet dominated by rapacious oceanic empires and poorly understood living machinery, such as amphibian battleships, arthropod carriages and squirming corsets.</p> <p>In "Fervour of the Past", a young would-be-swindler inserts himself to an archaeological dig site, in hopes of abstracting valuable artefacts. To him it's no obstacle, that he had to apply to a position intended for a woman. As pretending to be a girl requires ever less effort, priorities shift and bend. Beneath ground nearby a treasure trove of ancient technology stirs, threatening both love and serenity of the world's waves.</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1280641-fervour-of-the-past/chapter/1280643/"><div class="chapter-title">PART I: Corset – Chapter 1</div></a></h3><div class="chp_raw" id="chp_raw"><p>The old tramp freighter wheezed from the relief of completing the long voyage over turbulent seas. I was more than glad to get off. While I splurged my last funds on a private cabin, it had been a cramped fit.</p> <p>The moist air lingered still like sweat. I wouldn't have minded more breeze from the sea. Even though the port town of Heva was close to the polar circle, the summer sun kept me uncomfortably warm under my gown.</p> <p>"Do you need help with that luggage, miss?"</p> <p>I startled out of my thoughts. The man had spoken in posh and unaccented Conglang, but wore upper-class Roluan attire, which was rather dandy relative to his heavy tan. The sharp lines of his face weren't of the local type, and his tall and wiry build lacked in the stockiness I had observed in the native Roluan mariners.</p> <p>"Associate Bemariq?" I asked. My pleasingly feminine voice came without effort.</p> <p>"Yes. You must be miss haz-Merin."</p> <p>I wasn't, but I nodded and handed my suitcase to him.</p> <p>"You are travelling light", he said. "I would have assumed a young woman needed to bring more spare clothes."</p> <p>"Oh, Heva should have some shops. No need to carry overmuch." In truth, the gown I wore was my only one. Men rarely needed many of those.</p> <p>The tonics I had purloined and ingested had been worth the fever, tooth ache and cramps. Nobody had looked at me askance in my feminine dress during the voyage. Beforehand I had been forced to rely on heavy makeup and avoiding well-lighted establishments and more thorough evaluation.</p> <p>I had kept the changes minimal, in order to make return less cumbersome. It helped that my appearance had never lost its boyish frailty, and my build had always been lithe. Now, after the tonic regimen, my jaw was slightly smaller, my nose decidedly daintier and my lips fuller. For my thin body, only the slight widening of my hips had been necessary. Long term waist training now paid off as a sylphlike frame.</p> <p>My second-hand living corset, with its self-tightening embrace, was a delight to wear. Its hydroskeleton supported me like an old friend, and the robust musculature even massaged my back should it detect stiffness.</p> <p>However, at first I hadn't been aware of the substances the beast secreted through my skin. The additional chemical treatment had encouraged the moulding of my torso, it seemed permanently. That was no matter. Without the corset, my waist wasn't narrow enough to look overtly strange on a thin man. Inside my middle was wonderfully slender.</p> <p>Bemariq stopped at a carriage, which was gobbling up fish offal and other organic waste. Its carapace had lost its lustre, and the skin peeking in between the hard surfaces was unsightly blotched.</p> <p>"Your carriage is sickly, associate."</p> <p>"It's just getting old, miss haz-Merin. Roluans don't grow these, so acquiring even this one was a bother." He tickled the carriage between its shiny exterior. The creature chortled and opened an elytron to reveal the compartment inside.</p> <p>The peculiar buildings of Heva had uncovered whalebone-like supporting structures. The houses were uniformly vivid, unlike the clothes of the locals. While Roluans dressed rather snappily, the ubiquitous greys and blacks were dreary. At least some women had some colour in their gowns.</p> <p>"Is the dig far away?" I asked.</p> <p>"No." Bemariq smiled. "We'll be there well before evening."</p> <p>"Strange that a foreigner like you would head the excavation so close to a large city like this."</p> <p>"The Roluans don't care about the remains. At least not enough to pay anyone to dig them up."</p> <p>"Why is that? Weren't they made by their ancestors?"</p> <p>He shook his head. "They do not think so, and neither do I. The idea that the site was built by them, before they 'degenerated' on their own, is frankly preposterous. As you can very well see now that you are here, Roluans don't differ from us in terms of general sophistication."</p> <p>"Yes, you wrote a monograph about the subject. It was rather panned."</p> <p>He chuckled without mirth. "An understatement, if I ever heard one! We almost lost our funding." Bemariq gritted his teeth. "Those dolts, who write about things they have never seen, have little understanding of anything not in their immediate vicinity. Luckily a few of the scholars back home have a little more sense than none. By pulling all strings I could, I managed to keep this enterprise afloat."</p> <p>"So, who do you think built the complex at Karimma site? You didn't mention that in the monograph."</p> <p>His smile retuned. "You read it? Good. And yes, I didn't mention anything of my hypothesis. That was lucky. Even the hard facts were too much for the academia. Miss haz-Merin, how old do you think the Karimma site is?"</p> <p>"I can't claim to know. But I'd guess: about five hundred years, perhaps? A thousand at most."</p> <p>Bemariq shook his head. "We haven't been able to analyse the swampy soil yet, but I'm positive the buildings have stood for at least three thousand years."</p> <p>I gasped. "But that means..."</p> <p>He nodded. "We are breaking new ground on pre-Collapse studies."</p> <p>I kept my expression amazed, even though I had well known about the suspicions that the Karimma site predated the Collapse. That was why I had got myself hired as Bemariq Usinilim's assistant.</p> <p>The wording of the job offer had made quite clear that only youthful female candidates would be considered. Such limitation was convenient for me: I didn't have to fake a diploma, as no woman would get certified in the academies, yet my own education had given me an edge in the interview.</p> <p>The ride was bumpy due to the carriage limping one of its legs, but we reached our destination before I grew bothered by the rough treatment. The Karimma site was in middle of a series of hills, overlooking a river valley. A large rectangular hole had been dug into the soft soil. From there peaked a series of greenish roofs and pillars of a style completely unfamiliar to me.</p> <p>Bemariq smiled. "Impressive, isn't it?"</p> <p>"There's not much to see, but the good state of the remains is surprising."</p> <p>"Yes, it indeed is. Most of the buildings are structurally sound, even after all this time. A clear sign of pre-Collapse technology, don't you think?"</p> <p>Roluans were all burly men with either bland expressions or smiles, which seemed to be amused by jokes that only existed in their own heads. Bemariq addressed them mostly in Jaanish, though a few knew simple but clear Conglang. To the ones, who spoke neither oceanic language, Bemariq spoke in stumbling Roluish, which I didn't understand.</p> <p>The main tents had rooted well. Their bark had grown thick, and the lush foliage domed them fully.</p> <p>"You can have the tent of the late associate zef-Wared." Bemariq pointed at the second largest one.</p> <p>"What happened to him?"</p> <p>"He was beyond old and fell ill last winter." Bemariq dismissed the thought with a wave of his hand. "These things happen."</p> <p>My tent had almost had the time grow into a proper house. The smooth walls were sturdy, and the floor was completely covered by a wood-like surface. The inside was divided into several compartments. The foyer was also an office, but the tent had a separate bedroom and a tiny combined kitchen and storage room. The bathroom was the biggest surprise. Not only had it a sizeable tub, but a shower with warm water. The grime of the sea voyage irritated my skin, so I undressed and washed myself.</p> <p>After drying, I wrapped a towel around my waist and walked to the bedroom.</p> <p>"Miss haz-Merin. I brought you som--" Bemariq stared at me.</p> <p>The tonic regimen had softened the flesh on my chest and widened the areola, but I lacked an actual bosom. Still, a girl would be self-conscious about her chest. I understood to yelp and turn around. Luckily my towel had hid my crotch.</p> <p>"I'm sorry", Bemariq said from behind the door curtain. "I didn't realize you'd be so swift to take a bath. Anyhow, I brought you some work clothes. Do you want to go see the dig, before the sun sets?"</p> <p>After swallowing, I said: "Yes I would, associate Bemariq."</p> <p>The clothes were men's, and oversized for me. Yet my reflection was not a long-haired wimpy boy's, but that of a boyish girl. That should alleviate any untoward ideas, which the seeing of me fresh from the shower, might have elicited.</p> <p>Bemariq waited outside tent. He had changed into an outfit fitting a labourer. I blushed under his gaze.</p> <p>While the workers had removed tons of earth, wide dig site had very little to look at. Yet, the poking roofs promised immediate progress. All of the structures were made from grey material with a blue-green tint that shifted with the eye. It was as hard as stone, but warm to touch, even though nothing indicated that the material was alive.</p> <p>"You can really appreciate the site up from that pillar", Bemariq said.</p> <p>"Oh." Perhaps he could have jumped high enough to climb up, but certainly couldn't.</p> <p>"I can lift you up."</p> <p>"Very well." I turned face the pillar. Firm hands grabbed my waist, and I yelped. Even without my corset, his fingers came noticeably close to touching. Perhaps I had overdone the waist training, but it was hard to imagine a man like Bemariq to have disapproved.</p> <p>Bemariq lifted me up like I had the density of dry wood. My fingers reached the top of the pillar, but even before the tonic regimen, I wouldn't have been strong enough to pull myself up.</p> <p>The man moved his hand down. His fingers sunk deep into my buttocks, as he pushed me up. After I got my elbows on top, Bemariq lifted me from my feet, and I managed to clamber on the pillar.</p> <p>I certainly could see the site now. On the ground the structures had seemed to be in mere disarray, but from high up the asymmetric geometry was visible.</p> <p>"What do you think this place was?" Bemariq asked.</p> <p>"I have no idea. Doesn't seem like a fortress, or a residential area."</p> <p>"We'll figure it out. Let me help you down."</p> <p>When my feet were safely on the soft soil, his hands still lingered on my body. I had long since stopped pretending men --at least the strapping ones with potentially loaded pockets-- didn't excite my inner self. The presence of a strong man, able and willing to casually lift me around, whipped my heart into a frantic beat. Bemariq could do anything he wanted to me, and I wouldn't be able to stop him. And he clearly wanted to do something with me.</p> <p>That was convenient.</p> <p>And so also was the fact that my trousers were baggy, because otherwise the strain against my underwear would have blown my cover.</p> <p>"Would you like to join me at dinner, miss haz-Merin?" the man asked.</p> </div> + + Adventure + Gender Bender + Romance + Sci-fi + Smut + Aristocracy + Female Protagonist + Lost Civilizations + Male to Female + Marriage + Parasites + Politics + Post-apocalyptic + Scientists + Smart Couple + Transgender + Underestimated Protagonist + + + Potions Experiment + gayannabeth + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1277683/potions-experiment/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1277683-potions-experiment/chapter/1277685/#comments + f85e6832ed1c8de427ad3fa392d1ec8caf98c07a + Tue, 29 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>When Harry first learned about the Polyjuice Potion, it caught her attention. She started researching it, modifying it, all in an attempt to find a way to permanently change herself, to give herself the body she'd always wanted.</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1277683-potions-experiment/chapter/1277685/"><div class="chapter-title">Prologue</div></a></h3><div class="chp_raw" id="chp_raw"><div class="wi_authornotes"> <div> <div class="p-avatar-wrap"><a class="avatar has-link" href="/profile/138304/gayannabeth/"><img id="acc_ava_change profile" alt="" src="https://cdn.scribblehub.com/avatar/s/34/ava_138304_1699202101.jpg"></a></div> <p><span class="an_username"><a href="/profile/138304/gayannabeth/">gayannabeth</a></span></div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> <div class="wi_authornotes_body"> This story was originally posted to my AO3 over a year ago. I took it down around last December, but now I feel like continuing it, so it's getting reposted here! Hope you enjoy :3</div> </p></div> </p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">When Harry first heard about the Polyjuice potion, she couldn’t get it out of her head. Maybe this could finally give her the body she wanted? But no, it could apparently only give her someone else’s body, and only temporarily. With that, her dreams of a beautiful feminine body were once again crushed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">And then Hermione accidentally used cat hair.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">This didn’t make much sense to Harry. So it could only turn you into another person temporarily, but use something from an animal (like a cat), and suddenly, it’s permanent. Plus, it didn’t even work all the way, it only turned you into some sort of hybrid.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Perhaps the potion could be modified to be permanent? Harry was determined to find out.</span></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-weight:400">The exact mechanics behind the potion were, quite simply, baffling. Harry had spent much of the last few months studying every ingredient and their properties, and she could see no reason for the potion to even be temporary in the first place.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry had a theory about that. Perhaps a witch’s magic would eventually revert unwanted changes? That didn’t explain why animal transformations were permanent.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Except of course, they weren’t permanent? Sure, Hermione had to have help reverting the feline changes, but they were reverted anyway. If they were truly permanent, they should not be able to be reverted.</span></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Early in the next school year, Harry had a breakthrough. Not in making the Polyjuice Potion’s effects permanent, but in another area. She had determined that including a sample of unicorn urine in the potion, somehow, caused the potion to only ever shift a person to a feminine body. She had tried with hairs from several classmates to be sure. Ron was actually rather cute as a girl.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">But when Harry saw herself for the first time… it was wonderful. Sure, the potion’s effects were still only temporary, but what she saw in the mirror…</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">She had lost an inch in height. It was barely noticeable, but she had been sure to take exact measurements of anything she could think of. Her hair hadn’t gotten any longer, but then again, hair length wasn’t sexed or anything. Her face had changed ever so slightly in shape, that tiny bit of fuzz on her upper lip vanished entirely. She was still recognizable, but the difference was noticeable. She had ordered a girl’s uniform from Madam Malkin’s, and she put it on.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">She really liked how the skirt flared out when she did a twirl.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">It also was super painful emotionally to transform back.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">She needed to find a way to make it permanent.</span></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-weight:400">A week after the first time Harry used the Feminising Polyjuice, as she called it, she finally gave up trying to make the potion do a permanent human transformation. It wouldn’t be </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">that</span></i><span style="font-weight:400"> bad being a hybrid, would it? Sure, it would give her yet another thing people would stare at, but who actually cared what people thought?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Ok, maybe being super furry wasn’t something Harry wanted, but she could handle having a tail. Actually, she figured having a tail would be pretty cool.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">With that in mind, Harry needed to figure out what sort of animal she would rather have traits from. And also needed to figure out if polyjuice could have samples from two different sources at the same time. Nothing she had read had said anything about that, neither to confirm it was possible or impossible. She had a feeling it was entirely uncharted territory.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">She figured a mammal would be best. While a bird would maybe give her wings, and she loved flying, she would rather not be stuck with a beak. Reptiles were out because she definitely didn’t want scales. And fish… the downsides of being part fish were numerous, not least of which was she would probably end up being entirely incapable of living on land. So that left mammals. There were a lot of mammals.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Her first thought was a cat. There were plenty of those around Hogwarts, getting cat hair would barely be a difficulty. But cats felt… too cliche. Dogs were instantly dismissed. It’s not like Harry hated dogs or anything, she’d just had too many bad experiences with Marge’s dogs, including over that summer. Perhaps in another world, where her parents lived, she’d be fine with a dog.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Fox.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Foxes were cool. They had red fur, and her mum had red hair. So if she used fox hairs for her potion, perhaps she’d end up looking like her mum? She would definitely enjoy that. Plus foxes were clever. And sneaky. And a bit mischievous too. Her dad was mischievous.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Her mind made up, Harry made her way out of the castle under her cloak. She was confident she could find a fox in the forest.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Hermione and Ron were both sound asleep. She would absolutely invite them to be with her when she finally took her potion, of course. They were her closest friends.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">She had hidden her potions equipment in the Chamber of Secrets. It wasn’t exactly pleasant there, especially with the giant snake corpse, but it kept it away from teachers and other students.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Once Harry was out of view of the castle, she took off her cloak, folding it up and stuffing it into her purse alongside the Marauder’s Map and some other trinkets, including various vials, some empty, some filled with various concoctions. It was one of those vials Harry took out next - a night vision potion. She uncorked the vial and drank the potion. Immediately, Harry was able to see loads better. Where before the forest had been shadowy, now Harry could see all the little details as if it were midday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Night vision potions were dangerous. If you used them in bright light, you would be immediately blinded until the potion wore off. Fortunately, it was a little after midnight, and unless Harry ran into the Weasley’s old car again, she doubted she’d find many bright lights tonight.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry ventured into the forest in search of a fox. Foxes were nocturnal, so she stood a better chance of finding one at this time. She was careful not to head deep into the forest, sticking close to the edges.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">She was near Hagrid’s hut when she spotted it. A beautiful red fox, lying in a patch of grass munching on some berries. Harry stopped moving, watching the fox intently. The fox looked up at Harry, examining her.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry was rooted to where she stood, transfixed by the beautiful creature in front of her. She and the fox watched each other, neither moving.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">It was silly, but to Harry, it felt as though this fox was judging her. Harry took a step towards the fox. The fox stood up, but didn’t move away. Harry took another step.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Then the fox moved. Not to run away, as Harry would have expected, but it came closer to Harry. Harry froze, watching as the fox came closer and closer.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Soon enough, the fox was close enough Harry could reach out and touch the small creature. Harry crouched down, the fox following her movements with its head.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Suddenly, the fox leapt over Harry. Harry whirled around to try and track the animal, but the fox bounded away through the woods, much faster than Harry could possibly match in the dense foliage.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Harry sighed. She stood up. She brushed the dirt off her clothes, smoothing them out a bit.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">And then she saw it. In the palm of her hand, there was a single red hair. A fox hair.</span></p> <div class="wi_authornotes"> <div> <div class="p-avatar-wrap"><a class="avatar has-link" href="/profile/138304/gayannabeth/"><img id="acc_ava_change profile" alt="" src="https://cdn.scribblehub.com/avatar/s/34/ava_138304_1699202101.jpg"></a></div> <p><span class="an_username"><a href="/profile/138304/gayannabeth/">gayannabeth</a></span></div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> <div class="wi_authornotes_body"> Be sure to join my <a href="https://discord.gg/8KZvZHq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Discord</a>!</div> </p></div></p> </div> + + Adventure + Comedy + Fanfiction + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Romance + School Life + Supernatural + Harry Potter + Animal Characteristics + Appearance Changes + Beautiful Female Lead + Child Protagonist + Cute Protagonist + Demons + Famous Protagonist + Female Protagonist + Girl's Love Subplot + Magic + Male to Female + Non-human Protagonist + Shapeshifters + Succubus + Transgender + + + Waking up as a Tiefling + TriNcess + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1277825/waking-up-as-a-tiefling/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1277825-waking-up-as-a-tiefling/chapter/1277843/#comments + 20baa72775d4a3ee353ad93f844d0090dce626c1 + Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>After years of chronic pain & body dysmorphia, I find myself waking up in a different world, at least if the weirdly cute flapping eyeball across the room is an indication.</p> <p>In the bedroom of what is either an ancient building or something belonging to what I can only assume is some rich LARPer.</p> <p>Strangely, I have a new body that bears worryingly familiar traits from years of playing TTRPGs with the same character. However, why can I barely remember the previous day? Not to mention most of my life?</p> <p>It's probably fine! As long as whoever lives here doesn't eat me? I'm a friendly guy...girl...creature?</p> <p>**Sexy chapters will be marked with 🍋<br /> ***SMUT chapters will be marked with 🍋🍋<br /> ---------------------------------------------</p> <p>First attempt at writing anything longer than a page. Open to any and all critique and suggestions (formatting, etc).<br /> Hopefully you enjoy the story and I don't mess up writing first person POV too bad?<br /> Purely writing this to get it out of my head, as such no upload schedule as of yet.<br /> Will see how things develop!</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1277825-waking-up-as-a-tiefling/chapter/1277843/"><div class="chapter-title">Chapter One: Is that a tail!?</div></a></h3><div class="chp_raw" id="chp_raw"><p>After another day of binging TV shows and reading while lounging at home I look at the time.</p> <p>It's 5am. I really should go to bed. "Ah. Fuck it," I sigh as I get up and haphazardly start taking off my clothes before making my way to the bathroom.</p> <p>Seeing myself in the mirror I fight the familiar wave of unhappiness. Burgundy dyed hair with occasional blue shining through, pale skin, and bags under my grey-green eyes that make me look like a hanged raccoon. The few years on hormone replacement therapy have left me with a modest bust and have helped a lot with the dysmorphia, but it's not quite enough. One or two more surgeries, and I'll hopefully be there. </p> <p>I sigh and reach for my toothbrush, finishing off my nighttime routine I collapse onto bed after putting on some music. Rolling onto my back, I hadn't realized how tired I was. My breathing is relaxed. My bed feels warmer than it should for winter without heating. Comfortable. Relaxing.</p> <p>-</p> <p>Waking up I stretch languidly. In the groggy haze that encompassed my mind, I slowly start trying to pop and crack various joints and am confused by the lack of noise and surprising flexibility I have.</p> <p>I open my eyes to a disturbing lack of color. This is not my room. I sorta wish it was. I'm in some sort of swanky queen sized canopy bed, seated in a room with truly beautiful stone paneling. No joke, who the hell decorates their walls with what looks like artistically carved granite slabs with some sort of shiny metal veins in them.</p> <p>"Dreamer's blighted cunt, what the fuck is going on here?"</p> <p>As I shift to get out of bed, I notice several things that are, how shall we say, off? <br />First of all, I sleep naked, so <em>why </em>am I wearing what looks like a leather corset atop a full set of clothes. <br />Two: IS THAT A TAIL!?</p> <p>"What in the Hells is going on here. Okay wow."</p> <p>That's an interesting voice. High, but with like the girly version of a rasp. Sorta hot.</p> <p>I push through the initial panic and confusion and turn, getting off the bed. Oh, these are some <em>nice</em> leather boots. Almost knee high and comfy, I'm not gonna lie, always wanted some of these.</p> <p>Looking around in the... bedroom? I notice what looks like a nightstand, what looks like the world's largest and most expensive commode on the other side of the bed, two doors, a desk, and what looks like a large makeup table straight from the 1800s.</p> <p>As well as what looks like a bat. If you replace the entire body of the bat with a large reptillian eyeball. It's hanging above one of the doors from a rafter from what looks like a rather large prehensile tail, staring directly at me.</p> <p>"Hello, nice bat... beholder... flap-flap?"</p> <p>Grabbing what looks like a quilt from the bed, I figure I can at least catch this thing in it like a giant net if it actually attacks me.</p> <p>It drops and starts flapping in place, and wow, that is not a tail that is a stinger, before coming closer, and it is decidedly bigger than a bat. More like the size of your average house cat. Gulping, I try to scoot around it only for it to flap to the side, staying in front of me.</p> <p>"Can I maybe just uhm... Scoot around you? Get out of this room? I promise I'll leave you alone and just scoot off?"</p> <p>It keeps staring at me and maneuvering in front of me as I try to get around it. <br />Right. Should have figured. It's an eyeball with wings. Can it even communicate? </p> <p>Suddenly it flaps over right in front of me, and I raise the quilt in a panic, but it just hangs there. Going out on a limb, cause wow this may cost me one, I try and pat it.</p> <p>Huh. Not the texture I would've expected. The top seems to have a warm velvety leathery texture as it narrows its eye in.. contentment? Before it flies back to the rafter to anchor itself and closing its eye.</p> <p>"Weird. I'll just... you knooow..."</p> <p>I walk over to the make-up table, and noticing what looks like a desk lamp, I start trying to see if I can turn it on before getting annoyed at the lack of visible switches and give it a bap only for it to turn on.</p> <p><strong>COLOR! </strong>Glorious color! Why haven't I been able to see color till now?</p> <p>Wait, is my skin tanned?</p> <p>I move over and start examining myself in the diamond shaped mirror. Okay. That's a lot to take in. Also worryingly familiar. I giggle like a 15 year old schoolgirl.</p> <p>"Saints. Holy shit. Fuck"</p> </div> + + Action + Adventure + Fantasy + Girls Love + Isekai + Mature + Mystery + Romance + Appearance Changes + Appearance Different from Actual Age + Character Growth + Comedic Undertone + Demons + Fantasy World + Female Protagonist + Futanari + Girl's Love Subplot + Magic + Non-human Protagonist + Protagonist Strong from the Start + Race Change + Sex Friends + Shameless Protagonist + Shapeshifters + Timid Protagonist + Transgender + Transported into Another World + Vampires + + + Pacifica&#8217;s Defenders: Meteor Impact + LavenderGooms + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1277253/pacificas-defenders-meteor-impact/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1277253-pacificas-defenders-meteor-impact/chapter/1277279/#comments + b0f62c1bb066b327a67c06375138a63b403d3775 + Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>It's 2043, and I used to be a famous rock star from Seattle. I still am, but now I also have superpowers. Now I have to try to balance my old life of playing guitar and fuckin' ladies with these new responsibilities and challenges. When only women get superpowers the world is a different place, but it's still got plenty of the same old problems and many new ones. I just hope I don't fuck up too badly while trying to help solve them.</p> </div> + + Completed + Action + Adult + Drama + Girls Love + Romance + Slice of Life + Smut + Supernatural + Character Growth + Confident Protagonist + Cruel Characters + Dense Protagonist + Depictions of Cruelty + Depression + Eidetic Memory + Family Conflict + Famous Protagonist + Female Protagonist + Flashbacks + Friendship + Futanari + Girl's Love Subplot + Hot-blooded Protagonist + Loner Protagonist + Mind Control + Modern Time + Music + Non-linear Storytelling + Perverted Protagonist + Romantic Subplot + Stubborn Protagonist + Superheroes + Transgender + + + The Worst School Year + gayannabeth + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1277275/the-worst-school-year/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1277275-the-worst-school-year/chapter/1277278/#comments + 0313375b2ca8de124d32a1cb26f9a7a927a067fd + Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>It was the worst year of Harry's life. Being tortured by his teacher, several friends nearly dying, his godfather actually dying... and, at the end of it all, he had to return to his aunt and uncle's once again.</p> <p>But then, after falling asleep, he wakes up outside, lying in their front yard... and, somehow, he's managed to travel back in time by nearly a year. Now, he must repeat this terrible school year once again... and hopefully things turn out better this time!</p> </div> + + Fanfiction + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Romance + School Life + Supernatural + Harry Potter + Anti-social Protagonist + Appearance Changes + Appearance Different from Actual Age + Cross-dressing + Famous Protagonist + Fantasy Creatures + Fantasy World + Female Protagonist + Girl's Love Subplot + Glasses-wearing Protagonist + Magic + Male to Female + Shapeshifters + Time Loop + Transgender + Witches + Wizards + + + My New Video Game Turned Me Into A Girl Because Of Pronouns + gayannabeth + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1265091/my-new-video-game-turned-me-into-a-girl-because-of-pronouns/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1265091-my-new-video-game-turned-me-into-a-girl-because-of-pronouns/chapter/1265092/#comments + 4ca8fcd2a6c504b3140c94363cdf0322feced2bb + Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Well, guess what! You chose she/her pronouns for your player character! Now you get to be an actual girl irl!</p> <p>Two eggs embark on a journey of self-discovery as the hit new video game starts slowly transforming their bodies, gradually feminising them, turning them into replicas of their player characters, who are, of course, girls!</p> <p>And what's this? Are they catching feelings for each other too???</p> </div> + + Comedy + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Romance + Slice of Life + Supernatural + Appearance Changes + Autism + College/University + Cute Protagonist + Female Protagonist + Girl's Love Subplot + Magic + Male to Female + Transgender + + + A Witch Ensnared + JanePlatinum + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1271825/a-witch-ensnared/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1271825-a-witch-ensnared/chapter/1271827/#comments + 8ae0e8a4894ae9a22f2eca6cfa400d9ed400f84f + Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>A short story about a Witch finding her way into a spiders nest, who then proceeds to consensually have their way with the Witch.</p> <p>The story is just the one chapter, and I have no plans to continue it. </p> <p>This story is directly inspired by me and my partner's Halloween costumes, and I hope you enjoy it.</p> </div> + + Completed + Adult + Ecchi + Fantasy + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Mature + Romance + Smut + Alchemy + Androgynous Characters + BDSM + Human-Nonhuman Relationship + Magic + Short Story + Transgender + + + Brightmoon, The Magical Witch Girl + sowerbot + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1232808/brightmoon-the-magical-witch-girl/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1232808-brightmoon-the-magical-witch-girl/chapter/1232862/#comments + a98757eaeaa8401664c47891e8b689bcb1060687 + Sat, 02 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Alex Summers is an ordinary high school student who's about to start his senior year, but in the meantime he's trying to enjoy his summer break as much as he can. That is, until he finds a magical wand and can suddenly transform into a magical girl who's supposed to stop an evil billionaire from abusing the powers of magic to take over the world.<br /> In the process he begins to discover a lot about himself, but can he keep these changes in his life a secret from the people who he cares about the most?</p> </div> + + Action + Fantasy + Gender Bender + Romance + School Life + Supernatural + Character Growth + Magical Girls + Male to Female + Slow Romance + Transgender + + + The Damsel of Fey Dreams + Tegeli + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1264246/the-damsel-of-fey-dreams/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1264246-the-damsel-of-fey-dreams/chapter/1264263/#comments + 0be2e3021aef60918780ab2914f094b3686b6ad2 + Sat, 26 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>An adventurous tale of Paranormal Romance, straddling between a world of tamed dreams and Central Europe at the end of an alternative 19th century.</p> <p>In his attempt to seek relief from his aimless life in esoteric pursuits, Aurel join as the apprentice and house servant of Mister Lorenz, a man as gaunt as he is sophisticated. Mutual interests bond the pair in short order, yet Lorenz wears his secrets like layered masks at a costume balls. The master arcanist isn't the only one with hidden aspects: when the pair journeys into a land of dreams, Aurel steps there as Erdil, a lady of adventure. The truth of her essence can't be hidden from the mundane world for long.</p> <p>When the demons of Lorenz's past rise to press the claim of him as their slave, Erdil must fight to keep him free, alive and hers.</p> </div> + + Completed + Adventure + Fantasy + Gender Bender + Historical + Romance + Supernatural + Alternate World + Depression + Dreams + Drugs + European Ambience + Female Protagonist + Magic + Male to Female + Parallel Worlds + Pets + Transgender + + + Hazel and the Attic + Violet_Velvet + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1265919/hazel-and-the-attic/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1265919-hazel-and-the-attic/chapter/1265921/#comments + 7cc7dc5bb2a11d319e32325507f24b7208b81b37 + Sat, 19 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>A world drowning in its own sin hosts a fledgling witch, who earns her keep by banishing the spirits of the past.</p> </div> + + Adult + Mystery + Psychological + Romance + Supernatural + Tragedy + Abusive Characters + Apocalypse + Emotionally Weak Protagonist + Magic + Spirits + Transgender + + + Tales from Willow Valley: The Smell of Adventure + JustASmallTownVal + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1265337/tales-from-willow-valley-the-smell-of-adventure/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1265337-tales-from-willow-valley-the-smell-of-adventure/chapter/1265363/#comments + 4d19a89071222f10ac4535a737a3fffb785ac1e5 + Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Paige is a new arrival in the town of Willow Valley, and is still tentatively getting her paws on the ground when she decides to take a step forward by going out for the day which causes her to cross paths with Aster, an intimidating and muscle-bound mommy domme who immediately sniffs out Paige as someone she might get along with. Follow along with Paige and Aster as they join each other on an average day in Willow Valley, and all that that implies.</p> <p>This story is inspired by the world and characters created by Willow "Glopossum" and is a blatant piece of self-insert fanfiction featuring my Pallas's Catgirl Paige and Willow's cheetah Aster, my favorite character of hers, in addition to appearances from every other major character in her world's canon. </p> <p>An absolutely massive thanks to Willow for creating such a rich and diverse world of smut and for allowing me use of her characters in this story. </p> <p>Additional thanks to:<br /> TrevorWolf for letting me feature his sona, as well as for his deep knowledge of Willow Valley lore to provide editing support and encouragement.<br /> Izzy "CornDogCanine" for additional editing support and encouragement.<br /> Aristidexo for use of her character Caroline.<br /> Maedog & Colfox for the use of their sonas.</p> </div> + + Adult + Fanfiction + Girls Love + Romance + Slice of Life + Smut + Glopossum + Willow Valley + Androgynous Characters + Awkward Protagonist + BDSM + Character Growth + Restaurant + Threesome + Transgender + + + Will she Punish me? + Meteorologist + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1262315/will-she-punish-me/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1262315-will-she-punish-me/chapter/1262318/#comments + 48eee26b92c215cfdbbbdcbb07116c804c28d5c2 + Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Vivian is a proud pixie, and there's nothing she wants more than to trounce her academic rival, Anne. But when an unexpected opportunity arises, a series of unfortunate mishaps lead to the tables being turned on her. What will Anne do then, with her pretty little fairy?</p> </div> + + Completed + Adult + Fantasy + Girls Love + Romance + School Life + Smut + Adventurers + Animal Characteristics + Arrogant Characters + Beautiful Female Lead + College/University + Confident Protagonist + Demi-Humans + Distrustful Protagonist + Enemies Become Lovers + Fairies + Fantasy World + Female Protagonist + First-time Intercourse + Non-human Protagonist + Oneshot + Popular Love Interests + R-18 + Teamwork + Transgender + Unreliable Narrator + + + A Spark of Sylvan Flame + DeliriousSprite + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1215027/a-spark-of-sylvan-flame/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1215027-a-spark-of-sylvan-flame/chapter/1238499/#comments + f2d643ac5bc5d8c66ef19747bcf70d37d974a722 + Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>No one cares about the Wastes.</p> <p>These are the words Spark grew to learn through his life. After all why care about a bunch of farmers that are too stubborn to move to a city for protection against the antithesis? Not even the super wealthy care despite demanding food from the wastes due to it being "more natural" than the food grown in greenhouse towers.</p> <p>The Samurai are barely any help either, not doing anything about roving packs of antithesis until they build a decent sized hive.</p> <p>So when Spark finds himself with an AI lodged in his head, he makes a vow to never abandon his home. </p> <p>However when tragedy, corporate fuckery, a certain festering problem that he has been ignoring, and familial history rear their heads all at once. Spark will need to ask for outside help to dig through everything in this new world he has stepped into. Maybe he'll get an idea or two for his tinkering along the way?</p> <p>After all getting to build all kinds of esoteric weed whackers is one thing he will never turn down.</p> <p>Fanfiction of Stray Cat Strut by RavensDagger</p> <p>Updates every 5 days</p> <p>Cover art by the Wonderful Tachibana!<br /> https://sendou.ink/u/dr_tachibana/art</p> </div> + + Action + Drama + Fanfiction + Girls Love + LitRPG + Psychological + Romance + Sci-fi + Tragedy + Stray Cat Strut by RavensDagger + Aliens + Animal Characteristics + Appearance Changes + Carefree Protagonist + Crafting + Death of Loved Ones + Earth Invasion + Engineer + Farming + Genetic Modifications + Glasses-wearing Protagonist + Magical Girls + Male to Female + Orphans + Transgender + + + The Gendered Crown: Rise of the Felinor Lady + Islorae + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1257350/the-gendered-crown-rise-of-the-felinor-lady/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1257350-the-gendered-crown-rise-of-the-felinor-lady/chapter/1257371/#comments + fd3418792e4f777b6fc63552c306cdc519f531d6 + Sat, 09 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>One moment, I’m home, disgusted with my life. The next? I’m lying in an open field, surrounded by strangers just as confused as I am. Before I can catch my breath, I’m whisked into a camp and told by some very important people that I’m not just anybody—I’m a somebody.</p> <p>Now, I have to navigate this strange new world, but things won’t be easy. I’m expected to embrace a new identity—a Feline-like race in a world teetering on the edge of collapse from war and disease. Oh, and did I mention? I’m no longer a man but a noble woman—with a lineage, a people, and a duty to carry on a noble line.</p> <p>I’m supposed to find a partner, marry, and secure our future. But can I live up to everyone’s expectations? Can I rise above my past, or is this new life just another trap?</p> <p>Who knows, but if I’m going to survive this, I’ll need more than a noble title—I might just have to rewrite the rules and find out who I really am.</p> </div> + + Adventure + Gender Bender + Isekai + Romance + Animal Characteristics + Appearance Different from Actual Age + Beastkin + Bloodlines + Character Growth + Clan Building + Discrimination + Fantasy World + Friends Become Enemies + Kingdom Building + Male to Female + Nobles + Slow Growth at Start + Slow Romance + Transgender + Transmigration + + + The Queen of Truth – A Pokémon Black and White Transgender Story + FaunaBlackwood + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1249079/the-queen-of-truth--a-pokmon-black-and-white-transgender-story/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1249079-the-queen-of-truth--a-pokmon-black-and-white-transgender-story/chapter/1249098/#comments + 2382ca9b9ca7554e74d2c600ed6fe1947e8a8db1 + Wed, 09 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Since I was young, I knew that my life had been planned for me from the very beginning. I was the heir to Belrose Industries, the largest pokeball and trainer item manufacturer on the continent. My parents would likely arrange a marriage for me, and I'd be expected to simply keep the family business going before passing it on to whatever children I had.</p> <p>Unfortunately, since I was young I had also known I was a she, rather than a he. That tossed a bit of a wrench into everything.</p> <p>With some help I left those expectations behind, with one catch: by law I had to go on a Pokémon journey. Oh well, me and my little knight can just focus on filling out the Unova region's pokedex- Whats that? Crazy terrorists hellbent on taking peoples Pokémon away? Some weird white stone and some ghost claiming to be a hero? A cute green-haired terrorist with an egg practically made of titanium?... Are we sure it's not too late for me to just stay in Nuvema Town?</p> <p>This story is based on the plot of Pokémon Black and White, and will eventually be covering the plot of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2.<br /> There will be a few transgender characters, and the main pairing will be a lesbian relationship between two trans women.<br /> I will be writing this more casually, uploading chapters just whenever they're ready, but I will attempt to keep to an at least once a week upload schedule.</p> </div> + + Action + Adventure + Drama + Fanfiction + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Romance + Supernatural + Pokémon + Pokémon Black and White + POKEMON FANDOM + Based on a Video Game + Beast Companions + Character Growth + Enemies Become Lovers + Fantasy Creatures + Female Protagonist + Girl's Love Subplot + Male to Female + Monster Tamer + Romantic Subplot + Slow Romance + Strategic Battles + Transgender + + + How it&#8217;s done + TernUnfettered + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1249595/how-its-done/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1249595-how-its-done/chapter/1249606/#comments + e53fd4187d97197dc35a0eed24a4a01399cd6d97 + Sun, 06 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Tired of witnessing and hearing about his lifelong friend's failed relationships with men and her horrendous flirting game, Riley realizes that he needs to show her how it's done.</p> </div> + + Completed + Comedy + Gender Bender + Romance + Slice of Life + Comedic Undertone + Cross-dressing + Dense Protagonist + Male to Female + Oneshot + Transgender + + + diff --git a/Sitemap&home_page=https:__shikarito.wordpress.com&url_pattern=.*&content_selector=main b/Sitemap&home_page=https:__shikarito.wordpress.com&url_pattern=.*&content_selector=main new file mode 100644 index 000000000..06e9d1e23 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sitemap&home_page=https:__shikarito.wordpress.com&url_pattern=.*&content_selector=main @@ -0,0 +1,95 @@ + + + + Shikkarito – steadfastly translating, one word at a time + Shikkarito – steadfastly translating, one word at a time + https://shikarito.wordpress.com + + + + https://github.com/RSS-Bridge/rss-bridge/favicon.ico + Shikkarito – steadfastly translating, one word at a time + https://shikarito.wordpress.com + + + 14.05 The Interview + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-05-the-interview/ + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-05-the-interview/ + Mon, 11 Nov 2024 13:16:54 +0000 + <main class="wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow"> <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><h1 class="wp-block-post-title">14.05 The Interview</h1> <div style="height:1px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> </div> <div class="entry-content wp-block-post-content is-layout-constrained wp-block-post-content-is-layout-constrained"> <p>(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-04-the-late-shift/">Previous Chapter</a>)</p> <p>A civilian doctor knowledgeable in smallpox. Kokuyou was the only one Maomao knew of.</p> <p>A young man with half his face scarred by smallpox, and an easy-going personality that thought nothing of his unfortunate past.</p> <p>That was the person Maomao sent the letter to.&nbsp;</p> <p class="has-text-align-center">&#8216;<em>Ahhh, I’m </em>coming<em>! Yayyyy</em>!&#8217;</p> <p>She got a really simple reply. Just as imagined.</p> <p>This was the man who had a criminal record of attempting to take the court lady exam while in drag. If you invited him over from the other side, no way was he going to turn down the opportunity.&nbsp;</p> <p>Although, his reply came attached with a letter from Sazen.</p> <p>“Sazen-san, is the person currently working at the apothecary, right?” Yo looked at the letter with a tilt of her head. It was much thicker than the letter from Kokuyou.</p> <p>The two of them checked the contents. To summarise the letter that was brimming with sadness, inviting sympathy, it was: “Don’t take Kokuyou away!” There were tear-stains on the paper. You could believe it was a petition letter offered up by a wife to stop her husband from going to war.</p> <p>“When did he become Doctor’s wife?” Yo asked.</p> <p>“Beats me.”</p> <p>It was unknown whether Yo was serious or joking.</p> <p>Anyway, Kokuyou himself was on board with it, so he will be coming at once.<br><br><br><br></p> <p>The interviewers were her dad, Luomen, Court Physician Liu, the old court physician, and one other high-ranking court physician.</p> <p>The old court physician decided to take the opportunity to see Kokuyou before he went back.</p> <p>As his referees, Maomao and Yo were on clerk duty in the corner of the room.</p> <p>Kokuyou was smiling foolishly like always. His attire was slightly better than usual because he had removed the cloth that covered half his face when he sat before the interviewers.&nbsp;</p> <p>He looked more striking with the scars on his handsome face.</p> <p>“I’m Kokuyou. Pleased to meet you.”</p> <p>“I heard you’re knowledgeable in treating smallpox. How about it?”</p> <p>Needless to say, it was Court Physician Liu who proceeded with the talks.</p> <p>“Exactly so. My master inoculated me with pus from a smallpox patient. I developed smallpox, it got worse, and I turned out like this. I was really lucky that I didn’t die.”</p> <p>As always, this man spoke of unfortunate things bluntly.</p> <p>“Do you mean the symptoms worsened after infection control measures were implemented?” Luomen asked to confirm.</p> <p>“No, I had a younger twin brother. My master wanted to see what happens when you inoculate twins raised in the same environment with different pus. We were infected on purpose.”</p> <p>It was human experimentation.</p> <p>Although Maomao did such things as well, it wasn’t to the extent of Kokuyou’s master.</p> <p>“And the result?”</p> <p>“My symptoms worsened and my younger brother just got a mild fever.”</p> <p>“Where was the pus that inoculated your younger brother sourced from?”<br>“Where is your master now?”</p> <p>The court physicians’ interests shifted from the interview to the experiment Kokuyou had undergone.</p> <p>“My master died. I’m in a fix since he didn’t leave behind his research materials.&#8221;</p> <p>“Then, does your younger brother know?”</p> <p>“My younger brother also died. When he saw my pockmarked face, he was so shocked he stabbed our master. That was the reason no materials were left behind. Afterwards, my younger brother hung himself out of remorse.”</p> <p><em>Brutal…</em></p> <p>She heard that his master died, but it was much more brutal than she imagined.</p> <p>Yo’s face had paled. The court physicians were also put off. Only Luomen looked at Kokuyou sadly.</p> <p>“It was over ten years ago. I’ve been studying my master’s research the entire time, but it’s quite the undertaking. Anyway, I&#8217;ve brought the materials of my research relating to epidemics.”</p> <p>Court Physician Liu wordlessly accepted the materials and looked through them. He also showed it to Luomen and shared it with the other court physicians.&nbsp; Despite his flippant way of speaking, his materials seemed legit–in particular, the old court physician nodded many times.</p> <p><em>I’m curious…</em></p> <p>Maomao thought about having Kokuyou show them to her later as well.</p> <p>She suddenly looked at Yo, who was hanging her head with a pale face. Maomao shook the other court lady’s shoulders. “Our clerk duty isn’t done yet.”</p> <p>“R-right.” Yo flusteredly moved her brush.</p> <p>“What is this ‘lifetime immunisation’?”</p> <p>“It is a phrase my master used occasionally. It means not contracting the disease for the rest of your life after contracting it once. I suppose I used a phrase translated from the language of my master’s country.”</p> <p>“Can you assert this to be true?”</p> <p>“I cannot, but I have inoculated myself with pus every three years and haven’t developed the disease. Also, I have not heard of anyone contracting the disease again after contracting it once at the smallpox village despite several outbreaks. I believe if you increase the parameters, exceptions would also increase, but to my knowledge, it is generally the case that after getting it once, you won’t get it again.”</p> <p>It seems the views of the four court physicians aligned.</p> <p>“Would it be alright if we copy your materials?”</p> <p>Kokuyou didn’t reply, all smiles.</p> <p>“We’ll pay you fifty silvers.”</p> <p>“Sure,” Kokuyou said.</p> <p>Surprisingly, this man had good money sense.</p> <p>“Also, in terms of employment, it will not be at the imperial court. You will be going to the countryside. Would it be alright even if the stay becomes long-term?”</p> <p>Kokuyou was all smiles again.</p> <p>“We’ll pay you two silvers per day.”</p> <p>Kokuyou did not move.</p> <p>“&#8230;How about two silvers and a half, no, three silvers?”</p> <p>Still no movement.</p> <p>“<em>Fine</em>. Five silvers!”</p> <p>It was extremely generous.</p> <p>Kokuyou finally nodded.</p> <p>“I-is that okay? I think five silver is on par with the treatment of a high-ranking court physician, though.” Yo, becoming concerned, shook Maomao.</p> <p>“With you being an irreplaceable talent, we will give you this much. If this was a commodity, it could rise ten times, a hundred times in value.”</p> <p><em>But with Court Physician Liu as the other party, they won’t be bullish,</em> Maomao thought.</p> <p>“Then, five silvers.”</p> <p>“No.”</p> <p><em>Is he trying to raise it even higher?</em> she thought.&nbsp;</p> <p>Kokuyou lifted three fingers. “No need for five silvers. I’ll be happy with three. Also, can you prepare a carriage to get me there and provide me with sleeping quarters and food separately?”</p> <p>“Yeah, we’ll prepare that for you as much as you like.” The court physicians stroke down their chests in relief.<br><br><br><br></p> <p>After the interview was over, Maomao and Yo were entrusted to guide Kokuyou. It was to hand him his court physician robes and the bare minimum of tools before he went to his work posting.</p> <p>“Fufufu, it’s good fortune that I was able to get a government job. We’ll be together, Yo,” Kokuyou said.</p> <p>“I’m also happy that I will be with Doctor, but it’s not a fun workplace.” Yo’s face paled.</p> <p>“How is it at the posting now?” Maomao wanted to ask in detail.</p> <p>“We get around one to two patients per day as of now. But the village itself has been locked down, so the mood is bad. The frustration grows by the day,&#8221; Yo replied.</p> <p>“Yo hasn’t personally examined a patient yet, right?”</p> <p>“No, I’ve been told that I will be going as Court Physician Lao’s assistant.”</p> <p>That’s right. The old court physician was Court Physician Lao.</p> <p>Even Maomao remembered the name of the boss of her posting. More than anything, she remembered names that were easy to remember like Wanwan-senpai, but she just ended up calling Court Physician Lao the old court physician, taking the name Lao (老) for the meaning of old.</p> <p>“Once the number of workers is secured, I might be entering the village as well,&#8221; Yo said.</p> <p>“&#8230;If you don’t want to, you don’t have to do it,” Maomao said honestly.</p> <p>“No, I believe it is possible because it is me. The things that I can do that Maomao-san can’t are limited, after all.”</p> <p>“Then it’s fine.”</p> <p>The court lady wasn’t scared of just the epidemic. The frustration of the oppressed residents would fall onto the court physicians on site.</p> <p>“My dad told me he will be coming with me. He’s eager since the pay is good too.”</p> <p>Yo’s family had taken care of the surviving children of their village and moved to the capital. It might represent a golden opportunity to earn food expenses.</p> <p>“Come to think of it, Kokuyou, are you good with three silvers as your pay?” Maomao asked.</p> <p>“Yup. It’s much higher than the sum I get for showing my face at the apothecary in the pleasure district,” Kokuyou said.</p> <p>Sorry <em>for the low pay.</em></p> <p>Maomao gave him a stiff smile.</p> <p><em>Sazen will probably manage.</em></p> <p>Sazen just had low self-esteem. He wasn’t bad as a herbalist. However, he had a part of him that didn’t forgive failure. Since the effectiveness of medicine was determined by individual differences, there was no need to brood over it. Just that he will have to manage when it came to recognising the time to quit when the medicine wasn’t a good fit.</p> <p>“But five silvers, huuuh? Court Physician Liu, was it? He’s a good doctor,” Kokuyou said.</p> <p>“He’s an outstanding doctor. Just strict,&#8221; Maomao said.</p> <p>Court Physician Liu was on par with Luomen, a noted doctor of Li.</p> <p>“He may be strict, but I’m happy that he seriously appreciated me. Among them some worked me hard for an entire day for a few coppers. He even gave me fifty silvers to copy my materials. I’ll have to do a good job. I need to treat the people who appreciate me right.”</p> <p>“Then, what about people who didn’t appreciate you?”</p> <p>“I’ll treat them in the way they deserve.”</p> <p>It was oddly deep, so Maomao decided to not ask any more deeply. “I don’t think you were worked that hard, though.”</p> <p>“I’ll demand a wage increase to five silvers when the time comes.”</p> <p>“That’s only if you succeed in getting that increase.”</p> <p>“That might be difficult.”</p> <p>In other words, he will be getting busy.</p> <p>“The materials just now, can you show it to me too?”</p> <p>The materials were also approved by high-ranking court physicians. It possessed that much value.</p> <p>“Sure, but can you pay me fifty silvers?”</p> <p>“Ugh.” That was two to three months of Maomao’s salary. “Can’t you give me a friend’s discount?”</p> <p>“Let me think about it.”</p> <p><em>His haggling is actually on par with Rahan</em>, Maomao thought.</p> <p class="has-text-align-right">(Next Chapter)</p> <p></p> <div id="jp-post-flair" class="sharedaddy sd-like-enabled"><div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-05-the-interview/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-end"></li></ul></div></div></div><div class='sharedaddy sd-block sd-like jetpack-likes-widget-wrapper jetpack-likes-widget-unloaded' id='like-post-wrapper-130534757-5011-67363f6100afc' data-src='//widgets.wp.com/likes/index.html?ver=20241114#blog_id=130534757&amp;post_id=5011&amp;origin=shikarito.wordpress.com&amp;obj_id=130534757-5011-67363f6100afc' data-name='like-post-frame-130534757-5011-67363f6100afc' data-title='Like or Reblog'><div class='likes-widget-placeholder post-likes-widget-placeholder' style='height: 55px;'><span class='button'><span>Like</span></span> <span class='loading'>Loading&#8230;</span></div><span class='sd-text-color'></span><a class='sd-link-color' href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-05-the-interview/"></a></div></div></div></main> + + + + Shikkarito + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/ + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/ + Tue, 15 Oct 2024 10:00:37 +0000 + <main class="wp-block-query is-layout-flow wp-block-query-is-layout-flow"><ul class="wp-block-post-template is-layout-flow wp-block-post-template-is-layout-flow"><li class="wp-block-post post-4919 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized"> <div class="wp-block-template-part"> <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><h2 class="wp-block-post-title"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/2024/10/15/arc-10-password-locked/" target="_self" >Arc 10 password&nbsp;locked</a></h2> <div style="font-style:italic;font-weight:400;" class="wp-block-post-date has-small-font-size"><time datetime="2024-10-15T21:00:37+11:00"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/2024/10/15/arc-10-password-locked/">October 15th, 2024</a></time></div> </div> <div class="entry-content wp-block-post-content is-layout-constrained wp-block-post-content-is-layout-constrained"> <p>LN12 is out in English, so I did my thing.</p> <p>What&#8217;s the password? Find it in the discord server.</p> <p>As is tradition when I take down chapters, the locked chapters have undergone a minor edit, polish, or rewrite depending on how much the original version bothered me. Chapters with major changes have an edited date on the top of the page. (I haven&#8217;t gone through all the chapters yet.)</p> <p></p> </div> <div style="height:112px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> </div> </li><li class="wp-block-post post-4779 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-kusuriya-no-hitorigoto"> <div class="wp-block-template-part"> <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><h2 class="wp-block-post-title"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/2024/05/18/caught-up-once-again/" target="_self" >Caught up once&nbsp;again</a></h2> <div style="font-style:italic;font-weight:400;" class="wp-block-post-date has-small-font-size"><time datetime="2024-05-18T01:09:14+10:00"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/2024/05/18/caught-up-once-again/">May 18th, 2024</a></time></div> </div> <div class="entry-content wp-block-post-content is-layout-constrained wp-block-post-content-is-layout-constrained"> <p>Hey, lookie, the menu has finally been edited. Took me only 5 month since the previous post to do so&#8230; I also took the opportunity to change the site theme, since the previous one was starting to bother me for some reason. The new theme&#8217;s limited colour options (black, black, or black!!!) is a little unfortunate, but still, it&#8217;s pretty.</p> <p>New header image is Maomao, since she&#8217;s Best Girl xD</p> <p>Now for updates since the previous post:</p> <p>The web novel translation is now up to date. You can read <strong>arc 10 chapter 28 </strong>all the way to<strong> arc 13 chapter 16</strong> here. Earlier chapters of arc 10 can be found at Duchess&#8217; site.</p> <p>Arcs 1 to 9, which was on Creative Novels, have been taken down since the light novel equivalents are officially released in English. <s>(I&#8217;ll delete arc 9 in two-ish days, so people catching up better read fast haha)</s> Arc 9 is gone too.</p> <p>Also, I am aware that the font colour for the KnH character page is whacked. I haven&#8217;t figured how to change it with the new WordPress editor, so bear with the random black text for now.</p> <p>Now I&#8217;m going to hibernate until the next arc begins. Let me know when the next chapter drops, thanks!</p> </div> <div style="height:112px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> </div> </li><li class="wp-block-post post-4273 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized"> <div class="wp-block-template-part"> <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><h2 class="wp-block-post-title"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/2023/12/05/its-not-dropped/" target="_self" >It&#8217;s not dropped!</a></h2> <div style="font-style:italic;font-weight:400;" class="wp-block-post-date has-small-font-size"><time datetime="2023-12-05T04:31:14+11:00"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/2023/12/05/its-not-dropped/">December 5th, 2023</a></time></div> </div> <div class="entry-content wp-block-post-content is-layout-constrained wp-block-post-content-is-layout-constrained"> <p>I figured I should clarify this. The menu needs updating. <strong>The Kusuriya webnovel translation has not been dropped</strong>. Well, I did drop it three years ago (hence the dropped tag), and have only just resumed mid-September this year, so it hasn&#8217;t been long. I&#8217;ll get around to editing that drop down menu one of these days. </p> <p>Anyway, arc 11 is finished, <s>and I&#8217;m nearly done with arc 12. Arc 13 does not exist yet.</s> Done with arc 12 as well, working on arc 13 now.</p> <p>If you want notifications for whenever I upload a new chapter, come join us on the discord server. The link can be found a few posts below this one&#8211;to clarify, it&#8217;s not the Reddit one. Just note that there will be open spoilers for the latest chapter of the BG manga at least for the entire server (and for their respective channels, open spoilers for the latest LN volume/WN chapter, etc), so anime-only people, beware. Although, I doubt it&#8217;d be much of an issue if you guys are here for the webnovel anyway.</p> <p>Why are the new chapters not posted on Novelupdates? Arc 10 isn&#8217;t finished yet, and I&#8217;d rather not deal with scrapers and stuff like I did in the past. </p> <p>Also, arcs 1 to 8 have been taken down from creative novels since the LN equivalents have been published. Arc 9 is the last one left on that site, and will be nuked the moment LN11 is released.</p> <p>For<strong> people wondering about arc 10</strong>, you can find it <a href="https://knhtranslations.wordpress.com/chapter-listing/">here</a>. Duchess is translating that one. It&#8217;s not finished yet. She&#8217;s up to chapter 27 out of 35, but will be resuming soon enough. (I&#8217;m not counting the MTL&#8217;d chapters that had somehow found its way onto Novelupdates.) </p> <p><strong>People who are directly jumping in from the latest published LN translation</strong> (LN9), you can continue from arc 9, which is equivalent to LN10 and LN11. Arc 10 is LN12, Arc 11 is LN13, and Arc 12 is LN14. There will be some differences, of course&#8211;not as drastic as the earlier arcs, but there is notably less romance in the WN. LN scenes tend to be more fleshed out as well. (Also, I don&#8217;t have anyone editing my translations, so I apologise if it&#8217;s not as polished as the officials are.)</p> <p>Hopefully, this clears up most of the questions people have been asking.</p> <p>Edit: Wow, it&#8217;s been a while since I last made a post on this site.</p> <p>Edit 2: I eat my words. Arc 13 begins.</p> <p></p> </div> <div style="height:112px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> </div> </li><li class="wp-block-post post-3817 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized"> <div class="wp-block-template-part"> <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><h2 class="wp-block-post-title"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/2021/06/03/official-english-release-of-ln2-is-today/" target="_self" >Official English Release of LN2 is&nbsp;today!</a></h2> <div style="font-style:italic;font-weight:400;" class="wp-block-post-date has-small-font-size"><time datetime="2021-06-03T14:51:48+10:00"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/2021/06/03/official-english-release-of-ln2-is-today/">June 3rd, 2021</a></time></div> </div> <div class="entry-content wp-block-post-content is-layout-constrained wp-block-post-content-is-layout-constrained"> <p>Go and get it!</p> <p>(also, a little notice that arc 2 has been nuked from creative novels, in case people are wondering why it&#8217;s gone :&#8217;D)</p> </div> <div style="height:112px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> </div> </li><li class="wp-block-post post-3783 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized"> <div class="wp-block-template-part"> <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><h2 class="wp-block-post-title"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/2021/04/14/ln11-releases-on-april-30/" target="_self" >LN11 releases on April&nbsp;30!</a></h2> <div style="font-style:italic;font-weight:400;" class="wp-block-post-date has-small-font-size"><time datetime="2021-04-14T13:01:09+10:00"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/2021/04/14/ln11-releases-on-april-30/">April 14th, 2021</a></time></div> </div> <div class="entry-content wp-block-post-content is-layout-constrained wp-block-post-content-is-layout-constrained"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="708" height="1024" src="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/91ksrh451hs.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3784" sizes="(max-width: 708px) 100vw, 708px" /></figure> <p>Way sooner than expected! And this should be roughly equivalent to the latter half of arc 9 of the webnovel version 🙂 </p> <p>There&#8217;s also a limited edition that comes bundled with another drama CD. <br>It comes with three tracks: </p> <p>1) Jade Palace Girls Talk </p> <p>Maomao is having afternoon tea with Jade Palace attendants Infa, Gui&#8217;en and Airan. Gui&#8217;en sparks a girls talk session by asking, &#8220;Was there anyone good at the garden party?&#8221;</p> <p>2/3) The Mystery of the Sake Bottle</p> <p>Maomao had been dismissed from being a palace lady at the inner palace and is now employed as Jinshi&#8217;s personal attendant. She heads to the pleasure district with Jinshi and Gaoshun in tow, going after the mystery of the broken sake bottle that had been left behind by an enigmatic person at the side of a well at dawn. And there, she comes across&#8230;?!</p> <p>Cast: </p> <p>Maomao: Yuuki Aoi<br>Jinshi: Takahiro Sakurai<br>Gaoshun: Tsuda Kenjirou<br>Rihaku: Takumi Yasuaki<br>Rahan: Kobayashi Chiaki<br>Quack Doctor: Ogata Mitsuru<br>Infa: Kamiyou Saeko<br>Gui&#8217;en: Moriya Kyouka<br>Airan: Kawano Mari<br>Suiren/Honnyan: Nitta Kyousuke<br>Owner of Kujaku Brothel: Nakano Taisuke<br>A kamuro: Tadano Akari</p> <p></p> <p>On a side note, yes, the webnovel has resumed. There are currently four chapters out as of today. It looks like we&#8217;ll be looking into who will be succeeding as the next leader of the western capital. Will it be Gyoku&#8217;ou&#8217;s second son or his third son? Shall we cast lots? What is the prodigal first son up to, anyways?<br><br>The continuation of the translation has been picked up by Duchess. You can find it here: <a href="https://knhtranslations.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow">https://knhtranslations.wordpress.com/</a> or on the kusuriya discord server.</p> <p>&#8230;There&#8217;s actually a lot of things happening on discord, so do come visit when you can!</p> <p>Also, if you&#8217;re wondering what I&#8217;m up to, I&#8217;m part of the scanlation team that working on the GX version of the manga. I&#8217;m still around, for better or worse hahahahaha</p> </div> <div style="height:112px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> </div> </li><li class="wp-block-post post-3761 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized"> <div class="wp-block-template-part"> <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><h2 class="wp-block-post-title"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/2021/02/14/volume-1-of-the-ln-releases-today/" target="_self" >Volume 1 of the LN releases&nbsp;today!</a></h2> <div style="font-style:italic;font-weight:400;" class="wp-block-post-date has-small-font-size"><time datetime="2021-02-14T08:45:55+11:00"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/2021/02/14/volume-1-of-the-ln-releases-today/">February 14th, 2021</a></time></div> </div> <div class="entry-content wp-block-post-content is-layout-constrained wp-block-post-content-is-layout-constrained"> <p>You can find it in pretty much at any place that sells ebooks of English translated light novels 😀 </p> <p>Technically it&#8217;s another eight hours or so from now due to timezone differences, but I&#8217;ve no time to do all this when it is actually released in the US, so now&#8217;s the time, I guess.</p> <p>Well, this is it, guys.</p> <p>The light novel version of Kusuriya no Hitorigoto (Apothecary diaries) has been licensed by J-novel Club, and so, with the release of the first volume today (February 14th 2021), the first volume/arc of this translation will be taken down today per J-novel club&#8217;s request.</p> <p>It feels a bit bittersweet having worked on this project for so long, but it is what it is. The next volume will be taken down when the next official LN is published.  </p> <p>Thanks for reading!</p> </div> <div style="height:112px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> </div> </li><li class="wp-block-post post-3746 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized"> <div class="wp-block-template-part"> <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><h2 class="wp-block-post-title"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/2020/11/25/discord-server/" target="_self" >Discord Server</a></h2> <div style="font-style:italic;font-weight:400;" class="wp-block-post-date has-small-font-size"><time datetime="2020-11-25T14:29:22+11:00"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/2020/11/25/discord-server/">November 25th, 2020</a></time></div> </div> <div class="entry-content wp-block-post-content is-layout-constrained wp-block-post-content-is-layout-constrained"> <p>Someone was kind enough to make a discord server for Kusuriya no Hitorigoto, so if you can&#8217;t get enough of Maomao (and Jinshi), you can find us here:</p> <p><a href="https://discord.gg/xqDqAEAjxH" rel="nofollow">https://discord.gg/xqDqAEAjxH</a></p> <p>Please join us!</p> <p>See you guys there 😀</p> <p>Edit: we have a subreddit too!</p> <p><a href="https://old.reddit.com/r/KusuriyaNoHitorigoto/" rel="nofollow">https://old.reddit.com/r/KusuriyaNoHitorigoto/</a></p> </div> <div style="height:112px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> </div> </li><li class="wp-block-post post-3742 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized"> <div class="wp-block-template-part"> <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><h2 class="wp-block-post-title"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/2020/11/24/ln-volume-10/" target="_self" >LN volume 10</a></h2> <div style="font-style:italic;font-weight:400;" class="wp-block-post-date has-small-font-size"><time datetime="2020-11-24T23:59:50+11:00"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/2020/11/24/ln-volume-10/">November 24th, 2020</a></time></div> </div> <div class="entry-content wp-block-post-content is-layout-constrained wp-block-post-content-is-layout-constrained"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="707" height="1023" src="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/enkp5qduuaedhty.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3743" sizes="(max-width: 707px) 100vw, 707px" /></figure> <p>So, the author just revealed on twitter. Released end of January next year.</p> <p>Such a beautiful cover. Maomao looks so cool (｡◕ˇдˇ​◕｡)/</p> <p>I can&#8217;t wait. </p> </div> <div style="height:112px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> </div> </li><li class="wp-block-post post-3726 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized"> <div class="wp-block-template-part"> <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><h2 class="wp-block-post-title"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/2020/11/14/licensed/" target="_self" >Licensed!</a></h2> <div style="font-style:italic;font-weight:400;" class="wp-block-post-date has-small-font-size"><time datetime="2020-11-14T09:37:19+11:00"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/2020/11/14/licensed/">November 14th, 2020</a></time></div> </div> <div class="entry-content wp-block-post-content is-layout-constrained wp-block-post-content-is-layout-constrained"> <p>I&#8217;m sure most of you would have already heard the news by now, but the Kusuriya LN has been licensed! </p> <p>You can find it here: <a href="https://j-novel.club/s/the-apothecary-diaries" rel="nofollow">https://j-novel.club/s/the-apothecary-diaries</a></p> <p>So what does that mean for the fanTL? Nothing much. We&#8217;ve essentially caught up with the raws (after I release the last chapter on Monday) so we&#8217;re at a nice stopping point with no danger of cliff hangers and sudden drop offs. It just means I won&#8217;t be picking up the next arc once it resumes some time next year. Thank you for reading my translation of the web novel; it was nice sharing it with you all 🙂</p> <p>Will I be taking down the translations? Not sure yet, but I&#8217;ll definitely be taking down the LN snippets later today.</p> </div> <div style="height:112px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> </div> </li><li class="wp-block-post post-3592 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized"> <div class="wp-block-template-part"> <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><h2 class="wp-block-post-title"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/2020/04/03/its-been-a-while/" target="_self" >It&#8217;s been a&nbsp;while</a></h2> <div style="font-style:italic;font-weight:400;" class="wp-block-post-date has-small-font-size"><time datetime="2020-04-03T16:19:16+11:00"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/2020/04/03/its-been-a-while/">April 3rd, 2020</a></time></div> </div> <div class="entry-content wp-block-post-content is-layout-constrained wp-block-post-content-is-layout-constrained"> <p>How is everyone? I was planning to get the LN9 stuff over and done with before I start on the next WN arc, especially since arc 9 is essentially LN10 territory. So it took a while, but here we are. </p> <p>Same as before, you can find the prologue under the relevant illustration. And yes, the illustrations are up too!</p> <p>As for Koukyuu no Karasu, I uploaded part 1 and 2 of the first story. Part 2 is only about 50% done. I&#8217;ll get back to translating this, eventually. <s>There was this one paragraph that people might find a bit gory (describing a ghost). </s>Also, do note that it hasn&#8217;t been edited. Let me know what you guys think about it 🙂 </p> <p>Now that my backlog has been decreased somewhat&#8230;</p> <p>I&#8217;ll resume the WN next week. There&#8217;s currently 13 chapters to catch up on. I think I&#8217;ll drop a chapter every Friday or something. You guys fine with that?</p> </div> <div style="height:112px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> </div> </li></ul> <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><nav class="alignwide wp-block-query-pagination is-content-justification-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-query-pagination-is-layout-1 wp-block-query-pagination-is-layout-flex" aria-label="Pagination"> <div class="wp-block-query-pagination-numbers"><span aria-current="page" class="page-numbers current">1</span> <a class="page-numbers" href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/page/2/">2</a> <a class="page-numbers" href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/page/3/">3</a></div> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/page/2/" class="wp-block-query-pagination-next has-small-font-size">Next Page<span class='wp-block-query-pagination-next-arrow is-arrow-arrow' aria-hidden='true'>→</span></a> </nav></div> </main> + + + + 14.04 The Late Shift + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-04-the-late-shift/ + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-04-the-late-shift/ + Fri, 08 Nov 2024 15:41:06 +0000 + <main class="wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow"> <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><h1 class="wp-block-post-title">14.04 The Late&nbsp;Shift</h1> <div style="height:1px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> </div> <div class="entry-content wp-block-post-content is-layout-constrained wp-block-post-content-is-layout-constrained"> <p>(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-03-the-immortals-abode/">Previous Chapter</a>)</p> <p>“Ahh, it’s cold.” Maomao got up sniffling. “I’ll need to prepare a quilt.”</p> <p>She pinched the thin mattress. The bedding that Maomao owned had been lent to another girl during the year she was away and hasn’t been returned. Those who lent it out without permission were to blame, but just the fact that the room she hasn’t used in a year has been left untouched is a good thing, she thought. If she was unlucky, it wouldn’t be odd if everything she owned was gone.</p> <p>Maomao didn’t hate her current workplace, but if there was one thing to complain about, it was that the start work hours didn’t match up. Unlike the pleasure district, there was no crone to rouse her out of bed even if she were to sleep in. To not arrive late to work, she had to wake up at the same time every day.</p> <p><em>I have a late shift today, so I have some time to spare.</em></p> <p>She refrained from going back to sleep. It would be difficult to wake up from a second nap, even more so with how cold it was now. Maomao draped a slightly thicker outer garment over her shoulders and moved to the dining hall.</p> <p>“Good morning.” Changsha, a junior court lady, was eating breakfast. It was a congee with medicinal herbs, seasoned with salt and vinegar. A simple commoners’ meal with no other side dish. Maomao got too used to the breakfasts of the rich.</p> <p>“Good morning.” Maomao ate the same congee as Changsha. Athough there was a dining hall, people had to cook for themselves, so Maomao and Changsha often cooked their meals together. Today’s congee was what Maomao made last night. “What’s in today’s congee?” she asked the other court lady.</p> <p>“Dropwort root and carrot. And judging by the smell, there’s also fish mint,” Changsha answered.</p> <p>“Yup. I made tea.”</p> <p>The reason Maomao purposely added something that smelled was so the other residents in the dorms didn’t snatch their food. Before, when En’en was around, if she prepared food in advance, there won’t be any left in the morning.</p> <p><em>In En’en’s case, she would rarely finish with just cooking food for Yao in advance.</em></p> <p>The dorms only had smart court ladies, but because of that, there were also a lot of people who were inexperienced in cooking. The reason for the lack of cooks despite there being a dining hall was in hand with the court ladies’ goal of finding a marriage partner. Having the need to cook for yourself was bothersome after all.</p> <p>“Also, it’s thick and warm. Is there kudzu?”</p> <p>“Correct.”</p> <p>Changsha’s nose and tongue was good. She possessed more than enough talent to become a herbalist. It was likely that on knowledge of medicine alone, she was much better than Yao.</p> <p>“Here, take this,” Maomao said.</p> <p>“Thank you very much.”</p> <p>Maomao gave her an egg. It was the century eggs she received from Chue when they returned yesterday. Since they have a duck connection, could it be supplied from the Red Plum Mansion place? Maomao didn’t pry too deeply.</p> <p>“Is Changsha-san on the late shift today too?”</p> <p>“Yes. We can take it slowly.”</p> <p>“Agreed.”</p> <p><em>Honestly speaking, this time is the most leisurely</em>, Maomao thought. That being said, it was Maomao’s bad habit to ruminate on all sorts of things in her mind. After adding a century egg to the congee, the flavour was perfected.</p> <p><em>Today’s work.</em></p> <p>It would be a full day of work at the medical office. The odd jobs have piled up so she had to clear them away.</p> <p><em>I wonder how Basen is since then.</em></p> <p>Probably no progress. Apart from Chue getting in touch with her, Maomao didn’t take any action herself.</p> <p><em>Next is…</em></p> <p>“Changsha-san.”</p> <p>“Yes?”</p> <p>“Is Yo back yet?”</p> <p>A few days ago, the court lady went to the old court physician to see patients out in the country.</p> <p>“From yesterday, she hasn’t returned yet. Why did Yo-san join them?” Changsha asked.</p> <p>“Isn’t it because Yo-san is suitable for the job?” Maomao talked about it before Court Physician Ri and the others, but not yet to Changsha. “Also, how are Yao-san and the others?”</p> <p>“They’re good. Yesterday, a military officer proposed to Yao-san, so En’en-san was terrifying the entire time.”</p> <p>“I want them to not do it at work.” Maomao tilted the bowl to scoop up the last bits of congee to eat.<br><br><br><br></p> <p>Afterwards, when Maomao leisurely headed over to work, a temporary closure notice was hung up at the medical office. Chairs were set up in the backroom and everyone was sitting.&nbsp;</p> <p>Other court physicians have gathered around inside and were speaking in serious tones. Court Physician Liu was among them, so she understood that it wasn’t a simple matter.</p> <p>Although there wasn’t a meeting scheduled, everyone’s eyes were on the old court physician.</p> <p><em>They’re back.</em></p> <p>Yo was also there. The court lady’s eyes were wandering, wondering if it was fine for her to be there, and then she caught Maomao’s eyes. The moment she saw Maomao, she brightened up. The newcomer wasn’t yet used to a all-male workplace.</p> <p><em>I wonder what’s up</em>.</p> <p>Maomao stepped inside nonchalantly. As she has been around for longer than Yo, she was a lot bolder when it came to things like this. For an instant, Court Physician Liu made a face, but he made no move of driving her out, and the talks began.</p> <p>“Sorry for being late. We needed a few days to see how we were faring too. In truth, we would have liked ten or so days to confirm, but forgive us.” Instead, the old court physician was in thick clothes and his mouth was also covered with a cloth. Yo was dressed in the same attire.</p> <p>“We know that already. Give us your conclusion.” Court Physician Liu looked on edge.</p> <p>“It is smallpox. The number of infected are still low, but I wonder if we can deal with it appropriately,” the old court physician said.</p> <p><em>Smallpox!</em></p> <p>Her bad feeling seemed to have been right on the mark.</p> <p>“Uncontrolled, it will spread to the people in the capital. It is imperative we deal with it properly.”</p> <p>“Will it be fine?” An uneasy young court physician looked at the old court physician.</p> <p>“Our actions are so we can say it will be fine. Or do you not understand such a concept either?” As always, Court Physician Liu ended his speech harshly. The young court physician trembled.</p> <p>“Are the symptomatic people in one place?” Court Physician Liu asked.</p> <p>The old court physician answered, “Yes, the village is currently in a temporary lockdown. Two court physicians have been posted there, but that might not be enough people soon. Also, I would like to have military officers to work as guards. The incubation period of smallpox is long, so we’ll need to seal them off for half a month.”&nbsp;</p> <p>“New workers, huh?”</p> <p>“Liu-san can’t go. We can’t have the worst case scenario of the emperor’s attending physician infected.” The old court physician shook his head. “I would like to assemble court physicians and military officers who have contracted smallpox before. Preferably those with perseverance.”</p> <p>“Do you know the source of the infection?”</p> <p>Yo jolted.</p> <p>“As if we would know the answer to that. And I would rather we now put our focus on appropriate ways to deal with it than who the source is.”</p> <p>“Right. My bad.”</p> <p>“So, please squeeze out as much wages as you can for the dispatched court physician and military officers. That’s all you can do for us, Liu-san.”</p> <p>“&#8230;Got it. You always get the short end of the stick.”</p> <p>“What now? I have it a lot better than Luomen. That guy truly has it bad. I can only think that he is cursed wherever he treads.”</p> <p>Not expecting to hear her dad’s name, Maomao made a face like a cat that caught a whiff of something bad.</p> <p>“And so, there’s nothing much you worriers can do, so please work as normal. Also, the people coming with me, give your best effort. Court Physician Liu will be doubling your wages, so you can look forward to that.”</p> <p><em>He&#8217;s good.</em></p> <p>Yo had an expression of unease, but it was reassuring if the old court physician was nearby.</p> <p>“However, setting the military officers aside, are there court physicians who have contracted smallpox before?” Court Physician Liu crossed his arms. “Could there be anyone?”</p> <p>“We probably have people who are concealing it, but I doubt they would come along on their own accord. Also, it would be fine to have a few doctors still. Anyone know one?”</p> <p>Court Physician Liu and the old court physician made troubled looks.</p> <p>Maomao rubbed her chin, then raised her hand. “Would a civilian doctor be alright?”</p> <p>Yo looked at Maomao. She seemed to guess who this was about.</p> <p>“Civilian? He&#8217;s not some strange witch doctor, right?” the old court physician asked.</p> <p>“He’s strange, but he’s not a witch doctor.”</p> <p>“I don’t care if he&#8217;s from the Ra clan or some random.”</p> <p><em>Is it really okay?</em> Court Physician Liu eyed Maomao with suspicion to the bitter end. </p> <p class="has-text-align-right">(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-05-the-interview/">Next Chapter</a>)</p> <p></p> <div id="jp-post-flair" class="sharedaddy sd-like-enabled"><div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-04-the-late-shift/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-end"></li></ul></div></div></div><div class='sharedaddy sd-block sd-like jetpack-likes-widget-wrapper jetpack-likes-widget-unloaded' id='like-post-wrapper-130534757-4986-67364b7bb2cc3' data-src='//widgets.wp.com/likes/index.html?ver=20241114#blog_id=130534757&amp;post_id=4986&amp;origin=shikarito.wordpress.com&amp;obj_id=130534757-4986-67364b7bb2cc3' data-name='like-post-frame-130534757-4986-67364b7bb2cc3' data-title='Like or Reblog'><div class='likes-widget-placeholder post-likes-widget-placeholder' style='height: 55px;'><span class='button'><span>Like</span></span> <span class='loading'>Loading&#8230;</span></div><span class='sd-text-color'></span><a class='sd-link-color' href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-04-the-late-shift/"></a></div></div></div></main> + + + + 14.01 Chicken Meat + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-01-chicken-meat/ + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-01-chicken-meat/ + Fri, 01 Nov 2024 12:01:38 +0000 + <main class="wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow"> <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><h1 class="wp-block-post-title">14.01 Chicken Meat</h1> <div style="height:1px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> </div> <div class="entry-content wp-block-post-content is-layout-constrained wp-block-post-content-is-layout-constrained"> <p><sub>T/N: New arc. Smallpox arc. Looks like the long wait is going to be worth it.</sub></p> <p><sup>Wanwan is actually Wang Wang (王旺), but I feel the former works better in this case. Also sounds like woof woof, so I&#8217;ll be keeping the Japanese reading for his name.</sup></p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <p>(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-16-the-imperial-prince-and-his-wet-nurse/">Previous Chapter</a>)</p> <p>Half a month after the emperor’s operation finished with no mishap, Maomao settled back into a workflow that consisted of half her usual work and half dosage experiments. A high-ranking court physician had taken over the emperor’s post-operative treatment. Although the scale of the dosage experiments have been reduced, the fact that they were keeping on with it was probably in the anticipation that it would prove useful here on after.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>With the seasons getting colder, she also changed her medical robes to something thicker. The bedding for the patients in the town clinic would be supplemented with something a little thicker too.</p> <p>“Wanwan-senpai, are the medicines for restocking okay here?”</p> <p>Maomao passed the account book to the tall senior, otherwise known as Wanwan-senpai.</p> <p>“It’s fine. For some reason I feel like you’ve been excessively calling me by my name lately.”</p> <p>“Is that so?”</p> <p>“Also, I feel like the way you’re pronouncing it is a little peculiar.”</p> <p>“Could it be your imagination?”</p> <p>Wanwan. Written as Wang Wang.</p> <p>It was a name that Maomao, who was bad at remembering names, was super thankful for. It can’t be helped she pronounced it with fondness in her tone.</p> <p>“Alright, now place the order of medicine for me,” he said.</p> <p>“Understood. Also, I will be returning to the imperial court this afternoon. Is there anything you want me to take care of?”</p> <p>“Mmm. Nothing for now. Now that you mention it, you’re checking the medicine room today, right?”</p> <p>Wanwan-senpai checked the medicine stock inventory as Maomao did, so he knew whose turn it was.</p> <p>“Yes.”</p> <p>“Then, if Tianyu is in the area, get a rise out of him for me.”</p> <p>“For sure.” Maomao replied, head held high.</p> <p>Tianyu was the one who made the biggest mess during the emperor’s surgery, which had been a terrible challenge. It would have been fine if his blunder was from extreme stress, but in his case, it was for his personal reasons, so he had no grounds for extenuating circumstances. Tianyu was the one at fault for bringing personal interest into a job that concerned the life of the emperor. Rather, the fact that he didn’t lose his head over this was an act of clemency.</p> <p>He received quite the pay cut, but the remainder was a freeloader&#8217;s food expenses, so you could say that he was unpaid.</p> <p>And so, Tianyu will be working without pay for the time being. Not only that, he was now punished with every single court physician out to drive him crazy.</p> <p>Even if they did get a rise from him, Tianyu was aloof by nature. Getting Tianyu to feel vexed became the biggest thing among the court physicians.</p> <p><em>Whether it would be called bullying or not…</em></p> <p>Far from getting discouraged, the person himself was even having a great time.</p> <p>　</p> <p>And so, Maomao returned to the imperial court.</p> <p>Her junior Yo was in the medicine room. She would replenish the stock when Maomao and the others were away.</p> <p>“Maomao-san, I just replenished the stock, so check, please.”</p> <p>“Okay.”</p> <p>The clever junior diligently learnt the fundamentals. Furthermore, she wasn’t conceited and would wash the bandages and sheets and disinfect the tools.</p> <p><em>It’s wonderful that she does the fundamentals properly.</em></p> <p>No matter how clever they were, if they don’t listen to people, they were of bad character. And then a person of bad character showed up.</p> <p>“Hey, Niangniang and Yo. In the middle of work?”</p> <p>It was Tianyu.</p> <p>Maomao thought about ignoring him, but she remembered what Wanwan-senpai told her. “Yes, Tianyu-san. Your cheeks are gaunt. Have you been eating properly?”</p> <p>“Yes. I’ve had food from Court Physician Liu’s place.”</p> <p>Court Physician Liu, thinking that he couldn’t let Tianyu run loose, took on the responsibility to feed him, but as expected, he was impossible to tame.</p> <p>Even Maomao knew very well that agitating Tianyu would be difficult. Which is why she used a special tool.</p> <p>“Is that so?” Maomao took out a large basket. Inside the basket was…</p> <p>“M-my word!&#8221;</p> <p>A large chicken. It has been decapitated, feathers plucked and blood drained. It was a spent hen that couldn’t lay eggs anymore, not a young chicken, but that was why it would have good flavour. It would be very delicious simmered well into a thick soup with an addition of egg and kudzu powder.</p> <p>Maomao, who often went into town for work, had been entrusted with buying supper as well. If she made soup in the medical office and brought it back, the court physicians would be grateful to her and she would also save on dinner expenses–one stone two birds.</p> <p>However, it wasn’t the soup that Tianyu was jumping at.</p> <p>“Ahhhh, I beg you. Please, Niangniang. Can’t you let me dismantle that chicken?” Hands dramatically on his cheeks, his normally dull fish-like eyes were sparkling.　</p> <p>Court Physician Liu understood. A pay cut alone wouldn’t make Tianyu repent.</p> <p><em>The thing that would distress this guy would be…</em></p> <p>Not letting Tianyu do his favourite dissections.</p> <p>He messed up on the surgery, so for the time being, he was banned from surgeries. Not only that, he wasn’t allowed to dissect dead bodies or dismantle animals.</p> <p>He had no money, so he couldn’t buy meat from the markets either.</p> <p>Occasionally, when his withdrawal symptoms arose, they would just give him a bullfrog.</p> <p>“Ahhh, I beg you. I&#8217;ll process it well, so let me dismantle iiit.”</p> <p>“No way.” Normally, she would save time and let him do it, but today she will continue to tease him. “Ahhh, come to think of it. I need water. I’ll have to fill up this water jug.”</p> <p>“Yes, I’ll do it for you. Please, I beg youuu.”</p> <p>After teasing him, he drew water and did the laundry for her.</p> <p>As work finished early, Maomao did side jobs in the medical office. Yo did the same. She sat down next to Maomao and rolled up the washed bandages.</p> <p>In the next room, Tianyu, who had finally acquired the chicken to dismantle, displayed his magnificent knife skills. He followed the muscle and divided it up.</p> <p>“I’ll be using the thigh meat for stir-fry, so please cut it into bite-sized pieces. Please boil the bones in the pot together with spring onion.”</p> <p>“Okaaay.”</p> <p>Maomao will do the seasoning. Her colleague En’en was better at cooking, but she wasn’t here today, so it can’t be helped.</p> <p>“Is this fine? Didn’t Court Physician Liu put a stop to it?” Yo whispered to Maomao.</p> <p>“If you don’t give him bait once in a while, he would try to dismantle a nearby person sooner or later, wouldn&#8217;t he?”</p> <p>“&#8230;There’s no way.”</p> <p><em>No, he will.</em></p> <p>Tianyu was this dangerous. Hence why you need to know how to take control of his reins.</p> <p>“Please remove the scum properly,” she said.</p> <p>“Got it,” he said.</p> <p>While such an exchange occurred, the old court physician showed up. “Oh, what is today’s supper?”</p> <p>“It’s egg drop soup,” Maomao said.</p> <p>“Oh hoh. You want wood ear mushroom?”</p> <p>“Please give me if you have.”</p> <p>The old court physician took out a dried black item from the medicine box. This shrewd court physician purchased herbal medicine that can be used as condiments or ingredients. His excuse was that maintaining the health of court physicians was also a splendid job.</p> <p>While Maomao reconstituted the wood ear in hot water, she added wine and salt and then seasoned it.</p> <p>The chicken stir-fry was haphazardly made with whatever vegetable was available.</p> <p>“Court Physician-sama. Can we cultivate a field?” Maomao asked the old court physician.</p> <p>Maomao wanted to cook with freshly picked herbs like green spring onions and garlic chives. And if possible, she also wanted to grow a lot of herbal medicines.</p> <p>“No can do. There was a case before where a court lady who had been entrusted to manage the field made a blunder.”</p> <p>“You’re right,” she said.</p> <p>He was talking about Suirei. Having plotted Jinshi’s assassination, she was now not allowed to exist.</p> <p>As the old court physician’s nose twitched, he read a note.</p> <p>“The child over there is Yo, correct?”</p> <p>“Yes,” Maomao said.</p> <p>“&#8230;hm, can you come over for a moment?”</p> <p>“What is it?” Yo asked.</p> <p>He showed Yo, not Maomao, the journal. Curious, Maomao also came over.</p> <p>The note was from a court physician working in another region.</p> <p>“&#8230;This is.” Yo’s complexion changed.</p> <p>“Yeah, things might be getting a little scary.”</p> <p>In the note, it was written that there has been an increase in patients who were breaking out in blisters.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <p><sub>T/N: People have been asking about what Tianyu did during the surgery. The details are in LN15, but essentially, he refused to do his job when it was his time to step up.</sub></p> <p class="has-text-align-right">(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-02-chitchat/">Next Chapter</a>)</p> <p></p> <div id="jp-post-flair" class="sharedaddy sd-like-enabled"><div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-01-chicken-meat/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-end"></li></ul></div></div></div><div class='sharedaddy sd-block sd-like jetpack-likes-widget-wrapper jetpack-likes-widget-unloaded' id='like-post-wrapper-130534757-4935-67362fc4ba36c' data-src='//widgets.wp.com/likes/index.html?ver=20241114#blog_id=130534757&amp;post_id=4935&amp;origin=shikarito.wordpress.com&amp;obj_id=130534757-4935-67362fc4ba36c' data-name='like-post-frame-130534757-4935-67362fc4ba36c' data-title='Like or Reblog'><div class='likes-widget-placeholder post-likes-widget-placeholder' style='height: 55px;'><span class='button'><span>Like</span></span> <span class='loading'>Loading&#8230;</span></div><span class='sd-text-color'></span><a class='sd-link-color' href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-01-chicken-meat/"></a></div></div></div></main> + + + + KUSURIYA NO HITORIGOTO + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/ + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/ + Mon, 12 Jun 2017 14:25:43 +0000 + <main class="wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow"> <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><h1 class="wp-block-post-title">KUSURIYA NO HITORIGOTO</h1> <div style="height:1px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> </div> <div class="entry-content wp-block-post-content is-layout-constrained wp-block-post-content-is-layout-constrained"> <p><a href="http://ncode.syosetu.com/n9636x/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">By Hyuuga Natsu</a></p> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright"><img width="207" height="299" src="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/91x1yhj7gil.jpg" alt="91x1Yhj7GiL" class="wp-image-259" sizes="(max-width: 207px) 100vw, 207px" /></figure> <p></p> <p class="has-text-align-center">LICENCED BY J-NOVEL CLUB</p> <p>She was captured by hunters for palace ladies for the inner palace when she went out to gather medicinal herbs.</p> <p>As a result, Maomao, a pharmacist from the pleasure district, is now working in a refined place. While displeased with the current situation, she thought she could work quietly until the end of her service, but her curiosity and knowledge wouldn&#8217;t allow that.</p> <p>With her solving of an unexpected incident, she caught the eyes of the emperor’s favoured consort and a eunuch.</p> <p>Even today, Maomao, who wants to quickly return to town, sighs with a laundry basket in hand.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Table of Contents</em></p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Inner Palace (</strong><strong><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/volume-1/">*</a></strong><strong>)</strong></h3> <p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://creativenovels.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/volume-1-character-introduction-1/">Character introduction</a></p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Imperial Court 1 (</strong><strong><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/volume-2/">*</a></strong><strong>)</strong></h3> <p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://creativenovels.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/volume-2-character-introduction-2/">Character Introduction 2</a></p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Imperial Court 2 (</strong><strong><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/volume-3/">*</a></strong><strong>|</strong><strong><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/knh-v4-ln-images/">*</a></strong><strong>)</strong></h3> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Town 1 (</strong><strong><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/knh-v5-ln-images/">*</a></strong><strong>)</strong></h3> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Town 2 (</strong><strong><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/knh-v6-ln-images/">*</a></strong><strong>)</strong></h3> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Sha&#8217;ou (</strong><strong><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/knh-v7-ln-images/">*</a></strong><strong>)</strong></h3> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jinshi (</strong><strong><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/knh-v8-ln-images/">*</a></strong><strong>)</strong></h3> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jinshi 2 (<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/knh-v9-ln-image/">*</a>)</strong></h3> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Western Capital (<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/knh-v10-ln-images/">*</a>|<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/knh-v11-ln-images/">*</a>)</strong></h3> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Western Capital 2</strong></h3> <p class="has-text-align-center">[1- 27] <a href="https://knhtranslations.wordpress.com/">here</a></p> <p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/10-28-family-head-and-successor/">28</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/10-29-a-sense-of-dread/">29</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/10-30-chue/">30</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/10-31-successor/">31</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/10-32-a-good-sleep/">32</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/10-33-compromise/">33</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/10-34-growth/">34</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/10-35-your-name/">35</a></p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Daily Life</strong></h3> <p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/11-01-third/">1</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/11-02-rahans-routine/">2</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/11-03-the-body-hanging-in-the-office-1/">3</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/11-04-the-body-hanging-in-the-office-2/">4</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/11-05-the-body-hanging-in-the-office-3/">5</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/11-06-report/">6</a>&nbsp;</p> <p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/11-07-work-at-the-medical-office/">7</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/11-08-court-physician-assistants-on-holiday/">8</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/11-09-love/">9</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/11-10-the-night-visit/">10</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/11-11-aduos-truth/">11</a></p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Kada</strong></h3> <p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-01-the-juniors/">1</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-02-factional-dispute/">2</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-03-endless-bothers/">3</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-04-the-person-yo-seeks/">4</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-05-the-village-settlement/">5</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-06-jokas-request/">6</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-07-the-jade-plaque/">7</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-08-the-owner-of-the-jade-plaque/">8</a></p> <p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-09-the-injured-and-the-chaperone/">9</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-10-ujun/">10</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-11-the-two-are-chummy/">11</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-12-the-annoying-love-letters/">12</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-13-the-chuu-villa/">13</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-14-the-banquet-hall/">14</a></p> <p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-15-an-older-brothers-duty/">15</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-16-the-shins-heirloom-1/">16</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-17-the-shins-heirloom-2/">17</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-18-rabbit-and-dragon/">18</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-19-the-pursuer/">19</a></p> <p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-20-the-gong-crash-in-the-heart/">20</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-21-ma-and-u/">21</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-22-adopted-and-illegitimate/">22</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-23-the-identity-of-the-wet-nurse/">23</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-24-the-owner-of-the-plaque/">24</a></p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Kada 2</strong> </h3> <p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-01-the-summons/">1</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-02-pox/">2</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-03-specialised-training/">3</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-04-clinical/">4</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-05-record/">5</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-06-anaesthetic/">6</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-07-lives-on-a-scale/">7</a></p> <p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-08-meat-diet-plant-diet/">8</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-09-the-sun-prince/">9</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-10-medical-conference/">10</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-11-explanation-and-approval/">11</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-12-sowing-seeds/">12</a></p> <p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-13-the-patients-intention/">13</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-14-the-confession-1/">14</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-15-the-confession-2/">15</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-16-the-imperial-prince-and-his-wet-nurse/">16</a></p> <p>Smallpox</p> <p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-01-chicken-meat/">1</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-02-chitchat/">2</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-03-the-immortals-abode/">3</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-04-the-late-shift/">4</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-05-the-interview/">5</a></p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-default" /> <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Side Stories</h3> <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"> <div class="wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex"> <p class="has-text-align-center">Before ARCs 2 and 3 (i.e. Imperial Court 1 + 2) got rewritten to become what it is now, the story ended differently. This is the old version of ARC 2/3, moved to another link for archiving purposes. The side stories here are the sequel to that arc. <a href="https://ncode.syosetu.com/n8967bb/">Here.</a></p> <p><a href="https://creativenovels.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/side-stories-april-first/">April First</a></p> <p><a href="https://creativenovels.com/80/side-story-2-horny-goat-weed/">Horny Goat Weed</a></p> <p><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/ss-the-villa-1/">The Villa Part 1</a></p> <p><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/ss-the-villa-2/">The Villa Part 2</a></p> </div> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots" /> <p class="has-text-align-center">And then we have a writing exercise that&#8217;s <em>probably</em> not canon.</p> <p><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/ss-untitled/">Untitled</a></p> </div> <div id="jp-post-flair" class="sharedaddy sd-like-enabled"><div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-end"></li></ul></div></div></div><div class='sharedaddy sd-block sd-like jetpack-likes-widget-wrapper jetpack-likes-widget-unloaded' id='like-post-wrapper-130534757-17-67360baae4961' data-src='//widgets.wp.com/likes/index.html?ver=20241114#blog_id=130534757&amp;post_id=17&amp;origin=shikarito.wordpress.com&amp;obj_id=130534757-17-67360baae4961' data-name='like-post-frame-130534757-17-67360baae4961' data-title='Like or Reblog'><div class='likes-widget-placeholder post-likes-widget-placeholder' style='height: 55px;'><span class='button'><span>Like</span></span> <span class='loading'>Loading&#8230;</span></div><span class='sd-text-color'></span><a class='sd-link-color' href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/"></a></div></div></div></main> + + + + 14.03 The Immortals&#8217; Abode + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-03-the-immortals-abode/ + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-03-the-immortals-abode/ + Thu, 07 Nov 2024 04:17:23 +0000 + <main class="wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow"> <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><h1 class="wp-block-post-title">14.03 The Immortals&#8217; Abode</h1> <div style="height:1px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> </div> <div class="entry-content wp-block-post-content is-layout-constrained wp-block-post-content-is-layout-constrained"> <p><sub>T/N: It took me a while to come up with a nice title for this chapter (仙人の里). <br>仙人 can mean immortal, hermit or sage. It is very much a Taoist/folklore term.<br>里, which means a small settlement or a home, is also the first character of Lishu&#8217;s name, so a <em>possible </em>translation of the title can also be Li(shu) the Immortal&#8230;</sub></p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <p>(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-02-chitchat/">Previous Chapter</a>)</p> <p>After urging the horse on, they reached their destination in under a dual hour.</p> <p>“Is this the place?” Maomao asked.</p> <p>“This is the place,” Chue replied.</p> <p>The gate was impressive–impressive from its size–but it was slightly old. The remnants of paint that clung to the gate and pillars suggested that the colours had been a much brighter shade in the past. The large framed board was discoloured and worn down by the elements, so much so that they could barely make out the inscription that must have been handwritten: <em>Red Plum Mansion</em>.</p> <p><em>I probably don’t need to remember it.</em></p> <p>Maomao followed Chue.</p> <p>“Chue-san, Chue-san.”</p> <p>“What is it, Maomao-san?” </p> <p>Maomao looked around amidst their usual exchange. “Is this really a temple? It doesn’t have a temple-sounding name.”</p> <p>“It’s more like a farm, right?”</p> <p>It was just as Chue said. There were horses, cows, and chickens around them. It was all livestock.</p> <p>And, perhaps to be self-sufficient, there was also a large field that was growing many vegetables.</p> <p>“Ooooh, oooohhh.”</p> <p>“Yes, yes, Maomao-san. You mustn’t pick any herbal medicines you find. We’ll get in trouble.”</p> <p>Chue pulled Maomao by the scruff of her neck and dragged her away. She was able to drag Maomao away with one hand on the reins even though her dominant hand should barely be usable.&nbsp;</p> <p>Maomao confirmed while looking at the idyllic scene. “There are a lot of vegetables, herbal medicines, and livestock that are good for health.”</p> <p>“That’s true.”</p> <p>“You say this is a temple but isn’t this <em>actually </em>something of an abode for rich people and their hobbies?”</p> <p>“Why do you think so?”</p> <p>“Everyone here is healthy and has glossy skin. Despite the simple look, don’t they have quite good nutrition? The building looks old at a glance but the repairs have been meticulously done.”</p> <p>Chue nodded in agreement. </p> <p>“They occasionally do exist. People, when they are weary of the world, who wish for a simple life in the countryside,” Maomao added.</p> <p>“I’m not refuting, but well, it’s similar but different. This here is an institution that came about from gathering the rich people you talked about. Well, in a sense, you can say that they are gathering Taoists who are trying to understand the path.”</p> <p>“Taoists?” Maomao asked to confirm.</p> <p>Chue made a large circle with her hands to indicate that she was correct. “Yes, how long can people live because of the food they eat? It is a gathering of people who logically consider the wild tale of ascending into an immortal, so this could be right up Maomao-san’s tastes.”</p> <p>“&#8230;I don’t hate it.” Maomao eyed it in doubt as she broke into a smile.</p> <p>Just like how healthy food is said to prevent and cure illnesses, there is a significant link between eating habits and longevity.</p> <p>Despite the strong smell of livestock, it wasn’t unhygienic. Animals were not standing in their filth, but instead, the manure was stored in one place. They seemed to be fermenting inside, judging by the visible white steam.</p> <p>There were also cows–a lot of cows with large teats. She could tell that cow’s milk was used as food.</p> <p>Could they also be catching prawns, loaches, or eels, judging by the traps placed along the pond and river?</p> <p><em>Could the food here be really good?</em></p> <p>Anticipation swelled in Maomao’s chest. There was no guarantee that she would be treated to a meal here, however. As for why…</p> <p>“Ahh, there they are. See, <em>over there</em>,” Chue said.</p> <p>A man and a woman stood in front of a building that appeared to be a large birdhouse.</p> <p>One was Basen and the other was a willowy woman.</p> <p><em>She’s grown up</em>.</p> <p>Maomao had a feeling that the other woman had grown quite a bit since they last met. Once smaller than Maomao, she must have surpassed her now. Her slender figure was probably unchanged. There was a little tan to her fair skin and cherry-hued cheeks. Her plain outfit, while difficult to be described as gorgeous, had its durability as its strong point. Just the fact that there was no patching proved that it was of decent make.</p> <p>It was Lishu, the girl who didn’t seem like she had once been a high-ranking consort, one of the four authorities within the inner palace.&nbsp;</p> <p>“Come, Maomao-san. Come this way.”</p> <p>Chue dramatically had a tree branch in each hand. As it was a pain, Maomao decided against a retort about whether there was any point in holding those when they were hiding in the shadow of a tree.</p> <p>“Please explain the situation,” Maomao said.</p> <p>“Did I talk about something like his imperial majesty asking my brother-in-law about him getting bestowed a consort if he completed a meritorious deed before, Maomao-san?”</p> <p>“I don’t quite remember, and at least, I feel that Chue-san wasn’t there.” Maomao thought far back.</p> <p>“Actually, there is no such personage who would object to whoever Lishu-sama marries. A lot of people might complain publicly, but his imperial majesty sees Lishu-sama as his daughter. The head of the U clan doesn’t wish to have his cute granddaughter retired to religion forever, and I doubt he has ill feelings towards an appeal of the sort from the Ma clan. Otherwise, my brother-in-law wouldn’t be visiting Lishu-sama under the pretence of work.” Chue winked.</p> <p><em>‘It’s gotten cold. How are you?”</em></p> <p>“<em>I am fine. I’ve also grown used to the work.</em>”</p> <p>Chue was reading Basen and Lishu’s lips.</p> <p>“Chue-san, there’s nothing you can’t do.”</p> <p>“Not at all, this is the necessary accomplishment of a wife.”</p> <p>Maomao felt she had never seen a wife who could lip-read aside from Chue.</p> <p>“<em>What kind of work do you have today?</em>”</p> <p>“<em>My older sister told me to bring another duck. We already have one at home, though.</em>”</p> <p>Come to think of it, Basen does have a duck around him.</p> <p><em>No matter how I see it, the duck is an excuse.</em></p> <p>His older sister should be Mamei. She would stop at nothing to get her younger brother married.</p> <p>“<em>Oh, your slender white hands have turned red.</em>”</p> <p>“<em>What slender white hands– I’m so embarrassed that even my face has turned red. As it is, my heart is racing from the sight of Basen-sama’s broad chest</em>.”</p> <p>“<em>No, I feel the same. My blood is burning up–</em>”</p> <p>“Chue-san.”</p> <p>“Yes.”</p> <p>“Are you bored?”</p> <p>Midway, Chue changed the lines and played around.</p> <p>“I mean, all they talk about is too slow and has no substance. It’s not like you can always talk about the weather.”&nbsp;</p> <p>It was certainly boring, but for two awkward people, no doubt spicing up a conversation with a fun topic would be more difficult than passing the imperial examination&nbsp;</p> <p><em>What a pain.</em></p> <p>“Wouldn’t it be faster to put those two together through an order from above?” Chue said.</p> <p>“Yes,” Maomao agreed.</p> <p>“Everyone else thinks the same for Maomao-san too.”</p> <p>“&#8230;” Maomao averted her eyes.</p> <p>“And so, supporting them from the shadows is Chue-san and Maomao-san’s job. We can devise a method they can accept even if it’s indirectly.”</p> <p>“Specifically by doing what?”</p> <p>“If my brother-in-law performs a great deed, it’ll be easy-peasy. His self-esteem is too low, although he’s not as bad as the Moon Prince.”</p> <p>Maomao understood that too. “I believe it’s not going to work unless he believes in himself and has a reason to marry Lishu-sama.”</p> <p>“He should just pick up the courage and go kiss her. It’s troubling that he’s so indirect.”</p> <p>While they had such a conversation, the two people started to take care of the ducks.</p> <p>“Do you know of an incident with a distinguished act where my brother-in-law could raise his self-esteem?” Chue asked.</p> <p>“I think he actively participated at the western capital, but would that be too weak?” Maomao replied.</p> <p>“It’s not, but my brother-in-law doesn’t think that he participated.”</p> <p><em>This is a total pain,</em> Maomao thought as she looked around.</p> <p>She could see a cowshed some distance away from the duckhouse.</p> <p><em>If there are a lot of cows, does that mean that at least one of them would have a bezoar?</em></p> <p>So Maomao thought.</p> <p>“This is so vexing. Come on, you over there, fall over accidentally on purpose and wake him up. Ahhh, if only Chue-san can become a mischievous wind to flip up Lishu-sama’s skirt.”</p> <p>“Then is there a meaning to us looking out for them today?” Maomao asked.</p> <p>“Chue-san’s hobby.”&nbsp;</p> <p>“I’m heading back.” Maomao got up and went back the way they came from.</p> <p>“You won’t be able to find a carriage in such a remote place, you know?” Chue grinned.&nbsp;</p> <p><em>So is that why we came by horse?</em> Maomao looked at her dubiously.</p> <p>“For the time being, there’s no way we can keep watching those two slow people, so why don’t we head back for now?”</p> <p>“&#8230;”</p> <p>“In truth, I would like to treat you to the meal for ascension, but we weren’t granted permission to that extent.”</p> <p>Maomao pouted as they headed for the stables where they had left the horse.</p> <p>In the stables, there was a man with an unpleasant look in his eyes who was carefully combing a horse. The stables were large, perhaps holding dozens of horses. All of the animals were solidly built, so she could tell that they were used for farmwork.</p> <p>“Excuse me. Please return our horse,” Chue said.</p> <p>The man wordlessly brought the horse they rode over to them. “Here you are.”</p> <p>“Okay, okay.”</p> <p>The man diligently started to comb the horse again.</p> <p>“Young man, you have been working in this job for a long time, right?”</p> <p>“Around a decade.”</p> <p>“What do you think of the girl called Lishu-san who came in two years ago?”</p> <p>“I heard she is not a person someone like me can talk to.”</p> <p>“Hmhm.”</p> <p>He seems to be aware that she is a girl from a good family.</p> <p>“Don’t get in the way of my work,” he said.</p> <p>“Oh my, excuse me.” Chue stuck out her tongue as she apologised with a quick bow.</p> <p>Maomao got used to seeing beauties while she was in the inner palace, but Lishu was an existence akin to a crane in a rubbish heap. It wouldn’t be odd to have one or two men try to lay their hands on her.</p> <p>“It’s a good thing that everyone around her has been reined in.” Chue squinted her eyes into a smile and urged the horse onwards.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <p><sub>T/N: Taoists, finding the path, ascension, immortals&#8230; feels like I&#8217;m reading the start of a cultivation novel. Well, check out Taoism if you want further insight into this religion.</sub></p> <p class="has-text-align-right">(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-04-the-late-shift/">Next Chapter</a>)</p> <p></p> <div id="jp-post-flair" class="sharedaddy sd-like-enabled"><div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-03-the-immortals-abode/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-end"></li></ul></div></div></div><div class='sharedaddy sd-block sd-like jetpack-likes-widget-wrapper jetpack-likes-widget-unloaded' id='like-post-wrapper-130534757-4979-67363f6177722' data-src='//widgets.wp.com/likes/index.html?ver=20241114#blog_id=130534757&amp;post_id=4979&amp;origin=shikarito.wordpress.com&amp;obj_id=130534757-4979-67363f6177722' data-name='like-post-frame-130534757-4979-67363f6177722' data-title='Like or Reblog'><div class='likes-widget-placeholder post-likes-widget-placeholder' style='height: 55px;'><span class='button'><span>Like</span></span> <span class='loading'>Loading&#8230;</span></div><span class='sd-text-color'></span><a class='sd-link-color' href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-03-the-immortals-abode/"></a></div></div></div></main> + + + + 13.14 The Confession (1) + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-14-the-confession-1/ + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-14-the-confession-1/ + Fri, 16 Feb 2024 14:12:47 +0000 + <main class="wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow"> <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><h1 class="wp-block-post-title">13.14 The Confession&nbsp;(1)</h1> <div style="height:1px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> </div> <div class="entry-content wp-block-post-content is-layout-constrained wp-block-post-content-is-layout-constrained"> <p>(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-13-the-patients-intention/">Previous Chapter</a>)</p> <p>With Chue leading the way, Maomao was brought to a palace she had never seen before. It was a short distance from the imperial harem in the imperial court, which would make it the imperial family’s private chambers.</p> <p><em>A place you mustn’t ever enter.</em></p> <p>Before they entered the palace, Chue gave Maomao a full body search.</p> <p>“Maomao, you’ve concealed so many things in so many places, just like a squirrel.” Chue was amazed by the herbal medicines, sewing tools, bandages and other whatnot that appeared one after another.</p> <p>“You’re one to talk, Chue-san,” Maomao said. She had no idea what on earth came out of Chue’s stores.</p> <p>Maomao had taken a short trip back to the dorms for a bath and a change of clothes after visiting the medical office. It was to make sure that she wouldn’t offend the sovereign with the nice beard at their first meeting in a while, but…</p> <p><em>Ahhh, I dun wanna go.</em></p> <p>That was the only thing on her mind.</p> <p>“What’s this?” Chue, in the middle of inspecting her belongings, took out a cloth-wrapped item.</p> <p>“It’s stomach medicine.”</p> <p>“Oh ho. Stomach medicine,<em> is</em> <em>it</em>?” Chue tasted the medicine, made a face and returned it to Maomao. “That is all. You may proceed.”</p> <p>“Okay.” Maomao’s legs were heavy so Chue was pushing her from behind. “Will Chue-san be accompanying me?”</p> <p>“Unfortunately, Chue-san is on guard duty.”</p> <p>Maomao felt that Chue’s presence alone would light up the mood of the palace, but she wasn’t able to count on it. “What about Gaoshun-sama?”</p> <p>“I wonder. I think Father-in-law would most probably be on guard duty. Rest assured. I am a good daughter-in-law who brings my father-in-law his favourite snacks.” Chue held up a bamboo steamer she took out from who-knows-where for Maomao to see. From how it was steaming, it seemed hot so she couldn’t imagine how she could have hidden that away.</p> <p>The long hallway had no windows, but it wasn’t dark in any way. There were flickering flames illuminating their path.</p> <p>Gaoshun was standing at the end of the hallway. He was accompanied by another guard.</p> <p><em>He looks familiar?</em></p> <p>“Brother-in-law, care for some snacks?” Chue asked.</p> <p>Upon hearing ‘Brother-in-law,’ Maomao clapped her hands together. He was Mamei’s husband—Ba-something-san.</p> <p>“No.”</p> <p>“How about wine?”</p> <p>“Wine would be inappropriate.”</p> <p>“Then how about juice?”</p> <p>“Where on earth did you take that out from?”</p> <p>Ba-something-san had the same questions Maomao had.</p> <p>“Chue, you have work.”</p> <p>“I do, but energy is also important. Rest assured, there’s nothing strange in it. Chue will eat it to show you.”</p> <p>Gaoshun, exasperated, looked at Maomao. “Xiao-mao. Head in.”</p> <p>“Okay.” Maomao, following Gaoshun’s words, headed inside.</p> <p><em>The fixtures are even more luxurious than usual.</em></p> <p>She stepped on a detailed rug that would take a year to weave one <em>sun</em>. The emperor and A’duo sat on a couch at the back of the room.</p> <p><em>Nghhh.</em></p> <p>She ended up arriving later than the emperor.</p> <p>“Sorry for asking you to come,” the emperor said.</p> <p>“Not at all. Forgive me for my tardiness.” Even though she had rushed her bath, she wondered if she should have come directly instead.</p> <p>“Is Yue not here yet?” A’duo asked.</p> <p>It wasn’t the worst thing since Jinshi hadn’t arrived yet.</p> <p>A’duo gestured for Maomao to sit, so she went to sit on the smallest chair, which was a stool. There was another chair, a large one with a backrest, which was probably reserved for Jinshi.</p> <p>One couch and two chairs. His imperial majesty and A’duo sat on either end of the couch. They weren’t flirting, nor were they estranged. It was just the perfect distance between the two of them.</p> <p>On the round table, there were two porcelain bottles. From what she could tell by looking at the filled glass cups, they contained grape juice and water. There were four cups; two were empty. Going by the number of chairs and cups, it seems there will be four people in attendance today.</p> <p>Maomao shifted her gaze towards his imperial majesty. His beautiful beard was the same as ever. His complexion wasn’t bad either.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img width="707" height="1024" src="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/wp-1719329863581448696047739078702.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4828" sizes="(max-width: 707px) 100vw, 707px" /></figure> <p><em>No.</em></p> <p>It didn’t <em>look</em> bad. There were marks where he had rubbed his cheeks. She could tell that he had covered his face with a face powder that matched his natural skin tone.</p> <p><em>You wouldn’t be able to tell from a distance.</em></p> <p>It seems he made an effort to deter his close aides from being suspicious of his poor health.</p> <p>While Maomao was observing him, she could hear the sound of approaching footsteps.</p> <p>“I’m late.” Jinshi bowed his head with his hands clasped before him. Ever since he stopped pretending to be a eunuch, there was only one person he would lower his head at.</p> <p>“You may sit,” his imperial majesty said. It must be remembered that his guest was Jinshi, whereas A’duo’s was Maomao.</p> <p>“We don’t have wine or appetisers. Would you prefer to have fruit juice or water?” A’duo picked up the two porcelain bottles.</p> <p>Maomao deigned to pour instead, but she was firmly refused. Apparently, she should just sit back and be a guest.</p> <p>“Fruit juice,” Jinshi said.</p> <p>“Water, please.” Maomao wanted to get drunk from wine, but since that wasn’t available, there was nothing she could do about it. She requested plain water.</p> <p>When the two cups were filled, they immediately moved on to the main topic.</p> <p>“Allow me to explain why I summoned you all for tonight,” the emperor said.</p> <p>“Yes.”</p> <p>A’duo and Maomao were silent. Jinshi was the only one who replied.</p> <p>A’duo was probably already aware of it. Maomao wasn’t allowed to speak of it, so she couldn’t. Wouldn’t.</p> <p>“You must have received word from the court physicians that I am reluctant for tomorrow’s surgery.”</p> <p>“Yes.”</p> <p>“Allow me to say this. It’s not that I’m reluctant. I’ve told them that I have things I need to do before I attempt the surgery.”</p> <p>It seems what he needed to do was this gathering.</p> <p>“Word is that the success rate for the surgery is high, Rakan’s daughter.”</p> <p>“&#8230;Yes. It is over ninety percent,” Maomao replied, although she was bothered about how he addressed her.</p> <p>“Then how about leaving it be without the surgery?”</p> <p>“That would have been fine if the pain had been settled beforehand. However, I believe that court physicians have judged that it would not be the case.”</p> <p>She mustn’t listen to his imperial majesty’s personal opinion here. If he were to tell her that it didn’t hurt, she would have no choice but to believe him.</p> <p>“What happens if it gets worse?”</p> <p>“Appendicitis is a disease where an organ that is near the caecum of your guts becomes swollen. Should that happen, the section called the appendix would fester and rupture. The pus would then spread all over the abdomen, which could bring about other diseases and result in death–as it would be the case now.” Maomao made sure to answer as accurately as she possibly could.</p> <p>“Then—”</p> <p>How to deal with it in the case that it wasn’t appendicitis? Do we really need to hold an operation?—His imperial majesty continued to ask these questions.</p> <p>Maomao explained in the same way she did to Empress Gyokuyou.</p> <p>A’duo gave her consent as his imperial majesty and Jinshi reconfirmed the information.</p> <p><em>I wonder if A’duo-sama is treated like an outsider after all.</em></p> <p>She asked some questions but didn’t delve into the details.</p> <p>And yet, her being here was unsettling and unavoidable.</p> <p>“Mhm. Looks to me you’ve given me a thorough explanation of what your work is.”</p> <p>Needless to say, he must have gotten the same details from the court physicians. If she had failed to provide a proper explanation here, he might think that court ladies who assist court physicians would be a mere window dressing of a job, so she was relieved.</p> <p><em>No, it’s not the time to be relieved.</em></p> <p>What his imperial majesty was thinking about—that was the important part right now.</p> <p>“As you see, the earnest, honest, and stubborn court physicians never guaranteed that they would most definitely save me. Of course, I know that they’re doing all they can. However, you have to account for the what-ifs.”</p> <p>“Please do not say nonsense,” Jinshi said.</p> <p>“Is it nonsense? But Zui, for these past couple of years, how many times did the officials propose for a tax increase due to the repeated rash remarks about insect attacks, do you think?”</p> <p>“Didn’t the insects really come?” Jinshi was upset. Zui must be Jinshi’s real name. The real name of an imperial that the common people cannot hear.</p> <p>“That’s right. That’s why it’s not strange for me to prepare for the what-ifs.”</p> <p><em>I’m lost for words.</em></p> <p>Though his imperial majesty was making a gotcha face, he was clutching his stomach. Maomao realised that he was enduring the pain.</p> <p>“If the case a what-if scenario happens to me, I wish to write down what to do.”</p> <p><em>Does he want to leave behind a will?</em></p> <p>Maomao was on the verge of speaking out despite herself. She shut her mouth.</p> <p>“For that, I want to hear Zui’s opinion.”</p> <p>“My opinion on which matter?”</p> <p>“Zui, do you want to succeed me?”</p> <p>Normally, this would be where he would spit out his food or drink. Unfortunately, there was no food and he hadn’t started on his drink either.</p> <p>There was no change in Jinshi’s expression. “You have a crown prince.”</p> <p>“A child not even seven yet. How many years will it take before he can rule?”</p> <p>“You have Gyoku’en-dono.”</p> <p>“Gyoku’en is elderly.”</p> <p>“He should have other relatives.” Jinshi sidestepped it.</p> <p>Maomao had second-guessed about him needing the stomach medicine she had brought with her, but Jinshi’s cheeks cramped a few times—he might actually need it.</p> <p>“What if he becomes a puppet?” the emperor implored.</p> <p>“I do not know. However, I understand he would become a puppet of the West to some degree.”</p> <p>It was a possibility because he hailed from Isei Province.</p> <p>“He’s an infant. He could die from an illness.” His imperial majesty brought up an ill-omened argument.</p> <p><em>Can we not talk about this?</em></p> <p>Maomao was going to get the stomachache instead.</p> <p>“We also have Consort Lihua’s child. Based on grounding alone, there is no one more worthy than Consort Lihua to be the mother of the nation,” Jinshi declared.</p> <p>Speaking of Consort Lihua’s evaluation, she was the same as Jinshi. The entire country probably saw her as the better candidate over Empress Gyokuyou who was supported by the West.</p> <p>“Yang. Don’t put Yue on the spot.”</p> <p>A’duo was the one who called his imperial majesty <em>Yang</em>.</p> <p>There may be only four people in this room, but she had called the sovereign of this country <em>Yang</em>. Maomao got goosebumps.</p> <p>“You should just be clear about it. Just blame me for killing the imperial prince,” A’duo said.</p> <p>Not just goosebumps, she was growing goose feathers.</p> <p><em>I want to rush back and eat dinner. Cooking is a pain. I want to eat En’en’s cooking.</em></p> <p>Maomao could only stare into the distance.</p> <p>“No one said such a thing,” the emperor said.</p> <p>“But had I done it properly, everything could have worked out, wouldn’t it?” Unusually, A’duo was speaking in a self-accusatory way. She was normally confident and dignified.</p> <p>Maomao heard it as her saying that if she hadn’t switched the babies.</p> <p>“The child, raised to adulthood, would surely be wise. The outstanding court physician wouldn’t have been banished like he was taken out on either. And the dead children too, if that court physician had been around, would have been raised well under his guidance.”</p> <p><em>Certainly</em>, Maomao thought. If A’duo hadn’t switched Jinshi with the real imperial brother, the outstanding court physician—that is, Luomen—might not have been banished.</p> <p>However, Jinshi, who was currently before her eyes, might have already passed away.</p> <p>“If there is any problem, then it’s my position. It’s all my doing. All of it is my doing.”</p> <p>“&#8230;ce.”</p> <p>“What? I can’t hear you.”</p> <p>“SILENCE!”</p> <p>His imperial majesty, who had risen to his feet, had yelled loud enough that Maomao thought her eardrums would burst. This person normally doesn’t change his expression, but currently, his temple was pulsing and he was sweating heavily.</p> <p><em>Stomach medicine won’t be enough!</em></p> <p>Perhaps the voice was too loud, there was a knock on the door. It was Gaoshun and the others who were outside.</p> <p>“&#8230;Tell them it’s nothing,” the emperor said.</p> <p>“Certainly,” Maomao said. She opened the door.</p> <p>“I heard his imperial majesty’s voice. Is anything the matter?” Gaoshun asked, concerned.</p> <p>Basen had joined Gaoshun, Ba-something and Chue.</p> <p>“Tell them it’s nothing, is what I have been told to say,” she replied.</p> <p>“As if!” Basen flared up, but Gaoshun held him down by the head.</p> <p>“Understood.” Gaoshun didn’t press further. “If there’s anything, please immediately call for our help.”</p> <p>“I will.” Maomao closed the door and returned to her original spot.</p> <p>The stiff atmosphere persisted.</p> <p><em>He’s more on edge than before.</em></p> <p>Maomao prayed that his appendix didn’t burst here.</p> <p>“A’duo, shut up for a bit,” the emperor said.</p> <p>“…” A’duo looked unhappy, but she made no attempts to speak anymore.</p> <p>“Zui, why do you refuse the imperial throne? You’ll be at the top of the country, you know.” This time, his imperial majesty spoke in a placating tone.</p> <p>Jinshi’s gaze wavered. “Is being at the top such a good thing?”</p> <p>“Only I would know.”</p> <p><em>Exactly</em>, Maomao thought.</p> <p>“There is no one aside from me. No, even if there were, they would have been eliminated. After all, my grandmother was <em>that</em> Empress Regnant.”</p> <p>His imperial majesty called his biological grandmother the Empress Regnant.</p> <p>He had always existed as the previous emperor’s one and only imperial prince. Due to the previous emperor’s inclinations, they couldn’t take other children into account. He must have been greatly treasured.</p> <p>Becoming the emperor—that was the only path he was given.</p> <p>“Zui, you’ve lived merrily in a world that is much less restrictive than what I had. It’s because I’ve doted on you. Having said that, I’ve spoiled you as well. For that, wouldn’t you have to do well after me?”</p> <p>“What will happen to Empress Gyokuyou? The crown prince?”</p> <p>“The crown prince is still young.”</p> <p>“How about establishing a regent? My appearance will only invite trouble at this point in time.”</p> <p><em>He’s right</em>, Maomao thought.</p> <p><em>It’s contradictory.</em></p> <p>He was asking if Jinshi wanted the throne while immediately selecting another imperial prince to be the crown prince. Of course, he might have done so to put the power of the imperial court in check. Officially, he might have placed importance on the children of his imperial majesty.</p> <p>If the emperor was writing a will, A’duo’s presence would be considered odd under normal circumstances. Empress Gyokuyou would be more acceptable, but there was absolutely no way they could call her here for a will like this.</p> <p>“Moreover, I am not clever enough to handle multiple women as my partners. One is enough for me,” Jinshi added.</p> <p>…</p> <p>“Even though you were the touchstone of the inner palace?”</p> <p>“PLEASE DON’T CALL ME THAT!” Jinshi cried out. Rather than anger, it was out of panic combined with embarrassment.</p> <p><em>Multiple women as partners, huh.</em></p> <p>This man had won over so many consorts and palace ladies in the inner palace, but once he grew out of his shell, he was awkward. So awkward yet so over-prepared that Maomao was at a loss. It bothered her.</p> <p>“If you wish to have one woman as your partner, then you should just bind her to you. You should cherish the one flower among the many in the inner palace.”</p> <p>“So would it be fine if I do not have children?”</p> <p>“If you can’t, then it is what it is. In that case, even if you ascend the throne, the crown prince can remain the crown prince.”</p> <p><em>Please no.</em></p> <p>He was telling Jinshi that he didn’t need to visit the other consorts.</p> <p>“No, I cannot do that,” Jinshi said flatly.</p> <p>“Why not? Do you want your own child on the throne after all?”</p> <p>“Not quite.” Jinshi lowered his eyes. “Cherishing a single consort will make her the enemy of all the other consorts.”</p> <p>“Then you should just protect her?”</p> <p>“As powerful as that protection is, all the malice would get around it.” Jinshi clenched his fists.</p> <p>It was something you’d come to know from staying in the inner palace for a long time. Of the beauty, the deviousness, the ugliness of the women in the emperor’s flower garden.</p> <p>“Grudges, even if it doesn’t directly harm the person, will afflict the heart.”</p> <p>“Then what would you do to that one person?”</p> <p>“Yes… I surely wouldn’t be able to make her, a consort.” Jinshi slowly looked at Maomao. “You may think that our relationship as it stands could withstand everything, but she would be confined to a place that formed because of me. Our relationship might change.”</p> <p>“Or it might not.”</p> <p>“It might not seem like it will. But, it would be difficult for me.” Jinshi laughed. It sounded hollow, but his fists were clenched with determination. “If it means I’d have to go as far as to bind her to me alone, setting her free would be the better option.”</p> <p>Jinshi clenched his fists so tightly his veins were visible.</p> <p>“That’s quite the romantic thing to say. Is that right, A’duo?” His imperial majesty looked at A’duo. She had been silent the entire time, as she had been told to do so.</p> <p>A’duo was in a daze, her mouth wide open. And from her widened eyes, a single tear rolled down her cheek.</p> <p>“A’duo?”</p> <p>“Mm, yeah. You’re right.” A’duo shook her head as if to flick off that tear.</p> <p>“A’duo?” His imperial majesty looked bewildered.</p> <p>“What’s wrong? Can I speak now?” A’duo had returned to her usual tough self. If it wasn’t for the water stains on the couch, people might have believed that her previous expression and her tears were an illusion. She rested her palm over her face to hide the tearstain. “So, what will you do, Yue?”</p> <p>“I wish to become his imperial majesty’s retainer. And when the power is handed over, I will become the crown prince’s retainer.”</p> <p>“Then I can entrust you to deal with the weight of the imperial throne, the crown prince and the painstaking flower garden known as the inner palace?” the emperor asked.</p> <p><em>That’s a mean question,</em> Maomao thought.</p> <p>“A retainer exists to lighten that weight. Also, I wish for the crown prince to be proficient in handling flowers,” Jinshi said awkwardly.</p> <p>“So I see.”</p> <p>“…”</p> <p>His imperial majesty didn’t look at Jinshi. He looked at A’duo. His eyes traced A’duo’s eyes, nose, mouth, and then the palm of her right hand.</p> <p>As if to ascertain the traces of the tear that had spilled out just now.</p> <p class="has-text-align-right">(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-15-the-confession-2/">Next Chapter</a>)</p> <div id="jp-post-flair" class="sharedaddy sd-like-enabled"><div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-14-the-confession-1/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-end"></li></ul></div></div></div><div class='sharedaddy sd-block sd-like jetpack-likes-widget-wrapper jetpack-likes-widget-unloaded' id='like-post-wrapper-130534757-4547-67363f619abce' data-src='//widgets.wp.com/likes/index.html?ver=20241114#blog_id=130534757&amp;post_id=4547&amp;origin=shikarito.wordpress.com&amp;obj_id=130534757-4547-67363f619abce' data-name='like-post-frame-130534757-4547-67363f619abce' data-title='Like or Reblog'><div class='likes-widget-placeholder post-likes-widget-placeholder' style='height: 55px;'><span class='button'><span>Like</span></span> <span class='loading'>Loading&#8230;</span></div><span class='sd-text-color'></span><a class='sd-link-color' href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-14-the-confession-1/"></a></div></div></div></main> + + + + 12.18 Rabbit and Dragon + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-18-rabbit-and-dragon/ + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-18-rabbit-and-dragon/ + Fri, 01 Dec 2023 02:08:01 +0000 + <main class="wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow"> <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><h1 class="wp-block-post-title">12.18 Rabbit and&nbsp;Dragon</h1> <div style="height:1px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> </div> <div class="entry-content wp-block-post-content is-layout-constrained wp-block-post-content-is-layout-constrained"> <p class="has-small-font-size">T/N: Nooo, I wanted to finish this arc before December rolls around. Then again, I didn&#8217;t think I&#8217;d be working on arc 11 too. Oh well.</p> <p class="has-small-font-size">Title explanation: U = rabbit, Shin = dragon</p> <p class="has-small-font-size">A lot of monologuing in this chapter, so deciding whether to add dialogue tags or not was a coin toss. Hopefully it&#8217;s not too confusing.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <p>(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-17-the-shins-heirloom-2/">Previous Chapter</a>)</p> <p>The matriarch nodded. Next to her, the advisor and grandson could not hide their shock.</p> <p>“What is the meaning of this, Mother?” the advisor said.</p> <p>“Grandmother?&#8221; the grandson asked.</p> <p>“If there was a traitor in the Shin clan, it wouldn’t be anyone but me.” The matriarch bowed her head down.</p> <p>“Can you tell us the truth about what happened forty years ago?”&nbsp;Maomao asked.</p> <p>“Yes.”</p> <p>The matriarch began her story at Maomao’s behest:</p> <p>“Like how the previous head of Shin was best friends with the previous head of U, I, too, was best friends with the wife of the head of U. I would frequently exchange letters with her. I would often seek her counsel as well. My husband, hot-blooded that he was, would clash with the Empress Regnant faction all the time, whereas her husband would side with the Empress Regnant faction. Belonging to different factions, the two clans, Shin and U, were together in sorrow at the distance between us.”</p> <p>The matriarch had her face lowered and hidden behind a fan, so her expression was unreadable.</p> <p>“My husband had a straightforward character. He mustn’t have liked the Empress Regnant, who was said to have assassinated the imperial family to install her son on the throne. Such feelings of his would have been magnified with his loyalty to the imperial family. However, the Empress Regnant’s political skill was said to be best in the past few generations of rule. I can also see why the U attached themselves to her.”</p> <p>It was precisely because both stances were understandable, that the two clan’s diverging paths couldn’t be objected against.&nbsp;</p> <p>“The Empress Regnant punished those who did not obey her even after the previous emperor ascended the throne. The Shin clan, which began from a collateral line of the imperial family, would be difficult to punish, even for the Empress Regnant. Taking advantage of that, we became the ringleader of the anti-Empress Regnant faction.”</p> <p>Maomao’s group listened on quietly.</p> <p>“The menfolk were worked up, the womenfolk, in fear. And I, wanting to express my unease, went to seek her counsel.”&nbsp;</p> <p>“Her, would refer to the lady of the former head of the U clan, right?” Maomao asked.</p> <p>“Yes. She did not send me a reply. She also had her own circumstances. There was no easy way for her to meet with someone who had already become a political opponent. Yes, it was around the time I gave up. She came to meet me under the veil of secrecy.</p> <p>The matriarch let out a deep sigh. “By the orders of the Empress Regnant, the U clan entered an audit. If they find any proof, it might be used as the reason to ruin the clan, so she told me.”</p> <p>“Th-then, the one who set the treasury on fire was–?!” The grandson pressed his grandmother for the answer.</p> <p>“Yes. Your grandfather, you know, had hidden important documents in the archives in the treasury. Even if we had no intent of rebellion, if they find documents that invited such, our clan would have been destroyed. I knew that they were hidden in the archives, but I didn’t know the exact location.”&nbsp;</p> <p>Therefore, she had taken the extreme measure of setting the treasury on fire.</p> <p>“Th-then, the person who had stolen the heirloom was Grandmother…”</p> <p>“No, she wasn’t the one,” Maomao answered instead. “The matriarch believed the heirloom statue had melted away.”</p> <p>And most importantly, the weirdo tactician had judged that she hadn’t lied.</p> <p>“Then, where on earth could the heirloom have disappeared?!”&nbsp;</p> <p>The grandson didn’t seem to know, but the matriarch seemed to have already realised it.</p> <p>“Why did the U clan join the Empress Regnant faction? Why would she reveal to me the Empress Regnant’s secret orders? The motive to steal the heirloom is also related to that.”</p> <p>“In order to protect the Shin clan from the Empress Regnant, the head of the U joined the Empress Regnant faction. If not, they wouldn’t have been able to leak the secret orders and take away the heirloom dragon statuette that could be perceived as proof of rebellion. If they were truly of the Empress Regnant faction, they would have presented the statue to the Empress Regnant,” Maomao said.</p> <p>“So you say, the head of the U, had stolen it?” the grandson asked.</p> <p>“In a sense, you can say the former head of the U was the right answer. While he was the head of the clan, he could be a spy for the person who wielded absolute power in the country. It is a big deal.” Maomao sighed unaffectedly.</p> <p>“So the reason Grandmother was covering for the U clan, was because you were privy to that? Then, why didn’t you tell Grandfather?”</p> <p>“&#8230;your grandfather was pigheaded, and if I were to clumsily speak of it, there was a chance that it would be exposed to the Empress Regnant. It was after her death when I could finally reveal it. Your grandfather was bedridden and viewed the past with nostalgia by then.” The matriarch gently told her grandson.</p> <p>His saying you no longer need to look for the heirloom, must have been because the former head had learnt of the truth.</p> <p>“My husband was saddened. He believed his best friend was a fellow who hated the concept of ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’ and had more backbone. He said <em>he </em>had fallen low to become the Empress Regnant’s sycophant. Which was why, he said he wanted to have a conversation with him, even if they had to butt heads over it.”</p> <p><em>Such a thing was impossible</em>, Maomao thought. It would have been fine as kids, but if people who had become family heads were to fight, it would result in a civil war.</p> <p>“My husband proclaiming that the U clan had stolen the heirloom might also be an excuse to start a fight.”</p> <p>“But the U clan did not respond,” Maomao said.</p> <p>“Yes.”</p> <p>Rather than a confrontation, it was fighting windmills. The Shin head continued to lay out challenges to a fight to have another discussion, but the U head continued to remain silent in order to protect his best friend.</p> <p>What a twisted and awkward friendship.</p> <p>“Then, we…” the grandson trailed away.</p> <p>“Yes, you repeatedly spat on the people you should have been grateful to in the first place,” the matriarch said.</p> <p>The grandson leaned back on his chair, sapped of all energy.</p> <p>“What we said is no more than speculation. The truth could be anything,” Maomao said bluntly.</p> <p>Someone from the U clan might have stolen the golden statuette for money. In that case, it would have already long been crushed into unprocessed metal.</p> <p>She didn’t hold that much responsibility.</p> <p>“Ahem.”</p> <p>Maomao heard the voice next to her.</p> <p>The weirdo tactician was rolling on the table. The snacks they had brought with them had all ran out, so it seems like he was dying of boredom. He looked unwilling to part with the final hawthorn left on the skewer. “If you’re so curious about it, you should just get confirmation.”</p> <p>Rakan was staring at the wall.</p> <p>“Confirmation?” <em>Confirmation how,</em> Maomao thought. She flipped the soundproofing cloth that hung on the wall.</p> <p>And in doing so, she discovered a small room with several people sitting inside.</p> <p>Wouldn’t this mean they heard everything?</p> <p>“What is the meaning of this?” The advisor glared at Rahan.</p> <p>“Ah, that’s right.” Rahan clapped his hands together. “I also have an appointment with the U clan!”</p> <p>Maomao glared at the unruly haired glasses. “In the same room? So they could listen in on our conversation?”</p> <p><em>What was he thinking?</em></p> <p>It was still up in the air on whether they settled the Shin clan problem or not, and if there was any misstep, they could have the door slammed in their face.</p> <p>“Well then, allow us to come in.”&nbsp;</p> <p>The people eavesdropping in the small room came over.</p> <p>“And here I was, waiting for so long, thinking that the Ra clan wasn’t coming. So that was your plan, huh.” The former head of the U clan, probably Lishu’s grandfather, was composed. She heard by chance that he was in poor health, but he looked as such, with a spindly body like a withered branch and a long beard. He was sitting on a wheelchair, which was being pushed by a middle-aged woman.</p> <p>“I apologise for my rudeness. This was a conversation where I had to keep silent.” The former head of the U clan entered the room.</p> <p>“Yes. I had tried drastic measures for the perfect chance to clear up years of bad feelings.” Rahan gave a questionable smile and lowered his head deeply.</p> <p>The Shin matriarch, like she was copying Rahan, also got up from her chair and lowered her head. The grandson seemed indignant over the eavesdropping, but the advisor, who seemed to be his father, had pressed his head down, so he had no choice but to meekly follow. “Thank you for helping us forty years ago.”</p> <p>“&#8230;What is this about? My wife might have done some needless meddling.” </p> <p>Cunning of him to feign innocence. </p> <p>“Speaking of forty years ago, I have come to return the item that has been left in my care.”</p> <p>The female aide took something out from under the seat of the wheelchair. It looked heavy.</p> <p>“Here you are.”</p> <p>She placed it on the table and unwrapped it.</p> <p>It was a magnificent statuette of a dragon.</p> <p><em>Woahhhhh.</em></p> <p>Maomao ended up converting how much it would be worth if sold. Or rather, Rahan would surely be flipping an abacus in his mind. He would have a ballpark estimate of its weight from the size and shape of the statuette. Considering the equivalent weight of unprocessed metal, and the exquisiteness of the craftsmanship, it was an item that could build one or two estates.</p> <p>And the former head of the U clan’s eyes misted. “I hadn’t done my research. I’ve never heard properly of what the heirloom the Shin had boasted so much was like. Hence, on that day I could only lose my wits.” The former head of the U extended his palms. There were burn scars, like he had been clutching onto something hot with both hands.</p> <p>A four-clawed dragon bearing an ochre orb. If anyone else were to have found it and reported it to the Empress Regnant, the current Shin clan would not exist. He had grabbed the still hot dragon statuette and hid it. The burn scars might have been from that time.</p> <p>“I wanted to return it while he was still alive. At the same time, there was that unease I felt that if I were to return it, he might plot a rebellion once again, even though I knew full well that despite his hate for the previous empress dowager, he had honoured the imperial family more than anyone else.”</p> <p>His undertaking the audit also, might be his faith that such a proof wouldn’t come out.</p> <p>“Once I go to the other world, he might just come to the wrong conclusion and punch me.”</p> <p>“No, we know how he is. He might prostrate himself on the ground and apologise to you instead. He might nag at me angrily. Haha, after all, I did burn the heirloom.” The matriarch laughed as a single tear rolled down her cheek.</p> <p>“Th-this is our family heirloom?” The grandson looked at the dragon statuette. His emotions showed on his face–he was deeply moved, and was also resigned over the fact that this could be perceived as an attempt of rebellion. “The heirloom may have been returned to us, but it must never be revealed to the public.”</p> <p>“That’s true. There is an anecdote written down as a record about us receiving the statuette;&nbsp; it also mentioned the number of claws, but it’s been burnt,” the matriarch said awkwardly.</p> <p>“It would be fine if it were just the dragon, but we have to do something about the number of claws and the orb.”</p> <p> The weirdo tactician stepped in. “We should just do something about it.”</p> <p>“What idea do you have?”</p> <p>Everyone of the U clan slightly distanced themselves from the weirdo tactician. How much trouble did he cause to everyone here?</p> <p>“It’ll be fine if it didn&#8217;t have the claw and orb, right?” The weirdo tactician picked out the last hawthorn from the skewer in his hand. Then, he wedged the stick right between the dragon’s talons.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img width="398" height="574" src="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/capture.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4259" sizes="(max-width: 398px) 100vw, 398px" /></figure> <p>““&#8230;””</p> <p>No one could respond to his sudden action in time. As a result, the weirdo tactician tilted the skewer and an unpleasant snap sound ensued.</p> <p>The slender toes were the weakest part of the statuette; a single claw broke off. At the same time, the ochre-coloured orb rolled out.</p> <p>“That should do it.” The weirdo tactician slotted the last red hawthorn fruit in the dragon’s claws. A sticky string of sugar stretched out from his fingers.</p> <p>Time stood still.</p> <p>Despite the touching scene from a moment ago, the matriarch’s eyes instantly dried up. The advisor and the grandson dropped their jaws.</p> <p>The U clan also widened their eyes.</p> <p>As for Rahan, the ending he had scrupulously planned for was ruined. It had all gone up in smoke.</p> <p>The bodyguards didn’t move either. No one would have thought that the heirloom would be broken so suddenly.</p> <p>Thus, the first one who reacted was Maomao.</p> <p>“WHAAAAAAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR, YOU MORON!” Maomao kicked the weirdo tactician with no fear over what others would think of her. The old man who had zero athletic ability was superbly flung off his chair.</p> <p>Normally, her conduct would be counted as ridiculously rude, but no one told Maomao off.</p> <p>Rahan had made a mistake in his calculations. He had failed to account for the weirdo tactician.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <p class="has-small-font-size">T/N: As always, we can always count on Papa Rakan to save(?) the day&#8230;</p> <p class="has-text-align-right">(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-19-the-pursuer/">Next Chapter</a>)</p> <div id="jp-post-flair" class="sharedaddy sd-like-enabled"><div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-18-rabbit-and-dragon/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-end"></li></ul></div></div></div><div class='sharedaddy sd-block sd-like jetpack-likes-widget-wrapper jetpack-likes-widget-unloaded' id='like-post-wrapper-130534757-4255-67363f61c3345' data-src='//widgets.wp.com/likes/index.html?ver=20241114#blog_id=130534757&amp;post_id=4255&amp;origin=shikarito.wordpress.com&amp;obj_id=130534757-4255-67363f61c3345' data-name='like-post-frame-130534757-4255-67363f61c3345' data-title='Like or Reblog'><div class='likes-widget-placeholder post-likes-widget-placeholder' style='height: 55px;'><span class='button'><span>Like</span></span> <span class='loading'>Loading&#8230;</span></div><span class='sd-text-color'></span><a class='sd-link-color' href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/12-18-rabbit-and-dragon/"></a></div></div></div></main> + + + + 14.02 Chitchat + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-02-chitchat/ + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-02-chitchat/ + Sun, 03 Nov 2024 14:47:38 +0000 + <main class="wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow"> <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><h1 class="wp-block-post-title">14.02 Chitchat</h1> <div style="height:1px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> </div> <div class="entry-content wp-block-post-content is-layout-constrained wp-block-post-content-is-layout-constrained"> <p>(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-01-chicken-meat/">Previous Chapter</a>)</p> <p>It was a few days after the old court physician called Yo away for a business trip.</p> <p>“Why is it Yo?” Court Physician Ri, whose muscles improve by the year, said.</p> <p>“I wouldn’t know the answer to that.” Wanwan-senpai tilted his head as he sipped his tea.</p> <p>Court Physician Ri and Wanwan-senpai seem to be from the same cohort–they often chat whenever they see each other. Today they were drinking tea, as their breaks were also aligned. Maomao, being the subordinate, prepared the tea.</p> <p>“Does Maomao know anything?”</p> <p><em>I do.</em></p> <p>However, when Maomao thought about Yo, she wondered if she should mention it. Then again, Court Physician Ri and Wanwan-senpai were both outstanding court physicians in terms of personality. Above all, the moment Yo got called away, people would find out about it sooner or later, so Maomao thought and opened her mouth.</p> <p>“Yo has contracted smallpox before. We got a message a few days ago from elsewhere about what seems to be smallpox patients being brought in, so could that be why Court Physician-sama picked Yo?</p> <p>“Smallpox, huh? If that’s the case…”</p> <p>“I’ve never contracted it either. Smallpox.”</p> <p>Smallpox was difficult to catch a second time. It was a fundamental fact taught in medical studies.</p> <p>“But could it truly be smallpox?”</p> <p>“If it’s just chicken pox, it should be fine. But I believe he brought Yo along just in case,” Maomao said.</p> <p>No medicine works for smallpox. It might just be that it hasn’t been discovered yet, but it would probably be impossible for Maomao to find it now. So Maomao would only get in the way even if she came along, rather, the chances of her catching it would be high.</p> <p>Maomao brought out steamed sweet potato with the tea.</p> <p>“S-sweet potato, huh?”</p> <p>“It’s sweet potato.”</p> <p>Court Physician Ri and Wanwan-senpai’s reactions towards the sweet potato were due to their difference in experience with the food scarcity in the Western capital.</p> <p>“I received the sweet potatoes from Rahan’s older brother. Rahan’s father is the grower,” Maomao said.</p> <p>“A new Rahan type appeared,” Court Physician Ri said.</p> <p>“Heyy, who is this Rahan? Does he have a mother and an older sister too?” Wanwan-senpai asked.</p> <p>They ate the sweet potato as they gave their respective responses.</p> <p>“It would be much sweeter if we let it sit in a cold dark place for a bit longer, but honestly, they gave me way too much it’s a hindrance so I’m giving it to you to eat quickly,” Maomao said.</p> <p>“Can’t you process it? If there’s not enough hands, use Tianyu.” Court Physician Ri went to rummage through the shelves to see if there was any condiment to go with the steamed sweet potatoes. In the Western capital, many ate it with butter.</p> <p>“Please send someone more useful. He will only work seriously when it comes to dismantling livestock.”</p> <p>Rather, that was the only thing he could be used for.</p> <p>“More importantly, isn’t it unfair that he only gets to be punished with a pay cut and bullying?” she asked.</p> <p>“Ahh, you didn’t know?” Wanwan-senpai said as he peeled the skin off a sweet potato. “Tianyu got sentenced to whipping.”</p> <p>“&#8230;Really? I didn’t hear of it. He’s energetic, considering.” Maomao grimaced.</p> <p>“Court Physician Liu proposed to have one hundred whips divided into ten whips each time. It seems people commonly die in the middle of a hundred consecutive whips. So, to carry out the punishment, and so that it wouldn’t get in the way of work, it got adjusted.”</p> <p>“So they’re carrying it out in a way not to kill him nor make him live, I see.”</p> <p>“Yeah, but that guy won’t have it play out with just that. He recorded down the location of the whip strikes and the intensity of the pain.”</p> <p>“It’s not a good thing, but I want to see the records.”</p> <p>“You can pester Court Physician Liu for that.”</p> <p>The break time came to an end while they were chatting. Court Physician Ri and Wanwan-sempai helped her to clear away the tea utensils, so Maomao liked them both.</p> <p>The court physicians&#8217; break times were staggered with the military officers’ break times, so when Maomao’s group finished their break, military officers injured from training showed up.&nbsp;</p> <p>“Yes, where did he get hurt?”</p> <p>“He was hit hard on the head while sparring.” The military officer who came as the chaperone answered on behalf of the downed military officer. No, his attire was a military officer’s but he was awfully slender.</p> <p><em>His face looks familiar?</em></p> <p>Maomao tilted her head, and the other side responded.</p> <p>“It’s been a while, Maomao-sama.”</p> <p>“&#8230;Ah.”</p> <p>It was Ujun, former high-ranking consort Lishu’s older half-brother. This excessively humble man was a hanger-on among the military officials as usual.</p> <p>Ujun explained the injured person’s condition, put down their needed belongings, and then left.</p> <p><em>Come to think of it, how are Lishu and Basen?</em></p> <p>Such a thought came to mind, but it wasn’t related to Maomao, so she decided to focus on work.</p> <p>　</p> <p>The question regarding how Basen was, was soon cleared up.</p> <p>“Hey, hey, Maomao-san, Maomao-san, please wake uuup.”</p> <p>Ruining the court physician assistant’s important day off was the person with a characteristic voice that couldn’t be forgotten after hearing it once.</p> <p>“What is it, Chue-san?”</p> <p>The owner of tanned skin and a dango-like nose had climbed on top of Maomao. “Fufufufu, it’s your long-awaited day off, so Chue-san wondered if Maomao-san wanted to take a stroll through town, and came over.”</p> <p>“Putting aside my question of why Chue-san is aware of my day off, what are you plotting by suddenly barging in to have me go out?” Maomao asked.</p> <p>“No way. Chue-san isn’t that much of a schemer. It’s just that the daughter-in-law of the Ma clan…cannot go against the authorities of the Ma clan, that is my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law Mamei-san.”</p> <p>Maomao considered it. What could have her mother-in-law Taomei and Mamei involved and have Chue coming here in high spirits? “Did something happen to, say, Basen-sama?”</p> <p>“H-how did you know?!” Chue was dramatically taken aback.</p> <p>Maomao couldn’t quite say that she got along with the man known as Basen, but she had quite some sympathy for him. “Are you going to spy on Basen-sama’s something?”</p> <p>“No, this is my brother-in-law, you see. He was oddly nervous, but turns out he’s heading for Lishu-sama’s temple today. He said it was for work, but I felt the waves of incoming romance, so I’m here to invite Maomao-san who is bound to be dying to idle the day away.”</p> <p>“I’m not idling. It’s necessary sleep.” Maomao sullenly got up and started to change clothes.</p> <p>“It’s a bit cold, so please have this outerwear,” Chue said.</p> <p>“Who does this belong to?”</p> <p>“Disappointingly, it’s not from the Moon Prince. It’s Mamei-san’s hand-me-down.”</p> <p>Rather than feeling disappointed, Maomao was happy that it was good quality outerwear.</p> <p>“The clothes are nice, but yellow is Chue-san’s colour, so blue is no good. Makes Chue-san’s face look dark actually.”</p> <p>Maomao yawned as she ate breakfast. It was yesterday’s dinner leftovers in a bun.</p> <p>“It looks delicious. Give some please.”</p> <p>“Chue-san ate a proper meal, didn’t you? Please bear with it. By the way…” Maomao chewed as she left the dorms and groaned. “Aren’t we going by carriage?”</p> <p>“We’ll be too late with a carriage, so we’ll be on horseback today.” Chue led a fine horse by the reins. <em>No wonder she prepared the outerwear. It&#8217;s so I don’t get cold</em>, Maomao thought.</p> <p class="has-text-align-right">(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-03-the-immortals-abode/">Next Chapter</a>)</p> <p></p> <div id="jp-post-flair" class="sharedaddy sd-like-enabled"><div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-02-chitchat/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-end"></li></ul></div></div></div><div class='sharedaddy sd-block sd-like jetpack-likes-widget-wrapper jetpack-likes-widget-unloaded' id='like-post-wrapper-130534757-4965-67364b7c6ea66' data-src='//widgets.wp.com/likes/index.html?ver=20241114#blog_id=130534757&amp;post_id=4965&amp;origin=shikarito.wordpress.com&amp;obj_id=130534757-4965-67364b7c6ea66' data-name='like-post-frame-130534757-4965-67364b7c6ea66' data-title='Like or Reblog'><div class='likes-widget-placeholder post-likes-widget-placeholder' style='height: 55px;'><span class='button'><span>Like</span></span> <span class='loading'>Loading&#8230;</span></div><span class='sd-text-color'></span><a class='sd-link-color' href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-02-chitchat/"></a></div></div></div></main> + + + + 13.16 The Imperial Prince and His Wet Nurse + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-16-the-imperial-prince-and-his-wet-nurse/ + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-16-the-imperial-prince-and-his-wet-nurse/ + Mon, 04 Mar 2024 13:23:00 +0000 + <main class="wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow"> <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><h1 class="wp-block-post-title">13.16 The Imperial Prince and His Wet&nbsp;Nurse</h1> <div style="height:1px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> </div> <div class="entry-content wp-block-post-content is-layout-constrained wp-block-post-content-is-layout-constrained"> <p>(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-15-the-confession-2/">Previous Chapter</a>)</p> <p>The surgery ended safely. No, many things happened before it was over, but it was a success so they took it as a win.</p> <p>Many things <em>did </em>happen, though…</p> <p>And so, it was Maomao’s group’s turn. The surgical procedure may be over, but if something were to go wrong afterwards and he dies, they would be in a world of trouble.</p> <p>Of course, his imperial majesty, post-surgery, was provided a special room. The bedroom wasn’t the usual kind, as it had another room constructed nearby. There was also a room where the court physicians would be permanently stationed in the vicinity.&nbsp;</p> <p>The pure white room was minimally furnished. They had held back from gorgeous fixtures to make the room easier to clean since these would collect less dust.</p> <p>The bed was where they put special care into. As he wouldn’t be able to turn over in bed, they laid out a mattress that was the perfect firmness, not too soft, not too hard, with extra bumps to align with his body shape.</p> <p>What was unusual was how they had joined two beds together. Why such a thing? It was so that the sheets could be changed every single day. Sweat and sebum would invite mould and bugs. A few days wouldn&#8217;t be an issue, but the emperor was one who changed beds every day. For his comfort, they would change the bed even if just for the fact that it was damp from his sweat. When that happened, he would be moved to the other bed.</p> <p><em>How much does that super high-quality bed cost?</em></p> <p>The decorations weren’t particularly fancy, but how many silk garments could be produced from even one of those canopy curtains?</p> <p>There had been talks in the beginning about constructing completely identical rooms, so he could be moved to another room every time the sheets were changed and the room cleaned. However, that proved unfeasible, so they settled with this. Note, during cleaning, they were careful about the ventilation, paying special care to not stir up the dust.</p> <p>Bandages were changed twice daily. This was done when Court Physician Liu and his team came to monitor the injury. The court physicians believed that once a day was sufficient, but there were members among the tiresome high officials who asked for the unreasonable of checking every half-dual hour. Apparently, they never considered that changing the bandages more often would increase the possibility of introducing poison to the open wound.</p> <p>His diet was liquid food.</p> <p>It reminded Maomao of the time she nursed Consort Lihua. His imperial majesty would wince every time the rice water was brought over. The incision in his abdomen hurt, but the chronic stomach pain and nausea had subsided.&nbsp;</p> <p>Note that it was the court physicians who changed his clothes and gave him a sponge bath when they changed his bandages. The reason they didn&#8217;t leave this job to attendants or court ladies was to prevent lustful women from approaching him.</p> <p><em>As you would expect, the bearded master doesn’t have the vitality to lay his hands on them.</em></p> <p>The ladies might get weird ideas and take their chances.</p> <p>Of course, such outrageous actions towards a patient would be unpermissible. Not only that, they also had Gyokuyou the empress refrain from visiting.</p> <p>The room cleaning was done by Maomao, Auntie Liu, as well as Suiren who had been specially recruited for this.</p> <p>And right now, Maomao was in the middle of cleaning the room with Suiren. Taking extra care to not stir up the dust, her sweeping was thorough and swift. Thinking back to the time she was working under Jinshi, Maomao withered a little. While she didn’t get picked on, she had memories of the strict training she had to undergo.</p> <p><em>This person can do anything.</em></p> <p>The woman was Jinshi’s wet nurse and had been one for the emperor as well in the past. And no doubt, it was because of that detail they could address each other without reserve.</p> <p>“There are no flowers in this place, huh.”</p> <p>As she was cleaning, she heard a voice from behind the bed curtain.</p> <p>“My, how terrible. Whose fault do you think that it is that I became such an old white-haired granny?” Suiren replied as she hummed a tune.</p> <p>The guard was an unfamiliar face, but he was probably a member of the Ma clan. He was watching Suiren in great trepidation. Here was a granny who could crack jokes at the person who stood at the top of the country.</p> <p><em>Under normal circumstances, it would have you arrested for blasphemy.</em></p> <p>If anything, the emperor, confined to bed with no entertainment, was enjoying Suiren’s jokes. He would probably find fault with stopping Suiren instead.</p> <p>“Who do you think drank my milk and had me change his diapers?”</p> <p>“I was a baby then. You can’t expect me to remember that. Although…I am thankful you protected me from assassins.”</p> <p>Maomao only heard that Suiren was the legendary attendant who protected the young empress dowager. Though she wanted to ask about the kind of fight scene that happened, she decided that it was no good to pry too deeply into it, continuing to polish the floor with a dry cloth.</p> <p>“Did it also happen to A’duo?” the emperor asked.</p> <p>“Yes. You didn’t know?” Suiren replied.</p> <p>“Yeah.”</p> <p>“Oh my.”</p> <p>Maomao sensed there was some resentment lurking deep within that calm voice.</p> <p>“She really should have saved up money and left as soon as she could.”</p> <p>“Is that what you think?”</p> <p>“I mean, she was a tomboy who hated wearing girl clothes. I doubt she would have become a court lady even if she stayed in the imperial court, don’t you think so? She asked me if she should use up the money she saved to start a business.”&nbsp;</p> <p>“Looks like I got in the way of her plans.”</p> <p>“I am glad you understand.”</p> <p>Not just the guard, Maomao was also feeling chills. That being said, she knew that the emperor wouldn’t punish Suiren, so she took a breath and settled down.</p> <p>“By the way, Suiren. Regarding Zui.”</p> <p>“Yes.”</p> <p>“Does he know?”</p> <p><em>Know about what?</em></p> <p>Maomao thought it had something to do with Jinshi’s birth. The day before the surgery, she had been made to leave the room earlier alongside Jinshi. Did Jinshi realise he was the child of the emperor and A’duo, or did he not? Maomao didn’t know about that.</p> <p>“Whether he knows or not, it doesn’t matter,” Suiren said, without a pause in her hand’s movements.</p> <p><em>She’s right.</em></p> <p>Nothing will change whether Jinshi knew or not. The thing that would change would be the people around him.</p> <p>And if the emperor himself never brought it up, nothing would happen. He probably won’t talk about it anymore.</p> <p>“Now then, Young Master. Your nanny is leaving the room. Will you be lonely? I suppose I could read you a bedtime story.”</p> <p><em>Pfft!</em></p> <p>Maomao, nearly bursting out in laughter, spontaneously covered her mouth. It was good that she did, but she had a dust cloth in hand. She gagged.</p> <p>Maomao wasn’t the only one having it hard–the guard was too. He was biting his lips, digging his nails into his thighs to hold back from laughing.</p> <p>“Quit it with the young master.”</p> <p>That familiar phrase was exactly how Jinshi would say it.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <p class="has-small-font-size">T/N: I have this irrational fear that the moment I post this chapter, the author will post a billion new chapters in a row so I would never catch up. Anyway, I&#8217;ve caught up to the latest chapter. <s>The waiting game begins.</s> Next arc has started.</p> <p class="has-small-font-size">Edit: LN15 is due to be released at the end of this month, so I guess this is the last chapter for this arc&#8211;explains the long wait for new chapters.</p> <p class="has-text-align-right">(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-01-chicken-meat/">Next Chapter</a>)</p> <p></p> <div id="jp-post-flair" class="sharedaddy sd-like-enabled"><div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-16-the-imperial-prince-and-his-wet-nurse/" data-layout="button_count"></div></li><li class="share-end"></li></ul></div></div></div><div class='sharedaddy sd-block sd-like jetpack-likes-widget-wrapper jetpack-likes-widget-unloaded' id='like-post-wrapper-130534757-4565-67362fc57d3f3' data-src='//widgets.wp.com/likes/index.html?ver=20241114#blog_id=130534757&amp;post_id=4565&amp;origin=shikarito.wordpress.com&amp;obj_id=130534757-4565-67362fc57d3f3' data-name='like-post-frame-130534757-4565-67362fc57d3f3' data-title='Like or Reblog'><div class='likes-widget-placeholder post-likes-widget-placeholder' style='height: 55px;'><span class='button'><span>Like</span></span> <span class='loading'>Loading&#8230;</span></div><span class='sd-text-color'></span><a class='sd-link-color' href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/13-16-the-imperial-prince-and-his-wet-nurse/"></a></div></div></div></main> + + + + diff --git a/index.html b/index.html new file mode 100644 index 000000000..6b1cee07a --- /dev/null +++ b/index.html @@ -0,0 +1,10 @@ +